Have a question? Not sure who to ask? Call us at the Clubhouse!
770-536-3300
Community Manager
Meghan Keith
Email: manager@cresswindatll.com
Assistant Community Manager
Jennifer Finlayson
Email: assistantmanager@cresswindatll.com
Lifestyle Director
Allison Ladd
Email: lifestyle@cresswindatll.com
Guest Services
Rebecca Scutt
Peggy Seiwert
Heidi Anderson
Email: frontdesk@cresswindatll.com
Maintenance Supervisor
Bilal “B” Bennett
Email: maintenance@cresswindatll.com
Helpful Numbers:
Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 770-536-8812
City of Gainesville Water: 770-535-6878
Liberty Utilities: 855-216-6305
Spectrum: 1-888-345-7139
Community Management Associates
After Hours: 800-522-6314
Emergency Radio: WDUN AM 550 or FM 102.9
the official newsletter of the Cresswind Community The Waterfall content is provided by residents of Cresswind at Lake Lanier for no profit to ensure that the residents receive relevant and updated content about what is going on in their community. This newsletter is provided at no cost to our community and is printed and mailed to each residence from advertising profit. Support the advertisers who make
Cover was provided by Louis McClure
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025
2025 BOARD INITIATIVES
• Develop & Complete an Archived Record Retention Program
• Complete the Gate Enhancement Program
• Revitalize the Waterfall Lighting
• Continue Road Paving
• New Landscape and Pine Straw Contracts
• New Trash Service Contract
• Renew Corp of Engineer Dock Permits
• Conduct Biennial Vehicle Bridge Inspections
Filing deadline for Homestead Exemptions, other tax documents April 1
The deadline for Hall County taxpayers to file for 2025 Homestead Exemptions, including the Total School Tax Exemption and 100% Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption, is April 1. This window also applies to returning Business Personal Property, Marine/Personal Watercraft and Aircraft forms, and filing for or renewing Agriculture Covenants and Taxpayer Returns of Real Property.
Citizens can file these forms 24/7 online, submit them by mail, or in person in the Tax Assessors’ Office at the Hall County Government Center located at 2875 Browns Bridge Road in Gainesville.
Please note that any citizen already receiving a homestead exemption does not need to reapply; however, to receive a new exemption for the 2025 tax year, it must be filed by the April 1 deadline.
Online Services
• Apply for all homestead exemptions, including senior and total school tax exemptions
• Electronically file your Real, Business Personal Property, Freeport, Marine and Aircraft forms
• Change your mailing address and update your contact information
To file your boat, personal watercraft, aircraft, business or manufacturer reporting form:
1. Search online for qPublic Hall County Ga.
2. Select the “Personal Property” tab at the top of the page
3. Search for your account
4. Select your account
5. Select the action you want to complete, follow the directions and file
Specialized Assessments
Applications for Conservation Use must be made in person in the Tax Assessors’ Office at the Hall County Government Center, located at 2875 Browns Bridge Road in Gainesville Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times but are not necessary.
As a reminder, although forms are accessible 24/7, year-round on the Tax Assessors’ website, the state reporting deadlines still apply. Forms are accepted from Jan. 1 through April 1, and anything submitted after the deadline will not be applicable until the following year.
For a full list of online services, instructions, deadlines and more information, please visit the Hall County Tax Assessors’ Office online at hallcounty.org, call 770-531-6720 or visit the Hall County Government Center.
*Personal Property Reporting forms filed after April 1 will include a 10% late filing penalty by law.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Submitted by: Bill Power
We just completed a second-floor build-out at our home. Interviewing contractors and comparing quotes was time consuming and frustrating but the end result was worth the time and effort. One line item on each quote called for a dumpster in the driveway. The dumpster quotes ranged from $800.00 to $1,000.00 which seemed like a crazy dollar amount, until we looked into the costs involved.
A dumpster is a huge heavy open metal container, the size of a car or bigger, that holds all sorts of construction debris generated during a construction project. Your contractor rents the dumpster for the number of days it’s onsite, ($$$). Cresswind Rules and Regulations require that plywood be placed on the driveway before the dumpster is delivered. The purpose of the plywood is to protect your driveway and surrounding sidewalks and curbs from damage. Have you seen the price of plywood lately? ($$$). A truck and driver delivers and picks up the dumpster at the end of the job, ($$$). Then the dumpster is hauled to the construction dump site for Hall County where the driver pays a one-time fee of $20.00 to enter the dump plus he pays a tipping fee based on actual weight, the heavier the load the higher the tipping fee. After looking at the costs involved we felt the estimates were reasonable.
The dumpster delivered to our house was old, beat up, and rusty so we decorated it for Christmas with a 3-foot diameter lighted wreath. (If you can’t hide it, accent it). We received a lot of compliments about the wreath and the dumpster became a conversation piece with friends and neighbors throughout the Christmas season. And yes, we took our holiday decorations down 15 days after the holiday ended.
Dumpster Etiquette
We offered the use of the dumpster to our immediate neighbors in case they had things they wanted to get rid of, items too big to put out with their weekly trash pickup. We thought the offer was a nice gesture to offset the insult of having to look at our rusty old dumpster over the holidays. A couple of neighbors took us up on our offer and one neighbor asked permission before they added a couple of items to the load. We were happy to oblige.
Soon, other “stuff” started mysteriously appearing in the dumpster. Not construction debris and not “stuff” from our immediate neighbors. This “stuff” usually showed up after dark, when no one was watching, but a few items showed up during day light hours as well. The “stuff” included a folding metal ironing board, plastic bags of household rubbish, a large box that advertised a toy kitchen (probably a gift for a local grandchild) and more. The funniest item was an Amazon shipping box full of trash with a Cresswind resident’s name and address on it. Talk about leaving evidence at the scene of the crime. We got a good laugh at all of it and found ourselves dumpster diving to see if anyone left any treasures. No such luck, just “stuff”.
Based on our recent experience with a dumpster the following are tips for good “Dumpster Etiquette”:
• Before you throw your “stuff” in a neighbor’s dumpster, simply ask permission. I’m sure they will accommodate your request but remember it costs your neighbor money to haul your stuff away. A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon would be a great way to say thanks.
• No household waste please as it attracts critters.
• If you are going to throw your shipping boxes in someone else’s dumpster, without permission, be sure to remove incriminating shipping labels.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Submitted By: Dev Strischek
The aim of the Education Committee is to provide programs and offer events of interest to Cresswind residents that educate them on topics relevant to their lives. Recent presentations have covered elder care law topics such as estate planning, probate, and trusts; support organizations for widows; hospice resources; “after-you-die” planning; a Cresswind couple’s tugboat voyage around the Eastern US and back down via Canada, and even invasive aquatic species in Lake Lanier for Cresswind boaters and fishermen. Upcoming programs will feature local not-for-
profits such as Legacy Link offering a wide range of services for retirees including social security and Medicare planning and assistance, and the Committee is identifying speakers and instructors for various technological topics--computers 101, online scam avoidance, email tools and tips.
The Committee is always looking for new members with ideas on new educational offerings as well as speakers willing to share their knowledge and experience with their fellow Cresswinders. If you are interested in becoming a member or a speaker, contact Committee Chair Dev Strischek at dev. strischek@gmail.com or 404-394-6294.
Misty Caudell, MD Dermatologist
Natalie Meeks, MD Dermatologist
Helen Malone, MD Mohs Surgeon
Ross Campbell, MD Mohs Surgeon
Upcoming Events
April 4thChris Hampton Band
April 11th & 12thSpring Fling
March 7thOut Past Nine
March 8thSEYA Jazz
March 13thGeorge Casey Irish Comedy
March 15thTwisted Hipsters
March 26thTrivia Night!
LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
Submitted by: Corinne Maier and Delores Diaz
The sun was warm, but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day. When the sun is out and the wind is still, You’re one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak, A cloud comes over the sunlit arch, A wind comes off a frozen peak, And you’re two months back in the middle of March.
This excerpt from Robert Frost’s poem Two Tramps in Mud Time captures the unpredictability of early spring weather. Mother Nature may tease us with a late freeze or an early heat, but she will eventually live up to her promises of beauty and hope that come with spring. Keep that in mind as you stare at your bleak looking yard and plan for the upcoming growing seasons.
Planning a landscape is like creating a painting because the same artistic elements and principles apply to both. Size, proportion, color harmonies, texture, balance, contrast, and variety are some of these important elements and principles. An excellent resource that explores these similarities is The Perennial Garden by Jeff and Marilyn Cox. This book has many beautiful color photos of perennial gardens and a helpful chart of perennials and their habits, needs, and colors.
Trees and shrubs provide the structure for your landscape plan, but they also serve as a framework and backdrop for the real showstoppers, the perennials. Perennials are plants that reappear year after year and self-multiply. That saves you time and money! For those reasons, many gardeners prefer perennials to annuals that bloom for one season only and then die.
Plant spring blooming perennials in the fall so that their roots can become established and promote healthy blooms in the spring. Summer blooming perennials can be planted in March when the soil reaches 60 degrees, and the danger of frost is over. Perennials may grow from seeds, rhizomes, bulbs, and bare roots.
Because perennials proliferate rapidly, they may fill up a bed in just two or three years. You will need to divide existing
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Submitted by: Pat Green and Debbie Aery
crowded plants in April to prevent them from choking themselves out. However, plants that bloom in April and May should be divided after they bloom. Depending on the type of root system, perennials may be divided by first lifting out a clump and then by tearing apart the roots, by prying the clumps apart using two pitchforks or spades, or by using a sharp knife. Dividing provides you with an endless supply of plants for yourself and for sharing with others.
Trees and shrubs may also be planted now. Some of you received permission to remove dead or invasive street trees over the last few months and must now choose and install a replacement. Be sure to select a replacement that will grow no taller than 30 feet at maturity and will not have invasive roots. Avoid standard maples and most cherry varieties, both of which have extremely invasive roots. If your front yard is the size of a postage stamp, you may consider planting a specimen tall-growing shrub that can be “tree-formed” or “limbed up” to resemble a small tree. Many hollies are especially adaptable for this purpose and grow into beautiful small trees that maintain the aesthetic of our community.
If you are adding a new or replacement tree, be sure to submit an EIR to the Landscape Committee (LAN). The LAN reviews the EIRs to make sure the new tree adheres to the rules and regulations regarding size and location, that it is not invasive, toxic or otherwise a nuisance, and that it is not on the Do Not Plant List. These regulatory documents can be found on the Cresswind website under Our Community / Governing Documents / Community Rules and Regulations.
The LAN is currently researching trees and shrubs that meet the unique needs of Cresswind homeowners. We intend to compile the information into user-friendly charts that will help you select trees and shrubs that both suit your personal preferences and adhere to our rules and regulations. In the meantime, we offer a few suggestions below.
Trees: Japanese Maple, Redbud, Kousa Dogwood, Nellie Stevens Holly, Little Gem Magnolia, Dwarf Korean Lilac
March is promising to be another busy month with lots of music in store. Our very own Out Past Nine will be performing in the Ballroom, and we are excited to welcome SEYA (Southeastern Young Artists) for a jazz concert. Comedian George Casey will lift our spirits with laughter and Twisted Hipsters will help us get our groove on!
Now that we are past the frozen days of Winter, we can start to gear up for our annual Springtime events. In April we have the Spring Fling as well as the much-anticipated Recycling Event. Of course, there will be other entertainment as well, but you will have to watch the Daily Update for those details!
CCL-TRAFFIC & ROAD USE (TRU) COMMITTEE News & Updates
Submitted By: John Stevens
SPRING is around the corner…time to get outside! Walk around the neighborhood, or ride your bike, and take notice of your neighbor’s homes. Many have been tastefully repainted with new color palettes created and approved by our ARC. Also note the many landscape projects that continue to help CLL become a ‘most preferred’ community for 55+ adults.
When walking about or riding your bike enjoying our community’s aesthetics, be it day or night, please remember to stay alert and be mindful of who you might encounter on our roadways. Be the person who can see an ‘accident’ before it happens and avoid it. Thinking ahead and watching out for what others are doing on our CLL roads can significantly reduce your personal injury risk, as well as that of your CLL friends and neighbors. PLEASE STAY ALERT AND MINDFUL !! Do you want to be eligible for a ‘SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNT’ on your auto insurance? The Traffic & Road Use (TRU) Committee in partnership with the Education Committee, is bringing back the Nationally Recognized AARP Smart Driver Course to be presented here in our Ballroom on March 11. This 6½-hr course (9:00 am to 3:30 pm) costs $20.00 for AARP Members (with proof of membership) and $25.00 for non-AARP members and will be limited to
Welcome Committee
Submitted by: Sandy St George
Cresswind is a great place to live! We have beautiful homes, fantastic amenities, wonderful clubs and committees, and the best neighbors in the world! This is a fantastic community!
Gainesville is also a great place to live. Did you know it was recognized as the best-performing small metropolitan area in the United States? The Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank based in California, evaluated 203 small metropolitan areas by assessing performance of the labor market, tech sector and access to economic opportunities. In 2025, they emphasized jobs, wages, high-tech growth, housing affordability, and broadband coverage. They also have metrics for community resilience and income inequality. According to Maggie Switek, PhD, Senior Director of Research at the Milken Institute, Gainesville has “experienced remarkable employment and wage growth, coupled with robust performance” and “an environment that provides residents with the opportunity to thrive.” These factors and a myriad of
ONLY 30 participants. This course will help you become not only a smarter, safer driver, but completing it will also help you be eligible for a potential multi-year discount on your auto insurance. Check with your insurance carrier to confirm your specific defensive driving discount eligibility for completing this course. SIGN UP at the FRONT DESK before February 24th for this course. A ‘Wait List’ will be started once the class is full. ‘Wait-listers’ will be contacted in sign-up order as openings occur. Participants should arrive at 8:30 am for registration and payment collection. A short lunch break is planned; therefore, participants should bring their own lunch and beverage. FYI: you must complete the course to be eligible for your potential auto insurance discount.
ROAD REFLECTORS, CROSSWALKS, AND STOP LINES As weather permits and as CLL resident-volunteers are available, the TRU Committee will be completing the installation of center-line reflectors on the last four (4) ‘blind-curves’ along Cresswind Parkway in CLL Sections 1 & 2, as well as painting the few remaining unmarked crosswalks, and refreshing the roadway STOP lines with a new coat of white paint. WANT TO HELP…? Contact John Stevens, Chair-TRU Committee.
high performing metrics is why Gainesville won!
Congratulations Gainesville! And Congratulations Fellow Cresswinders...you chose a great place to live! Join me in Welcoming our newest residents (since the last edition of the Waterfall):
New Residents that have moved in since the last edition of the Waterfall:
Sidney and LuAnn Washington.....3381 Sweet Plum Trace
Peggie and Ray Bell...............................3511 Locust Cove
Tim House.............................................3708 Majestic Oak
Regina Daas.....................................3828 Sweet Magnolia
Curt and Cathy Dalton................3746 Cresswind Parkway
Bill and Marsha Dickey.........3140 White Magnolia Chase
Thomas Royer.............................3636 Blue Cypress Cove
Delores and Billy Burkett.................3341 Noble Fir Trace
Barry and Shay Benedict............3708 Cresswind Parkway
HEALTH & FITNESS COMMITTEE
Submitted By: Laurie Solomon
The Health & Fitness Committee is happy to welcome Jill Loftus and Priscilla Stockwell as new members. We look forward to their contribution and commitment as we navigate through 2025.
