Staff Report
Roughly 65 members of the Solvang Senior Center enjoyed a fabulous Italian meal hosted by a group of center friends known as The Ballard Bunch and spearheaded by board member Diane Olmsted on June 9. Continuing with the center’s yearlong adaptation of traditional sit-down dinner night, diners once again were treated to the friendliest curbside service in town as they picked up their meals to go.
Carefully packed and ready to go, each lucky diner received a healthy portion of bistecca fiorentina, lemon pasta, antipasto/salad, bread and yummy cookies straight from the oven of Annie Andersen. Completing the meal was a little serving of red wine. Every meal even came with a special party favor — a personal photo opportunity.
The Solvang Senior Center has been extremely fortunate to be able to keep the ever-important monthly dinner night alive during the COVID-19 pandemic by quickly adapting to a new format, as it has always been the highlight of many members’ month.
Even though they were not able at the center to socialize, many were creative and dined al fresco together. Additionally, these creative dinner nights help fulfill an important part of the center’s mission statement: Feeding the mind, body and spirit of our senior community.
Many thanks to the center’s special friends: The Ballard Bunch — Diane and Tom Olmsted, Janet Olivera, Hans and Wendy Gregersen, Annie and Mogens Andersen, Alan Hitt and Kathleen Campbell and Kate Koslaski for providing an unforgettable meal and evening. A big thank you, also, to the board members for taking on the role of carhops.
The Solvang Senior Center is located at 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. You can reach it at 805-688-3793 or find it on the web at www.solvangseniorcenter.org.
