Committee News

STEAMBOAT BEND EAST

“February is a friendly reminder that love happens every day.”

Clockwise from left front: John Clark, Jack Hester, Greg Podczaski, Matt Coneys, Jane Johnsen, Heidi Helm, Dianne Hester, Coleen Clark and Jane Dahlin.

Photo by Peter Dahlin.

Stealing the idea of a community dinner at the Wheelhouse from Ariel, Steamboat Bend East planned a Holiday dinner for about 25 residents on December 11, 2025. Thanks to the wonderful planning of Jan Davis and Darlene Kratz there was great support for this “First Annual Holiday Dinner.” It was a nice festive time to plan a party and brought out some new residents to meet. Jan and Darlene planned a “Lucky envelope game,” Greg Podczaski read a modified “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” story while participants passed envelopes to the right or left. Winners won some extra cash as the story ended and each got an envelope with money in them. Jan and Darlene also made some beautiful table favors filled with holiday treats and sweets. I loved that Wally Rea wore his Santa Hat!

Jan Davis, Dick and Kathy Langton are seated across from new neighbors Sharon and Jere Johnston. Wally and Mary Rea seated across from Ann and Larry Roy.

Left side: Randy Keslar, Diane Da Vincent, Darlene Kratz, Annie Farrell. Eileen Lancia at head of table. Right side: Carol Donohue, Jim DaVincent, Jim Kratz. Somehow Frank Farrell managed to avoid the camera!

The New Year’s Eve Party at the Wheelhouse drew a lively crowd. The stations allowed for a nice interaction amongst Landings friends. Some of the stations were roast beef, pasta salad, appetizers of pork wings, egg rolls, and meatballs. Others included wedge salads, grouper tacos, and an assortment of desserts. Steamboat Bend East had a significant presence and fortunately were able to sit near each other. However you celebrated, we are hopeful for a peaceful and healthy year ahead.

New Year’s Eve at the Wheelhouse 2026. Clockwise from front left: Tom and Linda Oleksa, Pat and Ty Tylander, Beth and Fred Muhleman, and Carol Cummins and Greg Podczaski.
Welcome 2026! Clockwise from left side of table: Barb Johnson, Allison Reardon, Skip Johnson, Denny McAuley, Mike Reardon, Peter Dahlin, Al Annunciata, Jack Hester, Dianne Hester and Jane Dahlin are missing, Angela McAuley, and Annie Annunciata.

I like to think of the holidays as a great time to get together with friends, and this was a great start to our 2026 winter season.