Nicky, one of our Personal Trainers, will be setting up a tutorial on the usage of our gym equipment. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Fitness Center, date TBA. Each machine has a designated number on it. If you encounter any problems with the equipment please write the issue as well as the machine number on the sheet outside the Personal Trainers office.
We hosted 24 vendors at our annual Health Fair in January. Hopefully you were able to join us and avail yourself of the information provided. One of the vendors was The Sleep Disorders Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center. They provide diagnosis and treatment programs for those individuals requiring assistance.
Human beings spend about 1/3 of their lifetime asleep. Sleep is an important component of your health that affects every aspect of daily life. Lack of sleep has an impact on reaction time, productivity, ability to handle stressful situations, the immune system and general energy level.
Sleep problems are common for many older adults and can include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, anxiety and restless leg syndrome. Since the amount of sleep required for feeling rested varies widely
among individuals there is no standard definition for insomnia. It is a general term which describes the inability to initiate or maintain sleep and is associated with daytime fatigue and sleepiness. Some of the many factors that can cause sleep problems include stress, smoking, being overweight, caffeine, alcohol, illness, medications and being sedentary.
The connection between exercise and sleep has been well documented. Researchers have found that a substantial amount of exercise and movement can improve sleep. It is recommended that exercise be done earlier in the day. Participating in a workout too close to bedtime has a tendency to overstimulate and may prevent you from falling asleep.
The food you eat and when you consume it can also create sleep issues. Consuming a large meal close to bedtime causes the digestive system to work hard and may keep you awake. This is especially true for people who have acid reflux. Not having enough sleep, people tend to overeat and consume unhealthy foods. Sleep deprivation affects the release of ghrelin and leptin, two neurotransmitters that tell the brain when to consume calories. Individuals who are sleep deprived may be more drawn to high calorie unhealthy food choices.
In your quest for better sleep find a mattress and pillow that works for you, keep your bedroom cool, try to keep a consistent bedtime and wake time, limit daytime napping, breathe deeply, relax your body, mind and sleep!
TRAILS AND PATHWAYS COMMITTEE NEWS
Submitted by: Kristin Hoyt
Winter is a great time to enjoy our six beautiful trails across both north and south sections of our property. Hopefully you had the opportunity to enjoy the trails during the snow in January.
Take a moment to review our committee news and updates at the Cresswind website > Our Community > Committees > Trails and Pathways Committee. You’ll find information on Committee members, responsibilities and operations, meeting agenda/minutes, report to the HOA Board, and webpage link. Throughout the winter, the Trails and Pathways Workgroup has been busy making our trails more accessible by blowing leaves and removing fallen trees. Would you like to be a part of these efforts? New members are always welcome! For more information, please contact Committee Chair Kristin Hoyt, klhoyt1956@gmail.com.
For additional information, please visit the Cresswind website at: https://www.cresswindatll.com/clubs/.
Arts and Crafts Clubs
Advanced Pottery
Artist’s Corner
Make & Take Crafts
Needlecraft
Quilting
Book Clubs
1st Tuesday Book Club
2nd Monday Book Club
3rd Monday Book Club
ABC Men’s Book Club
Between the Stacks
Book Babes
Book Buds
Book Worms
Cover to Cover Book Club
Reading Between the Wines
Theatre Goers Book Club
Cards / Games
Bridge: Duplicate
Bridge: Education: Cards
Bridge: Education: Computer
Bridge: Friday Rubber Bridge
Hand and Foot Canasta
Ladies Bunco
Ladies Texas Hold ‘Em
Mah Jongg
Mexican Train Club
Pinochle Club
Pokeno
Poker Club
Poker, Ladies
Poker, Straight Flush
Rummikub
Samba Card Group
Dance Clubs
Ballet
Ballroom Dance Club
Choreography
Clogging, Beginner/Intermediate
Hula Dance Club
Line Dance, Beginner
Line Dance, Cardio
Line Dance, Traditional
Performing Arts Clubs
CLL Video Production Club
Cresswind Community Chorus
Cresswind Neighborhood Theater
Cresswind Performing Arts Club
Karaoke Club
Liar’s Club
Neighborhood Bands
Performing Arts Technical Team
Small Bands
Storytellers Club
Summer Hummers of CW
Ukulele Club
Variety Show Club
Video Production Club
Religious and Bible Study Clubs
Couples’ Small Group
Men’s Bible Study
Shalom Club
The Way Bible Study
Women’s Bible Study
Specialty Interest Clubs
Bourbon Cabinet Club
Bourbon Club
Brewskies
Caregivers Coming Together
Community Flag Club
Community Garden Club
Cooking Club
Cresswind LL Community Fund
Cresswind Missions Club
Dinner Club
GALGNO Club
Great Decisions
Investment Club: CIC
Investment Club: The Falls
Living Stylishly
Parkinson’s Support Group
Martini Club: Women with a Twist
Model Railroad Club
Photography Enthusiasts
Scotch Lovers At Cresswind(SLAC)
Seniors Mentoring Students
Shaken Not Stirred Martini Club
Social Singles
Travel Club
Twisted Tequila Club
Veterans Club (501(c)3)
Volunteer Connection
Wine Tasting
Sports and Games Clubs
Billiards: Ladies
Billiards: Men’s
Bowling League
CLL Kayak Club
CLL Tennis Club
Cresswind Hiking Club
Cresswind Ping Pong Club
Fishing Club
Golf: Men
Golf: Women
Nine & Dine
Pickleball Club
Sports & Games
Tai Chi: Advanced
Tai Chi: For Everyone
Yoga
INGRID BOLTON COMMISSIONED BY NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER
In April of last year, our neighbor Ingrid Bolton was commissioned by the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville to create two large triptych oil paintings for the new “Green Tower” hospital addition.
Befitting a hospital setting the paintings were to be either uplifting, evoking a feeling of joy and optimism or serene, promoting a sense of calm and comfort.
Ingrid’s oil paintings exude just that, while “Burst of Color” is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, her nearly 11 ft wide “Spring Apple Orchard” unfurls a serene, idyllic Northeast Georgia landscape promoting a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
These paintings are permanently displayed in the Building’s Entry Hall. Ingrid hopes that her paintings will provide solace and peace to patients, visitors and staff alike.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
BIBLE STUDY CLUBS
HOW TO PRAY
Submitted by: Dave Dittmeier
In the last issue of the Waterfall, we shared prayers about what it is and why it’s important. But do you know how to pray?
Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian faith and is a way for believers to communicate with God. One common approach to prayer is the ACTS method:
• Adoration: Begin by praising and worshiping God for who He is and His attributes. You can use verses like Psalm 95:1-7 or Psalm 100 as a guide for adoration.
• Confession: Acknowledge your sins and shortcomings before God, asking for forgiveness and repentance. 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
• Thanksgiving: Express gratitude to God for His blessings, provision, and answered prayers. Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
• Supplication: Bring your requests, needs, and desires before God. Philippians 4:6 also teaches us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving.
Ultimately, prayer is a personal and intimate conversation with God. It is important to approach prayer with sincerity, humility, and faith, knowing that God hears and answers the prayers of His children. If you feel led to learn more about the Bible or prayer, there are many opportunities here in Cresswind.
