By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Everyone loves a good party. There’s nothing better than spending time with family, friends, and loved ones. But who wants to deal with the logistics of cooking a grand meal and then having to clean up?

To avoid those hassles and start enjoying their own parties, some residents at Ann’s Choice have been taking advantage of the community’s full-service catering department. From menu planning to decorations and the details, the department is quickly making a name for itself.

“Our only job is to make sure the event is perfect,” says Catering Coordinator Lisa Sicilia. “We do everything in our power to let the person throwing the party enjoy it."

Personalized events
“We usually see parties from ten to almost 200 people,” Sicilia explains. “But no matter the size, we try to make sure that the menu and every detail are suited for the event.”

To use  the service, residents contact the dining services department and can start working with Ann’s Choice chefs to develop a personalized menu for just about any occasion. “Then they can leave the rest up to us,” she says.

Details make the day
Sicilia explains, “We’ve had surprise birthday parties, christenings for  grandchildren, New Year’s Eve parties, family reunions, and we’ve even done five or six weddings. Your imagination is the only limit.”

Most of the events are held in Liberty Commons, but in 2007, upon the  opening of the new Keystone Clubhouse, dining services also gained access to a multipurpose room that can hold up to 300 people.

“And we do it all,” Sicilia says. “From flowers to decorations and linens, we’ve got you covered.”

Popular party-goers
Charles Slemmer has used the Ann’s Choice catering services on five different occasions.

He regularly holds “hall parties” for his Ann’s Choice neighbors and has also  hosted family dinners through catering services.