THE COLUMNS Vol. 28 No. 8
Tara Woods Homeowners Association – www.twha.us
December 2017
941-349-0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.islandvp.com
Annual Doggie Costume Parade ARF! ARF! ARF!
We all had a great time showing off our best costumes and strutting our stuff in front of our friends and neighbors in Tara Woods at the
2ND ANNUAL DOG COSTUME PARADE
Thank you to our team who put this great show together: Lynn Makia, Gail Sanfilippo, Chuck Poveromo, Barb Roland, Diane Nunn, Lou & Pat Dunning, Linda Engel, Donna Erhardt, Bob Kuhns and Bill Black. These awesome photos were taken by our great resident photographer, Mark Burke. Thank you, Mark, for showing the best of our pooches, owners and spectators. A special THANK YOU goes out to Island Visitor Publishing for their donation to sponsor our event for the second year. Last but not least...thank you to our judges: Madeline, who lives in a neighboring community, and Roberta, an employee from our neighbor hood Publix. They did a great job selecting our winners for the day: MOST ORIGINAL - Bailey, Shiloh and Cody, owner Lori Thomas SPOOKIEST - Miss Chloe, owner Judy Powers FUNNIEST - Malachite, owner Gwen & Dakota Windancer
WE HAD A DOG-GONE GREAT TIME!
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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC • December 2017 • 941.349.0194 • www.twha.us
MANAGER’S CORNER We are so glad to have our beautiful community back in order after Hurricane lrma...she definitely gave us all a scare. However, with help from our residents, staff, and outside help, we were back up and running within a few days. Thanks to all; you are a great team. Our Yard of the Quarter was Ed & Patty Sparany. All residents are encouraged to participate by showing their gardening skills. You can win a gift card from Home Depot. We are gearing up for our winter residents; lots of work has been done in Tara Woods over the summer months:
• Shuffleboard courts • New lights on the entrance road • Flowers and shrubs by the Office area and Clubhouse • Heated the lap pool • Tents for horseshoe pits • The repairs and replacements of the dock and gazebo are in progress Please remember that the speed limit is 20 mph. If you are walking during dusk or dawn please wear light colored clothing and carry a flashlight. Children are to be supervised at all times while in the Clubhouse and pool areas.
You must be a licensed driver to drive a golf cart - no children under 16. PETS: We have a dog park for you to use to walk or run your pets. Please do not let your pet go potty in anyone’s yard. If walking in the common area please pick up poop. We have ordered the stickers for parking violations. We will sticker your car if on the grass or parked illegally in someone else’s spot. We will enforce this by towing your vehicle at your expense.
“THE MAGIC OF TARA WOODS” T-SHIRTS AND LANYARDS Now on sale at the Clubhouse every Saturday morning during Coffee.
TEE SHIRTS: $10
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH by Sam Topping “Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”
INSPIRATION HOUR
LANYARDS: $4 Isaiah 9:6 ...and he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.... Welcome back to all our Winter residents and to our new owners! We have missed you during your absence, but you were in a less stressful location than we were. God’s grace and mercy protected us from the terror of Irma. He kept us safe under His wings of love and protected Tara Woods from a lot of damage. We would love to invite you to come and join our Bible study in the Clubhouse every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM. Both men and women are welcome. We study God’s word and meet new friends and catch up with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Come seek what God has for you to learn. We pray you have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope to see you soon! Any questions: Call Marcia Duda 763-670-1070
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www.twha.us • 941.349.0194 • December 2017 • Island Visitor Publishing, LLC
FROM THE PRESIDENT We’re off and running into a busy social season at Tara Woods. New residents may find it a bit overwhelming, but you’ll get the hang of it. All this activity keeps you young! With the Christmas season upon us, there is much to do in the community. The Clubhouse should be decorated by now and the new “Decorating Committee” should have the entrance to the community looking beautiful. Thank you to the Midwest Club for supervising the Clubhouse decorating and everyone involved with decorating the community. The Christmas party is on December 2nd and the next big event is the Christmas Golf Cart Parade & Caroling on Wednesday, December 13th. See the write-up in this Columns for all the information. There are also the Club Christmas meetings where you can celebrate the holiday with your friends from around the country – and Canada! We get a little break after Christmas, but keep an eye out for the coming New Year’s Eve Party, hosted this year by the Midwest Club. The Board had a busy November meeting with the upcoming events and the Annual Meeting in January. Ann Millette, the Membership Secretary, has been busy taking dues for 2018 and will be available during Saturday Morning Coffee, Bingo and the Homeowner’s meetings to collect your $15 membership per household.
The response to her appeal has been very good, but we are still far from our expectations, with less than half the residents joining the Homeowners Association at this time. As a homeowner in Tara Woods we urge you to fulfill your obligation and become a member in good standing of the Homeowners Association. The Nominating Committee, chaired by Peg Gamble, will be looking for people to run for the Board. The two-year terms of four Directors expire as of January 8th. They have the option to run for another two years, but may opt not to run. Please consider a term on the Board. New ideas and views are always welcome and needed to keep the Board working for the interests of the community. Give Peg a call if you want more information on running for the Board. The Annual Meeting of the Association is on Monday, January 8th. In December, members in good standing will receive the letter of notice with the candidates running for the position of Director, along with the revisions to the By-laws that will be voted on at that meeting. Please pay your membership dues and plan on attending the January 8th meeting. There must be a quorum in attendance for any voting to take place, including election of directors. Contact any member of the Board if you have questions regarding the Annual Meeting.
