The holiday season continues, and on Dec. 7 we had our weekly donuts and coffee hour. Even though several people could not join us (as they were on a cruise), we still had a nice turnout. We celebrated birthdays and anniversaries that were being held the following week, and we heard recent news. There was much conversing, and everyone had a nice time.
(Photos courtesy of Marty Rubenstein and Adrianne Ayres)
On Dec. 10, Marty and I took the Tour De Clay 2016. The event consisted of visiting and touring four pottery studios. It was very interesting and included several demonstrations.
Each place had a kiln and had objects in it that were fired. The items that we saw were beautiful and nicely made, such as vases, cups, magnets, bowls and so much more.
Sandy and Al Lindke hosted a block party in the cul-de-sac on Dec. 15, and they were prepared with campfire heaters, if necessary. It turned out to be a beautiful day, so they didn’t need them, but it was nice to know the heaters were there, just in case.
There was a nice crowd of 50 people, and each brought something to share. There was an assortment of dishes that consisted of finger sandwiches, pizza, deviled eggs, chips, dips, cake, cookies and more. Again, because several people were away on the cruise, this was a very nice turnout.
They also collected canned goods and gift cards for the United Methodist Church food bank. It was a collection of many types of foods and food cards. The church food bank helps mostly the elderly.
On Dec. 16, a “Yankee Gift Exchange” was held at one of the homes in the development. This was our third annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. Approximately 15 women attended this function and had a very good time eating, conversing and exchanging gifts.
We each brought with us some cookies and a gift that was “Christmassy.” As each person opened up their gift, the appropriate “oohs and ahs” were heard around the house. This party, or cookie exchange, was hosted by Sharon Blair and Rox-Anne Lamphere. It was done to perfection, and we all had a variety of cookies to munch on. We all went home filled to capacity.
On Dec. 17, we had an egg n’ bag breakfast at the community center where a really large crowd of 90 plus people gathered for a good meal to start the day. This function was hosted by Jim and Judi Leitzke and several helpers. The helpers were Ed and Eileen Goldstein, Sue and Galen Parker, Carol and Clayton George, and Bill and Ginny Sarver.
Considering the fact that the cruise had just ended, it was an extremely big crowd. There was so much conversation going on. In addition to the omelets, there were hash brown potatoes, biscuits and gravy, butter, orange juice and coffee.
On Dec. 21, we had something special, which was done for the first time and hopefully for years to come. It was caroling around the development with a cute dance step included. The people who all joined in wore Santa hats, and they did a marvelous job of caroling.
This was started by Barbara Livingston, and it sure looked like everyone had a nice time.
There were approximately 12 carolers. The people who did the caroling were Chick and Annmarie Shackewyc, Gary and Carol Wilcox, Tony and Nadine Guetti, Dave and Barb Livingston, Sam and Pat Allen, Cheryl Leone and Joan Fisher.
The caroling included a variety of songs, and they went in the community center and performed, in addition to houses around the development.
We were only spectators, but we loved it.
By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons
Published December 28, 2016
