The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Parks

Lighting the way at Christmas

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One warm night, I walked around our resort and took many pictures of all the Christmas decorated homes. This year we had many homes that were decorated. It would be hard to pick a winner this year. It really looked like Christmas!

Harry Hersey and his helpers cooked up a festive ham for Christmas dinner. (Courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Harry Hersey and his helpers cooked up a festive ham for Christmas dinner.
(Courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

We had our annual Evie’s Christmas Tea and Nancy Newton and her committee did a great job of entertaining the ladies at our resort. The ladies wore hats to the tea, and there were some beautiful ones and some unusual ones. Tea and cookies were served.

Rosie Meyers was in charge of the entertainment, and she presented the six great men’s aquatic swim team that had us all laughing with their antics.

Another act was a group of senior ladies from a nursing home who performed their dance moves. They called themselves the Fast and Furious dancing girls.

We also collected money for the cancer society and items for the pregnancy center. Thank you, Nancy Newton and Rosie Meyers, for a great day.

Luminaries were placed at each home to be lit on Christmas Eve. Rich Abbott and his helpers completed this annual event. Looking up and down the streets when the luminaries were lit was a sight to behold.  Thank you, Rich.

Residents started arriving for our Christmas Eve service between the rain showers. I think the rain kept many away from attending the service.

The service celebrating the birth of Jesus was beautifully presented by Jeannie and Mick Liggett, who portrayed Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus laying in a manger. The beautiful voices of Laureen Hutt and Linda Swinaker playing their guitars led us all in the carols that we sang between Pastor Jim Austin reading of the savior’s birth. We closed the service singing “Silent Night.”

A big thank you too who helped to put on our Christmas Eve service.

The tables were very festive, decorated with snowmen, flowers, candles and other Christmas decorations, for our Christmas dinner. Most tables had 12 to 14 persons, and this seems like our Christmas with friends since we are away from our family for Christmas. Our association provided the ham and each person brought a covered dish to share for the table that they were sitting. A big thank you to Harry Hersey and his committee for preparing the delicious ham.

We tried to go Christmas caroling on Christmas Eve, but the weather didn’t cooperate, so we decided to do it on Christmas night. With Santa hats and songbooks in hand, we traveled up and down the streets sitting on the back of the trailer pulled by the company truck driven by Delmar Baker.

We sang Christmas carols and wished all those along the streets a Merry Christmas. A thank you to Sandy Gilbert-Abel for organizing this event.

Rainbow Village residents were very generous this season for Toys For Tots. We purchased 18 bikes and helmets to present to them. We also had lots of toys for the children in Zephyrhills. So many needy children in Zephyrhills were blessed with these many gifts.

This is what the Christmas season is about, blessing others that are in need. The real reason is the birthday of our Lord.

Now that the year is coming to an end and a new year will begin, we wish you all a blessed Happy New Year.

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel

Published January 7, 2015

Seasonal residents find plenty to like about life in Zephyrhills

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Motorists cruising through Zephyrhills along State Road 54 or U.S. 301 may not realize what a mecca the city is for residents wanting to escape winter’s chill.

If those passing through took a closer look, however, they’d observe the myriad mobile home parks dotting the community.

Thousands of seasonal residents flock to Zephyrhills every winter to escape bone-chilling weather in northern locales. Betmar Acres, the city’s largest mobile home park, has been housing winter residents for decades. (Fred Bellet/Photo)
Thousands of seasonal residents flock to Zephyrhills every winter to escape bone-chilling weather in northern locales. Betmar Acres, the city’s largest mobile home park, has been housing winter residents for decades.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)

There’s Betmar Acres, at 37145 Lakewood Drive, which founder M.H. Meengs and his partner, George Sprinkle named by combining their wives’ first names — Betty and Mary.

There’s Winters Mobile Home Park, Inc., 38022 Winter Drive, operated for generations by the Winters’ family since the 1950s.

Grand Horizons, Gem Estates Mobile Home Village, Southport Springs, Baker Acres, Valleydale and Palm Tree Acres are among the other parks that are home to the thousands of seasonal and permanent residents dwelling in Zephyrhills.

These communities are more than mere collections of manufactured homes.

