CHRISTMAS DINNER AT SCHUBERT CENTER

It was my first time to have Christmas dinner at Schubert Center. Tables were set with matching dinnerware and settings with red and green serviettes and wide candles that floated in glass bowels filled with water for safety. Efficient volunteers served shrimp cocktails followed by continual servings of coffee, tea, and juice. Plates arrived with turkey dinners included mashed potatoes and gravy and three different vegetables and all other trimmings. All this was available for only $15.00 per plate.

At the time of purchase tickets are cut in two and during the program the master of ceremonies called out half a dozen ticket numbers to receive a prize. A guitar player was accompanied by cheerful background music from an electronic player. A pleasant lady seated beside me asked that no one touch her left shoulder. She had been mugged on her way to work two years ago. Doctors were able to restore her shoulder into position. It is held in place with a stainless steel unit. She has to wear a warm patch when going outside because of the metal brace that cools the area, even during a short winter walk. Two witnesses from nearby balconies testified on her behalf and the thief served jail time. Only a single sandwich was in the bag he had snatched from her. “He may have served only a short jail term but you are left with a lifetime of pain, unless special extra warmth is applied,” one guest commented.

Schubert Center is a great place to network among retirees, to share experiences, have a regular lunch or just a sandwich with soup. Most attendees are over age 55 but sometimes a daughter comes for lunch with a grandchild and the three share a lunch together with Grandma. Computer classes as well as other studies are available at Schubert Center and Halina Senior’s Center in Vernon as well as in many other towns and cities in your area.