Lake Region Coffee News – December 1, 2022
Michael Jorgenson was the MC today
Attendance – 248
Kim Eickelschulte, New Residents: Kim introduced new snowbird residents Norm Fecteau and Joan Jenkins at 163 Green Mountain; from New Hampshire.
Visitors: No visitors today
Shari Haines, Serendipity: Today we can thank Ken & Lynn Clugston in celebration of Ken’s 78th birthday (Nov 15) and their 56th wedding anniversary (Nov 19) and Frank & Bonnie Per in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary (Dec 1) for our donuts and muffins. And when someone pays for the pastries, the Social Club furnishes the coffee and tea.
I received a card this week from Betty Thoman and family. “We want you to know how much we appreciate the cards, calls and condolences for Ray’s death. During our 32 years stay in LRV we have many friends and neighbors and wish you all health, happiness and peace.”
We want to thank Ann West for stepping up and hosting the Thanksgiving Dinner here in the Clubhouse. I was not here but I understand it was wonderful and enjoyed by all. The money left over from the ticket sales was donated to the Hammock Overhang Project - $431.40. Thanks again to Ann and all her helpers. Further info – no one has stepped up to host and organize the Christmas Dinner. If anyone would like to take this on, please contact a Social Club Officer - myself, Barb Norsen, Joy Haskiell, Andrea Wessel.
We need to keep Dave Parker, Empire, and Char Link, Pelican, as they continue to have health concerns. Sharon Winton, Golden, was taken to the hospital yesterday morning by ambulance. She was having trouble breathing.
Beth Mikolayek, Oak Trail, has hip replacement surgery yesterday in Orlando. She will be recuperating at her daughters in Orlando for a few days before returning to LRV.
Any other health concern we need to be aware of?
I am sorry to report the death of Jo Johnston on November 22, 2022 in Morristown, TN Jo was 89 years old. She was a long-time resident of Lake Region Village. Jo and her husband were snowbird residents for many years. In 2000 she made LRV her permanent home. Jo is survived by her 3 daughters Marjorie, Melody (a LRV resident), and Eden; a daughter-in-law, Jeanne; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 15 grandchildren; two sisters; and dear friend and traveling partner, Nick Payne. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, O. Wayne and a great granddaughter. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 10 at 10 am in Olean, NY. A Celebration of Life will be held here at LRV at a later date.
I received a note today from Ann Platt. Ann wanted me to let everyone know of the passing of her husband Bob Platt. Bob was 89 years old. Bob and Ann formerly lived on Sycamore Lane. They came to Lake Region Village in 1994 as snowbirds and became permanent residents in 1997. They moved to Jacksonville, FL in April of 2019. Bob is survived by his wife Ann; they celebrated 75 years of marriage on July 7, 2022. He is also survived by 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 14, 2023. Burial will be at the Jacksonville National Veterans Cemetery. Cards of sympathy can be sent to Ann at 9252 San Jose Blvd., Unit 801, Jacksonville, FL 32257
I also received word this week of the passing of Geraldine Stremmel. Gerry and her husband were snowbird residents for many years on Wolverine from Pennsylvania.
Al & Becky Wilson, Peacock, lost their sone to brain cancer on Thanksgiving Day. He was a 26-year Air Force Veteran and a victim of the burn pit exposure in Afghanistan. He was only 50 years old. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in 6-8 weeks.
A moment of silence for Jo Johnson, Bob Platt and Geraldine Stremmel
A reminder that the Social Club Meeting will be held next Thursday immediately following Coffee. Before the Meeting Brian Haas, Polk County States Attorney, will be here to tell us how to avoid being scammed and hacked. As senior citizens and not being tech savvy, this will be some very important information for us all.
In an effort to free up storage space for additional clubs and organizations, the Social Club has removed half of the puzzles in the Card Room cabinets. They have been placed on the counters in the room adjacent to the card room for anyone to take that would like them. They will be there for 2 week and those that are left will be donated. Help yourself.
Also, remember the “Festival of Trees” will be held on Sunday, December 4, from 1 - 3 pm. Come join us for cookies and beverages. Vote for your favorite tree. In that regard, the Quilt Club Tree is back by the west hall. We are again asking for donations of nonperishable foods. You are encouraged to take an ornament and on that ornament is a suggestion of food. Please purchase that food and bring it back and put it under the tree. We will be taking all donations to House Blest in Haines City on Thursday, December 15. We will also accept monetary gift that we will pass on to House Blest so that they can purchase turkeys and fresh vegetables.
