Tara Woods Columns - Nov 2024

COLUMNS STAFF

EDITOR: Linda Elliott

239-560-0768 (lindabluetw@gmail.com)

ASSISTANTS: Linda Engel, Donna Erhardt

PHOTOGRAPHY: Lou Dunning

CALENDAR: Janet Daly and Sue Clark

CIRCULATION: Linda Janis and Donna Tribeck, Co-Managers

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Haywood Gandy, Manager CLUBHOUSE SCHEDULER: Janet Daly

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

STUFFERS: Carol Schnepp, Gene Dickie, Carol West, Barb Simonson, Claire Schwinn, Jim Ulnick, Pat Dunning (stuff and deliver), Hilda Dienes, Chris Olson (stuff and deliver), Sharon Boehlke, Angie D’Alessandro.

DELIVERY PEOPLE: Sheila Harris, Barb Simonson, Shari & Norm Libby, Julie Wehrung, Carolyn Kelsey, Diane Breniser, Lori Hoch, Pat Dunning (deliver and stuff), Ed Simko, Chris Olson (deliver and stuff), Nancy Schoeppner, Vicki Hoard.

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 Aug/Sept. 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.

WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS

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, November 9th, at 10:00 AM in the Clubhouse Meeting Room. We have a wealth of information to share with you. All are welcome.

Teresa and Dan Briggs Teresa and Dan Briggs reside on Lot #80, 19684 Charleston Circle. They are full-time residents from Illinois. They have one child, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Teresa is retired from doing medical transcription and daycare work. Dan is retired from the military after spending twenty-four years in the Air Force and Menards. In her spare time, Teresa enjoys bocci, shuffleboard, Bingo, and poker. In his spare time, Dan enjoys horseshoes, pétanque, and poker.

Renae, Troy, and Lori Garmon Renae and Troy, and his mother, Lori, reside on Lot #543, 19004 Potomac Circle. They are full-time residents from Iowa. Renae’s parents, Marco and Diane LaViada also reside here at Tara Woods. Renae and Troy have two children and two grandchildren. Renae is still working at Wellsky. Troy is currently not working. Lori is retired. In their spare time, Renae and Lori enjoy spending time with their family. In his spare time, Troy enjoys golfing.

Janet Marck and Steve Whaples Janet and Steve reside at Lot #440, 19738 Pandora Circle. They are part-time residents from Ontario, Canada and Connecticut. They have three children and two grandchildren. Janet is retired from real estate. Steve is retired from owning his own business. In her spare time, Janet enjoys pickleball and ping pong. In his spare time, Steve enjoys golfing.

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

TWHOA MEMBERSHIP

It’s been quite a summer with the heat and so many residents traveling. As we are entering the last quarter of this year, it is time to check your membership status for the Tara Woods Homeowners Association. The last day of your membership depends on how many years were paid for the last time you signed up. Your card will show which year it will expire on December 31st. All members need to be current for the year 2025 by December 31st to be able to vote in January of 2025 for the next election of the

Board of Directors.

Don’t wait until the last minute to renew, and consider renewing at the current rate of $15.00 per year instead of waiting for the new rate increase coming in 2025.

The next membership drive will start in October, and if you need assistance to check your expiration date, please contact me and I can assist you.

~ Andrea Snyder Asnyder59@comcast.net

ATTENTION TWHOA MEMBERS

Here’s a Chance to Give Back to Your Tara Woods Community! We are looking for a few concerned, responsible, dedicated, hard workers, who want to give back and contribute to the Magic of Tara Woods. AWIR (Aging Well Information Resources), previously known as Neighbors Helping Neighbors, is starting to schedule speakers for the upcoming season and needs help.

AWIR meets every third Thursday at 2:00 PM in the Meeting Room in the Clubhouse. Call Peter Krilivsky at 603-493-8891 for more

information, or just come by on Thursday, October 17th, at 2:00 PM in the Clubhouse Meeting Room and check out the group.

AWIR has brought a lot of great informational speakers and services to Tara Woods. Be part of the group that helps our residents keep informed to be able to live out their retirement years safe and informed. We need your ideas and manpower.

It only takes 3 to 4 hours per month to make a big impact on helping your neighbors learn what free services are available to them.

Sponsored by TWHOA

FROM THE BOARD by Lou

By Lou Dunning, President -

As we (your Homeowners Association) move on to November, we are hitting the ground running.

• After meeting with our AWIR (Aging Well Information Resources) Committee along with our Lee Country Sheriff liaison, they are planning a number of events to benefit our community. Stay tuned.

• I sat in with our HOA Activities Committee as they met and laid out plans for 2024-25. It is an ambitious and exciting agenda. Many of those events are sponsored by your Homeowners Association and are ‘free’ for members. Be sure to keep an eye out and more importantly be sure to participate.

