Pat Thoresen
Hundreds of Quail Creek residents turned out to celebrate Hats Off To Our Heroes for the Fourth of July 2013 Parade. The entire day could be spent at the Quail Creek Madera Clubhouse celebrating our nation’s 237th birthday. Residents participated in the patriotic opening, rode their decorated entries in the parade, played games for prizes, supported raffles, enjoyed lunch at the buffet in the clubhouse, shared a piece of Fourth of July birthday cake at the closing ceremony or attended the special Bingo afternoon.
Many Quail Creek resident volunteers were in charge of the key components of the morning’s activities. Beginning in May, the Fourth of July Planning Committee, a subcommittee of the Quail Creek POA Activities Committee, held planning sessions to enable this year’s celebration. Core committee members were Chair Pat Thoresen, Pam Butler, secretary and registrar for the decorated golf cart entries and the special honorees, Quail Creek Vietnam Veterans, Marti Boyd chairman of the convertibles and volunteer drivers for the honorees, Gil Lusk, parade marshal assisted by Robert Thoresen, Herb Pahoresky, veteran host, Carole Keane, Connie Bandstra and Tari Wright Food & Beverage committee gift raffle and Joyce Walton, cake server. Games workers were Bob Thoresen with Rick Woods, dunk tank, volunteer dunkees, Chef Aris Cabrera, Grill Manager Mike Taylor, POA Board member Gil Lusk, POA ALC Chairman James Koch and Greens Committee member Ralph Scafuri. Jack and Jean Mercer hosted the putting contest, Fred Butler hosted the pitching contest and Judy Hayes ran the fun kids games. The popular 50-50 Raffle for MOAA was manned by Pam Butler with registration support by Freda and Rich Caldwell, Vicky Woods, Judy Hayes, Marti Boyd and Ann Easterling.
John Hockemeier presented his excellent slide show of Quail Creek veterans from all U.S. Military services. This slide show, created by John, was a highlight of the Quail Creek Performing Arts Guild 2012 Christmas show which had a U.S.O. theme. Many veterans and their families and guests enjoyed the show while enjoying their lunch and cake in the Crystal Ballroom in the clubhouse.
Master of Ceremonies for the patriotic opening, dunk tank music and announcements, as well as hosting the Closing Ceremony was expertly handled by Steve Signore. Decorated golf cart parade entries judging chairman was JoDe McAdams and was judged by Allison Sipple and Joseph Marty of Colorado and Daryl Laux who also served as event treasurer.
Over $1,000.00 was raised this Fourth of July week at Quail Creek to support the families of the 162nd Fighter Wing, Arizona Air National Guard through the Green Valley Chapter of MOAA, Military Officers Association of America. The Women of Quail Creek, Quail Creek POA Activities Committee and Food & Beverage Committee collected food items, donations and proceeds from raffles to make this much appreciated donation to Steve Able representing MOAA at the closing ceremony of the morning events.
The committee would like to thank the Quail Creek staff who made the day run smoothly and provided a well received enlarged Fourth of July buffet. Epi Torres with Mike Burger and Greg Freeland and the excellent bar and food service staff made this day enjoyable for the entire Quail Creek community. Thanks go to Gil Lusk and the Bingo workers who provided a fun afternoon for all.