Summerfield Press - Columnists Blogs - New England Club kicks off season

Location: Blogs Spruce Creek South
Posted by: Bob Turner	10/22/2006
As you entered the hallway leading to the kitchen at the Spruce Creek South Community Center, the aromas were unmistakable. You'd think you had entered a fine Italian restaurant. Getting closer, you could hear the sounds of a knife on a chopping block. In the spacious culinary room, no less than 10 members of the New England Club were at several stations performing various tasks. Meatballs were simmering in a large cooker, and they were covered with a rich red sauce (or gravy, as it also is known), which was the source of the aroma. Lettuce was being chopped, tomatoes sliced and other salad fixings prepared. Dozens of donated homemade pies, cakes and other pastry delights were being cut and placed on plates, and large loaves of bread were being unwrapped and placed in baskets. The volunteer crew knew serving time was near, as they could see the monthly business meeting of the club winding down through the open portal that separated the auditorium from the kitchen. Jim Sloan, club president, closed the meeting and announced he would draw slips of numbered papers from a small box; these would be the order in which the tables would be served. As the 150 members in attendance were getting their food, Jim related that this club was mainly a social club. "We have a lot of fun," he said, but they also have a serious side. He said the club supports projects he and his wife, Joan, are involved with at the Harbour View Elementary School. "We also support the St. Teresa soup kitchen in Belleview and other community projects," he said. The spaghetti dinner was the club's kickoff for the season, as more winter residents are returning from their summer homes. Within the club, several members are responsible for different events. Doris Dupuis manages the popular trips to dinner theaters and casinos. The Biloxi, Miss., trip is a favorite with Irene Centola, who considers herself an "old timer" with the club, having been a Spruce Creek South resident for more than 13 years. The single senior who never feels alone when she is with other club members laughed heartily and said, "You never know. One day I might return from a trip with a man on my arm." Ellie and Harold Provost said they take full advantage of the fun events and have enjoyed many of the excursions. Newcomer Francis Haurihan is looking forward to participating in upcoming programs. "We have a very active organization, and I owe a lot of gratitude to a bunch of people in this room that have worked behind the scenes to make our events successful," Jim said. "There are so many to thank that have made my job easy. They are just great. I never had a problem getting help when I needed it." And that was proven again by the volunteers scrubbing pots, emptying trash and wiping down tables long after the meeting had adjourned. Bob Turner covers Spruce Creek South for the Summerfield Press. E-mail him at summerfieldpress@earthlink.net.>

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