The Rent Negotiation Committee, chaired by George Sullivan, met with Darlene and Hometown representatives to discuss the recent increases in monthly rent. The Board will be reviewing the information conveyed and notify the residents of their recommendations regarding any action to be taken. At the November Homeowners meeting, Lou Dunning arranged for the liaison from the Sheriff’s Dept. to Tara Woods, Gerry McNulty, to address the Association regarding his function in our community. When you see a sheriff’s car driving around the community, it is most likely Gerry patrolling our area. I hope you were able to attend the November meeting to meet him and understand his role to aid the residents of Tara Woods. The next meeting of the Homeowners Association is Monday, December 11th at 7:00 PM. If you plan to pay your dues at the December meeting, please come a little earlier, so Ann can be ready for the start of the meeting at 7:00 PM. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Janet Daly
Activities, Sports & Clubs can be found on pages: 10, 12, 20 - 21, 26 - 28 State Club information can be found on page 16 - 19. Please note that the December Calendar is inserted in this Issue
COLUMNS STAFF EDITOR: Donna Erhardt
(donna.tarawoods@comcast.net) ASSISTANTS: Linda Engel and Marcia Poveromo PHOTOGRAPHY: Sam Jokich and Lou Dunning CALENDAR: Polly Brown CIRCULATION: Gail Sanfilippo, Manager COORDINATORS: Stuart & Belle Berman, Bill Black, Agatha Breen, Pat & Lou Dunning, Peggy Gamble, Lloyd & Carolyn Kelsey, Bob Kuhns, Sharie & Norm Libby, Diane & Bob Nunn, Ed Simko, George Stelling, Lori Thomas, Susan Uccello, and Julia Wehrung. ALTERNATES: Claudette & Mark Burke, Joanne & Bob Byrne, Al Dion, Sandy Schuelke, Nancy Schoeppner, Linda Hoos, Vic Sharps and Sandy Whitaker REPORTERS: Reporters will be noted by their bylines at the end of each article. Lou Dunning, Tara Woods Homeowners Association Liaison To advertise in print, contact: Bob or Emy Stein at 941-349-0194 or email us at islandvp@verizon.net. 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
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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC • December 2017 • 941.349.0194 • www.twha.us
A Tara Woods First On October 17, 2017, friends gathered for the first ever Tara Woods surprise birthday party (for a human) at our wonderful doggie park. Marie Ivens was expecting to bring her dogs back to the doggie park for their regular run, but it turned out to be any-
New Year’s Eve Party
thing but regular. She was greeted by many friends and neighbors singing Happy Birthday, followed by cake, ice cream and fruit drinks as Marie opened her gifts and cards. It was a birthday that Marie said she would never forget.
Hosted by the Mid-West Club 12-31-2017
Tickets go on sale December 1st at Saturday Coffee and before Tuesday night Bingo Tickets are $5.00 per person
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Invite your friends to live at Tara Woods, and you could earn up to $500* when they purchase a new home. Call 239-731-1011 for details! *Referral reward restricted to Hometown America residents. Customer must register the resident who referred them at time of their initial visit. Residents whose referral purchases a new or special-order home will receive up to $500. Residents whose referral purchases a Hometown America-owned inventory home will receive up to $300. Residents whose referral purchases a brokered home will receive up to $100. Residents who refer will receive money after closing of escrow. Other terms and conditions may apply. Call 239-731-1011 for more details.
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Think about the possibilities! With $500, you could go on a cruise for two, use it toward a shopping spree, or buy a flat screen TV – just to name a few.
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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC • December 2017 • 941.349.0194 • www.twha.us
FMO NEWS
needing a ride please contact the writer. Applications and mailing envelopes are on the back bulletin board in the Clubhouse. Wishing everyone and your families a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season. May 2018 bring you peace, good health and wellbeing. Please remember. You need FMO and FMO needs you. Stuart Berman
Mrs. Doubtfire Services ENTERTAINING NEWS So, Ladies and Gentlemen, near- our lights for the Entertainers, are
Our Entertainers’ tree is decorated in the theme of our show; this year Adam’s Eve is the show. Be sure to mark your calendar now for March 9th and 10th so you will be sure to see our show. P.S. Anyone wanting a DVD of last year’s show, Drinking Habits, call Polly Brown at 731-1614. The cost is $5.00 per DVD. Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. Pat Dunning Entertainers
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TARA WOODS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWS It just goes to show you that it is never too late to learn something new. And it goes without saying that the refreshments were colorful, enjoyable and plentiful. Our next meeting is just down the road. It will be held at The Heritage on Friday, December 8th at 1:00 PM. The meeting usually lasts until 3:00 PM with a refreshment break about half way through the meeting. Anyone wishing to attend and
90 -5e3 4 6 ence e 4 p x 239 ver 13 years ri • • • •
It isn’t even Halloween as I write this article so I’m going to use my imagination and tell you about the FMO meeting held on November 10th at Pioneer Village. This was the first meeting of the 2017-2018 schedule and the meeting room was full. Our guest speaker was from Professional Insurance Systems and the topic was Hurricane Coverage. Given the events of the last several months, he had everyone’s attention and there were plenty of questions.
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ing the end of the year we usually think about what has happened during the year. This year we have a lot to be thankful for; surviving a huge hurricane, sweating through a hot summer and each of us our own trials. This Christmas season we will have the opportunity to give a child in need a toy or clothes that he or she will find under their Christmas tree. Jack Boylan, who builds our sets, and Chuck Poveromo, who runs
collecting toys and clothes for the North Fort Myers Fire Department, who will distribute them to children in need in our area. The Entertainers and Chorus have a tree on stage each year, and this year underneath these trees we would like to have them loaded with toys or clothes for these children. These trees go up after Thanksgiving (in fact, they might already be up) but you could start now collecting toys or clothes.
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www.twha.us • 941.349.0194 • December 2017 • Island Visitor Publishing, LLC
WATER FOR PUERTO RICAN RELIEF EFFORT
is the time to jump on the band wagon and have some good old-fashioned fun! We do have copies of our 2017 Program if anyone is interested in purchasing one ($5.00). Check with Polly Brown or myself and we will fix you right up. We do Wish You a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Wait, do you hear those sleigh bells ringing yet? Sheila Piganelli 239-308-3242
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you should not inquire about the New Image Chorus. But we will be singing our hearts out and enjoying every single minute of it! We have been practicing for our Spring Concert and would like you to give some thought about joining us. Stop by and spend some time with us. Maybe you stopped by at the Community Fair last week and enjoyed talking with some of our members, munching on the yummy cookies, and finding out all about us. Now
6-7/17
Sleigh bells ring, can you hear them? Wa l k i n g in a winter wonderland? OK, so you may have a little sand between your toes, not snow. That’s why you are here; however, that does not mean you can’t enjoy all of the thrills, lights, and music of Tara Woods. If you do not like to sing familiar sentimental Christmas Carols, perhaps
12/17
The Aerobics Class collected water and miscellaneous items for the Puerto Rico Relief Effort. I went to the Dollar Store and purchased several toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, groceries, and a couple cases of water. Mr. Deke said water was most needed so I collected cases of water from the most generous people, TARA WOODS RESIDENTS!! THANK YOU for helping me make this happen. Kim Buletta
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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC • December 2017 • 941.349.0194 • www.twha.us
NEW **** CLASSIFIED SECTION
We are adding a Classified Section to The Columns. This will give Tara Woods residents an opportunity to advertise their services or items for sale. Items such as golf carts, furniture, homes for sale or rent, etc. are welcome. RATES for classified ads will be as follows: 2 to 3 lines is $8.00/ month, or $50.00 if you pay for one year; 4 to 5 lines is $13.00/
month, or $100.00 for one year; and 6 to 8 lines is $20.00/month. No ad over 8 lines will be accepted. Deadline is the 15th of each month. Place ads by calling: 941349-0194 or email your request to: islandvp@verizon.net. We use only one page for the classified ads. “The Columns” does not inform you when classified ads expire. However, the expiration
date is at the end of your ad in parenthesis (mo/yr). Please make checks payable to: Island Visitor Publishing, LLC. DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability.
