Our Sun RV Resort Appreciation Day Picnic was March 7 and was enjoyed by all who attended. It was a beautiful day of games and prizes, food, drink and music.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick and Dale Sanders)
Afterward, many people went to Skydive City to watch our own Judy McGuire jump for her 60th birthday. She had been scheduled to jump several times in the days before, but the weather wasn’t cooperating.
This day, despite low cloud coverage, she was determined to meet her “bucket list” wish, and she did. She was all smiles before and after, and said it was an amazing experience.
Many people were present, and a more experienced jumper, from two years ago, Cheryl Kidd, congratulated Judy. Cheryl jumped for her 70th birthday “bucket list” as well. Have we started something here?
The ninth annual Twisted Stitchers’ Quilt Show and Tea was March 8, and it was enjoyed by a roomful of people, mostly ladies. Gifts and cookies were donated by members.
Vivian Ryburn, the group’s founder, still quilts and keeps in touch from her home in Kansas, but she isn’t able to come to Florida anymore.
Participants particularly enjoyed being able to pick out their own gifts from the table this year.
Linda Cavanaugh won the raffle quilt made this season by group members.
The proceeds from the raffle helps buy material and supplies for next year’s group project. Many categories and prizes were awarded, all judged by the attendees this year.
Our Ice Cream Social on March 12 also included Bluegrass Gospel music, with Catherine and Fred Lawrence, “Gator Creek,” and friends.
Catherine highlighted appreciation for Ron Jenkins, bass player, for his last and 14th season playing with them in Sweetwater.
Ron actually met Catherine and Fred in Nova Scotia, Canada, at a festival, and they kept running into him afterwards. Finally, he suggested they bring their RV down to Sweetwater, and they have been coming here every season since. He actually had two bookings waiting for them when they arrived that first year, and it’s never stopped.
Ron and his wife, Rita, have now sold their place in Sweetwater and have returned home. Rita will also be missed, especially for her comedy in the pool and on the stage. Ron has also enjoyed accompanying, with bass, for Don on fiddle and Wayne on guitar.
A St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Lunch on March 17 was held at Settlers’ Rest. Next year will be Sweetwater’s turn to host again.
Doris Steele has been involved as chair/co-chair/adviser of this parade for five or six years, and she has wintered in Sweetwater for over 20 years now. Her main focus is for everyone to have lots of fun!
Again, this year, the group with Doris in it won Best of Show for their “Hillbilly Shotgun Wedding.” The group included the pregnant bride, kilted groom, pastor, parents and wedding party.
When they arrived at the judge’s table, they had a whole routine ready for them, in order to get the idea of what they were all about. I guess it worked!
Our own Cinda McCormick, one of two volunteer park photographers, won first prize for “single bikes.” Many other awards were given out to people in different categories at the lunch banquet.
Gladys Sanfason, 96 years old, sat on her walker watching the parade, with friends (old and new) around her. Gladys will be 97 years on July 4, and she had her home moved to Sweetwater 11 years ago, from another park.
She is able to stay nine months now, since there is always family and friends around to help her. She does fly back and forth to Maine for three months of the year.
Gladys was born in England, and her family, including her sister who is now 99 years old, moved to Massachusetts when she was 6 years old.
Gladys keeps very active and feels that’s a good reason why she’s doing so well.
She plays poker and Mexican train twice a week, swims and plays bingo once a week.
She attends any socials and music entertainment/jams that interest her, and she still taps her feet when some of the familiar line-dancing songs come on. She remembers all the steps! Gladys facilitated line-dancing classes at Sweetwater shortly after she arrived.
By Judy Pearce
Sweetwater RV Resort
Published April 5, 2017
