The Waterfall May/June 2024

HOA Staff

770-536-3300

Community Association General Manager

Angie Griffin

Angie.griffin@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 Vacant

Helpful Numbers:

Emergency: 911

City of Gainesville 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 visit 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 newsletter is provided at no cost to our community and is printed and mailed to each residence from advertising profit. Support the advertisers who make 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

Cover picture provided by Paul Brown

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS

As previously announced, the Board of Directors (Board) has decided to change our property management provider from FirstService Residential (FSR) to Community Management Associates (CMA). The Board believes that this decision was made in the best interests of our residents and our community. It’s important and worthwhile to clarify the process used in making this decision.

The contract with FSR expires July 31, 2024. However, there was a required 90-day notification clause if the contract was not being renewed, so any decision had to be made well before the May 2, 2024 deadline. Since the current contract with FSR was intended to meet Kolter’s needs during the development of our community, we wanted a contract based on our community’s needs today and moving forward.

In March of 2023 an ad hoc committee was formed to develop and issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to potential property management vendors, including FSR. This committee was comprised of CLL residents, each with a significant background in areas such as: HOA Board operations, contracts, RFP development and response, vendor management, finance, and Information Technology (IT).

Following some advice given by an expert in the property management industry, the team started first with a review of the current contract as well as researching best practices from a recognized authority in community management. Using this as a basis, the team developed an initial set of comprehensive requirements that addressed all areas of maintenance, management, operations, and control of the Association. All members of the Board were asked to respond to a questionnaire developed to identify requirements and were subsequently interviewed to gain additional input. All committee chairs were also interviewed to get their input and suggestions.

After the Board approved the committee’s

requirements, the RFP and a list of questions were sent to six vendors. In November of 2023, the committee met with five vendors (one vendor declined). During this session, all vendors were given a tour of our beautiful campus and an opportunity to learn more about us. This was done to help them understand the complexities of our community and our requirements.

In early December RFP submissions from four interested vendors were received. The committee members independently reviewed and evaluated each submission. An initial blind polling was done before the committee met to review and discuss their independent evaluations. That poll clearly indicated that one vendor stood out from all the rest.

In February 2024 the committee presented its findings and recommendations to the Board. This included an evaluation of all four vendors and their ability to manage our community, administer maintenance programs, organize lifestyle activities, and provide a financial reporting system at a competitive cost.

After comprehensive meetings were held with two vendors, CMA was selected as the preferred vendor. CMA has an excellent reputation within the property management industry and has been rated the #1 Property Management Company in Georgia for the last 19 consecutive years by the Community Association Institute.

CMA has developed an extensive Transition Plan for our community. The Board is working diligently with FSR and CMA to make all phases of the transition go as smoothly as possible. While the Board believes the transition will not have a significant impact on residents, we are asking for your patience and assistance as we make this change in management companies. The Board will keep the community informed of the progress, as well as conduct training sessions to introduce new processes such as how to submit your HOA fees, How To videos, website features, and more.

WHAT ARE THOSE BLACK STAINS ON MY ROOF?

Submitted

by:

Bill Power, Architectural Review Committee (ARC)

Concerned about the black stains on my roof shingles I contacted the local representative for GAF, the manufacturer of most of the roof shingles used here in Cresswind, and asked “What are those black stains on my roof?” Their answer was simple, the black stains is Algae. The information that follows is reprinted from a GAF technical advisory bulletin with the permission of GAF.

Algae spreads from one infected roof to another via airborne spores. These spores land randomly on a roof and take root. A protective sheath creates a dark color the algae form to protect itself from UV rays.

Algae is found throughout the U.S. but are excessive in Southeastern U.S. You see, algae require moisture and proper temperature to grow and Cresswind is smack dab in the middle of an area known for a perfect combination of moisture and temperature. Dew is the primary moisture source and algae generally grow on the northern exposures of the roof since this is the exposure that generally receives the least sunlight.

So, the question is, what solutions do I have when shingle replacement is not an option? GAF recommends cleaning the roof with a special mixture. That mixture is: 4 gallons (18.2 L) of water, I gallon (4.5 L) of bleach and 1 cup (236 mL) of TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate or acceptable phosphate-free substitute) found at many home centers. Apply this mixture with a garden sprayer, let sit on the roof surface for up to 20 minutes, and then rinse with low-pressure, no pressure water. Remember that the roof surface will become slippery when wet, so this job is best left to a professional that specializes in no pressure roof cleaning.

Do not power/pressure wash to clean the shingles. Some roof cleaning companies offer this service. However, GAF does not recommend power washing as it may dislodge granules, which can lead to premature shingle failure. Again, find a contractor that specializes in no-pressure roof washing services and remind your contractor to protect your shrubs below from cleaning solution.

GAF Technical Services can assist you… with these and other questions you may have regarding your roof. Their Technical Support Services can be contacted at (800) 766-3411. The GAF website is a great resource for just about any question you may have about your roof shingles. Please visit www.gaf.com to find the latest information on their products.

Marina Meet & Greet Gathering

Submitted by: Mark Williams On Tuesday June 4th, 2024, we will have a Meet and Greet Gathering and a Q&A for the Cresswind Marina Committee. 5:30 to 7:30pm. Every slip rights user and two guests are invited. Please bring name tags and enough food/dessert/BYOB for yourselves and extra for other members to share. Brats and chicken fingers will be provided. We will meet at the Pavilion (next to court one). Rain or shine as the pavilion is covered and the weather should be warm. Questions email Mark Williams (mark.s.williams@charter.net)

COVENANTS, RULES & REGULATIONS COMMITTEE

MANUAL REVISIONS IN PROGRESS

Submitted by: Debra White

Members of the CRCC are working hard to revise the Rules and Regulations Manual to better meet the Committee objectives:

• Protection of the common interest and rights of all residents.

• Promote a harmonious community.

• Ensure orderly operations and use of the common areas for the good of all owners, residents, and guests.

• Enhance the common safety and living environment.

• Protect and enhance the value of the community. With these objectives in mind, the CRCC diligently sought input from the Cresswind community and commits to presenting all homeowner inputs to the

Board for consideration. We recognize the manual is too long, and our focus with this revision was improving clarity by questioning why every rule is needed. This revision process included justifying each rule for enforceability, sustainability, and/or proposing deletion of the rule.

As we continue the revision process, we will propose all changes to the Board for approval/ disapproval or additional editing before insertion into the Manual. The new, revised Rules and Regulations Manual will be posted on the Cresswind website for homeowners. We appreciate your support and patience in this process as it will greatly benefit all Cresswind homeowners. Feel free to contact CRCC Committee members if you have any questions or comments on the Cresswind website at: Our Community/Committees/ Covenants and Rules and Regulations Committee.

Welcome Committee

Submitted by: Sandy St George

Your Cresswind Welcome Committee sure has been busy lately! In addition to welcoming new neighbors to our fabulous community, we’ve been adding and training new members on the Welcome Committee. We are ready to serve!

The Welcome Committee hosted a New Homeowner Orientation meeting on March 20th. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce new homeowners to First Services, the HOA, and to get a small flavor of the 104 clubs and 13 committees that are active in our community. We look forward to continuing to help new residents learn the in’s and out’s of living in Cresswind. We would like to welcome the following new neighbors to Cresswind:

Thomas and Nanette Alexandris 3473 Locust Cove Road

Ken and Debra Young 3016 Scarlet Oak Lane

Donna Reed 3524 Locust Cove

Taylor and Susan Fisher 3172 Willow Creek

Randy and Janet Johnson 3932 Bloomfield Way

Mike and Pam Cantley 3392 Sweet Plum Trace

Brad and Eileen Dobbins 3610 Cedarwood Lane

David Currie 3418 Locust Cove Road

George and Cheryl Stewart 3320 Locust Cove Road

Ian Williams and Zoe Verriest 3272 Indian Hawthorne Ridge

Nelda Williamson 3317 Locust Cove Road

HEALTH & FITNESS COMMITTEE

Submitted By:

Laurie Solomon

The Balance Assessment with students from Brenau University was held and 20 residents were checked for balance, strength and flexibility. Balance is involved in every activity of daily life. Please let the Committee know if you would be interested in us repeating this program. The Center for the Visually Impaired will hold a seminar on Friday May 3 from 10:30-12:30. Sign-up sheet for 50 people will be at the front desk.