TOYS TOYS TOYS
We are collecting new, unwrapped toys for needy children. Leave toys around the Entertainers Tree on the stage after the Thanksgiving weekend. North Fort Myers Firemen will wrap and distribute the toys. Thank you! Chuck: 815-979-3467 Jack: 239-567-0119
3/18
ANNUAL HOLIDAY COLLECTION
It’s once again time to begin collecting donations for our Annual Firefighters & Paramedics Holiday Dinners. The members of our North Fort Myers Fire Department do so much for our Tara Woods Community that it gives us great pleasure to give back to them during the holidays. As we did last year, we will use
your donations to provide Gift Certificates from Publix for the three shifts who work December 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, so that they can purchase Holiday dinners for their shifts. We will accept donations at Bingo on Tuesday nights and at Saturday Morning Coffee, starting November 21st. You can also
call Chuck Poveromo or Frank Millette and we will be happy to pick up your donation. Make any checks payable to “cash”. Please give generously to those who are always there for us in our time of need. Thank you. Chuck: 815-979-3467 Frank: 239-543-2954
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www.twha.us • 941.349.0194 • December 2017 • Island Visitor Publishing, LLC
During Holidays, Be Extra Vigilant About Protecting Financial Data To help achieve your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you should save and invest regularly. But that’s only part of the picture. You also need to protect your financial assets in various ways. One such method is guarding your personal information – especially any information that could be linked to your financial accounts. It’s obviously important to be vigilant at any time, but you need to be even more on your toes during the holiday season, when fraudsters are particularly active. So, to help keep your important data under wraps during the holidays, consider these suggestions: Extend your protection to all mobile devices. Identity thieves can now compromise your mobile devices by installing spyware that steals usernames, passwords and credit card information. Fortunately, you can fight back. By doing a little research online, you can find the best mobile security software for your needs. Use multiple passwords. Online security specialists recommend that you use different passwords for each new online shopping site you visit during the holiday season. Although this might seem like a hassle, it can be helpful, because even if identity thieves were to grab one of your new passwords, they still couldn’t use it for other sites you may visit. And you can even find a free online program that can help you keep track of all your passwords. Be suspicious of “huge savings.” It happens every holiday season – identity thieves develop fake sites with attractive graphics and stunningly low prices on a variety of items, especially digital devices. If you fall for these pitches, you won’t get any merchandise, but you might get a handful of headaches once the bad guys have your credit card number and other personal information. To prevent this, be wary of any deal that sounds too good to be true, and do some digging on the websites that offer these mega-savings. Watch for fake shipping notices. During the holidays, when you may do a lot of online shopping, you will probably receive some legitimate shipping notices. But the bad guys have gotten pretty good at generating fake notices designed to resemble those from UPS, FedEx and even the U.S. Postal Service. If you were to click on the link provided by one of these bogus notices, you could either take on some malware or get taken to a “phishing” website created by the shipping notice forgers. Your best defense: Only shop with legitimate merchants and only use the tracking numbers given to you in the email you received immediately after making your purchases. Keep your Social Security number to yourself. As a general rule, don’t give out your Social Security number online — to anyone. No legitimate retailer needs this number. Finally, be aware that not all attempts at stealing your personal information will come online. When you’re out shopping at old-fashioned, brick-andmortar stores, consider bringing just one credit card with you — and protect that card from prying eyes. By following these precautions, you should be able to greatly reduce the risk of being victimized by identity thieves and other miscreants. And the more comfortable you are in doing your holiday shopping, the more you can enjoy the season.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, its employees and investment representatives do not offer estate-planning, tax or legal advice. “Adam Hromiak AAMS, CRPC is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments in Cape Coral on 3571 North Del Prado Blvd. Suite 7 Entrada Plaza, 1/2 mile West of Rt. 41. He can be contacted at (239) 731-6338” 12/17
10 | The Columns
Island Visitor Publishing, LLC • December 2017 • 941.349.0194 • www.twha.us
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www.twha.us • 941.349.0194 • December 2017 • Island Visitor Publishing, LLC
RESIDENT APPRECIATION DAY The annual “Resident Appreciation Day” for 2018 will be on Saturday, February 24th. The fun-filled day is made possible by the generosity of Hometown America and all the caring volunteers within our community. It takes an army of volunteers who give much of their time and energy to make it all happen. Hometown continues a tradition started by others many years ago by financing the entire day. Everyone involved is to be commended for everything they do. The festivities for the day will stay the same as last year because most of the feedback was positive. What few glitches there were have been tweaked! (The sandwiches will be larger!) For those of you who have not yet experienced Appreciation Day, the festivities begin Saturday morning at 8:00 AM with free coffee and baked goods in the Clubhouse. At 9:30 AM anyone wanting to participate in the golf cart/bicycle Poker Run will gather at the Craft Building to receive the “clues”. A cash prize is awarded for the best poker hand. Next, between 11:30 AM and
1:00 PM free lunch is served: a sandwich, chips, soda or water, and a cookie. Sandwich choices will be ham & cheese, chicken salad, egg salad or tuna salad. Then the activities/games will be played between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM. A variety of games involving most of the amenities at Tara Woods are played – although not in the usual way! A big part of the fun is collecting tickets every time you participate in an amenities game (or for each hour you work during the day) for chances to win prizes to be given later in the evening. At 3:00 PM there is free BINGO for everyone with many $10.00 prizes. The festivities conclude Saturday night at 7:00 PM with a dance and awards ceremony acknowledging our Honoree, Frank Millette. Many prizes will be given out during the evening at random drawings from all the tickets given to everyone for participating and volunteering. Those prizes range from $5.00 bills to gift certificates from many establishments in our area and other donations. It is the Steering Committee members who will solicit and collect the dona-
tions for those prizes. Hometown America also provides additional good quality door prizes for Saturday night attendees randomly drawn from door prize tickets given at the door. The Steering Committee is open to any comments and suggestions, including nominations for Honoree(s), committee members and changes in the activities. However, any changes you want to make to the games should include your new replacement game plan. All comments and suggestions will be discussed and considered at the committee meetings. A list of members will be posted on the bulletin board. Whether this is your first Appreciation Day or your fifteenth, everyone can get involved to help make the day fun. How much fun you allow yourself to have is entirely up to you!! Polly Brown Chairman
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8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Breakfast & Lunch Available! RSVP SO WE KNOW HOW MANY HOMES ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE YARD SALE EXTRAVAGANZA!!! It’s Yard Sale Time! This is the day to set out all of your amazing used items that are collecting dust. Tara Woods Community will take care of the advertising. We will list the Yard Sale on Flyers, Banners, Web Sites and in our Monthly Newsletter;all you have to do is get all of your items ready to sell. Please follow these instructions: Tara Woods is not responsible for any items sold, lost, broken, purchased etc. All items must be ready to sell no later than 7:00 AM on January 20th No inappropriate or illegal items may be sold at your event. Please keep your sales items tidy and in nice order. No tripping hazards and/or dangerous walking areas. You are responsible for securing your items, especially at night. All sales and/or items must be cleaned up and put away at 1:00 PM on January 20th. Tables are limited – first come, first served (If you have tables, please bring them) Cost is $10.00 per Spot Call Ken Atkinson 815-999-2329 to get your name on the list.
