As if Elke Pitkin wasn’t busy enough…
First vice president at the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre, kitchen volunteer co-ordinator, and organizer of the daily soup and sandwich lunches, Pitkin has now stepped up to fill the role of acting president at the centre until its annual general meeting in March.
The new role became hers after longtime Danube member and President Gertrud Erdenberger moved out of the community, and stepped down.
The new duties didn’t stop Pitkin from cooking up a storm for the long-anticipated members’ luncheon Nov. 15, featuring “Elke’s Famous Cabbage Rolls” – and the event sold out.
Asked how many cabbage rolls she made, Pitkin replied, “Three hundred and forty-five.”
Not that all of them were destined for the luncheon.
“The smaller ones I keep separate for the line dancers. That’s another meal,” she said. “And the gentleman who donates the cabbages — he gets a nice tray.”
Even so, there was plenty for anyone wanting seconds.
Between the meal and dessert, Danube’s past president Elaine Love talked about the success of last week’s craft and bake sale, and the sale of Gwilly pins at this year’s Carrot Fest.
“Every cent we take in, we give to Ronald McDonald House,” a residence that provides a home away from home for families of children undergoing medical treatment at Toronto hospitals, Love explained.
“We have been doing this for many years,” she noted. The centre tops up the funds raised, to round off the donation. This year’s sale of pins raised a total of $2,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“This money is very important to Ronald McDonald House,” said Mike Irwin, of the charity.
He noted that as of last year, the Danube centre’s Gwilly pin program had raised a total of $20,300 — brought up to $22,300 by a gift from a generous corporate donor.
The matching donation program is in place this year as well, Irwin said, which means that the centre’s $2,000 gift becomes $4,000, and the total now stands at $26,300.
“Our families thank you!” said Irwin.
There were also thanks to Robert Ben, who has volunteered to organize the monthly luncheons, although he stepped aside in November to make way for Elke’s cabbage roll lunch, which he called “my favourite meal on the planet.”
And Jan Evans, thanking members for their support for the craft sale, National Seniors’ Day event, and Legends concert, outlined two upcoming events in December:
On Dec. 8, members at the Centre will enjoy a Christmas luncheon of turkey and all the trimmings, from Catering By Colin, and entertainment by the Goldenaires choir and soloists. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, and must be purchased in advance at the centre, 715 Simcoe Rd., or by calling 905-775-0612. Seating is limited, and Evans encouraged members to purchase their tickets soon. “We’re already 75-per-cent sold.”
On Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Special Const. Elisabeth Aschwanden with the South Simcoe police will stop by to lead a casual sing-along of seasonal songs. All are welcome.
And a reminder: The centre will be closed Monday to Wednesday, Nov. 19-21, for floor refinishing.