We have added Nikki Cole, a certified personal trainer and nutritionist for individual workouts. She is scheduled to be in Cresswind on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Her business card reflecting contact information is available in the Fitness Center.

There are many reasons for residents to enjoy using the spa (hot tub) in the pool area. It is important to adhere to the rules posted on the wall. No individuals under the age of 18 are allowed in the hot tub. It is for the safety of both residents and younger people. Adults can experience many health benefits from using the spa, but there can be dangers for some who are on certain medications and have underlying medical conditions. Please check with your physician if you have reason for concern. It is advisable to start off with 10-15 minutes and spend a maximum of

30 minutes. The benefits of proper usage include relaxation, pain relief, improved sleep, better circulation, and stress reduction.

Water exercise in the pool is a jointfriendly, low-impact form of activity that provides resistance to help maintain healthy muscle tone.

The pool can be a place to escape the rigorous pounding of land workouts. Regular participation in water training can increase strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning. Water workouts offer a way of maintaining fitness without the negative effect of impact activities. The gravitational pull on the body is reduced by nearly 99% when you are submerged to neck level. Equipment such as aqua shoes, foam dumbbells, kick boards, pool noodles and resistance bands are all beneficial for a pool workout. With the benefit of lower gravity and greater buoyancy pool workouts can increase range of motion and flexibility.

Water Aerobics with Patricia is offered M,W,F from 8:30-9:30. Classes with Stacey are on T&Th from 9:45-10:45. Poolates with Sharon are held T&Th from 11-12.

Taking the plunge into water fitness offers an opportunity for cross training and almost everyone can benefit from what it can offer. It provides an effective, safe, and refreshing workout.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Submitted by: Pat Green and Debbie Aery Spring has not come quietly to Cresswind Lake Lanier; no, we are way too active for that! We’ve danced to The Regulators, laughed with Harry O’Donoghue, been challenged in Trivia with Jen, and searched for huge Easter Eggs! And that was just in March. April brought music from two of our resident bands – Out Past Nine and Just Jazz – and our first big outdoor concert with The Ray Howard Band. In addition to our Mother’s Day celebration, May

will bring even more music with the Pool Opening Party with Good Measure Band. In June we will have the return of Recy cling Day, another Trivia with Jen and a Pool Party. Be sure to stay in the know about all the activities we have planned for you through reading the Daily Update emails from Jennifer.

COMMITTEE CORNER

LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE

Submitted by: Karen Silverthorn

Need inspiration for your garden? Interested in discovering new plants or combination of plants that will work in our area? Want some design ideas? May is the month for garden tours. This year the Hall County Master Gardeners will host their biennial Garden Walk on May 18th. This is a self-guided tour of six private gardens in our county. The Garden Walk offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced gardeners, ask questions, and gather inspiration for your garden projects. Find more information on their website: hallmastergardeners.com. Always spectacular is the Gainesville Atlanta Botanical Garden (atlantabg. org/Gainesville). These gardens highlight plants largely native to Georgia. Throughout the summer, the Botanical Gardens offer special exhibits and events. For a shorter and free garden tour, discover the gardens at the Hall County School District offices on Green Street in Gainesville. Often used for school tours and education, it features an area of native plants and a pollinator garden, visited by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. A conifer garden features sensory-friendly trees that are both prickly and soft-tothe-touch. School children have contributed to a fairy garden complete with tiny homes and gems. A wonderful garden to visit with grandchildren! There is still time to add plants to your garden, including shrubs, trees, perennials, and annuals. For small spaces, consider growing in containers. Roses, blueberries, dwarf conifers and even small trees in containers will

add interest to a patio. To make care easier, check out installing a drip system in your pots and garden. Drip systems are available at all home improvement stores and are easy to install. By adding a timer, you control the amount and frequency of watering. Saving water is a huge bonus of drip systems!

Once you have done your research and worked up a plan, perhaps with the help of a professional, it is time to involve the Landscape Committee. Do you know when you must file an application for plan approval and when you don’t?

An External Improvement Request (EIR-1) form (available on Cresswind’s website) is required in these instances:

(a) Removal of trees and/or shrubs currently existing on the property

(b) Planting trees and/or shrubs on the property significantly alters the current landscape design. This includes placement of new beds and/or extension of existing beds. Note: Installation of structures, including water features, underground

drainage, boulders, or raised landscape beds (considered hardscape) requires approval of the Architecture Review Committee.

An EIR-1 is not required in these instances:

(a) Planting or replacement of either annual and/or perennial plants or shrubs that do not noticeably alter the current landscape design.

(b) Replacement of dead shrubs when they are replaced with identical or similar shrubs.

(c) Replacing previously approved pine bark nuggets or cypress mulch in any beds and/or other areas on the property

Refer to Ch.5-4.1 of the Cresswind Rules and Regulations Manual for general rules that govern adding or removing trees and shrubs.

Yes, spring showers do bring lots of May flowers and weeds! Weekly weeding will keep the unwanted growth from overcrowding the lovely plants you are cultivating!

Reference “Month-By-Month Gardening” by Walter Reeves and Erica Glasser.

Paul Brown and Betsy Robertson have lived in Cresswind since 2014. Paul spent his working career as a graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer. He retired as creative director of external publications at Georgia State University after working there for 29 years. Paul has provided graphic design and photography for many projects at Cresswind, primarily for the Cresswind Neighborhood Theater and The Waterfall. A native Gainesvillian, Betsy grew up just three miles south of Cresswind off McEver Road. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and worked for most of her career in the areas of media relations and publications at Kennesaw State, Georgia State, and Auburn universities. She retired three years ago after serving as a national account representative for South Burlington, Vt.-based Lane Press, where she specialized in alumni magazine printing. Paul is a regular in the Cresswind Bowling League, while Betsy occupies her time reading and working as a medical actor with the Northeast Georgia Health System and as a bailiff for Hall County State Court. They both love the community and the many friends they’ve made here.

CLL-TRAFFIC & ROAD USE (TRU) COMMITTEE

CLL-TRAFFIC & ROAD USE (TRU) COMMITTEE

Submitted By: John Stevens

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.

Debbie fox has joined the CLL Traffic and Road Use Committee. As an avid CLL walker and cyclist, Debbie has been a longtime advocate of more courteous and safer road use in our community. She’ll bring her own ‘near-miss’ experiences on CLL roads as well as her own thoughts on how we all could share the road in ways that will help minimize personal injury risk to our CLL friends and neighbors. When you see Debbie, PLEASE THANK HER for volunteering her time and effort for our collective benefit.

RADAR SPEED SIGN: The Radar Speed Sign continues its ‘trek’ through Cresswind at Lake Lanier. It was last moved on 01 April and will again be relocated come July. Several residents who live on Cresswind Parkway have shared their observation that there “seems to be less crazy speeding now that people can see how fast they are really going.” Which, of course, is the intent of the feedback given to drivers as they travel CLL roads.

CLL TRAFFIC & ROAD USE COMMUNITY

SURVEY: The TRU Committee is preparing a community-wide survey to collect resident views about CLL road use issues and concerns. The survey will help shape BOD priorities going forward and include opportunities for residents to share ideas and suggestions for addressing those concerns. Survey results will be shared with residents via a presentationand-discussion forum. Stand-by…more to come!

CROSSWALKS & STOP-LINES

Speed data recordings show that drivers, as a whole, are becoming more mindful of their speed when traveling on CLL roads.

