July is always our lowest-occupancy month here at TGO, with over 60% of our owners and residents traveling in their RVs or migrating north for cooler weather. This is the best time for CSA to make major improvements throughout the resort. I’m happy to report that our summer projects are moving forward. We are three weeks into the closure of the Manor Pool for a filtration renovation project. This project has experienced several contractor delays. Most recently, we’ve been dealing with two issues: an electrical breaker problem and a pool leak. We are two weeks into our Doggie World renovation project, which will improve both the turf and irrigation system for our four-legged friends. And we are one week into renovations on our entrance archway. This week, we also addressed several road potholes and problem areas, making asphalt repairs along the 600 block of Plantation near Pineridge.
For those of you who are in residence at TGO this summer, thank you for your patience during these projects, which are certainly causing closures and inconveniences. If you’re returning this fall, we hope you’ll notice these improvements—and be reminded that your assessment dollars are hard at work keeping TGO great.
Did you know there are 20 free public WiFi signals throughout TGO’s public and common areas? CSA has worked on this project with Spectrum for over a year. In several locations, Spectrum had to run new underground cables to amenities that never previously had communication lines. You’ll find the public WiFi signal listed as “PublicHS” (short for Public Hot Spot). We now have public WiFi at all our bathhouses and common-area buildings, including the Pavilion, Library, Hobbyland, Nature Center, and more. Most recently, we installed WiFi at the golf course bathhouse on Hole #10, and at the Nature Center as part of our bulk services agreement with Spectrum.
Several homeowners have recently asked questions about the lake banks behind their homes. CSA works to maintain a three-foot buffer of vegetation around our lakes. This buffer helps filter excess nutrients and grass clippings, provides refuge for wildlife, and helps control erosion around the lake perimeters. Our rules state that homeowners are not permitted to cut or trim this buffer. Unauthorized trimming will result in a fine. CSA lawn crews maintain this buffer at a height between 8” and 18”. If you have concerns about the buffer behind your home not meeting these requirements, please contact the CSA office.
I’ll close my Manager’s Corner by sharing something that makes me very proud. Just a few weeks ago, CSA sent ten of our seasoned team members through a 10-hour training course offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This training gave our team a comprehensive understanding of workplace safety, health hazards, and how to plan work safely before it begins. Each of these employees earned an official OSHA 10 card from the Department of Labor. This training strengthens our safety culture and helps our team grow as professionals. It’s a major win for CSA.
Sincerely,
Billy Specht CSA Manager
On the Cover:
TGO is lucky to have Chuck Kandt as our Golf Professional. Dedicated, hard-working, and truly one of the best, Chuck’s story is one worth reading. Get to know him better starting on page 10.
Golf Gift Certificates Available Purchase in the TGO Golf Shop
July Golf Rates
Holes After Noon
9 Holes After Noon
Includes Use of
Armour Tops, Foot Joy Tops, Foot Joy Shoes, Cutter & Buck Ladies Collection, Bridgestone and Srixon Gloves
All Prices Subject to Change With or Without Advanced Notice TGO Golf Carts available for 9 holes only after 3:30 (time subject to change)
Tee Time Reservation Guidelines
TGO Residents Up to 30 Davs in Advance Non-Resident Golf Members Up to 14 Days in Advance
7
Hole Avengers
Not ready for 9 or 18 holes? Want to learn more with an easy scramble event that covers the first 7 holes? Then come join the Avengers every Tuesday at 3:00 pm. Meet new friends, have fun and learn the basics of golf. Everyone is welcome. Sign up at the Golf Shop.
5 Round Play Cards are Available for Purchase as well as Summer Memberships. Check with the golf shop on current pricing.
TGO 9 Hole Fun League
Ladies and Gentlemen - TGO has a 9 hole “play your own ball” weekly league on Saturdays. Play will begin at 3:00 pm (tee times start). Sign-up info will be posted on the bulletin board at the golf shop. You can sign up as a group or individual.
Instruction by TGO PGA Professional Chuck Kandt Clinic Information is posted on the information board at the Golf Shop. Private Golf Lessons are Available by Appointment only. Tokens can be purchased in the golf shop.
Bill Schueller President MGA
Come Join our TGO Men’s Golf Association
• Membership fee is only $30.00 for a year of fun!
• Prizes and special event luncheons and end of year dinner!
