Summer is always bubbling with activity and fun around here. It’s a time to create good memories and get outside. This year we had several memorable events for our community members.

In June we hosted our first-ever Rummy Tournament at the Community Center. We had 12 people sign up, all competing for bragging rights and a Walmart gift. We weren’t sure which people were more excited about, bragging rights or the Walmart gift card. The games were tense and there was a lot of smack talk heard around the table. After the group stage, only 3 were left and the battle was on. It was a hard fought game, but in the end only one left with the title of “Rummy Champion”, and that was Gus. He was beaming with pride.

Also in June, we hosted our Annual RCI Village BBQ Picnic in West Park. Over the past year, we added 4 new households to the housing program so this picnic was packed. We ate BBQ chicken, mac’n’cheese, coleslaw, potato salad and lots of yummy desserts. It was a good time for the new residents to get to know others in the housing program. We even found out that two residents were friends from long ago and had a nice reunion. We never know how our community will come together, but it’s nice to know our circles are always smaller than we think. To top off the evening, we got to enjoy some good Blues music!

And lastly, we had our Annual Day in the Park on July 8. The event started first as a way to celebrate the Olympics, but everyone enjoyed it so much that we decided to turn it into a yearly event. Our Zumba volunteers provided gift cards to purchase food and supplies and Johnny’s Bagels donated pastries for desserts. There were hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, coleslaw, and pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory. For games this year we had Can Jam, Mini Golf putt-putt, Hula Hoops, Noodle Javelin, and Soda Chug from a baby bottle. It was great weather and everyone enjoyed themselves!