thinking about the new year

Volume 15, Issue 1 January, 2022

Emerald Court Newsletter -

Thinking about the New Year By Peggy Schleicher

I have an old friend who long ago shared with me her tradition for the start of each New Year. She selects a word: not just any word, but a word that is important to her. She picks a word that she can think about all year long, a word she can put into action. This year I have decided to join my friend in this tradition. I picked the word gratitude. The Oxford dictionary defines gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” I like this definition because it is active, not passive, in its intent. Emerald Court is on my grateful-for-list. The New Year is a good time to be grateful for our caring community. This caring shows up in so many ways. While walking, I have often seen another walker pull a neighbor’s trash barrel up to their garage door. The walker usually positions the barrel in such a way that when emerging from the garage, the driver will not hit the barrel. Kindness and thoughtfulness are both there in one small gesture. My treadmill is positioned so that I can see out of my front window as I walk. Almost every day, I see a gentlemen park in the lot across from my home and carry a cup of coffee as he walks toward Bayberry. I think he is either bringing coffee to someone who lives there or bring-ing his own coffee to sip as he visits. Either way, there is something about him that makes me smile. What I am saying here is: I am grateful for all the small stuff. EC is filled with small stuff. People who reach out in small ways without any hoop-la-la. Ever notice how there are supplies in the clubhouse kitchen? Ever notice the smiling walkers? Ever notice the bulletin boards? Ever notice the photo board? Ever notice the folks who give the lovable dogs a treat as the dog-walkers forge on! Ever notice the rapid response to an email-call for help?

The list goes on and on! Gratitude often causes a chain reaction. It is a catalyst. It’s contagious. It leads to more gratitude and caring. It helps build and sustain community. Grateful, yup grateful, that’s my word for 2022. My friend will be pleased when I tell her! ■ ■ ■

Upcoming EC Clubhouse Fun:

This month’s big event: Social Committee presents LCR - Pizza night - Friday, January 28 at 6:30 pm. Info: Peggy Schleicher - (Unit 74).

Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of every month at 7 pm in the Clubhouse. Info: Peggy Schleicher, facilitator: - (Unit 74).

Movie Group meets on the last Tuesday of every month at 1 pm in the clubhouse. Info: Linda Carey, host: - (Unit 1221).

Clubhouse Breakfast is on the first Sunday of each month, 8 to 10:30 am. Info: Frank Carey (Unit 1221) for Magnolia; Ron D'Amato (Unit 16) for the Villas.

Card Games: Cribbage - Mondays at 7 pm. Info: Bob

Schleicher (Unit 74).

Poker - Tuesdays at 7 pm. Info: Betty Fulginiti (Unit 1211). Men & women welcome.

Texas Hold'em - Wednesdays at 7 pm. Info: John Tellier (Unit 1226).

Bridge Group - Thursdays at 1 pm. Info: Ginny Thomas, (Unit 69).

Games & Chat Groups:

Chat Group - Tuesdays at 2 pm. For info, contact Dorothy Caterino (Unit 1214).

Mahjong - Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. For info, contact Pat Stratis (Unit 89).



EC's Volunteer Committees by Bob Schleicher

In the October Newsletter, we introduced you to the members of the Communication Committee. In this issue we will dive into the Social Committee. In the April issue you'll meet the members of the Clubhouse Committee. Finally, in the July issue we'll share information about the Board of Trustees.

And after that, we'd like to introduce you to the community at large. We'll put a section together in each issue entitled: "Meet Your Neighbor!" If you would like to be part of the newsletter, this is your chance. we'll let you know what is needed. Here's a big "Thank You" in advance. And now, here's your Social Committee.

