Tara Woods Columns - Aug/Sept 2023

MEMORIAL DAY

HONORING & REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES

MEMORIAL DAY POOL PARTY

Community Manager Angi hosted a Memorial Day pool party for all residents to celebrate, remember, and honor all the servicemen and women who gave the

ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy life in Tara Woods. Beautiful weather, great food, excellent music, and wonderful camaraderie made for an excellent day!

FOURTH

WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS

Jana Klus

WWW.TWHOA.NET

WWW.TWHOA.NET

If you haven’t already registered on the NEW Tara Woods Homeowners Association website, then Check It Out!

If you haven’t already registered on the NEW Tara Woods Homeowners Association website, then Check It Out!

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new residents. We hope you are getting settled in and can start enjoying the magic of Tara Woods. If you missed our last Orientation, you are encouraged to come to our next orientation which will be held on Saturday, August 12th, at 10:00 AM in the Clubhouse Meeting Room. We have a wealth of information to share with you. All are welcome.

Deb and Dave Hoffman

Jana resides at Lot #107, 19631 Woodfield Circle. She is a full-time resident from Virginia. She has two children and one grandchild. Jana is still working for Delta Airlines. In her spare time, Jana enjoys the pool, walking, line dancing, and wants to learn to play pickleball.

Tess and Greg Pool

* All from the comfort of your home * 24 hours/day – Every day

* All from the comfort of your home * 24 hours/day – Every day

Latest news on what’s happening in the Tara Woods Community.

Latest news on what’s happening in the Tara Woods Community. Weekly “What’s Happening” email.

“What’s Happening” email.

Events – Community Event Pictures.

Events – Community Event Pictures.

COLUMNS STAFF

EDITOR: Linda Elliott 239-560-0768 (lindabluetw@gmail.com)

ASSISTANT: Linda Engel

PHOTOGRAPHY: Lou Dunning, Donna Erhardt

CALENDAR: Janet Daly and Sue Clark

CIRCULATION: Linda Janis and Donna Tribeck, Co-Managers

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Haywood Gandy, Manager

CLUBHOUSE SCHEDULER: Janet Daly

COORDINATORS: Agatha Breen, Carolyn Kelsey, Diane Nunn, Diane West, Ed Simko, Julie Wehrung, Maury Miller, Nancy Schoeppner, Pat Dunning, Shari Libby, Stu Berman, Sheila Harris, and Barb Simonson.

STUFFERS: Barb Simonson, Carol Schnepp, Carol West, Claire Schwinn, Diane West, Gene Dickie, Hilda Dienes, Lou Sapp, Maury Miller, Pam Harrington, Pat Dunning, Sharon Boehlke, and Bob Kuhns.

ALTERNATES: Barb Simonson, Celia Blotkamp, Gerri Linder, and Linda Weibel.

REPORTERS: Reporters will be noted by their bylines at the end of each article.

Chris Olson, Tara Woods Homeowners Association Liaison

To advertise in print, contact: Brion Palmer at 941-312-0665 or email him at BrionPalmer@yahoo.com.

Contributing writers are acknowledged with bylines accompanying their submissions. Attribution for photos are not included unless supplied. We sincerely thank everyone for their contributions. Your articles help showcase the strong and diverse community that makes up Tara Woods. The Columns is published monthly from October through May. Summer issues are condensed: June/July and August/September.

All ads are subject to the approval of the publisher. It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in The Columns to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town, county and state codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability. Island Visitor Publishing is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.

Deb and Dave reside on Lot #39, 19494 Charleston Circle. They are part-time residents from Nebraska. They have three children and five grandchildren. Deb is a retired teacher. Dave is retired from Nucor Steel. In her spare time, Deb enjoys the pool, bike riding, and nature. In his spare time, Dave enjoys golf, fishing, and bike riding.

Sherry Kay and David Brock

Sherry and David reside on Lot #544, 19008 Potomac Circle. They are full-time residents from Illinois. They have two children and two grandchildren. Sherry is a retired teacher and is also retired from working at Publix. David is a retired tool and die maker. In her spare time, Sherry enjoys working out, painting, doing puzzles, and volunteering, and is anxious to work with the Entertainers. In his spare time, David enjoys his computer and walking in the pool.

Tess and Greg reside on Lot #278, 2832 Steamboat Loop. They are full-time residents from Missouri. They have one child and one grandchild. Tess is a retired mortgage loan processor. Greg is retired from the fire truck service. In her spare time, Tess enjoys card games and Bingo. In his spare time, Greg enjoys golf and socializing.

Sara and David Staver

Sara and David reside on Lot #637, 2960 Tara Lakes Circle. They are part-time residents from Iowa. They have two children and two grandchildren. Sara is a retired radiologist and David is a retired administrator of Opportunity Living. In her spare time, Sara enjoys quilting and sewing. In his spare time, David enjoys being outside and working in his yard.

WELCOME TO TARA WOODS,

Barbara Krilivsky and Linda Kasdorf, co-chairs of the Welcome Committee

ATTENTION VETERANS!!

Many of you are not aware of USAA Auto and Home Insurance specifically designed for veterans AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS: spouses, brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren etc. I can attest to the fact that the savings are substantial (for myself and my family) since becoming a member several years ago. You just need to call: 1-800-531-8722 to enroll.

YOU SERVED, NOW YOU CAN SAVE!

