Chautauqua residents have some summer fun

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Tennis was the name of the game this time around.

Next week it’s off to the Floyd County Fair, then some pin action at Comet Bowl is also on the schedule.

Chautauqua residents have been keeping busy lately and enjoying some fun summer activities.

On Friday morning, around 16 residents of Chautauqua Guest Homes from both locations in town took part in some tennis at Sportsman’s Park in Charles City. After they grabbed their rackets for some serve and volley, everyone was able to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Temperatures were reaching into the mid-80s by late morning, so everyone involved made sure to find some cooler confines later in the day.

“We wanted to beat the heat,” said Dara Mahlstedt, Chautauqua activities director at the 9th Street center. “We like to get everybody out into the community as much as we can.”

This was the first time residents have played tennis. Just last month, residents from Chautauqua, along with Riverside, got in some golf at Cedar Ridge Golf Course.

“This is a new outing for all of us,” said Katie Ketelsen, activities director at the 11th Street Chautauqua. “I just wanted to do a little something different.”

Ketelsen said Chautauqua is planning on attending the Floyd County Fair next week. They’ll play some bingo  at the fairgrounds Thursday afternoon and then they’ll watch the new Bengal Tiger Encounter on Friday. In August, residents will try to knock down some pins on the lanes at Comet Bowl.