• The Women’s Bible Study meets Thursdays from 4-5pm in the Arts & Crafts Room. The first Thursday of the month is devoted to Intercessory Prayer. Diane Denniston DianeDenniston222@gmail.com and/or Jami Dittmeier SJDittmeier@gmail. com
• The Men’s Bible Study meets Fridays from 10-11am in the Georgia Room. They begin with a time of prayer from 9:30-10:00. Dave Dittmeier DaDittmeier@gmail.com
• Couples Bible studies meet in private homes throughout the community. Joanne Randall joran1088@gmail.com
• Prophetic Word Study: A discussion of current events in light of prophetic scriptures. Mike Caton mwcbruin@gmail. com
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16 NIV)
BOOK CLUBS
2ND MONDAY BOOK CLUB
Ann Causey antan@bellsouth.net
3RD MONDAY BOOK CLUB
Joyce Allen jallen8734@gmail.com
1ST TUESDAY BOOK CLUB
Lynne Tryon lynnetryon@gmail.com
ABC MEN’S BOOK CLUB
Our club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00pm in the clubhouse library. We only read and discuss non-fiction books. The ABC Book Club is open to any Cresswind male who may be interested in reading and discussing non-fiction books. Want more info? Please contact Dave Dittmeier at DaDittmeier@gmail.com. (PS: ABC stands for Annuitants, Bibliophiles and Curmudgeons).
BOOK BABES BOOK CLUB
Pat Hilger patricia.hilger@outlook.com
BOOK BUDS BOOK CLUB
Our book club meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm. There are no meetings in January and July. We meet in the homes of our members. Zona Buchen zbuchen51@charter.net
BOOK WORMS BOOK CLUB
Cathy Koenig kckl110@gmail.com
COVER-TO-COVER BOOK CLUB
Donna Brown donnabrownga@
comcast.net
IN THE STACKS BOOK CLUB
Carol Malarney carolmalarney@gmail.com
READING BETWEEN THE WINES BOOK CLUB
Janet Nelson jnotesto87@gmail.com
THEATRE GOERS BOOK CLUB
Marilyn Young mayoung517@gmail.com
CRESSWIND BOWLING CLUB
Submitted by: Paul Capal
The Cresswind Bowling League will complete the 2024/25 season on April 16th with a roll off between the first and second half winners. All other league bowlers are invited to participate in an 8/9 pin tournament on April 16th. There is no charge for this last week of bowling. Congratulations to all of our bowlers on a fine season. We look forward to everyone coming back for the 2025/26 season that will begin September 3rd.
The Cresswind Bowling League will hold the 2024/25 season wrap up meeting on Wednesday April 23rd in the Clubhouse Ballroom at 10:00 am. At this meeting we will pass out the individual and team prizes for the season. Please have at least one representative from your team attend this meeting. Also, at the April 23rd meeting we will be forming the teams for a summer league. The summer session will be for 10 weeks beginning May 22nd and ending July 30th. There will be no bowling on July 2nd because of July 4th week. We are a handicap league and invite anyone in or outside of Cresswind to come out and enjoy a fun time with friends and neighbors.
The summer league will be held on the same day, time and place as the regular season - Wednesdays, 10:00 am at Stars and Strikes in Buford. If you have any interest in bowling as a substitute or full-time on a team, please contact any of the board members. The board contact and league rules can be found using the link on the Cresswindatll.com website under clubs.
Opening Spring 2025
CARD CLUBS
POKENO CLUB
Submitted by: Sheran Connolly
Pokeno is played every Sunday night at 5:25 pm. It is played on a card similar to bingo using pennies. For more information please contact Sheran 678-858-3431
RUMMIKUB CLUB
Submitted by: Laura Martin
All residents are invited to come play RUMMIKUB every Friday at 12:30 in the Crow’s Nest. Rummikub is an easy tile game based on the card game Rummy. If you know how to play Rummy or Gin Rummy, you’re halfway there. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play because we are happy to teach you! So, come join us for a couple hours of fun and socialize with your neighbors! Submitted by Laura Martin qnmartin118@gmail.com.
SAMBA CARD CLUB
Submitted by: Mary Ann Hoyle
Samba is played every Friday at the tables in the Billiards Room at 12:30. Come join in or sit in and learn. If you have ever played Canasta or Hand and Foot, you can learn Samba easily. No signup needed. We are a very casual, friendly group! All residents are invited. Please come a little early to get acquainted. We hope to see you there!
STRAIGHT FLUSH POKER CLUB
Submitted by: Dave Dittmeier
Interested in playing some poker and a time of fellowship? The Straight Flush Poker Club plays a variety of poker games Tuesday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm in the billiards area of the clubhouse. Both female and males are welcome to play. For more information contact Dave Wilson wils23@me.com Or Dave Dittmeier DaDittmeier@gmail.com.
THE POKER CLUB
Submitted by: Jerry Worlock
Texas Hold’em Tournament every Tuesday night from 6 pm to 9 pm at the end of the gym. The Poker Club will furnish dealers for each table. Cresswind residents are welcome to just show up or for more info email me at jerryworlock@ gmail.com. Thank you, The Poker Club.
CAREGIVERS COMING TOGETHER
Submitted by: Suzanne Connor
Come and gather with others within our community who may also be overwhelmed and isolated in the daily caring of their loved one. The focus of this club will be on the caregivers and their need for some
respite, fun, and fellowship. Any questions call, text or email: Suzanne Connor, 404626-5616, Suz5con@gmail.com.
CRESSWIND INVESTMENT CLUB (CIC)
Submitted By: Louise Dunn
Spring is in the air! The Japanese cherry trees are harbingers of more growth to come. Are we starting to see some buds in the stock market that will flower into increased earnings over the next six months? How might geopolitical events and the AI industrial revolution affect companies and the economy in 2025?
There are so many questions and so many divergent perspectives. For those with questions and an interest in investing, the Cresswind Investment Club (CIC) offers a way for members to pool their knowledge and funds to make these decisions with greater resources than acting individually.
All Cresswind Investment Club (CIC) members may offer stock suggestions. All members vote on buying and selling stocks for the club. There are several long-term members as well as newer members. Although we spend time reviewing and making decisions about the club’s stocks, time is set aside for members to ask questions about investments.
Club membership is limited to 30 members. Interested residents can be put on a waitlist if there are no openings. Any Cresswind residents may attend one of our monthly meetings. Meetings are on the first Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Clubhouse Kitchen. Please contact Jack George jgeorge263@gmail.com or Bill Doyle at wrdoyle2147@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
COOKING CLUB AND COOKING SCHOOL
Submitted by: Robin Foster
A perfect way to open the Cooking Club year was to host a Soup Night Event. Fourteen member chefs prepared their own special soups to share with the guests and the guests were not disappointed. Yeast rolls accompanied the soups along with fruit pies for dessert. Thank you to Joe Tellus for hosting this event and to all the chefs and volunteers. Also thanks go out to Tim and Kelly Roth, and Jill Loftus for creating a fun trivia prior to the meal and bingo after the meal. It was a perfect gathering for a cold January night.
Membership dues for 2025 were due by January 31, 2025. Membership will run from January 31, 2025 to January 31, 2026. Only residents who are new to the community in 2025 may join after January 31, 2025. If you are new to Cresswind in 2025 and wish to join Cooking Club, please remit your dues with a check for $5 per person, made out to CLL Cooking Club and place in the Cooking
Club mailbox that is located behind the clubhouse main lounge. Please include an email address and phone number for each person.
We are pleased to announce the addition of three new board members for 2025: David Scoville and Rob Demchak, who will be members-at-large, and Wendy Warder who will take the secretary position. Completing the board is Carol Mason, President, Joe Tellus, Vice President, Robin Foster, treasurer, Jill Loftus, membership, Peter Bertasi, member-at-large and Suzanne Edmunds, Cooking School representative. Outgoing board members are Karen Rames, Pam Mauldin, and Tim Roth. We thank them for their years of service and all the contributions and support they gave to the club.
In January, Cooking School offered a demonstration/tasting event using Instapots. The presenters were knowledgeable, and the guests were good students. The tasting was the best part.
