June 24, 2004

Fun in the sun

Le Mirador residents spend day at Almaden Lake Park

By Jeanne C. Lewis
Staff Writer

On a perfect California day, the kind that travel books seduce readers with, Le Mirador Senior Apartments hosted their second annual Family Picnic at tranquil Almaden Lake Park.

Marjorie Stiles orchestrated the event for the multi-generational group with her motto being “the more the merrier” to the group of over 100 seniors and their invited family members. Hamburgers sizzled on the grill by Chef Paul Knott, who usually is in charge of maintenance at the senior apartments with the expertise of his wife Pat. Stiles’ significant other, Richard De Los Reyes, manned the corn on the barbecue. And Stiles made sure the attendees had their hamburgers with all the trimmings, cola and cookies.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day,” Stiles said as she passed out the cheeseburgers.

The Le Mirador family picnic is just one of the activities the complex oversees for their seniors. Resident activities, shuttle bus trips, a community room with media center and a computer workstation with Internet access are just some of the other activities the management company offers. Almaden Lake Park is across the street and there are many hiking trails near the apartments.

Lucy and Armand Cote, married 57 years, have called Le Mirador home since its opening five years ago and are very pleased with living there.

“We used to live in Almaden, but then moved to a mobile home on the east side,” Armand said over his picnic fare. “Our son still lives here and so this is perfect for us now.”

“It was like camping out in an RV,” Lucy said laughing about their previous abode.
Eating lunch with the Cotes were Le Mirador resident Albert Linsley, his son Chuck and grandchildren, 9-year-old Sarah and 7-year-old Daniel,.

“We’re here visiting grandpa!” Daniel Linsley said running up to his family group.

From table to table, multi-generations sat and laughed under the warm breeze shaded by trees overlooking the lake. Little league players had batting practice with their proud fathers. Others took nature walks on the trails. The children were fascinated by the Canadian geese flocked at the water’s edge. The horseshoe pit was never empty.

One group of women played a serious game of bingo while their husbands, a football field away across the park, amused themselves with dominoes and stories of another time.

“This is my first year here,” Star Baker said sitting next to her husband Frank. “They do so many extra things for us. You should see the potlucks we have; so many different foods from other cultures. My two foster children are here, too. It’s nice to have family day.”

For more information on Le Mirador Senior Apartments contact Marjorie Stiles, community manager, 1191 Coleman Road, San Jose or call (408) 268-9310.

—Photo by Jeanne C. Lewis