Donnell Ralph, Badger, will be teaching a basket class again in the middle of February (13, 15 & 20) 9 am until noon in the Card Room. Anyone interested, there is a picture of the basket and a sign-up sheet on the Bulletin Board in the west hall.
Mary Smelser, Green Mountain, asked me to announce and thank all who donated blood last week. We gave 21 units. Good job to those who gave!!
The Dance Committee will be hosting a Christmas Dance on Saturday, December 10 from 7 to 10 pm. Tickets are on sale today and next Thursday as well as at the door. Music will be provided by Kevin Brooks. Even if you do not dance plan to come and enjoy his music. He is a wonderful entertainer. Tickets are only $5.00
***Please note because of a scheduling issue, the Christmas Dance will be held on Friday, December 9 (not the 10th). If you have already purchased your tickets and can not attend, we will gladly refund your money.
Birthdays
Nov 24 – Harry Anderson
Nov 25 – Becky Curtis
Peggy Bosser
Judith Morris
Nov 26 - Betsy Ambruoso
Alice Reed
Chris Heinz
Judith Klimek
Nov 27 - Barry Allen
Manuel Verceles
Fred Wessels
Nov 29 - Lee Reust
Sharon Sandiford
Linda Wilson
David Bennett
Dec 1 - Wayne Hamblen
Lorene Taylor
Terry Hildebrand
Dec 2 - Eve Market
Dec 3 - Ron Collison
Larry Haddix
Dec 4 - Patsy Zumwalt
Lawrence Francisco
Dec 5 - Joe Gelinas
Dec 6 - Bill Turner – 103 years old
Dec 7 - Barb Alba
Sharyn Wescott
Nancy Shortuse
Gregg Palmer
Deborah Pease
Linda Mayer
Diane Dawson
Anniversaries
Nov 27 - Dave & Barb Tripp
Nov 29 - John & Jennifer Michels
Dec 1 - Frank & Bonnie Per – 60 years
Bob & Carol Schmitz – 27 years
Dec 4 - Dave & Barb Swearingen – 57 years
Dec 5 - Dan & Sharyn Wescott
Dec 6 - Karl & Lori Kivela
Marcia Besser, Out of Park Activities: Marcia announced this morning that the December 6th trip to Fisherman’s Village will leave the part at 1 pm. If you get there earlier, we will leave as soon as everyone is checked in. All the trips are on the Board. If you have signed up for something and have not paid, do so immediately. If you are paid, you get to go.
Announcements
Mike announced Woodcarvers meet on Thursdays at 1 pm at the Hammock.
Barb Norsen, Newsletter: Today is Newsletter Day. Barb needs help with distribution. See Barb in the back to take the Newsletters for your street to distribute.
Richard Horner: Richard reminded us that they are still taking donations for the piano. He hopes we can repay this purchase by the end of 2022. Also, Sunday Church is held every Sunday at 8 am here at the Clubhouse. They will be teaching “The Lords Prayer” over the next 6 weeks.
Rick DiPaolo: Rick expressed his and his wife, Gina, appreciation for all the donations of personal hygiene products we have supplied for the 40 children that are living in tents and attending school at Ridge High School. Gina teaches there. These items have been greatly appreciated. Thanks again!!
Barbara Swearingen: Tickets went on sale today for the Ladies Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, December 14, 11:30 am – 3 pm. Tickets are $10. There will be a voluntary $10 gift exchange. Tickets will be available on December 8.
Kathy Taylor, Art Club: Kathy announced the Lake Region Art Club meets every Thursday evening at 6 pm in the Card Room. Stop by to ask question and observe what we do. It is not lessons; you just do the art that you want to do. They have some supplies if you would like to try for a few weeks. For more information call Pat White, 863-438-9506.
Kathy also reported for George Taylor regarding two golf leagues. The Monday league will be starting this Monday and will be playing at River Greens. If anyone is interested in playing, contact George Taylor at gtgolf@icloud.com. Each week we change golf courses. Paul Serveau has the Friday group. Information is posted on the Bulletin Board.
Leah Richard: Leah announced that she is selling raffle tickets every Thursday until January 26. The winner will get all thirteen table runners that are on display today. Proceeds will go to “World Central Kitchen” for feeding the Ukraine soldiers.
Beth Pippin, Craft Club: Bev reported that we have done an awesome job with the donations for Gina DePaulo’s 40 students. One of her concerns was keeping them warm this winter. The LRV Craft Club has donated 50 nice warm hats for them. They also need blankets. Bev found a nice cozy warm blanket at Bealls Outlet for $13 and Kohls have them for $15. Donations would be greatly appreciated. Bev is going there today and you would like to make a donation she will be in the back. Give Bev $13 and she will purchase a blanket for you. Donations should be “NEW” blankets.