• I am jumping ahead, but there will be an Opportunity Fair on Saturday, January 25th, that will have representatives from Tara Woods’ clubs, groups, and committees. This will give you an opportunity to check out all that is happening in Tara Woods. Plan to attend. All these things are only possible with your involvement and participation.

• All of us come from somewhere else. We landed in Tara Woods for various reasons, but each one of us comes with a variety of talents and life skills. Our community needs YOUR

involvement and participation.

• The ‘Day of Caring’ is a Tara Woods tradition of us giving back. Please send in your envelope with your donation. Make plans now to attend and participate in our Quarter Auction on Thursday, November 7th. It is wild and great fun. Bring your quarters.

• We will be celebrating our veterans on Saturday, November 9th, when all Tara Woods veterans will be honored at a ‘Veterans Eat Free’ Breakfast, sponsored by Hometown America and Fred Puhlfuerst’s Pancake Breakfast Team.

• Monday, November 11th, is Veterans Day, and we will be having a decorated golf cart parade around our community. After the parade, we will all gather at the memorial located near the Butterfly Garden. Taps will be played at exactly 11:00 AM to honor Armistice Day, commemorating the cessation of all major hostilities of WWI at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, of 1918, with the Germans signing the Armistice.

• I ask that you do me one favor, take the time and visit our Veteran’s Wall located in the Card Room of the Clubhouse. Take thirty seconds of your time and quietly reflect and look at our Tara Woods veterans who served our country

SUNSHINE AND SYMPATHY

RESIDENT DEATHS: Frieda Martino

ILLNESSES: Donna Sealey, Louise Frederick, Beth Smith, Ed Simko, and Dave St. Laurent

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, debbiepickleball@gmail.com, Lot #664

so that we could be here today. President Ronald Reagan might have said it best, “Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they made a difference in the world. A veteran does not have that problem.”

WHERE HAS YOUR ISSUE OF THE COLUMNS BEEN?

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.

RED HAT LADIES

Come join us on Tuesday, November 5th. Misto Bar & Grill, 231 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. The sign-up sheet is on the board in the Clubhouse. We have lunch, cocktails, fun, and a

ABOVE:

Tara Woods friends: Don & Sharon Boehlke, Ken & Beth Ferris, Dave & Peggy Boncher, Ken & Jeanne Hoopman, Warren & Linda Engel, met for lunch in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in August. We had a great time.

LEFT: Lou & Pat Dunning in Bratislava, Slovakia

social. Hope to see some new faces. If you have any questions, please call Diane Nunn at 239-747-3292, or Cookie Wilczek at 715-891-1096, or Gail Salamino at 813-802-8466.

TARA WOODS BOOK CLUB

Meets first Thursday of each month. In November it will be on the 7th, at 1:30 PM. We meet in the little Meeting Room, located in the back left as you enter the Clubhouse. No need to call before, but if you would like more information my text/call number is 239-240-5848. Thanks, Pat Dunning.

NEW IMAGE CHORUS

Submited by Lesley Krauss – pklesley@icloud.com

Happy November! This month brings lots of exciting things. It ends with Thanksgiving and the start of my favorite season of all, Christmas!

By the time you are reading this, we will have had one or two practices, as we started our winter practice on October 28th. We truly do live up to our name as The New Image Chorus as we always seem to be trying to reinvent ourselves!! For those of you who are new to Tara Woods, let me explain…Last winter season 2023-24 we got back together as a chorus after taking a year off as we lost our director and pianist! For those of us who like to share our joy in song, it didn’t seem right to not have a chorus, so we decided to try to just sing along to some pre-recorded music without any direction. That really did not work, so I took on the job of learning some basic conducting moves, and I took over as director last year. It turned out not bad, all in all, and we enjoyed presenting a concert called “All About Love”. It was our pleasure to entertain our community. Speaking of which, we did record that concert. If you missed it or even if you enjoyed it so much you wanted to see it again, we have DVDs and flash drives available for purchase for $6.00. So far, the 2024-25 season will likely follow that same path. HOWEVER, should there be anyone in our Tara Woods community who has or knows of someone who has some skills in directing and/or being a pianist and would like to take on these roles, please let me know and we can have a meeting with you. I can be reached via email listed at the end of this article. As I always say in every article, the ONLY requirement needed to join The New Image Chorus is that you enjoy singing and want to have a little fun! You do not need to read music and you will never have to sing on your own unless you want to! We have opportunities for people if they want to sing solos in our concerts, but it is never forced upon anyone to do so. There are also no auditions. It’s not too late to come to rehearsals. Join us on Mondays at the Clubhouse from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM. We’d love to see you there!