Meet Your Social Committee

Peggy Schleicher (Unit #74) Peggy is the chairperson of the Social Committee. She and her husband, Bob, moved to Emerald Court in March of 2005. They learned about EC from their daughter’s friend. They both loved the model and they bought “dirt and air” during the early construction phase. Bob, the girls and Peggy

lived on Bradford Road in Tewksbury before the move to EC. Before all that, Peggy lived in Reading and she grew up in Wakefield where she spent 35 years as an educator/counselor. Peggy retired twice. First, from what she describes as the “world’s best job” as an elementary school counselor/social worker. Then years later, Peggy retired again from her job as a graduate instructor in the field of social emotional learning. Retirement gave Peggy the opportunity to spend time with her then aging parents. Retirement also gave Peggy the time to have cherished fun with her two grandchildren. Peggy’s interests include: walking, reading, poetry, writing, book club, being with people, photography

and volunteering at Emerald Court. She says that facilitating the EC Social Committee is tremendous fun!

Betsy Travis (Unit #77) Betsy is the Secretary for the Social Committee. She and her husband, Bill, moved into Emerald Court in January 2005. Previously they lived in Everett for over 50 years. Betsy retired from Verizon as a Central Office Technician in 2008. She enjoys working on the Social Committee; although it is not

working, it is a lot of fun. Betsy enjoys reading, especially mysteries, and having more time for traveling, word games, exercise classes and above all, more time for family.

Ginny Thomas (Unit #69) Ginny is the Co-Treasurer for the Social Committee. She, along with her husband, Jim, moved into Emerald Court in Feb. of 2004. She previously lived in Lowell for 37 years. Before she retired, Ginny worked for Wang Labora-tories. She enjoys working with the Social Committee, playing bridge and exercising

with her friends.

Roberta Caruso (Unit #1107) Roberta moved into Emerald Court in August of 2009. She previously lived in Wilmington for 25 years. Soon after attending a few social events, she talked to Peggy Schleicher and asked if she could join the EC Social Committee. Of course Peggy said yes and she has been on the



committee since as co-treasurer. Roberta worked for Marshalls/TJX in their corporate office in many different roles for 30 years. She then worked at RSA/EMC for 6 years and retired in 2014. She enjoys playing cards, games, watching good movies and of course spending time with family and friends. Roberta also served on the Board of Trustees as the treasurer for 2 years.

Linda Carey (Unit #1221)

Linda is a member of the Social Committee. She serves as the Welcome Team Coordinator and she also facilitates the Movie Club. She and her husband Frank moved into Emerald Court eleven years ago following 42 years in Reading where she and Frank brought up their two

sons and Linda taught elementary school for 27 years. Since retirement in 2003 she has been involved in a Lifelong Learning program at Tufts University and since moving here has been active in E.C. events and clubs. Her family has grown to include daughters-in-law, grandchildren, a great granddaughter, and soon a great grandson who is expected in February. Linda enjoys reading, walking, yoga, going to the theater both live and movie, traveling, and spending time with family. She loves being part of this active, neighborly, fun community.

Diane Fahey - (Unit #1115)

Diane moved into Emerald Court in May of 2021. She previously lived in Somerville for 60 years. Before she retired in 2016, Diane was Administrative Assistant to the President of Boston College. Her hobbies and interests include reading, dancing traveling, sports,

drawing, skydiving and fast cars.

Linda Martin (Unit #25) Linda Martin moved into unit 25 at Emerald Court in December, 2016. Prior to moving to Tewksbury, she resided in Southbury, Connecticut for 30 years. Before retirement she was employed as a professor and dean of business at the University of New Haven. Her interests include EC

community activities such as Book Club and Social Committee, yoga with the yoga ladies, and traveling to see her children and grandchildren in Illinois and Georgia.

Sue Sandler (Unit #1323) Sue moved to Emerald Court in August 2017. She pre-viously lived in Latham, NY for 51 years. Before she retired in 2007 she worked as a nurse in a family practice office in Troy, NY for ten years. She loves playing cards, word games and crafting cards. She loves being closer to her family

here in Tewksbury and also meeting a wonderful group of new friends at EC.