1/18 10/14
SATURDAY, JANUARY 20TH
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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC • December 2017 • 941.349.0194 • www.twha.us
Lease Your Hearing Aid
Christmas Golf Cart Parade Wednesday, December 13th
5:00 PM - Line up in the Clubhouse parking lot (North) Christmas Cheer to share!
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Decorate your golf cart, bicycle or motorcycle and join the fun. Don’t forget to charge your golf cart. It’s no fun pushing it around the parade route. We need parade watchers to cheer us on, so come out in your driveway so Santa can wish you a Merry Christmas! Caroling at the Clubhouse 7:00 PM - following the parade Led by members of the New Image Chorus but you do the singing!
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www.twha.us • 941.349.0194 • December 2017 • Island Visitor Publishing, LLC
BAILEY SPEAKS Can you believe this Holiday Season is upon us? Our snowbirds have arrived in full force! We all have been busily cleaning and replanting our yards with new foliage since Hurricane Irma in September and returning from up North. This brings this segment of “Bailey Speaks” on what plants can be harmful and dangerous to our four-footed friends. Sure, those plants make our yards pretty and an asset to our community. These top 10 common plants are all around our community. Before listing please note: These plants are dangerous to our pets when they ingest the plant by eating their leaves, bark, roots, fruits and flowers along with coming in skin contact with the plant’s saps and juices, and finally by drinking from the area around the plant. Here are the top 10 common plants:
Sago Palm, various Lilies (example: Tiger Lily, Easter Lily, Peace Lily), Oleander, Diefferachia, Kalanchoe, Hyacinth, Crotons, Asparagus Fern. Since we are in the Holiday Season, many of us may get a traditional plant, which is Mistletoe. Even though humans give kisses when under it, this innocent plant is very toxic to pets. So, if you wish to be traditional with mistletoe, hold it or hang it high above your pet’s head and give him, or her, a great big Christmas Smooch. But the most famous traditional Christmas plant is the Poinsettia. It’s multiple colored leaves of red, pink, white, or a mixture are quite toxic as well. If you do notice your four-footed friend is in any form of distress – vomiting, diarrhea, and excess itching – seek advice from your nearest veterinarian. But try not to panic.
Anyway, I hope to see all the pets and their owners during this Holiday Season. As a reminder, the speed limit is 20 mph for our community, so we can enjoy our walks with our owners. Or, come to our dog park and enjoy “yappy hour” with fellow dog owners – who knows you might run into me, Bailey, if I’m not too busy looking for a lizard. A good rule of thumb is to keep our area clean by picking up after us. If you are really good, I’ll tell Rudolph to shine his red nose (hehe!). So, from Bailey and his owner, “We wish all of you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season, Season’s Greetings, Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noёl, Frőhliche Weihnachten, Buon Natale, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukah, and Happy Tails till next month.” Bailey
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TREASURES OF TARA S
haron and Don Boehlke focus on what is important in life – FAITH, FAMILY and FRIENDS. Their story is a true love story, starting in high school, and this November they will be celebrating their 54th anniversary. Their wedding took place the day after John F. Kennedy was shot, so we guess Don never forgets their anniversary......Sharon met Don on a blind date while in high school and they married the year after they graduated high school. They grew up five miles apart from one another, swam at the same pool club in the summer but never met until that blind date. Don grew up in Mequon, Wisconsin. His mother died when Don was 12, leaving behind her husband and three young boys. Fortunately, his kind aunt helped raise the boys. Don attended Milwaukee Lutheran High School for 4 years, and after graduation worked at the GM Dealership, where GM saw his abilities and trained him to be a mechanic. Later, he joined the North Shore Fire Department and fought fires, and worked as an EMT for over 30 years. He worked long and hard
and retired in 1997 as a Lieutenant. Here in Tara Woods, if he ever sees a medical emergency he is right there to help. Sharon graduated from
However, their two sons, and family are the love of their lives!!!! James and his wife, Janet, have three children: Emily, Casey and Livvy.
ily cruise the 11 of them recently took for 12 days cruising the Eastern Caribbean and enjoying one another’s company. The Boehlkes bought
Homestead High School, where the third generation of her family are still attending! Sharon is the oldest of five and grew up in Thiensville, Wisconsin. After high school, she graduated from beauty school and worked as a beautician for three years, until baby James arrived and, soon after, baby Scott made his entrance into the world. Sharon later worked 10 years as a food store manager and 15 years in food service billing.
