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12 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2022 | The Restaurant & Lounge Advisory Committee's focus is to inform members and explore ways of increasing revenue to our Restaurant & Lounge. Of all 3,327 homes, if $25 was spent each month, a big difference could be made. Try it. The Restaurant is all of ours. If we don't use it, we could lose it. Thank you for your comment cards. We encourage and look forward to your opinions. Bravo to Thelma Thomas, our September comment card winner. Things to remember: • There will be NO Taco Tuesday or Thursday Italian Buffets in December resuming in January with extended International Specials. • Our Restaurant will be closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. • Our menus continue to change addressing likes and dislikes. The next new menu is coming in January. • Our Holiday Brunch Buffet Extravaganza will be on Christmas Eve from 11 am to 2 pm. Make your reservations early. Adults $34.95 pp, children 6 - 11 are $17.95, and children ages five and are free. • If you're busy wrapping gifts, visiting family and friends, or don't like cooking, order and pick up a complete holiday meal. Pick up will be Fri., Dec. 23 from 12 to 3 pm. Warming instructions included all you need do is set your table. Order early at (951) 769-6654. • Holiday cocktails all month long, ala our Mixologist Extraordinaire Matt. Try his White Christmas Martini or a Cranberry Claus both very refreshing. If you're chilly, try Holiday Winter Coffee or a Hot Toddy. All holiday beverages $7.50. • You'll want to book early for our Annual New Year's Eve Gala ($65 pp). We will celebrate with hats, noisemakers, a fantastic dinner, and luscious dessert to ring in the new year. Some say Happy Holidays, some say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Good Kwanzaa. Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and the Winter Solstice are all this month. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is often represented by a nativity scene. The Norse in Scandinavia celebrated Yule or Winter Solstice. The Yule log is linked to this tradition. Modern times named Santa Claus as the bringer of presents to children who behave. Santa Claus dates back to Saint Nicolas, a saint to Italian and Dutch people who helped the poor and needy. Kwanzaa is a week-long spiritual festival celebrated by African- Americans from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It was created by Maulana Karenga in 1966. Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning "first fruits of the harvest." Each of the seven days is dedicated to one principle, along with lighting a candle. Hanukkah is a Jewish festival celebrated to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It dates back to the 2nd century BC and lasts eight nights. Starting the 25th of Kislev, it falls in November or December on the Gregorian calendar. The eight days of Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil lasting long after its time, and a candle on the menorah is lit each night. However you choose to celebrate this month, know that your neighbors and friends here in SLCC wish you all good things — good health, good friends, good food, and good fun — not just this month, but throughout the year ahead. Until next month, may all the gifts of the season surround you; love, laughter, and peace in your hearts. Be safe and happy living in beautiful Sun Lakes Country Club. ~ Carole Elliott Restaurant & Lounge Advisory Sun Lakes Committee Reports Have you met Erlinda Grant, another of our wonderful stand outs born and raised in Banning? Erlinda was named after her mother's best friend and has spent most of her adult life in Banning except for the nine years she spent in Wasilla, Alaska. She is married and has two children and two granddaughters. She is vivacious, energetic, and loves her work. Erlinda doesn't have much time for hobbies; when she's not here at Sun Lakes, she is taking care of her sister who has a debilitating illness. She also cares for her great nephew and is lovingly known to her family as Tia Lyn (Aunt Lyn). When she does have some free time, she enjoys taking her beautiful granddaughters to Knott's Berry Farm or tries to relax from all that she does for others by winding down watching Lifetime or Hallmark TV shows. She is fun loving and congenial to all our Sun Lakes family. Sun Lakes Standouts: Recognizing Those Who Serve Have you met Jack Kraft? He is one of our beloved stand outs in the Restaurant & Lounge. Jack Erwin Kraft was born and raised in Banning and was named after his two uncles — one his father's brother and one of his mother's brother. Both uncles, Jack and Erwin, were in the Battle of the Bulge; one died in battle the other from complications of the battle. Jack still lives in Banning and has a beautiful 14-year-old daughter. He was caretaker to both of his parents for several years until his father passed and he still cares for his 91-year-old mother. He enjoys taking his mom to Morongo Casino and regularly plays "Timber Wolf," his favorite penny slot machine. Some of his hobbies involve delving into his family genealogy which is predominantly British and German with a smattering of French. Photography is also a passion and Jack keeps his camera nearby in case he happens upon great scenery or an animal, once photographing a stray moose. He is also the editor of a monthly newsletter for the Sacramento Aquarium Society, being an Aquarist (an Aquarium enthusiast). Jack has an old-school mentality and loves providing service to our members and many consider him part of their family. He is definitely part of our SLCC family.