Conservatory at Alden Bridge celebrates Mardi Gras with Dixieland band

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Way down yonder in New Orleans. Wait a minute, this is The Woodlands. One would think it was the French Quarters with the colonial pillars, black wrought-iron stair railing, and gold Baroque picture frames, but the Conservatory at Alden Bridge in The Woodlands, is the closest thing you’ll get to the French Quarters during Mardi Gras, especially when you add a Dixieland band on “Fat Tuesday.”

For the entertainment of the residents at the Conservatory, a trio from the Gary Dossett Orchestra was accompanied by Jim Connors on piano, and 90-year old Woodlands resident, Eric Simmons on trombone, who hails from New Orleans. The other three included Sam Brooks, 85, on the ‘doghouse’ bass, Stan Schecter, 75, playing the tenor sax and the ‘licorice stick’ (clarinet), and the leader of the band, Gary Dossett (76) on the drums.

The band had the residents on their feet dancing for a couple of hours with a wide repertoire of music, surprisingly since the dust just settled from the Valentine’s Day party. For you entertainment, a brief snippet of the music is provided in the video link posted.

“We always have a great turnout for the parties we plan,” said Dani Blanco-Rais, the Director of Recreation and Events.

No doubt. In addition to the usual Mardi Gras favors...masks and beads, an appetizer buffet which included hush puppies and crawfish dip among other things, and wine were served.

A country club without the golf course, the elegant colonial-style Conservatory features gourmet meals, concierge services, weekly housekeeping,even a complimentary transportation, and even welcomes beloved pets. Onsite amenities include a heated swimming pool and spa, senior equipped fitness and wellness center, an in-house movie theater, library, and even a beauty salon and barber shop. Not to mention that there’s always something fun going on!

“The first part of the year is especially busy. We’ve had a New Year’s Eve party, then there was Valentine’s Day last week and Mardi Gras today,” said Blanco-Rais. “Next week we’ll have a western-themed party for ‘Go Texan’ Day, with country and western music. Everyone can wear their flannels.”

Active senior living is ingrained in the culture of the Conservatory. Their calendar is filled with entertainment and a wide variety of educational presentations. An arts and crafts studio, and game rooms, fill in any gaps.

The Conservatory is managed and operated by Discovery Senior Living, developers and operators of numerous award-winning senior-living communities in Texas, Alabama, and Florida, for over a quarter of a century. For more information about the Conservatory call 281-681-3102 or view their website at the link provided.