Jamie is a Bank Consultant and Janet is a Title 1 Teacher in Milwaukee. Scott and Christine are the proud parents of Jacob and Ryan. Scott works in Quality Control Management and Christine is an Accounting Manager. All five grandchildren are talented and successful, and Sharon and Don are so happy to talk about them! Both families live six miles apart from one another and are close friends. One of the highlights of their life was the fam-
a starter house in Mequon in 1998 and soon after, by themselves, they built a three-bedroom lake home, on Long Lake, near Green Bay. This Lake Home is where they now spend their summers. They live close to Linda & Warren Engel and play tennis together all summer. (No wonder they are all such good tennis players in the winter!) All the Boehkle family are frequently together enjoying water sports on their pontoon boat, fishing off
their long pier or gardening. Fortunately for us, they purchased their home in Tara Woods in 2000, after renting here for one season. Those who know them will let you know what a very special, wonderful couple they are. Their strong, Christian values flow out of them, and they are also gifted athletes. Sharon has shared her leadership skills as Captain of the Angels Tennis Team and Past President of the Midwest Club. You will always experience Don’s humor and goodness, never knowing he survived kidney cancer and buried his only two brothers just one week apart from each other. Their positive attitudes helped them through the challenges. You will see Don working the Pancake Breakfast once a month, playing tennis, or swimming daily at the pool with Gary Sponseller. The Sponsellers, Gary & Bea, and the Franceys, Lynda & Brian, and Dottie Hargrove, can all attest to what faithful friends they are to so many. Don’s sense of humor is such a gift which he freely uses. THANK YOU for sharing who you are with us. We are a better community because we know you and love you.
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Christmas Get-Together, Friday, December 15th Our Christmas get-together of the 2017-18 season begins at 5:00 PM. It will take place at the Clubhouse where you can enjoy a homemade turkey casserole, which will be served around 6:00 PM. Please contribute a side dish or dessert to complement the main course. Also, make sure to bring your own tableware and BYOB. A 50/50 draw will take place towards the end of the meal. Kindly RSVP to your hosts, Anne & Wayne Wolski, at wolski@xplornet.ca no later than Tuesday evening, December 12th.
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MID-ATLANTIC CLUB What a fresh new look as we light the tree to begin this holiday season. We look forward to our Christmas luncheon at Bianca’s on Sunday, December 10th at noon. It is important to be on time as the restaurant is closed to the public for our party. The buffet menu contains fish, pasta and chicken. It will be served with salad and dessert. Members are responsible for the cash bar, including tax and gratuity. Ideas are needed for 2018 meetings especially January and February. All Mid-Atlantic Social Club Officers send Christmas Greetings to the members and their families as well as a Healthy and Happy New Year for 2018. Barb Pollitt, Secretary
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Wo w ! What a great response for the Bake Sale at the Craft Show on November 4th! Thanks for bringing the baked goods, setting up, staying to sell, collecting the money, having a special bagger this year, and then to clean up when all was sold. It’s good to know that the members help shoulder the responsibility for an event and do not expect only the officers to follow through the activities. Since all baked goods were donated, the fundraiser was a total success. As the fall season comes to a close, we hope that you and yours enjoyed blessings for Thanksgiving. A big “Thank You” goes to all members who joined together to decorate our “old fashioned” Christmas tree in the Clubhouse.
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MIDWEST CLUB Relax, We Manage Like We Own It Full Service Property Management Rentals Home Watching Maintenance Services
December meeting will be held on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8TH 5:00 PM The Club will provide the meat, which will be ham, and will also provide the dessert. The members are asked to bring either a hot dish or a salad to share. There will be a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board at the Clubhouse. A count of the attendees will be needed in order to know how much ham and dessert to purchase. The sign-up sheet will be taken down December 5th. Also, we will be playing “dirty Santa” gift exchange. Please bring a gift equal to at least $10.00 to participate in the game. Females bring a gift for a female and males bring a gift for a male. It is always fun and laughs. Arlene Greene, Secretary
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Our first meeting of the New Year will be held on Sunday, January 7th at 5:00 PM and will be hosted by Agatha Breen and friends. It will be Soups, Stews and Chowders, as this seems to be a Club favorite. Sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board. Please sign the sheets and let us know what you are bringing. We will be playing the game, Show Me the Money. It’s lots of fun; just remember to bring single dollars. I hope all our new residents from New York and New Jersey as well as our regulars will join us. Agatha Breen
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www.twha.us • 941.349.0194 • December 2017 • Island Visitor Publishing, LLC
NEW ENGLAND CLUB
Sign-ups are taking place now for the New England Club Christmas Party. It is being held on Saturday, December 9th at 5:00 PM. On the menu will be: Tossed Salad, Grilled Ham Steaks with Sue’s Special Sauce, Chef Stew’s Macaroni & Cheese, Grilled Fresh Green Beans and Bread Service. This party is free to all paid members, or you may pay your yearly dues upon arrival. Dues are $5.00 per person. The price for a guest for this party is $10.00. We are asking everyone to bring a “Christmassy” dessert (or any dessert). Sign-ups are absolutely mandatory and sign-ups will be closed as of Sunday, December 3rd. We have some fun games planned, raffles, and please BYOB. A huge Thank You to all those Club members who donated to our Craft Fair Raffles, as well as those who bought tickets. Congratulations to our very own Linda Renzulli whose ticket was picked first and had her choice of coolers! Hope to see everyone on December 9th!! Judy Machnicz
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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC • December 2017 • 941.349.0194 • www.twha.us
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!
If 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. o 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. ame 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! ur 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.
N G
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PING PONG Ping Pong is every Tuesday and Thursday at 2:00!
AEROBICS
Every Tuesday at 12:45 PM and Thursday at 1:00 PM
PICKLEBALL
Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday 4:00 to 5:30 PM Court 4 Open to anyone interested in playing/learning Pickleball Balls and paddles are available.
BOCCE
Tuesdays at 10:00 AM No need to sign up Don’t need a partner
New teams chosen every week ~ Easy to learn Questions: call Frank Millette 543-2954
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 543-6295 or Rita Sick at 731-1106 first if you are interested in playing with this friendly group. We’d like to have you join us. Beth Ferris
Ladies and Gentlemen, come join us every Sunday of each month 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 731-1614
HORSESHOES
Every Friday at 1:00 PM At the Horseshoe Pits. Come join us for fun and laughs. Questions: contact Eddie and Pat Sparany, 652-3869.
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 12:00-3:00 PM. The Happy Ladies of Mah Jongg. Any questions, please contact: Jane DeGuire, 567-0656, or Ruth Zimmer,731-8594.