Residents talk about the sense of community that develops from mingling at potluck suppers, going to square dances, playing card games and shuffleboard, and taking part in other special activities.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce office, at 38550 Fifth Ave., is often the first place that new seasonal residents visit when they arrive in town, said Vonnie Mikkelsen, the chamber’s executive director.

“They’ll come in for a map, and they’ll leave with a handful of information,” Mikkelsen said.

Those who haven’t been to the chamber before often are surprised by the friendly reception they receive, Mikkelsen said. Many don’t realize that Zephyrhills has a history of welcoming newcomers — one that dates back to the city’s earliest days.

Capt. Howard B. Jeffries purchased land in December 1909 in Zephyrhills to initiate a colony for Civil War veterans, according to a book authored by local historian, Madonna Jervis Wise.

He attracted people from all over the country to live in the city known for its sparkling water and gentle winds.

“He had visited, at that time, every state in the union. He had recruited people from every place. Even Alaska,” Wise said.

The early seasonal visitors, dating back as far as the 1910s, were known as Tin Can Tourists, according to an excerpt from Wise’s book, “Images of America: Zephyrhills.”

The development of railroad lines and of automobiles brought even more visitors to the area and over time, many visitors decided to become seasonal or permanent residents of the city.

The seasonal residents play an important role in the ebb and flow of life in Zephyrhills.

“They’re the economic driver for at least three months of the year,” Mikkelsen said.

“We’d like them to come earlier and stay longer. If there’s anything we can do to encourage it, we’d like to know about it,” the chamber executive added.

There are telltale signs of the snowbirds’ arrival.

More lights go on in the mobile home parks. Restaurants, churches and stores are more crowded. There’s more traffic on area roads.

Typically, it’s the weather — not dates on a calendar — that chart the arrival and departure of the seasonal residents. They come south to escape frigid weather and head north when the weather warms there.

Helene Rubenstein and her husband, Marty, visited a number of places before choosing to live in the community of Grand Horizons, at 7645 Green Slope Drive.

Some of the communities they visited had better access to an interstate highway, but didn’t measure up in other ways, said Rubenstein, who lives part of the year in Connecticut.

She likes the convenience Grand Horizons offers, when it comes to meeting her daily needs.

“The hospitals, the doctors — they’re right around the corner,” Rubenstein said. Nearby restaurants are a plus, too.

After living in Grand Horizons for 11 years, Rubenstein is perhaps most impressed by one of the community’s intangible strengths: The people living there.

“It may sound corny, but it is the truth. Everyone, so far, I have liked,” she said. She must admit, however, some people took a little longer to warm up to than others.

Grand Horizons is loaded with activities.

“We have shuffleboard on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,” Rubenstein said. “We have a reading club. We have a writing club.”

There’s coffee and doughnuts on Wednesdays. There’s mahjong, pinochle and euchre, too.

In fact, there’s so much going on that Rubenstein said her husband sometimes says that he barely ever sees her.

People are cordial, as they make their rounds in the community.

“We walk down the street and everybody says ‘hi.’ We wave to whoever passes by. Sometimes we don’t even know who they are, but we wave,” said Rubenstein, a former auditor for the state of Connecticut.

Lee Heffelfinger describes a similar feeling of camaraderie at Gem Estates Mobile Home Village.

“It’s like a big family,” she said.

Friendships are formed through potluck dinners and game nights. Residents enjoy entertainment and special events, such as the Christmas golf cart parade.

Coffee socials, held on Thursdays, are a big hit when winter residents are in town, typically attracting about 125 people.

To help Gem Estates residents put a name to a face, they wear nametags to the coffees and programs in the park.

Residents also get acquainted while strolling through the community, said Heffelfinger, who along with her husband, Russ, has lived full-time at Gem Estates for 15 years.

These communities tend to be tight-knit places, where people share life’s joys and sorrows.

They celebrate anniversaries and weddings. They help each other through illnesses. They grieve when someone dies or is forced to move away because of poor health.

There’s a genuine sense of concern for one another, Heffelfinger said.

“When the ambulance comes in here, you can’t believe how the people will flock to that house. ‘What can I do? What can I do?’ ” she said.

On Christmas Day, for instance, there were three ambulance calls to Gem Estates.