Mardi Gras was held on March 1st with food, music, dancing, costume, and decorations. Guests were treated with muffuletta sandwiches, chicken gumbo served over rice, and a festive King Cake. The Bourbon Hall Jazz Band entertained guests with Frank Sinatra era music. Costumes were encouraged. Thank you to Peter Bertasi for hosting the event along with the chefs, servers, greeters, decorators, and cleanup crew. “Help Me Please” has been setting up and tearing down tables and chairs for most of our events. Donations are made to the Community Fund as a thank you for their assistance.
If you are a member of the Cooking Club, please remember that we always need volunteers to “make it happen”. Contact any board member if you are interested in volunteering for any of the upcoming Club or School activities. We welcome suggestions for other events as well.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR COOKING CLUB
• Fish Fry........................Saturday, June 14
• Spaghetti Night.......Friday, September 12
• Picnic Basket Exchange......Sun, October 19
• Chili Night..............Sunday, November 16
UPCOMING COOKING SCHOOL CLASSES
• Four Guys and a Gal Brunch..Sun, March 23
• Salad in a Jar...........Wednesday, April 23
• Mushroom Farm Field Trips......Sat, March 8 or April 12
CPAC
CRESSWIND COMMUNITY CHORUS
Submitted by: Chuck Bridwell
The Cresswind Community Chorus is
having a blast preparing to present the best spring musical ever. This year’s Spring Music Spectacular will be an All-Broadway show. Every one of the songs in the show will be from some of the most famous Broadway musicals of all time. “The Sound of Music,” “Les Misérables,” “My Fair Lady,” “Oklahoma,” “Forth-Second Street,” “The Music Man,” “The Lion King,” “Mama Mia,” “Annie, Get Your Gun,” and many more.
Our guest artists will be a couple of famous Broadway musical theater stars, our own Jennifer Finlayson and Allison Ladd, performing songs from “Anything Goes,” “South Pacific” and “White Christmas.”
Famous Broadway songs will be presented by not only the 90-voice Chorus, but also the 30-voice Cresswind Chorale, the 30-voice Men’s Chorus, the 60-voice Women’s Chorus, and Three’s a Charm Trio singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” And the ever-popular and always crazy UpChucks will be singing “I Won’t Grow Up” from Peter Pan.
Don’t miss this holiday extravaganza. Tickets will go on sale in early April.
CRESSWIND NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE
Submitted by: Rich St George
The Cresswind Neighborhood Theatre is working its way towards MURDER! They are currently rehearsing for TIL DEATH DO US PART, a murder mystery dessert theatre. All Cresswind residents are invited to the most offbeat wedding of the season, where murder takes center stage, and all the guests are suspects. Neither the groom’s parents nor the bride’s former boyfriend want the marriage to happen. The family lawyer has a little something up his sleeve and it might involve an enigmatic guest who dies mysteriously before revealing who she really is. Because of additional murders, amateur sleuth Miss Peabody conducts an investigation punctuated by the traditional wedding events in which the audience can also participate, such as throwing the bouquet, cutting of the cake, and dancing. But each moment brings Miss Peabody a step closer to the identity of a ruthless killer(s?) consumed by greed. With
the audience’s help in finding clues during intermission, all but the killer(s?) will live happily ever after…we hope.
Yes, there will be a wedding! NO, not everyone is happy about it! Yes, we will toss the bouquet! Yes, everyone will be doing the chicken dance. Yes, there will be a ‘wedding cake’ that all will enjoy! We hope there will NOT be murder (but then we wouldn’t have a show now would we!)
The wedding takes place May 14-17 at 7PM in the ballroom. Tickets go on sale April 14 at 8AM. Come dressed appropriately! Uncle Freddy will be there taking pictures. Don’t be scared! Go to www. cresswindpa.com/upcoming-events to purchase yours! If there are any questions, we can be reached at cresswindtheatre@ gmail.com. We hope you will join us for a murderously good time! You may actually come out alive!!
OUT PAST NINE
Submitted by: Rich St George
OUT PAST NINE is getting ready for their upcoming Lifestyle show in Cresswind on March 7 at 7PM in the ballroom. They have been working hard on some new songs that will probably surprise you. They will also have MANY classics that you have come to enjoy. We will also let you vote on songs that you would like to hear. You vote and we play. What is that all about? You will just have to come and find out.
There will be dancing all night. There will be singing all night. There will be sparkly boots all night. YES, we will have guest performers. We want to make sure you get your money’s worth. Since this is a LIFESTYLE event you will need to get your tickets through the Lifestyle portal.
Keep an eye on the Daily update as well as our Facebook page for more information! Did you know we have a Facebook page? We do! Just search for Out Past Nine and like our page! You can also view our webpage at www. cresswindpa.com/op9. See pictures from past shows as well as a few videos.
If there are any questions, we can be reached at outpastnine@gmail.com. Come on out and have some fun with us…
neighbors entertaining neighbors.
STORYTELLING CLUB
Submitted by: Bert Emma
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF STORYTELLING?
Storytelling is a profound and versatile tool that holds immense value across various aspects of life. Storytelling’s universal appeal lies in its ability to blend the personal and the communal, the factual and the imaginative, the past and the future. Its value is limitless.
• Storytelling allows others to see the world through a different perspective.
• Stories about overcoming adversity or achieving dreams can inspire and motivate others.
• Stories engage multiple parts of the brain (as Seniors, we all need this), making stories a powerful tool for retaining information
• Sharing one’s story can be therapeutic, helping individuals process emotions and experiences.
• Listening to others’ stories can provide comfort and a sense of shared humanity.
• Stories captivate audiences and provide entertainment and enjoyment.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
And all this value doesn’t cost a cent! Come to the next Cresswind Storytelling Club session on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm in the Ballroom. You Will Have Fun!
CRESSWIND FANTASY FOOTBALL
Cresswind Fantasy Football held its annual season end pizza and wings party on February 2nd in the Crows Nest. This year’s winners were announced. Division winners were Barbara Lester, Gary Crawford, Jeff Lievense and Paul Capal. The overall 2024 Cresswind champion was Paul Capal. Congratulations to the winners!
CRESSWIND MEN’S GOLF LEAGUE
Submitted by: David McIntee
The Cresswind Men’s Golf league is looking forward to Tuesday, March 11th start of the 2025 golf season at the Chicopee Golf Club. We have approximately 110 golfers on our membership list and are always looking to welcome new members of any skill level. There are no dues! By publication date, we will have already held our organizational meeting. Any new players who missed the meeting, please feel free to come to the golf course any Tuesday morning at 8:30 am. Rod will get you teamed up with a foursome. Our format is an 18-hole shot gun beginning at 9:00 am sharp (10:00 am before the beginning of DST). All players should be ready to play at 8:45 am. Commissioner Rod Quisenberry and Official Scorer Dave Wilson continue to do an amazing job. All league members are grateful for their continued leadership.
CRESSWIND MODEL RAILROAD CLUB
Submitted by: Brian Olson
The Cresswind Model Railroad is taking a trip down the tracks to Flowery Branch. The Club will be part of this year’s NE Georgia Science Symposium. The Club will be operating its modular layout at the Flowery Branch Train Station
daily. Special thanks to our neighbor Angie McClure for introducing us to the Symposium Team.
The NE GA Science Symposium endeavors to connect local, passionate, Science experts with the community in which they live. We have AMAZING people living here, let’s learn what they know!
The Symposium runs March 2–7, 2025 in Flowery Branch where different local Science experts talk about his or her area of expertise in an interactive, hands-on, family-friendly presentation for 50 minutes, followed by 10-15 minutes of questions from the audience.
Find out new discoveries & achievements in science, meet the scientists and see model trains at this year’s NE Georgia Science Symposium. All aboard!