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 John D’Amico at 239-731-7928 or danyyankees1@comcast.net.
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, 731-1614, if you’d like to join us – she’ll fill you in on the details or answer any questions you may have.
EUCHRE CLUB Meets on Wednesday Nights In the Clubhouse Card Room at 7:00 PM. $.50 to buy in, but offers some “big” prize money!
SUNDAY NIGHT MEN’S POKER
Texas Hold’em Style Tournament 6:00 PM in the Craft House If interested contact Bill Black at 636-978-7815
LINE DANCING
Come join us for a fun time and great exercise Tuesday 10:30-11:30 for beginners 11:30-12:00 for intermediate Barb Goodhue
Book Discussion Club Thursday, December 7th at 1:30 PM 2760 Steamboat Loop Join us to talk about the books we have been enjoying and maybe borrow one you would like to read. Newcomers welcome. Questions: Call Marilyn Workman 239-543-1168
HAND and FOOT CARD CLUB
Come join the group for a fun-filled afternoon of cards! We meet on Fridays at 1:00 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 George Stelling, 731-6709, or Marty Hradkowsky, 609-709-7717.
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) (5 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) 731-1614
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 Bonnie Abend, 217-0707, or Janelle Wissler, 770-2686. We hope you will come and participate in making ceramics with us. Come join the fun. Bonnie Abend
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www.twha.us • 941.349.0194 • December 2017 • Island Visitor Publishing, LLC
HAPPY HOUR
(Special date) Friday December 29th at 5:00 PM Open to all those staying at Tara Woods and their guests. A great opportunity to renew acquaintances and make new friends over a relaxed ‘pot luck’ meal and drinks. This month’s Feature ‘Themed’ drink… Eggnog. Please bring an offering for the ‘pot luck’, an appetizer to share during pre-dinner greetings, along with your own table settings and choice of libation. A $2.00 per person donation is requested to cover costs. A signup sheet is provided below the “Happy Hour Club” poster in the Clubhouse, which is used for organizing the table arrangements and ensuring that sufficient ‘themed’ drinks are prepared.
Meditation Meditation Group WEDNESDAYS AT 1:00 PM Beginning November 1st LOCATION - Sitting room in the Club House as you come into the club house from the parking lot, it is the room to the left of the stage.
Facilitator – Barbara J. Gilfillan, a Licensed Spiritual Practitioner For more information: Cell 401-486-9650 Bgilfillan1@gmail.com Love Offering: Meditation = health of body and mind
BIRTHDAYS IN DECEMBER: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15
Agatha Breen, Magaly Estremera, Dee Hubbard, George Slochowsky Bob Detwiler, Nancy Parker Louise Patterson, Judy Powers Art Frederick Donna Porterfield Dick Heffron, Barbara Krilivsky Gail Sanfilippo Sharon Boehlke, Lillie Longacre, Barry Maberry, Barbara Roland Larry Baldwin, Lou Crowley, Katia De Bartolo, Sharon Maggert Harry Hoffman, Chris Moriarty, Nancy Wuebbeler Muriel Boyle, Kirsten Gates, Bob Loring, 91 Yrs Polly Brown, Dorothy Carlson, Kathy Rafferty Sidney Scott
16 17 19
Jackie Nadeau “Max” Boschke, Dot Walton Linda Dion, Maggie Discepolo, Kim Hickson, Carolyn Kelsey, Camille Rosalbo 20 Holly Ulrich, Judy Wintermute 21 Dominic Cirillo, Bonnie Dixon, Mike Peidlow 22 Carol Detwiler, Nete Godfrey 23 Sheri Osborne, Pat Williard 24 Herb Langill, Bill Nothnagel, Charlie Rosalbo, Janet Waldron 25 Sal Gasdia 26 Dennis Bayer, “Skip” Campbell, Tom Hubert, Bill Milligan 27 Dave Jensen 28 Pauline Paquette, George Stelling 29 Mary Green, Pat Maher, Richard Osborne 30 Bill Parker 31 Roger Donald
No Job Too Small!
ANNIVERSARIES IN DECEMBER: 1 2 3 6 7 10 12 13 14 18 19 20 22 24 27 30 31
Loann & Jim Hulskotter, Florence & Floyd Jacobs Sue Cook & Len Rolfe Helen & Dan Appese Joanne & Bob Byrne, Barb & Chick Jakacki Shelly & Rick Lubich Magaly & Julio Estremera, Diane & Bob Nunn Sandra & Ralph Mosher, Nancy & Wally Wuebbeler Peg & Dave Gamble Ginny & Bob Loring, 66 Yrs. Wanda & Clark Dorsett, 62 Yrs. Lois & Tom Heideman, Carolyn & Paul Key Becky & Joe Burza, Patty & Scott Lewkowski Karen & Gary Stein Nedra & Al Ray Judy & Robert Holmes Sue & Pete Hodgson Barb & John Bakun, Evie & Paul Loud
Contact Shirley Ringleben, 731-2748, before December 10th for Special Recognition of Anniversaries, 50, 55 or 60+ in January 2018!
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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC • December 2017 • 941.349.0194 • www.twha.us
GOING PLACES WISH THE TRAVELERS A SAFE JOURNEY AND TO ALL A BLESSED, JOYOUS, MERRY CHRISTMAS All GOING PLACES information, theatre listings, trips, cruises, travel data, etc., is posted on bulletin board (outside the Billiard Room) and/or in the blue book in the library. JANUARY CRUISERS – You can now complete your on-line passenger information, print your boarding pass, travel summary, book shore excursions, etc., by visiting www.celebrity.com/onlinecheckin. Your booking number is located on your cruise confirmation. If you do not have access to the internet or need help, contact Celebrity 1-800-732-5941; Suzi 278-1208 or Dolores 7315119. PRE-CRUISE REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY – filling out, ahead of time, expedites check-in, on day of embarkation.
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JANUARY 20th FINAL CRUISE MEETING – Clubhouse – 10:00 AM – giving you time to visit yard sale, (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM) before the cruise meeting.