“Luckily,” Heffelfinger said, “nobody died.”

We know there’s a lot going on in the mobile home park communities in Zephyrhills, and we’d like to help you share your news. We encourage you to write accounts of what’s happening in your park and we really appreciate photos, as well.
Please help us to share your stories.
If you’d like to know how you can submit your park news, contact Mary Rathman at .

Published January 7, 2015

The holiday season done in style at Grand Horizons

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The holidays are fast approaching, and many celebrations are going on at Grand Horizons.

We started off with a Christmas luncheon for the women at The Cheesecake Factory in Brandon on Dec. 2. The luncheon was hosted by Joyce Bell, and it certainly was done to perfection.

Robbie Lockard and Joyce Bell can’t wait to dig into their desserts at The Cheesecake Factory. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)
Robbie Lockard and Joyce Bell can’t wait to dig into their desserts at The Cheesecake Factory.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

We had gone to The Cheesecake Factory before, and this was the perfect place to welcome in the holidays. It has an extensive menu and something for everyone’s taste. The waiters were very helpful with the menu.

There were 15 of us who gathered for the holiday luncheon, and we all sat on the covered patio where we got fresh air. At one point, we were the only ones outside, so we could converse with each other without interrupting anyone.

We had pictures taken, and everyone had a good time.

There were many cheesecakes, and they all looked good enough to eat or take home. Some of the women did bring home a good part of their meal so they could once again enjoy The Cheesecake Factory.

Several of the women came early so they could do some shopping. All in all, it was a lovely day.

In addition to the luncheon, Grand Horizons’ Christmas project this year was Meals on Wheels. So, instead of gifts being exchanged during the party, donations to this worthy cause were accepted.

Meals on Wheels delivers nutritional meals to the homes of Zephyrhills senior citizens whose mobility is limited. The entire community is involved to show their support.

Joyce Bell is the coordinator of this venture, and she is doing a splendid job. Our thanks go out to her.

We had our annual golf cart parade on Dec. 6. The parade that circles every home in our development was led by last year’s winners, Vic and Lynn Dyson. They also were the judges for this year.

We were not there, but if the golf carts or people were decorated like last year, then I know the judges had quite a job to do.

Cheryl Leone said there were three winners. First place went to Don and Diane Collins; second place to Paul and Carolyn Ray; and third place went to Rich and Jean Lydecker.

From what Joyce Bell said, there were 16 golf carts in the parade with several of the carts to be judged. All the golf carts, I was told, were cheerfully decorated.

Some had Santas on the top of the cart, while others played Christmas music and so much more.

Several of the residents who were passengers or drivers of the golf carts wore costumes that were festive to the season. Once the parade was completed, all the residents met in the community center where baked goods were supplied by the residents.

Approximately 75 to 100 people attended.

There was hot chocolate and other drinks to celebrate the holidays. Entertainment was supplied by Loris Weber on the piano, and everyone sang Christmas carols. It was a night to remember.

There was a special celebration at the community center Dec. 10 for Marie Paolantonio’s 80th birthday. Marie was on cloud nine and was so excited.

Several of her friends from inside the park and a few from outside the park — plus family — were invited to a birthday bash presented to Marie by her children, Sal and Lynn Paolantonio.

There was a nice size crowd of approximately 40 to 45 people. From what I understand, Sal couldn’t keep this a secret as in the past he had tried several times to surprise his mom, but found it impossible. So he ended up telling her not to make plans for this day. What else could he have done?

Many pictures were taken of the birthday girl and guests. There was plenty of food and so much cake. It was a lovely affair.

Loris Weber played “Happy Birthday” on the piano while everyone joined in singing the song.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published December 24, 2014

Christmas is upon us at Happy Days

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If you have not noticed, the season is upon us. It was evident the day after Halloween in every store in town. It still amazes me how quickly the malls can switch gears to lure us into the mood of spending the old pension check.

Wide-eyed Brynn Lagroix curiously sits on Santa’s lap, portrayed here by Dennis Cosmo Jr. (Courtesy of Ron Graham)
Wide-eyed Brynn Lagroix curiously sits on Santa’s lap, portrayed here by Dennis Cosmo Jr.
(Courtesy of Ron Graham)

Remember when the start of this mania used to be early December, and each store repeatedly played the popular noels we enjoyed humming along to? By the time Christmas arrives now, we are saturated with them. Thankfully, we have our haven at Happy Days to return to normalcy after those shopping days.

