The Waterfall March/April 2024

Drew and Terri

SELLING NORTH GEORGIA SINCE 1998

SELLING CRESSWIND AT LAKE LANIER SINCE 2018

Dear Cresswind Neighbors,

We are excited to share with you that after selling real estate in Cresswind at Lake Lanier for the past five years and attending numerous social events, we decided to make Cresswind our home.

Thank you to all who have so warmly welcomed us to the community. We look forward to meeting everyone as we settle in and explore the many opportunites available at Cresswind at Lake Lanier.

Warm Regards, Drew and Terri

With spring just around the corner, as predicted by General Beauregard

here are 10 suggestions to get your home in

1. Inspect gutters and downspouts for leaks and debris.

2. Inspect roof for loose/missing shingles.

3. Change HVAC air filters.

4. Clean dryer vents.

5. Change smoke detector batteries.

6. Sprinkler system maintenance.

7. Clean windows.

8. Declutter.

9. Pressure wash exterior.

10. Prune bushes away from your home.

HOA Staff

770-536-3300

Community Association General Manager

Catherine (Kitti) Kleinedler

Catherine.Kleinedler@fsresidential.com

Lifestyle Director

Jennifer Finlayson

jennifer.finlayson@fsresidential.com

Administrative Assistant

Darlene Carr

Darlene.Carr@fsresidential.com

Compliance & Contracts Manager

Justin Smith

justinb.smith@fsresidential.com

The Club

Rebecca Scutt: Guest Services

Peggy Siewert: Guest Services

Heidi Anderson: Guest Services

Maintenance

Elijah Carr

Helpful Numbers:

Emergency: 911 City

Water: 770-535-6878

Liberty Utilities: 855-216-6305

Spectrum: 1-888-345-7139

First Service: Residential (After Hours: 1-877-411-1165)

24 Hour Alarm Cancel: 1-888-745-4733

Sales and Service: 770-963-0305

Please

our website at www.cresswindatll.com

As 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

is provided at no cost to our community and is printed and mailed to each residence from advertising profit. Support the advertisers who make this newsletter a possibility for each resident every other month.

If you would like to contribute to its contents, please contact:

Jennifer Finlayson jennifer.finlayson@fsresidential.com

Angie McClure mcclureac@charter.net

To

Cover picture provided by Paul Brown

HOA BOARD NEWS

Submitted by: Louis McClure, HOA President

Wow! It’s 2024 already! Where did 2023 go? Last year was a busy time for Cresswind with several major projects completed to improve our wonderful home and community. One of the major projects was the indoor pool, including a new dehumidifier system, pool and deck resurface, interior paint job and new pool furniture. Other major projects were the resurfacing of the outdoor pool and the sports courts and the repainting of the clubhouse exterior. While we are blessed to have such a nice collection of quality amenities, we must be diligent in properly maintaining them for our continued enjoyment. Cresswind is a remarkable community, but we could not have accomplished so much without you!

At the Annual Meeting on January 25, 2024, five residents were announced as members of the 2024 Board of Directors, joining the two mid-term members Louis McClure and Tim Roth. Your Board of Directors for 2024 are:

Leaving the Board after years of outstanding service to Cresswind were Sid Jacobs, Brian Olson, and Cheryl Thompson. Please join the 2024 Board in thanking them for their years of service and dedication to our community. They will be missed on the HOA Board!

Looking forward into 2024, major projects include continuation of the paving project including portions of Indian Hawthorne, Marina Drive, Willow Creek, Scarlet Oak, and Clubhouse parking lot as well as upgrades to the gate systems at both community entrances.

Get involved by attending your Town Halls and HOA Board meetings in person or by Zoom. Together, let’s make 2024 our best year ever.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (ARC)

We Know Good Customer Service When We See It! Cresswind at Lake

Submitted by:

Bill Power

Good customer service is difficult to define, but we know it when we see it. We have all experienced great customer service but far too often are frustrated by poor customer service. As we head into the upcoming spring season, I want to share with you your Architectural Review Committee’s commitment to great customer service.

Our customers include the Cresswind property owners, the Board of Directors, the Covenants Rules and Regulations Committee, the Landscape Committee, Community Management Company personnel, and the eight other members that make up the ARC. It is critically important that we understand them all, treat each with the utmost respect, and assist those with a level of service commensurate to their needs.

To better understand our customers, it is important to note that as we age, we are experiencing a wide variety of ongoing life changes including retirement, and relocation to more appropriate housing or to be closer to family. Our customers are experiencing various medical conditions associated with aging and are more than likely dealing with several of these conditions at the same time. Now, layer on top of all these life changes the need to understand and comply with complex Cresswind “Charter” and HOA “Rules and Regulations”. That’s where your Architectural

Review Committee can and will help.

The Cresswind Architectural Review Committee is made up of nine volunteers and neighbors. Individually and collectively, we are committed to continuing a deliberate and intentional effort to ensure great customer service. The rules and regulations are under regular and ongoing review, and we have the ability to change them with resident input and participation. Our goal is to promote goodwill and trust through our interactions with our customers. To that end we regularly discuss the fundamentals of excellent customer service and have recently added a discussion on customer service to our new member orientation. Collectively we want you, our customer, to have a positive ARC experience that includes empathy, problem solving skills, good communication skills, patience, active listening skills and a positive attitude with appropriate response times.

To that end, we would like to know how we are doing, good or bad. Please feel free to share your concerns when you feel the ARC has fallen short of your customer service expectations. It’s also great to hear from you when we have met or exceeded your expectations. You can call me at (843) 471-1900, write me at cresswindarc@gmail.com, or send your comments through the “Contact the Architectural Review Committee” link on the Cresswind website. Your feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Coming Later This Year

COVENANTS, RULES & REGULATIONS COMMITTEE

Surface Water Management and Drainage

Submitted by: Bill Thaler

The Board of Directors (BOD) amended Policy

Resolution NO 1A1-2022 Surface Water Management and Drainage in December 2022. There are aspects of the amendment that are important for owners to understand. The purpose of this article is to provide some insight so homeowners might better understand what that amendment means to them.

This policy resolution deals with management of water drainage within the community boundaries (Community Association (CA) responsibility) as well as from the residential lots (owner responsibility). The CA may pay their expenses from the dues collected from the owners or from Special or Specific Assessments levied by the BOD. The owner is required to pay all expenses to properly manage drainage from their lot. If the owner fails to do so, the CA may perform required maintenance and then assess the costs to the owner.

So, what is the homeowner expected to do under this resolution? That is spelled out on page 5 of the resolution, but in non-legalese terms, the owner:

1. Cannot obstruct or change water flow from the lot after drainage swales, storm sewers, and drains have been positioned on the lot.

2. Is responsible for controlling natural or man-made water flow from the lot. In other words, you cannot turn your downspouts to make water flow into your neighbor’s yard or a community common area.

3. Cannot create a situation that overburdens the drain-

age system. So, be careful how much water you throw into the street at a given moment.

4. Is responsible for any corrective action and expenses from violating items 1, 2 or 3 above.

5. Cannot change the grading of any lot without prior ARC and/or LAN approval (this should be a no-brainer).

6. Shall not hold the CA in any way responsible for paying for item 4 above.

The resolution goes on to outline the responsibilities of both the CA and the BOD, but that is beyond the scope of this article. Owners are encouraged to read this resolution in detail to understand the full scope of the resolution.

The CRRC wants to update owners on the status of our effort to revise the Rules & Regulations Manual. We solicited input from owners in the last Waterfall edition as well as in several notices in the Daily Update. We did not receive many owner inputs, but all of them will be presented to the BOD for consideration. In addition, the CRRC itself reviewed the entire document looking for things we wanted to modify, delete, or add. We especially focused on rules we want to remove because they are either not enforced or, in our opinion, are unenforceable. I won’t go into detail here because our next step is to take our recommendations to the BOD for further discussion and approval/rejection of our recommended changes. We hope to have the next version released by the end of April and will keep the community updated with Waterfall articles and Daily Update notices.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Submitted by: Debbie Aery And Pat Green

For 2024, the Social Committee is honored to be working with our new Lifestyle Director, Jennifer Finlayson. We also have a new slate of officers onboard that will be working side-by-side with Jennifer. They are Co-Chair, Debbie Aery & Pat Green; Vice Co-Chair, Elaine Vetter; and Secretary, Alice Bray.

Social activities we have already been involved with in January and February were Trivia Night; Habitat for Humanity Neighborhood Blitz, First Friday with the Spin-Offs, Superbowl Potluck, Newlywed Game, and Emily Yates and the Mid-Atlantic Men. Great start to the new year!

A sneak peek for March and April events includes the Regulators Dance Band, Henry O’Donoghue Music, Out Past Nine Dance Band, The Ray Howard Concert, Trivia with Jen, and Spring Fling. Be sure to read the Daily Update for further details from Jennifer “Keep Calm and Party On”

HEALTH & FITNESS COMMITTEE

Submitted By:

Laurie Solomon

The Health and Fitness Vendor Fair held in January was a success and well attended. We had 27 varied vendors available to inform residents of their goods and services. Thanks to everyone.

On March 1, Dr. Benjamin Puckett and Dr. Gary Davis from Specialty Orthopedics presented a joint seminar on the shoulder and the knee. Cresswind residents are well too familiar with those joints. We appreciate their valuable information.

On April 10, we will host Dr. Cleaver for the second time to offer free skin cancer screenings. The sign-up sheet for your individual screening will be available as the time approaches.

We have purchased and installed a new AED (Automated External Defibrillator) by Court 1. In addition to the AED on each floor of the Clubhouse, there is also one at the Marina and one at the Pavilion. An AED is designed to analyze heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims experiencing cardiac arrest. Many YouTube videos are available with instructions

for use under the proper circumstances.

People have become very aware of the importance of our shoulder joint as per Dr. Puckett’s discussion. Many individuals are not aware of the connection between your shoulder and your forearm located between your elbow and your wrist. The forearm is used on a daily basis, but seldom receives much attention in a fitness training program. Strengthening these 18 muscles can enhance performance in activities such as pickleball, tennis, golf, and activities of daily living.

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury causing inflammation with pain radiating down the arm. Specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the forearm can lessen the incidence of injury. For golfers, more forearm and wrist strength mean a more powerful and controlled swing. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive strain injury. You can be at risk if the activities you perform involve repetition, force, excessive bending, vibration, or impact. Many of us are involved with these movements on a daily basis.

