8/28/08

Sunshine, good friends at annual picnic

by Beckye Randall

More than 300 seniors from north Snohomish County enjoyed a delicious lunch, courtesy of the Marysville Parks Department and local sponsors, at the 11th annual Senior Picnic August 12 at Comeford Park.

Parks director Jim Ballew was on duty at the grill, turning out perfectly cooked filets of salmon, while Andrea Hartland and Maryke Burgess coordinated the efforts of more than 50 volunteers to make sure the lunch went smoothly.

The Lakewood High School volleyball team was among the volunteers who showed up to help serve beverages and deliver plates piled high with salmon, fried chicken, Caesar salad and fresh-baked rolls to the hundreds of seniors taking advantage of the pleasant summer weather. Residents of local retirement homes joined friends from all over town for the free lunch and entertainment.

“We’re so pleased with the volunteer turnout,” said Burgess, a Parks employee who oversees activities at the Ken Baxter Senior Community Center. “And we couldn’t have asked for better weather!”

Indeed, whether opting for a seat at a sunny table or finding a shady spot under a tree, local seniors were treated like royalty for the afternoon. Volunteers of all ages delivered lunch plates quickly and efficiently to the crowd, even offering seconds for those with hearty appetites. A steel drum band provided an entertaining backdrop of music for the afternoon’s conversations.

Sponsors of the event included HomeStreet Bank, Grandview Village, Merrill Gardens, Alpine Mortgage, Linda’s Adult Family Home, Madeleine Villa, CareForce, Emerald Hills Coffee, Village at Granite Falls and Costco.

Evelyn Graafstra, Rae Jubie, Betty Nordquist, Helen Mitchell and Millie Haugen enjoyed a game of pinochle before the Senior Lunch on August 12 at Comeford Park.