“HAVE YOURSELF A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS ….” BARBARA B. MANN CRUISING
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Your NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH is working for you. The two primary reasons for the WATCH are the protection of our residents and the observation of our community. Check on your neighbors who may be housebound or ill. If you haven’t seen them for a while, check on them. If you see something out of the ordinary, call and report the problem. (911 or 239477-1000) THIS MONTH’S TIP Enjoy your winter here in Tara Woods. Beware of anyone asking for your personal information whom you have not contacted. Remember your bank will not ask for your information via email. Never give out your SS#. Do not deal with a vender over the internet unless you have checked them out. Stay safe! Bob Glandorf
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Our first Tennis Association Meeting of the season was held on November 26th at 5:00 PM. This was followed by a social at 6:00 PM, with dinner being served at 6:15 PM. Items discussed at that meeting will be published in the January issue of The Columns. Tennis Association members can expect to receive the meeting minutes in an e-mail. There is no Tennis Association Meeting in December. The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 28th. News information on the tennis courts: This is a list of some of the work that was done over the summer while many of you were away. New covers were built and installed on the new brown benches. The new benches are smaller than the older white benches. The bench canvas covers were removed and reinstalled because of the storm. The lights have been refocused and new bulbs were installed. Courts 1 and 2 are now lit much better than they were before. The water cooler in the Ceramics Building hallway had the cup holder firmed up. Please be careful and take care of it. The game score markers have been repaired, but the sun has deteriorated them and we need to be careful with them. They
are brittle and break easily. The missing screens are on order and will be put up as soon as they arrive. – Fred Puhlfuerst ROUND ROBIN Our first Round Robin of the season was held on Sunday, November 26th. Because of the deadline for this issue of The Columns, we will report on the results in the January issue of The Columns. As a reminder, there is no Round Robin in December. The list of future Round Robin dates is posted on the Tennis Bulletin Board. – Linda Engel TENNIS LEAGUES WOMEN’S LEAGUE The schedule for this season’s tennis matches was approved at the SWIFT league meeting held on November 6th, and the season began with our first match on Thursday, November 9th. As luck would have it, the two Women’s teams from Tara Woods played against each other. I am happy to report that we don’t have to play against each other again until January 25th. The full schedule of this season’s tennis matches for both teams is post-
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ed on the Tennis Bulletin Board. – Linda Engel Women’s League – Angels The Angels won 4 sets and lost only 2 sets against the Fusion, their sister team from Tara Woods. Women’s League – Fusion The Fusion won their first 2 sets and then lost the next 4 sets against their counterpart, the Angels. MEN’S LEAGUE White League – Stallions The Stallions, now a White Team, were ready for their first match on November 7th. We played at Lake Fairways where our team won 5 sets and lost only 1 set. By the time you read this we will have had two more matches. Those of you who follow our teams will have watched some of our matches. It is a new year and there are new challenges. We will do our best in the competition. Come out and give us some support and help us to do our best. The team schedules are posted on the Tennis Bulletin Board in the hallway of the Ceramics Building. – Fred Puhlfuerst White League – Mustangs As a first-time captain of one of our White League teams, the Mustangs, I am pleased to report that as of November 1st all team members were here at Tara Woods, and we are practicing twice a week with our other White League team, the Stallions. League matches began on November 7th. For our first match we hosted the team from Sabal Springs. We finished the day by winning 1 set and losing 5 sets. Tara Woods will be having a home match every Tuesday at 1:30 PM – either the Mustangs or the Stallions – so come out and cheer on our teams! You should especially circle January 9th and March 13th on your calendar, as that is when the Mustangs versus the Stallions takes place. That should be a lot of fun! – Ed Malatesta Blue League – Tigers The first game of the season was not one of our better performances. We had some newer players and so did our competition, but the competition players were slightly better in the overall. We had a beautiful day, and a great group of fans cheering us on. After some discussion with our team, it was decided we need more practice, actually a lot more practice as a team. All in all, we had a great day and enjoyed the beer and camaraderie. – Bill Powers Submitted by Linda Engel
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OPEN FOR THE SEASON!
MAGIC SOFTBALL The Tara Woods Magic Softball Team has been practicing since November 7th to gradually get back into the groove. We practice twice a week, Tuesdays and Saturdays, until the game season begins January 3rd. We’ve added a few new players this year and are very glad to have them. They have quickly fit into the team, both socially and softball-wise, and are certain to contribute positively to the success of the 2018 season. We invite all Tara Woods residents and friends to attend our games at the softball complex in Punta Gorda off Airport Road. Game time is 5:30 PM. A fun time will be had by all, guaranteed, win or lose. Bill Hubbs, Bob Uccello, Rod Browder, Larry Baldwin, and friends.
Mark & Mary Ford Softball League 2018 Schedule 1 Buccaneer *2 Tara Woods
3 Old Bridge 4 Pine Lakes
TEAMS 5 Lake Fairways 6 Del Tura
3-Jan *2-1 #2 3-8 #3 4-7 #4 5-6 #5
8-Jan *2-5 #2 1-7 #3 8-6 #4 3-4 #5
10-Jan 7-8 #2 *2-6 #3 5-3 #4 7-1 #5
17-Jan 8-4 #2 7-5 #3 6-1 #4 *2-3 #5
22-Jan 24-Jan 29-Jan 1-3 #2 3-6 #2 6-4 #2 *2-4 #3 8-1 #3 7-3 #3 5-8 #4 4-5 #4 *2-8 #4 6-7 #5 *2-7 #5 1-5 #5
31-Jan 8-3 #2 6-5 #3 *2-1 #4 7-1 #5
5-Feb 7-1 #2 4-3 #3 *2-5 #4 6-8 #5
7-Feb 3-5 #2 *2-6 #3 1-4 #4 8-7 #5
12-Feb 1-6 #2 4-8 #3 5-7 #4 *2-3 #5
14-Feb 21-Feb 26-Feb *2-4 #2 5-4 #2 *2-8 #2 8-5 #3 *2-7 #3 5-1 #3 3-1 #4 6-3 #4 3-7 #4 7-6 #5 1-8 #5 4-6 #5
28-Feb Open for Rain-Out
5-Mar A Div 1-4 #2 *2-3 #4 N Div 1-4 #3 2-3 #5
Open 7 Days A Week Mon. - Sat. 9 AM-5 PM; Sun. 11 AM-5 PM
The Family Farmers Formerly the U - We Pick
We pick FRESH daily!
