Cherlyn Conway
Neighborhood parties wrapped up 2021 activities in the NxNW neighborhood of Osprey, Brant, Cinnamon, and Willet streets.
On Dec. 4 you would have found about 40 neighbors, friends, and feet of all shapes and size covered with festive holiday socks at the home of Carrie and Dean Summers for the annual gift exchange party. No password was needed to enter this party, only festive socks and holiday attire. This was a no-shoe zone that started from a past event when a heavy rainstorm was happening the night of the party and all shoes were left in the garage. It seemed to add some fun to the evening, and a new tradition was established for this annual party, “No Shoes Allowed!”
The guests brought heavy appetizers, BYOB, and a gift. Our hostess provided many tasty desserts. Little did everyone know, there were sock and holiday attire spies in the room. Prizes provided by the Summers were given for a few different categories. After some time of eating, drinking, and the roar of many conversations, the party got down to business for the gift exchange. Numbers were handed out, and the competition began to try and hang on to the gift you chose and fell in love with. You could feel the tension in the air as the next number came up and everyone was eyeing what was available to be stolen.
Many laughs and negotiating went on before the final number, which had the option to take the last gift on the table or pick a gift that had been opened. It was determined that being last is not so bad, but not good if you have problems making decisions.
The evening ended with our gracious host handing out handmade ornaments for each family and talk of “game on” to search for the winning socks for the 2022 party.
Dinner, Dancing, and Holiday Cheer
On Dec. 15 a party that was planned for 2020 found about 50 neighbors dressed in their holiday best gathered at the clubhouse for dinner, drinks, door prizes, dancing, and a little line dancing with Jeannette Elliott and Cherlyn Conway. The room was beautifully decorated with centerpieces made by Carrie Summers and Debbie Gow. Sheri and Larry Brown and Stan and Amy Gritz graciously welcomed us all.
The wait staff took excellent care of all in attendance. Our master of ceremonies, Dave Lyons, did an awesome job of keeping the crowd entertained and, with his assistants Debbie Warrick and Nancy Spratt, kept the door prizes as well as the centerpieces finding their rightful owner.
A big round of applause for Karen and Dave Lyons, Debbie Warrick, Nancy Spratt, Annette Symonds, and Amy Perry. All these folks deserve recognition for all the planning and details that went into the event to make it a success
NxNW was a busy place in 2021. Watch out, 2022. We’re already in planning stages for another fun year on Osprey, Brant, Cinnamon, and Willet streets!