Sam Topping, U.S. Army

This is Old Glory. Is yours faded and torn? Retire her to a proper disposal.

Drop her off at 19553 Charleston Circle (Lot #12) or the Guard House. Replacements are available from Bob Glandorf. $8.00 Bob Glandorf

CLUBHOUSE MINISTRIES

For new residents of Tara Woods and existing residents too, the Clubhouse Ministries invite you to join one of their Bible study classes, which are held in the Clubhouse Meeting Room every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM. These meetings give you an opportunity to make new friends as you study the Scriptures in relaxed and enjoyable surroundings. We are a non-denominational group. No need to make reservations, folks! Just stop by any Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM. Come join us!

~ Ann Scott

FROM THE BOARD ROOM by Lou

Wow! Welcome to all our recent residents who adopted Tara Woods as their new home – full-time or part-time. We are honored that you are here. We look forward to getting to know you. We have more amenities, clubs, groups, activities than I can mention. Try them out or just relax and settle in. Enjoy the pools and explore our Library to get that special book. The list is endless. Check out our monthly newspaper –The Columns, which has excellent information. Also check out our fantastic website (www.twhoa.net) that has all the information you need. Members of the Tara Woods Homeowners Association have full access to the website. Included with your membership, members receive Monday’s What’s Happening email, periodic email blasts with pertinent information, plus periodic Minute with the Manager articles, which is direct information from the Community Manager to residents. All this and more for only $15.00 a year per household, and even better if you join for multiple years.

Even while juggling Board members’ summer plans your Board has been busy with the work of the Association. We met with our new Lee County Sheriff’s Department liaison to our Association. It was a very positive meeting, and we will be reaching out on behalf of our residents to acquire programs to benefit all residents. Stay tuned; more to come.

Our Community Manager Angi has been selected

for a promotion to Tanglewood, located in Sebring, Florida, which is another Hometown America property. We all wish Angi well. Angi understands the value of an active and engaged Homeowners Association and worked with us to accomplish many things while dealing with COVID and Hurricane Ian. Much more needs to be and will be done. The Board looks forward to working with our new manager as we continue to improve our community.

HEADS UP – We have a new Sunshine and Sympathy person, Debbie Doty. She will be serving our community by sending out get-well wishes as needed; she informs the community of the passing of a resident or their relative; she posts in the Clubhouse the needed information relating to this for all residents to refer to. All these are important volunteer functions within Tara Woods. Debbie can be reached by calling 937-248-8125. A special thank you to our retiring Sunshine and Sympathy person, Nancy Wuebbeler. Nancy served the Board and our Community in that position for over thirteen years. When you see Nancy be sure to tell her how much you appreciate her volunteering for our Tara Woods community.

DID YOU KNOW THAT --- “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of Others.” Mahatma Gandhi

Lou Dunning, President, 239-240-5847, loudunning2@gmail.com

TARA WOODS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWS

It is going to cost you more. Now that I have your attention, let me explain. For as far back as I can remember, dues in the FMO were $25.00 per year or three years for $65.00. With inflation, and everything else going up, the FMO is forced to increase its membership fees.

Beginning Monday, August 14th, 2023, the Annual Membership dues will increase from $25.00 to $30.00, and the Three-Year Membership will increase from $65.00 to $75.00. If you are within sixty days of your renewal period, you may renew at the current rate.

If you are unsure of your status, please contact me and I will be glad to check it for you. The FMO does a lot of good for non-resident owned communities and can only continue to do so with the continued support of its membership – YOU AND ME. Please do not leave it up to your neighbor How many elections have been decided by a few votes? Your membership does matter.

Unfortunately, the bill eliminating the sales tax on the sale of our homes did not pass the legislature. This is what happens when you leave it up to your neighbors.

Please if you are not a member, JOIN. If it is time to renew, RENEW.

Thank you, Stuart Berman

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SEMINAR AT TARA WOODS

By Bruce H. Lubich, Tara Woods CERT

Guest speakers included Allyson Rae, Chief Meteorologist at NBC2 and keynote speaker, Christi Kulwicki Fulton, Public Education Officer and CERT Manager at North Fort Myers Fire District, Ed Bassine from Bassine Insurance Agency, and Angi Cummins, Tara Woods Community Manager. Speakers from Tara Woods included Barbara Werner-Lubich, CERT President and TWHOA Board Member, and Carol Schnepp, CERT Member, TWHOA Board Member, and Board liaison to Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Andrea Snyder, CERT Vice President for Training and TWHOA Board Member, helped organize the event and ran the audiovisuals.

applies to all manufactured homes, no matter where they are located.

Ed Bassine advocated that everyone needs to have a plan, including a place to go and enough food and water to last at least one week. He also recommended everyone have a battery-operated radio and that everyone take pictures and make videos of the contents of each room in your house and shed so items aren’t overlooked if a claim needs to be made. Afterward, if a claim does need to be made, pictures and receipts can be used to support the insurance claim.

On June 13th, CERT and Neighbors Helping Neighbors co-sponsored a Hurricane Preparedness Seminar in the Clubhouse. The goal was to help Tara Woods residents and other North Fort Myers residents get ready for the 2023 hurricane season. More than eighty-five people from Tara Woods and other nearby communities, including Buccaneer, Pine Lakes, and Lake Arrowhead, paid close attention to what the speakers had to say.