FIVE

CLL TRAFFIC & ROAD USE CONCERNS

• Unmarked Crosswalks

• Lane Drift on Curves

• Wrong Way /Failure to Yield in Roundabouts

• Speeding

• Obstructed Lines of Sight

The TRU Committee with the help from the CCF-Help-Me-Please Programs and residentvolunteers from the community continue to paint unmarked crosswalks as well as re-paint roadway STOP sign lines. Enhancing the visibility of both markings will aid walkers and drivers alike as they use CLL roads. WANT TO HELP? Contact John Stevens, Chair-TRU Committee.

Near You

TRAILS AND PATHWAYS COMMITTEE NEWS

Submitted by: David Rames

The Trails and Pathways Committee was busy throughout the Winter planning for 2024, and then using the beautiful Spring weather to complete numerous trail improvements. The projects below were completed by the Committee, and our wonderful Trails Workgroup for less than $400:

• Reroute Robin Trailhead at Bluebird: The old location had much erosion. The new location provides a fresh start, and less water flow from the natural landscape and White Magnolia Chase storm drains. This was ‘Step 1’, as there is still erosion to address at the low point.

• Widen and Flatten Ridge on Robin: The trail was narrow and sloped. The improvements removed rocks, widened, and flattened that section. Maybe you’ve noticed!

• Add Flat Bridge on Robin at Detention Pond Outlet: The detention pond outlet drained water across the trail. A simple flat bridge was added allowing hikers to avoid the ditch and water.

• Repair Cardinal and Goldfinch Bridges: Our trail bridges are ~15 years old. For the Cardinal Trail, we replaced two rotted rail posts, some rotted deck boards, and the rail rope. Post caps were added to both bridges to prevent further rotting.

Other Committee news:

• Trails Maps: Look for the updated Cresswind Neighborhood Map on the website Committee page of this issue--now with our six trails added for a high-level orientation. And we are working to enhance the individual trail maps with more detail for you to discern which trails are right for your enjoyment.

• Signage: Look for additional and re-

freshed ‘trail name’ signs over the next few months.

• Trails and Pathways Survey: You may remember the trails usage survey conducted at the end of 2023. We expect to share those results in the next Waterfall issue.

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

Spotlight on our Trails:

Hopefully you enjoyed the beauty of our wooded trails this Spring. Maybe it was the flowering Dogwood amongst soon-to-sprout gray landscape. Or, the native Azalea on Robin, and off the slopes of Bluebird. Or the leafing out of a variety of 200-foot trees, in all shades of green. To introduce Summer, look for the Mountain Laurel which should be in bloom throughout May.

Time

8:30 AM

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

MAY/JUNE 2024 SCHEDULE

8:30-9:30AM Water Aerobics with Patricia

9-9:55AM $ Yoga with Carmen 9-10AM Water Aerobics with Stacey 9:45-10:45am $ Gentle Yoga with Sharon

10:15-11:15am Low Impact Aerobics DVD with Maureen 10-11AM Strength and Stretch DVD Class with Steve and Kathy

11:00 AM 11:10AM-12:10PM Strength with Wendy W.

12:00 PM 12-1PM $ Adult Ballet with Cheryl

1:00 PM

1:15-2:15PM $ Tai Chi for Everyone with Cheryl

8:30-9:30AM Water Aerobics with Patricia

9-9:55AM $ Yoga with Carmen

9-10AM Water Aerobics with Stacey

9:45-10:45am $ Gentle Yoga with Sharon

10:15-11:15am Low Impact Aerobics DVD with Maureen 10-11AM Strength and Stretch DVD Class with Steve and Kathy

11:10AM-12:10PM Strength with Wendy W.

8:30-9:30AM 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

12:30-12:30PM Choreography with Wendy O.

12:30-2:30PM Clogging Dance Club Wendy O.

1:30-2:30pm Beginner Line Dance with Wendy O.

2:00 PM 2:30-3:30PM $ Advanced Tai Chi with Cheryl 2-3PM Traditional Line Dance with Eleanor 2-3PM Traditional Line Dance with Eleanor

3:00

PM 3:00-4:00PM Intro to Line Dance Cardio Training Class

2:30-3:30PM Hula Dance

4:00 PM 4:00-5:00PM Pilates with Karin 4:00-5:00PM Line Dance Cardio 4:00-5:00PM Line Dance Cardio

6:30 PM 6:308:00PM Line Dance Cardio

Clubs AT CRESSWIND

For additional information, please visit the Cresswind website at: https://www.cresswindatll.com/clubs/.

NEW CLUBS

Chess Club

Caregivers Coming Together

Arts and Crafts Clubs

Advanced Pottery

Artist’s Corner

Make & Take Crafts

Needlecraft

Quilting

Book Clubs

1st Tuesday Book Club

2nd Monday Book Club

3rd Monday Book Club

ABC Men’s Book Club

Between the Stacks

Book Babes

Book Buds

Book Worms

Cover to Cover Book Club

Reading Between the Wines Theatre Goers Book Club

Cards / Games

Bridge: Education: Computer

Bridge: Education: Cards

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

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

Social Singles

Travel Club

Veterans Club (501(c)3)

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

See Cresswind Website for details.

2nd Quarter Meeting

Wednesday, June 19th

On the Green & Pavilion*

3:00 – 4:30

Everyone Welcome!

Community Fund Members and Cresswind Non-Members

Social, Refreshments, Entertainment, Business Meeting, Special Guests, Giveaway Raffle! And Always a Few Surprises!

*If Rain then event will be in the Clubhouse Ballroom

We Raise Funds and Grant Funds with Your Donation Help Programs and Campaigns Help Local Gainesville - Hall Seniors in Need

o FOCUS 55+ - Help “individual” 55+ seniors in need, sponsored by Gainesville-Hall organizations and churches.

o Dementia Program Hall County – Support families and individuals through Beyond Dementia / Hall County Coalition

o Grandparents Raising Grandchildren*- Financial assistance to Grandparent lead families.

o Help Me Please * Service Program – Your Donations for work done by volunteers go directly to Hall Local Senior Charities

o HELP THE HUNGRY* – Help Support Gainesville - Hall County Food Banks

o Medical Workers & Health Organizations – Support to Good News Clinics, medical workers, other health-related

o The Spirit of Cresswind 6th Annual Golf Tournament – FIRST RESPONDER Fire-Police-Sheriff Free Golf Day

o Cresswind Community Projects – In cooperation with the HOA - Community Benches, AED units, Handicap Access Ramp, Fitness Center Rowing Machine-Stretching Table, Ballroom Sound System, Flags & Materials for curbside flags.

GO TO OUR WEBSITE FOR PHOTOS OF EVENTS, MEETINGS, RECOGNITION

www.cwcfund.org

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, Help 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.

How Much Are You Really Paying?

By Chris Moore

One of the most common questions in investment management is, “What are the fees?” This question comes up in nearly every client meeting, and rightfully so. The fee conversation is a hot topic; let’s define why. In today’s environment, for as little as 10 basis points (.10%) or less, you can purchase very well-known equity-type index mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning that you can enjoy nearly the same performance as the underlying index for very little cost. However, you will not receive active management, as it is simply a position to hold or sell when the investor deems appropriate.

The fear of substantial losses, as happened in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2008, has prompted many investors to hire a professional to look after their accounts. One of the easiest ways to hire a professional with a relatively low initial investment is by way of actively managed mutual funds. Mutual

funds became very popular in the 20th century because of the uncertainty and anxiety about market losses. The concept is paying a professional manager inside the fund to buy and sell positions for gain and provide diversification. However, you must understand that this comes at a cost. The disclosed cost of a mutual fund is described in the fund’s prospectus. But, what are the undisclosed fees? The cost of buying and selling those positions? The taxable gain (hopefully) being paid? The cost of cash being held inside the funds? The average expense ratio (disclosed fee) for a large-cap mutual fund is 1%, but it may be lower with passively managed funds.

