2022 Trips
All trips leave from Solon Rec Park. Call 319-430-8655 for reservations
Wednesday, Dec. 28 – Circa 21 Dinner Theater, Rock Island, “White Christmas,” TBA
Restaurants – Thursday, Nov. 10, Maribito’s in North Liberty. 319-430-8655 for reservations, 5:00 p.m., personal cars.
The Solon Senior Advocates have made monthly trips to area restaurants since 2016.
Starting in 2016 we have visited a total of 45 restaurants, some several times but in all, 35 different restaurant excursions.
Thursday, October 20, we journeyed to Breitbach’s Family Restaurant in Balltown, making several stops along the way. We toured the National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville depicting the changes that farming has made plus the history of tractors in over two floors of exhibits of farm brands and detailed farm scenes. Next, the Dyersville Plaza Antique Mall in an old movie theater showcased a wide variety of exhibits, many featuring Christmas décor on two floors. We next traveled to view Guttenberg’s Lock and Dam #10 on the Mississippi River where low river levels are hindering barge travel.
Arriving at Breitbach’s Restaurant we were shown our reserved table for 21 at 1:30 pm after a short wait as the restaurant was filled with lines of waiting groups who had not made reservations. Breitbach’s is a six-generation family-owned restaurant established in 1862 having burned and been restored in 2007 and 2008. The buffet has numerous dishes, some German ethnic foods but a feature is the extraordinary pies.
Art Tellin, writes quips about our many restaurant journeys and submitted this below:
“21 Solon area seniors traveled via WINDSTAR bus to this great old restaurant in the little town of Balltown, high above the Mississippi River valley where one can see 3 states from the observation areas. The restaurant is located on a high hill, with a very steep 100 ft. long drive up to the parking lot. The WINDSTAR bus stopped on the way up, to let us off the bus, and after the visit, stopped again, this time heading downhill. This bus had very good brakes as we managed both with no trouble. Once inside, we were seated, served beverages, and invited to the HUGE buffet to fill our plates.
Oh, what luscious morsels they serve. We chose small dishes for our lettuce salads, Chicken noodle soup and Cole slaw and pickled-beet relishes, and a dinner plate to fill with the most delicious main courses. Their fried chicken, so moist and tender, the ham so delicious, the small, breaded shrimp so tasty, along with mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, corn and carrots. And for dessert, we got to choose from 7 varieties of pie, various fruits and even a walnut pie. Of course, everything, including their pies, is made in their kitchen. As you can see, one of the best buffets ever, all this for only $14.95, which does not include your drink, but the really good coffee is only $2. Of course, some of us had a drink from their bar. One caution, it is advisable to make reservations in advance, as this place has a great reputation and attracts hundreds of customers every Thursday, Friday, AND Saturday. They are closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Our server was young Mike Breitbach, the son of the owner, a real pro, and so quick, managing to satisfy everyone. What can I say, this has been one of our most popular trips in past years, and this time, it satisfied AGAIN. I have to give this place my top rating of 5.”
Movie and a Meal (M&M)
Friday, Nov. 18 – “Dream Horse,” Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
True story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely racehorse bred by smalltown Welsh bartender Jan Vokes, who with little money and no experiences, convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to raise Dream and compete against the racing elites; and becoming a beacon of hope in their struggling community as he rises through the ranks.
Starring Toni Collette and Damian Lewis
Pantry Emergency Assistance Fund
The Solon Pantry’s Emergency Assistance Fund has fulfilled our purpose in providing help for family financial emergencies brought on by the COVID pandemic since January 2021 to date. We are discontinuing our program as requests no longer subscribe to specific COVID financial issues.
Hopefully, we were able to see folks through some difficult times. Further requests for financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other limited means may be made to Johnson County General Assistance, 855 S. Dubuque St, Suite 202B, Iowa City, or call 319-356-6090.
We are grateful to the many who have provided monetary support to our Emergency Assistance Fund.
Community Center Planning Committee
A group of interested persons have been attending meetings to discuss future plans to establish a new Community Center in Solon. An article in the Solon Economist Thursday, Sept. 1 brought to light that the current Community Center in the old middle school has many issues that do not lend itself to the needs of this fast-growing community. It is envisioned that the center would provide activities for all age groups including our senior community.
Solon Senior Transport
Please call Cindy Jensen at 319-360-3279 to request an enrollment form, information, and a detailed brochure to access transport to medical appointments.
Senior Advocates:
Art Tellin 319-626-2816 Barry Byrne 319-354-8757 Larry Brecht 319-624-2925
John Lamantia 319-621-6887 Larry Meister 319-624-2516 Ivan Hasselbusch 319-670-9105
Jill Weetman 319-330-8961 Don Burch 319-624-4054 Phyllis Fiala 319-331-7447
Sandy Hanson 319-430-8655 Cindy Jensen 319-360-3279