Barbara Werner-Lubich introduced CERT and encouraged Tara Woods residents to consider joining. Carol Schnepp introduced Neighbors Helping Neighbors and the great work they do, including educating Tara Woods residents about community programs which can help residents improve their lives and stay safe.

Allyson Rae began by reflecting on the damage her home suffered from Hurricane Ian and the importance of advance preparation to stay safe. She advocated for everyone having a battery-operated AM/FM radio, with fresh batteries, to stay up to date on the weather system after power is lost. Allyson helped attendees understand what the cone tells us and what it does not. The cone, often presented in news reports to show the possible path of a coming storm, only tells us that something is coming, not what it is going to be or how strong or weak it will be. There’s a 67% chance that the storm center will be within the cone, and, importantly, the most damage will usually occur to the right of the cone. Allyson also spoke about the ability of wind shear to knock down a storm and the storm’s ability to recover and continue its path of destruction. Finally, she spoke about the cause of the increasing frequency and strength of storms. The warmer ocean water acts as fuel for storms and slows down the movement of weather systems, meaning they have more time to get stronger and they gather and hold more water, meaning more rainfall after making landfall. Allyson’s final point was to head east to stay safe from the storm.

Christi Kulwicki Fulton emphasized that the most important part of hurricane preparation is to LEAVE THE AREA. All manufactured homes are automatically included when any mandatory evacuation order is issued. That means the residents of manufactured homes, including all homes in Tara Woods, must evacuate with the first group of evacuees no matter what zone their home is actually located in. While Lee County makes shelters available, they are limited and should not be the first resource for county residents. Christi also pointed out that, when winds are 40 miles per hour or higher, Lee County emergency services (police, EMTs, and fire) are not available, meaning any resident who did not evacuate is on their own. She advocated for advance preparation since that leads to better outcomes; so make a plan in advance. Those plans should include getting duplicates of your prescriptions and downloading the AlertLee app onto your mobile telephone.

Barbara Werner-Lubich spoke about the Lee County Special Medical Needs Program which is available at no cost to all Lee County residents. Qualifying residents need to be medically stable but in need of assistance. The assistance may include the need for electricity for medical needs and equipment, among other needs. The resident needs to be accompanied by a caregiver who brings their own supplies. Every qualifying resident must register for the program annually. Registration can be completed online, with assistance from Tara Woods CERT members Barbara Werner-Lubich or Andrea Snyder, or a paper registration can be completed with assistance from Tara Woods CERT member Nancy Schoeppner. Registrants can also request transportation when registering. All registrants should assemble their go-kit and keep it handy throughout hurricane season. Finally, remember that any mandatory evacuation automatically

Last but certainly not least, Angi Cummins updated attendees on the work done by the management company, TWHOA, and Tara Woods CERT to develop an emergency plan. That plan is now in place and available on the TWHOA website. Before the emergency, every household must secure or move inside any objects which are outside and loose, to avoid them becoming damaging projectiles. As with all Tara Woods residents, when a mandatory evacuation is ordered, all Hometown America employees will be expected to evacuate and the security arms at the entrance will be left in the raised position. After the emergency, Angi asked that residents wait at least a couple of days to return so roads can be cleared without interference and power and water can be restored. Communication will be resumed via A-frame boards outside the clubhouse and with radios coordinated with the CERT radios until cell phone service is restored. Once repair work begins, vendors will need to be vetted. She also emphasized that any mandatory evacuation applies to all manufactured homes, so everyone must leave Tara Woods.

In summary, the recommendations made by these speakers were:

BEFORE THE HURRICANE:

1. When a mandatory evacuation is issued by Lee County, LEAVE. Do not worry about what zone Tara Woods is in. You live in a manufactured home, so any mandatory evacuation automatically applies to you.

2. Make a plan for where you will go and how you will get there and communicate that plan to family members, so they won’t be worried about you.

3. If you have medical needs and plan to take advantage of the Lee County Special Medical Needs program, register now. Don’t wait. Even if you qualify but don’t plan to use the program, you should register just in case your plans need to change. Help completing the online application is available from Andrea Snyder 239-789-8384 or Barbara Werner-Lubich 410-409-5874.

4. Gather everything for your go-bag now and keep it ready to go on a moment’s notice. Include clothing, prescriptions, cash, and anything else you will need, and enough food and water to last at least a week.

5. Take photos and make a video of the contents of your house in case an insurance claim will need to be made later.

6. Secure or move inside any loose objects outside your home.

7. Buy a battery-operated AM/FM radio and keep a fresh supply of batteries for it.

8. Download the AlertLee app to your cell phone.

AFTER THE HURRICANE:

1. Stay away from Tara Woods for several days, until the roads are clear and power and water have been restored.

2. When you return, take photos and videos of any damage to your house. Use available materials, including tarps or boards, to close any holes in your house. Other damage can wait to be covered so materials are available for others to close up their houses and make their emergency repairs.

3. Check on friends and neighbors to be sure everyone is okay and share any resources you may have. We’re all in this together.

RED HAT LADIES

Come and join us on Tuesday, August 1st, at 1:00 PM – Applebee’s at Merchant’s Crossing. The sign-up sheet will be on the board in the Clubhouse.

As I sit and write this article, it is the first week of July and I am all excited about the start of the NEW IMAGE CHORUS season, starting Monday, September 25th, when we distribute the words to the songs we are going to sing for our show.

Actual rehearsal begins on Monday, October 2nd, and, before you know it, we will be singing to a packed Clubhouse on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024. Time goes by quickly when you are having fun.