Last, but certainly not least, please mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 11th. This is the day of the Annual Tara Woods Christmas Golf Cart Parade. As we did last year, the New Image Chorus will host a Christmas sing-along at the Clubhouse right after the parade at about 7:00 PM. So, after you have watched or participated in the Golf Cart festivities, let’s keep up the merriment and head on up to the Clubhouse with a treat to share with everyone. There will be caroling, entertainment, and lots of fun! This is a free event, and I hope to see everyone there.

WANTED: SOUND & LIGHTING

The S & L Committee is looking for new members who might be interested in working with audio/ visual systems and equipment. Experience is preferred but not necessary - we will train you. We provide services in the community to clubs and groups needing microphones, the big screen and/or full production assistance. lf you are interested in joining our committee, let Polly Brown know. 239-245-2391

FOOD SERVICE STARTS AT 4:00 PM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7th

MENU: PULLED PORK, SLOPPY JOES, HOTDOGS & BRATWURST TUNA OR CHICKEN SALAD POTATO SALAD & BAKED BEANS

DESSERTS:

CHEESECAKE, COCONUT CREAM PIE, PECAN PIE, PUMPKIN PIE, CAKE, & ICE CREAM

FIRST RESPONDERS CHRISTMAS TREE

Yes, you are seeing correctly –that is an upside-down tree!

This will be our new FIRST RESPONDERS CHRISTMAS TREE, which will be our next Tara Woods community project, set to debut in November 2024.

This tree will honor all Paramedics/ EMT’s, Fire Firefighters and Police Officers. Ornament donations are limited to these First Responders and are welcome ANYTIME during the year.

Check out the internet – google First Responders ornaments – MANY sites will come up with an enormous selection to choose from. They are inexpensive and are ON SALE NOW!

They can be dropped off at Barb Simonson’s home at 19777 Cottonfield Rd. Lot #457, ANYTIME of the year.

PLEASE REMEMBER - PARAMEDICS/EMT’s – FIRE FIGHTERS – POLICE OFFICERS ONLY.

If you have any questions, call Barb at 541-840-4430

THANK YOU, Barb Simonson

THE DAY OF CARING NEEDS US

By Chris Olson, A Day of Caring Chairperson

Unfortunately, the Day of Caring needs our help more than ever. We at Tara Woods were very blessed with the tornadoes and the hurricane passing us with little damage. However, I was affected emotionally, more with this storm than any of the others we have gone through. This is number four for me. I was very depressed, and then I remembered the best way to help yourself is to help others. For me, the best way to help others right now is to remind all of you that the Day of Caring needs our help more than ever right now.

The Fort Myers Rescue Mission and the Elizabeth Kay Galena Center, both by the Catholic Charities,

The Fort Myers Rescue Mission and the Elizabeth Kay Galena Center, both charities, are in Fort Myers and they use our donations to provide food to people needing extra help. And now there are more people than ever needing help.

On September 17th, ten of us went to the small storage room used by Holiday4Heroes to bag and pack the care packages sent overseas to active service people. I interviewed most of the ladies the following Saturday at Saturday Morning Coffee. They all told us how much they respected this small, all volunteer organization, and how they would love to help again. I will let you know

when we are asked again to come and volunteer our help.

Right now, donations are the way to help. In the October issue of The Columns, you should have received a letter with an envelope attached. You may place cash, or a check made out to A Day of Caring, in the envelope. You can mail it to me, hand it to me or any Board member, or drop it in the gold rent slot in the Clubhouse. Of course, another very fun way to give to the Day of Caring is by going to the Quarter Auction on November 7th. All proceeds go to the Day of Caring.

Our Holiday4Heroes Team: Judy Girty, Sylvia Stump, Pat Downs, Sheila Harris, Sharon Whitney, Lynn Lessmiller, Lori Hoch, Sherry Kay, Vera Day, and Chris Olson. Great team!

STATE CLUBS

MID-ATLANTIC SOCIAL CLUB NEWS

Our Club is made up of 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).

Octoberfest came on the heels of Hurricane Milton. We enjoyed German style food and sampled beer and wine of all kinds. We were treated to the travels of several of our members. Through Armchair Travels presentations, we ventured vicariously to lands far and near. November will be a Camo Cool/Safari Chic event.

~ Sue Clark - secretary

MIDWEST CLUB

Welcome back to all new and existing members of the Midwest Club. We represent the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, or any state not covered by another club.

The November Midwest Club meeting will be Friday, November 15th, from 5:00-8:00 PM.

Our menu will consist of beef soft/hard shell tacos with all the fixings (lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, olives, cheese, onions, salsa) and a sheet cake for dessert.

The cost for this meal will be $5.00, and we will also be collecting $5.00 dues for the 2024-25 season. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board in the Clubhouse.

