A taste of Greece at The Fountains

MILLBROOK — Residents of The Fountains, a Watermark Retirement Community, were transported to Greece on Friday, June 13, during an authentic cooking demonstration on the patio that filled the air with Mediterranean aromas and a relaxed, resort-style ambiance.

Leland Sommer, a member of the maintenance and grounds crew, poses with resident Janet Robinson.Photo by Aly Morrissey

The event was part of the ongoing educational and social enrichment series known as Watermark University. This installment, titled Taste of Greece, was led by staff members Irene Brooker and Katina Catron, both proudly Greek and bonded by a shared love of traditional family recipes passed down from their grandmothers.

The afternoon menu featured grilled shrimp, chicken, beef and lamb, alongside classic Greek side dishes like orzo salad. Manning the grill was Paul Stubing, The Fountains’ food service director and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

Fountains resident Joe Bonanno with his authentic Panama Jack hat and his wife, Diane, enjoying a greek meal following the demonstration on Friday, June 13.Photo by Aly Morrissey

The event drew a crowd far larger than anticipated. “We planned for 25 residents, but they just barreled through,” laughed Lisa Rieckermann, community life director at The Fountains, noting that this is one of the most popular programs they offer.

As community life director, Rieckermann ensures a wide variety of stimulating programs are available. “This was a wonderful cultural experience for our residents,” she said. “Many of whom have traveled to Greece, so this brought back great memories.”