If you have been thinking about joining the

We have lunch, cocktails, fun, and a social. Hope to see some new faces. Any questions, call me, Sheila Harris at 313-717-5627.

Chorus or even if you have not been thinking about joining, please consider coming to rehearsal on any Monday, from 12:30–2:30 PM. No tryouts, just a willingness to have some fun, clear those vocal cords, and get out of the house.

TRY IT. YOU WILL LIKE IT.

Thank you, Stuart Berman

TARA

AND LANYARDS

On sale at the Clubhouse at Saturday Morning Coffee. Contact Lynn Lessmiller at 813-748-2005.

WHERE HAS YOUR ISSUE OF THE COLUMNS BEEN?

Diane and Randy Smith came back to Michigan and visited Rich and Paula Dykstra at their cottage in Morley, MI. We had lots of laughs and games!

Pat and Lou Dunning send greetings from the picturesque village of Mijas located at an altitude of 1280 feet and about an hour’s drive from Malaga, Spain. The beautiful white buildings are decorated with iron grilles and brilliant flowers spilling over the walls with a backdrop of evergreen pine trees. Not to be missed is a stop at the Mayan Monkey Mijas chocolate Museum. Majis is home of the famous donkey “taxis.”

Show us where your issue of The Columns has traveled to! Email your photo to lindabluetw@gmail.com with the location and names of residents pictured, and your photo might be published in an upcoming issue. The Columns cover page must be visible for consideration. Photo submissions are published in the order received. Due to limited space, it could be several issues before your photo appears. We ask for your patience.

Lesley and Denis Krauss visit Steve and Eileen Robinson in the Adirondacks.

Dennis Purks is in Billings, Montana visiting his daughter.

SUNSHINE AND SYMPATHY

RESIDENT DEATHS: Richard Kivel, Dean Stump, Carol Heidmous, Sam Fiorino, Jesse Lane, & Joan Freeland

ILLNESSES OR INJURIES: Gene Dickie, Carol Andrews, Diane Nunn, Donna Sealy, Marilyn Workman, Sharon Boehlke, Belle Berman, & Ed Simko

Please remember in your thoughts and prayers the family and friends of all these neighbors, and please let me know of any medical news in your neighborhood.

Debbie Doty, 937-248-8125 or debbiepickleball@gmail.com - Lot #664

Barbara St u tt gen

Your Medicare Specialists

Barbara St u tt gen

Insurance

6001 Business 51 Wausau WI 19859 Kara Circle N. Fort Myers FL barbarastuttgeninsurence@gmail.com

715-650=3725

DID YOU KNOW?

A NEW MONTHLY ARTICLE FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS COMMITTEE a TWHOA Board-affiliated group

Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ mission is to be an INFORMATIONAL RESOURCE for services that are available in Lee County that would meet the needs of Tara Woods residents.

This month we would like to share with you WHERE you can find Resources in our community.

1. On the twhoa.net website: On the right-hand side, find Community Services… Neighbors Helping Neighbors… There you will find the list of Committee Members and a Vendor List which includes professional services in our community and in the area.

2. In the Tara Woods Resident Directory: On pages 4-5, you can find HOA Board members, Committees, Board Related Groups, and Community Clubs and Groups.

3. In the Library: There are informational brochures on Health and Safety Resources, and two bulletin boards with business cards/index cards offering a variety of services. Each Wednesday, the Florida Weekly newspaper is delivered to the Library. There are extra copies of The Columns. Other free newspapers include Lifestyles after Fifty and Neighbor Living

SILVER ALERT TEAM FOR TARA WOODS

In this issue of The Columns is a bright yellow insert titled Tara Woods Silver Alert Team. This is a very important piece of paper, and you are urged to keep it in a safe place for further reference.

Whether we want to admit it or not, unfortunately, we are all getting older. There may come a time when a loved one, friend or neighbor, wanders off. It is not intentional; it just happens.

The following information was prepared with the assistance of your HOA and the Neighborhood Watch Committee.

When you realize someone is missing, your first call should be to 911 and advise them you are calling from Lee County. Please answer their questions, providing them with as much information as possible. They will send the appropriate support staff to assist in helping locate the missing person.

Your next call should be to the Silver Alert

Team Leaders, Stuart Berman at 239-220-2369 or Hank Kaczmarczyk at 302-824-3259. They will ask you mostly the same questions that 911 asked. Stuart or Hank will then activate the Silver Alert Team to start looking for whomever you reported missing.

Hank has divided Tara Woods into areas or sections to get maximum coverage in the shortest amount of time. Each member of the team will receive the same information you provided as they search the area they are assigned.

DO NOT CALL THE GATE. THEY WILL ONLY REFER YOU TO CALL 911.

It is hoped that following these guidelines will bring a swift and successful resolve to the situation.

If you are interested in joining Neighborhood Watch or the Silver Alert Team, please contact Stuart or Hank.

Thank you, Stuart Berman

TARA WOODS LIBRARY

The Library in the Clubhouse will be open normal days and hours: Monday through Sunday - 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

LABOR DAY AT TARA WOODS

Labor Day at Tara Woods!

Monday, September 4th - 1:00 PM

Food service starting at 1:30 PM - Open seating

Menu: Pulled Pork or Chicken, Cole Slaw, Corn-on-the-cob, Potato Chips, Dessert Cost: $12:00 per person

Tickets available starting August 5th, at Saturday Morning Coffee and 5:306:30 PM at Tuesday Bingo. Bring Your Own

Beverage and Snacks to share and don’t forget your tickets!!