It doesn’t stop there. If a mutual fund is actively managed, there is something known as a transaction cost. This is the cost to buy and sell positions inside the fund. The average annual transaction cost is 1.44%. How about the tax cost for non-retirement accounts? That has an effect as well. Because a mutual fund will hopefully provide taxable gains over time, there is a tax cost as well. On average, that is an additional 1% annually. Oh, and what about those cash positions buried inside the funds? Let me explain: If you place $500,000 in a fund, and there is a 10% cash position (for purposes of liquidity, etc.), the cash will not earn the return of the fund that year. In this scenario, if the fund has an 8% return, the 10% in cash ($50,000) did not earn the 8%. There is a drag on the performance due to this. The long-term effect is a .83% performance drag.

This is where the question of, “What am I paying?” starts to come into focus. If we add up the averages for a non-retire -

ment account, there lies a 4.27% annual fee (3.27% for retirement accounts). On a $500,000 investment, that equals $21,350 in annual fees. What if you hold that investment for 10 years? This is what I refer to as “money falling through the cracks.” You may want to redirect this money back into your account. How? Consider using the abovementioned ETFs and pay a professional to actively manage those individually. For some investors, the low cost of those ETFs makes a lot of sense. And let’s not forget about stocks. There is no cost to hold them other than the transaction cost to buy and sell. Think about that: If you have a $500,000 investment with 50% in ETFs at .1% and 50% in stocks at 0%, this is a much lower cost alternative. But, you may ask, “Who is going to buy and sell these instruments, and what will they charge?” For this, you may want to utilize a registered investment advisor firm. Let’s say the firm charges 1% annually to manage that portfolio. In this scenario, your fees would be $5,000 for the active management and $250 for the ETF expense charges (50% ETF at $250,000 X .1% = $250 year). Some professionals may even pick up the tab on the transaction costs incurred. The advisor should have every incentive to preserve and grow this asset. After all, if you incur losses, the advisor’s management fee is less.These are simple alternatives that can add up to large fee savings over time. In a nutshell, know what you are paying so you can make an informed decision that is in your best interest.

Moore’s

Tracy L. Lovell, MD, FACR, CCD

Yashswee KC, MD

Charlsie Taylor, PA-C

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ARTISTS CORNER

Submitted by: Diana Thurmon

Artists Corner meets each Tuesday in the Arts & Crafts Room from 9 am to noon. We are excited to be producing works in acrylic, oils and watercolor. Come and explore your creative side. Call Diana Thurmon for tips on what to bring and what is provided. 678-481-7644

BIBLE STUDY CLUBS

May - June 2024

The Cresswind Bible Study Clubs held the first ever Alpha Course.

WHAT IS ALPHA?

Alpha is a series of interactive sessions exploring the Christian faith. Alpha is about Jesus, drawing closer to Him and pointing and guiding others to Him. Alpha runs all around the world and over 30 million people have gone through the course.

Alpha consists of sharing a meal, viewing a video and then a discussion about the video. Questions of life are addressed and discussed. No question is too complex or too simple to ask.

While the current Alpha course is filled (space was limited), watch for announcements of the next course. While waiting for the next Alpha, if you feel led to study the Bible on a regular basis, there are many opportunities here in Cresswind.

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

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

Couples Bible studies meet in private homes throughout the community. Joanne Randall joran1088@gmail.com

The In-Home Women’s Bible Study meets in a resident’s home. Jacquie Waldron rejoice2@yahoo.com “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

meets the third Wednesday of the month at 1:00pm in the clubhouse library. We only read and discuss nonfiction books. Recently we read “Running Out of Time” by Cresswind author Jeff Lehman; “His Majesty’s Airship” by S.C. Gwynne; and “A Wing and A Prayer” by Harry Crosby The ABCs is open to any Cresswind male who may be interested in reading and discussing non-fiction books. More info? 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 completed the 2023/24 Season on April 10th with a roll off between the first and second half winners along with an 8/9 pin tournament for all other regular Cresswind bowlers. The first half winners were the Super Bowl Team of Fred Irvin, Sue Fouse, Tom Stagl, and Bill Swan. The second half winners were not known at the time we went to press. Updates will be in the next issue of the Waterfall.

The 2023/24 year end wrap up meeting was held on April 17th in the clubhouse ballroom. At this meeting the individual and team prize money was distributed. There will be a summer session beginning on May 22nd and ending on July31st (No bowling the week of July 4th). If there are any questions, suggestions or you would like to join the Cresswind

Bowling Club, please contact any of the board members. The board members and their contact information can be found on the Cresswindatll.com webpage.

SAMBA CARD CLUB

Submitted by: Mary Ann Hoyle

The Samba card players have been having fun all year, and if you enjoy socializing, playing cards, or always wanted to learn, we want you! We meet every Friday at 12:30 in the Billiards Room. You can join in or sit and watch to learn. We’re all happy to welcome new and experienced players! If you have ever played canasta or hand and foot, you can learn Samba quickly. We welcome all Cresswind residents - men and women. Come see why we are all smiling so much! For more information, contact Mary Ann Hoyle. See you there!

CRESSWIND CHESS CLUB

Submitted by: Steve Siebold

The newly formed Cresswind Chess Club (CCC) conducted its first meeting on April 9, 2024, and is actively seeking new members. This is an amateur, nontournament club focused on playing social chess for fun and entertainment. All levels are welcome, including those who are interested in learning the game. The club meets every other Tuesday evening from 6:30pm-8pm in the Savannah Room. For more information, contact club President Steve Siebold at steve@steveontv.com or 770-530-1004.

CIC INVESTMENT CLUB

Submitted By: Louise Dunn

The seasons go round and round and the stock market goes up and down. Seasonally, May is often considered to be a time to sell and go away. Will this hold true this year? Or will certain sectors of the market bust out this Spring?

Stay tuned. You are welcome to visit the CIC Investment Club meetings to sit in on our discussions about seasonal opportunities with stocks. Meetings are on the first Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Clubhouse kitchen. Contact Jack George jgeorge263@gmail.com or Rich Lynt richardklynt3@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

As a service to the entire community, the Club hosts guest financial presentations during the year open to all Cresswind residents. On May 22, Jeff Sulka of Edward Jones will present on financial fraud awareness, making the most of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), and understanding statements.

COMMUNITY GARDEN CLUB

Submitted by: Lance Haney

Spring came early and the Cresswind Community Garden has exploded to life with brilliant color! Cresswind residents are always invited and encouraged to stroll through the Community Garden and the adjacent Serenity Garden to enjoy the colors, sounds, and smells of the garden and nature!

Join us for our Spring Garden Open House on Sunday, June 23rd, in the cool of the evening, 7pm-9pm. Come enjoy the garden, live music and refreshments with your friends and neighbors!

Each week there will be new and different plants in bloom, so visit our Community Garden regularly to see all the colors and changes. The peonies will be prettier than ever, as we added quite a few more in 2023. Our new native American Wisteria around the front gate promises to be breathtaking. The Wild Black Cherry tree is blooming for the first time. Irises, Gladioli and Lilies will be showing off too!

All Cresswind residents are always welcome to join us for our monthly Community Garden Club meetings where we have expert speakers to share about a variety of gardeningrelated topics. Dates and times are Thursday, May 16th, 1:00pm in the ballroom and Thursday, June 20th, 1:00pm in the ballroom.

To get Cresswind Community Garden Club news and helpful tips for home gardening become a Friend-of-theGarden. It’s free. You can volunteer, donate, and be invited to take part in all Garden Club activities and events. Just email us at cresswind.garden.club@gmail.com to be added to the contact list. Want to rent a garden box at the Community Garden? Contact Susan Dodd at susan8405@comcast.net to get on the waiting list. Join us on Facebook at Cresswind at LL Community Garden.

“NEW” HELP ME PLEASE SERVICECOMPANIONCARE*

The Community Fund’s HELP ME PLEASE (HMP) Program introduces CompanionCare* Service to give Cresswind resident caregivers time off and relief from their daily routine.

The service helps caregivers get away for a few hours from their daily caring activity of a family member. It provides an opportunity to take “time off” for errands, an appointment, shopping, time for themselves, etc.

We have assembled a Specialized Team of HMP volunteers exclusively dedicated to help Cresswind caregivers by being a companion to their family member-loved one.