CRESSWIND SOCIAL SINGLES
Submitted by: Barbara Hillick
Neither rain, sleet, snow or hail in January could keep Cresswind Social Singles from their appointed rounds. Yes, the weather in Gainesville couldn’t make up its mind, but that didn’t stop Social Singles from kicking off the year with a bang! Was it cabin fever, the call of free pizza and planned games, or the excitement of the general meeting that drew 95 partygoers to sign up for the first event of the year?
They came, they saw and elected the officers! Mike Ehlers and Elaine Vetter stepped up as co-chairs, Fleta Pepper as secretary and Linda Keck as treasurer. Diane Woods will handle correspondence and emails. Special shoutouts to Cresswind newcomers Lisa Briggs and Jo McDonald who helped organize the event while Diane Woods worked her magic to score a great deal on the meal. A big thanks to everyone who pitched in with setup and cleanup!
Just 4 days later, the club members gathered for a pop-up dinner at Jekyll Brewery. Expectations were modest – a cozy get together of 15 or 20. Surprise!
33 people showed up! Thanks to the quick response from the Jekyll Brewery staff, everyone was moved to a private room. Kudos to the staff for managing the unexpected crowd gracefully. We’ll be back!
Other events being planned are a Chili Cookout with proceeds going to a local charity, games nights, pop ups, “Taco” me out to the Ballgame and so much more. Share your ideas!
Ready to join or just want more information? Access the link for Social Singles on the Cresswind website and share your contact information. Someone from the group will reach out to you. Please let us know if you are new to the neighborhood or if you are just ready to join us for the fun. We can’t wait to meet you!
DANCING CLUBS
HULA DANCE CLUB
Submitted by: Mary Ramatowski
We have had a couple of new dancers join us each time our club has met, which makes for a good time to give this dance style a try, as you would not be the only beginner. Our sessions start with reviewing/ learning some basic steps and then incorporating them into some easy routines to music sung in English. We then add more complicated dances as appropriate. We repeat songs frequently, so you will be able to learn and relearn dances, even if you have to miss a few meetings. We meet for an hour on Wednesdays starting at 3:15pm in the Lanier Room. Aloha!
TRADITIONAL LINE DANCE WITH ELEANOR – Wednesday & Friday 2:00 –3:00 PM in the Lanier Room
INTRO TO LINE DANCE CARDIO
TRAINING CLASS – Tuesday 3:00 –4:00 PM in the Georgia Room
LINE DANCE CARDIO – Tuesday & Thursday 4:00 – 5:00 PM in Georgia Room.
Sunday 6:30 – 8:00 PM.
TAI CHI CLASSES AT CRESSWIND LAKE LANIER
Submitted by: Cheryl Vassiliadis
Our Tai Chi classes continue to learn new postures and forms in our weekly classes. The Tai Chi for Everyone Class is learning the Yang Style Tai Chi 24 Form, and the Advanced Class is working to complete the 32 Move Tai Chi Sword Form.
Come to our World Tai Chi Day celebration in the Cresswind Ballroom to watch demonstrations from both our classes. Information will be in the Daily closer to the date.
BALLET CLASS
Submitted by: Cheryl Vassiliadis
The Ballet class is learning new steps and positions both at the barre and out on the floor. Ballet offers a wonderful way to maintain your posture and balance. We are dancing new choreography to the dramatic music of Romeo & Juliet by Prokofiev. Lots of fun wearing our long black skirts and swishing them back and forth for effect!
DINNER CLUB
Submitted By: Karen Silverthorn - Coordinator
Cresswind’s Dinner Club enjoyed a wonderful start to 2025 with an Asian themed dinner in February. Members made and tasted Chinese dumplings, lemon shrimp and noodle soup, pork tenderloins with a satay sauce, and finished with pina colada mousse.
There are no membership fees or obligations to be on the Dinner Club list. You can request your name be added to the membership list at any time during the year.
Our Club organizes four meals a year in different Cresswind homes. Dinners are flavorful multi-course meals with paired wines. All menu and recipes are preset and emailed to participants in advance of each dinner. There are always a total of 4 couples/ pairs at each host home on the same night, all using the same recipes and doing the same courses. Singles are welcome provided they find another single to pair with. Each couple/pair is assigned part of the meal to shop for and prepare. Dinner Club is a great way to meet new people plus cook with different ingredients! All food and beverage costs (average $55 - $75 per couple/pair) are shared equally among participants at each house at the end of the meal.
Members are always encouraged to contribute new menus for upcoming dinners! If you are interested in joining the Club or reviewing the guidelines, email the coordinator directly - Karen Silverthorn, silk3349@charter.net. Our mission is a simple oneto enjoy a delicious gourmet meal while meeting new neighbors around an elegant dinner table.
Every meal is an adventure!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
COMING SOON: GAINESVILLE! WHO KNEW!
Submitted by: Lauren Price & Andy Waterman
We’ve been busy doing all the behindthe-scenes things needed to actually produce a podcast: like getting a site that will host the podcasts and getting on directories so that listeners can find and listen to the podcasts.
And now – the fun part – recording episodes. We are so excited about the first episode which was a lively and informative conversation with Zechariah Pierce, the Artistic Director of the Gainesville Theatre Alliance. Other episodes in the can are featuring Puzzle Piece Pastry, the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Helping Hall, and others.
So stay tuned! No, I mean really . . . stay tuned. You can follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Or you can visit our website at gainesvillewhoknew. com. Oh, and by the way, if you have any episode ideas about anything Gainesville, please let us know at andyandlauren@ gainesvillewhoknew.com.
LIVING STYLISHLY
Submitted by: Abby Saccomanno
Living Stylishly is up and running for 2025! Listed below are our current Board Members:
• President: Abby Saccomanno
• Vice President: Sandra Nelson
• Treasurer: Martha Prieskorn
• Secretary: Janis Power
• Webmaster: Deena Demchak
• Members at Large: Heidi Anderson, Zona Buchen, Debbie Cox, Sue Gorham, Diane Jaseckas, Janet Johnson, Becky Lyons, Carol Malarney, Diane Santiago-Norman
2025 membership closed on January 31st. Living Stylishly’s annual kick-off event, the “Meet & Greet” was held on February 25th at the Boot Barn in downtown Gainesville. Attendees enjoyed socializing over appetizers and a cash bar. It was a great time to reconnect with old friends and meet new neighbors.
The Living Stylishly 2025 events will span
a wide array of interests. You can and mark your calendars for the following:
The annual Fashion Show will be held on May 20th. To accommodate the large number of members, this event will be held at the Boot Barn. Fashions will be provided by Belk. It will be a great opportunity to see what’s new in fashion for the summer! Be on the lookout for ticket sales.
On August 11th at Station 300, we’ll hold our 2nd annual Living Stylishly Bowling Event.
On October 14th a Women’s Health and Empowerment event is being planned. Guest speakers will be providing information and advice on healthy living.
The annual end of year party is in the very early planning stages. Details to be provided when available. We’re looking forward to another fun and exciting year at Living Stylishly!
MEXICAN TRAIN CLUB
Submitted by: Mary Ann Hoyle
Come join us on the 2nd Thursday night of every month for some fun social time playing dominoes. Mexican Train is very easy to learn and a great way to make new friends. No need to bring anything but a smile. We play from 7-9 pm. We are always upstairs, presently playing at the tables in the Billiards Room, but that may change, so look for us.
All residents welcome, no signups. We hope to see you there!
MISSIONS CLUB
Submitted by: Julie Philpott
Missions Club is a social club of Cresswind Christians. We fellowship together while informing and fundraising for mostly local, but also a few international charitable mission groups. Membership is free. Contact missions.club.cll@gmail.com to become a club member.