Pat Stratis - (Unit #89) Pat moved into Emerald Court in June of 2018. She previously lived in Tewks-bury for 53 years. Before she retired in 2011, Pat worked as a 1st grade teacher in Tewksbury Public Schools. She is very interested in Tewksbury history. Currently Pat is chairperson of a Tewksbury

Historical Society team that is composing a history of Tewksbury book to be published. She enjoys reading, playing mind challenging games, exercise,



traveling, arts, and above all spending time with her family and friends.

Regina Ugolini (Unit #27) Regina moved into Emerald Court in October of 2007. She previously lived in Wil-mington for 36 years. Before she retired in 2015, Regina worked as a real estate broker in the Wilmington/ Tewksbury area for 36 years. She has one daughter, one son and one

granddaughter. Her hobbies and interests include crocheting, walking her dog, Buddy, and talking with neighbors and other EC residents.

Norm Johnson (Unit #1102)

Norm is the Board of Trustee's liaison to the Social Committee. He moved into Emerald Court in June of 2006. He previously lived in Wilmington for 42 years. Before he retired in January, 2000, Norm was a Senior Programmer Analyst

at Textron Defense Systems. His hobbies are golf, photography, reading, card playing, exercise and travel. Norm's current EC Activities are: Secretary for the Communication Committee, Assistant Webmaster, PC Drop-in Tech, and BOT Treasurer.

Thanks for Caring by Peggy Schleicher,

for the Social Committee

Thanks to the caring people at Emerald Court, 60

amazing holiday gift bags were delivered to the Wish Project. Wish is a local organization serving the Merrimack Valley. Every day, dozens of needy clients are referred to Wish by partner agencies: local homeless shelters, elder services, veteran programs and early intervention programs. Wish provides: bedroom, living room and kitchen furniture, rugs, dishes and all kitchen goods, appliances of all sizes, towels, beds and bedding, and more. Wish also coordinates a project each month to assist the homeless and home-bound. This year Wish’s Holiday Bag Project, that we at Emerald Court supported, provided gift bags to home-bound senior citizens. On behalf of the EC Social Committee and Project Wish, thank you for doing good; thank you for the kindness and caring that makes the world a gentler place, one person at a time.

ECers also participated in a monetary donation to

the Tewksbury Food Pantry. We donated $1,700.00! WOW! THANK YOU!

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When patronizing any of our advertising sponsors, be sure to tell them that you saw their ad here in Emerald Court’s Newsletter.

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New Resident Profiles for

2021 by Linda Carey

Mike & Rushel Cushing - (Unit

#23) Mike & Rushel moved into unit 23 in late June. They previously lived in Lowell and chose Emerald Court because of the quiet area and the lovely homes. They have

two daughters; Sarah lives in Wilmington with her husband Dan and their five-year-old son, Jeremy. Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her fiance Samm, they are getting married next April.

Mike is a retired Lowell firefighter and Rushel has been working at Curriculum Associates in Billerica for over 22 years.

Mike enjoys hiking and skiing and has recently taken up golfing. Rushel’s hobbies include reading and photography. They both love to travel; some of their favorite trips include London, Utah, Arizona, Washington DC, Disney World, and multiple trips to the beautiful state of California.

Mike and Rushel have been New England Patriots fans for a long time and a few years back went on a road trip with family members to visit the Halls of Fame (basketball, baseball, hockey, football, and rock and roll).

More than anything else, they love spending time

with their family and friends. They enjoyed meeting Linda Carey and think the

social committee does a great job. Rushel and Mike look forward to meeting more members of the Emerald Court community.

Larry and

Cheryl Cullity (Unit #17)

Larry and Cheryl join us from Medford. They chose Emerald Court to be close to Diane Gray (#1306), Cheryl’s cousin and their

good friend. They have three sons and seven grandkids. Larry worked for Raytheon for 40 years as an electrician and Cheryl worked for ten years clerking for Dunkin’ Donuts. Larry is interested in sports, old cars, 60’s and 70’s music, and drum corps music. Cheryl likes sewing, musical plays, and bag pipe music. They would love to know if any neighbors were part of a drum and bugle corps in the 1960’s as they’d love to talk to them.