Labor Day Horse Races!

Bring single dollar bills ($1.00) – Social Raffle

LAST TICKET SALES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29TH

Hosted by the New York/ New Jersey Club. Contact: Janet Daly 239-567-2285

ENTERTAINING NEWS

Here we are in what they call the “dog days” of summer! August is here and September is just around the corner! As we move forward (hopefully) into some cooler temperatures it’s time for the Entertainers to knuckle down and really get busy with learning our lines and figuring out the personalities of the roles we have been given for our next play! Our practices begin in October and soon you will receive an email from Janet with our rehearsal dates and other information. So keep an eye out for that, and I know I can’t wait to see how our actors make the characters come alive!

The Tara Woods snowbirds are getting excited to make the trek back to Florida and be reunited

with our Tara Woods family! We miss you and can’t wait to hear about your adventures. If there are new residents to our community who want to know more about what we do, please feel free to reach out to Pat Dunning who will tell you all about us or ask about us at your New Resident Orientation!

Well, that’s all from me… safe travels to all our snowbirds and looking forward to seeing everyone soon! And remember… Learn your lines and let’s make our next season for our Entertainers a fun and exciting one!

“Acting touches nerves you have absolutely no control over.” – Alan Rickman

Submitted by Lesley Krauss, pklesley@icloud.com

BOWLERS WANTED

THERE IS NO TIME TO SPARE… WANTED BOWLERS OR NON-BOWLERS

If you are a bowler or have never bowled before and are interested in bowling…we are looking for you to join our Tara Woods Bowling League.

The league starts on Wednesday, October 4th, and runs through Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024. We do not bowl the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years. If you are unable to start on October 4th, all you do is pay your prize money for those dates that you missed. We are welcoming any new bowlers or any bowler that hasn’t bowled in a while. This is a FUN league.

Sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board in the Library or call me to sign up. Please pass the word to your friends and neighbors. It is a great way to meet new people in Tara Woods. Please sign up by Friday, September 1st, so the teams can be created.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me.

Thank you, Judy Girty, President, Tara Woods Bowling League, 513-702-6874

WOMEN’S SWIFT TENNIS

Sign Up For Women’s SWIFT Tennis 2023-24 Season

• Would you like to play league tennis?

• Are you a resident of Tara Woods, or do you rent here for at least two months?

• Are you 55 years of age or older? • Do you love to play the game?

• Come join the fun with fellow tennis players.

Sign up by Saturday, September 30th, on the Tennis Bulletin Board or call Linda Engel at 920-428-5800.

SPORTS, EXERCISE, and ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES, ACTIVITIES

Although it is hot, steamy, and rainy, Tara Woods activities continue, even if we must start earlier, or reschedule because of Mother Nature. Those of us still here enjoyed Happy Hour poolside, food truck Wednesday and ice cream truck Wednesday. A National Hot Dog Day BBQ was held on July 22nd. On Wednesdays, cool down with a weekly ice cream truck, and food trucks are here monthly. Some events in August to look forward to, and are being sponsored by Hometown America:

Wednesday August 2nd: National Ice Cream Day. Look for details on the Tara Woods gate sign.

Wednesday August 16th: Mambo Food Truck 4:00-7:00 PM

September events so far:

Monday September 4th: Labor Day Celebration – NY/NJ club. Stay tuned for details.

Don’t forget to send your travel/home photos featuring The Columns newspaper to Linda Elliott lindabluetw@gmail.com.

I look forward to sharing the Magic of Tara Woods with you next season. Keep those suggestions coming!

Celia Blotkamp, Activities Coordinator

To stay informed of events in Tara Woods:

- Read the posters on the bulletin board in the Clubhouse.

- Check the Clubhouse bulletin boards for meeting and event information and sign-up sheets.

- Come to Saturday Morning Coffee!

- Read The Columns and check the Calendar.

- Sign on to the Tara Woods website, www.twhoa.net, to be kept informed of all current events and more!

- Check out page 5 of the Tara Woods Community Resident Directory to see all the opportunities to keep you busy in Tara Woods, with the contact people for each one listed if you have questions.

- Page 4 of the Directory lists the contact people for specific responsibilities under the Board of Directors that you can contact with any questions.

EXERCISE FOR SENIORS

SENIOR EXERCISE: Enjoy workouts with Curtis Adams all summer wherever you are.

Curtis Adams

FREE SENIOR FITNESS WORKOUT VIDEOS

Website: www.vitalityfl.com

YouTube videos. You can subscribe for free videos. Curtis Adams@VitalityFL 25.8K subscribers,97 videos

Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 5th, for 8:00 AM class and Wednesday, September 6th, for 10:00 AM class.

MOVIE NITE

WATER VOLLEYBALL!

Thursdays & Sundays 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Come join us in this fun, non-competitive sport. Meet new/old friends, get a few laughs while exercising. No experience necessary.

Hope to see you there. If questions, contact Barb Simonson at 541-840-4430.

By Lloyd & Carolyn Kelsey

Saturday, August 26th at 7:00 PM

Featuring: Oceans Thirteen

Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt - Rated: PG-13, Action Free Popcorn – BYOB

Saturday, September 23rd at 7:00 PM

Featuring: Last Vegas

Starring: Douglas, DeNiro, Freeman, Kline

Rated: PG-13, Action, Comedy Free Popcorn – BYOB

WATER AEROBICS

8:00 AM Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.