• Tournaments every Wednesday! Sign-up at the TGO Pro Shop
2025 - 2026 Golf Calendar
November 5 Annual “MGA Welcome Back Scramble & Luncheon”
November 12 “1-2-3” Best Ball Team Competition
November 19 Annual “Turkey Shootout” Better Ball
November 26 Team Better Ball Tourney (1 on 3’s, 2 on 4’s, 3 on 5’s) + MGA Membership Meeting
December 3 Annual Team Skins Competition
December 10 Annual “MGA/LGA Holiday Scramble” & Luncheon
December 17 Team Better Ball (Count 2 on #1-9, Count 3 on #10-18)
December 24 No MGA Golf (Christmas Eve)
December 31 No MGA Golf (New Year’s Eve)
January 7 President’s Cup 1st Round Matches
January 9 Friday) - President’s Cup 2nd Round Matches
January 14 President’s Cup 3rd Round Matches + “Count 2” BB Game
January 16 (Friday) - President’s Cup Final Flight Matches (4)
January 21 MGA “9 Hole Stableford Team Tourney” 9:00 am
January 21 President’s Cup Semi-Final & Final Matches, 1:00 pm
January 28 Annual “Pink Chump Ball” Tourney + MGA Membership Meeting
February 4 Annual “MGA Member-Guest & 2 Man Better Ball Tourney”
February 11 Annual “Canadian Flag Open”
February 18 & 20 Annual MGA Club Championships
February 25 Team Better Ball Tourney (3 on 3’s, 2 on 4’s, 1 on 5’s)
March 4
Annual “MGA Away Day” - Location to be Announced
March 9 “Member-Member” Opening Social, 5:00 pm in the Manor
March 10, 11, 12 31st Annual “Member-Member” Tournament
March 13 “Member-Member Closing Banquet & Awards Night,” 5:00 pm
March 18 Annual “US Flag Open”
March 25 Annual “MGA Beat the Pros Closing Tournament” + BarBQ Luncheon, Awards & MGA Annual Meeting
Tournament Chair
Cliff Murray 2025 MGA Champion
Come Join our TGO Ladies Golf Association
• Membership fee is only $40.00 for a year of fun!
• Prizes and special event luncheons.
• Tournaments every Monday! Sign-up at the TGO Pro Shop
2025 - 2026 Golf Calendar
October 6 Shamble
October 13 Low Gross/Low Net
October 20 Breast Cancer Tournament
October 27 Invite a Friend
November 3 Scramble - Tee Up Luncheon
November 10 Trouble
November 17 2-Person Team Better Ball
November 24 Los Gross/Low Net
December 1 Bingo/Bango/Bongo
December 8 Team Stableford
December 10 MGA/LGA Day - Pro Shop Sanctioned Event
December 15 Low Gross/Low Net Throw out 2 worst scores or Three Blind Mice
December 22 Santas vs. Elves
December 29 Par 3 Game - New Year’s Theme
January 5 2-Person Team Scramble
January 12 4-Person Team Better Ball 3-2-1
January 19 Los Gross/Low Net Low Putts
January 26 Odds or Evens
February 2 Low Gross/Low Net Throw out worst Par t, Par 4, Par 3
February 9 Valentine’s Day Tournament
February 16-17 Club Championship* Tee Times Party after play on 17th
February 23 4 Club & Putter
March 2 Scramble Annual Meeting
March 9 Team Match Play
March 16-17 Member-Member* Tee Times Party after play on 17th
March 20 St. Patrick’s Day Tournament Pro Shop Sanctioned Event
March 23
Modified Nassau
March 30 Low Gross/Low Net
April 6
Scramble Awards Lunch
April 13 Low Gross/Low Net
April 20 Low Gross/Low Net
April 27 Fun Day Party after play in Pavilion
*20% participation required for major tournament eligibility
Linda Bouvet Tournament Chair
Pam Nalley 2025 LGA Champion
Dawn England LGA President
Roy Houtby
Mikki Dodge and Nancy Matroniano 2025 Member Member Champions
July 4th Golf Tournament
There was a pretty decent turn out of golfers considering the amount of rain we had all week and that the tournament was cart path only.
Doug Labar was really enjoying his 4th of July burger. Not sure the cook was enjoying Doug.
Rick Conover, Cindy Ehresman, Lynne Anderson and Pat Hackenberg finished 4th on the 4th. Kathy Shulby, Janet Facer, Mary Laverty and Pat Terry.
Chuck Kandt, TGO guest Doug Swift, and the famous Bobby Ward.