Victor & Janice Corbin - (Unit

#70) Victor and Janice have lived in Tewksbury since 1991 and have been a part of the St. William Church

Community. Vic’s brother, Gerry, moved into EC about three years ago and when they saw his villa, they realized that this is where they want to live when Vic was willing to give up his yard work. They have been married for 52 years and have 3 sons, all of whom are married. Vic and Jan have five grandchildren ranging from 19 years to 5 months old.

Before their children were born Janice worked as a data analyst for Air Force Cambridge Research Labs in Bedford. She found her real fulfillment in being a wife and mother. She likes to knit and cross stitch, cooking and baking. She has been involved at



St. William’s serving as a lector and Eucharistic Minister.

Victor has had an interesting career working for a number of companies and in different industries. He has been involved in environmental modeling, managing and developing software for electronic chip design. For the last 10 years at Raytheon he was involved with the development of schedules for large government programs. Since he retired 11 years ago he has enjoyed gardening and had extensive flower gardens as well as a vegetable garden. He hopes to continue doing a little gardening around their villa. He enjoys skiing, photography, and making braided rugs which he hopes to get back to soon. They both enjoy card games and making puzzles.

They have lived in Tewksbury most of their married life and are happy to have been able to move into Emerald Court. They settled in very quickly and love it here. ■ ■ ■

Thanks to our Advertising Sponsors

By Bob Schleicher

With the new year upon us, I’d like to again take this opportunity to thank our advertising sponsors … not only those currently displaying their ads in our newsletter, but also those who have advertised over the last 14 years. You, our sponsors, have made it possible to fund the cost of this newsletter as well as the cost of our website. And readers, if you have the opportunity to patronize any of our advertisers, please do so and tell them you saw their ad here in the Emerald Court Newsletter. Thank you all. ■ ■ ■

When Sad Things Happen

The Emerald Court Community is saddened to learn of the death of Eleanor Johnson (Unit #1102). Eleanor passed away on Monday, November 8th, 2021. Our sympathy is extended to Norm and his entire family.

We are also saddened by the passing of Roger Desmarais (Unit #20). Roger passed away on Monday, November 15th, 2021. Our sympathy is extended to his entire family.

Because we care about our community, if you are aware of the passing of any of our neighbors, please inform us at [email protected] so we can get the information out to the community in a timely manner. One person’s loss diminishes us all.

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HALLOWEEN PIE NIGHT By Frank Carey

It may not have been October 31st, but October

22nd had the feeling of Halloween as 30 EC folks trickled into the Clubhouse preparing to enjoy a fun evening of games, good humor, and generous slices of delicious pies. It was the Social Committee’s annual Halloween Pie Night event.

The event planners had not required costumes be worn to this event but about half the folks attending did add a bit of holiday sparkle by donning simple but relevant attire which contributed to the festive atmosphere.

At 7:10 Peggy Schleicher, the Social Committee’s Chairperson, was finally able to quiet the room that was filled with laughter and social chatter. She laid out the evening’s program and explained the rules for the first planned game, “Create a Scary Story”.

The game was pretty easy but required a bit of creativity from each person and from each table team.

Social Committee members passed out sheets of paper with a Halloween start up line. They then



passed around a basket with slips of paper on which Halloween words had been printed, e.g. ghost, howling, spooky, etc. The object of the game was for each person at a table to take the word they had drawn from the basket and create a scary sentence. Each person’s completed sentence was then added to the introductory sentence to complete a Halloween silly scary story. Sound effects to accompany each story line were also encouraged.

Initially, some folks thought the game a bit silly but once they began, their creative juices started to flow and so did their fun and enjoyment of the task. Because Peggy had also told the group that their short stories would be read at the end of the allotted time, I could hear a bit of a competitive spirit while each table worked hard to make their table’s story the best.

It turned out to be a really fun game and drew a lot of laughs when each of the stories was read. When asked, it’s amazing how imaginative people can be. It was a great way to start the night’s themed event.

