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Sunshine Grandma
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2015 Moosehaven chili cook-off November 14, 2015
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The Bus trip started early and ended late. . . But oh boy was a grand time had by all. As we boarded the bus in anticipation, the ultimate destination was the lovely and grand Moosehaven Retirement Community for our seniors, nestled on the banks of the beautiful St. Johns River, in Orange Park, Florida.
We boarded our bus at the Melbourne Moose Lodge. Those from the Palm Bay lodge were Scott and Chris Duncan, Mary Beth Hayes, Ellen Maher, Marlene Jones, Ellie Rupp and Andy Ademek, and Teresa Gladchuk. We made new friends along the way including getting to socialize with District 6 president Chuck Kinnaman and his lovely wife Charlotte, District 7 president Bill Brumfield, and a lot of other adventurous folks. We had 3 “mystery” bus stops to visit other lodges and socialize with great folk there. The three lodges we stopped at were the Beautiful Mandarin Lodge #42, the stylish Palatka Lodge # 184, and the Quaint and friendly Palm Coast Lodge #2577. The Spot light of the trip was our visit to Moosehaven to see the sights, sample chili during the Annual Chili Cook-off and visit with the residents and to meet our very own Sunshine Grandma Bea Harmon. And what a delight she is. Bea resides in the Life Care Center of Moosehaven. We were easily able to find her, and were able to present her with the Christmas card and gift card from the WOTM chapter 2193. Grandma Bea was found resting quite comfortably in her recliner, in her pretty and festive room. She was delighted to have visitors and welcomed us into her room for a nice visit. I wanted to reflect a little on what others thought so I asked everyone to give me their thoughts: Chris Duncan: “She really seemed to enjoy our visit, she doesn’t seem to get out much, and I think our visit was a real treat for her” Marlene Jones: “Finally meeting her and getting a picture of her and seeing Moosehaven, the beautiful setting and everyone was so nice” made the trip for Marlene. Mary Beth Hayes: “Being able to connect the dots. . .It made it more real. . I feel more connected. “, and “ Overall it was a great adventure, Fun, Informative, and kind of like Bea- it was nice to be able to see what our donations actually do.. . . . Highly recommend it” Ellie Rupp: “The look on her face knowing we came to see her”. Scott Duncan: When asked it was “the feeling he got from being able to introduce all of you to her . . So it was cool. . Makes her more a part of us, and connects us more to Moosehaven.” For Me. Teresa: it was a treat to meet the one we call our Sunshine Grandma, and feel the happiness and contentment that seemed to quietly exude from her as we had our visit. Just seeing the sights of Moosehaven made it all more real..We see what our money goes for.. and it is quite worth it !! Not only did we get to meet Grandma Bea, we toured a couple places and met with many other residents. They are all so happy, and delightful. They have their own “bikers club”, the three wheeled things that they zip around on, and let me tell you they zip by. The manicured lawns, the beautiful trees and pathways, make the whole place feel just like the describe it, The “City of Contentment”. So next time, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this lovely community. Story Submitted By Teresa Gladchuk |
