The Fountains Blaze Off and Senior Q

For the last year every time I would visit The Fountains at Greenbrair retirement community, I would be asked by one or more for the residents, "Are we having the BBQ again this year?" yes, October 17th and 18th was the answer.

On the morning of October 17th, 2008 the weather was cold and rainy but that didn't stop the 28 teams that turned out for the Fountains Blaze Off and Senior Q. Just as if on Q the rain stopped the sweatshirts came off, and the residents began to wonder out to visit with the teams. Everyone was excited, it was BBQ time. Even the neighbors were awaiting the arrival of the BBQ teams. Clarence one of The Fountains at Greenbrair's neighbors insisted that one of the teams put his tent in his yard where it was level and just plug his electrical cord into his house. Eva another neighbor, had been anticipating the return of her favorite team and was every excited to see them arrive.

This year we added a dessert category to be turned in on Friday night and judged by the residents. All the judges were eagerly awaiting the 7:00p.m. turn-in time. Ms. Margaret hadn't had dessert for three weeks in anticipation of judging dessert. Oh my look at those beautiful desserts. When judging was complete all walked away with a smile and a box full of dessert. Now the question is "Are we having dessert with the BBQ next year?"

Saturday morning the cooks joined the residents for a hot breakfast and a little bit of warmth as Friday night had been every chilly to say the least. But, the real warmth was seeing the interaction of the cooks with the seniors.

Carol, a very talented resident at The Fountains at Greenbrair, spent weeks making the trophies for the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. Even delaying a planned trip, just so they would be prefect. All were excited to see who would be the winners of this years contest. Carol was there to present the trophies and by the smile her face I think we know who the real winner was.

Now it was time for the eagerly anticipated BBQ dinner. Twenty-five briskets had been lovingly prepared by some of the best BBQ teams around. Baked beans, potato salad, fresh fruit and cheese cake accompanied the wonderful brisket. The lines were long, (somewhere between 250-300, I lost count) but not a complaint was heard. Later that evening as some of the volunteers where taking a well deserved break, Les a resident approached and said we should do one of these in the spring. That was the prefect end to a long and rewarding weekend.

Thank you to all the teams that participated in this years contest and senior q. I can't began to tell you how much it means to the residents that you take the time to do something for them. You are all truly winners!
God Bless and hope to see you next year.

Clara and Jon Williams