July 4th Scramble
Firecracker Flight
1st Rich Robinson 55.7
Bob Porta
Doug Swift
Scott Charron
2nd Herb Hollar 55.7
Charlie Remmers
Ed Koch
3rd Chuck Kandt 58.1
Shane Willey
Jeff Smutek
Bobby Ward
4th
Cliff Creech 59.2
Ken Garasz
Jack Miller
Steve Wright
Liberty Flight
1st Gary & Toni Thigpin 58.3
Carol Votto
Vicki LaPointe
2nd Loren Tedder 58.5
Paul Duester
Curtis Cannon
John Smith
3rd Vinny Pascarella 58.7
Wayne Perry
Bill Herdman
Bob Hallal
4th Lynne Anderson 59.1
Rick Conover
Cindy Ehresman
Pat Hackenberg
Wild Card Draw Winning Team
Rob Pribyl, Ernie Aybar, Scott Harris, John Johndrow
Closest to Hole #4 Toni Thigpin
#8 Drew Brink
Mens - June 25
Green Tee Challenge
Individual Stroke Play - NET Scoring
1st Todd Sampson 13
2nd Guy Sullivan 8
3rd Jack Miller 7
4th John Johndrow 6
5th Mark Anderson 6
6th Ken Garasz 6
SKINS
Todd Sampson #4, #8, #9
Rick Conover #3
John Johndrow #13
Chuck Kandt #14
Steve Wright #17
Closest to Hole #11
Niles Jansen
Mens - July 2
Team Better Ball
1st Tim Heath -1
John Johndrow
George Mattocks
2nd Craig Smith +4
Steve Wright
Ray Blake
Skins
Steve Wright #6
Niles Jansen #18
Closest to Hole #16 - Ray Blake
LGA - June 23
3 Clubs and a Putter
Individual Stroke Play - NET Scoring 1st Sheryl Heath 71 2nd Cindy Clark 72 3rd Tera Stover 74 4th Kathy Myer 76
5th Lyn Johndrow 76
Closest to Hole #4
Denise Charpentier
Tim Heath came prepared to fish out golf balls or clean out toilets.
John Smith congrats Toni Thigpin for her closest to the hole award.
At Golf Carts Unlimited, It’s About Loyalty After the Purchase...
• Monthly Battery Water Level Check
Complimentary inspection and top-off to keep your batteries healthy and long-lasting.
• Free Battery Tests
• Monthly Tire Pressure Check
We ensure your tires are always properly inflated for a smoother, safer ride.
• Battery Terminal Cleaning
Free cleaning of corrosion buildup to protect battery life and charging efficiency.
• Visual Inspection
We examine your lights, tires, and suspension to catch early signs of wear or issues.
• Service History Tracking
We maintain detailed records of your cart’s service history—so you don’t have to.
• Enclosure Snaps Repaired for Free
• Complimentary Loaner Carts - Free Pick Up and Delivery in Park
Meet Chuck Kandt, PGA Professional and the driving force behind golf operations at The Great Outdoors. With a career spanning over four decades, Chuck has done it all—from walking the fairways with Jack Nicklaus to shaping and managing some of Florida’s most well-known courses. In this candid interview, he shares his journey from small-town New York to the heart of Florida golf, and how passion, persistence, and a strong work ethic have guided him every step of the way.
Chuck, give us a bit of your background. Where were you born, where did you go to school, and how long did you live there? Tell us a bit about your early years.
I was born in Lockport, New York, which is in Western New York—a suburb of Buffalo. Okay, I’m going to date myself now—I was born in 1960. I stayed in Lockport until I went off to college, so I was there until I was 18. Then I came down here to Stetson University. Were you an only child? Brothers? Sisters?
I have three sisters and a brother, and I was the youngest by seven years. I always used to ask my parents, “What party was going on seven years after my brother was born?” But they never told me. As a young man growing up in New York, what did you like to do? I was always big into sports. My sports were baseball, bowling, and golf.
No hockey?
Oh yeah! My love was hockey. Hockey was Saturday mornings at the Keenan Center—but Saturday morning was also bowling. Those of you who are bowling connoisseurs might recognize the name Allie Brandt. Allie bowled a three-game series of 886— that record stood for a remarkable 49 years. And he did it with a two-finger bowling ball. He was from Lockport. I grew up bowling at his lanes, and once in a while, he’d watch me and give me some pointers. I mean, this guy was a legend. But bowling and hockey were on the same day, so I had to choose. I chose bowling. Well, you must have gotten pretty good? Could I have gone pro in bowling? Probably. I did some semi-pro stuff—I carried an average of 220 to 230. But there was no money in bowling. You’d go to those “Pot of Gold” or “King of the Hill” tournaments, and if you won, you might take home a hundred bucks.
I mentioned baseball earlier. Back in the day, in Western New York, the Pittsburgh Pirates recruited in our area. They went after
anyone who showed promise. They showed some interest in me, but I really wasn’t big enough to play at that level. And then I had an appendectomy and messed up my arm. I tried to come back too early, and that pretty much ended any hopes I had for baseball. But I loved that sport.
I still loved hockey, too. So my senior year of high school— you know how you do something a little crazy that year?—I decided I was going to play hockey. I had skated before and played floor hockey and all that, so I thought, why not? I went out for the team. The goalie at the time wanted to skate out because he thought he could do more on the ice, so they recruited me as the goalie.
He gave me his pads and his equipment. I still remember the first day of practice—they got me out on the ice, pushed me up against the boards, and just started shooting pucks at me from 15 or 20 feet away. That’s how I learned to stay balanced and make saves. That was my indoctrination into ice hockey.
It was club hockey—not varsity—just a club sport. But we ended up winning our division. Then we won a tournament, and another one. We went to New York City for the state tournament and came up just one goal short of winning it all.
Chuck presenting the Ladies 2023 Fall Cup Championship Trophy.
