Mary Rathman

It’s been a few weeks of extreme cold weather here at Gem Estates, and we certainly know why we come south for the winter. Looking at the streets, highways, stores and restaurants, we know people have figured this out. A bit of cold doesn’t faze a lot of people, because they are still doing the same things they came south for —socializing, playing games, attending parties and, of course, eating with friends and family.

Our recent bus trip with Road Ready Tours was a huge success. Fifty-three people got to see the Mardi Gras parade from the street in front of the Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, even though it was windy and bitter cold. They took advantage of scrounging for the many beads thrown to them, and there were hundreds of them. The streets were lined with people from everywhere in the States as well as foreign countries. The slot machines were kind to a lot of folks, and they brought home more than they left home with.

Here at Gem Estates, activities went on as usual: bingo, shuffleboard, bocce ball, euchre and marbles.

Bonnie Skidmore did an excellent job of bringing entertainment to the park. About 142 people attended, enjoyed Rich Wilson, and found him to be a delightful entertainer. He has a terrific voice and did great imitations of several singers. His rendition of Elvis was so perfect that with your eyes closed, you could almost believe it was Elvis. Thanks Bonnie and your helpers, too.

Richard and Dea-Ann Burgess had daughter Karen and Jeff Kerr visiting from Boston. With all the snow they are having there, they may have been forced to stay in Zephyrhills a bit longer. Bill and Donna Eastman have their son Bob and Carie, plus grandchildren Ella Rose and Wyett visiting, also. It sure keeps Donna hopping to keep up with the little ones. Such fun!

Monday night euchre game winners for the ladies was Diane Reglin, visiting daughter of Floyd and Beverly Becker.

Our Thursday Coffee and Doughnuts Social was well attended, with 132 people taking part in the gathering, Prayers were said for Joyce Plummer, recovering from surgery with hopefully a speedy recovery, also celebrating a birthday. Happy Birthday wishes go out to Joyce Knestaut, John Brogan, Ginnie Zepp, Gerri Shields, Ellie Brookins and Marlin Thomas.

Our president, Al Bennett, reminded everyone about the Pasco County Sheriff’s project “Operation Dark House,” a super program for the snowbirds as they leave their houses here in Zephyrhills to go north.

A member of the Sheriff’s Office will go around the park checking for unlocked windows and doors, and making sure everything is secured, alleviating a lot of worry of things left behind until their return in the fall. Everyone that wants to participate must fill out a new form each year.

About 118 people enjoyed the baked bean supper that Ruth Hudson reported on. Jim Nagle is back again doing the pancake supper and breakfasts and is planning a corned beef and cabbage dinner for March 17.

Carolyn Wagoner promoted the Thomas Promise Pledge of supplying much-needed breakfast and lunch packages for the schoolchildren that are in need of assistance.

By Lee Heffelfinger

Published March 11, 2015