The park is now festooned with lights, wreaths and holiday decorations. The monthly calendar, filled with the activities of the season, brings us together and builds the anticipation of Christmas, as we all like to celebrate it with friendship, fellowship and the joy of our families.

The month started off with our first annual Christmas sale. Nearly every table in the recreation hall was loaded with crafts and homemade goodies. Nan is that an American Express card in your hand? Does Dale know?

With the success of the sale, I am sure many more will be held in the future. And look who showed up. Yes, there is a Santa when he is not tiptoeing through the tulips. Santa’s stand-in was Dennis Cosmo Jr., last season’s talent show’s Tiny Tim.

If we all could be as innocent with amazement, as a little child as the looking upon Santa. Great job Tim, ah, Dennis.

Later that evening the annual Christmas party was in full motion starting with a Christmas story from the Book of Luke read by Brenda, reminding us of the true meaning of this time of year.

Next, we had a quartet of bell ringers, thanks to Dick, Don, Phil and Bob who were brave enough to attach bells to their shorts and dance “Jingle Bells,” I think.

Santa again made an appearance handing out gifts to many park residents, some naughty and some nice. Mona gets a lump of coal. I don’t remember what that means, maybe Mick knows. Then there’s Ann with a roll of toilet paper. Naughty or nice? I’ll let the readers decide.

And of course Dick, Happy Days’ unofficial mayor, received the key to the park, which looks great around his neck.

Everyone had a great time, even those who had fun poked at them.

As everyone was leaving, there was talk of next week’s caroling. I’ll write about it soon, and I promise not to upload an audio file.

The season is truly upon us, and with the warm and generous feelings that it gives to all, the management, staff and residents sincerely wish the very best Christmas to you and your loved ones.

By Ian Marwick

Published December 24, 2014

 

Remember the reason for the season at Rainbow Village

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The Christmas season has begun at Rainbow Village. Residents were putting up their Christmas lights, getting the milk jugs ready with candles for Christmas Eve, baking cookies for the cookie exchange, getting ready for our annual Christmas bazaar, planning for Christmas caroling and for the reason for the season, and Christmas Eve worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus.

This little boy wanted to know where Santa’s reindeer were and then promptly gave Santa his wish list and told him he loved him. (Courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
This little boy wanted to know where Santa’s reindeer were and then promptly gave Santa his wish list and told him he loved him.
(Courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Mr. and Mrs. Santa came early to surprise Glenna Simko’s two little granddaughters, Daina and Alaina. They visited their grandmother over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Daina and Alaina started out our Christmas season by turning on the lights of our Christmas tree, and then Mr. and Mrs. Santa arrived and presented them with a little gift. They were so excited.

Our annual cookie exchange was a big success with 92 dozen cookies given to Meals on Wheels. Judy Lykins and Ellie Sawyer have co-chaired this event for many years and always do a great job.

Rainbow Village ladies enjoyed the punch and goodies prepared by our hosts, and it was a nice time meeting some of the new residents in our resort. Great job, ladies.

The annual Christmas bazaar was a big success. Chairwoman Judy Phillips-Hersey and her committee did a great job. Thanks to all the helpers that make this a success.

We had a book sale, bake sale, rummage sale, hamburgers on the grill, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa. We also had a nice variety of outside vendors who sold their crafts. A big thank you to Judy and all of her workers.

The theme for our Christmas dance was “Christmas in the Tropics,” and Chrissy Harriman provided the music and entertainment for this event.

Residents came dressed in flowered tops or shirts, and flowers in their hair and around their necks. We had performances by some of our residents that had us all in stitches.

It was a great night of dancing, laughing and getting to know each other better. Thanks to Carolyn Laub, who chaired this event.

We started off our season with computer classes taught by George and Linda Zervos. We snowbirds need to keep up on the many things we can do. We are never too old to learn.

A big thanks to George and Linda.

We are looking forward to the rest of the Christmas season with our Christmas tea, caroling, Christmas Eve service, and the big Christmas dinner. We need to remember the reason for the season is Jesus.

