Unit 9: Description of a person 

Matthew Soltis, my father, 57 years old, repairing an old wooden fence at the back of our family home.

Matthew Soltis, with his kind, hazel eyes, peered over the rim of his glasses, examining the old wooden fence that had guarded our family home for decades. Standing just under six feet tall, his slightly stoic and composed demeanor contrasted vividly with the worn-out tools he meticulously laid out beside him. Dressed in a cotton t-shirt that had seen better days and his staple pair of slightly faded jeans, marked by the circular imprint of his chew container, he looked every bit the part of a man who values substance over style. His salt and pepper beard, scruffy and untrimmed, moved slightly as he muttered instructions to himself, the quiet punctuated only by the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

The backyard, a sprawling canvas of green, seemed to watch in silent reverence as John worked. The fence, weathered and weary, stood testament to the many years it had witnessed, much like the lines that gently framed John’s eyes. In these moments of repair, there was a palpable sense of peace, a stillness that enveloped father and son alike.

Breaking the silence, I ventured, “Dad, what do you enjoy most about fixing things around the house?” He paused, considering the question with the same careful attention he afforded his work. “It’s not just about fixing things, you know. It’s about preserving memories, keeping the essence of our past intact for the future. Each creak of these floorboards, every mark on this old fence, tells a story. And in maintaining them, I feel connected to those stories, to the history they represent,” he replied, his voice imbued with a wisdom and warmth that resonated deeply.

His words, a reflection of his intelligence and humbleness, offered a glimpse into the soul of a man who finds profound joy in the simple acts of preservation and care, a man whose life lessons are imparted not through grand gestures but through the love and dedication he pours into every task, no matter how small.

Unit 12: Recipes for Readers

Chili Cheese Dip

This recipe combines chili, cream cheese, and cheddar in a crockpot, cooked until creamy and served with baguette slices and tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

2 cans of chili

16oz cream cheese

1 cup cheddar

1 sliced baguette

Tortilla chips

Directions:

• Dump 2 cans of chili, 16 oz of cream cheese, and 1 cup cheddar into crockpot.
• Put top of crockpot on, and let cook on HIGH for 1 hour, or LOW for 2 hours.
• Take top off and stir chili mixture with spoon or spatula. 
• Serve in a bowl with your choice of sides, 1 sliced baguette and tortilla chips are recommended. 

Teriyaki Meatballs

This recipe prepares teriyaki meatballs by slow-cooking frozen meatballs with teriyaki sauce and pineapple juice in a crockpot, served with toothpicks for easy enjoyment.

Ingredients:

30 frozen meatballs

½ cup teriyaki sauce

1 ½ cups pineapple juice

Directions:

• Dump 30 frozen meatballs, ½ cup teriyaki sauce, and 1 ½ cups pineapple juice into crockpot.
• Put top of crockpot on, and let cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or LOW for 8 hours.
• Take top off and stir meatball mixture with spoon or spatula. 
• Scoop meatballs into separate bowl and serve with toothpicks. 

Pulled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

This recipe prepares teriyaki meatballs by slow-cooking frozen meatballs with teriyaki sauce and pineapple juice in a crockpot, served with toothpicks for easy enjoyment.

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken thighs

1 packet of ranch seasoning

1 ½ cups hot sauce

1 sliced baguette

Tortilla chips

Directions:

• Dump 2 lbs chicken thighs into crockpot.
• Sprinkle 1 packet of ranch seasoning into crockpot, covering the chicken. 
• Put top of crockpot on, and let cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or LOW for 8 hours.
• Take top off and stir meatball mixture with spoon or spatula. 
• Scoop meatballs into separate bowl and serve with toothpicks. 

Unit 14: Memo writing 

Subject: Venue Comparison and Recommendation for Annual Gothic Halloween Costume Party

To: Cassandra Peterson 

From: Elizabeth Soltis 

Date: 04/24/2024 

Subject: Recommendation for Annual Gothic Halloween Costume Party Venue

Dear Ms. Peterson,

I have completed the evaluation of three potential venues for our company’s Annual Gothic Halloween Costume Party. After considering the total costs, food options, and locations of each venue, I recommend choosing Sunrise Oasis for this year’s event. Below, I detail my findings and rationale for this recommendation.

1. Wilshire Manor Banquet Hall

Cost for 300 guests on Halloween night: $18,000 (Venue) + $13,500 (Catering) + $400 (Bartender) = $31,900. While Wilshire Manor offers the advantage of proximity to our office and free parking, the reviews highlight concerns about the venue’s upkeep and customer service. A customer noted, “Probably one of the best places I’ve been to for a wedding reception… the food was nice,” which speaks well of their catering. However, the overall quality and ambiance may not fully align with the high standards we wish to uphold for our clients.

• Sunrise Oasis

Cost for 300 guests on Halloween night: $11,000 (Venue) + $21,000 (Catering) + $600 (Bartender) = $32,600. Sunrise Oasis stands out with exceptional reviews, a prime location near Country Club Plaza, and superb food quality, including a praised dessert bar. Although parking comes at an additional cost to attendees, the overall experience promises to impress our clients significantly. As one review puts it, “The staff was beyond nice and everything was perfect… the food was fantastic, especially the sweet treats!” This venue provides an atmosphere that could significantly enhance our guests’ experience and reinforce positive client relationships.

• Mahogany Executive Center

Cost for 300 guests on Halloween night: $11,000 (Venue) + $16,500 (Catering) + $4,800 (Dessert) + $500 (Bartender) = $32,800.  Located in the vibrant KC Power & Light district, Mahogany Executive Center offers a luxurious setting with excellent food. However, the high cost of valet parking and limited parking availability could pose an inconvenience to our guests. Furthermore, reviews indicate potential dissatisfaction with special dietary accommodations, which might affect our client’s comfort.

In summary, Sunrise Oasis offers the best combination of ambiance, food quality, and location, even though its cost is slightly higher than Wilshire Manor but comparable to Mahogany Executive Center. The additional expense is justified by the superior overall experience, crucial for making a lasting impression on our clients.

Thank you for entrusting me with this task. I look forward to your thoughts on proceeding with the booking at Sunrise Oasis.

Best Regards,

Elizabeth Soltis

Communications and Promotions Department