Mama Mia, what a party!

Val Glanvill, Sister Gwen Coutinho and Aletha de Klerk.

The staff and residents at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre, particularly those on the Woodlands wing, were excited for weeks as they planned and prepared for an

Italian-themed Happy Hour for the entire care centre on November 15.

The dining room venue was gaily decorated in green, white and red (the colours of the Italian flag) and guests were invited to wear the same colours, which were very bright and colourful. Each table was decorated with a tin centrepiece which was filled with a paper flower fan with a cheerful, moustached Italian chef in its centre holding a big pizza, the Italian flag, red and green flowers and some raw spaghetti!

These unique creations were made by the residents and staff in the OT Activity Centre.  On the menu were home-made pizza, sausage rolls, themed cupcakes (also made by the residents and staff) and Sangria, light white wine or non-alcoholic punch.

The residents were divided into five teams: Teams Spaghetti, Macaroni, Ravioli, Cannelloni and Lasagne and participated in a memory and colouring-in challenge.

The quickest team to complete the challenge correctly won the prize. Team Lasagne took the honours! The best dressed female resident prize was awarded to Sylvia Dale from Woodlands; the best dressed male resident was Enzo Merolla from River Lodge 1 and the best dressed staff person was Hilda Mabaso – housekeeping supervisor.

The highlight of the evening, however, was the musical skit performed by some of the care centre staff. They acted out the lyrics to a piece of music entitled, “Home to Mama” which is an upbeat light-hearted song about a handsome young Italian man who travels the world, searching for a wife. Along the way, he encounters a Spanish girl (full of fire!), a French girl (ooh-la-la!), an English girl (pretty but shy) and Lorna from California (really wild!). There’s a problem, however, he simply can’t decide whom to marry – they are all beautiful. What should he do? He comes up with a brilliant solution. He will take them home to his Italian Mama and let her choose his bride.

The staff gave a lively, hilarious performance which had the audience laughing, singing, clapping and cheering. Mama Mia, what a happy, joyful time was had by all!

The colourful table decor.

The cast from the musical skit, “Home to Mama”.  Left to right: Iketeleng Kunyane, Pamela Martins, Hilda Mabaso, Lily Mathebula, Francina Mahlo and Joyce Mabowa.

Debbie Christen (manager recreational programmes) introducing the Spanish Girl (Lily Mathebula).

Staff and residents from Woodlands (aka Team Ravioli and the evening’s hosts) with the cast from the musical skit, “Home to Mama”.

What creative centrepieces!

The preparation was as much fun as the day itself!

The colourfully decorated venue.

Seen encouraging resident Ann Brokensha from Team Spaghetti, in the Memory and Colouring-in Challenge are: Noma Mavelu, Adolphina  Magwete and Iketeleng Kunyane.

Lindiwe Matsemela assists Patricia Graham with the challenge, whilst captain of Team Macaroni, Ria van der Westhuizen, looks on.

 Everyone applauds as Enzo Merolla takes the prize for the best dressed gentleman.

Hilda Mabaso wins the prize for best dressed staff member. 

Winning the prize for the best dressed lady is Patricia Dale.

Violet Moyo and Ronald Merton.

Olimpia D’ Ascenzo and James Taylor.