Staff report

About 65 members of the Solvang Senior Center enjoyed a fabulous Italian meal hosted by a group of friends from the center known as The Ballard Bunch and led by board member Diane Olmsted on June 9. diners once again enjoyed the friendliest curbside service in town as they had their take out meals.

Neatly wrapped and ready to go, each lucky one received a healthy serving of bistecca fiorentina, lemon pasta, antipasti / salad, bread and delicious cookies straight from the oven from Annie Andersen. Finishing the meal was a small portion of red wine. Each meal was even accompanied by a special gift: a personal photoshoot.

The Solvang Senior Center has been extremely fortunate to be able to keep the ever-important monthly dinner alive during the COVID-19 pandemic by quickly adapting to a new format, as it has always been the highlight of the month for many members.

Even though they weren’t able to socialize at the center, many were creative and had dinner together outdoors. Additionally, these creative dinners help fulfill an important part of the centre’s mission statement: to nourish the mind, body and spirit of our senior community.

Many thanks to the center’s special friends: The Ballard Bunch – Diane and Tom Olmsted, Janet Olivera, Hans and Wendy Gregersen, Annie and Mogens Andersen, Alan Hitt and Kathleen Campbell and Kate Koslaski for providing an unforgettable meal and evening. A big thank you also to the members of the board of directors for taking on the role of carhops.

The Solvang Senior Center is located at 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. You can reach him at 805-688-3793 or find him on the web at www.solvangseniorcenter.org.