You mentioned you liked golf in your younger years—and we know you love golf now. Tell us how that came about. I remember there are pictures of me when I was two or three years old, with golf clubs in my hands, swinging in the backyard. I played a little in high school and could hold my own once in a while, but I didn’t really get serious about golf until I went to college. And that was where?
Stetson University—right here in DeLand, Florida. It was the furthest school that recruited me from home. That was in 1978. My first year there was your typical first year away from home—you know, you do some things you probably shouldn’t do. I was there to play golf, but it really wasn’t until my junior year that things started to click. I made some swing changes, probably got a little stronger and bigger too—and that’s when I started playing well.
I went home that summer, to Western New York, and won everything I played in—club championships, guest-member events, all types of tournaments. That was my summer. Then I went back to Stetson and had a great senior year. I led the team. Those were the days when I could play and knew exactly where the ball was going. You know, those are some really fond memories. I graduated in ’82, and I’ve been down here in Florida ever since. It must have felt amazing to have those kinds of experiences and memories.
That’s really what sports are all about. Of all the sports I’ve tried to master—In baseball, I was a pitcher and played shortstop, so I was like the point person. You put that pressure on yourself to perform, to lead. In hockey, I was the goalie—same thing. In bowling, you always want to anchor the team and post the best scores.
And then there’s golf. It’s such an individual sport, and you’re always the hardest on yourself. There are so many mind games. But that’s also the joy of it. You need that strike or that hit or that birdie—when you come out on the other side, you have a memory. So how did you get into the business of golf?
Well, that started back when I was in high school. There were two legendary local pros from the Western New York area who bought a golf course called Niagara Orleans Country Club, and they hired me to come work for them.
Now, this was a county course, made up mostly of walkers, although sometimes they’d ride a cart. I’d go in early in the morning, open up the golf shop, get the carts out and ready. They were old gas carts, and sometimes you had to clean the filters and do maintenance on them. I’d check people in at the shop, and around noon I’d tend bar—just running back and forth all day.
In the afternoon, I’d put the carts away and head home for a couple hours. Then I’d come back around 9 o’clock at night and water the golf course.
Back in those days—this wasn’t like Shane punching a button on his phone to turn on the sprinkler—you had to pull out
all the hoses. Each green had quick couplers. You’d set up the hoses, go over to the pump station, prime the thing, and flip it on—hoping it would work. Then you’d go back out to the greens to make sure the sprinklers were actually working. If one of them wasn’t—say it caught a pebble in the line—you had to shut the whole pump down, fix it, and start over. On a good night, you might get six to nine greens watered. Some nights I’d be there until one in the morning. Then you start the routine all over again the next day.
Did you have a separate mowing crew?
It wasn’t like our golf course today. There was a lot of common grass and clover. The greens had grass on them, sure, and we did have a separate mowing crew—but it was just a few people. I’d get on a mower during the day and maybe cut aprons and other areas.
Who did you learn that kind of work ethic from? Because one thing I’ve always noticed about you is your incredible work ethic. That’s all from my dad. My dad was a funeral director. He worked all hours. He’d get up in the morning, go to work, come home for dinner, and then go back to the office—sometimes until 8, 9, 10 o’clock… even midnight. When a call comes in, you have to go. So yeah, I guess that’s where I got it from.
I’ve been working since I was 12. I had a paper route—365 days a year. Delivered them on my bike—even in the snow—even on Sundays. I had a cart because the papers were bigger on Sundays. I still remember I trained my dog, Ranger. He would take the paper and run it up to the door and drop it. Then he’d come back, grab the next one, and run it up the next driveway. We had a blast.
Let’s see… I was also caretaker of a cemetery. Our church had a cemetery, and I would mow and trim it. Funny enough, it just happened to be on the fifth hole at Lockport Town and Country Club. So I’d go late in the day, do some mowing and trimming, and I’d have my clubs with me. I’d go out and walk three or four holes, then come back. So there was always golf somewhere in the mix. Continued...
Top: Making sure to get that photo with Jack Nicklaus.
Middle : Interviewing Bobby Clampett for a clip on his TV show.
Above: Graduation photo from Stetson University in 1982.
So then after college, you came down here and just started getting jobs after you graduated?
Yeah. I graduated in ’82, and a fraternity brother of mine, who lived in Daytona Beach, had a dad who owned a Jiffy Store. So I went to work for him—it was down on Main Street. Right across the street, his dad had a good friend who just happened to be the city manager of Daytona Beach—his name was Howard Tipton.
Howard had kids, and we kind of hit it off. There was a job opening over at Pelican Bay, also in Daytona, that Howard help me get. That lasted a little over a year, but it was a great opportunity—we hosted a Senior Tour event there when it was still a fledgling tour, just getting off the ground.
I got to meet golfers like Julius Boros, Arnold Palmer, Dow Finsterwald, Gene Littler, Sam Snead—all of these guys were legends, and I was just a kid! One of my jobs was to pick the range. The ball machine made too much noise, and since it was adjacent to the 18th hole, they didn’t want to use it. So they had me handpick the balls—I’d be out there in a motorcycle helmet, with shag bags, picking up balls while they were practicing their drives!