Paper products will be provided. As usual, bring your beverage of choice and something to share for your table.

~ Vicki Hoard

NEW ENGLAND CLUB

On Saturday, November 2nd, during the Craft Fair, our Club will be hosting the Bake Sale. Hopefully, you volunteered to bake by signing up at our Welcome Back Party, and if you did, THANK YOU.

If you missed the Welcome Back Party, and would like to bake, PLEASE DO. All baked goods should be brought into the back door of the kitchen any time after 7:30 AM that morning. Please put a label on your delicious item(s), and flag anything containing nuts. Thank You so much!

On Saturday, November 30th, we will put up our beautiful New England Club Christmas tree. Please come up to the Clubhouse at 9:00 AM and help with that, or just socialize if you are not a tree trimmer. If you have any New England themed ornaments that you would like to hang on our tree, please bring them.

The New England Club Christmas Party is on Friday, December 6th. More information on this party will be available and posted at the tree trimming. There will be NO sign-ups for this party; you will have to prepay, and the charge is $5.00 per person for all Club members whose dues are paid. There will be six opportunities to prepay, and they are:

TUESDAYS: November 12th, 19th, 26th

SATURDAYS: November 16th, 23rd, 30th.

Thank you. Hope to see all of you at the Bake Sale, either baking or buying!

~ Judy Machnicz

NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CLUB

ALOHA EVERYONE!

Dorothy & John Andrus and Pat & Harry Downs invite NY/NJ Club members and any new NY/NJ residents to a Hawaiian Luau on Saturday, November 9th, at 5:00 PM at the Clubhouse.

We’ll be serving pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and Hawaiian pineapple cake. So come join us wearing your Hawaiian attire and be ready for some island fun.

IMPORTANT…Please sign up at the Clubhouse so we know how many will be attending. There is also a sign-up sheet for helpers. Thank you.

UNITED STATES AND PROVINCES SOCIAL GROUP

Welcome Back to all our snowbirds; it will be great to be together again! The Tara Woods Social Group is open to all residents of Tara Woods, regardless of your regional home state or province. We gather every month to meet new friends, share a meal together and play a fun game. This group is in addition to your regional Club. Our first gathering is on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd. Happy Hour is from 5:00-6:00 PM, and dinner from 6:00-7:00 PM, and a game to follow. Our meal will be the infamous Soup/Salad/Dessert dinner. Each person/couple signs up to bring one of the dishes. The signup sheets will go up on the bulletin board closest to the Billiards room. Be sure to include what dish you are bringing so we don’t have too many duplicates. Please bring your own beverage and your own cup. You are also welcome to bring a munchie to share at your table during Happy Hour. There is no cost for this meal, but we will have baskets on the tables in case you want to make a monetary contribution for the paper products. If you have a new neighbor or someone who has never attended in the past, please invite them to this fun, laugh-filled evening.

If you have any questions, please call, text, or email me. Hope to see you there!

~ Paula Dykstra, 616-481-7329, dykstrap24@gmail.com.

November 20204

2024-2025 RESIDENT DIRECTORY PUBLICATION UPDATE (NOVEMBER 2024)

To our friends and neighbors, welcome home. It is important that you communicate any resident informational updates or changes to the Tara Woods Office as well as to the appropriate TWHOA Board members and groups that you may participate in.

Informational updates such as telephone number changes or email changes communicated to the Tara Woods Office and/or updates made on the websites to the “WEBSITE RESIDENT DIRECTORY” are NOT automatically communicated to me for publication in the printed Directory. There are three primary resident database systems managed by the TWHOA Board of Directors:

The resident membership database –TWHOA Membership Secretary, Andrea Synder; Community Telephone Directory Publication database – Haywood Gandy; TWHOA Website – Administrators Lynn Lessmiller and Donna Erhardt.

Pat Dunning is the primary initial First Contact person for the TWHOA for incoming new residents. Pat provides the team with the information she receives from new residents.

Tara Woods residents and TWHOA members MUST submit additions, updates, or changes to me for publication in the “Printed Version” of the upcoming 2025 edition of the Directory. Send your email to haywood.gandy@gmail.com. Why email? Because I maintain a log of all communications sent to me. In your email, please include your Lot #, Name, Address, Telephone Number(s), and Home State(s). Updates to the “Printed Version” of the Directory are published in The Columns, which is available on the TWHOA website.

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.

BUNCO

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

MEN’S POKER

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

ENTERTAINMENT AROUND TARA WOODS

BINGO AT TARA WOODS

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.

BINGO AT TARA WOODS

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

BUNCO

PING PONG

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

Looking for Players!

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.

BRIDGE

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

PICKLEBALL

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EUCHRE

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.

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

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

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.