We welcome these new board members to our club – Kay Spence and Candice Jacobs.
Join us for our upcoming event –the 2nd Annual Red, Blue, & WHITE
ELEPHANT BINGO on March 30th in the Ballroom. Look for more details in the Daily Update in March on how to purchase tickets and participate in our Silent Auction for fantastic items. This event is open to all residents to raise funds for Helping Hands of Hall County. Want to be a Cresswind Resident Sponsor for this event and receive two complimentary bingo cards? Contact Joanie Taylor today!
NEEDLECRAFT CLUB
We are a social club that meets every Thursday from 10:00 am to Noon in the Arts & Crafts Room. Participants bring their own work in progress in knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, beading, rug hooking, needlepoint, and more. We welcome all skill levels and can assist in techniques, “tips and tricks”, and help when assistance is needed.
In addition to personal projects, participants also create various crafts for the community such as hats and scarfs for the homeless, lap blankets for hospice and veterans, and hats for preemie babies. For the past several years we have made knitted and crocheted baby doll blankets that are used to wrap small dolls and placed in shoe boxes with other small gifts for Operation Christmas Child Organization.
New participants are always welcome, no cost – jut bring your work in progress and be prepared to fill two hours with community news, stories, and laughter.
CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS:
Every year the Needlecraft Club makes babydoll blankets for Operation Christmas Child Organization. This year’s challenge is 175 10” x 10” blankets. All donations are welcome. This is a great way to use up leftover yarn. There is donated yarn in the Needlecraft cabinet, first cabinet on the right when you enter the Arts & Craft Room. The finished blankets can be placed in the cabinet as well. You are more than welcome to attend our meeting. We always welcome new faces
P3 VEGAN COOKING CLUB
Submitted by: Mary Ramotowski
A club supported by Plant Powered People. A new club to Cresswind, we had our first meeting on February 12th and subsequent meetings will be on the 2nd Wednesday at 6:30pm in the Cresswind Kitchen. We are interested in enjoying the health benefits of plant-based nutrition and want to learn more about making this style of cuisine a bigger part of our lives. Support and input from friends are very valuable when modifying current diet to healthier eating patterns. Our meetings will be a combination of education and
fun, with a strong focus on tasting different whole food plant-based recipes, including use of different spices and methods of preparation. If you are interested in joining us, please attend one of our meetings, or contact Mary & John Ramatowski or Michael Lipsitt & Darla Eden for more information. Maryofhats@gmail.com or Michael.lipsitt@ gmail.com.
PICKLEBALL CLUB
Submitted By: Cassie Caton
As you read through this issue of the WATERFALL, I would imagine everyone is thankful for warmer temps approaching
in March and April and we can think back to those blustery January days of playing layered up pickleball. No more Polar Express weather just a tournament by that name. It is amazing though to see those die-hards who get out and play despite the wind and cold. Kudos to all of you.
On January 22nd, the board held the annual meeting and White Elephant Bingo. Thanks to all who attended and contributed the goodies and to Howie Mueller and Gary Crawford who entertained us while calling out bingo numbers. Fun and laughs were the theme of the night.
Let’s review some of the upcoming
Honestly
activities that are on the calendar for 2025. Our very own POLAR EXPRESS tournament starts off the March fun on the 1st. We anticipate the weather being “not so cold” as it usually is scheduled in February. Specialty Orthopedics will be our sponsor and will be providing lunches, snacks, sports drinks for players and volunteers. A big shout out to Specialty Orthopedics.
On April 4th and 5th, our club will be participating in the CRESSWIND CUP hosted by Kolter Homes to be played at Cresswind Twin Lakes. This 2-day tournament has teams fielded by Cresswind communities throughout the southeast. Consider coming out to watch and cheer on our team. The annual CLAY MYERS Tournament will be held on April 12th. The annual REED FINANCIAL Tournament has been scheduled for September 20th.
Other upcoming activities to be aware of are round robins set up by Jim Snell, novice training by Jim and Wendy Warder to start up in April or May, and the very popular drill sessions led by Sep Khameneh as well as the popular scrambles. Your board has also reserved October 17 – 19 for another Mark Price Pro Pickleball Camp. The board will send out a survey to determine interest as we are fortunate to have had Mark Price here twice and dates for this year have been reserved. He is a certified professional pickleball coach with over 25 years of playing and teaching and is well equipped to help you improve all aspects of your game.
There is more in store for 2025, and you don’t want to miss a thing so we are developing a calendar of events which will help you with your calendar of “all things pickleball”. The board is discussing improvements to the court viewing area and is always working alongside the HOA to get things done. Stay in the know by watching for club emails, visiting www. Cresswindpickleball.com and following the Facebook group, Cresswind at LL Pickleball Group. Join the club for $10 either online or by dropping a check in the
drop box in the clubhouse. Share the love, play it forward. See you on the courts.
CRESSWIND PING PONG CLUB
Submitted By: Gregg Pike
The Cresswind Ping Pong Club continues Open Play on Tuesdays from 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm and Thursdays from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm in the Lanier Room. We also have a time slot on Mondays from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm for people who still work. Everyone is invited to come try your hand at Ping Pong. There are no fees required to become a member of the Ping Pong Club. Tables are stored in the Lanier Room and paddles and balls are kept in the back closet in a storage bin. Contact Gregg Pike or Kim Miller for information or questions about the Ping Pong Club.
QUILTING CLUB
Submitted by: Rose Hosey
Along with making beautiful quilts for donation, we also learned new sewing crafts! This month we are learning to make wreaths/table decorations in sports, collegiate, and holiday fabrics. Come join us and you too can make lovely decorations and quilts. We will help you design the fabrics you have chosen. Join us every Thursday at 1:00 pm in the Arts and Crafts room.
SCOTCH LOVERS AT CRESSWIND CLUB (SLAC)
Submitted by: John Stevens
Scotch Lovers at Cresswind (SLAC) has been a CLL club since 2014. Starting with just a hand full of Scotch-loving residents, it has evolved to more than 75 members in 2025. Members share monthly libations with other members within one of three SLAC groups, creatively named SLAC I, SLAC II, and SLAC III, and meet in the Crow’s Nest on their designated day and time.
In addition to expanding SLAC members’ taste experience and knowledge of various single malt whiskies, the foundation of all three SLAC groups is about promoting friendship and camaraderie among CLL
neighbors. Sampling a ‘good’ Scotch while casually chatting with others and/or telling stories (some true…and maybe some not so much…) helps SLAC members find new social connections and shared interests.
While there is currently room for a few more new SLAC members, a 4th SLAC group could easily be started if there were enough interest. Contact John Stevens, 2025 SLAC Club President (and V-President of SLAC II), or Ed Pallo (V-President of SLAC I) or Bill Pearce (V-President of SLAC III) to learn more.
THE SHALOM CLUB
Submitted by: Miriam Rosenberg
Thanks to those who joined us for our celebration of Hanukah in December! On March 9th , The Shalom Club enjoyed our third annual Hamantaschen bake. Hamantaschen are three cornered fruit-filled cookies that are eaten on this holiday. Purim commemorates the defeat of the Haman, the advisor to the Persian king, and his plot to massacre the Jewish people 2500 years ago, as recorded in the Book of Esther.
We look forward to our next program, a happy hour and social gathering in the Crows Nest on March 26th 7-9 pm. Bring your favorite drink, a snack to share and a favorite game if you’d like to play some games…
In April, we will be having a Passover informational program, sharing matzah sampling and information about Passover with all of our Cresswind neighbors in the lobby Sunday, April 6th and Monday, April 7th. Our final program of the Jewish calendar will be our annual Shavuot brunch on June 8th. Passover and Shavuot were two of the three Jewish holidays where a pilgrimage to the Temple took place in days of old.