An easy exercise for the forearms, wrists and hands is to squeeze a spring-loaded grip strengthener, an old tennis ball or a squeegee ball. Another option is to use Therabands (resistance bands) or a 4-to-6-foot piece of rubber tubing with one end anchored under the foot and the other end held in your hand as you move the wrist up and down. This can increase mobility and strength. Clenching the hand in a tight fist, then releasing and stretching the fingers apart as far as they can go is also helpful. During your workouts, pay attention to training the smaller muscles of your body. Strengthening your forearms, wrists, and hands can help keep them out of the disability zone.

LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE

Submitted by: Dolores Diaz

As I walked around my yard today there were so many signs of spring: daffodil bulbs sprouting, day lilies, winter flowering bushes, and more. I was so tempted to start my spring cleanup (dead perennials, leaves, mulch, etc.) but the last frost date in Gainesville according to the farmer’s almanac is April 2nd, so I will be holding off. Instead, I am working on pruning my shrubs and trees to encourage healthy growth and looking for any signs of disease. I find it easier to find any problem issues on deciduous trees and shrubs when there are no leaves.

Speaking of yard issues… Let’s start with those hungry deer. As you know, you are not allowed to feed wildlife in Cresswind with the exception of bird feeders per the rules and regulations (5-1. g2). This includes deer. We all know that deer will taste anything in Cresswind, but there are some interesting DIY deterrents if you aren’t interested in spreading poisonous chemicals on your property or in your planting beds where you plant edible plants. My favorite is using Irish Spring Soap (original scent). You can use it in several ways: use a kitchen grater and grate the soap, then spread it around your planting beds, hang small cut up pieces in cheesecloth bags in your shrubs, or make a 2:1 Irish Spring body wash/water solution and spray your plants after rain or a heavy frost. Another DIY deer deterrent you can use uses normal kitchen products that you

grind up in a blender, strain and spray on plants and shrubs. I found one from the Bob Vila website. (https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-deerrepellent/) that looks interesting.

What are common types of deer “candy” plants and flowers? Some that top the list that deer love to eat are petunias, day lilies, hostas, dahlias, tulips, sunflowers, hydrangeas, roses, hibiscus, clematis, inpatients, sunflowers and gerber daisies, blueberries, and of course your vegetable garden. They aren’t so fond of poppies, daffodils, sage, iris, lambs’ ear, butterfly bushes, lavender, bleeding hearts, ferns, or hellebore plants.

Snakes: Although snakes are beneficial creatures, I am just not fond of finding any on my property. Did you know that snakes aren’t fond of aromatic herbs and flowers such as marigolds, lemon grass, basil, sage agapanthus, and citronella. They also aren’t fond of cacti (although cacti aren’t fond of our clay soil).

Pet lovers: Remember, when submitting EIRs with new plants, shrubs and trees, research to see if those plants are toxic to dogs and cats. Some of the most toxic shrubs for dogs are sago palms, anise shrubs, spreading yews, azaleas, rhododendron, hydrangeas, euonymus, laurels, hollys, annual lantana, and hostas bulbs: amaryllis, tulips, crocus, daffodils, some lilies. If you have any questions, the ASPCA website (aspca.org) is a fantastic resource.

Welcome Committee

Submitted by: Sandy St George

Have you ever heard the expression “It Takes a Village”? Your Cresswind Welcome Committee actively welcomes new neighbors to our community. The Welcome Committee representatives meet with new residents to give an overview of life in Cresswind. The Welcome Committee representatives also touch base several times throughout the year to see how they are adjusting and integrating into our awesome community.

The Welcome Committee is a very important part of helping new residents become part of the community. However, when it comes to making others feel welcome, we cannot do it alone! We need the help of our Cress-

wind Village. What can you do to help new neighbors feel welcomed? Here are a few ideas:

• Introduce yourself!

• Drop a note to say hello and welcome to our street and community.

• Invite them to your home for a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

• Invite your new neighbors to meet with others in the community.

• Bring a treat over to their house, such as cookies.

• Invite them to an event at the Clubhouse or in Gainesville.

• Go for a walk with your new neighbor...show

CLL-TRAFFIC & ROAD USE (TRU) COMMITTEE NEWS & UPDATES

Submitted By: John Stevens

CLL-TRAFFIC & ROAD USE (TRU) COMMITTEE NEWS & UPDATES

Submitted By: John Stevens

Since late-2020, a number of First-Person accounts of ‘near-miss experiences’ on our roadways have been shared with me and others who are openly concerned about how our mix of walkers, joggers, bicyclists, golf cart drivers, resident vehicles, and nonresident delivery/service trucks and visitors use and cohabit our roadways.

Since late-2020, a number of First-Person accounts of ‘near-miss experiences’ on our roadways have been shared with me and others who are openly concerned about how our mix of walkers, joggers, bicyclists, golf cart drivers, resident vehicles, and non-resident delivery/service trucks and visitors use and cohabit our roadways.

Several of these ‘near-miss accounts’ were published in previous issues of The Waterfall as ‘lead ins’ to articles encouraging residents to be more mindful, vigilant, and courteous when traversing our narrow and curvy community roads. Now that the HOA-BOD has formally designated a CLL Traffic and Road Use Committee to help identify and address CLL road use issues and concerns, here is a near-miss account worth re-reading.

Several of these ‘near-miss accounts’ were published in previous issues of The Waterfall as ‘lead ins’ to articles encouraging residents to be more mindful, vigilant, and courteous when traversing our narrow and curvy community roads. Now that the HOA-BOD has formally designated a CLL Traffic and Road Use Committee to help identify and address CLL road use issues and concerns, here is a near-miss account worth rereading.

“We all have a story, but your article in The Waterfall is exactly what happened to me in the same roundabout. I was looking left, checking for approaching traffic, as I turned right and entered the roundabout. When I looked ahead there was a golf cart driving full throttle the wrong way in the roundabout, heading directly toward me. We both swerved at the same time and barely missed each other. I had to pull over by the dog park to collect my wits. I was driving a heavy duty pick up and would have surely killed the guy had we hit head-on. All I could think about was how would I live with myself had we crashed, and he died. I hope that he got scared enough to not be that stupid again.”

The TRU’s mission is to help promote a SHARED COMMITMENT

to safe and courteous CLL road use so as to:

• Minimize PERSONAL INJURY RISK to residents

• Minimize LIABILITY RISK to the HOA.

5 CLL TRAFFIC & ROAD USE CONCERNS

• Unmarked Crosswalks

• Lane Drift on Curves

• Wrong Way /Failure to Yield in Roundabouts

• Speeding

• Obstructed Lines of Sight

ANTICIPATED TRU ACTIVITIES

Q1 + Q2 2024

• Relocate & monitor radar speed sign

• Continue to paint unmarked crosswalks

• Re-paint/refresh ‘STOP LINES’ at Stop Signs

• Install ‘Pedestrian Crossing’ signs at crosswalks

• Conduct community survey re: traffic & road use concerns

• Conduct resident forums & education programs

This ‘near miss account’ should remind us all that inattentiveness, poor judgment, and deliberate recklessness while using our roads can result in one or more people being severely injured physically as well as severely traumatized emotionally.

As always, residents should feel free to reach out directly to the TRU Committee by email or phone, or by using the CLL website committee contact page. Let us know about any CLL road use concerns or issues you have or have experienced.

“We all have a story, but your article in The Waterfall is exactly what happened to me in the same roundabout. I was looking left, checking for approaching traffic, as I turned right and entered the roundabout. When I looked ahead there was a golf cart driving full throttle the wrong way in the roundabout, heading directly toward me. We both swerved at the same time and barely missed each other. I had to pull over by the dog park to collect my wits. I was driving a heavy duty pick up and would have surely killed the guy had we hit head-on. All I could think about was how would I live with myself had we crashed, and he died. I hope that he got scared enough to not be that stupid again.”

This ‘near miss account’ should remind us all that inattentiveness, poor judgment, and deliberate recklessness while using our roads can result in one or more people being severely injured physically as well as severely traumatized emotionally.

As always, residents should feel free to reach out directly to the TRU Committee by email or phone, or by using the CLL website committee contact page. Let us know about any CLL road use concerns or issues you have or have experienced.

them the Dog Park (if they have a dog).

• Provide information on your favorite restaurants, grocery stores, etc.

• Connect on Social Media.

• Offer to help them.

As a Welcome Committee Representative, I recently met a new couple. They told me that within 10 minutes of pulling their moving truck in front of their house, a fellow neighbor came over and started helping move boxes. This couple immediately realized that they had made the right decision in moving to Cresswind.

We would like to welcome the following new neighbors to Cresswind:

Ken and Debra Young

3016 Scarlet Oak Lane

Donna Reed

3524 Locust Cove Road

Taylor and Susan Fisher

3172 Willow Creek Drive

Randy and Janet Johnson

3932 Bloomfield Way

Mike and Pam Cantley

3392 Sweet Plum Trace

Cresswind at Lake Lanier

Debbie Cortjens

Senior Real Estate Specialist ®

Buying Opportunities

Magnolia finished Basement

3366 Indian Hawthorne Ridge

Primrose single level

3351 Indian Hawthorne Ridge

Cypress unfinished Loft

3616 Blue Cypress Cove

Ashford finished Loft

3593 Blue Cypress Cove

Cypress fin. Loft 3988 Sweet Magnolia Drive

Merigold finished Basement 3160 White Magnolia Chase

Cypress unfinished Loft 3610 Cedarwood Lane

Elmwood finished Basement 3550 Black Cherry Point

Spruce unfinished Loft 3500 Locust Cove Road

Ashford finished Basement 3621 Blue Cypress Cove

TRAILS AND PATHWAYS COMMITTEE NEWS

Submitted by: Lynne

Hayden

The Trails and Pathways Committee noted a one-year anniversary last fall, with both ongoing maintenance (trail/bridge repairs, fallen tree removal, leaf blowing, branch trimming) and new projects as key accomplishments:

• For hikers, please note these safety suggestions:

o Hike with a companion, if possible.

o Carry a cellphone when hiking in case of emergency.

o When trails are wet, consider walking the uphill and downhill sections on the dirt edges instead of the trail fabric. The leaf blowing is designed to provide wider trails for this situation.

