Red Mountain Ranch Social Club (RMRSC) members warmed up this winter with chocolate, music and roses. The Valentine’s Day celebration, Chocolate Fare, which was hosted by Mic Bagby, was a sweet success. The night felt magical as it was filled with twinkling lights and many delicious chocolate desserts.
The chocolate focused menu included: Red Velvet Brownies, Chocolate Pots de Creme, Thumbprint Cookies with caramel centers, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, a fondue pot of warm chocolate with assorted dippers, and even a S’mores station. This treasure trove of goodies was savored with a variety of wines to pair with the chocolate delectable desserts.
On Feb. 20, a group of social club members enjoyed a captivating evening at Barleen’s Dinner Theatre. After a delicious plated dinner, the musical revue took the attendees back in time when country music was in its heyday. The members were impressed with the performers, who are accomplished musicians with phenomenal voices. The songs were recognizable, well-known tributes to popular country musicians, and the social club members got a kick out of singing along.
The RMRSC members continued their quest for great entertainment by attending the Dutton Family Theater in early March. The performers in this musical variety show are family members of all ages, and the musical numbers ranged from country to rock ‘n’ roll to classical. The attendees were enchanted by the three generations of performers, who are superb vocalists, talented dancers and expert musicians.
The speaker at the March meeting was ARS Master Consulting Rosarian and Mesa Community College Rose Garden board member Steve Sheard. Steve’s presentation was a reminder to RMRSC members to always smell the roses.
Steve was born in Zimbabwe to British parents. As an adult, he and his wife purchased a home in England that had 20 rose bushes in their garden that looked after themselves. However, in December 1980 they moved to Tempe, Ariz. and purchased a house where they planted 20 rose bushes. In the first year, 18 of them died!
In 1993, they built a new home and, as an engineer, Steve designed the landscaping around growing roses. Today, they have 150 rose bushes in their garden. Steve shared that roses love sunshine and can successfully be grown in the Phoenix area by following specific techniques for planting, mulching, watering, fertilizing and pruning. The social club members left the meeting inspired, with a clear understanding of how to successfully grow roses in our desert environment.
RMRSC members value continual learning as demonstrated by their attendance at the monthly educational program and the two book clubs the members have formed. The book clubs are filled with women and men who enjoy reading, and appreciate the opportunity to discuss the current book of the month with friends while enjoying food and drink.
Guests are welcome to attend the RMRSC meetings. They start at 9 a.m. with time for coffee, donuts and conversation, followed at 9:30 a.m. by a short business meeting prior to the one-hour educational guest speaker. The meetings are held the second Thursday of the month (September through May) at the Red Mountain Ranch Country Club conference room, 6425 E. Teton Circle, Mesa.
This spring consider becoming a member of the friendly, caring and informed social club. Members do not need to live in Red Mountain Ranch to join the club and the dues are a nominal $12 per year. The membership form is available on the website: rmrsc.com.