Staff Report
Leonardo’s Ristorante provided tasty, coral-hued rigatoni pasta for the Buellton Senior Center’s February monthly dinner, accompanied by a Caesar salad, baked herbed chicken and fresh asparagus created by the center’s chef, Jim Nichols, and his hardworking crew.
Dessert with strawberries and whipped cream topped off the magnificent meal that was enjoyed by more than 50 diners.
Staff member Linda Linton’s idea for a new arrangement of tables allowed easier movement between them, and many diners expressed appreciation. Center board member Bernice Small, as usual, welcomed people and checked them in.
Executive Director Pam Gnekow thanked Leonardo’s as well as the center’s staff, who all came out of the kitchen to take a bow. In addition to Nichols and Linton, Rosa Castillo, Gracie Love and Wanda Nelson all helped serve the meal.
Gnekow proudly announced that the center now owns a beautiful new passenger van to take seniors to medical appointments in the valley, as well as out of town. A generous donation by the Vikings of Solvang made this purchase possible, with other donations rounding out the sticker price.
The long-sought van arrived on Feb. 20, and by Feb. 27 it had already been used for trips.
Raffle prizes were awarded at the conclusion of the evening.