Air temperature must be 62 degrees by 8:00 AM. Use ABC News to check the temperature. If questions for the 8:00 AM class, contact Judy Brda at 239-731-1797.

This is a great exercise for men and women with less stress on your joints and muscles. The class consists of stretching, cardio and water weights. If you have them, bring noodles, stretch bands, and water weights. If questions, contact Judy Brda at 239-731-1797.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE AED’S ARE?

If you’re wondering what an AED is – and why they seem to be located in most offices and public buildings, you’re not alone. In fact, because these devices are now commonly available, more people than ever before are curious about them. So – just what is an AED?

An AED, or automated external defibrillator,

is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a sophisticated, yet easy-touse, medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

This one is located at the north entrance of the Clubhouse.

This is in the entry area of the Craft Room near the tennis courts.

MID-ATLANTIC SOCIAL CLUB NEWS

We welcome Tara Woods residents from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and friends from all over the country. Check out our postings on the bulletin board in the Clubhouse for contact information and upcoming events. If you have any questions about our Club, please contact one of the officers (names posted on each newsletter).

In June Barbara Werner-Lubich and Nancy Schoeppner hosted an incredible Ice Cream Social with the help of new members Andrea Snyder and Maureen Miller. The tables were adorned with king-sized sundaes, and the ice cream and topping selections were wonderful.

The Club put together a golf cart for the 4th of July Golf Cart Parade and won first place for the effort! We called it our 4th of July Road Trip, and a cart with vintage travel posters filled with suitcases covered with travel stickers was pulled behind the golf cart. Gerri Linder, Club President, came up with the idea; Kathy Rabassi, Gerri Linder, and Sue Clark put it together, and Bob Clark drove our cart with Sylvia Stump as copilot. The $25.00 Publix gift card will be used for future meetings.

Our next meeting will be on Sunday, August 20th. ~ Sue Clark - Secretary

MIDWEST CLUB

We hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful summer months. Our first Midwest Club Meeting is on Friday, October 27th. Happy Hour will be from 5:00-6:00 PM, dinner at 6:00 PM, a brief meeting following dinner, then a group activity. Our first meal will be Sloppy Joes, chips, fruit, and dessert. Tickets are $5.00 per person.

Ticket sales will be on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 3rd, 10th, and 17th, 5:30-6:30 PM

Saturday, October 7th, 14, and 21st, 7:30-8:30 AM

Also, dues for the 2023-24 season (October-April) are $5.00 per person. You can pay your dues at the same time as you purchase tickets. If not, you can pay your dues at the October or November meeting. We look forward to seeing everyone again or meeting new friends.

~

Paula Dykstra

NEW ENGLAND CLUB

The New England Club will hold our Welcome Back Party on Saturday, October 21st at 5:00 PM in the Clubhouse. Sign-ups will begin on Thursday, September 21st. Your yearly dues of $5.00 per person must be paid at this party. The menu and more information will be posted in September.

The 2023-2024 schedules are available on the New England Club bulletin board for our summer survivors. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer.

~ Judy Machnicz

The Mid-Atlantic Club won first place prize for Regional Clubs in the July 4th Golf Cart Parade.

ENTERTAINMENT AROUND TARA WOODS

BINGO AT TARA WOODS

Be one of the winners at our Tuesday night BINGO. And you can win more than once during the night!

I f your eyesight isn’t as good as it once was, now you can play too. We have really BIG game packs and “Specials” that are 8 ½” x 11” with 2” numbers.

No additional charge for the ticket that can make you the “King” or the “Queen” for the night and earn you even more money on all game sheets.

Game packets are sold with either 6 game squares per sheet or 9 game squares. The “Special” game papers have 3 game squares. Buy as many as you’d like!

Our Tuesday night BINGO session consists of 14 regular games and 6 “Special” games

We also have “Hot Ball” prizes of $50.00 or more and a “Social” raffle. Sales STOP at 6:45 PM. Come join the fun.

PICKLEBALL

To all new and existing residents. Looking to get some exercise and have some fun at the same time? Come join us for Pickleball! It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. Current open play times are at 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM every day. Come down to the courts and say hello. We would be happy to teach you how to play the game. There are paddles available in the storage container in front of the courts and the balls are located on the door of each court. Proper footwear is required. Join in on the fun!

For further information contact

Jennifer Widener 239-823-0146 / Jenkederb@yahoo.com

Bruce (410) 409-5873 / bruce@brucelubichcpa.com

Alice (313) 220-0622 / gowings2429@sbcglobal.net

Louise (508) 672-2141 / lcpatter46@gmail.com

EUCHRE

Wednesday 7:00 PM. Come and enjoy a fun evening of euchre in the Card Room. The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the Clubhouse each week. For information or if you want to learn to play, call Vera Day 941-223-3859.

BOCCE

Mondays at 3:00 PM & Tuesdays at 9:00 AM

No need to sign up. Don’t need a partner. New teams chosen every week ~ Easy to learn. Questions: call Rudy Diaz 239-347-7934. Additional time: Tuesdays at 3:30.

CHAIR VOLLEYBALL

Score points for your team sitting in a chair and volleying with a beach ball! Wednesdays at 7:00 PM in the Clubhouse. Sally Morini and Dick Resh

TENNIS ANYONE?

