It was an evening of wonderful food—elegant appetizers (including chilled shrimp and bruschetta) and a lavish buffet that featured seared salmon medallions, scallop flambé, and a steamship baron of beef. The meal ended with a dessert bar, but that was far from the conclusion of the evening’s activities. A night of dancing to the Steve Miller Orchestra followed.
Floating across the floor
The dance floor filled as music drifted across the crowd.
Don and Nora Pinkston were on the
dance floor most of the evening. The couple started dancing together in 1983, and Mr. Pinkston said anytime he gets to spend an evening like this with his wife, it is spectacular.
"It was fantastic," Mr. Pinkston said after the gala. "We appreciate so much what the staff did. The decorations, the food—everything was great."
Throughout the evening, guests scanned items in the silent auction, stopping from time to time to make a bid. Harned had the highest offer on the quilt made by Tallgrass Creek residents and staff. With his winning bid of $650, the quilt will stay at the retirement community.
Other auction items included an autographed baseball, Kansas City Chiefs tickets, dinners, gift cards, and jewelry.
The glitzy gala was in sharp contrast to the week’s down-to-earth kickoff event, a tree planting.
Celebrating a year of growth
During Monday’s tree planting ceremony, residents were asked to comment on Tallgrass Creek as they took turns shoveling dirt around the tree.
"Tallgrass Creek saved my life," said Norma Farber.
"It has been the best year of my life," said Doris Gomez. "The past year went so fast. I have so much to keep me busy and occupied. I thought it would be more like an old person’s home, and there wouldn’t be any activities. It’s just been more than I ever dreamed of. I’m busy all the time."
Other residents talked about the family atmosphere. They mentioned the many clubs and nonstop activities that are available at Tallgrass Creek.
Ruby red and seeing green
Tuesday was Ruby Red Day, and residents lined up for ice cream sundaes near the marketplace. Paula Dunmire wore ruby red slippers she made herself.
On Thursday, a group of judges walked through Bluebird Crossing and Redtail View looking at ledges outside apartment homes entered in the ledge-decorating contest. There were two categories: Kansas and the Wizard of Oz. One ledge featured a tornado that spun when visitors turned on a handheld fan. There were lots of sunflowers and Oz collectibles on display as well. Mary Lou Vest won for her Kansas ledge, and Dorothy Holman won for her Oz ledge.
Thursday was also the Emerald Green Putting Contest. The big winner was Herb McCauley, who shot an 11. The day ended with a happy hour in the Sunflower Bistro and a trivia contest on Kansas City, the Wizard of Oz, and Tallgrass Creek.
The trivia included:
Tallgrass Creek sits on 65 acres of property.
There are 227 homes in the two residence buildings.
There are 31 resident-run clubs and committees.
Tomahawk is the name of the creek that runs through Tallgrass Creek.
The grand opening was October 16, 2007.