Then there was a job opening at Daytona Beach Golf Club, the municipal course in town where I worked as an assistant - Howard helped me get that job. Fast forward about eight to ten years, while Howard Tipton was still city manager, and Howard awarded me the head pro position at the LPGA International Course.
“I even shook hands with Arnold Palmer.”
I got to walk that course with Rees Jones—the architect who designed it. When that course opened, all the little details—the signs, the scorecard, the way the golf shop was set up—those were all my fingerprints. And it came out great. If you go up there today, even though it’s 30 years later, you’ll still see things I helped put in place. One of them is scorecards with green diagrams on them—I actually started that in this area.
After LPGA, I went to Indigo Lakes, which is also in Daytona—it’s closed now. We hosted an LPGA event there too, when the LPGA course was being worked on.
So I had the chance to meet legends like Mickey Wright— probably the best golf swing ever on the women’s tour, she just recently passed. Nancy Lopez, Jan Stephenson, Judy Rankin— they were all playing back then, and I got to talk with them. It was just that incredible experience of saying, “Hey, I got to meet and talk with a legend.” What a cool thing that was.
That’s a lot of golf experience in only ten years.
Well, hold on… from Indigo Lakes, I went down to The Savannahs for about a year and a half to help turn that golf course around. The county owned it at the time, so I was working for them.
Then a friend of mine in the business—who was up at a resort in Palm Coast—told me about a job opening, so I went up there and started working at Matanzas Woods. It’s closed now, unfortunately, but it was the best course up there. While I was there, we even hosted Tour School, Second Stage, which tells you how good that golf course was.
Within the same development, they built two other courses. One was Grand Haven, a Nicklaus design, and I went over there after it opened—worked there for a little over a year. During that time, they were building the Ocean Course, originally called Ocean Hammock, tied in with Hammock Beach Resort. I opened that course. That was also a Nicklaus design.
I got to walk the fairways with Jack Nicklaus himself. When he visited, they brought all the resort pros out to meet him. Someone told me, “Make sure you get right next to Nicklaus in the photo.” So I did.
Oh—and Ian Baker-Finch played the Ocean Course once it opened. I got his autograph. He played with Steve Melnyk, his broadcast partner for years. Ian still does commentary today. The number of people you meet in the golf business over the years— it’s just amazing.
That was up until 2001. That same year, my dad passed away, which was tough. I ended up working at Victoria Hills in DeLand with a friend of mine, just as an assistant.
From there, I went over to Ocala—but I was still living in Port Orange.
Chuck, Tim Heath and Bill Schueller at the 2024 Hole-In-One Championship.
Chuck in his Calgery Flames Hockey jersey - Celebrating with the 2025 TGO Club Champions.
Ocala? That’s a haul.
Yeah, it was about an hour and 45 minutes. But it was a private club, and a friend called and said, “Hey, I need somebody—come help me out.” So I said okay. I ended up staying for eight years. Still lived in Port Orange, but I stayed in 26 different living arrangements during that time—houses, bungalows, “man caves,” rooms that members offered me. I’d stay four or five days a week. One of the best places was a four-bedroom ranch house on a horse farm. I got to take care of the horses and a goat. I couldn’t have been more blessed.
But after eight years, I finally resigned and came back home. So where does TGO come into the mix?
That’s when the TGO opportunity came up. I saw a posting through a PGA job advertisement. I applied, and one thing led to another. I went through the interview process—there were eight or nine candidates, I think. I still remember when Billy called to schedule my interview, I said, “What’s your first available slot? I want to be the first one.” My thinking was—go in and wow them right away. That way, everyone after me would have to rise to my level.
It was less than a month before they contacted me. I started in July 2018, and one of my first tasks was to put the budget together by September. If you remember, some of the greens were half dirt—the course needed a lot of work.
And during all this moving around, you’ve been married, right?
Oh yeah. I met LuAnn in 1983 at Spruce Creek. She was the Assistant Pro there. She was in the PGA for 19 years, and she was also a schoolteacher for 14 years. Now she teaches pickleball. She may say she’s retired—but there’s no way she’s retired. She’s just shifted her interests. And she still loves to play golf. We also have two kids we love spending time with.
So of all the things you’ve done, what are some of your fondest memories?
Well… I’ve really been blessed. I’ve met a lot of great people and some incredible golfers. I’ve played in tournaments with guys like Robert Tway and Lee Janzen, and I did a clinic once with Rocco
Mediate. I even shook hands with Arnold Palmer.
Hey—I even hosted a golf TV show once. We did one hundred episodes.
But my fondest memory? That would be when I was coaching a young man who wasn’t hitting the ball well. He’d always ask me, “Where did the ball go?” Something just didn’t seem right.