Join other tennis players every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 9:00-10:30 AM for friendly Tennis.

BUNCO

Ladies and Gentlemen, come join us every Sunday at 7:00 PM in the Card Room. Cost is $3.00.

Will you have the first Bunco or the last, or the most? Will you have the most wins, or the most losses? If you do, the prize money will be yours! Come join the fun. Questions: call Polly Brown 239-246-2391.

PING PONG

Looking for Players!

Remember those days playing ping pong as a kid? You can still play today! Please join us on Thursdays from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the Clubhouse. For further information contact Norm Libby at 239-246-3510.

AGGRAVATION

Meets in the Clubhouse Card Room at 6:30 PM on Monday and Thursday nights. The game consists of 11 hands and is easy to learn. Eight quarters gets you in. Come join the fun and play a great card game.

MAH JONGG

Come join the Mah Jongg group. Do not know how to play? We teach the first three Mondays of the month. We have a great time. Come & join us on Mondays 12:30-3:00 PM.

The Happy Ladies of Mah Jongg.

CRIBBAGE

There’s a “new” game at Tara Woods. If you hear someone say, “fifteen two fifteen four” and you don’t think they’ve lost a screw or two, come and join us in the Card Room every Wednesday at 2:00 PM for a few games of Cribbage. The arrangement is fairly flexible since Cribbage can be played by 2 or 3 or 4 players. Just be there by 2 PM. Cards, cribbage boards and fun will be provided. Contact Barb Simonson 541-840-4430

POKER, ANYONE?

LADIES! DO YOU PLAY POKER? How long has it been since you’ve played with friends? Did you know there’s a game every Monday night at the Clubhouse just for the ladies? Well, we really don’t have a “No Boys Allowed!!!” Rule, but men usually don’t like to play with wild cards and we do. But they’re welcome to play as long as they are willing to “play like girls”. It is most likely the least stressful and least expensive poker you can play around here! It’s a good night to socialize with the ladies and make new friends with the girls who like to play poker. The stakes are very low. Call Polly Brown, 239-246-2391, if you’d like to join us – she’ll fill you in on the details or answer any questions you may have.

MEN’S POKER

Wednesday in Meeting Room at Clubhouse. 1:00 - 5:00 PM. Contact George D’Alessandro , 239-543-8492.

BRIDGE

The Bridge group is looking for bridge players. We meet on Tuesdays at 12:30 PM in the Card Room.

Call Beth Ferris at 239-543-6295, Mary Green at 239-800-3837, or Pauline Young at 239-997-5984 first if you are interested in playing with this friendly group. We’d like to have you join us. Beth Ferris

HAND AND FOOT CARD CLUB

Come join the group for a fun-filled afternoon of cards! We meet on Fridays at 1:30 PM in the Card Room. Don’t know how to play the game? EASY! We will teach you! It is easy to learn.

Questions: contact Polly Brown at 239-246-2391

GAME NIGHT

Every Friday night at 7:00 p.m.

Different games can be played (All are easy to learn)

LEFT – CENTER – RIGHT (dice- 3-coin buy-in) (winner-take-all each game)

CONTRACT RUMMY (similar to Aggravation) (6 quarter buy-in)

31 (card game) (3 dime buy-in each game) (winner-take-all each game)

For more information call Polly Brown at 239-246-2391.

CERAMICS

Mondays – 12:00 Noon

Ceramics is held in the Ceramics Room by the Tennis Courts.

We are there every Monday at 12:00 Noon.

For more information and for firing of the kiln please contact Maury Miller, 239-365-9859.

We hope you will come and participate in making ceramics with us. Come join the fun.

SHUFFLEBOARD BOWLING PIN

Games will be played on Thursday mornings at 10:00 AM. All are welcome to play. Instructions will be provided. We will play three games with a different partner each game. ~ Carol Clark

SHUFFLEBOARD HORSE COLLAR

Games will be played on Monday mornings at 10:00 AM. We will play three games. Cost is $1.00. All money collected will be paid out to winners.

HORSESHOES

Every Friday at 1:00 PM At the Horseshoe Pits. Come join us for fun and laughs.