As the stories were being read, Social Committee members were busy in the kitchen preparing and getting ready to serve the pies that had been purchased at “Mann Orchard” in Methuen. The final story read, everybody’s creative mood was quickly replaced by anticipation. To prevent a mad rush, table numbers were drawn and those folks hustled

into the kitchen where they would have to make three decisions. The first being which slice of pie should they choose, apple, blueberry, or pumpkin? The second was whether to add a dollop of whipped cream to their pie ... or not? What to drink with the pie was the third decision. Would it be coffee, tea, or water? Back at their table, there was always the potential for a fourth decision. Should they go back for a second and maybe third slice of those delicious treats? (Is anyone watching? Mmmmmmm, so good. Maybe I will.)

While folks scraped the last bit of pie remains from their plates and sipped on their drinks, Peggy S. invited Bob Schleicher and Frank Carey to share a few hilarious jokes and stories, which was followed by a sing-a-long. The Social Committee had passed out song sheets on which were printed Halloween parodies of the songs “Deck The Halls” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. The singing of these songs was very holiday appropriate and probably the scariest sound of the night. Just kidding, you all sounded ... wonderful?

Of course no clubhouse event would be complete until the 50/50 winning raffle number had been called. The winner this time was a very happy Diane Fahey who is a relatively new EC resident and member of the Social Committee. Congats, Diane.

While the event did not include any tricks, the treats were fun and delicious. Thank you Social Committee for a very enjoyable Halloweenee evening.

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Fun Times at Halloween Pie Night

How many of your EC neighbors can you find? All these residents are in at least 1 photo. (Alphabetically by last name:)

Frank & Linda Carey, Roberta Caruso, Meredith Cohen, Donna Davis, Jack & Linda Dempsey, Diane Fahey, Diane Gray, Alan Katz, Linda Martin, Lucille McCoy, Mary McElroy, Ruth Mosey, Antonio Patricio, Barbara Pothier, John & Marie Robinson, Sally McCarthy, Sue Sandler, Bob & Peggy Schleicher, Pat Stratis, Ginny Thomas, Betsy & Bill Travis, Regina Ugolini, Dee Vanderberg, Evelyn Weed, Midge Wilson & Helen Wythe.



Michael Dutra’s Strictly Sinatra Band @ The Greater

Boston Stage Company Theater

By Helen Wythe & Ruth Mosey On Saturday, October 16, 2021, thirteen residents

from EC enjoyed a delicious meal at “The Venetian Moon” restaurant in Reading prior to attending a performance at the Stoneham Theater by the Michael Dutra’s Strictly Sinatra Band.

When we arrived at the restaurant we were told the elevator was out of order. This issue was resolved by our very kind and resourceful fellow EC diners, Wayne Anderson and Ron D’Amato, who assisted Ruth Mosey with her walker, downstairs to the dining room. Peter Pimental made a request to the waiter that the football game being shown on the TV be changed to the Red Sox playoff game.

Ruth took her note taking challenge to heart and declared herself a Raving Reporter (oops) Roving Reporter. Ruth visited each table inquiring as to how each person was enjoying themselves. Ruth asked each person to tell her something interesting about their lives. They all said they lived very boring lives. She knew Frank would be disappointed if she didn’t have anything juicy, so she thought she would make something up. She told him there was someone pregnant and a couple would be getting a divorce. (Just kidding of course.) In addition, when Ruth roved back to our table, she discovered she had a prior acquaintance with one of our fellow diners, George Beaudet. They both had lived in Burlington and had lots to talk about. However, it soon became evident that we needed to shorten their serious discussion if we were going to get to the theater on time.

After enjoying a delightful dinner we traveled to the Greater Boston Stage Company theater in Stoneham. When we got there we were surprised to discover we needed to show proof of vaccinations in order to enter the theater. Lo and behold, one of the EC group did not have their vax card with them. It was touch and go, at times, from a feisty doorman who absolutely could not allow that person to enter without a paper copy or picture on their phone to

show proof of vaccination. Eventually, the awkward situation was resolved when the person was given a rapid COVID test which came back negative. and the thirteen EC theater goers entered the theater.

