PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Members of the Parma Heights Senior Center recently took their second mystery trip.
This time the fun included a visit to Amish country’s Der Dutchman restaurant and gift shop followed by a stop at Grandpa’s Cheese Barn & Sweeties Jumbo Chocolates.
“A mystery trip added an element of excitement and created lots of guessing, thinking and anticipation for our participants,” Parma Heights Senior Center Senior Center Director Trish James said.
“It took everything out of the routine. Because we got such a positive response, we knew this trip had to be larger -- more people would want to go.”
Weeks ago, 36 seniors, three drivers and three staff employees enjoyed a delicious Der Dutchman meal followed by a visit to Grandpa’s Cheese Barn & Sweeties Jumbo Chocolates.
“At this age, there are not a lot of mysteries in our lives anymore,” said Parma Heights senior Karen Kelsie, 69. “We all tried to get the driver to tell us where we were going and we all were throwing out guesses.
“We felt like a cohesive group and we all enjoyed the camaraderie. I can’t wait for the next one.”
James said she conceived the idea of a mystery trip this spring with the first soiree being an overall positive experience.
“We tried it first with only one bus and 14 seniors in May to see what the response would be.” She said. “We told them only to bring some money and we would take care of the rest. Our first stop was Lake View Cemetery to see the daffodil hill and have a tour of the monuments and special sights.
“When the driver pulled into the cemetery, the seniors had a big laugh and said, ‘Is this why Trish wanted us to bring money? Is she telling us to buy our plots.’ After the cemetery, our second stop was to Mama Santa restaurant in Little Italy. The trip was a success and we were bombarded with requests to do another Mystery trip.”
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