Tara Woods Columns - January 2023

WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS

WWW.TWHOA.NET

WWW.TWHOA.NET

We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and 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 one which will be on Saturday, January 14th, at 10:00 AM in the Clubhouse Meeting Room. We have a wealth of information to share with you. All are welcome.

If you haven’t already registered on the NEW

If you haven’t already registered on the NEW

Tara Woods Homeowners Association website, then Check It Out!

Tara Woods Homeowners Association website, then Check It Out!

* All from the comfort of your home *

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

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.

Weekly “What’s Happening” email.

Linda and Denny Adkins and Rose Adkins Linda, Denny, and Rose reside at Lot #422, 19695 Pandora Circle. Rose is Linda’s mother. They are full-time residents from Indiana who have been living in Cape Coral for many years. Linda and Denny have two children and seven grandchildren. Linda is a retired self-employed photographer. Denny is a retired software engineer with Lee County schools. Rose worked in an insurance office. In her spare time, Linda enjoys photography, ceramics, watching alligators and spending time with her grandchildren. In his spare time, Denny enjoys tennis, pickleball and card games. In her spare time, Rose enjoys playing cards and doing puzzles.

Upcoming Events – Community Event Pictures. News Articles – Classified Ads.

Upcoming Events – Community Event Pictures. News Articles – Classified Ads.

Josee Choiniere and Jean Lanoie

Emergency Information .......and more.

Emergency Information .......and more.

Josee and Jean reside on Lot #98, 19751 Charleston Circle. They are part-time residents from Quebec, Canada. They have four children and six grandchildren. Josee and Jean owned their own vineyard in Canada. In their spare time, they both enjoy tennis, golf, roller skating and biking.

Community information – when you want it! Select website pages are restricted to HOA members only

Community information – when you want it!

Select website pages are restricted to HOA members only

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, and Sheila Harris.

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

ALTERNATES: Barb Simonson, Carol Heidemous, 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.

Hugh Cooper

Hugh resides on Lot #283, 2852 Steamboat Loop. He is a full-time resident from Tennessee. Hugh is currently working in home inspection and is a real estate agent. In his spare time, Hugh enjoys pickleball, bocci and the pool.

Sonja Daughtrey

Sonja resides at Lot #288, 2872 Steamboat Loop. She is a full-time resident from Florida. Sonja has two children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Sonja is a retired legal assistant. In her spare time, Sonja enjoys reading, gardening, the outdoors, sewing clothes and doing puzzles.

Debbie Doty and Rod Dolin

Debbie and Rod reside on Lot #664, 19325 Amelia Road. They are full-time residents from Ohio and Connecticut. Together, they have seven children, eighteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Debbie is a retired administrator of Miami University. Rod is retired from owning his own insurance company. In their spare time, Debbie and Rod both enjoy tennis, pickleball, ballroom dancing and cards.

Anne Garvin and Kathy Hirtzer

Anne and Kathy reside on Lot #49, 19537 Cotton Bay. They are full-time residents from Illinois. They have six children and two grandchildren. Anne is retired from the restaurant industry, and Kathy is a retired occupational therapist. In their spare time, they both enjoy golf, pickleball and tennis.

Liane and Shane Kemp

Liane and Shane reside on Lot #378, 2790 Orlenes Street. They are full-time residents from Minnesota. They have five children and seven grandchildren. Liane is retired from doing cleaning for a church. Shane is a retired engineer from Chrysler. In her spare time, Liane enjoys doing artwork. In his spare time, Shane enjoys riding a three-wheel bicycle.

Sharon and Rich LaPointe

Sharon and Rich reside on Lot #434, 19743 Pandora Circle. They are full-time residents from Maine. They have six children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Sharon is a retired nurse. Rich is a retired regional manager for Canadega Wine Company. In her spare time, Sharon enjoys bike riding and water aerobics. In his spare time, Rich enjoys playing Rummikub and bike riding.

JoAnn and Cherie Mauricio

JoAnn and Cherie reside on Lot #110, 19649 Woodfield Circle. They are full-time residents from Minnesota. Cherie is JoAnn’s daughter. JoAnn has four children and six grandchildren. JoAnn is retired and a stay-at-home Mom. Cherie is also retired and did babysitting and miscellaneous other jobs. In her spare time, JoAnn enjoys playing the piano. In her spare time, Cherie enjoys taking care of animals.

Mar and Wayne Shriver

Mar and Wayne reside on Lot #103, 19607 Woodfield Circle. They are part-time residents from New York and New Jersey. Mar and Wayne have six children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mar is a retired manager from Kaleida Health. Wayne is a retired engineer for Sierra Research. In her spare time, Mar enjoys playing pickleball, chair volleyball and participating in all sports. In his spare time, Wayne enjoys music, playing guitar and singing.

Patti and Bill Walsh

Patti and Bill reside on Lot #113, 19667 Woodfield Circle. They are full-time residents from Rhode Island. Patti and Bill have five children, two grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Patti is retired from Verizon. Bill is retired from NorthEast Electric. In their spare time, they both enjoy dancing.

WELCOME TO TARA WOODS, Barbara Krilivsky and Linda Kasdorf, co-chairs of the Welcome Committee

FROM THE BOARD ROOM by Lou

Happy New Year and welcome to 2023!! While every year is different, last year was one for the books. We continue to recover and rebuild. Some fixes have been quick, while others will take longer. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Welcome to all our new Tara Woods residents. The fabric of our community is defined by the people who live, work, and play here. Our fabric is strong, and we look forward to you joining us. Thanks to our volunteer resident Orientation Committee who share the ins and outs of living here in Tara Woods. Some of the changes you might have noticed…. Your Board of Directors now meet once every month throughout the year. Also, the Board voted to have Homeowner Association meetings monthly. With the increased activities, this will help all residents stay informed.

Thank you to our volunteer Neighborhood Watch group, who, working with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department and Hometown America, were able to procure a ‘See something, Say something’ sign and have it created and placed at the entrance of our community.

Thank you to our volunteer Neighbors Helping Neighbors group, who recently had two FMO preferred insurance providers here to speak to us and answer questions regarding our insurance coverage. This busy volunteer group has future

Clubhouse programs scheduled regarding Frauds and Scams, Caption Call, a Trust Attorney, and a Mobile Dermatologist. If you are reading and enjoying this article, we can thank all the volunteers who contribute articles and information, our editor, proofreaders, and the distribution group that delivers The Columns newspaper to each household.

The above are just a small example of what’s happening here. If you are already volunteering for our community, THANK YOU!!

HEADS UP – Mark Saturday, January 28th, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on your calendar to attend your HOA sponsored Opportunity Fair in the Clubhouse. Come check out what our many groups, clubs, and activities are doing, and enjoy free handouts and free prizes.

DID YOU KNOW THAT – your HOA has over 23 groups operating under your Homeowners Association’s umbrella, with hundreds of volunteers? Join us. If you are already one of our valued volunteers, we thank you for your continuing contribution to making our community even better; we could not do any of this without you. Remember, the best is yet to come.

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

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 at the Guard House. Replacements are available for $8.00. Bob Glandorf

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.

Sam Topping, U.S. Army

What is a number? In baseball the higher the batting average, the better your team has a chance of winning the game. In bowling, the closer you bowl to 300 has a positive result and a sense of pride.

The same holds true for organizations. Simply put, there is strength in numbers. That includes active and inactive members. It’s the total number that you want to be high. The same holds true for the FMO. The more members we have, the stronger the organization.

Dues are reasonable in exchange for the benefits. A one-year membership is $25.00, and a three-year membership is $65.00. First and foremost, you get a voice in Tallahassee. The FMO has a lobbyist who has her ear to the ground. Should any member of the Legislature wanting to bring up a bill that would have a

RED HAT LADIES

Come join us on the SECOND Tuesday, January 10th, at 1:00 PM. Location to be announced. The sign-up sheet is on the board

negative effect on our lifestyle, the members are urged to contact their representative and STRONGLY encourage them NOT to support it. The same holds true if the Park Owners want legislation that will have a negative effect on the membership. FMO is there to encourage our legislatures not to support it.

Therein is the intention of this article. Whether you are active or inactive, you are a member. The more members we have, the better chance of getting bills passed that FMO supports, and bills defeated that will affect our lifestyle.

Applications and mail-in envelopes are on the back bulletin board. Do your part to raise the numbers.

Wishing you and yours the very best in 2023. Thank you, Stuart Berman

in the Clubhouse. We have lunch, cocktails, fun and a social. Hope to see some new faces. Any questions, call me, Evelyn Loud, at 239-233-9807.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen… a new year, a new beginning! Let me begin by saying –

“Happy New Year to all!”

As a reminder to all cast and crew working on this year’s plays, our rehearsals will be as follows: (unless it is changed), Mondays in January will be Help Desk, and Thursdays will be Escape. If you are in one of these, please be sure to make your rehearsal; especially since between January 2nd and the beginning of March, there are 14 rehearsals for Help Desk, and 13 for Escape, which takes us up to tech week.

In addition, especially for the newer members of the Entertainers, in January we are off book which means you may have your book with you, but not read your lines.

For the stand-ins, please make as many rehearsals as you can.

CERAMICS

Visit Tara Woods Ceramics on Facebook to see our local talent.

The ceramics room is loacated next to the tennis courts. Beginners and experienced crafters are

For the backstage crew, for each of the performances, the set will be moved into place, and then put back, and we should be using props. We will need to work through how that will work.

To the rest of Tara Woods, your part in the plays in March is to plan on being in the audience on the second weekend in March to see your fellow ‘Tara-ites’, the ones on and off stage, put on this year’s productions – ‘The Great Nursing Home Escape’ and ‘Help Desk’.

In the meantime, be happy and stay healthy. “Without writers, stories could not be written. Without actors, stories could not be brought to life.” ~ Stella Adler

Pat Dunning, Stage Manager, Entertainers 239-240-5848 pdunning46@gmail.com

welcome. Mpndays at noon there are members busy at work. Stop by for a look. Individual lessons are available upon request.

MIDWEST CLUB 60’S, 70’S AND 80’S DANCE/PARTY

Hope all of the Midwest members had a great holiday, a Merry Christmas, and spent time with lots of family and friends. Our first party of 2023 will be on Friday, January 20th, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. The theme of this party is anything sports. If you would like, please wear anything sports related supporting your favorite team, no matter what sport you enjoy.

Our meal will consist of four different kinds of pizza, and the cost will be $5.00. We are asking members to bring either an appetizer or dessert to share with the club. Start watching the bulletin board for sign-ups. As always, bring a beverage of your choice. Paper products will be provided.

Ticket sales for the January Sports Party will start on Tuesday Bingo, January 3rd, and continue until Tuesday, January 14th. There will be NO tickets available after January 14th.

Let’s hope with all the redoing of the homes in our community, 2023 will be a much better year for all of us. I hope we all have a healthy, prosperous, and wonderful New Year. ~ Vicki Hoard

NEW ENGLAND CLUB

The New England Club Christmas party was held on December 3rd. A delicious Italian dinner was served. Thanks to Carol Malatesta, Lee Beliveau, and Ron & Sue Proulx for all your hard work putting this dinner together. Congratulations to the winners of the “Christmas Jumble” game, captained by Polly Brown and to the winners of the “Christmas Trivia” game, captained by Sue Hodgson.

Please come help take down our New England Club tree on Saturday, January 7th, after Saturday Morning Coffee, if you can. Saturday, January 21st is our “Glad We’re Not in New England” party at 5:00 PM. This will be a pot-luck dinner. Signups will begin on Wednesday, December 21st.

There will be three sign-up sheets. One for salads, one for sides, and one for entrees. Please sign up according to what you would like to bring, but if a sheet is full, please choose another sheet. Please bring a dish that would serve eight to ten people.

The Club will provide dessert and coffee. There will be very fun games and raffles. Please bring the beverage of your choice. Don’t forget to get your tickets for the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s dance that our Club is hosting for Tara Woods on Saturday, February 4th. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 3rd. Hope to see all of you at everything! ~ Judy Machnicz

Do you remember the Age of Aquarius? Heard it Through the Grapevine that the New England Club is hosting a 60’s, 70’s and 80’s dance/party on Saturday, February 4th. It would be really groovy, far out and way cool for you to be there.

What was your favorite? The sixties with the tie-dye craze, tunics, culottes, western shirts, straight leg pants or miniskirts? And the beehive hairdos with plenty of bows? And don’t forget the fishnet stockings we use to wear, ladies. Maybe you remember going to the drive-in movies and hooking the speaker on your car window to see Psycho, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or Spartacus.

Or maybe you were more into the seventies. Debby Boone had a #1 hit with You Light Up My Life, while Don McLean had us trying to figure out the meaning of American Pie. Disco took the country by storm as did John Travolta in the unforgettable Saturday Night Fever. Women tried to walk in platform shoes, while both men and women were right in style in some pretty wide bell bottoms. Short shorts and crop tops were among the favs with the girls, while our dates may have donned a long-collared shirt, a vest and don’t forget the Leisure Suits! Date night might have found us at the movies watching The Godfather, Rocky or American Graffiti.

If you rocked the eighties, then you probably wore some stirrup or parachute (M.C. Hammer) pants. Track suits were hugely popular by then in polyester, terry cloth and of course velour. Denim jeans with bleach spots were cool while we danced to Olivia Newton-John’s Physical, or Michael Jackson’s Thriller. We Are The World was a number one hit for four solid weeks! Bon Jovi burst onto the scene in 1983 and Motley Crue in 1981. If movies were more to your liking, maybe you saw E.T., Police Academy or, for the brave-hearted, Nightmare on Elm Street.

John’s Mobile Music will be providing the entertainment. Tickets are $10.00 per person. Coffee and dessert will be served. Raffle tickets will be available and please BYOB and snacks. Doors will open at 6:30 PM, music starting at 7:00 PM. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, January 3rd and will remain on sale until Saturday, January 28th and on Tuesdays before Bingo and at Saturday Morning Coffee, unless the party is a sell-out. There will be table reservation sheets under the poster in the Clubhouse.

Be there or be square, man!

~ Judy Machnicz

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).

Our mantra is “Life is short, eat dessert first.” We want to thank the community for purchasing our desserts at the Craft Fair. And a special thanks to those who baked for the sale and made it all possible. ~ Sue Clark

NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CLUB

The NY/NJ Club will have a delicious “Soups, Stews and Chowder” meeting on Saturday, January 7th.

There are sign-up sheets in the Clubhouse for attendance and what to bring.

We will be playing “Show Me the Money” so bring some extra dollar bills!

We hope to see all you NY/NJ friends there!

Elaine Robinson

SUNSHINE AND SYMPATHY

To the families and friends, we offer our sympathy for the following residents and former residents:

Maurice (Moe) Chouinard, Roy Conner, and former residents Norma Jones and Shirley Ringleben.

Remember these people in your thoughts and prayers, and please let me know of any medical news in your neighborhood.

May you have a blessed Christmas and the healthiest New Year.

NANCY WUEBBELER 239-245-7575 – nkw4@comcast.net

BIO’S OF NOMINEES FOR RE-ELECTION

Christine Olson

Hello, my name is Christine (Chris) Olson. I have been your Recording Secretary for two and one-half years. I have been proud to be part of the Tara Woods Homeowners Association. When I first took over for Ginnie Pontarelli, in August of 2019, I was very surprised to see everything your HOA Board does for the residents of Tara Woods. Besides taking the minutes for all meetings of the Board and posting them on the Tara Woods website, I am the Liaison for the Bulletin Boards in the Community Building, The Columns, both delivery and the newsletter, the Library, the Sunshine and Sympathy committee, key control and office supplies. Our job is to ensure our committees are running smoothly and efficiently. I am fortunate to have excellent committee chairs who do an outstanding job running my committees. I am there if they have any problems or complaints and to fill in, if needed.

I am also, the Chairperson for the Day of Caring. With Sue Cook and Judy and Rich Girty, we have more than tripled the amount collected for the Day of Caring with the Three Quarter Auctions, of which I have also been a part of.

All the activities offered by Tara Woods was one of the reasons we decided this would be our next home moving from Wisconsin. I have taken advantage of many of them. There certainly is something for almost everyone to enjoy.

For my background, I owned and operated Applewood Kennels where we groomed, Boarded, and held dog training classes for thirty years. I was on the Board of Green Bay’s Packerland Kennel club for several years, taught classes there, and ran their Fun Match for ten years. In Shawano, I was on the Board of our Church for six years, and the head of Christian Education for eight years. I was on the Board of the Shawano County Humane Society for sixteen years and ran one of their biggest fundraisers for twelve years. I was also a waitress for ten years before starting my dog business. You learn how to handle all kinds of people with all the positions I have held.

I get along with most people. I am slow to anger, and do not get easily offended. Therefore, I encourage all to come to me with any and all comments, good and bad, on happenings in our community. I do take all comments to the Board. We then take all comments to management in person once a month at our Community Meetings with the manager, and Lou is in almost daily contact with management by phone and, best of all, by email. We want everything in writing so we can follow up. As you know, many things take quite a while to get done. The Board keeps reminding management of needed items, repairs, and changes needed.

I would be proud to continue on the Tara Woods Board of Directors.

~ Chris Olson

Andrea Snyder

With my husband Bob, Tara Woods became our full-time home in 2014. We moved to SW Florida in 2006 from Philadelphia where Bob retired from the Philadelphia Fire Department as a Lieutenant, and I was the Chief Flight Nurse for an air medical program. I was with Lee Health until my retirement last year and continue to work one day a week to keep me aware of the happenings in the health system and of Lee County concerns.

I have been active in Tara Woods, starting out on the “Can Crew” and taking blood pressures at Saturday Morning Coffee, introducing me to so many members of our community. Since retiring, I became the leader of the “Can Team” with recruitment of new

members and I enjoy playing pickleball nearly every day. CERT Training leader has been a large part of my retirement where I have been able to share my nursing and pre-hospital skills with the team. Being a member of the Statutory Rent Committee this year introduced me to working with a committee led by the Board of Directors and learning more about our community with a new perspective.

In the eight years of living in Tara Woods, there have been so many changes within our community. Tara Woods has grown to have a 71% full-time resident status and an overall change in demographics, including a younger population. This has resulted in seasonal activities becoming year-round and has given residents increased opportunities to volunteer and develop meaningful relationships while supporting our continual growth of new residents moving into Tara Woods. As new residents arrive, Tara Woods needs to recognize the changes needed to reflect the overall age, activity level and desire for maintenance and updating of our amenities and available activities.

The Tara Woods Board of Directors has developed a close working relationship with the Hometown America management team this year. I look forward to the growth of this relationship. If elected as a Board member, I would continue to promote positive accomplishments and include opportunities to recruit new residents to become involved and volunteer. Our residents recognize that so many of the facilities and amenities are aging, and this relationship growth is essential for the future of Tara Woods.

If elected to the Tara Woods Board of Directors, I will work diligently as a listener and advocate for all Tara Woods residents.

~ Thank you, Andrea Snyder

Dennis Purks

I would like to submit my name for re-election to the Tara Woods Homeowners Association Board of Directors. I feel I have served the Board to the best of my ability and would like to do so for another term.

In my first term as a Board member, I started out as a “director” with minimal duties. After approximately three months, I became treasurer when the current treasurer resigned their position.

While treasurer, I was instrumental in streamlining the account process so the monthly financials could be furnished in a timely and accurate manner. With that, I suggested that the Board purchase their own computer and software on which to keep the association’s accounting books of record. I was charged with purchasing what was needed, which I did, $146.00 under budget.

Also, with my fifty years of filing tax returns, both federal and state, I am saving the association tax return filing fees by filing the returns as treasurer of the association without having to use outside services.

I have enjoyed serving on the Board of directors the past two years and I would like to continue in that capacity for another term.

~ Dennis W. Purks, Sr.

Sue Cook

I am running for re-election to the Tara Woods Board of Directors. I have served on the Board for three years and currently hold the position of Vice-President.

One of the things that has struck a chord with me since becoming a Board member is the real need for continuity and consistency in leadership. I have attempted to balance voicing my opinion, avoiding a personal agenda, and keeping in mind what is best for our community. I don’t hesitate to venture into unfamiliar territory or go against the grain when necessary. I am committed, thoughtful and open minded. I love being a part of things I am

passionate about, and I am passionate about this community.

My present involvement in Tara Woods is varied. They include the Entertainers, Bingo Committee, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Blood Mobile Drives, Community Improvement Committee, Day of Caring Committee, Spring Fling Committee, Website Committee, and Lee County Special Needs.

Education & Job History: I have an Associate Degree in Nursing and a Bachelor’s Degree in business. My career background has been over forty years in Nursing, thirty of those years as Director of an in-patient Psychiatric/Detoxification Unit. I currently hold an active nursing license.

I moved to Lee County forty-three years ago and have owned a home in Tara Woods for seven years, so I know the ins and outs of what it is like to not only own but also be a good neighbor.

My goal as a Board member is to continue to represent the residents of Tara Woods by being an active liaison between residents and management. I will continue to be a listener to the community, act on their requests, and be transparent with all communications.

I hope I can count on your vote in the coming election. Thank you for your consideration.

~ Sue Cook

Lou Dunning

My wife Pat and I have been in Tara Woods for fifteen years, first as renters, then snowbirds, and then full-time Tara Woods residents – for us, a logical progression. I am grateful every day for the honor to represent you and all the Tara Woods residents. My over six years of service on the Board has provided me with a wealth of experiences; Serving as Director, Vice President, and current President. It also provides our community with the continuity of leadership.

Education: Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa – Business Administration - BS. Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University Business Administration – Master of Business Administration – MBA.

Continuing education: Advance Leadership Training at Penn State University, Duke University, and University of Virginia. I completed Alternative Dispute Resolution (mediation) training at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI.

Work history: U.S. Army two years, U.S. Postal Service thirty-six years. Starting as a part-time letter carrier, Union Steward, and Union president. Management as a Branch Manager, Superintendent of Postal Operations, Postmaster positions in Pennsylvania, Director of Operations, Trenton, NJ, and South Jersey Executive Director of Field Operations, Des Moines, IA, Director of Operations Program Support, Omaha, NE, and Postmaster Milwaukee, WI for eight years.

My continuing goals are to: Serve all residents as a representative bridge to Hometown America. Improve transparent communication using our TWHOA website, the Minute with the Manager, email blasts, Homeowners Meetings, and weekly coffee meetings. Advocate for major improvements to our community, such as the successful installation of pickleball courts, renovating all side Clubhouse rooms with ceramic tile, and completely refurbishing the main pool.

My future goals are to: Work toward our current amenities meeting the residents’ expectations and adding additional recreational facilities as our community expands into the next phase of buildings.

This journey has been a rewarding experience. I have learned and continue to learn how to serve our residents. Most important to me are the talented residents I have met and worked with and call friends. In the past few years, the Board has initiated changes and improvements, and the future holds even more plans and improvements to meet the needs of our residents and enhance their Tara Woods experience.

Thank you for your consideration.

~ Lou Dunning

Happy New Year

IMPORTANT: NEW 2022-2023 TARA WOODS RESIDENT DIRECTORY STATUS

At the time of this submission to “The Columns” we do not have a specific date when the directories will be delivered and available for distribution within the community. We will make every effort to distribute the Resident Directories as soon as they arrive.

I am hoping that Santa will have surprised us by Christmas. Directory distribution information will be posted on the TWHOA website.

If you are a TWHOA Member and you have updated your information on the TWHOA website directory, please communicate the updated information to me by email to: haywood.gandy@gmail.com

Please include your Lot #, Name, Address, Telephone Number(s), and Home State(s). Our goal is to provide residents with timely updates to the published Resident Directory. Updated resident information is published in each edition of “The Columns” which is available on the TWHOA.net website.

The additions, corrections and deletions below have been updated and incorporated in the the new 2022-2023 Directory. Please note that the Correction and Changes listed below were corrections submitted to the publisher after the initial Directory submission.

TENNIS NEWS

TENNIS ASSOCIATION:

It will soon be time for our second Round Robin of the season; everyone is welcome to come out and play, regardless of skill level. The first event was very well attended and that was very good to see. Again, there are light snacks and refreshments at the events during play.

The next Round Robin will also have a BBQ (hot dogs and burgers) on the veranda by the pool following the tennis.

The Round Robins are always the fourth Saturday of the month. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board by the tennis courts. If you decide that you want to play after the sign-up sheet is taken down, we will always make room for you. ~ Ed Sandre

OPEN TENNIS

Come join us on the tennis courts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 – 10:30 AM for Open Mixed Doubles Tennis. All skill levels are welcome. If you have an interest in tennis, stop by the courts and check us out.

Recently we have had a few new tennis players come out to play at our Open Tennis days. It is always good to see new people on the tennis courts. ~ Linda Engel

TENNIS LEAGUES Men’s League: White Team – Stallions

The exhibition season is now over and we are looking forward to the regular season. To date, the exhibition

season has been successful, but many teams were without all their players. However, we are excited for the regular season to begin.

As always, we are very appreciative of all the fans who come out and cheer us on at the home games on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM but also those who make it to our away games. ~ Ed Sandre

White Team – Mustangs

The Mustangs are looking forward to the official league matches beginning on January 3rd. Our preseason ended on December 13th. Our team has been playing these preseason matches with a depleted roster, as some of our players will not be here until after the holidays, so we are anxious to have our complete team here for the start of league competition.

We enjoy playing against our neighboring communities; they are friendly but intense matches.

If you are reading this, come to the courts between 1:00 and 1:30 PM on Tuesdays; we love playing in front of our Tara Woods residents. ~ Roger Rafferty

Blue Team – Tigers

Pre-season league play happened for the three Thursdays of December. This was a fun time for players getting in shape for January through March when each set will count for weekly competition. Our Blue Team has six games at home and six games away.

We welcome more players; contact the Blue Team

Captain, Frank Neveu, at 941-769-2140 or Gene Dickie, Co-Captain, at 651–238–8368 if you are interested. Enjoy tennis with friends, and make new ones from other areas senior communities! The first league home game is Thursday, January 5th, at 1:30 PM versus the Herons Glen Smashers. ~ Gene Dickie

Women’s League

Women’s Team – Angels

The women’s team has been practicing every Tuesday. The Tara Woods Angels have a new captain this year: Trish Martell will lead the team, with Mary Sandre as her Assistant Captain. The team has been fortunate to have Dick Heffron attending and running our practices. He has been helpful in giving advice on everything from serves and positioning to making certain shots.

Our first home game is scheduled for Thursday, January 19th, at 10:00 AM against the team from Six Lakes. We are all looking forward to a fun season. ~ Mary Sandre

ROUND ROBINS

Our Round Robins are held on the fourth Saturday of the month starting at 9:00 AM.

The dates for the 2023 Round Robins are: January 28th, February 25th, and March 25th.

The monthly Round Robins take the place of Open Tennis on those dates.

Submitted by Linda Engel

THE MAGIC OF TARA WOODS IS

ALIVE AND WELL

Please take note of some free educational events coming up over the next several months brought to you by your Neighbors Helping Neighbors Group, a TWHOA board related group. Mark your calendars and plan to attend.

• January 7th at Saturday Morning Coffee, a representative from Caption Call, a federally funded program that benefits people with hearing loss. This is a no-cost, easy to use telephone captioning that works just like a regular phone. Find out how to qualify for this free program.

• January 17th at 3:00 PM in the Clubhouse, join Kim Swanson, from the Community

Response Unit of the Lee County Sheriff’s Department, as she discusses Fraud, Scams and Identity Theft, and the measures you should take to avoid being a victim. Please look for the sign-up sheet on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors poster in the Clubhouse and sign up.

• February 16th at 6:30 PM in the Clubhouse, get some expert advice from Jeffrey Attia, esquire, as he discusses wills, trusts and estate planning. Attorney Attia is experienced in Estate planning, probate, trust administration, asset protection and incapacity planning. Pizza will be served.

Watch for more events to come as well.

BREAKING NEWS - CANS TO THE CURB

Put your aluminum cans out to the curb on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month by 9:00 am.

Our dedicated volunteers will pick them up. Why? – Revenue from the cans help fund your homeowners association.

Recycling by “cans to the curb” it is good for us and our environment.

Cans to the curb!!!

Clifford Law Firm, LLC

Trusts, Estates, Probate, Divorce Cape Coral, FL

Ellen W. Clifford Attorney-At-Law ellenwclifford@gmail.com

SPECIAL PRESENTATION IN THE CLUBHOUSE

Attention!

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 11th, at 6:30 PM in the Clubhouse.

Your Neighbors Helping Neighbors group, a TWHOA Board related group, will be hosting a presentation put on by On Spot Dermatology, a Full-service dermatology practice (skin cancer screenings, liquid nitrogen tags and Mohs surgery, Botox, and fillers).

They operate out of a mobile medical vehicle that has four private exam rooms.

They have the capacity to see over eighty patients per day.

They are also rated the #1 practice in SW Florida according to Google and they accept most insurances.

With traffic being such a nuisance here in Lee County, wouldn’t it be great to have this service brought to you.

Again, this presentation will be held at 6:30 PM in the Clubhouse on Wednesday, January 11th. Refreshments will be served.

Please sign up at the Clubhouse.

There is a sign-up sheet under the Neighbors Helping Neighbors poster in the Clubhouse. Sign-ups are encouraged as we need to know how much food to bring in.

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.

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

TAI CHI AT TARA WOODS

ACTIVITIES, ACTIVITIES

THE MAGIC OF TARA WOODS

Happy 2023, everyone! I am sending out a big THANK YOU to all residents who organized, helped to organize, and participated in the many events during the holiday season. The Clubhouse is decorated, Tara Blvd. is decorated, and the golf carts are decorated. The Holiday Lights Cruise from Fishermen’s Village was so joyful for ninety of us who participated. Also, the Christmas Party and the New Year’s Eve Celebration gave us time to be together to enjoy the holidays. I am sure many of you enjoyed several opportunities to celebrate with your groups, clubs, and activities.

Now, we must undecorate the Clubhouse on January 7th, after Saturday Morning Coffee. And again, I ask your help to undecorate Tara Blvd. on Tuesday, January 10th, at 9:00 AM.

Look for more exciting events to come. Check the calendar, the Clubhouse bulletin boards, and the TWHOA Website.

As always, you can contact me with your suggestions.

Celia

Blotkamp

TWHOA 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.

SHUFFLEBOARD

If anyone is interested in playing Horse Collar on Mondays at 10:00 AM, the cost is $1.00 per player (to be given away as prizes). Anyone can play. The Tuesday and Friday leagues begin in January 2023. Call Ken Atkinson at 815-970-0467 if you have any questions.

EXERCISE FOR SENIORS

Now is the time to get up and get going again.

This is a total body workout that can be done standing or sitting down. It includes stretching, balance, cardio and light weights.

Give it a try - nothing to lose and may even gain some muscle.

Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Clubhouse at 8:00 AM.

Any questions, please contact Barb Simonson at 541-840-4430.

WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY CLASSES ARE ON HOLD UNTIL JANUARY

Any questions, please contact Celia Blotkamp at 703-863-2973.

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

Deb (401) 309-1136 / debra.nespolo@gmail.com

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

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

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

LINE DANCING

Join us for great exercise and lots of fun. Starting in November.

Tuesday for experienced dancers starts at 9:30 AM. Friday for beginners starts at 10:00 AM. Barb Goodhue 517-404-8063.

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.

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 7:00 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 Ann Millette 239-543-2954

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. 2:00 - 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 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

If anyone is interested in playing Horse Collar on Mondays at 10:00 AM, the cost is $1.00 per player (to be given away as prizes). Anyone can play. The Tuesday and Friday leagues began in January 2021. Call Ken Atkinson at 815-970-0467 if you have any questions.

HORSESHOES

Every Friday at 1:00 PM

At the Horseshoe Pits.

Come join us for fun and laughs.

YOGA

Mondays and Fridays at 10:00 AM in the Clubhouse Living Room. For any questions, call Marilyn Workman at 239-543-1168.

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY FAIR

ATTENTION ALL GROUPS, CLUBS AND SERVICES

On Saturday, January 28th, 2023, your Tara Woods HOA is sponsoring an OPPORTUNITY FAIR for the COMMUNITY.

If you are involved in any group, club, or service in Tara Woods, this is your opportunity to display what it is you do.

WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO DO THIS?

• If you would like the community to know about what you do.

• If you would like the community to join in what you do.

• If you would like the community to see how much fun, you have in this endeavor.

• If you would like to expand your group.

• If you would like to have people want to start their own group.

ALL OF THESE ARE THE REASONS TO JOIN THE OPPORTUNITY FAIR

If you want to be involved, the next thing to do is to contact Pat Dunning and let her know you are interested and what space you would require; if you need a table; if you would like a chair or chairs, etc.

Her contact information is 230-240-5848 or pdunning46@gmail.com

The deadline for requesting space is Saturday, January 14th, 2023. TIME IS GOING BY QUICKLY, DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.

1 Mary Ellen Gold, Maureen Miller, Val Roderick 2 Peggy Campbell, Teri Crutchfield, Lenny Harned, Tim Jaecklein, “Chico” Silva, Mikey Smith, Rick Virkus 3 Joe Bottoms, Suellen Critchlow, Rose Scully

Barbara Horton, Joe Kasdorf

Barb Pollitt, Ralph Rikon

Joe Doyle, Larry Noffsinger, Deb Wallace

Greg Girard, Patti Walsh

Bob Anderson, Mary Biglin

Sarah Casey, Sharon Davidson, Kathy Harper, Jim Laudadio

Una Bigelow, George Korince, Royce La Liberty 11 Frank Newcomb, Mark Wasie

Mel Courtney, Homer Felknor 14 Peggy Boncher, Jean Bozick, Mary Bucceri, Irv Buettner, Audrey Perry 15 Rose Atkins, 90 Yrs., Donna Frieman, Lori Hoch, Cheryl Linn, Duane Mansell, 92 Yrs. 16 Gail Bergin, Peggy Flynn, Anne Garvin, John Goers, Rog Sapp, Rhonda Williams

17 Betty McDonagh, Bill Perry 18 Eddie Amarando, Lynn Porter, Lorraine Quinn, Nancy Schoeppner 19 Dianne Rikon

20 Henry Gardner, Nancy LeClair, Hannah Montelaro, Dave Redgers, Judy Rigsby

21 Diane Ladlie, Kathy Newcomb 22 Linda Byrd, Connie Knebel, Mike Raderchak 23 Vladimir Fulmas, Gail Korince, Kevin Patterson 24 Suzanne Boyer 25

Lee Beliveau, Mike Girty, Jim Lamson 26 Judy Holat, Sharon Moorhead 27 Linda D’Cruze, Dottie Dukes, Chick Jakacki

28 Teri Burt, Bruce Critchlow, Pam Hatfield, Jean Schweinert 29 Kathy Murschell, Dom Notaro, Gay O’Keefe

30 Phyllis Carr, Carole Clark, Debi Fedele, Judy Hanson, Rich LaPointe, Charles Klotz

31 Keith Abasciano, Carol DeVico, George Johnston, Lesley Krauss, Karen McKearney, Donna Warren, Linda Weibel

ANNIVERSARIES IN JANUARY

1 Amy & Tracy Furnival

4 Mary & Rich Kivel

6 Carol & Bob Schnepp, 50 Yrs.

7 Carole & Frank Neveu 15 Judy & Tim Lanpher 17 Judy & Jim Hanson

20 Colleen & Vic Achtelik, 50 Yrs., Hannah & Paul Montelaro 22 Mary & Dale Blau

23 Suzi & Billy Brandt, Kathy Hildreth & Ray McKinnon 24 Judi & Terry Long 26 Linda & Joe Kasdorf 29 Carol & Ron Heidmous, 66 Yrs.

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