A day or two later, I saw his mom and suggested she get his eyes checked. She said he’d been struggling in school—sitting in the back of the room, getting D’s. Turns out, he couldn’t see. He was afraid to tell anyone.
So she got him tested, got him glasses—and he became a straight-A student. He eventually went to college for golf.
It was life-changing. Something so simple. But he was just too afraid to speak up.
That story still gives me goosebumps every time I tell it.
Chuck and his wife, LuAnn, have played in numerous TGO tournaments together.
Chuck presenting Sheryl her First Place Ladies Day trophy. Team Captain, Dawn England, celebrating the team win. Chuck knows Gail loves a free sleeve of golf balls .
“Free Summer Show”
Linda and Rich Peraza are once again presenting the long awaited Summer Show. It’s been a couple years since our last one.
Please join us on Saturday, August 2 in the Manor at 4:00 pm.
There is no admission fee, however, we do ask for a donation at the door for which you will receive raffle tickets. This will help cover costs for the “Crowd Control Officer.”
Please contact Linda by Tuesday, July 29, so we can get a seating count.
321-383-0735 home 321-536-3510 text only
Come Paint this Picture with Us!
August 13 - 3:00 to 5:00 at the Blue Heron Only $25
Includes all materials and your apron.
Beginners are welcome.
RSVP: Text or call 508-410-0029
The Great Outdoors is happy to announce that the Holiday Inn, located at 4715 Helen Hauser Blvd., is the Official Hotel of TGO. They are providing an exclusive discounted rate for TGO residents, their families and friends. Please view their ad on page 65 of this issue for more details.
The Blue Heron now has a Loyalty Points Program where the more you eat and drink, the more points you earn toward free food and beverages. Sign Up Today on Page 33
Be A Good Human
If you have food or clothing that you would like to donate, these are the locations our TGO Church recommends. There are a lot of local people in need.
Titusville Food & Clothing
Donation Locations
SPCA Thrift Store 4220 W. Washington Ave. 321-267-2210
Hours: Monday - Saturday - 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
North Brevard Charities
4475 S. Hopkins Ave. 321-269-6555
Hours: Monday - Friday - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Women’s Center Upscale Resale Store 3216 S. Hopkins Ave. 321-362-5885
Visit tgocsa.org to view Firewise video and brochure or TGO Firewise on Facebook
Remember, you must have written permission to remove any living shrubs or trees beyond your property line. Contact CSA if you have questions about removal and consult the Architectural Review Board before making landscape changes.
Why Should We Store Water For An Emergency By
Ed Brown
Water is essential for all life on earth. An adult human requires about two quarts of water per day, just for drinking. That’s half a gallon! Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. You can add another two quarts for brushing teeth, hand washing and food preparation. Are you ready now if your water source is compromised? For an emergency, you must decide how to obtain and store emergency water!
Our water in TGO comes to us from Cocoa. If the pipeline is broken, if the pump station is down, if the water quality is compromised; NO WATER for human or pet consumption! Once again we’re in a survival situation! What can you do NOW to insure family survival?
Answer#1: Buy bottled Water. Add a gallon (8 pounds) to the shopping cart each time you visit the supermarket to buy food. Store the full jugs along the base of an inside wall of your garage. If unopened they have a shelf life of several years. If you’re evacuating by car, carry them on the backseat floor. I would recommend a couple of jugs to be carried in your RV and also keep the RV water tank full between trips.
Answer #2: For Bulk Water Storage, at home, a clean 35-gallon plastic barrel is a good choice (Check on-line to purchase one). It should be cleaned, refilled to the top and labeled with the date of fill and information of the method of disinfection used. A hand pump and hose can be used to dispense the water. Rotate stored water every one to two years. Update the labels at that time.
Answer #3: If a disaster catches you without a back-up supply of clean water, you can use the water in your home piping system. Know the location of your house water shut off valve. Close the valve. Open a faucet at your home’s highest level. Some water may trickle out. Then open the lowest faucet in your home and drain the clean water as you need it. Melted ice cubes can be used too, as can water from the toilet tank (NOT THE BOWL) and water from your hot water tank.
Outside water sources should be suspect for purity! Strain for contamination: (leaves, berries, lizards, etc. with a camping supply water strainer, coffee filters, clean cheese cloth, pillow cases, etc. Decontaminate with unscented chlorine bleach: Clorox or Purex type bleach: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (4 or 5 drops per gallon, or boil in a large clean pan with a lid.
Awareness and Preparation will insure that you and your family will have emergency WATER.
Be Firewise, Be Safe!
Firewise Committee - Contact Information
Butch Jones Chairman 804-514-4458
Christopher Miller Co-Chairman 407-375-8310
Tim Graham 561-262-8833
Donald Payne 407-222-0583
Ed Brown
321-383-8253
Mike Lavery 585-315-5554
Ron Peoples 407-509-0486
Betty Salter 321-223-8073
Ed Olefirowicz
919-360-3174
Karri Olefirowicz 919-265-4315
Albert McGuire 810-338-5646
Executive
Porch Conversions
Accessory Buildings
Custom Building & Design
Bath & Kitchen Remodeling
Door & Window Replacement
Hardwood Floors
Tile Floors
Concrete Work
Drywall
Custom Decks
Entertainment Centers
Siding
Trim Work
Crown Molding And...