• Here are three of the Committee’s recent projects:

o Reroute Robin Trailhead at Bluebird: The old location had much erosion. The new location provides a fresh start and has less erosion-causing water flow from nearby terrain and White Magnolia Chase storm drainage.

o Improve Ridge Portion of Robin: The ridge portion of this trail was narrow, and with tripping hazards. The improvements were to remove rocks from the middle of the trail and to widen/flatten.

o Build/Place Flat Foot Bridge on Robin Trail: The outlet from the retention pond just off the Clubhouse parking lot/Marina Drive releases water across the Robin Trail. The new flat bridge allows passage over the flow.

Please contact Dave at David.rames@charter. net to report maintenance issues or to volunteer to join the team.

Spotlight on our Trails – Hummingbird

Looking for a quick and quite easy natural experience? Our newest Trail, Hummingbird, is open and located opposite the Montgomery Street entrance! Cresswind LL property includes the land for this trail and the terrain is perfect for a minimum elevation hike. Just look for the path – and the sign that starts the Trail.

Spring is a beautiful time to explore our trails with cool temperatures, new growth, and returning birds! Be on the look for Native Azalea (like this one on Robin), Mountain Laurel, Dogwood, and other flowering trees.

WEBSITE COMMITTEE NEWS

Submitted by: Wilton Rooks

The Website Committee has made a successful transition from Maggie to Jennifer as Webmaster. We welcome her experience and expertise on webrelated issues. Speaking of which, we would like to hear from residents about any issues you encounter in using the website. Do you have trouble finding information? Do you have suggestions for features that would increase its usefulness to you? Let us know. You can always email the committee at Jennifer’s address, Jennifer.finlayson@fsresidential.com. Not promising to make all suggested changes, but as Dr. Frazier Crane used to say, “We’re listening”.

There is a wealth of information available to all residents on the website. The Resources tab on the Navigation Bar gives you quick access to lots of information and processes.

• Got something you want to sell? Enter it in Resources > Classifieds.

• Want to better understand Reserve Studies that are instrumental in managing the HOA finances? Look under Resources > Documents.

• Ever wonder what a HOPA Form is? Look under Resources > Documents.

• Want to see Cresswind Financial Statements from 2015 - 2024? Same place. Resources > Documents.

• Want to see your complete history with the HOA? Resources > View My HOA Account. If you have not already created a login to the First Services website, follow the prompts to create a login specific for that site.

There is so much information accessible through the website, it is sometimes difficult to keep it updated with dozens of committees and hundreds of clubs. If you spot items that look out of date, just let us know.

For new residents, you will find answers to many of your questions. Check it out. Let us hear from you.

Wilton Rooks, Chair

Bert Emma, Vice Chair

Bruce Leibrecht, Secretary

Ernie Seymour

Sue Garcia

Garon Hart

Jennifer Finlayson – Webmaster

Tim Roth – HOA Liaison

Willie Nelson – Resident Advisor

Withdrawing from Retirement Accounts, Where to Turn to First

Retirement knowledge and information often revolves around saving and preparing for your future, but when the retirement years actually come and the savings you’ve spent decades accumulating need to be spent, how does one begin?

The following will give a general outline of which accounts to start with and what accounts to use as a follow up.

Cash

Cash incurs growth at a much lower rate than does most any other holding. Whether it’s cash in a savings account or a cash holding in an investment account, beyond your emergency fund (6 months of expenses), cash should be the first place you pull income from for your retirement years.

Taxable Investment Accounts

Individual, revocable trusts, and joint accounts should be your next stop for income in your retirement years.

Sourcing income from your taxable investment accounts will assist with reducing tax liability as they will be taxed at capital gains rates (given they are

Source:

held for more than one year) and will come from accounts that historically grow at a slower rate than do other forms of retirement accounts (accounts that are tax-deferred).

Social Security

Turning on your social security income is a great way to protect your remaining nest-egg and begin sourcing income from a social welfare program you’ve been paying into for your entire working life, but this decision isn’t as simple as the first two.

Before turning on your social security benefits, consider if waiting will dramatically increase your expected monthly income or not. If you are past the age of 70, this won’t apply. If you are around the age of 62, waiting could mean a larger payout in the future.

Tax-Deferred Retirement Accounts

Traditional IRA, 457, SEP IRA, 401(k), and 403(b) accounts are taxed once withdrawals begin to be made. Withdrawals can be voluntary as a form of retirement income or they may be required depending on your age as a yearly required minimum distribution

(RMD). It’s usually best to wait to withdraw from these accounts for as long as possible to avoid the tax liability.

Roth IRA Accounts

With tax-free growth and qualified withdrawals also being tax-free (for beneficiaries as well), Roth IRAs are of the most tax-efficient savings vehicles available to investors. Allowing these the most time to accumulate, like your tax-deferred accounts, is always a good choice. And leaving these accounts untouched throughout your retirement can mean more money for your loved ones as RMD’s have been done away with (via the SECURE 2.0 Act) and withdrawals after your passing can be deferred for up to 10 years.

Like most tax-related retirement advice, there is no one size fits all. This is why speaking with an advisory firm can develop a retirement roadmap that is unique to you and can be a great step towards protecting your future. For assistance in making these decisions or to schedule a complimentary financial review with Moore’s Wealth Management, click here or call our office at 770-535-5000, where a staff-member is awaiting your call Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM.

MARCH/APRIL 2024 SCHEDULE

Revised: 02/11/24

Water

9:00 9-9:55AM $

Yoga with Carmen 9-10AM

Water Aerobics with Stacey 9:45-10:45AM $

Gentle Yoga with Sharon 9-9:55AM $

Yoga with Carmen 9-10AM

Water Aerobics with Stacey 9:45-10:45AM $

Gentle Yoga with Sharon

10:00

11:00

12:00

1:00

2:00

3:00

10:15-11:15AM

Low Impact Aerobics DVD with Maureen 10-11AM

Strength and Stretch DVD Class with Steve and Kathy

11:10-12:10PM

Strength with Wendy W. 11-12PM $

Poolates with Sharon

12-1PM $

Adult Ballet with Cheryl

1:15-2:15PM $

Tai Chi for Everyone with Cheryl

2:30-3:30PM $

Advanced Tai Chi (Swords) with Cheryl

10:15-11:15AM

Low Impact Aerobics DVD with Maureen 10-11AM

Strength and Stretch DVD Class with Steve and Kathy

11:10-12:10PM

Strength with Wendy W. 11-12PM $

Poolates with Sharon

Water Aerobics with Patricia

9-9:55AM $

Yoga with Carmen

10:15-11:15AM

Low Impact Aerobics DVD with Maureen

11:30AM-12:30PM

Pilates with Karin

11:30-12:30PM

Choreography Dance Club

12:30-2:30PM

Clogging Dance Club (2 Level Classes)

3:00-4:00PM

Intro to Line Dance Cardio Training Class

Lanier Room

1:30-2:30PM

Beginner Line Dance Club

2-3PM

Traditional Line Dance with Eleanor 2-3PM

Traditional Line Dance with Eleanor

2:30-3:30PM

Georgia Room Indoor Pool

POOL CLASSES

Water Aerobics with Patricia - Class held on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 – 9:30 am in the indoor pool. The goal of this class is to have fun while we challenge our bodies. The routine includes cardio, upper body, abdominal and leg exercises. Participants can amp these exercises up or down to suit their needs and capabilities. No reservations needed. Cost: Free

Water Aerobics with Stacey - Class held on Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 – 10:00 am in the indoor pool. Stacey Childers is a certified water aerobics instructor who provides individuals of all activity levels with an effective workout to promote aging well. Her classes focus on highintensity, low-impact total body workouts infused with a mind-body component, drawing upon her years of experience as a full-time yoga instructor. Everyone is invited to join a supportive community of likeminded individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being. Contact Stacey Childers at slc2365@hotmail.com. Cost: Free

Poolates: Class held on Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 am – Noon in the indoor pool. Poolates is essentially Pilates in the water. The class is a 360-degree full core workout, and the exercises are designed to strengthen the front and side abdominals, the hips, and entire back. Please contact Sharon to sign up for Poolates with Sharon. Please sign up for EVERY class you plan to attend. Contact: Sharon Vandevender at yogamom40@gmail.com. Cost: $8 per class for pre-registered students or the Drop-in rate is $10 per class.

LANIER AND/OR GEORGIA ROOM CLASSES

Ballet Class: Class is held on Monday 12:00 – 1:00 pm in the Lanier Room. Balance, Strength, and Grace. Ballet is terrific for posture and alignment, balance, and continuing flexibility. Cheryl Vassiliadis has taught adult ballet classes for more than ten years and is knowledgeable in safely teaching ballet to active adults. Contact Cheryl Vassiliadis at writer.v@gmail.com or at 678-938-8800. Cost: $60 for 8 weeks.

Ballroom Dancing: The Ballroom Dance Club meets every other Wednesday led by a professional teacher. Both group and private lessons are offered during the 3-7 pm time slot. Rumba and East Coast Swing are currently being taught in the group lessons. Cost: $20 for an hour group lesson, currently there are 2 group classes: east coast swing and rumba. $70 for 1-hour private couple’s lesson. Please join us as this is great mental and physical exercise. Contact Lisa Dempsey at 229-894-3371 for any questions.

Clogging Dance Club: Class is held Tuesday 12:30 – 2:30 pm in the Lanier Room. Clogging is a dance style influenced by Irish and Scottish step, along with some African dance moves, which requires special shoes with buck taps. It originated in the USA and was traditionally danced to Bluegrass and Country music. The two (2) classes taught by Wendy O’Hanlon are weighted to less experienced in the first hour and cloggers with more than 2 years of experience in the last hour. There are no true beginner classes at this time. Prior clogging or tap experience is required. Contact Wendy O’Hanlon at

golfgirl2011@att.net.

Choreography Dance Club: Class is held Wednesday 11:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Lanier Room. Wendy O’Hanlon’s dance class provides dancers with the ability to dance different styles without the need for a partner. The club does perform various dances throughout the year. Prior dance experience and the ability to memorize routines are essential requirements to participate. The class has danced Ballroom styles (Rhythm and Smooth), Phrased Line dance, and Jazz. Most of the routines have been choreographed by Wendy for the class. Contact Wendy O’Hanlon at golfgirl2011@att.net.