BIRTHDAYS IN AUGUST BIRTHDAYS IN SEPTEMBER

1 Nicole Racine

2 Kimberly Doyle, Frank Geltner, Ray Paquette

3 Carol Jenkins, Charlene Langtry, Stephanie Spalin, Anne Turner

4 Judy Binkowski, Ann Marie Dixon

5 Bobbie Sanfort, Lee Zacek

6 Rich Breniser, James Liberty, Dean Stark, Howie Walton

7 Dorothy Belford, Ken Clark

9 Lori Maheu, Kathy Porto, Mabel Sim

10 Richard Cauldwell, Vera Cawlfield, Warren Engel, Howard Horton, Shelly Pearcy, Jean Resh, Dianne Waldock

11 Joe Parise, Rick Roides

12 Denny Biglin, Gene Dickie, Lavonne Langeland, Chuck McCaw, Wayne Ray, Dick Resh

13 Pat Gless, Terry Langeland, Ginny Loring, 92 Yrs., Wes Pearcy, Mike Rice, Steve Zingre

14 Joe Bucceri, Jim Burt, Gigi Fisher, Larry Fonner, Tim Hurley

15 Linda Adkins, Mary Kivel, Joni Pushee

16 Lou Sapp, Dakota Windancer

18 Bob Wehlage

19 Susie Bradley, Mary Weisenburger

20 Patti Kuhn, Gail Voitik

21 Rochelle Catz, Norm Libby, Gerry Wilczek

22 Sue Hodgson, Evie Loud, Pat Patterson

24 Tony Gless, Liliana Townsend

25 Ang Plested, Nancy Sundstrom, Marie Vidrine, Chuck Wheeler

26 Jim Crutchfield, Jane Duchalski, Amy Furnival, Sandy Miller

27 Armando Perez, Keever Shropshire

28 Colleen Achtelik

29 Randy Smith

31 Christine Foran, Bruce Winfree

ANNIVERSARIES IN AUGUST

Diane & Randy Smith

25 Darlene & Bob Wehlage

27 Denise Franzel & Phil Toney, Sandy & Fred Miller, 62 Yrs.

28 Fran & Mike Curtis, Marie & Lenny Harned, Patti & Bill Walsh

29 Doreen & Jim Choquette, Donna & Tom Erhardt, Renee & Larry Nadeau, Sue & Phil Yenrick

30 Dorothy & John Andrus, Nancy & Jim Lamson

2 Dave Boncher, Barb Goodhue

3 Pete Finnemore, Chris Porter

4 Denise Fortier

5 Carol Adney, Sue Clark, Linda Raderchak

6 Al Neumann, 91 Yrs., Karen Silvers

7 Hugh Cooper, Diane Nunn

8 Evelyn Picklesimer, Bill Sobkowicz

9 Mary Ann Craig, Jackie Liberty, Bonnie Nagel, Ken Reese, Brenda Weiss

10 Mary Cauldwell, Renee Craig, Ann Furia, Larry Rhoten, Dawn Taylor

11 John Kern, Sharon Rowe

12 “D” Linderman, Bill Oostdyk

13 Jim Barnd, Fran Curtis, John Robinson, Darryl Yohn

14 Phil Corey, Diane Smith

15 Joe Byrd, Chris Cialino, Flossie Hoffman, Marlene Lane, Kenny Linn, Jimmie Sorrentio, Ed Widener

16 Kathy Hildreth

17 Sharon Flobeck

18 Mary Costantini, Norm Raymond

19 Jim Brockmeyer

20 Ruthie Lemire

21 Chris Finn, Keith Hand, John Lombardi, Nancy McLaughlin

22 Linda Cooledge, Martin D’Cruze, Bobbie Felknor, Bob Volkers

23 Mae Dickie, John McCosker, Andrea Snyder

24 Brian Francey, Steve Robinson, Linda Wright

25 Pat Dunning

26 Barry Erhardt, Pete Hodgson, Mike Schenkel

27 Judy Machnicz, Laurie Zakrewski

28 Paul Key, Sharie Libby, Don Swartz, Steve Keirn

29 Lloyd Maggert, Donna Westlake

30 Cathie LaSelva, Becky Nadeau

ANNIVERSARIES IN SEPTEMBER

1 Carol & Ron Andrews, 66 Yrs., Lori & Tim Hoch

2 Louise & Art Frederick

3 Flossie & Harry Hoffman, 68 Yrs., Lorraine & Bill Milligan

4 Mary & Amos Green, 69 Yrs., Linda & Kent Hetzer, Mary & Ed Sandre, Gwen & Dakota Windancer

6 Casey & Bob Glandorf, 65 Yrs., Joann & Bob Tirollo

7 Mary & Joe Bucceri, 55 Yrs. Mary & Phil Kenter, 66 Yrs., Patti & Rusty Thompson

16 Gaye & Larry Noffsinger, “Chickie” & Dom Notaro

17 Beth & Ken Ferris, 68 Yrs.

19 Jackie & James Liberty, 64 Yrs

20 Angie & George D’Alessandro, 65 Yrs.

21 Beverly & John Anderson, 55 Yrs.

22 Patricia & John Bianco, 50 Yrs., Kim & Chris Girard, Chris & Bob Quintal

23 Mae & Gene Dickie

24 Renee & Dan Horton

25 Tami & Rick Hall

27 Lisa Cranston & John Trebish

Moriarty, Sara & David Staver, 50 Yrs.

21 Sandy & Hank Kaczmarczyk

22 Betsy & Mel Courtney, Donna & Bob Evans, Lynn & Jon Porter, Kathy & Tony Porto

23 Pat & Harry Downs,

& Ricky Gunnoe, Julie & Andy Vanderplaats

24 Donna & Arnie Gaudet,

31 Linda & Denny Adkins, Jann & Larry Anderson, Una & Joe Bigelow, Linda & Mike Raderchak

9 Jane & Richie Duchalski, Pat & Tony Gless, 62 Yrs., Kathy & Dennis Harper

10 Nancy & Jack Morley

11 Sharon & Matt Rose

12 Belinda & Craig Baker, Vicki & Mike Hoard

13 Donna & Fred Westlake

14 Ann Rouette & Ghislain Marcil, Ann & Sidney Scott, 70 Yrs., Vic & Tom Sharps

15 Phil & Steve Corey, 50 Yrs.

28 Liz & Al Neumann, 66 Yrs.

29 Pat & Henry Gardner, Kathy & Randy Murschell

30 Debbie & Greg Rapp

Contact Sue Clark 412-780-3584 or randsclark@verizon.net before September 10th for Special Recognition of Birthdays 90+ and Anniversaries 50, 55, or 60+ in October 2023