Pictures are Susan Jensen Breast Cancer Tournament Chair, Dawn England, LGA President and Christy Rimsky, Jess Parrish Medical Foundation.
BETTY SALTER TAKES THE HELM AS NATURE CENTER PRESIDENT
NANCY CLARK - Her Amazing Journey as a Squirrel Rehabilitator
“Rehabbing is hard work and not always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Every life saved - no matter how small - matters. I’m grateful for every moment I’ve had with these incredible creatures.”
The Nature Center at The Great Outdoors is pleased to announce Betty Salter as the center’s new president. Betty brings a wealth of knowledge, personal contacts and experience to the Nature Center, with an impressive background in education, wildlife knowledge, and groundbreaking work at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Here at TGO she dedicates tireless work as a TGO Wildlife Rescue and Nature Center Trail Guide, and spent years rescuing wildlife at TGO and the surrounding area. She has also led the Nature Center Trail hikes every Monday and Wednesday during “the season” for over 10 years.
A DEDICATED VOLUNTEER
Betty’s career began in education, where she was with the school board and an exceptional education teacher assistant. In 1999 she began working for Parks and Recreation, North Area Parks Operation Office, where she initiated many innovative programs. She and her late husband Cary retired in February 2008.
Nancy’s journey into wildlife rescue began shortly after she moved into The Great Outdoors. She had the opportunity to ride along with Betty Salter, who had received a call about baby squirrels found on the ground. When they arrived, Betty and Nancy found three eastern gray squirrel babies. Sadly, one baby had already passed away. The two survivors, a little boy and girl, were taken to Squirrel Angels Rescue. That day changed Nancy’s life forever.
Betty has devoted over 7,000 hours of volunteer time to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. A friend at the refuge encouraged her to consider living in TGO. Betty and Cary moved to The Great Outdoors in October of 2014, and immediately became immersed with The Nature Center. Betty had known Sandy Juba for some time, as Sandy volunteered at the refuge as well. Their great friendship and desire to rescue and teach others about wildlife and nature took off from there.
Nancy became instantly swept away with helping animals (especially squirrels) in need. She began volunteering under the Squirrel Angels Rescue license from 2017 to 2023. Not long after, she brought the two baby squirrels she had found home to complete their rehabilitation. The two squirrels were affectionally named Joey and Lizzy.
tours, and to re-introduce golf cart tours of the Blue Heron Water Treatment Plant. Betty realizes many of our TGO residents work during the week, and she hopes to have Saturday morning hikes
A true life-learner, Betty’s passion is to share the joy of nature with others, whether it’s knowledge of plants, wildlife, wildlife rescue and preservation, or simply the general love of being
others to understand that rehabbing wildlife takes an incredible, deep commitment. She says “Each animal required round-the-clock care - bottle feedings, clean cages, injury treatment, medication, and emotional support. During a hurricane, I cared for as many as 48 squirrels at one time until other rehabbers could take some.”
Betty jokes that one of the first steps to get involved with wildlife rescue, at Sandy’s insistence, was to overcome her fear of snakes. After researching snakes for many months and creating brochures about them, she overcame her fears, and has frequently rescued many of them! She also became very active with Firewise. Betty initiated the Spring Festival at the Nature Center. She previously developed large festivals for the county and wanted to develop a smaller festival here. Sandy Juba gave Betty a list of local vendors to contact, and the annual festival was launched, continues to grow and become a fund
NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA
Photo was taken immediately after Betty rescued this fawn from drowning. The fawn was reunited with its mother shortly after. (Note: Betty says one should never touch a fawn - she was holding this one as it was just rescued from the water.)
“At one point, I had twenty babies in incubators.”
In addition to squirrels, Nancy has brought raccoons, otters, opossums, and armadillos into her home to keep them comfortable and safe until they could be transferred to another rehabilitation facility. Most recently, you may recall her rescue of baby opossums last spring which was mentioned in The Happenings.
Betty’s nature expertise includes extensive studies of native Florida plants and insects. One of her many butterfly studies led to the discovery of new species not known to our area. (The Variegated Fritillary was not known to be in Brevard County and the Eastern Pygmy Blue was not expected to be west of I-95 but we have it in the marsh here!) Betty’s goals are to develop programs to get more people involved with the nature center’s hikes, displays and talks.
She was also given another baby to care for named Don. From there, she became a dedicated rehabber, eventually caring for many more squirrels, including three unforgettable southern flying squirrels: Jemma, Jack, and Ava.
PLANS FOR THE NATURE CENTER
The squirrels and other animals Nancy has rescued are returned to the wild here at The Great Outdoors.
