A conversation with

George Igualt

By

Dale Dauten

I recently got the chance to sit down with George Igualt, who heads the management company for Silveridge, as well as for sister park, The Resort. I started by asking him to reflect back on the ’20-’21 season with all its pandemic-related challenges.

GEORGE: Looking back, I think it was a victory for our parks, compared to what other parks were doing. A lot of parks shut down everything, but our management teams and our Activities Directors came through. They refused to just throw up their hands and give up; instead, they managed to carry on, safely and responsibly.

For one thing, we’re lucky that we have a lot of outdoor space and facilities. So pickleball and tennis and the other outdoor activities kept going — limited to in-park participation, but they carried on.

In addition, the Activities teams moved some entertainment from indoors to outdoors, and while they had to limit the number of people and change some food choices, with the help of all the volunteers they kept the spirit of the park alive even as they navigated uncharted territory. The show still went on.

And how are things going over the off-season?

GEORGE: I gave a tour of the park to someone recently and they commented on how great it looks. And I said, “It should.” And what I meant by that is that I believe that all of us who work on the parks have a responsible to have them in top-notch shape for the residents. Always. Year round. And we have a team who is committed to that philosophy.

And while we’re talking about high standards for the park, I want to acknowledge the work of our Maintenance Manager, Mike Hacker. When I picked him for the job, he was really thrown into the fire. And he took over and has gotten more and more efficient. He truly understands the property and the people and I have complete trust in him. With Mike, every issue just gets handled. I think of him and I think of one word: efficient.

And what are your expectations for the new season at Silveridge? It’s coming up fast.

GEORGE: I can’t wait. We have a great facility and a great team. We start with Sue Isbell, our Manager — she anchors the whole administration, a huge asset to the park. And then there’s Sue Arneson, our Activities Director. Those are just two of the familiar faces that everyone looks forward to seeing.

The Activities team has put together a terrific new season. We just got in Sue’s preview. I hope you’ll take a look at it and get enthused about all that’s coming.

And here is Sue’s message…

IT’S A NEW DAY!

SUMMER NEWS, 2021

A Message from Sue

Hello my dear Silveridge friends! I hope my online summer letter finds you immersed in a joyous summer that is filled with precious memories of family fun. Jeff and I are recuperating from our annual “Christmas in July” family reunion. Luckily, no one fell off the dock when taking our family photo!

Last year the title of my summer letter was “Faith Over Fear.” We all must agree that we are glad that last season is behind us, and we are looking at a “New Day!” According to the business office it looks like most Canadian and Americans will be back at Silveridge. How exciting to see everyone again!

Beginnings are full of anticipation, and I am thrilled to be able to offer you a bang-up year with more activities and events than ever! The Ticket Order list for the 2021-2022 season will be published in September. This will give you time to peruse and gather your friends together and decide on what shows you would like to attend. I promise you that you will love all of them!

Beginnings: We will kick off our events with a poolside cookout on 0ctober 21st followed by our popular costume Halloween party and dance on the 28^th. The Paradise Island Dancers will entertain us poolside on Nov 4^th as all part of our Welcome Back events. As always, we will honor our veterans with a special program and music on Nov 11^th.

Dinner Dances are Back!! Starting in November, we will have 17 dances including New Year’s Eve with “Ricky and the Radios.” (This year the Ball drops at 10:00pm so you can either get in your recliners sooner or keep partying in homes later!) I have booked some favorites of yours such as “Come Back Buddy,” “Reign & Country,” and “The Big Zephyr.” Check out some new bands such as, “The 8 Tracks” and “Rocksmith.”

* Note: starting time for dinner will be 5:00 and dances will be from 5:30-8:30pm. This will give you a full 3 hours of dancing. Check out the themes that our decorators have planned and gather your outfits to match! Bring some dress-up clothes, poodles skirts, country outfits, beach clothes and hippie stuff. Another Karaoke night is on the books. Come and find out who can sing (or make a joyful noise!)

You will want to add all these Dinner Shows to your list:

Dec.2^nd:  MC 6 A Cappella Christmas Show. Brought back by popular demand are these 6 talented guys singing with no instruments. They will wow with a combination of sacred and secular Christmas music.

Jan. 27th^th: “Those Rockin Decades” JR McAlexander brings his talent once again to the Silveridge stage. Enjoy talented singers and actors performing from the 50’s thru the present with costume changes and songs that will bring back the memories.

