More than a dozen women from Grand Horizons met at Buca di Beppo Jan. 30 for an Italian meal that was delicious. We all sat in the Pope’s Room at one large table that accommodated all of us, and everyone was able to converse with one another.
It was a lovely dinner, and at the end of the meal, hosts Barbara Sullins and Tita Mauk had several door prizes to give away. So, a few people went home happy winners. All in all, it was a lovely afternoon.
Then on Feb. 6, nearly 40 residents gathered in the community center for a social club meeting. These are informative meetings, and we get to hear what has occurred and the activities to be planned. We talk about our concerns and how to rectify them.
You not only get a wealth of information from these meetings, but you get yourself heard if you have any suggestions. Some of the things that were talked about were a rummage sale and when to have it. The next rummage sale will take place in April, possibly April 5.
We also heard from Terry Gardner, who is in charge of the entertainment in the community center, about a new show that will be brought to us on March 7. It sounds like it will be a really good one.
We had more on our plate to discuss, but the point is that these meetings are very enlightening. So, friends and neighbors, come on down.
Also, on this same day, we had a game of mah jongg that consisted of eight women playing on two bridge tables. This is definitely a game of concentration, but we still have a lively discussion in between the thinking of the many moves.
This was a very busy day, as later in the afternoon Andy and Margaret Castonguay hosted a taco dinner. This involved much work on their part, and we saw Andy and Margaret and some others starting the preparations before the 4:30 p.m. dinnertime. They wanted the dinner to be ready when the others came. We saw Ron and Joyce Bell setting the tables and making any necessary adjustments to make the dinner move along nicely.
More than 100 people were served. But, before the dinner, Vivian Sturdevant said grace. Each individual received a deep fried bowl made from scratch by Margaret Castonguay, and then Andy Castonguay supplied the meat in the shell. Cupcakes were served for dessert.
The volunteers for this dinner were Ron and Joyce Bell, Bill and Judy Ellsworth, and Chick and Annmarie Schackewyc.
Special thanks go out to Chick for arranging the tables so there would be room for people to move about. Thanks to all the people who helped in one way or other.
By Helene Rubenstein
A night in Ireland with Cahal Dunne
Some 150 people gathered at our community center Jan. 26 for a night with Cahal Dunne.
On the stage was a lovely white baby grand piano. The room was set up nicely and everyone was ready to enjoy the show.
Cahal, wearing an emerald green jacket, started the show with the song, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and had a little bit of audience participation. Several other Irish songs were sung, including a beautiful Irish folk song called “Home from the Sea” which was written by Phil Coulter. The words from this song were so descriptive that I could visualize the people in the lifeboat, the boat rocking and the waves gathering mist from the water.
He also sang and played the flute to the song, “The Galway Girl.” This was a very upbeat song and had many toes tapping. He then performed an Irish jig, and you should see his feet fly.
Cahal performed a few Scottish songs and some Broadway hits. The highlight of the evening was a song Cahal wrote called “An Angel for Sarah.” Before he performed the song, he related a story about his son being in a play and the teacher told them to be kind to Sarah as she was “special” and had Down syndrome. It was a very touching and moving story and song. It almost brought tears to my eyes.
Cahal’s last costume change was into a red, white and blue jacket, and he talked about the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
He ended the show by singing the song “The Eagle Has Risen.” This song was done with much emotion and in very good taste.
– Helene Rubenstein
Published Feb. 19, 2014