Michael Dutra and his 8 piece band was excellent. Mike emulated Frank Sinatra in dress and song for 90 minutes without an intermission. He sang many of Frank’s hits starting with “When I Was Seventeen”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, “I Got the World on a String”, along with Cole Porter’s “In the Still of the Night”, and “One for my Baby” among many other memorable Sinatra songs.

The band members were also very talented. Each member of the band was featured with a solo performance. Some of the songs the band played had been arranged by the saxophonist and several of the brass section played multiple instruments.

Mike and the band seemed to be having as good a time as the audience. In between songs, they shared some comedic banter that had the audience laughing and yelling for more. They ended the evening’s show with rousing renditions of “Mack the Knife”, “New York, New York” and the final song “My Way”. It was a terrific show and brought back some wonderful memories. You shudda been there.

Thank you Diana D’Amato for once again planning a wonderful event for the EC community. This first off-site event after the past year and a half has given us so much hope, that maybe, things are getting back to almost normal. We know planning these type of events are very difficult and often frustrating, but please know that we who participate appreciate all your efforts. YOU ARE THE BEST. Thanks again, Diana..

FYI: Please remember to bring proof of vaccinations to any event you may be attending in the future.

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Get Yourself Published “Writer’s Window” is still looking for budding

writers. It is an open space for airing the creative talents of Emerald Court residents. If anyone has an interest in seeing their own article appear in the Emerald Court Newsletter, send it to [email protected] or call him at (978) 851-6569. It will appear in a future issue. It can be ‘fact’ or ‘fiction’. ■ ■ ■



EC Welcomes New Residents

New residents to Emerald Court since October:

Carol & Ron Blanchette (Unit #93) Antonio & Isaura Patricio (Unit #1215) Helena Sousa (Unit #1215) Jeanette Lees (Unit #1217)

We at Emerald Court wish you all the happiness that we’ve found here.

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Computer Drop-In … Computer Drop-In is back in business. If you

have computer questions / problems and are looking for a solution, stop by the Meeting Room in the Clubhouse on the 1st Friday of the month any time between 3:00 & 3:30 pm. We'll attempt to solve your computer difficulties - FREE! ■ ■ ■

Honoring Our Veterans By Frank Carey

The Social Committee’s event held on Friday evening, November 12th was a very special occasion. The tables in the EC function room had been covered with red, white, and blue table cloths. Placed on each table was a US flag center piece. The theme for the evening was to celebrate Veterans Day and to recognize the contributions made by our United States veterans and especially those who now live here at Emerald Court.

Not only did the Social Committee do a nice job creating the correct environment for this event they also did a fantastic job in putting together and executing a program that honored and gave reverence to our military. The 40 folks who attended this wonderful occasion were treated to a glorious and often moving “Veterans Day” function.

However the evening was also a social event for EC residents. It started at 6:30, which was a half hour earlier than the usual event start time. The reason being that the SC was going to be serving sandwiches and salads prior to the main focus of the event.

Right to Left: Regina Ugolini, Pat Stratis, Betsy Travis, Ginny Thomas & Linda Dempsey

Chairperson, Peggy Schleicher, spent a few moments describing the evening’s program and then invited each table to the kitchen where her committee members were serving up ham, turkey, and roast beef sandwiches along with Ginny Thomas’s fantastic tossed salad. Folks filled their plates, grabbed a bag of potato chips, picked up a drink of their choice and headed back to their table



where they ate, chatted, and caught up with the latest EC happenings. A variety of cookies were also made available and individuals randomly made their way back to the sweets table where they made difficult decisions as to which cookies to choose and how many could they take before people started to talk about them. (Just kidding)

At approximately 7:15 Peggy S. got everyone’s attention and thanked them for attending the event. She especially acknowledged the veterans in the audience who had been invited to the event free of charge. She then thanked committee member Roberta Caruso for the flag she had hung on the fireplace for the event. She also gave a special thanks and tribute to Sally McCarthy who had brought to the event, a quilted American flag she had hand stitched and framed. It was proudly displayed next to the clubhouse TV.

