Open Mic

Spring, Texas, JUNE 20, 2011: Residents of The Village at Gleannloch Farms recently stepped out of 2011 and into the 1942 film classic “Casablanca” as part of a Friday night social called “As Time Goes By . . .  A Night in Casablanca.”  They were transported into a re-creation of Rick’s Café Americain—the swank Moroccan restaurant operated by Humphrey Bogart, who as the main character, Rick, must choose honor over ego in pursuit of his love interest, Ilsa—famously portrayed by Ingrid Bergman.  The WWII-era atmosphere came alive with authentic signage, table settings, décor, and dancing to live 40s music in tuxes, white dinner jackets and evening gowns.

“Residents said it was the best party they’ve ever had,” said Catherine Anderson, community outreach liaison and organizer of the event. “The band took requests from the guests, and the dance floor was generally packed with couples—all evening long.”

Nearly 80 residents and friends mixed and mingled while “Casablanca” played silently on a big screen. Complimentary photographs—taken in a special studio with period costumes—were framed and given as party favors, along with fake cigarettes that “lit up.” Champagne cocktails and desserts were served, adding to the night’s elegance.

The movie mystique followed residents even when they stepped out of Rick’s Café Americain, where they immediately encountered an authentic recreation of a Moroccan bazaar, complete with spice table, linen table and other wares. Traditional Moroccan music played in a hallway decorated as a street scene from the movie.

On the other side of Rick’s was a dessert table, decorated with the film characters’ memories of Paris. Ilsa’s note to Rick that she couldn’t come with him was displayed there, along with images of Paris. Notes with famous lines from the movie were placed about on the tables. Young volunteers from a local high school helped serve the desserts, and they also enjoyed learning about a different era in a faraway place.

Sponsored and owned by Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc., The Village at Gleannloch Farms is a not-for-profit community offering 123 independent living apartments and cottages for active adults aged 62 and above. In addition, the community offers a continuum of care including 30 assisted living apartments, 18 memory support residences, and 35 private skilled nursing suites.

Traditionally, some older master-planned developments have offered housing options such as patio homes or assisted living facilities to extend their multi-generational appeal. However, the latest trend is to take the concept a step further and include a community that offers a full continuum of care – an option that, until now, was non-existent in Houston.

Located at Champion Forest Drive and Northpointe Boulevard, the community is situated on 25 acres and is designed to resemble the property’s original architecture. Architect of the project, three architecture of Dallas, incorporated native Gleannloch Farms stone and wood overhangs, balconies, trellises and fences to promote a “countryside residence” exterior. The community’s interior, designed by Faulkner Design Group of Dallas, features arts-and-crafts period influences using wood paneling, stained glass and wood-beamed ceilings.

The community adds to the already extensive variety of residential housing options available in Gleannloch Farms. Other Gleannloch Farms amenities include a lakeside aquatic and athletic complex, equestrian center, championship golf course, hiking and biking trails, and highly acclaimed schools.

In addition to a full range of health care options, The Village at Gleannloch Farms offers a variety of resort-style amenities including landscaped courtyards, multiple dining venues, and common areas totaling over 148,000 square-feet. The common area spaces include a 100-seat chapel, library and business center, creative arts studio, full-service beauty salon and barbershop, heated outdoor saltwater pool and fitness center.

For information about The Village at Gleannloch Farms please visit the community web site at www.villageatgleannlochfarms.com, or call (877) 312-2140.

Photo by Diane Grey