Hula Dance - Class is held Thursday 2:30 – 3:30 pm in the Georgia Room. Our dance club, currently known as Na-Wahine Hula. We regularly review dances learned previously, along with learning new routines taught by Mary Ramatowski and Kathie Zeranski. Previous dance experience is not required. If you would be interested in joining us, please contact Mary Ramatowski at maryofhats@gmail.com.

Line Dance, Beginner: Class is held Thursday 1:30 – 2:30 pm in the Lanier Room. The Beginner Class has been in existence for just over 1 year and the class still dances to some of the same routines that were introduced at the beginning. The dances vary in intensity but always remain at a Beginner or Improver level. The class enjoys a wide variety of music selections to familiar routines. Some of the dances overlap from Beginner to Traditional Line Dance and this is a good starting point if you wish to advance up. We have loads of fun! Dance shoes or dance socks over street shoes are recommended. Contact Wendy O’Hanlon at golfgirl2011@att.net.

Line Dance, Cardio: Class is held Tuesday & Thursday 4:00 – 5:00 pm and Sunday 6:30 – 8:00 pm in the Georgia Room. Cardio workouts involving upbeat, intermediate to advanced, line dances that will raise your heart rate while having fun. Geared toward current line dancers who can handle intermediate and advanced choreography. Intro Class is held Tuesday 3:00 – 4:00 pm in the Georgia Room. Multi-week Introduction to Line Dance Cardio classes is given occasionally to teach our dances, since there is not time to teach our current dances during class to new students. Instructors are Debbie Coursey-Prah at drdbe@ aol.com. Lisa Phifer lisadawnphifer@gmail.com; and Sherri HecktBoguski shecktboguski96@gmail.com. Cost: Free

Line Dance, Traditional: Class is held Wednesday & Friday 2:00 –3:00 pm in the Lanier Room. This line dance class is for anyone that has had a little line dancing experience, recently or many years ago! It is helpful to have some knowledge of basic line dancing steps as well as being familiar with line dancing terminology. This class offers easy to follow, low impact, aerobic dances performed to upbeat music. The dance routines are mostly Beginner and Improver level and a short demo or walk through precedes each dance. Eleanor Whalen efwhalen@gmail.com. Cost: Free

Pilates with Karin: Class is held Monday 4:00 – 5:00 pm and Friday 11:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Lanier Room. Join Cresswind resident, Karin, for Pilates! Karin’s Pilate classes are full-body workouts, with exercises performed lying down, standing, and sitting, and with and without props, depending on class needs. In addition to creating a stronger and more responsive core, you will gain overall strength and flexibility, improve your balance and alignment, and encourage your body to move in all the ways it’s designed to move, freely and efficiently. Karin has been teaching Pilates mat and equipment classes since certifying as an instructor in 2007. She loves Pilates for the joy and fun of encouraging people to be their tallest, strongest, and most youthful selves. The instructor for Pilates is Karin Carlson and her email address is: sheenaqueena@yahoo.com.

Strength and Stretch DVD Class: Class is held Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 – 11:00 am in the Lanier Room. Steve & Kathy Remsen moved

to Cresswind from Brevard, NC. While in Brevard, they took several different exercise classes. They started a strength & stretch class using different DVD’s. Classes also consist of sitting, standing and the use of some weights. Contact: Steve & Kathy Remsen at remsenstephen@ gmail.com. Cost: Free

Strength Class: Class is held Tuesday & Thursday 11:10 am – 12:10 pm in the Lanier Room. Wendy Warder is a group fitness instructor who has worked in the industry for many years. This is a full-body strength training class designed to help build and sculpt muscles and improve bone density, choreographed to fun, upbeat music! All equipment needed is provided in the Lanier Room. Participants should bring water and a small towel. Contact: Wendy Warder at wendy. warder@gmail.com. Cost: Free.

Tai Chi for Everyone: Class is held Monday 1:15 – 2:15 pm in the Lanier Room. Tai Chi for Everyone is a class for those with some knowledge of Tai Chi and for beginners to the internal martial art form. Tai Chi is recommended to help prevent falls by improving balance, increasing leg strength, reducing fear of falling, improving mobility, flexibility and improving psychological health. To sign up please email Cheryl Vassiliadis at writer.v@gmail.com or call 678-938-8800. Cost: $60 for 8 weeks.

Tai Chi, Advanced (Swords): Class is held Monday 2:30 – 3:30 pm in the Lanier Room. This class is for those learning the 32 Form Sword Set. Some of the health benefits associated with Tai Chi include better balance, flexibility, and stress release. To sign up please email Cheryl Vassiliadis at writer.v@gmail.com or 678-938-8800 for more information. Cost: $60 for 8 weeks.

Gentle Yoga with Sharon: Class is held Tuesday & Thursday 9:45 –10:45 am in the Georgia Room. Sharon has been teaching a variety of classes for over 15 years, and she is excited to share her passion for Yoga with you. Increasing awareness of the breath/body connection, the class will focus on balance, mobility, strength, and flexibility. You are sure to leave her class refreshed and renewed! Contact: Sharon Vandevender at ‎yogamom40@gmail.com. Cost: $8 per class for preregistered students or Drop-in rate is $10 per class.

Yoga with Carmen: Class is held Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 – 9:55 am in the Lanier Room. Carmen has been teaching yoga since 1983 and has studied various styles of Yoga practice . Finding that the best way to reach the students who come is to be able to modify the classes to fit the level of health, age, and motivation of the students. Classes are always a mix of these elements. The classes that she teaches at Cresswind are a combination of postures, and movements that will aid the students to gain, or maintain, their sense of balance and coordination, and build strength and mobility, but also keep the perception that the body has of itself as to where and how it moves. The goal constantly being to maintain health and wellness through the knowledge of one’s own body. Contact: Carmen Conway Chambers at carmen_chambers@bellsouth.net. Cost: $5 per class.

Walk Aerobics DVD: Class is held Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 10:15 – 11:15 am in the Lanier Room. Come join the 45-minute low impact aerobics class taking place at 10:15 am in the Lanier Room every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This class allows you to exercise at your own level/pace and is designed for a total body workout: aerobics, flexibility, toning and balance. Some DVDs include the use of provided weights or resistance bands. It’s your choice whether you want to use them or not. Either way—you’ll still walk away having gotten in a good and fun workout, as well as maybe seeing a friend or two. Dress comfortably, wear comfortable and supportive shoes, and bring water! Contact: Maureen Terry-Morehead, mterrymorehead@ gmail.com, 703-939-4277. Cost: Free

Clubs AT CRESSWIND

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

Card Clubs

Bridge: Education: Computer

Bridge: Duplicate

Bridge: Friday Rubber Bridge

Hand and Foot Canasta

Ladies Bunco

Ladies Texas Hold ‘Em

Mah Jongg

Mexican Train Club

Mixed Card Club

Pinochle Club

Pokeno

Poker Clubs

Poker, Ladies

Poker, Straight Flush Poker Rummikub

Samba Card Group

Dance Clubs

Ballet

Ballroom Dance Club

Choreography Dance Club

Clogging, Beginner/Intermediate

Hula Dance Club

Line Dance, Beginner

Line Dance, Cardio

Line Dance, Traditional

Performing Arts Clubs

Cresswind Community Chorus

Cresswind Performing Arts Club

Cresswind Neighborhood Theater

Jazz Band Club

Karaoke Club

Liar’s Club

Neighborhood Bands

Performing Arts Technical Team

Small Bands

Storytellers Club

Ukulele Club

Variety Show 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

Brewskies

Scotch Lovers At Cresswind(SLAC)

Shaken Not Stirred Martini Club

The Bourbon Club

Twisted Tequilla Club

Wine Tasting

Women With A Twist Martini Club

Investment Club: CIC

Investment Club: The Falls

Community Flag Club

Community Garden Club

Cooking Club

Cresswind LL Community Fund

Cresswind Missions Club

Dinner Club

Great Decisions

Living Stylishly

Parkinson’s Support Group

Photography Enthusiasts

Model Railroad Club

RV Club

Social Singles

Travel Club

Veterans Club (501c3)

Volunteer Connection

Sports and Games Clubs

Billiards: Ladies

Billiards: Men’s

Bowling League

CLL Kayak Club

CLL Tennis Club

Cresswind Hiking Club

Cresswind Ping Pong Club

Dine & Nine Club

Fishing Club

Golf: Men

Golf: Women

Pickleball Club

Sports & Games

Tai Chi: Advanced

Tai Chi: For Everyone

BIBLE STUDY CLUBS

THE INERRANCY OF SCRIPTURE

Submitted by: Dave Dittmeier

The inerrancy of Scripture is a fundamental belief that the Bible, in its original manuscripts, is without error or fault in all that it teaches. This belief is grounded in the understanding that the Bible is inspired by God, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

The doctrine of inerrancy asserts that the Bible is completely trustworthy and reliable in all aspects, including matters of faith, history, and science. It is the conviction that God, who is perfect and truthful, has communicated His Word to humanity without error. This belief has been upheld by many Christian traditions throughout history and continues to be a central tenet of faith for millions of believers.

If you feel led to study the Bible on a regular basis, there are many opportunities here in Cresswind.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

The Women’s Bible Study meets Thursdays from 4-5pm in the Savannah Room or 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 are the leaders for this club.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

The Men’s Bible Study meets Fridays from 10-11 in the Georgia Room. They begin with a time of prayer from 9:3010:00. Dave Dittmeier DaDittmeier@gmail.com is the leader for this club.

COUPLES BIBLE STUDY

Couples Bible studies meet in private homes throughout the community. Joanne Randall joran1088@gmail.com is the leader for this club.

IN-HOME BIBLE STUDY

The In-Home Women’s Bible Study meets in a resident’s home. Jacquie Waldron rejoice2@yahoo.com is the leader for this club.

