As we welcome the cooler fall temperatures in Arizona, the Red Mountain Ranch Social Club has jumped into a season of exciting, fun, and educational activities.
The popular Game Night kicked off in September. Social club members John and Jan Pond coordinate and host this event on the first Thursday of each month. After enjoying dinner at the Red Mountain Ranch Country Club Grill, a large group of members play games, including Bunco and Bingo.
At the October meeting, the guest speaker was Mr. Jason Gitkin, aviation community relations and event manager for Sky Harbor International Airport. His presentation was very engaging and informative. He covered the history of the airport and expansion projects in progress, and airport safety precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jason highlighted the airport’s Navigator Program, which includes friendly dogs. The program is designed to assist and support travelers during their time at the airport. Sky Harbor is rated as one of the friendliest airports thanks to the efforts and hard work by the airport staff and volunteers, Jason said.
The social club held their annual Halloween Party at the Red Mountain Ranch Country Club. The event was planned and coordinated by members Mic Bagby and Katrina Shadkhost. The Halloween decor of skeletons, ghosts, spiderwebs, skulls, and candles transformed the country club dining room into a dramatic and spooky environment. Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner of pasta and salad catered by the country club chef.
A costume parade was accomplished by all attendees participating in a conga line to the tune of Monster Mash! Numerous prizes were awarded for the creative costumes the social club members were sporting for the party. Martha Stephens was rewarded with the Funniest Women’s costume prize by bringing to life a replica of an adorable toy doll. Betty Day won Best Women’s costume for her very cute bumble bee outfit.
Robert Tavassolia tied with John Pond for Best Men’s costume. Robert portrayed Priest Guido Sarducci and John Pond was attired as King Arthur. Bill Schmidt, dressed as Ozzy Osbourne, was awarded the Funniest Men’s costume.
The overall Best of Show prize was bestowed on Marsha and Peter Wooley for their clever outfits as the COVID virus. Following the costume contest, the party guests enjoyed dancing the night away to popular live music provided by John Burak.
A group of members met for a delicious dinner at Cafe Euro and then attended the play Harvey at the Hale Theatre in Gilbert. The theatre performance was charming, and it is always much more fun to enjoy dinner and a play with a group of friends.
The Veterans Day program at the November meeting was developed and presented by member Warren Stephens. Warren gave a dynamic educational and enlightening lecture regarding the history and importance of Veterans Day.
The social club has 20 members who have served in the military. Following the educational presentation, Warren acknowledged each veteran individually. He shared their record of service, along with personal stories and experiences that occurred during their military service. Each veteran was recognized and awarded with a beautiful certificate and a gift card to Red, White and Brew. The program was heartwarming and a poignant reminder of our sincere appreciation of those who have served our country.
Social club members are looking forward to celebrating the holiday season together with plans in place for a Christmas party at Painted Mountain Golf Resort and a New Year’s Eve party to ring in the New Year.
Would you like to make new friends? Explore fascinating locations and museums in Arizona? Attend concerts or theatre productions with a fun group? Participate in activities such as themed parties or game night? You choose which activities you want to attend.
Interested? Then it is time for you to join the Red Mountain Ranch Social Club. The dues are only $12 per year. In this intergenerational club the members range in age from the 30s to 90s. You do not need to reside in Red Mountain Ranch to join.
The mission of RMRSC is, “to promote the social and cultural growth of its members; to engage in educational outreach; to encourage mental and physical health; and to facilitate community involvement for the benefit of society.”
For further information and membership information regarding the Red Mountain Ranch Social Club, go to the website rmrsc.com. The Red Mountain Ranch Social Club meets the second Thursday of the month except during the summer months. The meetings are from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and include time for social interaction and an entertaining, educational program. Guests are welcome to attend meetings and do not need to pre-register. The meetings are held at the Red Mountain Ranch Country Club conference room, 6425 E. Teton Circle, Mesa.