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel

Published December 24, 2014

Hands-on volunteers keep things moving

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The November activities in Gem Estates really geared up with the heavy influx of our residents returning to the park. It was great to see lights on in the houses, and the yards and flower beds being tended to.

We had a lot of compliments on the Veterans Day decorated tree and celebration, in the form of a free-to-residents pancake and trimmings breakfast. Jim Nagle was the chef, and his committee responded with lots of help and good food.

Dea-Ann Burgess decorated the Thanksgiving tree at the Gem Estates Thanksgiving feast. (Courtesy of Lee Heffelfinger)
Dea-Ann Burgess decorated the Thanksgiving tree at the Gem Estates Thanksgiving feast.
(Courtesy of Lee Heffelfinger)

We have certainly had our share of sickness, surgeries and bad health problems. Our president, Al Bennett and wife Deanie — who recently returned from their home in Massachusetts — are finally on the road to recovery.

Prayers and good wishes are being said for Betty York, Norma Monsulik’s daughter Bonnie, Ginnie Zepp, Bill Weiss, George Held, Jim Phillips, Jim Pardee, Helen Springer, Joanne Clate, Randall Smith, and Neva Roy. Best wishes and speedy recovery to all. Please, if you have a chance, go visit these folks that are here in Zephyrhills.

November birthday wishes were sent out to Sharon Krenz, Tess Stacey, Dea-Ann Burgess, Ken Mann, John Raab, Elaine Mercer and Earl Sprague.

The clubhouse was the scene of the wedding reception of one of our residents, Eugene Leibrook and his bride, Judy. Best wishes to you both. The decorations and food were displayed very elegantly, and the honeymoon cruise to the Bahamas followed the reception.

Randall and Lee Smith celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on Nov. 27. Best wishes for many more anniversaries.

There was a good turnout for the Tuesday craft class with Dea-Ann Burgess instructing the class on how to make pocketbooks out of men’s neckties.

Ron Raymond is chair of the maintenance committee, and had a meeting scheduled for the volunteers that were helping him on Dec. 4. Several projects need our volunteer help.

Some of the committee chairmen have announced the upcoming games and activities. Loretta Green is once again chairing line-dancing classes with a new instructor with only a $2 hourly price. Mary Kay Lynch is hosting the euchre games on Monday nights, and also will head up the bingo volunteers when we start again in January.

Ann Casey is coordinator of the marbles games on Tuesday evenings, as well as hosting the potluck suppers and yoga instruction. Karen Wyant is starting a chair exercise class.

A new Bible study class called “The Back Porch,” hosted by Tom and Barbara Cleavenger, will meet on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

This year, Maine residents hosted and prepared — along with other states — the Thanksgiving feast, and it involved lots of good help and lots of good food. The table decorations, and of course the Thanksgiving-decorated tree, were a terrific asset to the festivities. About 130 residents took part in this fabulous dinner.

We have had many speeders coming in and out of the park. If you see these speeders, feel free to holler and tell them to slow down.

We owe a big thanks to vice president Richard Burgess and wife Dea-Ann for hosting the coffee hour socials every Thursday morning. Great job, Richard.

We are still looking forward to the Panama Canal cruise, and you can still enjoy going with us to see Jimmy Fortune, the tenor with The Statler Brothers, when we go in February.

By Lee Heffelfinger

Published December 10, 2014

Something for everyone at Grand Horizons

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We had our lunch connoisseurs Nov. 14 at Doc’s Pub & Grill located in Dade City. This was a nice, cozy restaurant with several television screens tuned to sports channels.

Bill and Pidge Elliott hosted the lunch, and 46 people attended. Everyone seemed to have a good time, and each patron was given a raffle ticket for a meal certificate before lunch even started. This was a nice touch and all had expectations of winning.

There was no shortage of books to choose from at the rummage sale in the community center. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
There was no shortage of books to choose from at the rummage sale in the community center.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

We had our community-wide yard sale Nov. 15 where certain houses had sales in their driveways. There were many houses that participated in this event and lots of merchandise to choose from.

Several houses had many a knick-knack, while other places sold several pieces of furniture. There was something for everyone, and it was fun just browsing.

