Ariel residents were kept busy recently with all the activities that were offered to them without leaving the building. There were numerous spontaneous as well as organized parties during the month. Decorating for the holidays also began in November, with wreaths, trees, beautifully wrapped boxes and other seasonal displays everywhere.
The largest of the events was a Chill and Grill party held in Ariel’s Taeping Room, a room that was flooded and severely damaged during Hurricane Ian. It was completely renovated and now is a wonderful place to gather. On November 14, almost 100 residents turned out to feast on 97 pounds of barbeque with several types of sauce offered. The meat, wine and beer were provided by Ariel’s social committee; attendees brought a dish to share.
There was so much delicious food that tables to hold just the meats and sides stretched across the dance floor. It would be much easier to state what wasn’t included than to name all the different sides that were provided.
Beer, wine and cocktails were served on the long bar. Desserts, including pies, cakes, brownies, cookies, cheese, crackers, chocolates, and fresh fruit filled a long expanse behind the bar.
This was just one of many events that took place in November at Ariel. On November 10, members of the Landings Marines gathered in the Taeping Room to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps. That event is covered elsewhere in this issue.
Also on November 10, the Library Committee arranged a Plant Workshop, conducted by Jeanne Walmsley, the chair of Ariel’s Landscape Committee and an enthusiastic Master Gardener. Jeanne invited people to ask questions about their plants that could be healthier. She also advised the attendees on what plants grow well in this area.
Routine events that happen each month in the common rooms at Ariel include weekly Bridge games, Rummikub games that are held at least weekly, and Friday evening socials that are open to any resident who would like to attend. Typically, the attendees bring their drink of choice as well as food to share. Contributions can be as simple as a bag of pretzels or as complicated as a prepared dish that the chef has slaved over. Someone frequently brings barbecue, which seems to be a favorite at Ariel.
The near constant events at Ariel didn’t keep the elves from starting their holiday decorations during November. One annual decoration is an Angel Tree that serves a special purpose.
The Salvation Army organizes gift tags for needy children whose needs and wants are expressed on Angel Tree tags. Ariel has taken 50 Angel Tree tags for several years, and the residents have purchased the gifts for the children. All the bags have been delivered to the distribution center so that children will have gifts to open on Christmas morning. One of the participants stated what many of us feel, “Our family has been blessed, and we appreciate your effort in creating an opportunity to assist in spreading the joy of Christmas!”
