Top 6 Social Events of 2020
1. Rhinestones & Denim
Members at Cascades Verdae ‘walked the line’ into their Rhinestones and Denim Signature Experience for a day of Cowboys and Angels! Everyone dressed in their cowboy hats, bolo ties, leather boots, and bling like they were headed to a star studded rodeo. Our Dining Services team prepared a delicious meal that brought the sense of a southern kitchen to our formal dining room. After leaving the dining room with full bellies, our Cowboys and Angels made their way to the Cascades Grand Ballroom for the big show! Highlighting the talents that are found in our community is an important piece to our Signature Experiences. For the Rhinestone and Denim event, we had many different performances by Members and staff. There were wonderful renditions of tunes from Kenny Rogers to the Dixie Chicks! We have some talented people who call The Cascades home! Al ended the show with his version of Willie Nelson’s “Good Hearted Woman” which brought the house down!
2. Flights of Fancy 2.20 and Indoor Skydiving
Cascades Verdae Members took flight during their February Signature Experience, Flights of Fancy! Independent Living Members traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to iFly, an indoor skydiving complex. They had the opportunity to learn how to skydive! iFly has a wind tunnel that allows flyers to experience free falling from 13,000 feet without jumping out of a plane. Their instructors are with you every step of the way, guiding you on the proper form and how to maximize your time in the air! They focus on providing flyers with an experience rooted in safety, thrill, and most importantly fun! iFly doesn’t believe that age is a barrier to experiencing something like this, anyone from age 3-103 can participate. Everyone suited up and had a full lesson from the instructor and just like that, we were ready to go! For the evening portion of our Signature Experience, our community was transformed into a whimsical wonderland. Members dressed to the nines as bumblebees, butterflies, and everything in between. Our Dining Services team prepared a dreamy menu that tasted as good as it looked and included Salmon en Croute with Purple Mashed Potatoes and Sweet/Salty Beignets. Our attendees made their way into our Grand Ballroom and they stepped into a world of magic. There was a full band playing the joyful sounds of New Orleans Jazz. The saxophones, trumpets, and piano keys filled the room with excitement. To end the evening, Stilt Walkers joined everyone on the dance floor to participate in a 100 person parade to “When the Saints Go Marching In”!.
3. 4th of July Parade and Hot Dogs
In honor of Independence Day, Members at Cascades Verdae had a community parade to celebrate! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, keeping Members safe was a top priority. We invited team members, loved ones, and Members to decorate their cars and drive through the community. There were over 40 cars that came decked out in their most patriotic ensemble! The parade meandered throughout every area of our community to ensure that everyone could cheer them on, as they were waving flags and honking! After the parade, it was time for the food! Everyone loved the traditional Independence Day fare of delicious hot dogs with all the fixings, coleslaw, cookies, and ice cream!
4. Route 66 Challenge
At Cascades Verdae, Members know how to get their kicks on Route 66! In the summer of 2020, we hosted a Route 66 Golf Cart Challenge. Our Wellness Director, Aleksandra mapped out an entire course for Members to tackle throughout the challenge. She planned out eight individual challenges representing the eight states on Route 66. Each team had to get into their golf cart then retrieve a bag with instructions and items about the state which they randomly selected. The challenges included drawing a building in Missouri, making a painted desert terrarium, becoming “bikini models”, shooting a bow and arrow, lassoing a steer, an Oklahoma-style shootout, making art with Kansas sunflower seeds, and becoming Chicago bar owners. Contestants were judged by our audience to see who completed the challenges with the most authenticity and pizzazz!
5. Oyster Roast
The social life that Members at Cascades Verdae enjoy is truly vibrant. Whether they are enjoying grand galas, the happiest of hours, or an afternoon social, there is something for everyone. Greenville, South Carolina offers its residents beautiful weather so embracing it is always important. On one warm fall afternoon, we hosted an Oyster Roast on the courtyard patio! Those who attended filled their bellies with oysters, low country boil, gumbo, and Carolina Beach Music in the Cascades’ Pub and on the Patio!
6. Veteran’s and Quilts of Valor Presentation
In honor of Veterans Day, our team hosted a beautiful event to honor the Veterans that call Cascades Verdae home. We hosted a gathering on the Great Lawn to honor those who have served in the armed forces – we’re thankful for the service of these men and women! In the past seven years, our talented quilters have made and presented 117 Quilts of Valor to our Veterans. This year they presented ten quilts to our Veterans in a wonderful ceremony complete with music on piano and bagpipes. We are grateful for those who have served our country and to be able to honor our Veterans at The Cascades Verdae.
