British Club members attend Unit 5’s holiday dinner dance.
I Say, Jolly Good Fun!
Unit 5 welcomed members of the British Club to their annual holiday dinner dance in December. The evening provided everyone a chance to make new friends, meet new Unit 5 residents, and greet those we hadn’t seen since COVID began. After a sumptuous meal in the Vistas dining room, each table was challenged by a word jumble game describing holiday foods. Fran Berman, Unit 5 Social Committee treasurer, gave a brief summary of Unit 5’s recent interest survey, which polled residents about events they’d like offered in post-COVID times. Outgoing Unit 5 Treasurer Kathy Soerens and Social Chair Deborah Croissant were acknowledged for their energy and dedication to unit activities. Dance music by Manny Herrera gave everyone an opportunity to kick up their heels and show off their moves. As usual, the clubhouse and dining room were beautifully decorated for the season to enhance everyone’s festive mood. Attendees had such a good time, this may have begun a new joint-party tradition, by Jove!
A table of hungry diners at Nonna Maria’s (Photo by Ron Talbot)
Unit 27 Activities
Sue Case
Under the leadership of Phil Doyle, Unit 27 has successfully launched a Unit Mixer/Scramble with Designated Putters, a monthly scramble-type golf tournament for both golfers and non-golfers. The Designated Putter (DP) is a non-golfer whose only job during each tournament is to take the first two putts for his/her team each time the team lines up to putt. In fact, a putter is the only club the DP carries on the course. So far, two of these DP scrambles have been held, and all participants—30 the first time around—have really enjoyed it. After each tournament, the players have gathered at Phil and Anne Doyle’s house for beverages and snacks, as well as the presentation of awards and good-natured ribbing of one another. Going forward, the tournaments will be held on the third Monday of each month, and different players will host. Phil is looking for even more unit resident involvement.
Sandy and Phil Barney hosted the first Snack and Chat of 2022 on Jan. 22. The night was quite chilly, and attendees stayed inside and wore warm clothes. Approximately 25 people attended. The weather, plus exciting pro football games, undoubtedly kept some folks away. In fact, some people did leave early to watch their teams at home. Nonetheless, the food was quite good. Included in the many dessert offerings were kumquat bars—very interesting. Attendees included our newest residents Teri and Dave Scott, as well as newish residents Cheryl and Kurt McMillen, who still work and can’t make many of the unit social events. Both couples managed to get around the house and meet other residents.
The first Dine Around of the year, once again coordinated by Fira Stout, was held at Nonna Maria’s in Oracle. The restaurant staff had set up five tables of six diners for the group, and Fira encouraged people to sit with diners not in their carpool. Everyone enjoyed themselves, and the food, which does not purport to be gourmet, satisfied people’s Italian comfort-food cravings. If a table ran out of conversation, the painted portraits on the walls were conversation starters in themselves. All in all, it was a fun evening out with neighborhood friends.
In addition to these group gatherings, Unit 27 has many activities for unit residents. Phil Barney is reassembling a men’s poker group, and Fira hosts a monthly bocce gathering. Both Phil and Fira encourage unit residents to join them in these activities.
Whatever you choose to do, keep moving and stay well.
Linda Shovan (Unit 46 representative), Bob and Becky Easton, Phil Cohen, Larry Shovan, and Deedee Bruster keeping warm and enjoying the wonderful appetizers.
Unit 46 Appetizer Parties Resume
With the goal of getting back to normal as much as is safely possible, Unit 46 resumed its monthly appetizer parties, for the first time in two years, with the January gathering at the home of Tony and Nancy Jewett. Master Mixologist Tony made Tom and Jerrys to order for the guests, and there were plenty of delicious appetizers. Fifty-two Unit 46ers mingled, chatted, and kept warm with patio heaters, fire tables, and, of course, Tom and Jerrys.
Let’s hope that the weather cooperates as well for the February party!
Here is the Jewett family’s Tom and Jerry recipe:
1-1/4 cup rum
1-1/4 cup brandy
10 cups (2-1/2 quarts) boiling water
Nutmeg
Batter:
2 eggs, separated
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Dash of nutmeg
Batter preparation: Separate eggs, placing whites in large mixing bowl and yolks in a small mixing bowl. Beat egg whites with 1/2 cup powdered sugar at high speed until thickened and soft peaks form. Beat egg yolks with remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar at high speed until thickened, about 5 minutes. Blend in vanilla and nutmeg. Pour egg yolk mixture over beaten egg whites. Fold gently, but thoroughly, until well blended. Makes about 2 cups of batter.
Pour 1-1/2 tablespoons of both rum and brandy into a mug or cup. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of batter. Fill mug with boiling water, stirring well. Sprinkle with nutmeg.