Happy New Year! Was it just a few days ago that this wish was given? Maybe it was Feliz Ano Nuevo, Bonne Annee, Buon Anno or Olde Lang Syne. Your language or heritage has no impact on the universal wish to mankind — to have a new start in all your endeavors and support the strengths you already have.
(Courtesy of Ron Graham)
What a simple but deep aspiration. If we look at the cross-section of our winter residents, we have all the above heritages, plus a few more.
People are the same everywhere, with the same goals and wishes. This was proven on New Year’s Eve when 2014 was gently eased out the door and 2015 was happily welcomed.
The hall was decorated, the tables clothed and the buffet spread with goodies. The deejay cracked his knuckles, the dancers flexed their toes, and smiles spread wide over rosy cheeks. Wow, this had the makings of a great party, and it was!
The party also was the first official function of our new king and queen for 2015, Dick and Maggie Johnson of Sherburne, New York.
Long may your reign be as successful as your first night.
Our resident deejay, Jim Howe, and his wife Nevaida, as usual kept everyone off the chairs, especially with a spot dance called (we all have that urge to win). Luckily our dance masters also showed up: Randy Guisso with the Macarena; Dan Olson, the chicken dance; Linda Jenkins and Toni Fischer, the line dance; plus more. The happy crowd, however, did not require any help when it came to just having a go at it.
Spot dances, door prizes, flower draws, plus the buffet kept up the mood.
Well, the New Year was opened. Now we have to fill it to the brim for the next few months until those northern breezes call again. This is a no-brainer.
The monthly calendar of activities, plus the special ones that are now becoming part of the tradition, easily accomplishes this.
Sports, we have them, even a few guys who think they qualify.
Games, almost every day, even the ones that require cards.
Crafts, yes indeed, and some very crafty people.
Of course, Friday and Saturday jam sessions for the pickers and grinners.
And, food! Every month the calendar gets the taste buds flowing. Mmmm.
Mark your calendars for Goofy Golf on Feb. 7. Get our your goofy hats and stuff, and sign up at the hall.
The year 2015 has just begun, but we sense a need to plan our days, and fit in with those special activities that tickle our fancy.
By Ian Marwick
Published January 21, 2015