Feb 10^th “The Marlins” We have waited a long time for these 4 brothers to reappear on our stage. After another postponement from last year, we are finally able to see them once again as they entertain us with many different instruments. (They are retiring after this year so this is one you don’t want to miss!)

Feb. 24^th Tapestry: The Album, The Music of Carole King. A 10-piece orchestra plays while featuring the Grammy award winning Carole King with all her hits as well as many other popular songs.

Dinner Delights:

 “America Hurrah”: Nov.18^th A patriotic show saluting our Veterans

The Johnny Counterfit Show: Jan. 6^th Johnny will bring us into the new year with his class act. You will laugh until it hurts with his famous comedic impressions. He even impersonates some Presidents!

“Cheek to Cheek”: Jan.13^th A Billy Joel/ Elton John tribute show. Get ready for a smashing performance by Scott Dunlap who will be singing all the hits of these two famous singers. Lots of crazy fun!

I have Six concerts to entertain you plus our POPS Orchestra on Feb 18th!

Dec.12th: “In the Christmas Mood” A Holiday Music Spectacular Khris Dodge Entertainment. This concert features 4 stellar vocalists/dancers and a rousing 6-piece band, the show is filled with holiday magic with a modern twist. His show will put you in the Christmas mood!

Jan. 20^th: “Cash and Company” For all the Silveridge country fans out there; the stars showcase songs and entertainment from Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and all the rest of the “outlaws.”

Feb 3^rd: “Dancing with the Stars” The waiting is over! Finally, our Six Silveridge stars will perform their hearts out. Let’s all come out and support our brave dancing stars and vote for your favorite! (This is a rebooked event from 2020. If you have not turned your ticket in for a refund or exchange, please use your ticket for this concert.)

Feb.17^th Mark Stone, (BYOB and BYO Appetizers) Comedy and ESP Show. Be amazed when you attend Mark’s show and how he will know things about your that you don’t even know! A fun night with your friends (Tables of 10)

Mar. 3^rd Mark Cordes “The funny guy” If you were not at the Volunteer Appreciation party last year, you will now get to see the guy that everyone raved about. Laugh until it hurts! (We all need to laugh more this year!)

Mar. 10^th: Silveridge Variety Show. Every other year Armand Gagnier searches for hidden talent among our residents. This is always a delightful evening to see our own stars perform.

Mar. 17^th: “Saturday Night Fever” The Bee Gees Tribute a Tad Show. Relive the one and only disco group that took the country by storm with such hits as “Staying Alive,” and “Night Fever.” A must-see concert with remarkable vocals and instruments!

Extras!  Once again, we hope to have “Music on the Green” with our talented House Band and our Brass Quintet. I plan to add an educational series as well as the free movies and popcorn at our SilverScreen theater. Add to your list a couple free events like the “Doggie Fair” and the “Dickens Carolers.” Let’s not forget about our biweekly coffee and donuts with promotions and our Newcomers Class. Wow, are you getting excited yet?

Clubs and Activities: Mixed in with all the fun entertainment are all the classes. You are never too old to learn! The Computer and Technology Club is offering the continued online classes as well as the physical meetings this season. Maybe you would like to learn how to make a quilt or paint a picture. Don’t forget favorite sports like softball, tennis, pickleball, golf or hiking-just to name a few. Bingo is Back!

It is because of our talented and giving volunteer leaders that Silveridge can offer all these fabulous opportunities. Most of the classes are either free or minimal costs for supplies. If you have a talent you would like to share, consider volunteering and don’t forget to thank our wonderful volunteers for all the work they do. Kudos to all the kitchen volunteers as well. Because of all our volunteers we can offer food at our Boogies, Dinner Shows, Dinner Delights, Bingo, Breakfasts and other events. We know that everything revolves around food!

At the time of this writing, I am verifying all the events. Please understand that the list is subject to change. Watch for the list in Dale Dauten’s September online newsletter. I will also include the seating charts with an explanation of how to order. My friend and faithful assistant Sharon and our office volunteers will be at the Activity office to assist you starting October 1^st. Thank you in advance for buying tickets and all your support and enthusiasm for our activities!

Yes, it promises to be a “New Day” at Silveridge. Let us rejoice and be glad. Whether you are new to our park or a returning resident, I look forward to leading you to new beginnings. Together, let us look confidently to the future and pray for health and healing for our nation and our beloved family and friends at Silveridge. Continue making memories with your family this summer. Stay healthy and God speed your return to Silveridge!

Your Activity Director, Sue