“For the word of God is alive and active…” (Heb 4:12 NIV)

BOOK CLUBS

2ND MONDAY BOOK CLUB

Julie Cottingham julie.cottingham1@gmail.com

3RD MONDAY BOOK CLUB

Joyce Allen jallen8734@gmail.com

1ST TUESDAY BOOK CLUB

Lynne Tryon lynnetryon@gmail.com

1ST TUESDAY BOOK BUDS BOOK CLUB

The Book Buds Book Club meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. We meet in the home of a member of the group. For our group we have no meetings in January and July. Zona Buchen zbuchen51@charter.net

3RD WEDNESDAY ABC MEN’S BOOK CLUB

CLUB meets the third Wednesday of the month at 1:00pm in the clubhouse library. We only read and discuss nonfiction books. Recently we read “Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune”, “Undaunted Courage” which was about Lewis and Clark and the exploration of the west, and “Running Out of Time” by Cresswind author Jeff Lehman, who shared his experiences in the writing of his book. The ABCs is open to any Cresswind male who may be interested in reading and discussing non-fiction books. For more information, please contact Dave Dittmeier DaDittmeier@ gmail.com (PS > ABC stands for Annuitants, Bibliophiles and Curmudgeons)

BOOK BABES BOOK CLUB

Pat Hilger patricia.hilger@outlook.com

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 LEAGUE

Submitted by: Paul Capal

The Cresswind Bowling League began the 2nd half of the 2023/24 Season on January 3rd at Stars and Strikes in Buford, GA. The session will run for 14 consecutive weeks ending April 10th with a roll off between the first and second session winners. The first half winners were the Super Bowl Team of Fred Irvin, Sue Fouse, Tom Stagl, and Bill Swan. Also, on April 10th we will have an 8/9 pin tournament for all other Cresswind League bowlers who are not participating in the roll off. The year end meeting is scheduled for April 17th at 10:00 am in the clubhouse ballroom. At this meeting the individual and team prize money will be distributed. Since all teams that completed the 2023/24 season will receive some prize money, we ask that each team have a representative present at the meeting. At this meeting we will discuss the summer session and have an open platform to address any questions concerning the league. All full-time Cresswind residents are invited to attend. The Cresswind Bowling League under Clubs on the Cresswindatll.com webpage was out of date and could no longer be updated. A special thanks goes out to Bob Ruhala, Wilton Rooks, and John DeVillez for updating the software and webpage. If you have time, please check it out. If there are any questions or suggestions, please contact any of the board members. The board members’ contact information is listed on the webpage.

CARDS ANYONE?

There are many opportunities for playing and learning how to play cards. Additional information on card groups can be found on the Cresswind website or in the Daily Update.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

BRIDGE EDUCATION CLUB

has two groups: Tuesday Morning Computer 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm and Thursday Afternoon Education 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

BRIDGE BIDDING EXERCISES

Each Tuesday 10:00-11:00 am Cresswind Bridge players gather in the billiard room to analyze computer generated bridge hands and try to “beat the computer”. This is a fun informal session that helps us better understand the information being shared in the bidding process. All levels are welcome. Come join us.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

is comprised of five non-sanctioned duplicate bridge sessions each month; two afternoon sessions and three evening sessions. Duplicate is a competitive form of Bridge. Afternoon Sessions 2nd & 4th Tuesdays - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pmReservations Required. Evening Sessions – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Thursdays - 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm - Reservations Required.

RUBBER BRIDGE CLUB

plays on Fridays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm in the Card Room of the Clubhouse.

BUNCO CLUB – LADIES

4th Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Crow’s Nest. Ladies come join us on the 4th Thursday of every month for Bunco. We have a lot of fun and laughs. The cost is $5.00. We have limited space, so email Peggy Bertasi at Tbssmom1@yahoo.com to be included on the monthly evite.

CANASTA CLUB

Mondays 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Crow’s Nest

HAND & FOOT CANASTA

Mondays 5:30 – 8:00 pm, 3rd Floor, Card Rm

COME ON BACK and reunite with friends old and new. Bring your friends and neighbors and enjoy the newly updated and painted card room. If you haven’t played before, NO PROBLEM, we will gladly teach you. This is a fun game and a great way to spend an evening.

LADIES TEXAS HOLD ‘EM CLUB

Wednesdays 6:00 – 9:30 pm, 3rd Floor Lobby

MAH JONGG CLUB

is fun, competitive, and sociable, but the game requires strategy as well as knowledge of rules and procedures. To play with the groups here at Cresswind, it is necessary that you know how to play this game. We play Sunday & Wednesday 2:00 – 4:00 pm 3rd Floor, Card Room.

MEXICAN TRAIN CARD CLUB

Submitted by: Mary Ann Hoyle

What fun we had at our January game night! We had three tables and some first-time players. We meet every 2nd Thursday night in the Crow’s Nest from 7-9 pm. Never played before? No problem. It’s an easy domino game to learn. All residents are welcome! No sign ups, no commitments, just show up! Bring some quarters because we play several games, and the winner of each game gets a quarter from each player at that table. So, you’ll have several chances to win! Put us on your calendar now! See you there!

STRAIGHT FLUSH POKER CLUB

Thursdays 1:30 – 4:30 pm, Billiard Room

PINOCHLE CLUB

Saturdays 1:00 – 5:00 pm, 3rd Floor, Card Room. New and experienced players welcomed.

POKENO CARD CLUB

Pokeno, a board game that plays like Poker and Keno. We play Sunday evening at 5:30 and we play with penny and nickels. Hope you will join us this Sunday in the Crow’s Nest. We have the coins if you need them.

POKER CLUB, LADIES

3rd Wednesdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm Crow’s Nest

POKER CLUB

The Poker Club plays on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights from 6:00 – 9:00 pm on the 1st floor at the end of the gym. The Poker Club will hold a clinic for anyone wishing to learn how to play Hold’em or Omaha. If interested in playing contact jerryworlock@gmail.com.

1st Week – “Red Deck”

Monday Hold’em

Tuesday Hold’em Tournament

Thursday Omaha

2nd Week – “Black Deck”

Monday Hold’em

Tuesday Hold’em Tournament

Thursday Omaha

3rd Week – “Green Deck”

Monday Hold’em

Tuesday Hold’em Tournament

Thursday Omaha

4th Week – “Blue Deck”

Monday Hold’em

Tuesday Hold’em Tournament

Thursday Omaha

5th Week – “Yellow Deck”

Monday Hold’em

Tuesday Hold’em Tournament

Thursday Omaha

RUMMIKUB

Submitted by: Laura Martin

All residents are invited to come play RUMMIKUB every Friday at 12:30 pm 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 will teach you! Come join us for a couple hours of fun and socialize with your neighbors!

SAMBA CARD GROUP

Submitted by: Mary Ann Hoyle

SAMBA card group plays every Friday afternoon in the Billiards Room. Arrive before 12:30 pm. We usually finish up around 3:30 pm. If you enjoy socializing, playing cards or always wanted to learn, WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US! You can join in to play or just sit and watch to learn. If you’ve ever played any Canasta game, like Hand & Foot, you will learn Samba quickly. All residents are welcome, male or female. Come see why we are smiling so much. No sign ups or commitments! Questions? Contact Mary Ann Hoyle. See you there!

CIC INVESTMENT CLUB (CIC)

Submitted By: Louise Dunn

Spring is in the air! The Japanese cherry trees are

WHAT’S HAPPENING

harbingers of more growth to come. Are we starting to see some buds in the stock market that will evolve into increased earnings over the next six months? Will 2024 continue to be the year of breaking the rules for structuring investment portfolios and for the economy?

Are you seeking ways to manage the changes coming this year due to geopolitical events and the upcoming presidential election? These are questions that many of the Cresswind Investment Club (CIC) members address during our meetings. Although we spend time reviewing and making decisions about the club’s stocks, time is set aside for members to bring up questions about their personal investments. The CIC investment club members share their expertise and experiences to address both club and personal questions about investments.

All CIC members take part in offering suggestions for stocks and in voting on stocks for the club. Club membership is limited to 30 members and interested residents can be put on a wait list if there are no openings. Any Cresswind resident with an interest in investing and promoting income growth is welcome to join us at 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 Rich Lynt at richardklynt3@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

COOKING CLUB

Submitted by: Robin Foster

A perfect way to open the Cooking Club year was to host a Soup Night Event. Twelve member chefs prepared their own special soup to share with the guests and the guests were not disappointed. A selection of breads was served to compliment the soups along with a dessert of vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate or caramel sauce. Thank you to Joe Tellus for hosting this event and to all the chefs and volunteers. Thank you also to Tim Roth for creating a Georgia Fun Facts presentation. It was a perfect gathering for a cold January night.

Membership dues for 2024 were due by January 31, 2024. Membership will run from January 31, 2024 to the January 31, 2025. Only residents who are new to the community in 2024 may join after January 31, 2024. If you are new to Cresswind in 2024 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.

Board members for 2024 are Karen Rames, president; Tim Roth, vice president; Carol Mason, secretary; Robin Foster, treasurer/playbook; Jill Loftus, membership and Joe Tellus and Peter Bertasi as members at large. We are hoping to fill one additional board seat. Please let Karen Rames know if you are interested. Lynne Hayden completed her 3-year commitment to the board. She was the founder of our Cooking School, integral in forming the Cooking School Team, and supporting the team as they researched and booked our many classes. Anne Van Shellenbeck completed 2 years as secretary and was a strong supporter of our events. We hope both ladies will stay involved with the club.

Our first quarter Club Social was held January 18th. Spiral sandwiches, pretzels and cheese, cookies, and punch were served. Tim Roth presented a PowerPoint recapping the activities from 2023 and updating members on upcoming 2024 events. Club business was discussed and volunteer sheets were available for members to sign-up to help with Mardi Gras which was held Friday February, 9th.

Our club would not function without volunteers and there are so many opportunities, so please consider becoming active in the club by hosting or volunteering to help with an event. If you

Want

Want

have never volunteered this might be your year, and bring a friend. All skill sets are needed. If you are interested in a board position for 2024 or 2025, or have some new ideas, please contact Karen Rames.

Mardi Gras was held on February 9th with food, music, dancing, and decorations. Guests were treated with muffuletta sandwiches, chicken gumbo served over rice, and a festive King Cake. The Bourbon Hall 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 assisted with setting up tables and chairs for some of our events. Donations are made to the Community Fund as a thank you for their assistance.

There will be a club social in April, date and time to be determined and Kentucky Derby will return on May 4th. This event will be held in the ballroom this year in order to easily view the actual race. There is plenty of time to start planning your attire and hats.

Plant Based Trace Peters will return June 21st for another tasty Cooking School event. Seats are limited so keep a lookout for ticket sales. The Wine and Appetizer class will also return again this year on September 24th. Stay tuned for additional Cooking School classes.