If you would like to join the Shalom Club or want more information about the club, please reach out to Miriam Rosenberg (grammycooks716@gmail. com) 954-501-9249 or Karen Walters (karsuew@gmail.com) 301-461-1900.
THE TENNIS CLUB
Submitted by: Jane Erkes
The Tennis Club welcomed the new year with the Annual Meeting, election of new officers and a social event. The social coincided with the Australian Open Women’s Final which was fun to watch during the party.
Several new officers were elected including Bill Papciak, President, Kathy Williamson, Secretary and Ed Erkes, Treasurer. Nancy Stockwell continues as Vice President as do our at large members. In addition, we recognized the contributions of the late Gerry Cieply, as a member and secretary. Donations from the club and community were used, in part, to purchase a bench in his memory which was installed on February 1st near both the tennis and pickleball courts.
Men’s USTA and Silverball leagues are gearing up for the spring season. Contact Dan Skeels at dan.skeels@hotmail.com for Silverball or Bill Papciak at billpapciak@ gmail.com or John Ulam at john.ulam@ yahoo.com for interest in USTA for the spring season.
The Men’s Wednesday evening 6 pm doubles, is led by Roger Otto, contact him at raotto1@yahoo.com to be included in the email. Women’s group play on Tuesday mornings also continue. Interested women should reach out to Pat Bigard at p_bigard@yahoo.com.
A new women’s group is being formed for Thursday morning later this spring. Reach out to Shirley Osterloh if you wish to be included at shirleyosterloh@bellsouth. net.
The Cresswind Tennis Clinics continue two Saturdays and one weekday each month. This is a great way to get back into tennis or meet others at Cresswind who love to play. Monthly schedules are emailed to all Tennis Club members and promoted in the Daily Update for the entire community. This is the eighth year that Free Tennis Clinics have been offered at Cresswind. Instructors are Cresswind residents, experienced - competitive players (Bill Papciak, John Ulam, Jeff Agnew,
Nancy Stockwell, Danny Brown, Gordon Watts). Three levels of play and instruction are provided at each clinic: Level 1. Rusty Returnees/Beginners, 2. Intermediate, 3. More Advanced. Information is always on the Tennis Club website for the monthly schedule, check your email, or contact Bill Papciak billpapciak@gmail.com.
COMMUNITY TRAVEL CLUB
Submitted by: Laurie Homa
The Travel Club Board has been very busy planning trips for 2025 and beyond. We are excited to announce our upcoming schedule. We have created exciting destinations and unique experiences that cater to all of our members.
Princess Cruise Lines will host our January 25, 2026 trip to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. This 8-day Caribbean Cruise was announced at the February Meeting. We call the cruise “DO IT YOUR WAY.” You can select your cabin, how you want to get to and from the ship, excursions, mealtimes, extra packages and more. Contact Pam Papciak at pamppck@aol.com or Laurie Homa at m2old4this@aol.com for more information. Our early June 2025 overnight trip promises to be one you don’t want to miss. Vicki McFalls with Daniels Discovery Tours will announce this trip at the March 6th meeting. We are heading to the Shenandoah Valley. We will be staying at a beautiful Historic Hotel built in 1924 and listed on the registry of Historic Hotels. No unpacking and repacking, this will be our perfect base as we explore the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. Daily tours to Harpers Ferry, the Potomac Eagle Train ride, Monticello and much, much, more will always bring us back to the Hotel 24 South in Staunton, Virginia. Be sure to put the March 6th meeting on your calendar. Contact Laurie Homa for more information.
Due to the snow and ice in Atlanta the Academy Bus company was unable to get to Gainesville. The Cartersville Trip to visit the Savoy Automobile Museum and Booth Western Museum is now set for March
27th. It is still open to Friends and Family. You can drop your check for $70.00 pp in the CTC mailbox or contact Pam Papciak for more info.
Lions, Tigers, and Bears Hurray! April 16th finds us traveling to Atlanta Zoo. This trip was announced at the February meeting. I am looking forward to a fun trip on a beautiful spring day. Cost of the trip was not available before the Waterfall Deadline so please contact Laurie Homa at m2old4this@aol.com for more information. Also watch the Daily Updates for information and check the Travel Club Website.
We welcome all new members. Our meetings are the first Thursday of the month at 4:00 pm in the Ballroom. Dues are $5.00 pp. Dues will go to $10.00 pp after March 1st.
COME TRAVEL WITH US!
CLL VETERANS CLUB NEWS
Submitted by: Rosemarie Bower
We welcomed the new year with our general membership meeting which started with a delicious meal provided by Grubs Market. Please welcome your 2025 Board: Rosemarie BowerPresident; Jim Snell – Vice President; Kandi Andrade – Treasurer; Daivd Jones – Secretary; Members at Large: Randy Graham, Mark Long, Rob Plawecki, and Joe Tellus. Advisor to the board: Robin Dickson.
At our January meeting we were able to present checks to Good News at Noon, American Legion Post #7, and scholarships to UNG. Helping all Veterans is what we do. Our opportunities to help Veterans can sometimes be bittersweet. There are times when we can help but also times when we are unable. We continue to work with agencies in Hall
County.
Our February fundraiser was a 5-night stay at a beautiful home in Big Canoe. THANK YOU Rick and Diane Johnson for offering their home and to all who sold tickets, bought tickets, and our lucky winner. This is a great fundraiser that helps us to continue to meet the needs of Veterans.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who belong to our club and those who have been so gracious in continuing to donate funds to our club. Please consider donating to our club. Your donations help us so much. THANK YOU!
VOLUNTEER CONNECTION
Submitted by: Lisa Giblin
Volunteer Connection is beginning to post, in the daily update, opportunities for our residents to get involved in the community. This includes, for example,
the Gainesville High School HUB, United Way 5K Walk and Run, American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Clothing collections. Be on the lookout for those notices. If you have a volunteer need you want posted email to Lisa Giblin at lgiblinj@ gmail.com.
Ferst Readers Update: Volunteers are attending a Gainesville City Schools event on February 18th to register children living in extended stay locations. A variety of resources will be participating and will let families know about services available to them.
Good Samaritan Food Ministry: Normally they buy non-perishable food from Georgia Mountain Food Bank or Atlanta Food Bank. For the past three months neither place has been able to help. A local farmer helps with bulk farm eggs, so they are in need of egg cartons. Please check out their website at gsfoodministries.com.
New to Lifestyle! HELP ME PLEASE PROJECTS
Are you involved in outside Cresswind community events? Do you think our residents would benefit from knowing about these events? Now you have a way to share!
In an effort to keep The Daily Update Cresswind focused, Lifestyle will be starting a new newsletter called “Our City Saturday”. This email will go out on Saturday afternoons and will focus on events happening beyond our gates. To submit a request for “Our City Saturday!” please go to: www.cresswindatll. com > Resources > Request/Forms > scroll down to “Our City Saturday!” Thank you for sharing exciting local events with our community.
Get a head start on Spring with almost any indoor & outdoor projects:
• bird nest blockers
• painting of mailbox
• pressure washing
• jewelry repair
• minor household repairs
• light garden & clean up
• moving furniture
• slow down the last winter push with fireplace fan installation & checkup
• and more. . .
For information go to our website www.cwfund.org –find Help Me Please - Red Button link or contact Bud Baker, Help Me Please Manager budbaker2@gmail. com or Linda Keck hmpkeck@gmail.com.
Our orthopedic experts are dedicated to restoring your shoulder health. Whether it’s a rotator cuff injury, dislocation or arthritis, trust us to help you regain your strength, mobility and confidence with our comprehensive approach to shoulder care. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back - schedule a better range of motion online today.
To learn more, scan the QR code, visit ngpg.org/schedule or call 770-219-9006.
