Our Mid-winter dinner.

 

It's 5:45 a.m on July 10, 2021, and I'm enjoying a cup of coffee in the quiet Atrium before helping to set up tables and chairs in the Events Center. The tables/chairs you see here are left over from yesterday's happy hour.  I'm told that there will be two serving lines for the meal in the Atrium.  

It's later, midmorning now. The tables are up and the next wave of volunteers comes through to set them. Paper plates will be used at the serving lines but I understand that most people bring their own plates. We plan to do the same.

Both the Event Center ( photo above) and the cafe are needed to seat everyone.  

Jeanne and I (and others) were busy for over two hours, micro-waving potatoes. Barry has his roasting oven going in the corner.  It takes a lot of potatoes for over 300 people. 

This was our table.  It was a BYO event.

 The organizers of this dinner also hired a musician for after-dinner entertainment. 

A lot of folks got up and danced in the Atrium. 

This whole event was amazing to me. First of all, the dinner was free. Everyone was invited including management and staff.  The entire cost was covered by the social committee. That must have been substantial. 

There is a core of truly dedicated and talented people (residents) who had the vision and ability to organize this event. And, they mobilized a small army of volunteers who helped out. 

Jeanne and I feel so fortunate to have come to this place. I have been told it is unique among all the Metlifecare properties in New Zealand and I can believe it. The level of cooperation that the management and staff here give the residents is wonderful and one of the main reasons why this dinner was possible.  

The singer/guitar player continued with old favorites for some time. Most people had already gathered up their plates and leftover drinks and departed. A few heaty souls continued to enjoy the evening. Jeanne and I stood for a while high above the scene enjoying the ambiance.  

What an extraordinary place and people. My highest compliments to all involved and many, many thanks.    -djf