Grace Ridge: Living It Up in Style

Guest blog by Mountain Views newsletter staff.

It all started with “A Night in Paris.” A few residents were interested in the theme so they donned berets, red shirts, dark pants and went to the living room to see what this was all about.

Well, it was fun. Lots of folks there were enjoying themselves and the question that buzzed around was, “When will we have another gathering like this again?” Shortly thereafter, there was news that there would be a “Salute to the 50s.”

Now this time, more thought went into the costuming that turned out to be true 50s. There were poodle skirts, white tee shirts with rolled sleeves, loafers, white socks  showing under rolled jean cuffs, and maybe a pair of black and white saddle shoes. Some of us were newly married then and sprouting a family as attested to by Carol Scudder who won the “Best Dressed” prize.

The fun moved over into the main dining room where, with the right 50s music, some diners enjoyed dancing over by the fireplace. The good mood from this event remained and flowed over into the next week. The servers knew of the upcoming “Hootenanny” and the secret was out that it would be in two weeks. Hurry! Scurry! We have to be ready for that!

Everyone knew it was Hootenanny Day from 7:30 a.m. until the last note was played and the last tasty pieces of pulled pork, barbequed chicken and corn breaded catfish were eaten. This time the whole party, with staff included, were in the Ervin Room dressed in jeans, plaid shirts, overalls, boots, straw hats and cowboy kerchiefs.

The line dancers showed their steps to everyone’s delight. This group had been newly formed and learned the routines in about three weeks. The Butter Beans Band was the live main attraction, but the whole late afternoon and early evening had some of Cowboy, Country, Appalachian or Mountain People shine through the Grace Ridge residents.

No word about “next time,” but we’re sure it will be planned soon and for a good time. Yes, sir! The folks here at Grace Ridge surely know how to “live it up in style!”