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By: Mike Tucker
For the fourth year in a row, Hawgeyes BBQ teamed up with
Smokey D's BBQ, and Sunnyview Care Center, in recognition of
Senior Q Month. The goal was to provide a special group of seniors'
some of the best BBQ the nation has to offer, and to entice family
members to join in the Celebration. Also attending were members
from the Iowa BBQ Society, a volunteer and her therapy dog from
the Animal Rescue League, a full Sunnyview Staff, and the Mayor
of Ankeny, Steve Van Oort.
This year's event was held on October 11. The weather was outstanding,
with highs in the upper 70s. The volunteers met at 7am, and the
smokers were cooking by 8am. The facility has a great outdoor
activity area, where tables and chairs were set up in a picnic
like atmosphere. Family members began arriving around 10am, and
the residents began eating around 11am. Several Hundred people
flowed through the serving line. The buffet included smoked brisket,
pulled pork, smoked chicken, smoked baked beans, coleslaw, lemonade,
and lemonade. Hot dogs were available for the kids, and the Sunnyview
staff of cooks came up with a beautiful dessert spread. People
continued to flow through the serving line until 2pm. At 2, after
the food was gone, Jimmy the therapy dog arrived. Jimmy offered
the residents another "taste of home". Jimmy made his
rounds about the facility, like the seasoned pro that he is.
He received pats and treats along the way. A guitar player was
also performing during the day, which blended perfectly with
the gathering.
Having done this for four years now, I've gained a much better
understanding and appreciation for both the residents, and the
care providers at senior care facilities. Granted, there are
some less than desirable housing conditions out there, but Sunnyview
is a night and day difference between the facility that inspired
me to start this program. Maybe next year we'll visit that facility
again, except this time we'll let them know we're coming. Seems
they were caught off guard last time.
Thanks to all of the Sunnyview Staff and its director (Greg Friedrich),
the Mayor of Ankeny (Steve Van Oort). Also thanks go to the following
list of Iowa BBQ Society Members; Bret Wram, Mick Beauchamp,
Steve Burch, Fred Horstman, Becky Wram, Rod Anderson, David Anderson,
Kenna Jo Lambertson, Darren Warth, and Josie Wram, and Mike Tucker.
Thanks to Mayor Van Oort, the City of Ankeny now has a proclamation
that states October is officially "Senior Q Month".
Thanks also go to Lotta Bull, Russ and Franks, and Cookies BBQ,
for their donation of sauces and dry rubs.
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