We started off on March 5, when we had a monthly lunch bunch at Ruby Tuesdays with a nice group of women attending. There were 21 in all, and it was hosted by JoAnn Fisher. She picked the right place.
It was a lively crowd, and we were given two long tables, somewhat secluded, so we could talk and have a good time.
There was quite a variety on the menu, including “specials” of the day, chicken dinners, meat dishes, salads and so much more. The waitresses were more than helpful in any way, if they were needed.
Before the lunch started, we all met at the community center to make sure we had a ride. It was a lovely afternoon and great company.
On March 8, our monthly connoisseurs met at Lings Buffet, where we had a huge lunch.
When we entered the restaurant, we saw Koi fish swimming on the left and also on the right.
The inside of the restaurant was decorated very nicely.
It had several dishes like chicken chow mien, fried and white rice, shrimp, lo mien, vegetables, several kinds of soup, and desserts, such as ice cream, cookies and much more.
It was hosted by Sandy Lindke and what a fine job she did. It was a very nice day and 26 people attended.
The management gave us the back room, which made it good to converse with each other. We left full to capacity, and we had a lovely afternoon.
In the morning of March 13, we had our weekly coffee hour. Here we get together and share coffee and doughnuts, plus hear the birthdays and anniversaries of the coming week. We also hear the ‘thought of the day’ provided by Gary Wilcox in a very entertaining way. It is a very enjoyable hour and we look forward to it.
After the coffee/doughnut hour, some people stayed over for the social club. This is when we hear about upcoming events, but you also can discuss any issues that you may have questions about. It is very informative and interesting.
Later that night about 45 people met at the community center for a meal that was put on by Meals on Wheels and hosted by Joyce Bell. Before the meal started, grace was said by Beth Aker from Meals on Wheels to a crowd of people who bowed their heads in a moment of silence. The meal consisted of beef stew with carrots and potatoes, a side of fruits, rolls and several types of desserts.
On March 15, there was a huge crowd of residents and visitors at the community center to see a show that was entitled “A Tribute to Elvis.”
Of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without a bunch of screaming women.
This was a 90-minute show with song after song and a little trivia thrown in.
The show started off when Terry Gardner introduced the show and when he said “ladies,” 10 women went down the center aisle to await Elvis (Gene Styles).
When Elvis started to sing, the 10 women came up to the stage screaming and with arms raised. I think this was a surprise.
Elvis then continued with “Heartbreak Hotel” and a whole lot of shaking going on, and several facial antics, plus snapping of the fingers.
Elvis continued with a little story and said the following song was just for the girls, and then sang “Devil in Disguise.” He walked among the audience and sang to all.
He proceeded to sing the song “Memories,” which was from the ’67 comeback special. It was a lovely job and then he did several more songs, like “Hound Dog.”
He did numerous more, but a highlight was when he sang “G.I. Blues” with some shuffling.
He then did a quick change and came out with a white jacket, and a snazzy black shirt and slacks, and proceeded to sing “Rock-A-Hula Baby” with castanets.
He did a lovely rendition of “Teddy Bear” and threw stuffed teddy bears to the audience. At one point in the evening later on he also threw out some scarves.
He performed “Peace in the Valley,” which was truly lovely and followed with “All Shook Up,” while the audience was clapping to the song.
He then brought his wife on-stage, and they performed two lovely songs.
The first one was called “For the Good Times,” and they sang so well together and the antics between the two of them made the songs special.
He did a special performance of singing “I Don’t Have a Wooden Heart” to Mim Gardner. It was a cute moment, and he did a good job.
During the intermission, he changed into a white suit and promptly sang “CC Rider” with all types of motions like strumming a guitar and shaking a leg.
He sang a few more and then asked for someone to do the twist with him. Germaine Marion, Judi Leitzke, Karen Donlon and Chris Fulton did the twist while Elvis sang “Blue Suede Shoes.”
Elvis performed a few more songs including “Love Me Tender” and the same four women who did the twist now did the electric slide while Elvis sang the song, “There’s a Fool Such as I.”
A few more songs and audience dancing, and then the “American Trilogy ” was performed to a standing ovation to end the show.
By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons