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

BOCCE

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

BOCCE

EUCHRE

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.

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.

TENNIS ANYONE?

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

TENNIS ANYONE?

BOCCE

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

TEXAS HOLD’EM

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.

Mondays, at 1:00 PM, we will be playing Texas Hold ‘em (only) game. The game will be held in the Clubhouse Meeting Room. Open to men and women. If you are interested, call Tom Perkins at 307-360-3477.

TENNIS ANYONE?

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

TEXAS HOLD’EM

Mondays, at 1:00 PM, we will be playing Texas Hold ‘em (only) game. The game will be held in the Clubhouse Meeting Room. Open to men and women. If you are interested, call Tom Perkins at 307-360-3477.

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.

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.

PING PONG

AGGRAVATION

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.

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.

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

MAH JONGG

AGGRAVATION

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.

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.

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.

MEN’S POKER

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

Call Beth Ferris at 920-421-8269 or Mary Green at 239-800-3837 first if you are interested in playing with this friendly group. We’d like to have you join us. Beth Ferris

BRIDGE

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

HAND AND FOOT CARD CLUB

Call Beth Ferris at 920-421-8269 or Mary Green at 239-800-3837 first if you are interested in playing with this friendly group. We’d like to have you join us. Beth Ferris

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

HAND AND FOOT CARD CLUB

GAME NIGHT

Every Friday night at 7:00 p.m.

the game? EASY! We will teach you! It is easy to learn. Questions: contact Polly Brown at 239-246-2391

MAH JONGG

The Happy Ladies of 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.

CRIBBAGE

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.

The Happy Ladies of Mah Jongg.

CRIBBAGE

Contact Barb Simonson 541-840-4430

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?

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?

Different games can be played (All are easy to learn) LEFT – CENTER – RIGHT (dice- 3-coin buy-in) (winner-take-all each game)

GAME NIGHT

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

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

GAME NIGHT

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

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)

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)

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

SHUFFLEBOARD BOWLING PIN

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

CONTRACT RUMMY (similar to Aggravation) (6 quarter buy-in) 31 (card game) (3 dime buy-in each game) (winner-take-all each game)

SHUFFLEBOARD BOWLING PIN

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

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 BOWLING PIN

SHUFFLEBOARD HORSE COLLAR

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.

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

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.

SHUFFLEBOARD HORSE COLLAR

HORSESHOES

Every Friday at 1:00

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

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.

• Insulated Energy Star Rated Roof

• Manufacturer’s Backed Lifetime Warranty

• Financing Available

• STOP Roof Leaks

Single-ply roofing membrane toughened with Elvaloy resin modifiers from Du Pont.

SPORTS, EXERCISE, and ACTIVITIES

Check out your Ceramic Room

We are located in the building behind the tennis courts. There is a kiln on-site to fire your work. This hobby is perfect for everyone from beginners to experienced. Arrangements can be made for one-on-one instruction, plus there are plenty of people to help. On Monday mornings you can find quite a few of us there. Members get a key to come at their own pace and time. To arrange a time to visit, call Donna Tribeck at 239-357-3333. Hope to see you there.

Happy November! Welcome back to all our snowbirds!

This month, we look forward to the Craft Fair, the Pancake Breakfast honoring our veterans, the Quarter Auction whose proceeds go to our chosen charities, and Thanksgiving Dinner.

Your HOA Activities Committee is planning trips/tours off campus to continue the “Magic of Tara Woods”. We meet monthly; if you would like to join our planning committee, contact me.

Here are the events your HOA Activities Committee sponsors this month:

Tuesday, November 11th

• Golf Cart Parade 10:30 AM around the lakes, ending at the Memorial Flag. TAPS at 11:11am. Wednesday, November 20th

• Bus Trip to Seminole Casino Saturday, November 30th

• Clubhouse Decorations

To ensure a successful event in this busy time, here are some basic guidelines for planning the parties and events offered to our residents:

– Put it on the website by contacting Lynn Lessmiller at lyncarmike@gmail.com.

– Notify Sound & Lighting for microphones, use of the big screen, or other Sound & Lighting needs by contacting Jeff Lessmiller at 813-6999248.

– For Kitchen supplies contact Janet Daly, at least a week before the event, at 239-567-2285.

– As Activities Coordinator, I am available to meet with your committee early in the process to offer guidance in your preparations, including paperwork if necessary.

Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions regarding the parties and events.

Celia Blotkamp

Tara Woods Activities Coordinator 703-863-2973, baileynme99@gmail.com

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!

Book Club will meet on Thursday, November 7th, at 1:30 PM in the Meeting Room of the Clubhouse. If you enjoy reading and are willing to share your latest good book, come and join us. See you then! ~ Pat Dunning

Join us for a fun time, that is also great exercise and good for your memory. Tuesdays starting at 9:30 AM for dancers with some experience. Fridays starting at 10:00 AM for beginners.

~ Barb Goodhue 517-404-8063.

EXERCISE FOR SENIORS

Now is the time to get up and get moving. Join your friends and neighbors at our exercise class for seniors led by Curtis Adams (On Video.)

Those who have experiences Curtis are excited about all the exercises and that all levels of experience and ability can participate.

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

• Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Clubhouse at 8:00 AM. Contact: Barb Simonson 561-840-4430.

• Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Clubhouse at 10:00 AM. Contact: Celia Blotkamp 703-863-2973. COME JOIN US AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!

BOOK CLUB LINE DANCING MOVIE NITE

There will not be a Movie Nite in November.

~ Lynn & Jeff Lessmiller

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

- 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 who you can contact with questions.

WATER AEROBICS

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

Air temperature must be 62 degrees by 8:00 AM. Use ABC News to check the temperature. 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 a noodle, stretch bands, and water weights. If questions, contact Judy Brda at 239-731-1797.

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.

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.

Also, there is now a Flag Box at the North Fort Myers Fire Department, where you can drop off your old flags. Replacements are available from Bob Glandorf. $8.00

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

TENNIS NEWS

TENNIS ASSOCIATION

Submitted by Linda Engel

To many of you, it’s welcome back! I hope you all stayed in “tennis shape”. I know I have some work to do!

A reminder: We do have a tennis ball machine, available to all, for a small $25.00 LIFETIME fee. I plan on using it when I get down there.

Just a couple of other reminders to get started on another great season: Our first Round Robin will be on Saturday, November 23rd, with lunch and our Tennis Association Meeting to follow. We would love to see a large turnout!

Also, if anyone is interested in a Co-Ed tournament like we had last March, AND are interested in organizing it – please talk to me or drop a note to me or any other Tennis Association board member.

And finally, Linda Engel will be stepping away from preparing and submitting the tennis articles for The Columns. We thank her for all that she has done! But, we need someone to step up to replace her. I’m sure she will provide direction. Thank you for considering.

~ Mark Hoffman

OPEN TENNIS

As the snowbirds are returning to Tara Woods, we hope to see even more tennis players on the courts.

All skill levels are welcome, so if you have an interest in playing tennis, feel free to join us on

the tennis courts every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 9:00 – 10:30 AM. ~ Linda Engel

TENNIS LEAGUES

Men’s League: White Team – Stallions

After several weeks of practice, another season of tennis and camaraderie is under way!

We are looking forward to our snowbird team members getting back on the court.

The Stallions should be very competitive this year with a lot of new faces.

Thank you to Hometown America for getting the courts in shape with new canopies for our rowdy fans.

Our home games are played on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. The schedule is posted on the Tennis Bulletin Board at the courts. Come on down and join the crowd!

See you on the courts! ~ Tim Hoch

Blue Team – Tigers

It is time to start thinking about the 2024-25 tennis season. This year there will be only two men’s tennis teams from Tara Woods. The White Team takes the very best tennis players, and membership is by invitation only. The Blue Team welcomes all who enjoy playing competitive but less intense tennis. If you would like to play tennis on the Blue Team, please call the Blue Team Captain, Don Swartz, at

330-618-0392.

League play is divided into a preseason from November 1st through December 31st. Matches at this time do not count towards league standings. The regular season starts January 1st and runs to the end of March.

Practices are usually scheduled for Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:30-12:00 Noon, but times have not permanently been set. Matches are played on Thursdays starting at 1:30 PM. We sometimes start early, so you might want to come out by 1:00 PM so you don’t miss any of the tennis action.

Come out and have fun with us! ~ Tony Gless

Women’s League:

Women’s Team – Angels

Here’s to the beginning of the 2024-25 Tara Woods Women’s Tennis Season.

For this season, we are reigniting social gatherings with our opponents on the pool veranda after our home games. A big shout-out to last year’s captains, Mary Cauldwell and Pat Gless, for stepping up to host our first after-game social with Del Tura on Thursday, November 14th.

Returning to the courts from last season are Debbie Doty, Mary Sandre, Bonnie Nagel, Carol Cherry, Kitty Achors, Mary Cauldwell, Pat Gless, Linda Engel, and myself.

Continued on page 20

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

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH by Sam Topping “It is better to have a single idea and act upon it than to have a hundred and do nothing.”

ENTERTAINING NEWS

So, Ladies and Gentlemen… I trust you all enjoyed Lesley Krauss’ articles this summer. Lesley was nice enough to fill in for me, and I want to thank her for helping me. Now you are left with my rantings.