Sally McCarthy displaying her quilted American Flag

Peggy then asked Joan Duffy to relate an experience she had after a previous Social Committee Veterans Day event. Joan was the only woman Air Force veteran at that event. Two women quilters in attendance at that event were touched by her military service and decided to make and present her with a quilt to show their appreciation for her service. Joan had been so affected by their gesture that, while holding the quilt, she had a bit of trouble relating the story of what that quilt has meant to her. With the flags displayed and Joan’s touching story, the stage was set for the rest of the evening’s program which continued when Peggy introduced Army veteran, Bill Travis, who led the group in “The Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag”.

Making the evening even more wonderful was the

Linda Carey and Joan Duffy displaying the quilt Joan received from two EC quilters

program Peggy and Bob Schleicher had put together. It included a very touching patriotic visual TV presentation which accompanied and complimented the groups singing of “God Bless America”, “My Country Tis Of Thee”, and “The Star Spangled Banner”. Between each of the songs was a reading by Social Committee members. Betsy Travis read “A Thanks To The Veterans” by an anonymous writer; Linda Carey read “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae and Peggy Schleicher read "America, the Beautiful 2021" by Miriam Therese Winter.

The event ended with the playing of each of the military’s branch songs. It was requested that each veteran, in attendance, stand and be recognized for their service, when they heard their branch song played. Every veteran stood proud as everyone applauded.

Just a few of the veterans in attendance!

VETERANS, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.

This Veteran’s event made for a wonderfully



special evening. It did a fantastic job honoring our EC veterans and ALL veterans. Thanks to Peggy and Bob Schleicher, and the Social Committee for all the work they put in to produce this touching occasion.

FYI: The evening’s 50/50 was won by Air Force veteran Jack Dempsey.

Veterans in attendance: Army: Alan Katz, Peter McCoy, Al Miano, John

Robinson & Bill Travis. Navy: Jim Korba, Al Mahoney, Jack McDonough &

Bob Wilson. Air Force: Jack Dempsey & Joan Duffy. Marines: Ron Blanchette. ■ ■ ■

Thanks Diane Gray - from the EC Communication Committee

The Communication Committee thanks our retiring member, Diane Gray, for her years of involvement with our Tech Team. Diane lent her experience as an Apple, ipad, iphone user, assisting residents at our "Computer Drop-In" sessions on the first Friday of the month. Thanks, Diane! We wish you well at your new residence. ■ ■ ■

Putting the Holiday Spirit Back in the EC Clubhouse

By Frank Carey

WOW! Did you know that December 2019 was the last time the Social Committee held its “in person” annual Holiday social event? In fact, due to the pandemic, the Social committee had to ZOOM all their 2020 events including their annual Christmas holiday event. So it was a wonderful treat when on December 10th the clubhouse had been decorated for the season and prepared to receive the 54 residents who had signed up to attend their 2021 “Holiday Singo Bingo” event. The event was free, with only a request that people consider making a monetary donation to the Tewksbury Food Pantry.

At monthly meetings prior to the event the SC worked hard to formulate an agenda that would put smiles on the faces and happiness in the hearts of everyone in attendance. It was a welcomed relief from the stresses caused by the pandemic.

Greeting folks as they found seats in the

clubhouse were dishes of cookies which had been placed on each table and a small gift bag, filled with tasty treats, that had been set in front of every seat. A coffee, tea and water station was located in the kitchen and was available for everyone’s enjoyment at their discretion.

The clock struck 7:00 and Social Committee chair person, Peggy Schleicher, took her usual place in the front of the room, welcoming the EC 54 attendees to the first SC in person holiday event since 2019. After an enthusiastic applause Peggy reminded everyone that there were two other celebrations taking place during this festive season: Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. She then introduced Alan Katz who gave a brief history of Hanukkah.