Upcoming Events for Cooking Club:

• April Social TBD

• Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 4

• Potluck Picnic Sunday, June 23

• September Social TBD

• Spaghetti Night Friday, September 27

• Fall Festival Saturday, October 26

• Chili Night Saturday, November 2

Scheduled Cooking School Classes:

• Plante Based Trace June 21st

• Wine/Appetizers September 24th

COMMUNITY PERFORMING ARTS CLUB (CPAC)

The Cresswind Community Chorus is in full preparationmode for their 2024 SPRING MUSIC SPECTACULAR which will take place April 11-13. There are 85 singers, including Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Cresswind Chorale, Three’s a Charm Trio, Barbershop Quartet, Lisa Phifer, and other special features including the ever popular UpChucks.

Songs this year include Louis Prima’s “Sing, Sing, Sing”, Sesame Street’s “Sing a Song”, Celtic Thunder’s “A Place in the Choir”, “Do-Re-Me” from Sound of Music, the Doobie Brother’s “Listen to the Music”, “Till There Was You” from The Music Man, plus South Pacific’s “There is Nothing Like a Dame” (featuring the UpChucks), “This Joint is Jumpin”, an oldies Rock and Roll medley “Back to the Fifties”, “I Got the Sun in the Morning” from Annie Get Your Gun, and several others with the grand finale, “God Bless the USA”.

Tickets are still only $15 and will be available on the CPAC website beginning March 18.

OUT PAST NINE

Submitted by: Richard St George

What are you doing on Friday, April 19? Well, if you already have plans you need to cancel them and get to the ballroom at 7PM to see the first 2024 show of OUT PAST NINE! The band has been rehearsing a bunch of new songs

to get you on your feet dancing and having a good time. What are those songs you may ask? You will just have to come to the show to find out! Keep an eye on the Daily Update for information as we get closer to the date. This is a LIFESTYLE event so tickets must be purchased through the CLL webpage. OUT PAST NINE…Making you sing and dance and boogie and wonder how much money is spent on new boots!

CRESSWIND UKULELE’S

Submitted by: Kathie Zeranski

The ukulele is a fun little instrument that only has 4 strings and is easy to learn to play. Best of all once you start you can come join us and have the most fun playing and singing together! We meet on Monday mornings in the Kitchen from 11:00 am -12:00 pm and are always happy to have new people join. No experience necessary. When I started, I had never played a string instrument (I don’t think the piano counts). Who knows, you might decide to go on the next ‘Ukulele Cruise’. We had such a good time and learned a lot on our cruise in November. We even performed for the final night and got our picture in this year’s advertisement for the 2024 cruise!

CRESSWIND NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE

Submitted by: Richard St George

The Cresswind Neighborhood Theatre is gearing up to present their spring show . . .

FOUR OLD BROADS by Leslie Kimbell

Retired burlesque queen Beatrice Shelton desperately needs a vacation – and NOT another trip up to Helen, Georgia to see that “precious little German village for the umpteenth time.” A Sassy Seniors Cruise through the Caribbean may be just the ticket if she can just convince her best friend, Eaddy Mae Clayton, to stop praying and go with her. Unfortunately, things have not been very pleasant at Magnolia Place

Assisted Living since Nurse Pat Jones began working there. The newest resident, Imogene Fletcher, is suddenly losing her memory. Maude Jenkins is obsessed with her favorite soap opera and planning her own funeral. Sam Smith, retired Elvis impersonator, keeps trying to bed every woman in the building. A mystery unfolds with laughter as the gals try to outsmart the evil Nurse Pat Jones and figure out why so many residents have been moved to “the dark side,” what exactly IS that mysterious pill, and what happened to Doctor Head? It is never a good thing as Imogene goes undercover and Maude enters the Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Pageant to throw Pat off their trail. If they can solve the mystery, they may make it to the cruise ship after all.

The performances will be MAY 16-18 at 7PM in the Ballroom. Keep an eye out for more information in the Daily Update. If you have any questions, we can always be contacted at cresswindtheatre@gmail.com

STORYTELLING CLUB - NEW YEAR, NEW STORIES

Submitted by: Bert Emma

If you just love telling or hearing stories, come to the meetings of the Storytelling Club in 2024

The third Thursday of each month at 3 pm in the Ballroom

The theme for January was “Awakenings”.

Everyone has had “aha” moments, so there were plenty of good stories.

The theme for February will of course be “Your Special Valentines Day”.

You are invited to tell any story you would like or just come and listen. Who knows? You may hear a story that reminds you of one of your life experiences that you would like to share with the group! We’re looking forward to hearing some great stories. Please invite your Cresswind friends and neighbors to attend our meetings so they can enjoy learning more about the people in our awesome community. May the best of everything come your way in 2024!

www.cresswindpa.com/storytelling

DINNER CLUB

Submitted By: Karen Silverthorn - Coordinator Do you like to cook and try new dishes and ingredients? Would you enjoy getting to know your neighbors over an elegant, multi course meal? Then check out Cresswind’s Dinner Club! We have over 125 members, no annual fee and anyone can join at any time during the year. Dinner Club organizes four themed dinners per year between October-March. The remaining dinners for 2024 are scheduled for Oct. 5 & 24, and Nov. 2 & 24.

Dinner Club celebrated its February dinner with a Valentine’s theme. A total of 5 houses (with 8 members at each home) enjoyed Puff Pastry Pinwheels, White Bean Soup, Brandied Shrimp over Rice, and a Lemon Mousse. Each course was paired with accompanying wines.

When you ‘join’ Dinner Club, your name will be added to the membership list to receive an e-vite prior to each dinner event. Singles are welcome, provided they find another single to pair with.

Recipes, course, and house assignments are emailed to participants in advance. Four couples/pairs are assigned to a host home for the evening. The number of houses depends on the number of members wishing to participate for that date. Members are assigned parts of the meal to shop for and prepare. All food and beverage costs (average $55 - $75 per pair/couple) are shared equally among participants at each house. Members are encouraged to submit menus and recipes for consideration for future dinners.

If you are interested in joining or reviewing the guidelines, email the Coordinator directly - Karen Silverthorn, silk3349@ charter.net. Our mission is a simple one - to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal while meeting new neighbors around an elegant dinner table. Every meal is an adventure!

GREAT DECISIONS 2024

Submitted by: Claire

Tully

Great Decisions is a program established by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) and is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. Through its balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications, the FPA encourages citizens to foster informed discourse and civic engagement.

We had a great response for Great Decisions 2024 and are happy to bring it back. It has been several years because

of Covid! We have over 50 people signed up so far. We are fortunate to have Dan Thornton back again who has led/ moderated the program for several years in the past. Claire Tully will be joining him as a moderator.

How It Works

As in the past, sessions will consist of a video, followed by a guided/moderated discussion. There is no cost for the program other than your purchase of the book. You can get by without the book, because of the videos, but the book greatly enhances the experience. The Great Decisions Briefing Book is published annually by the FPA and highlights eight of the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans today. The book serves as the focal text for discussion groups by providing background information, expert analysis, and suggested discussion questions for each foreign policy issue.

Dan will moderate The Mideast Realignment, Climate Technology, Science Across Borders, US-China Trade Rivalry, and NATO’s Future. Claire will moderate Understanding Indonesia, The High Seas Treaty, and Pandemic Preparedness.

How to Get the Book

Order the 2024 Briefing Book at www.fpa.org. The cost is $35.

GREAT DECISIONS 2024 WILL BEGIN TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH AT 7:00 PM IN THE GEORGIA ROOM, AND WILL RUN FOR 8 SESSIONS, WITH THE LAST ONE ON APRIL 16TH.

CRESSWIND HIKING CLUB

Submitted by: Paula Burzotta

March is a beautiful time of year to get outside and enjoy the sweet smell of spring. So, HIKE THE CRESSWIND TRAILS! They’re in our backyards (practically) . . . We have many opportunities for day hikes in North Georgia and the surrounding areas, but what we need are members who are willing to plan, organize, and lead hikes. We are willing to work with members who are interested in this opportunity. There are so many hikes of all degrees of difficulty in North Georgia: Anna Ruby Falls, Desota Falls, Duke Creek Falls, Raven Cliffs, Becky Branch & Martin Creek Falls, High Shoals Falls, Springer Mountain, etc. . .

*IMPORTANT FACTS:

1.) Hiking the Cresswind trails will help you to determine your personal “level” and abilities. You can choose your preferred trails when we plan a hike in the North Georgia Mountains. Basically, EASY to MODERATE, think distance and incline when hiking in the mountains. Please text Paula Burzotta at (678) 576-6942 with any questions about how our Cresswind Trails can help you to determine your hiking ability if you plan to hike the North Georgia Trails.

2.) For your SAFETY- Please do not hike alone in or outside of Cresswind. If you’re new to the Cresswind trails, it’s simple, go with a friend who knows the trails

and always have your cell phone charged and water. The Cresswind website has newer maps and trail descriptions.

3.) There are hiking sticks available at each trailhead, but best to bring one that works for you. Ski poles work great too, and they are light weight.

Lastly, email Cresswind Hiking Club with your contact info so we can share information on scheduled hikes including day hikes outside of our community. Please email Ron Grimm, the email communication lead for Cresswind Hiking Club. Ron has many years of hiking the North Georgia Mountains/ Appalachian Trails and of course kayaking:).

For additional information please email: Cresswind.hiking. club@gmail.com. A day trip in March and April awaits! Can’t wait! See you on our trails.

HULA CLUB

Submitted by: Mary Ramatowski

Time Change: The Hula Club is meeting on Thursdays at 2:30pm in the Georgia Room. Hula is a dance form that comes to us from the Hawaiian Islands. These dances tell stories of the islands’ history and its people and places. It can be done with “props” (which are generally naturally occurring objects in nature) or just with hands and feet. Hula can be performed at various speeds and can be both ritualistic and just fun. Our group is currently leaning towards fun! Hula done well is smooth and fluid and is not tough on joints. It is an excellent dance form for both women and men, young and the old, athletic or “aging”. Dances are taught by Mary Ramatowski who participated in Polynesian dancing for 10 years and Kathie Zeranski who lived in Hawaii for several years and learned hula while there. For additional information, contact Mary Ramatowski at Maryofhats@gmail. com.