It is November, almost the end of the year! WOW where has 2024 gone? For the Entertainers this means that this is the month to crunch the learning of your lines. Starting in December, we will be off book. Please refer to your schedule that Janet, our director, has made; you all have a copy of it. This will tell you what is being rehearsed and who should be there. If you cannot make a rehearsal, please let either Janet or me know, so we are able to find a stand-in for you. This is a courtesy to us and to your fellow actors.

To the audience – our play will be earlier this year to accommodate the cruise people. Our play will be on stage February 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 2025. We will be selling tickets early also, most likely in December. For the sticklers for protocol – the poster will go up one month before.

In January there will be an Opportunity Fair brought to you by the HOA. We will have a table at this fair, and we welcome all of you to stop and see what we have on display. We are planning on some give-away raffles, so be sure to stop and get a ticket from us.

For people who like to build and paint – we will be putting the set together in January.

TENNIS NEWS

I’m happy to announce and welcome Terry Melick, Patsy Pollard, Rhonda Smith, and Josee Choiniere as members of the team this season. All of them are newer to the Tara Woods community but are all well-seasoned at the game of tennis!!

With a bye and then Thanksgiving scheduled in November, our only game this month will be our home game on November 14th which starts at 9:30 AM.

If you are interested in helping, let me know. We will be painting the set not too long after it has been built. Again, if you are interested, please let me know. In the theater there are many jobs. Not everyone wants to act, but there are many other ways to help. If you are interested in what you could do, just ask. If you want to wait until January to come to our table at the Opportunity Fair to see what we have to offer, that is okay also.

Our play in February is “Saint Peter’s Escort Service.” I know no one will want to miss this since it is one of the funniest plays we have put on stage in a long time. We look forward to seeing you in our audience.

‘Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time’

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

Continued from page 18

I hope you can find the time to come cheer us on and watch some good, competitive tennis.

~ Tricia Martell, Captain

ROUND ROBINS

Our first Round Robin of the 2024-25 tennis season will be on Saturday, November 23rd. There will be a sign-up sheet on the Tennis Bulletin Board on November 1st. Warm-ups begin at 8:30 AM and play begins at 9:00 AM. After a fun-filled morning of no pressure tennis, plan on joining us for a barbeque on the pool veranda! We will have hot dogs, hamburgers,

and all the fixings. Be sure to bring your beverage of choice. The cost for tennis and lunch is $7.00; if you’re just playing tennis, the cost is only $1.00. Additionally, a short Tennis Association Meeting will follow lunch.

As a reminder, our Round Robins are scheduled for the fourth Saturday of the month – NOT the last Saturday of the month. Also, note that we do not have a Round Robin in the month of December. The following are the Round Robin dates for the 2024-25 tennis season: November 23rd, January 25th, February 22nd, and March 22nd. These Round Robins take the place of Open Tennis on those four Saturdays. Please consider joining our tennis community this season for a morning of exercise, socializing, and food! All tennis levels are invited to join in the fun. If there are any questions, you may contact me at 847-772-3825.

~ Bonnie Nagel

SHUFFLEBOARD

Welcome all residents!

We’re excited to start a new season of the Shuffleboard Doubles League. Don’t be hesitant to join if you are new to the sport. Our main goal is to have fun! The season will run every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM, from January 7th to March 25th. For us to develop a schedule and to create the teams, names must be submitted no later than Thursday, January 2nd. Every effort is made to ensure the teams are well balanced. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the Clubhouse bulletin board in November.

Perhaps you are unable to commit to every week? If so, please consider submitting your name and contact information as part of the substitute list. Tara Woods equipment is available. For safety reasons, please wear closed-toe shoes.

To join, we would appreciate a one-time fee of $10.00 per person. At the end of March (date/ location TBA), we’ll gather for dinner where prizes will be awarded for standings of 1st , 2nd, and 3rd place. Although injuries are rare, please know you will play at your own risk. The main goal is for everyone to have FUN! If you have any questions, contact Patti Thompson at: psthmpsn@muskoka.com or 239-347-7975.