If you are caring for a family member and interested in receiving this heartfelt service, please go to www.cwcfund. com, find the HMP Red Button

For more CompanionCare* information, details, guidelines, contact Bud Baker, HMP Manager budbaker2@gmail.com or Linda Keck HMPKECK@GMAIL.COM.

If you have a Cresswind caregiver friend or neighbor who could use this new service, please forward this information to them. *CompanionCare is a service mark of Cresswind LL Community Fund, Inc.

THE COOKING CLUB

Submitted by: Robin Foster

The Kentucky Derby is back! On Saturday, May 5th, the Cooking Club will host a Derby party in the ballroom. There will be a photo booth with props, so come dressed in your very best outfit. One highlight of the event is enjoying all the beautiful hats that will be worn. Resident races will again be run, and we will view the Derby race from the projector screen. The menu will consist of pimento cheese, crackers and fruit as appetizers and pork sliders, macaroni and cheese, tossed green salad, bourbon brownies and banana pudding as the main meal. A social was held in April to generate our volunteers and finalize details.

On Saturday, March 30th, the Cooking Club prepared a pancake breakfast for guests of the Spring Fling. Pancakes with many available toppings, fruit, and coffee were served. It was a nice compliment to the Spring Fling activities.

There is a club picnic planned for some time in June. Stay tuned for details.

Cooking School has quite a calendar of classes planned for 2024. Guests returned to the Greenbox Mushroom Farm with 2 field trips in March and April. It is a very popular trip. April 14th, Four Guys and a Gal returned this year with a Greek Brunch. A Sous Vide Demo/Tasting class is planned for May 22nd. Plant- Based Trace is scheduled for June21st. If you are interested in eating more plant-based food this is the class for you. She is a local organic chef who offers prepared meals from her website. On July 10th, Lori Ruzek, from Cucina Milano, will provide a lunch and dinner with a Spanish theme. Cooking School is also planning an Appetizer and Wine Pairing class on September 24th. October 8th has 2 of our residents offering a class preparing Salmon 3 Ways and November 20th there will be a class entitled Seafood Delight. Please consider volunteering for one of your club’s events or cooking school classes. They cannot happen without you.

CRESSWIND CHORUS

Submitted by: Chuck Bridwell

Cresswind Chorus has a fantastic SPRING MUSIC SPECTACULAR with 80 singers and enthusiastic audiences. The Chorus is off until September at which time they will begin preparation for their HOLIDAY MUSIC CELEBRATION, December 5-7.

However, something special is happening this summer. The Summer Hummers (Chorus Men’s Choir) will be presenting their third annual show in two performances, August 22 & 23. It features favorite songs from the past accompanied by a 7-piece instrumental combo.

C A L L I N G A L L S T O R Y T E L L E R S

Submitted by: Bert Emma

Every year the Cresswind Storytellers present a Showcase of stories for all to enjoy. If you have an interest in telling a story, please contact Bert Emma (bemmajr@gmail.com).

Diane Rooks, Phyllis Solgere, and Bert Emma will work with you on creating and telling an interesting story to share in the Showcase. Stories are about 5 minutes in length and the best stories also have a message for the audience.

Everyone should save the date for the October 2425, 2024 Storytelling Showcase. Also, Come to the Next Cresswind Storyteller’s meeting on the Third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm in the Ballroom. You can tell a story or just come listen – you will enjoy it and have fun! www.cresswindpa.com/storytelling

CRESSWIND NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE

Submitted by: Rich St. George

The Cresswind Neighborhood Theatre is gearing up to bring you their spring production of FOUR OLD BROADS by Leslie Kimbell. When Beatrice Shelton wants to go on vacation, she wants it to be memorable and fun and God help anyone that gets in the way. Unfortunately, a new employee at Magnolia Assisted Living IS getting in her way…but why. And why are so many residents ending up on ‘the dark side’ all of a sudden. Can she rally the BROADS to figure it out so they can still go on that much needed vacation? And why does the Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen pageant have to take

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

place at the same time? All these questions and more will be answered to those that attend one of our performances. The shows are May 16-18 at 7PM in the ballroom. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by going to the CPAC website at www.cresswindpa.com/four-old-broads. Come on out and see neighbors entertaining neighbors!

CAST:

Julie Edmonson – Beatrice Shelton

Kathy Stoessel – Eddy May Clayton

Kim Fallona – Imogene Fletcher

Sherry Roberts – Maude Jenkins

Wayne Blum – Sam Smith

Sandy St George – Pat Jones

Debbie Seymour – Ruby Sue Bennett

This show is directed by Rich St George and assistant directed by Carol Kruskamp.

VARIETY SHOW #11!!!

Submitted by: Nancy Evans

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to think about your act for the Variety Show coming up in September. The show dates are September 19th & 20th, with tech rehearsals earlier that same week. Whether you sing, dance, juggle, tell jokes, play an instrument, or do dog tricks---we hope that you will consider being in our show. Time and space are limited so watch the Daily Update for further details in June about getting your act registered. We usually only have room for about 15 acts. If you have questions, please contact Nancy Evans via email at naevans50@gmail.com.

Should you be new to Cresswind and are unsure what the Variety Show is, please go to www.cresswindpa.com and find pictures and information about our past shows. This is ALWAYS a great hit with our audiences, so please consider joining us. We’re working on a slightly different format for this year, so stay tuned!!! It’s going to be FUN!!!!!

KARAOKE CLUB

Submitted by: Heidi Anderson

The Karaoke Club meets the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Ballroom. There is no cost to attend. It is always a great evening of music and fun. We continue to have great attendance. All are welcome. Don’t want to sing? That’s ok come and listen to your neighbors and friends sing some of their favorite tunes. We hope you will join us!

OUT PAST NINE

Submitted By: John Stevens

Have You Heard the News…?

Have you heard the news…? It’s all over town… If you ain’t heard yet, then you better sit down.

I got the story here…it’s hot off the press.

Brace yourself now and take a deep breath.

Grab a hold of something, better hold on tight!

OUT PAST NINE rocked the house that night…!!

‘THAT NIGHT…’ was this past December when OUT PAST NINE played a private birthday party. The house was a-rockin with music, dance, food, drinks, and outdoor fireworks. Family and friends, and several carloads of Cresswinders, helped ‘get a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on’.

‘THAT NIGHT…’ happened again just a few weeks ago (19 April) when OUT PAST NINE played the CLL Lifestyle Friday Night Dance Event in the Ballroom. This event sold out a month in advance…wow!! Those who were able to snag tickets got to hear 18 new songs that helped open the doorway to many great ‘feel good’ memories from lives well lived.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON…

OUT PAST NINE will be playing downtown Gainesville on the Square on 29 May, and then entertaining at Lanier Village on 06 July.

On 13 July, OUT PAST NINE heads to Hiawassee, GA for the fourth time to play on the Town Square. Then we’re off to Andrews, NC to play at the Andrews Chamber of Commerce Food Truck Friday Event on 26 July.

Then it’s back to Cresswind to play for our friends and neighbors in the Ballroom on 11 Oct as part of the CPAC Presents Series. This you will not want to miss…!!! Fun and crazy…multiplied, with another 18-20 new songs not yet played in front of Cresswinders.

So…grab a hold of something, and better hold on tight…OUT PAST NINE is gonna rock the house that night…!!

CRESSWIND MODEL RAILROAD CLUB

Submitted by: Brian Olson

We’re off and running in 2024. Running trains that is! Club members are busy with their home layouts, making both short and long term plans for our modular layout and looking into opportunities in our community.

Gainesville’s Interactive Neighborhood for Kids aka INK, is building a new facility and the club is talking with them about plans for a train layout there.

Technology continues to evolve in our hobby as well, club members sharing ideas with each other. Look for us soon!

DINNER CLUB

Submitted By: Karen Silverthorn – Coordinator

Dinner Club enjoyed a lovely spring themed dinner in March with several new couples/pairs experiencing the dining experience for the first time. What a great way to really make new Cresswind friends! If you like to cook, then give Dinner Club a try. The fall Dinner Club dinners are planned for Sat. Oct. 5th and Sat. Nov. 2th, 2024….. mark your calendars now!