KAYAK CLUB

Submitted by: Sherri Heckt-Boguski

Welcome 2024! In the fall we had a drought and due to the low water levels the dock was in danger and needed to be moved. In the winter we had beneficial rain, water levels were replenished, and the dock is now back in place. Please keep in mind that the water is still very cold. Safe conditions for kayaking are usually quoted as the sum of the water temperature and air temperature should total 120 or more.

We have a new Kayak Board:

President – Sherri Heckt-Boguski

Vice President – Bill Tierney

Treasurer – Ron Grimm

Secretary – Karen Walters

At Large Board Members: Tom Shillock and Julie Philpott

Things to look forward to: Sweep the Hooch – Saturday, March 23, 2024. If the weather does not permit us to kayak safely, we will clean the shoreline and trails.

We are still in the planning stages for this year, possible events include:

Weekly Group Paddles

First time Kayaker’s Day

Kayaking and Picnics around the lake

Sunset Kayaking

Looking forward to seeing you on this beautiful lake!!!

LIVING STYLISHLY

Submitted by: Debbie Cox

Living Stylishly has some fun events coming up in 2024. February 26th will be our annual Meet and Greet at Cork It in Gainesville. On March 14, we’ll have a Personal Safety Class led by Barb Lester. June 13 will be a wine and snacks happy hour in the Ballroom. Our fantastic fashion show and luncheon, featuring fashions from Dillard’s, will be held on September 4. We’ll be closing out the year with our Annual Meeting on November 19 with the theme “Pearls and Champagne”. Mark your calendars so you won’t miss out on any of these events!

MISSION CLUB AT CLL

Submitted by: Julie Philpott

Our first year of Mission Club at CLL was full of fun events that benefited those in need locally and internationally. In 2023 we learned how four Cresswind couples worked hard to bring a Ukrainian family overseas and establish them in a home in Gainesville. We had a fun hotdog lunch and learned more from Dr. John Kelley at the Hotdogs for Honduras event that benefitted the Saint Benedict Joseph Medical Center in Honduras. One hundred Cresswind neighbors played bingo, won prizes, and proceeds benefitted Water@Work Ministry and learned how they are creating water businesses to serve the ultra-poor in the Dominican Republic. In the late fall, we were entertained by the Flat Creek Baptist Church Praise Band. At the end of 2023 we added three new members to our Board of Directors to set us up for a new year of fun with events that will benefit local as well as our beloved International charitable organizations.

On March 17, 2024, the White Elephant Bingo evening event will benefit Helping Hands of Hall County. Tickets will go on sale at the end of February, in person with cash or check at the clubhouse. Don’t wait to get your Bingo card(s) and raffle tickets because once we sell out of cards the event admission will close. Cresswind folk will once again release themselves of unneeded gently used and new items for the game prizes. Get ready because our raffle prizes are AWESOME! Look for more info in the Daily Update in March.

In early June we will once again have the Hot Dogs for Honduras event at the clubhouse. This will benefit Saint Benedict Joseph Medical Center in Honduras which provides free surgical care for the poorest of the poor. Look for more details in the May Daily Updates.

To become a member of the Mission Club and learn

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

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MODEL RAILROAD CLUB

Submitted by: Bill Edmondson

Our latest event was covered in last month’s article, with grandkids and Polar Express event in early December. In January 2024, we did not have any meetings as a group, but held several small gatherings to discuss ideas for upcoming months. We also held an election for Club President, and the winner…Brian Olson!!! So pleased to have Brian in a leadership position, supported by his VP Jake Master. Looking forward to a very active and interesting year in 2024.

NEEDLECRAFT CLUB

Submitted by: Pam Gonzalez

We are a social club that meets every Thursday from 10:00 AM to Noon in the Arts and Crafts room. Participants bring their own work in progress in knitting, crochet, crossstitch, beading, needlepoint, etc. We welcome all skill levels and can assist in techniques, “tips and tricks”, and help when assistance is needed. New participants are always welcome. No cost – just bring your work in progress and be prepared to fill 2 hours with community news, stories, and laughter.

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 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.

CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS:

Every year

the needlecraft group makes babydoll blankets for Operation Christmas Child Organization. This year’s challenge is 175 10” X 10” blankets. All donations are very welcome. This is a great way to use up leftover yarn. There is donated yarn in the needlecraft cabinet – the first cabinet on the right when you enter the Arts and Crafts room. Finished blankets can be placed there as well. You are more than welcome to attend our meeting. We always welcome new faces.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Submitted by: Pete Lyons

The Parkinsons Support Group started 2024 with a very informative presentation in February by three outstanding certified therapists from the Rehabilitation Institute, NGHS. Their areas of expertise were physical, speech, and occupational therapy. While the material is focused on Parkinsons, a lot of the information is very applicable to aging in general.

More seminars and specific topics with a focus on the multiple facets of Parkinsons are being scheduled for the remaining calendar year. We invite anyone who might be interested in learning more about Parkinsons and how they can support the group to come join us. We meet once a month. Information about the date and time will be included in the Daily Update a couple of weeks prior to the meetings. If you have any questions, contact Pete Lyons.

PICKLEBALL CLUB

Submitted by: Cassie Caton

As I write this it is 53 degrees and sunny and many of you are taking advantage of a beautiful day. Getting out on the courts has been a challenge during January and I’m not sure what February will bring. However, our picklers have

braved the cold and the wind to play their favorite sport despite the weather conditions. Kudos to all of you! As you read this, it is now March. “In like a lion out like a lamb”, is a phrase synonymous with March, and we hope it will be accurate for our part of the country.

Let’s review what we have in store for our pickleball community. The Pickleball Club spends a lot of time coming up with fun activities to encourage play, improve your game, and enjoy meeting and playing with new folks. Besides the planned events below, we have Open Play hours every day… a great opportunity to pick up a game or two whenever you are able!

In January we held our annual meeting and White Elephant Bingo. Bingo callers Gary Crawford and Howie Mueller entertained over 125 attendees who enjoyed an evening of bingo and laughs. You have all by now used or seen the beautiful new outdoor furniture that has replaced the old tables and chairs, thanks to the HOA, Sports and Games Committee, and the Pickleball Club. We will enjoy this new furniture for many years to come.

This winter we had our first ALTA Pickleball team and competed against other communities over 7 weeks. The team was captained by Cathy Clare and Jane Erkes. On February 24th, we held the annual Polar Express Scrambles. Specialty Orthopedics sponsored this event by providing lunch, snacks, and drinks. Thank you, Dr. K and colleagues!

The annual Clay Myers tournament will be held on April 13th and will be sponsored by North Georgia Health System (NGHS). NGHS will provide lunch, snacks, and drinks. The annual REED FINANCIAL tournament will be held on September 28th.

The club has purchased a TOPSPIN PRO to help players learn to incorporate topspin into their games. We will be using this, along with the ball machine, in our various clinics and drills offered this spring and fall. Mark Price, PPA Pickleball Coach, will return to Cresswind on October 18–20 for another 3-day camp. SAVE THE DATE and consider participating. More information will follow on our website and Facebook page, and details can also be found at MARKPRICEPICKLEBALL.COM.

As always, stay informed through club emails, by visiting www.Cresswindpickleball.com and by following the Facebook

group, Cresswind at LL Pickleball Group. If you are not a member, come join the fun for only $10. Dues can be paid online and/or dropped into the box in the clubhouse. Coaching nugget: “Cross court takes the middle or the diagonal player takes the middle is better advice.” See y’all on the court.

CRESSWIND PING PONG CLUB

Submitted By: Gregg Pike

The Cresswind Ping Pong Club continues Open Play on Tuesday’s from 3pm-6pm and Thursday’s from 3pm-5:30pm in the Lanier Room. We also have a time slot on Monday’s from 7pm-8pm 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. Please contact Gregg Pike if you want to try out his iPong Table Tennis Training Robot - Serves regulation Ping Pong balls automatically up to 70 balls per minute. Our next ping pong social will be on Monday, February 26th at 6:30 pm. Hope to see many regular and new players there! Contact Gregg Pike or Kim Miller for information or questions about the Ping Pong Club.

QUILTING CLUB

Submitted by: Rose Hosey

And the winners of the 2023 Marketplace quilt raffle are: Ron & Susan Fouse & Sherry Roberts.

The quilt group would like to thank all who bought tickets during our raffle. Your generosity funds the supplies used to complete donation quilts for seniors, the Red Cross, Quilts for Kids, Veterans, and our annual Quilt of Valor. Our group meets on Thursday’s at 1PM in the Arts & Crafts room. Stop in to see what we do - new members are always welcome!

SHALOM CLUB

Submitted by: Miriam Rosenberg

The Shalom Club continues to stay busy. In February, some of our Shalom Club members attended “The Diary of Anne Frank” at The Eagle Theater in Sugar Hill and enjoyed a meal at the Sugar Hill Diner after the show. Thanks to those who attended. We are hoping to plan a virtual movie night as part of the 2024 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival sometime between February 27-March 7, 2024.

Mark your calendars for our next event! For the upcoming holiday of Purim in March, we will be having our third annual hamantaschen bake. Hamantaschen are three cornered fruit-filled cookies that are eaten on this holiday. Purim commemorates the defeat of Haman, the advisor to the Persian king, and his plot to massacre the Jewish people 2,500 years ago, as recorded in the biblical book of Esther. We hope to see everyone on Sunday, March 24th at 11 am in the Cresswind Kitchen.

**Annual dues are $10/person. Thanks to those who have paid. Please bring dues to the March event if you did not pay in December or contact Miriam Rosenberg to make a payment. Thanks! We have formed a planning committee to assist in planning and organizing programs. If you are interested in helping or would like more information about the Shalom Club events, reach out to Miriam Rosenberg (grammycooks716@gmail.com) 954-501-9249 or Karen Walters (karsuew@gmail.com) 301-461-1900.

SOCIAL SINGLES

Submitted by: Barbara

Hillick

Now that the stress of the holidays is over, it’s time to join friends and new members at Social Singles. You can become

WHAT’S HAPPENING

as involved in activities as you would like to be during this frigid/ hot (depending on the day) weather. The weather may be cold today, but the friends you’ll make are warm and welcoming.

The first event of the year was a Bingo/White Elephant/ Pizza night. There were a few great prizes and many “I need to get this out of my house” white elephant objects. Every prize did find a new home! Michael Scheuerman and Dianne Wood did a great job calling and keeping up with the numbers. It was during this event that 2024 Officers were voted into office, Elaine Vetter and Mike Ehlers Co-Chairs, Larry Goldberger, Vice Chair, Linda Keck, Treasurer and Cindy Tucker, Secretary.