BIRTHDAYS IN NOVEMBER

1 Rick Lubich, Mike Schwinn

2 Roger Rafferty

3 Donald Anderson, Joe Bigelow, Tim Bostic, Curt Maxwell

4 Don Taylor, Mike Zakrewski

5 Norma Gandy, Carol Ann Impink, Cindy McKay, Eileen Robinson, Matt Rose

6 Sheila Harris, Emmett Linderman

7 Donna Gaudet, Connie Thomas

9 Craig Ball, Nancy Gibson, Robert Haller, 90 Yrs., Doug Plested

10 Kent Hetzer, Tim Hoch, Judy Ledford

11 Mary Andrews, John Beenen, Patsy Pollard, Elaine Zacek

12 Carol Andrews, Rod Faubion, Jason Strong, Diane West

14 Richard Gendron, Tim Starkey

15 Bruce Lubich, Mary Ellen Newcomb, Ed Simko, Tina Smith

16 Lu Gendron, David Walther

17 Angie D’Alessandro, Jerry McKay, Ann Scott

18 Rick Hall, Irene Henderson, Denis Krauss, William Sandell

19 Pat Downs

20 Jean Bibeau, Harry Hoffman

21 Dorothy Benedict, Ron Heidmous, Sue Long, Bill Machnicz, Doug Peters, Loretta Slochowsky

22 Keith Adams, Patti Clark, David Laliberte, Dianne Lemay, Wayne Shriver

23 David Rippeth

24 Tim Lanpher

25 Rob Williams

26 Larry Anderson, Dan Duda, Joe Thomas

27 Faye Hamm, Marty Harris, Chuck Johnston

28 Bobbie Combs, Barb Luce

29 Jeff Lessmiller

30 John Costantini, Linda Gunnoe

ANNIVERSARIES IN NOVEMBER

5 Lynda & Brian Francey, Liz & Bill Oostdyk, 64 Yrs.

6 Chrissy & John Darpino

7 Stephanie & Scott Spalin

8 Patti & Sandy Thompson

10 June Neavling & Joe Brown

11 Tami Barrier Smith & Tom Smith

13 Janet Marck & Steve Whaples

14 Linda & Warren Engel, Liane & Shane Kemp

17 Faye & Gene Hamm, 62 Yrs., Toni Rae & Tim Hurley, Kathi & Kevin Mulvihill

18 Norma & Haywood Gandy

20 Shelly & Wes Pearcy

21 Linda & Mike Renzulli

23 Sharon & Don Boehlke, 61 Yrs., Janice & George Mangeri

24 Doris & Milty Katz, 67 Yrs.

25 Rhonda & Paul Adams, Sandy & Stone Ferris

26 Cathie & Jack LaSelva

Contact Sue Clark 412-780-3584 or randsclark@verizon.net before November 10th for Special Recognition of Birthdays 90+ and Anniversaries 50, 55 or 60+ in December 2024

Are your heirs ready to receive an inheritance?

In the popular imagination, receiving an inheritance always sounds like a good thing — after all, who doesn’t want a financial windfall? And inheritances can certainly be life-altering events. But they can cause challenges, so you’ll want to help your heirs be prepared.

To assist in this preparation, try to address some key questions affecting your heirs:

• Do they know what’s in your estate plans? Your family and other heirs will be much better prepared to deal with an inheritance if they know what to expect. That’s why it’s so important that you share your estate plans with everyone involved. You need to let them know the wishes and decisions you’ve expressed in your will and other legal arrangements, such as a living trust. Of course, sharing this information doesn’t necessarily mean that all your heirs will be completely satisfied with your choices — but at least they won’t be surprised, and perhaps will be less likely to cause disputes when the time comes to settle your estate.

• Will they know what to do with the money or other assets? You may be planning to leave your grown children a sizable amount of assets, possibly including cash, stocks, real estate, IRAs, 401Ks or other types of valuable personal property. But this inheritance brings with it several possible questions: Do your heirs already have an investment platform ready to accept inherited stocks? If you do leave behind rental property or a vacation home, can it be easily sold? These types of issues are generally not hard to resolve, but the more prepared your heirs are for their inheritance, the quicker they can take whatever actions are needed.

• Are they prepared to handle any taxes that may result from the inheritance? Unless you have a very large estate, your heirs likely won’t face federal estate taxes. (In 2024, the first $13.61 million of an estate is exempt from federal estate taxes.) However, other types of taxes may apply. A few states assess state inheritance taxes, and your heirs could incur federal and/or state income taxes when they withdraw money from inherited assets funded with pre-tax dollars, such as some retirement accounts. They could also face capital gains taxes when they sell inherited assets, such as stocks, for more than they were worth at the time of the inheritance. In any case, inheritance-related taxes can be complex, so you and your family and other heirs should discuss these issues with your tax advisor.

• Will they be liable for any outstanding expenses? If you have developed a comprehensive estate plan, it’s unlikely your heirs will be on the hook for any outstanding expenses, such as credit card balances or funeral costs. If you do still carry a mortgage, though, and you are planning on leaving your house to your heirs, they may want to be prepared to act quickly to sell it.

When leaving an inheritance, there’s a lot involved — emotionally, financially and legally. So, do whatever you can to make the entire process as easy as possible for your loved ones. By communicating your wishes regarding the inheritance, and by considering all the issues that may arise, you can go a long way toward achieving the outcomes you desire.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consider your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Advisor. Edward Jones, member SIPC

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