They also had a rummage sale in the community center where they sold loads of donated items and numerous books. There were so many books that some people had trouble choosing what they wanted to read.

There was a bake sale with countless goodies, and lunch also was served. This way, people could order lunch and be able to stay and not leave the park.

I hosted a luncheon for the women of Grand Horizons and guests Nov. 20 at Blackstone’s Reef & Grill. Ten women enjoyed a lovely luncheon and had a lively conversation.

The service was excellent, the food very tasty, and the waiters and waitresses bent over backward to help us in any way, shape or form.

We had one entire section of the restaurant, so it literally felt like a private room. Many pictures were taken, and our waitress was nice enough to take a picture of the entire group.

After the lunch, four door prizes were given away. Everyone went home happy and content.

Approximately 20 people enjoyed a new activity added to our already big list of activities. On Nov. 20, it was movie night hosted by Cheryl Leone. The movie was “Bridesmaids” starring Melissa McCarthy.

It created lots of laughs among the people that attended the event, and everyone seemed to have a good time.

The next movie, Cheryl tells me, is in January.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published December 10, 2014

 

A week of thankful reflection

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Why we are thankful.

This time of year allows us reflect on all that we are thankful for. It is not a difficult process. We all have a short list, but in some order, they will encompass the following truths.

Our health: The old adage “all the gold in Fort Knox cannot buy a lifetime of health” is just that, an old saying, until a loved one falls ill, sometimes in dire straits. It usually is not of their doing, but the impact goes far and wide affecting family and friends.

Helen Yerdon and Fran Boetcher chat before the annual Thanksgiving feast. (Courtesy of Ron Graham)
Helen Yerdon and Fran Boetcher chat before the annual Thanksgiving feast.
(Courtesy of Ron Graham)

Our families: What joy in looking at your children, their children — or if you are the lucky ones, their children. You all know that their good traits are inherited from your side of the family, and wonder where the devil the others did.

Our freedom: To paraphrase one document, all men are created equal, with certain unalienable rights, of life, liberty, and happiness, looking at the mixed-up world today, many peoples still want.

But not least of all, our friends: In our case at Happy Days, it is our winter family. Not a blood family, but one consisting of smiles, waves, storytellers, humanitarians, sports, musicians, hobbyists, and some plain-faced characters. They are the ones you think of first.

To celebrate the recent holiday, our annual Thanksgiving dinner was on Thursday in the hall. More than 60 people enjoyed a potluck style meal with many great dishes provided by the great cooks of Happy Days.

As usual, the corporate office provided the turkeys, although some of the attendees are “turkeys.” Just kidding.

Black Friday, as usual, brought the worst out in our shopaholics. Was it the pre-midnight, or the dawn, or the all-day Friday or even 6 p.m. Thursday? It just did not matter.

We bought everything on sale. Whoopee, now to wrap it. Oops, we forgot to put it on our list.

Our need for food was met. The urge to spend the last buck achieved.

Sunday morning was the first church service of the season and met the need to feed our soul. As usual, Pastor Lynne provide a great message the inspired us all. Thank you, church board, for all the work you do to put on a great church service season after season.

It was a great week to be thankful.

By Ian Marwick

Published December 10, 2014

 

Preparations begin for a busy season

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Thanksgiving was celebrated by a large group of residents sharing a delicious meal. The committee made sure that people who were not able to feast with the group had a meal delivered to them.

Breakfasts are served on Saturday morning this year. The menu is different each week. Gloria Irwin and her committee serve the meal.

The bingo games are going well. Many are attending. A meal is served before the games begin.

Everyone is welcome to a different entrée each Tuesday. Ted Spurlock serves ice cream during intermission — ice cream is a favorite here. It also is served on Sunday evenings.

The park is being prepared for the holiday season. Many elves were seen stringing many new lights. There is a nativity set on the pond as well as Santa in his boat. He will be looking for his good friends for Christmas deliveries.

Thank you to the elves for a wonderful decorating job.

There was a swinging dance in November. Chuck Gould arranged for the entertainment.

People are getting their golf carts prepared for the annual Christmas parade. There will be music and lots of fun. Following the parade, refreshments will be served at the clubhouse.

Come enjoy the new library as it has been remodeled.