Alan explained that Hanukkah is an eight-day religious holiday where Jews celebrate their victory over an emperor who tried to destroy their identity and culture. He spoke of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. and the miracle of how a small quantity of oil for the Temple's menorah lasted eight days, which is why the celebration of Hanukkah lasts eight days.

Pat Stratis followed Alan with an explanation of “Kwanzaa” which, she said, is an African-American celebration of Family, Community, and Culture. She informed the audience that the celebration was created in 1966 and is held every year from December 26th to January 1st. On each of these seven days a candle is lit in a special candle holder called a Kinara. Each candle and day is dedicated to one of the following principles: unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

What a great way to start a holiday season event. Understanding festive celebrations enjoyed by different cultures, is enlightening and is a good thing, especially at this time of year.

Peggy S. then moved the program along explaining that the rest of the evening would include a game, jokes, a skit, singing, and maybe a visit from



the big man himself. To begin the group participation portion of the

event, Peggy explained that the game of “Singo Bingo was played very much like the regular game of “Bingo”. Bingo sheets were passed out but instead of numbers in the boxes, each box contained the title of a Christmas song. Peggy would play a short segment of a popular Christmas song. Players would have to identify the title of the song and if it was listed on their Bingo sheet they would cross it off. Like regular Bingo, when a person completely, crossed off a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row of song titles, they could yell Bingo and if correctly marked, would win a lottery ticket. Each of the seven tables was a team so when a table won Bingo, each player got a lottery ticket.

Three games of Bingo were played with the audience enjoying funny jokes, between games. Jan DiPietro, Frank Carey, and Ruth Mosey supplied the unbelievably funny jokes. The reaction from the tough audience ranged from 2 to 5 on the laugh meter. (Just kidding. The audience was very charitable.)

The event’s finale was a skit preformed by Bob Schleicher and Frank Carey.

Frank’s character was “Walter Klondike” who had traveled to the North Pole to interview Santa Claus, only to find he was out flying around with his reindeer. Bob Schleicher was the “Head Elf Bobby” who Walter interviewed in lieu of the absent Santa. Elf Bobby told Walter what it was like working for Santa, which included Santa’s collision with the Flying Nun and how Santa’s Ho, Ho, Ho, could get on his nerves.

The skit ended with Elf Bobby saying that he loved his job, making toys for all the boys and girls and a warning was sent out to all children when Walter Klondike, Elf Bobby, and the audience sang “Santa Clause Is Coming to Town”. At the end of the

song Santa Claus entered the clubhouse with his helper elves, Roberta Caruso and Regina Ugolini. While ho, ho, hoing, Santa worked his way around the room, passing out candy canes to all the good EC residents.

To wrap up the evening, everybody joined in the singing of “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls”.

The 50/50 was also drawn and won by Barbara Swansburg.

Prior to the clean-up Peggy announced that the participants to this event had unselfishly donated $1,700.00 to the Tewksbury food pantry. How wonderful is that? THANK YOU !!!!!!!

As usual everyone participated in the cleanup which made the task fast and easy.

FYI: This year Santa Claus was played, fantastically, by Diane Fahey.

We want to thank the Social Committee for their great job planning their diverse agenda which included, refreshments, little goodie bags, explanations of two cultural holiday observances , three fun games of “Singo Bingo”, a bunch of hilarious jokes, a skit, three songs, and a visit from Santa Claus. Wow, what a great night. Thank you.

A big thanks to Sue Sandler, and Pat Stratis who put together the little individual goodie bags. Sue added a personal touch by attaching her hand made decorative tags to each bag. Sue and Pat Stratis were also responsible for putting up and decorating the clubhouse Christmas tree which added to the festive atmosphere.

And last but not least, another big thank you to Peggy Schleicher and Bob Schleicher for all the work

they put in to produce the “Singo Bingo” game, the Walter Klondike Skit, and the TV sing-a-long visuals. Super stuff. ■ ■ ■

thinking about the new year

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