14600 Tamiami Trail/US 41 Punta Gorda, FL 33955
(5 miles North of Del Tura & Tara Woods)
7 Herons Glen 8 Heritage 7-Mar A Div 2-4 #5 3-1 #3 N Div 2-4 #4 3-1 #2
12-Mar A Div 2-1 #3 4-3 #5 N Div 2-1 #4 4-3 #2
14-Mar 19-Mar A Div A Div 4-1 #4 2-4 #3 2-3 #2 1-3 #5 N Div N Div 4-1 #5 2-4 #2 2-3 #3 1-3 #4
21-Mar A Div 2-1 #2 3-4 #2 N Div 2-1 #3 3-4 #5
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2/18
Steve Koehler
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Poolside Pub The Poolside Pub now offers Common Sense Catering for your next event or gathering! Call Nick at 239-543-1971 for details
02/18
28 | The Columns
Island Visitor Publishing, LLC • December 2017 • 941.349.0194 • www.twha.us
THE GARDEN CLUB
December What to plant Bedding Plants: To add color to the winter garden, plant masses of begonia, impatiens, and geranium. Bulbs: Amaryllis is a popular plant for the holiday season. They can be forced to bloom now or planted outdoors for spring blooms. Herbs: Plant herbs that thrive in cool weather. Some to try are parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, and cilantro. Vegetables: Reliable cool season vegetables to plant this month include celery, cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage, and carrot. December What to do Poinsettias: One of the most popular holiday plants is poinsettia. Enjoy it indoors now; then plant in the garden to re-bloom next year. Irrigation: Plants may need irrigation if the weather has been warm and dry. Monitor for signs of stress and water only as needed. Fungal disease: Continue monitoring for brown patch and large
patch fungal disease through May. Cultural practices are key in control. Houseplants: Inspect regularly for pests on indoor plants. Keep in mind that plant specific temperature, light, and humidity are key to ensuring that indoor plants thrive. Soil Test: If plants did not perform as desired this year or new plantings are being planned, a soil test may be a good idea. Compost: Composting is environmentally friendly and produces a beneficial soil amendment or mulch. Plant debris provides the carbon ingredient needed for successful composting. Pests: While cooler weather generally means fewer pests, some populations actually increase at this time of year. Continue monitoring and treat as needed. Holiday Trees: Consider enjoying a live southern red cedar and then plant it in the landscape when the holidays are over. Protect: Falling temperatures may require protection of tender orchids, impatiens, and tomatoes Excerpts from the Florida Gardening Calendar University of Florida.
COMPUTER CLUB Welcome back to our Winter residents! In November, the Computer Club began a new season of free computer classes for the owners, renters, and guests of Tara Woods. These are held at 10:30 AM every Thursday in the Card Room at the Clubhouse. They are open to everyone, and there is no membership fee. Our normal schedule of classes resumes on December 7th. The first and third Thursday of each month is devoted to Computer Basics. This is a complete course on how to use your computer. The second and fourth Thursday are reserved for General subjects, and cover a single specific topic of interest. If there is a fifth Thursday in a month, it is an open question and answer session where you can ask me almost anything you want. It’s never too late to join our group, even if you’re a total novice. This is a
great time to learn the Basics; we are starting again at the very beginning and assume that you know nothing about computers. The general topics cover all sorts of subjects, programs, and hardware, including Windows, working with photos, multi-media, tablets, cell phones and e-book readers. We spend as much time as we need to on each topic, and the next topic to be covered is always posted on the bulletin board in the Clubhouse. Feel free to attend only those classes that appeal to you. Bring something to take notes with, and your laptop computer if you want to follow along on it. I will answer any question you care to ask me. I also give private lessons and set up or repair computers in your home. I’ve been designing, programming, repairing, teaching, and working with computers since 1968, and can help you with all of your computer needs. Please call me with any questions or comments at 652-0488. I’m looking forward to seeing you. Dave St. Laurent, The Computer Tutor
THE CRAFT FAIR AND FASHION SHOW The Craft Fair was a GREAT success; we had over 660 people come thru the door and many bought the beautiful items made by the many vendors. Thank you to everyone who helped. A Special “Thank You” to Carol Shields, who made sure all the vendors had their correct space, and she sold every space. Thank you to Polly Brown for all of her input. I believe The Fashion Show was enjoyed by everyone who attended, with lots of great food and delicious desserts.
The models looked terrific in the clothes they chose from Dress Barn.
Again, I want to thank everyone who helped,with special thanks to Pat Sparany and her crew who always handle the kitchen so expertly. I cannot say “Thank You” enough to ALL of the people who helped make these two events possible. We would not be able to have these events without all of their help. If you haven’t been by the Butterfly Garden, please walk by. Linda and John have done a FANTASTIC job, and the butterflies must agree, since there are SO MANY of them flying around. Thank you, Linda and John! The Garden Club has no meeting in December. We wish Everyone a Very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year and Safe trip if you’re going home for the holidays See you next year. Rachelle DellaRocca
SAFETY
New contact number 239-322-6386
TCC SOUND & LIGHTING
Yes, a new Club is forming in Tara Woods. It is TWENTY CHALLENGE CLUB (TCC). What’s unique about TCC is that there are no membership dues, no initiation, and it is open to all who come in and out of Tara Woods, family, friends, even contractors, etc. There are two qualifications to be a member of TCC: follow our Tara Woods speed limit of 20 mph and cancel your membership in the “LEAD FOOT CLUB”. We do have drivers who already adhere to the 20 mph limit, so you are grandfathered into TCC. Walkers, with or without pets, cyclists, golf carts, squirrels, Muscovy ducks, turtles and even a gator will be very appreciative and happy too! There is also an Associate Membership available if you can at least keep it under 25 mph. So, become a member; it’s easy and free and everyone in Tara Woods will benefit.
Tara Woods Sound & Lighting’s annual show will be on Saturday, January 6th at 7:00 PM. This year we are proud to present ORANGE SUNSHINE BAND. They are five very talented entertainers who pay tribute to the music that defined a generation of “Baby Boomers” and had a significant effect on music and pop culture. Their current show features music spanning the great years that gave us rock, pop, folk rock, surf music and, of course, the British Invasion!! You’ll know every song Orange Sunshine performs. You’ll become part of the experience singing along, tapping your feet, clapping your hands and having a flashback to yesteryear! Tickets are $15.00 each. There will be both theater and cabaret
seating (BYOB). Reservations are suggested for cabaret tables. Tickets go on sale beginning December 5th at Tuesday Bingo and Saturday Morning Coffee and will also be sold at the door. For more information or to make reservations, call Polly Brown at 239-731-1614 or 239246-2391 (cell).