The next event was “Cake it Easy”. This was a meeting open to all Social Singles to suggest events they would like to take part in. Hard to believe, but desserts were involved! Once the serious business of eating and talking was over, the games began! Great night for fun, but the brainstorming was productive.

Many Social Singles members give back to the community by helping at thrift stores, food banks, and other charities. The club also donates to various charities with charity drives or the funds from different events.

Mingles, game nights, lunches, dinners, a chili cookout, hiking, bowling, and much more are being planned. If you are not a member, what are you waiting for? Please access the link for Social Singles on the Cresswind website and share your contact information. Someone from Social Singles will reach out to you. We look forward to meeting you!

TENNIS CLUB

Submitted by: Danny Brown

The winter weather came in full force and play was limited during the early part of the year. It was a great time for tennis club members to come together for a holiday celebration early. We had a great group come together in the Crow’s Nest on January 12. Members brought delicious food and a great time was had by all.

We appreciate all our new members. Last quarter new board members were elected, the club is fortunate that Gerry Cieply has decided to stay on as

secretary through 2024.

We’d like to have more folks out playing tennis on our new courts. While we have ladies round robin groups and several informal men’s groups that play regularly, our open play has not been as active as it once was. Robert Ruhala is leading the effort to encourage more men and women, novice to intermediate players, and those returning to tennis, to join in open play. He sent out an email to determine interested players and what days and times work for them. Robert can be reached at r_ruhala@yahoo.com or 770-296-7969, for questions or suggestions and ideas.

While we no longer participate in USTA, we have the opportunity to play ALTA now. Judy Mota is captain of our new Senior Day Women’s 55+ doubles team that will begin play in mid-March. Many of our club members have previously played ALTA and are excited for the opportunity. In the meantime, Ladies Thursday morning Round Robin remains very active. If you would like to play, contact Judy Mota at jandjmota@msn.com

The men’s Silverball team, captained by Dan Skeels, dan. skeels@hotmail.com, completed their season on November 13th. Our team compiled a record of 11 wins and 19 losses. If you are interested in playing in the spring, which will begin in March 2024, please contact Dan. The men’s Wednesday evening 6 pm doubles, led by Roger Otto, raotto1@yahoo. com, will begin play as the weather warms. Bill Papciak, billpapciak@gmail.com, is captaining a men’s ALTA 55+ Doubles Team that begins play in mid-March. Anyone interested in playing should contact Bill Papciak.

A spring social with round robin play will be held in late spring. This event is open to the entire neighborhood. Details will be shared in the daily email update and a tennis club member Evite. We’re looking forward to getting together in the warmer weather for some friendly competition, food, and fellowship.

Have you thought about coming back to playing tennis after not playing for a few years? We have just the program for you. Our FREE clinics, led by Bill Papciak and his team of expert instructors, are open to the entire Cresswind community and can help you get back in the swing of things. These clinics are also valuable for those who want to improve their play and learn new strategies. Watch the daily update for dates and times of upcoming clinics.

For more information or questions about Tennis Club events, be sure to check out our website, https://cresswindll. wixsite.com/cwtennis.You may also contact our president, dannybrown58@comcast.net to get involved.

COMMUNITY TRAVEL CLUB (CTC)

Submitted by: Laurie Homa

Spring is on its way, and your Community Travel Club has many new trips planned for your enjoyment. First, a quick recap: The January trip to the BIG BLUE AND WHITE TENT to see Cirque du Soleil’s show “ECHO” was amazing. We will definitely schedule a Cirque show in the future. In February we traveled to the Gold Dome to tour our State Capitol, sit in on a legislative session and grab lunch at Sloppy Floyds. Thank you to our state Representative Mark Dubnik, for his time and information.

Now back to the future:

March 24th will take us to the Aurora Theatre to see “Greener Pastures” a delightful comedy that will surely bring

some hearty laughs. Then we dine at Dominick’s Tavern for a buffet dinner in their party room. The trip is $110.00 per person. We have started a waitlist. Contact Pam Papciak at pamppck@aol.com for more information.

Everyone loves a beautiful small town. April 24th has us traveling to Madison Georgia, where we will tour historic homes, have time for lunch on our own and shopping. There will also be a docent led tour of the Culture Center. This trip will be announced on March 7th at The General Meeting. Contact Cathy Stout at buymecs@gmail.com for more information.

For our first overnight trip of the year, we will travel to the OUTER BANKS of North Carolina. This is a 5-night 6-day trip. May 20TH through May 25th. Our hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn on the beach. Join us for this trip led by Daniels Discovery Tours. We will enjoy seeing the light houses, the spot from which the Wright Brothers made their first flight, the wild stallions on the beach, The Elizabethan Gardens, and much more including tasty seafood. The Trip is $1975.00 per person for double occupancy. $2445.00 for single occupancy. We are taking deposits now. $300.00 will hold your spot. Contact Laurie Homa at m2old4this@ aol.com for more information.

Our Members meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 4:00 pm in the Ballroom. We give away four gift certificates at every meeting. The lucky winner receives a $50.00 certificate to use on any Travel Club trip. All new members are welcome. Come to a meeting and find out more about upcoming trips. The Travel Club is a great way to meet new people and spend time with your neighbors and friends while seeing interesting places. Our dues are $5.00 per person annually.

Please check out our website to keep up with all the Travel Club happenings. New trips will be posted there in advance of their announcement at the general meetings so check it out. The link to our website is listed under Clubs, then under Travel Club on the Cresswind Website. You may reach out to any CTC board member if you have any questions. All board members’ contact information is listed on our website. COME TRAVEL WITH US!

CRESSWIND LL VETERANS, INC.: IT’S WHAT WE DO – TOUCHING ONE LIFE AT A TIME

Submitted by: Amy DeVillez

January 16, 2024, was our 1st Quarter General Membership

meeting followed by a potluck. We welcomed all new Veterans Club Board members, to include Jim Snell as Member at Large (see picture of Jim already working on his first day).

Over 90+ members attended our first quarter meeting. The food was plentiful and delicious. Thank you to all who bought something to share.

In less than two months, we have helped Veterans in need and their families totaling over $20,000. This assistance included rental / housing assistance, food, insurance, home repair, scholarships, and donations to several food pantries.

On January 23, a cold raining day, we were able to help a homeless female Veteran. We provided her with a 15-day stay at a local motel. We hope to connect her to the Veterans resource event on January 31st which may be able to provide additional support. For example, there will be five (5) Area Housing Providers and VFW Post 8452 will be serving a hot meal & providing Cresswind’s donated coats. United Military Care will give out a backpack filled with information and resources about the Salvation Army’s Hope Center which provides warm/

emergency shelter, housing, and homeless services. In addition, State of Georgia Veteran Service Officers will be on site to help with VA claims and compensation.

The reality is that we could not make this happen if it was not for the generosity of the Cresswind community and our donors.

Don’t forget CASINO NIGHT on March 23rd. During the April 16th - 2nd Qtr. General Membership Meeting we will have a guest speaker to discuss the new VA compensation eligibility for Korean War Era, Vietnam War Era, and Gulf War Era Veterans to include spouse compensation. Please feel free to reach out to any of our Board members with any questions and visit our website at https://www. cresswindveterans.org/.

VOLUNTEER CONNECTION - FERST READERS OF HALL COUNTY

A Child’s Path to a Brighter Future is Paved with Books

Submitted by: Lisa Giblin

Ferst Readers provides free age-appropriate books monthly to children in Hall County. Studies show early access to books contributes to higher literacy scores. Because of your support in 2023 we were able to positively impact our most valuable resource-our children.

Current Stats:

602 children are now mailed books each month, Over 7900 books have been mailed since 2021, In 2023 alone we mailed 5246 books with parent guides to aid in the delivery of the book’s message. The annual cost per child is $42.

We Continued Partnerships with: Headstart

SISU

Family Promise

Amerigroup United Way

2023 Activities Resulting in Registrations thanks to our volunteers:

Boys and Girls Club Duck Derby

Back to School Events

Headstart Programs

St Vincent de Paul Freeby Day

Elachee Nature Center

Family Promise

If you would like to participate in future events, contact Lisa Giblin at lgiblinj@gmail.com. Contributions can be made online to Ferst Readers of Hall County at www. ferstreaders.org or mail to P.O. Box 1852 Oakwood, Ga 30566.

Thank You Cresswind Residents!

2024 Community Fund 8th Annual Meeting

We Reported 2023 Best Year Ever!

Funds Raised $195,000.00 Grants Given $171,000.00

All To Benefit Local Seniors in Need!

We are Proud of What We All Did Together!

2024 is Off to a Solid Start but Demand is High for Help!

Please Donate! The Community Fund website cwcfund.org

2024 Community Fund Board of Directors*

Bud Baker, Lois Ehlers, Cathy Jeffrey, Mark Nestle, Bill Papciak, John Prentice, John Ulam

2024 Community Fund Board Advisors

Darla Eden, Sue Garcia, Susie Holbrook, Arnie McCleese, Wilton Rooks, Tim Roth, Ron Stowe, Russ Williams, Elaine Wood

*Board Officers were voted on by the Board of Directors at their Board Meeting held February 19, 2024, after this article was submitted. Go to our web site for Officers, other information, to donate.

Please Join Us! St Patrick’s Day Spring Celebration!

All Members and Non-Member Cresswind Residents Welcome!

1st Quarter Meeting & Social

Friday March 15th, Ballroom 3:00 -4:30

Business Meeting - 2024 is off to a successful start! Refreshments, Entertainment, Social Entertainment: Special Saint Patrick’s Day Performers and Music!

Thank You Members – Volunteers – Donors – Sponsors You are The Spirit of Cresswind!

Cresswind LL Community Fund Mission Statement:

To enhance the lives of adults primarily 55 and older, through charitable, educational, medical health related & cultural opportunities in Gainesville & Hall County

*The Spirit of Cresswind, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, HELP THE HUNGRY, H elp Me Please and The Cresswind LL Community Fund are service marks of Cresswind LL Community Fund. The Cresswind LL Community Fund is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization. Donations can be either General or Restricted to a specific program and are tax deductible by law in compliance with IRS policy Copyright © 2024 The Cresswind LL Community Fund, Inc. All rights reserved.