Anyone can join the Dinner Club at any time of the year. “Joining” just means that your name will be added to the evite list. By being on the membership list, you will receive notice of each event in advance and decide if you are able to attend. There are no annual fees or commitment to attend any of the 4 planned dinners per year.

Here is how Cresswind’s Dinner Club works: members gather four times a year in different Cresswind homes to enjoy outstanding multi-course meals. The menu and recipes are preset and emailed to participants in advance of each dinner. There are always a total of 4 couples/ pairs at each host home on the same night, all using the same recipes and making the same courses. Singles are welcome provided they find another single to pair with. Each couple/pair is assigned part of the meal to shop for and prepare. All food and beverage costs (average $55$75 per pair/couple) are shared equally among participants at each house at the end of the meal.

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!

CRESSWIND LADIES GOLF

Submitted by: Linda Loya

It is getting like that time again to get out and enjoy golfing. Cresswind ladies had an introductory meeting in February to discuss options. There will be an early morning golf group on Tuesdays that will Tee Off just after 7 am at Chattahoochee Golf course depending on availability. Available tee-times will be posted the Wednesday before and it will be on a first come basis. Contact for information is Linda Loye at lmloye1@aol.com. The Nine and Dine golf contact is Rita Misner at bttoomey@aol.com. Feel

free to set up your own golf groups to play by calling the local golf courses for availability of tee-times! Have a joyful day!

MEN’S GOLF CLUB

Submitted by: David McIntee

The Cresswind Men’s Golf League began play of the 2024 season at Chicopee Golf Club on Tuesday, March 5th. By the publication date, I’m sure we will have this cold and rainy weather behind us.

We have approximately 90 golfers on our membership list and are always looking to welcome new members of any skill level. There are no dues! We held our organizational meeting in March where Commissioner Rod Quisenberry outlined changes to our local rules and advised that there was going to be a focus on pace of play.

One notable change for 2024 will be that all play this season will be at Chicopee Woods. We will not be playing at other locations this season, mostly due to inconsistent availability. Sign-ups for Tuesday play is done though the Sign-Up Genius app. You must be registered to play by Saturday evening.

Our format is an 18-hole shot gun beginning at 9am sharp. All players are to be ready to go by 8:45. All players should be ready to play at 8:45. We play by “Q’s Rules” which offer ~slight modifications~ from the R&A/USGA Rules of Golf. Q Rules are intended to speed play and keep it fun. Winter rules apply all year. Scoring is reported and tracked throughout the season.

On Tuesday’s, please don’t be a no-show. If something prevents you from playing, please text Rod as soon as you know you can’t make it, including the morning of play. Tee times are at a premium and we want to be respectful to the course managers.

For a copy of Q Rules, get access to the App or have any questions, please contact Commissioner Rod Quisenberry phone 680-770-0397 or rquisenberry@ charter.net.

Commissioner Rod Quisenberry and Official Scorer Dave Wilson continue to do an amazing job for our league. Rod will be in his 10th season leading our group. All league members are grateful for their continued leadership. Rod has indicated that he will not be playing this coming season until at least the Fall. Looking to the future, if there are any players who would be interested in taking over the leadership, please let him know.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

CRESSWIND HIKING CLUB

Submitted by: Paula Burzotta

Cresswind Hiking Club is still up and running! Although the much-needed springtime rain forced us to cancel a couple of the North Georgia Mountain day “hiking outings”, Mother Nature sure has blessed us with incredible pretty flora and fauna.

The Annual Riverkeepers Cleanup IN CRESSWIND ONLY was canceled because of slick trails from the allnight downpour the night before. Kayak Club and boaters canceled as well. As we know, without our Kayakers and boats, it makes things very difficult for land cleanup.

Please remember as we walk along our trails and waterways, that we are a private community, meaning we are responsible for all trash and debris along all creeks, coves, shoreline, and the marina area which includes mainly plastics, aluminum, tin and yes, including fishing lines and lures. After all, Lake Sidney Lanier is our largest source of drinking water. Let’s help keep it clean.

Please consider volunteering to help lead and organize group hikes within and outside of our community. We really need folks to step up and keep this club going and hopefully it will become more than “a once per month hike” - and that’s if it’s not rained out!

Thank you all for your support! Here’s to healthy living in the Northern Piedmont Region of Georgia, close enough to view Mt. Yonah - among many other beautiful mountainous views from our pristine community.

*Remember to check out our Hummingbird Loop, across from Montgomery Road entrance. It’s just a 1/4 mile for a quick leisure walk in the woods… (green circle on my personal little Cresswind map:) Hike on!

KAYAK CLUB

Submitted by: Sherri Heckt-Boguski Spring is here and it is time to get out and enjoy our beautiful lake. Kayaking is a fun way to enjoy the lake and is good exercise.

• Weekly Group Paddles will start April 6th (weather permitting). The group will leave the dock at 9:00AM. Come and join the fun!

• We have tentatively planned a First Timers Introduction to Kayaking for May 4th. Please look in the Daily Update for more information.

• June 12th, Kayak Club meeting, Vertical Rack Lottery and social in the Lainer Room starting at 6:00. Note Kayak spaces in the vertical racks are for six months, January to June and July to December.

Hope to see you out on the lake!

LIVING STYLISHLY

Submitted by: Debbie Cox

Our first Living Stylishly event took place on February 27th at Cork It in Gainesville. It was a full house with pizza and plenty of wine served. It was good to see our club members catching up with each other and having a great time.

On March 14th, we hosted a “Situational Awareness” personal safety event featuring Barb Lester as our speaker. Barb had a lot of great tips for staying aware of our surroundings and what to do if caught in a dangerous situation. She kept us engaged with her humor and answered many questions the audience had. We enjoyed cookies and mimosas while learning how to stay safe. Our next event is a Wine and Cheese get together on June 13th. We have also scheduled a fun Bowling Night on July 22nd for bowlers and non-bowlers. More detailed information will be sent out soon.

MEXICAN TRAIN CLUB

Submitted by: Mary Ann Hoyle

Mexican Train is a domino game and is played the 2nd Thursday night of every month. We meet in Crow’s Nest from 7 to 9 PM. All Cresswind residents are invited, men and women. If you’ve never played Mexican Train before, just show up and we will show you how. It’s easy and a lot of fun. No sign ups, just come a little before 7 PM. We have three sets of numbered dominoes, but if you prefer, you can bring your own set. Bring quarters, because the winner of each game gets to collect a quarter from each player at their table of 4-6 players. We usually play about 10 games, so you have several chances to win!! Come join the fun! Watch the Daily Emails for reminders. Better yet, put it on your calendar now!

MISSIONS CLUB

Submitted by: Julie Philpott

Over 112 Cresswind residents purchased bingo cards to play at the Red, Blue, and WHITE ELEPHANT BINGO event that was held in March and benefited Helping Hands of Hall County (a local 501c3 that aids the homeless in Hall County). It was a fun night of winning white elephant prizes, and we had 14 drawings for raffle prizes / gift cards! We want to thank our benevolent neighbors, “Cresswind Neighbor Sponsors” and local sponsors who donated their time and money to allow us to give over $7,000 to Helping

Hands of Hall County.

On Monday, June 10th at 11am we will host HOTDOGS FOR HONDURAS in the Ballroom. Join us as Dr. John Kelley and his team share the awe-inspiring work that takes place each year to help heal the children and adults in ultra-poor communities in Honduras. We will dine on a hotdog lunch and collect donations at the door to aid the ongoing work there.

We love to have fun in Missions Club and serving others - join the club for no cost and get involved with our fall events! Email missions.club.cll@gmail.com and join us in doing good in our local and international communities. Blessings to you and your family.

PICKLEBALL CLUB NEWS

Submitted by: Cassie Caton

Welcome to Spring in Cresswind, to the explosion of color in our trees, shrubs, and flowers and to the arrival of warmer weather. Even with our winter weather challenges, the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, Inc. (ALTA) matches, Polar Express Scrambles, and Open Play sessions were all well attended.