Betty Akerman: Betty reminded us the Carport Sale is coming up. It will be held on Saturday, December 10 with preview day being Friday, December 9. Food will be served in front of the Clubhouse. Let Sarah know if you need a table. A few may be still available and Sarah can get your name on the list.
Friday night at the 5 @ 4 the Pateo will host and be serving the Chili cheese dogs and all the fixing. Also, there is a social time at the Pateo held every Thursday beginning about 3 pm. Drive down there and check it out.
Miriam Harcek, Potluck: Potluck will be held this Tuesday night, December 6. Sign up sheets are in the hall. This Tuesday the entertainment will be by many of our LRV residents trying to find out the mystery about “Santa’s Short Vacation”. Be sure to come on Tuesday night. If you are not sign up for potluck, come at about 6:30 pm and enjoy the entertainment.
Dave & Irene Bland – Smitty & Patti Smith, Christmas Decoration Committee: They wanted to thank everyone who helped to decorate the park and the Clubhouse this year. Patti reported that they have started the expansion around the golf path. If you have not driven around there after dark, Patti urged all to take in the circle. They are hoping to add to the decorations next year. They have added 11 different treasures at bargain prices brought by back from their “garage saling” in Minnesota during the summer. The t-shirts they are wearing today we order at a committee to identify when we are selling ice cream at the hammock and the shows. They will be taking orders for them if you would like to have one. Orders will be taken before and after coffee. If you order today, Patti will have them for you next Thursday.
Norm Clapham, Pickleball: Pickleball is being played on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturday at 8:30 am. Norm stressed that this is not a dangerous sport. It is mainly seniors that play and the last 4 years we have had no one injured. Looking for exercise and fun, come on up and join us. There is some equipment available for you try out.
Bill Mulvay, Vets & Friends: Bill expressed his thanks to all who helped on Veteran’s Day. He fell sick and a lot of people just stepped up and program went off. Mike and Bonnie for printing up the words for the songs and providing the music; Chuck and Chuck for the sound; Gary Rushford for stepping in; ladies who provided the cookies; and the members who set up outside
Lanny Hegadorn, Hamjammers: Lanny are back. They are a group who like to get together play guitars, sing songs, like to entertain. They were at the hammock last year and down at the Pateo. This year they plan to play one of the Potlucks. It is an open group. Tomorrow they are going to practice in the Card Room from 8 – 10 am. Then practice will be on Sunday mornings from 10 am – 12 noon. Everyone is welcome.
Shirley Moore, Red Hatters: The next place the Red Hatters are going to go to in December is the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park on December 27. The cost will be collected before we go. If you need a red hat, Shirley has some at home.
Al Granato, Corn Hole: Al is having the annual Corn Hole Fundraiser for the maintenance on the facility. They are raffling off 5 - $50 gift cards to local restaurant (Manny, Crazy Fish, Sizzlin Grill, Harry’s Old Place and Cherry Pockets). The tickets are $5 apiece and they only sell 250 tickets. Winners will be announced when all tickets are sold. You do not be here to win. Also, Al encouraged everyone to come up and play. They play every Tuesday and Friday with practice from 8:30 – 9 am; games begin at 9 am sharp. Everyone is welcome!!
Rick Maag, Boat Club: The Boat Club Breakfast will be held this Saturday, December 3 from 7:30 – 9:00 am. Boat Club members who have purchased ticket will get their money refunded when you arrived. Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 at the door. The Christmas Golf Cart Parade will be held on Saturday, December 3. Line up will begin at 5:30 pm and the parade will leave the Clubhouse at 6 pm.
Bingo tonight at 6:30 – arrive about 5:30 to get your sheets.
A shout out of “Thanks” goes to
Chuck Enlow and Chuck Holtz for the sound
Piano: Bonnie Jorgenson
Alice Reed for counting heads and those wonderful muffins
Cashier: Judi Miller for not taking our money
Kitchen Crew: Bonnie Per, Katie Langdon, Rose Hildebrand, Linda Douglas, and Libby Smith
50/50 Crew: Lynn Holtz & Karen Milliman
Turning on the Coffee Pots: Al Granato
The 50/50 winners this week are:
$54.00 – Roger Wilcox/Lynn Clugston
$108.00 – Rick Maag
$5.00 - Name Tag: Steve Lewis
Social Club Drawing winner of $5 from the 2022 membership list was Barbara Rickets. Barbara was present. Next week the drawing will be $5.
Thought for the week
One of the happiest moments ever is when you find the courage to let go of what you can’t change