Among the other changes in Palm View Gardens, the gazebos have been remodeled. They are an inviting place to sit by the pond and enjoy the view.

Many activities have begun. The shuffleboard players are getting ready for their first tournament, hosting Hillside. There is a fun game of horse and collar on Saturday mornings. Please come join the fun.

The pool tables are busy with many having a good time.

The ladies sewing group is stitching away. They have a Christmas project to donate to a nursing home.

Stained glass workshops have begun with instructor Jim Smith. This group makes beautiful items, including lamps.

Howard Teasly has begun instruction with those interested in woodworking. They also make wonderful projects.

Our resident nurses do blood pressure screenings on Tuesdays in the clubhouse at mail call.

Hazel Sterger is the instructor for the ceramics classes. What a great place to make presents.

There also are large groups of residents who enjoy card games. Cribbage players gather on Monday nights. Euchre players meet on Wednesday evenings.

Several people are meeting on Friday afternoons to play a variety of new games.

Brenda Brown and MaryAnn McPheron are chairs for the Palm View Gardens photo book. Residents will have their best smiles on for the camera.

Thanks to Bonnie Pratt for the Sunday entertainment by John Moss. Bonnie also is the resident bus driver with planned trips to places like Hooter’s, the dog races, Webster, outlet shopping, and many others.

Church services have begun. Hymn sing begins at 9:30 a.m., with a service following at 10 a.m.

A Christmas card project for disabled veterans is taking place. Residents are asked to deliver stamped Christmas cards to the clubhouse leaving the address area blank. The cards will be sent to disabled veterans.

By Millie LeBaron

Published December 10, 2014

 

 

Awaiting the arrival of Santa at Rainbow Village

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Sue Flynn and Mary Pierce attended the first meeting for Relay for Life. Each team was to bring a purple dessert and $5. The best dessert winner took home all the donations for their team.

They also handed out spirit points if you wore purple and a purple pilgrim hat. Thanks to Patti Hill and Carrie Solberg for making the hats that Sue and Mary wore.

Glenna Simko's granddaughters dressed the part when they visited during Thanksgiving. (Courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Glenna Simko’s granddaughters dressed the part when they visited during Thanksgiving.
(Courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

There will be some fundraisers in our park to help our Over the Rainbow-For The Cure teams to collect for this project that will end in late March. The donations are for all kinds of cancer, so be generous and help the teams.

One of our improvements was recently completed. The sod was put into place on the horseshoe and bocce courts. The volunteers did this on a rainy day, but it was completed. We will have nice looking courts to play on, so thank you for all those that helped to complete this project.

Thanksgiving at Rainbow Village is a special time to count our blessings with each other. It takes a lot of preparations to prepare a turkey dinner for all of us to share in our social hall. Our chairs were Harry Hersey and Doug Jones.

On Wednesday, you could smell the turkeys roasting, and at 1 p.m., his helpers picked the turkey off the bones. There also were helpers to prepare the trays with turkey and filling for each table to be served.

On Wednesday night, the tables were set up for the hostesses to decorate. On Thursday morning, the gravy was made, and the turkeys and dressing were heated up for the meal.

At 12:30 p.m., residents arrived with their covered dishes, and at 1 p.m. sharp we were all sitting down to enjoy our Thanksgiving meal after our pastor, Jim Austin, said the blessing on the food and for all the other blessings that were bestowed upon us all over the year.

We all enjoyed the tasty meal and fellowship with each other.

All in all, it was a great day with many helpers who did a great job. Thank you Harry, Doug and all their helpers.

After Thanksgiving, residents come back to Rainbow Village from the cold North. Each day more arrive, and we greet them with a hug or handshake. We are so happy to see each other. We are like family.

We will be having a Christmas bazaar on Dec. 13 from 8 a.m. to noon. Judy Hersey-Phillips is the chair, and there will be a big rummage sale.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance from 11 a.m. to noon. Come and visit the vendors, good food, bake sale, and maybe do some Christmas shopping.

We are looking forward to the upcoming Christmas activities like the annual Christmas tea, the Christmas bazaar, cookie exchange, Toys For Tots, Christmas caroling and our Christmas Eve service.

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel

Published December 10, 2014