By the time this Waterfall is distributed, we will have held the very popular annual Clay Myers tournament on April 13th. This year’s tournament was sponsored by North Georgia Health System (NGHS), who provided lunch for all players and volunteers. This tournament is always a huge success with great participation from our club members.

Your Pickleball Club Board strives to create exciting and fun events to keep you involved and enjoying the game. Spearheaded by Jim Snell, this year we are initiating a long-running monthly round robin for all skill levels that begins in April. Individual player points are recorded and carried forward month-to-month. Ending with an awards banquet in the Fall, we will celebrate the players who accumulated the most points over the course of the 6-month event.

On May 18th, the three Cresswind communities (Lake Lanier, Twin Lakes, & Peachtree City) will come together for a Tri-Cresswind Round Robin event at Cresswind Twin Lakes. Ongoing are skills and drills by Sep Khameneh, and novice training by Jim Snell. New ALTA pickleball teams for the summer league are forming now. Our first ALTA pickleball team made it to the 2nd Round of playoffs in the 2024 Winter Season. Kudos to all!

As always, members will be notified of all upcoming events via MailChimp. It is important to stay informed through club emails, by visiting www.Cresswindpickleball.

com, and by following the Facebook group CRESSWIND AT LL PICKLEBALL GROUP.

Pro advice, “Use your mistakes as information to recalculate, not as a reason to beat yourself up.” (Mark Price).

CRESSWIND PING PONG CLUB

Submitted By: Gregg Pike

The Cresswind Ping Pong Club continues Open Play on Tuesdays from 3-6pm and Thursdays from 3-5:30pm in the Lanier Room. We also have a time slot on Mondays from 7-8pm for people who are still working. 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 – it serves regulation Ping Pong balls automatically up to 70 balls per minute. Contact Gregg Pike or Kim Miller for information or questions about the Ping Pong Club.

POKENO CLUB

Submitted by: Sheran Connolly

Pokeno is played every Sunday in the Crows Nest at 5:30pm. It is an easy game played on bingo style cards using pennies and nickels. Takes a few minutes to learn and loads of fun. Come join us.

POKER CLUB

Submitted by: Jerry Worlock Poker Club “weekly” Schedule 6 to 9 pm

1st Week

Monday Hold’em-Omaha Red Deck #1

Tuesday Hold’em Tournament Red Deck #2

Thursday Omaha Use 1 and 2

2nd Week

Monday Hold’em-Omaha Blue Deck #1

Tuesday Hold’em Tournament Blue Deck #2

Thursday Omaha Use 1 and 2

3rd Week

Monday Hold’em-Omaha Red Deck #1

Tuesday Hold’em Tournament Red Deck #2

Thursday Omaha Use 1 and 2

4th Week

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Monday Hold’em-Omaha Blue Deck #1

Tuesday Hold’em Tournament Blue Deck #2

Thursday Omaha Use 1 and 2

5th Week

Monday Hold’em-Omaha Red Deck #1

Tuesday Hold’em Tournament Red Deck #2

Thursday Omaha Use 1 and 2

THE QUILT GROUP

Submitted by: Rose Hosey

The Quilt Group was excited to receive the Garden Clubs request for seasonal banners. We designed and completed two “springtime” announcements that will be on display at the Community Garden.

The process continues with our current Quilt of Valor project. Each block is sewn with appreciation & respect for all service members past and present. The completed quilt will be registered with the Quilt of Valor Foundation - a nonprofit organization that awards comforting and healing quilts to veterans and active-duty service members.

We meet in the Arts & Crafts room on Thursdays at 1 PM - stop by and see our current projects. New members are always welcome!

RUMMIKUB

Submitted by: Laura Martin

All residents are invited to come play RUMMIKUB every Friday at 12:30 in the Crow’s Nest. Rummikub is an easy tile game based on the card game Rummy. If you know how to play Rummy or Gin Rummy you’re halfway there. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play because we will teach you! So, come join us for a couple hours of fun and socialize with your neighbors!

THE SHALOM CLUB

Submitted by: Miriam Rosenberg

In March, The Shalom Club enjoyed our third annual Hamantaschen Bake. Hamantaschen are three cornered fruit-filled cookies that are eaten on this holiday. Purim commemorates the defeat of 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. This year they were especially delicious. Thanks everyone for sharing a fun morning together.

We look forward to our next program, our Shavuot luncheon on Sunday, June 9th at 12:30 pm in the Clubhouse kitchen. Shavuot is one of the holidays

where the Jewish people made a pilgrimage to the Temple. This holiday commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.

In April, we hope to hold a Planning Committee meeting to plan programs for the next year. Please join us and share new ideas and enthusiasm for upcoming programs.

If you would like to join The Shalom Club or want more information about the club, please reach out to Miriam Rosenberg (grammycooks716@gmail.com) 954-501-9249 or Karen Walters (karsuew@gmail.com) 301-461-1900.

SCOTCH LOVERS AT CRESSWIND (SLAC) - NEWS & UPDATES

Submitted By: John Stevens

The traditional Scottish toast is “Slainte Mhath” (pronounced SLAN-chuh Vah), which loosely translated means “good health among friends”.

DID YOU KNOW…that in addition to expanding SLAC members’ taste experience and knowledge of various single malt whiskies, the foundation of SLAC is about promoting friendship and comradery among members. Sampling a ‘good’ Scotch while chatting casually with others, sharing laughs, and hearing stories about past adventures (…some true…and some not), almost recreates in our Crow’s Nest the ambience of a small, rural Scottish pub where folks gather to sip good scotch, toast whoever (or whatever needs ‘toasting’), and share the ‘gift’ of fellowship.

Scotch Lovers at Cresswind (SLAC) has been a CLL club since 2014, and now has more than 75 members. Three (3) SLAC groups have their own monthly evening meeting. Each SLAC group is limited to 26 members because that is the number of pre-measured individual ‘pours’ available from each 750 ml bottle of Scotch, allowing a maximum of 26 ‘tastes’. While there is currently room for a few new SLAC members, a 4th SLAC group could easily be started if there were enough interest. Contact John Stevens, 2023 SLAC Club Chair (and President of SLAC II), or Ed Pallo (President of SLAC I), or Bill Pearce (President of SLAC III) to learn more.

CRESSWIND SOCIAL SINGLES

Submitted by: Barbara Hillick

The weather is great so what are you doing inside? Cresswind Social Singles has so many fun activities in the works that you need to join.

Members voted on a survey sent out and results compiled by Larry Goldberger. The survey asked members what activities they would like to do with Social Singles.

Putt Putt golf, bowling, hiking, day trips, game nights, mingles and going to theatres and restaurants are always at the top of the list. Other events from the survey are in the planning stages or under discussion.

Doesn’t “Nacho Average Leap Year” just sound fun? The recent mingle was catered by Moe’s providing a fajita bar to everyone’s delight. If Moe’s wasn’t enough, the dessert table kept saying “come to me”. As much as people tried to resist, they decided to eat the desserts and work off the calories with a rousing game of “Frog”. Everyone was laughing so much as they tried to flip frogs into their drink that they laughed off any excess calories for the night!

Although Social Singles is a great way to have fun and get to know people, the club also helps the community. The Chili Cookoff brought out people for good chili and a serious purpose. Nancy Gladwell leads the committee for Social Singles community volunteers. The club invited Jackie Powell from Good Samaritan Food Bank to speak later in the evening. It was shocking how much the need for their services has grown. They appreciate the volunteers and the donation of the proceeds from the Chili Cookoff, the contestants and other club members provided all the food. Mary Atwood was the winner of the Chili Cookoff, but so many people benefited from the results of the evening.

For only $5 a year, Social Singles is a great way to meet people and make friends. If you are ready to get involved or just want more information, 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!

SPORTS AND GAMES CLUB

Submitted by: Dan Skeels

Sports and Games next Bingo will be July 23 at 7:00PM. Tickets will go on sale 1 to 2 weeks before in the lobby. Dates and times will be in Daily Update. We have only set up one date since several other groups are holding their own Bingo games.

