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| THE COLONY NEWS | JULY 2023 | 13 By Valorie Hillerich When Richard Castle went into Kara Hardy's office to buy tickets to an upcoming Colony event, he asked her, as he always does, how she's doing. Kara shared with Richard yet another obstacle with the Memorial Day event, just a week away. She explained that due to the number of tickets purchased and the additional equipment needed at the new venue, it was no longer reasonable to have the event catered. She told Richard that she, the staff, and a few family members had volunteered to do the BBQ for the Memorial Day event. When Richard found out what was going on, his first response was, "Please let me do this for you. I'll handle everything. Take the food off your mind." And Richard went to work. He contacted David Sisson, then Ken Kawamura and Alvie Kracik, then Bruce Dalfonso … and then the crew grew. Volunteers included Mary Castle, Gene Murabito, Randall Jackson, Donna Kennedy, Pat and Linda Kight, Glen Gerber and Randy Meyer. The group got together Sunday, the day before Memorial Day. A plan was put together, stations were assigned, food was purchased, and all came together. Richard's goal was to "step up the quality." The result? Fabulous "Smash Burgers," special-recipe baked beans, potato salad, and all sorts of extras. I think everyone would agree this was one of THE best spreads we've ever had! Another group of volunteers — Ramona Sanchez, Lou Ann Campbell and Betty Oehler — worked together with Kara on Sunday and Monday mornings to decorate the area and set up tables, chairs, and the food/beverage station. Later, they even checked people in, all with a smile! A final group of volunteers — Kara Hardy, Cindy Irving, Dennis Brown, Jesse Morales and Eugene Phillips — worked together to keep the party going. And did you know that Anthony Reynosa even used his DIY skills to build the fabulous stage for the band?! According to everyone I've talked to, this was one of the most terrific events ever! This can absolutely go down as just another example of what makes living in The Colony magical!