Recommendations and Reviews

A Twilight Dinner to remember at the Bell Tower Community Center
by: Stacy Flier
5/3/2009
Twirling
couple at the Twilight Dinner
Twirling couple at the Twilight Dinner
On April 23, I had the privilege to attend the monthly Twilight Dinner held in the William Lyons Ballroom located at the Bell Tower Community Center.
This event is held every 3rd Thursday of the month from 4:30pm to 6:30pm exclusively for seniors. The night was filled with glamorous women and handsome gents, all dressed beautifully for the occasion. The Twilight Dinner offered a beautiful array of appetizers, with scrumptious chicken Florentine, rice, vegetables, and last but not least, dessert!
The evening included dinner, dancing, socializing and just plain fun. Dean Ratzman, who was the entertainer, is a fabulous musician with a great voice. I loved every minute of it. What really amazed me was how these delightful guests could dance. They were graceful and full of energy.
For seniors, dancing offers mental, physical and social benefits. Dancing discourages illness and even counteracts a decline in ageing.
After my evening at the Twilight Dinner, I have decided to take up ballroom dancing; which is offered at the Bell Tower Center. Now all I have to do is get my husband off the couch!!!

From Heather, Activity Director - Waterford Terrace, Vancouver, WA. A Touchmark Community.

How about 3:30 pm- $200 (He's sooooo worth it!!!)
You may also stay and dine in the dining room for dinner, on us, if you'd like!
So excited to see you both again!!
Heather

From: CAB@Touchmark.com

Subject: RE: "Swingin' With Dean."

Date: May 22, 2008 9:44:25 AM PDT

To: meandean@ratzpack.net

Hi Valli ~

I spoke with Michelle Swantek and she says they really enjoyed having you all there recently! We would be happy to have Dean perform at Touchmark at Coffee Creek on Tuesday, September 30th in the evening ~ either starting at 6:30 or 7:00 if that works with your schedule.

Please let me know. Thanks! :)

Cathy Bird
Life Enrichment/Wellness Director
Touchmark at Coffee Creek
2801 Shortgrass Road
Edmond, OK 73003
(405) 340-1975 Ext. 5916

Subject: RE: Rebooking "Swingin' With Dean" Hits of Great American Artists '40s - '60s

Date: November 6, 2009 3:49:21 PM PST

From: Myra Rubin <mrubin@heritagepointe.org>

To: Dean Ratzman <meandean@ratzpack.net>

yes, I'd like to rebook....the residents loved the program.........for Dean's next visit, I have 4/1 or 5/6, and then 10/21 or 11/11.........please let me know which 2 dates will work best.......thank you very much.......Myra.

Dean and Valli, Thank you both for coming to Atria Bell Court Gardens! The residents very much enjoyed your performance, Dean! Here are the pictures I took of your performance. Safe journey and see you next year, David

Tucson, AZ

From Las Villas de Carlsbad

m: jillyan9802@lasvillasdecarlsbad.com

Subject: Re: Performance '40s Swing on Tour

Date: December 14, 2007 6:26:54 PM PST

To: meandean@ratzpack.net

Hi,

Thank you so much for coming in today. The residents just loved Dean. He is a wonderful entertainer.

We look forward to having you here in 2008.

Thanks

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Jillyan

Subject: RE: Rebooking "Swingin' With Dean" Hits of Great American Artists '40s - '60s

Date: January 6, 2009 3:34:31 PM PST

From: Terry.Wallace@rshaz.com

To: meandean@ratzpack.net

I had many compliments about the performance and we would love to have you back. I would like to have a time in November Maybe the third week. Please let me know some free dates you have.

Look forward to hearing from you. J

Terry Wallace

Grandview Terrace

Director of Special Events

623-975-8020

From: Croxton, Trudy
Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 2:47 PM
To: Joiner, Jan
Subject: RE:

Dean Ratzman “Swingin’ with Dean” was a very popular program. The residents loved him. I had him play on my day off, but he received high praise from staff as well as residents. I rebooked him for 2010.

Trudy Croxton

Wellness Director

croxton@kiscosl.com

Oakmont Gardens

Santa Rosa, CA

Concert to feature hits of 1940s-60s

The sounds of Cole Porter, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Elvis Presley will echo through the Lake Elsinore Senior Center on Oct. 21 at a concert dubbed Swingin' with Dean: Hits of the Great American Artists, '40s-'60s.

The concert will feature performer Dean Ratzman, who sings and plays the trombone, piano and trumpet.

The event is free, but tickets are required. They can be picked at the senior center, 420 E. Lakeshore Drive.

The concert starts at 12:15 p.m.

Information: 951-674-2526.

--Gene Ghiotto

gghiotto@PE.com

From: cascadesactivities@yahoo.com

Subject: Cascades of Tucson

Date: February 6, 2008 12:18:03 PM PST

To: meandean@ratzpack.net

Residents are still talking about last nights performance! We all look forward to seeing you next year! Ann

Subject: Re: Performance

Date: September 26, 2008 6:15:31 PM CDT

From: sfaulkner@holidayhealthcare.com

To: meandean@ratzpack.net

Hello! Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed having you two at

the Village! Dean's performance was awesome. If you are ever in the area

again, keep us in mind! Stay safe and happy!

P.S. Thanks for what you are doing for others!

Blessings!

Shelley

Evansville, IN

Subject: RE: "Swingin' With Dean" Hits of Great American Artists. '40s - '60s

Date: November 20, 2008 1:26:01 PM PST

From: afundingsland@heritagehighlands.com

To: meandean@ratzpack.net

I love the sounds of Dean. The residents greatly enjoyed him, also. Thank you for a wonderful performance.

Aileen Fundingsland

Activities Director

520-579-9574

Heritage Highlands 55 + Comm

Marana, AZ

October 2, 2006

Maureen McDonald
Dupuis Restaurant
256861 Highway 101 East
Port Angeles, WA 98362

To Whom it May Concern,

I am writing this letter of recommendation for Dean Ratzman. Dean played his solo act at Dupuis Restaurant for two years. Dean has done an outstanding job at our place, and has always been extremely dependable. He played holidays, weekends, and special events whenever asked. He helped build our business tremendously.

Dean's manner is always professional towards guests as well as fellow employees. His appearance also is very personable and professional. He plays music appropriate for all range of ages, such as swing tunes from the 30's and 40's, up to rock and roll and jazz standards.

Dean will be a wonderful asset for any company he plays for. I was truly saddened to hear that he was moving to San Diego, and have not found a replacement that has all his qualities. There will always be an opening at our establishment for him to return.

Maureen McDonald