Pickleball held their White Elephant Bingo in January. The Missions group support Helping Hands of Hall County held their Bingo In March. Look for future Bingo games by Specific clubs.

Sports and Games provided corn hole set ups for the Spring Fling held on March 29th and 30th.

The Cresswind Fantasy Football League held its season end party on January 28. Pictured are Eric Dochnal, division winner, Curt Dockter, division winner and overall champion and Dave Cureton, division winner. Not pictured was Linda Lubeck, division winner.

STRAIGHT FLUSH POKER CLUB

Submitted by: Dave Wilson

Interested in playing some poker and a time of fellowship? The Straight Flush Poker Club plays a variety of poker games Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm in the billiards area of the Clubhouse. Both female and males are welcome to play. More information? Contact Dave Wilson wils23@me.com

TENNIS CLUB

Submitted by: Danny Brown

Spring weather has come and it’s time to play more tennis. Come out and join our groups or attend a clinic. Or come to the spring social to enjoy fellowship with tennis players and some friendly competition.

There are many opportunities to hit the courts. 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.

Our ladies Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, Inc. (ALTA) team is in the midst of the spring season. Judy Mota is captain of our new Senior Day Women’s 55+ doubles team that will begin play in mid-March. This team plays on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am for the season. Ladies Thursday morning round robin remains very active. If you would like to play on Thursdays, contact Judy Mota at jandjmota@msn.com.

There are three men’s teams playing this spring. Silverball team, captained by Dan Skeels dan.skeels@ hotmail.com, began play on Mondays in March. The men’s Wednesday evening 6:00 pm Doubles, led by Roger Otto raotto1@yahoo.com, begins with the warm weather. Bill Papciak and John Ulam are captaining two men’s Northeast Georgia Tennis Association (NEGTA) 55+ Doubles Teams that began play in mid-March. Bill and John also captain one US Tennis Association (USTA) 3.5 team that plays Sundays at Marina Bay.

A spring social with round robin play will be held on Derby Day, May 4th. This event is open to the entire neighborhood. Details will be shared in the daily email update and a tennis club member Evite. Be thinking about how to decorate your tennis hat – ‘cause Derby Day deserves a great hat.

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 Danny Brown, our President, dannybrown58@comcast.net to get involved.

THE COMMUNITY FLAG CLUB

Submitted by: Rob Plawecki

The American Flag: You look out your front window or pull your car out of the garage and there it is. A small American Flag neatly placed on your lawn in front of your house. What do you think about when you see it? Are you thinking of all of those souls that made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their nation? Maybe you had a relative or friend that was lost serving our country. Does it bring back memories of the July 4th parades you attended as a child or the golf cart parade here at Cresswind? Certainly, the events of 9/11 are burnt into all of our memories forever. You might be thinking of all of your friends and relatives that served honorably serving our country in the armed services.

But how did that flag get there? Who could have taken the time to place an American Flag in front of my house? That is where the Community Flag Club comes in. The 55 members of the Community Flag Club place 1500 flags on each of four National holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th, 9/11, and Veterans Day. This tradition was started over 14 years ago when Cresswind was then called Seasons on Lake Lanier. It has continued to this day because of the patriotic volunteers that service this community. If you would like to become a member of one of the oldest and most exclusive clubs here at Cresswind please contact Rob Plawecki at cllflagclub@gmail.com. We can always use volunteers to keep this tradition alive. The Community Flag Club is self-funded, so all donations are gratefully accepted.

COMMUNITY TRAVEL CLUB

Submitted By: Laurie Homa

Trips, Trips, and more Trips. The Travel Club schedule for the rest of 2024 is packed with new and interesting places to go. We also have some of the annual favorites planned and

ready to go.

The pictures you see are from our February outing to Georgia’s State Capitol and our theatre excursion to see Greener Pastures at the Aurora Theatre and Dinner at Dominick’s Tavern. Dinner was wonderful. The play was not as hilarious as advertised, but enjoyable. Se La Vi.

We will recap the April 24th A Day in Madison, Georgia and the five-day trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina in the next Waterfall.

June 14th is our annual outing to Cool Ray Field to see the Stripers game, watch the Fireworks, and enjoy time with your friends and family. This trip is always open to friends and family, grandchildren are welcome. The cost is $16.00 per person. We have reserved parking passes for $6.00. Contact Robin Dickson at rmdickson@mindspring.com for more information.

On July 28th we have tickets to see the JERSEY BOYS playing at a theatre in Sandy Springs. We will be announcing this trip at our May 2nd Meeting.

On August 21st, we travel back to Truist Park for a night at the Ballpark to watch the Braves vs. the Phillies game. Unfortunately, it is too early to know at this writing if the Braves will have another run at the playoffs, but it is always possible, and we love to cheer for our Braves. Unless you are a Phillies fan, and we do have some.

We invite you to come to our meetings and check out our website to stay informed about each and every one of the trips. You can find our website by going to the Cresswind website, find Clubs listed under Lifestyle and click on the Travel Club. Our website also gives you access to any of the Club Board Members. If you have questions, please contact us. You can also peruse photos from all of our trips.

The Travel Club is open to all Cresswind Residents. Our General Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month in the Ballroom at 4:00 pm. Our Dues are $5.00 per person. We draw four $50.00 Travel Club Gift Certificates at every meeting that can be used towards any trip. The Travel Club is a great way to get to know your neighbors and enjoy a day out and about. COME TRAVEL WITH US!

CRESSWIND LL VETERANS, INC.

Submitted by Amy DeVillez

We brought Las Vegas to Cresswind! Almost 300 residents tried their luck at twenty-four gaming tables on March 23rd. Casino Night 2024 was a huge success, and that would not have been possible without your support & generosity. Yes, we once again broke a record, this year raising almost $35k. This will go a long way, in helping our Veterans in need and their families. A special thanks to all

our sponsors and donors (see insert) for their generosity and support. This event could not happen without our advertisement and fundraising team, kitchen staff led by Angie McClure, setup crew, bartender crew, many volunteers (too many to list), the casino vendor, and Joe Carr who donated his time to clean up the Clubhouse after the event. Lastly, a big thank you to all our Veterans Club Board members who put in tireless hours to make this event a reality.

I am not going to list all the Veterans we helped this past quarter, but wanted you to know that because of you, a Veteran is off the street and has new clothing; a Veteran has a roof over their head; a Veteran has heat in their home; a Veteran has food on the table for their Family; a Veteran has kept his truck; a Veteran has furniture in his apartment and a Veteran has a repaired car with a year of AAA membership (road side service) and fuel to come home to his family; and three scholarships to three Veterans. Thank you! Because of you we can continue to accomplish our mission for years to come.

We are proud to be a donor to the UNG Foundation, a relationship that began several years ago and has grown. This year we gave three $3000 scholarships (two scholarships to two Veterans attending the UNG Gainesville Campus and one scholarship to a Cadet in good standing in the Corps of Cadets at UNG Dahlonega). On March 28, 2024, we were honored to attend the UNG Corps of Cadets annual awards ceremony. The Veterans Club was excited to award Cadet / Specialist Caleb Norris with the Cresswind Commandant’s Choice Scholarship. Caleb also serves in the National Guard while attending UNG full time.

It’s What We Do – Touching One Life At A Time! Check us out at www.cresswindveterans.org

YOGA CLASS

Submitted by: Sharon Vandevender

Yoga has numerous benefits: increased strength, improved balance, better range of motion, increased bone density, reduced stress… the list goes on and on.

But did you know Yoga also strengthens the mind too? Yep, it sharpens your brain function! And many people believe yoga is only for “advanced” or “bendy” people. Honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth! In my 20 years of teaching, those who benefit most are the ones who can’t touch their toes or tie their shoes.

If you’d like to give it a go, and join our close-knit Yoga family, join us Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:45am in the Georgia room. Mention this article, and your first class is complementary. If you have any questions, shoot me an email at Yogamom40@gmail.com