Nancy loved her work helping these squirrels, but also wants
Ideas she plans to implement include nature golf cart tours in the community, Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival bird
Nancy is now retired as a rehabber, but says she was never alone in her journey. Her late husband, Scott, was her biggest supporter. She reflects, “In the early days, he worked beside me feeding babies, cleaning cages, and believing in me every step of the way. My daughter and grandchildren also pitched in. During COVID, my granddaughter Charlye proudly raised and released a tiny pinkie gray squirrel herself.”
Betty Salter on the Betty Salter trail January 8, discussing a recently shedded snake skin. From right: Julie Gifford, Cindy Hinkle, Sandra Miraglia, Betty Salter, Kim Mosely. Photo credit Linda Day
Photo by Linda Day
Nancy Clark with one of the many squirrels she has rehabilitated and returned to the wild.
Editorial by Linda Day
mosquitos so it’s a great time of year for hikes!
May 27 is the average start to our rainy season in Florida, so the St. Johns river is very low now, opening up lots of nearby hiking and mountain biking!
To volunteer, for questions, or for more information, contact Brian Grande at 407-766-7867 or SkinDvr2000@yahoo.com.
TGO POSSUM RESCUE EFFORT
Nancy says rehabbing has not always been easy. “All supplies, food, and medical needs are provided out of pocket, but the reward of seeing them grow strong and return to the wild was worth every effort. Each animal I’ve helped has left a mark on my heart, and I’m proud to have been part of their journey back to the wild.”
Special thanks to Nancy Clark and Sandy Juba (Animal Rescue Committee) for their help March 19 & 20. After a concert at the Manor, Donna Pittman came upon an injured opossum who sadly was left for dead in the road. The opossum was bleeding and struggling. Donna called Nancy, who quickly came to its rescue. Nancy gave the sweet possum
Would you be interested in giving back to nature and helping these sweet animals in need? Please contact Nancy Clark at patrick.jessica159@gmail.com and she can provide information on how to get started on your wildlife rehabber journey.
Nature Center Board
comfort overnight, and the next day Sandy took it to a rehabber in Christmas. The rehabber discovered the female possum had a broken jaw, with injured babies in its pouch. Sadly, the mother had to be euthanized and two babies are clinging to life. We are heartbroken about the outcome for this sweet family of opossums, but grateful for compassionate people among us
A CHAT WITH NANCY CLARK
Exclusive For Nature Center Members!
Nature Center Members are invited to an exclusive smallgroup session with Nancy Clark! You’ve just read about her amazing life as a rehabber, now you can hear her stories first-hand!
Nature Center President Betty Salter will sit down with Nancy, asking her questions about her role with the Nature Center and wildlife rescues. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear stories of passion and care for injured and abandoned wildlife.
When: Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 am
SPECIAL TORTOISEVILLE ADVENTURE
Where: Nature Center Meeting Room
This program is exclusively for members of The Nature Center at TGO.
While little Lucy Antichos was visiting Grandma Sarah Sennett, she took several nature tours. On one tour they stopped at Tortoiseville, where a tortoise posed with her for a picture.
Not a member? Contact Sally Fisher today!
Photo by Sarah Stennett
Reserve your spot by emailing Sally Fisher at naturecentermembership@gmail.com.
If you are currently away from TGO, we hope to have a similar session in the fall, also exclusively for Nature Center Members.
President Bet ty Salter ncpresident23@gmail.com
Vice President Donna Pittman ncvp23@gmail.com
Treasurer Loretta Annè nctreasurer23@gmail.com
Secretary Pat Dick ncsecretary23@gmail.com
Other Points Of Contact
Injured Animals - Please contact these specialists
Sandy Juba 321-543-0502 sjubatgo@gmail.com
Betty Salter 321-223-8073 bet tysalter@hotmail.com
Stories and Articles for The Happenings: nchappenings23@gmail.com
The Nature Center at The Great Outdoors is a 501(c)(3) non-profit self-supporting organization. Donations may be tax deductible.
NATURE CENTER AT TGO
400 Nature Center Trail, Titusville, FL 32780
Open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 365 days a year
www.NatureCenterAtTGO.org
Facebook - Nature Center at TGO
To schedule the use of our meeting room on M/W/F mornings or T/Th afternoons, call the Manor - 321-264-2393
To schedule the meeting room at any other time OR our beautiful enclosed porch, call Loretta Annè - 321-385-9667
Nancy’s granddaughter Charlye (now in High School) loves nature and has helped her grandmother with squirrel rehabilitation over the years.
Summer in TGO
Some folks love it here in the summer… and why not, there is a lot to love!
We get to watch as the sandhill crane colt goes from downy chick, wobbling along with parents, to transitioning into the gangly juvenile imitating mom and dad and learning all about the world. When junior got too near the water, mama stepped in between the pond and junior turned around and went back to foraging with dad. Mama had a stare down with a gator who did not get to taste that little bit of fl uff .
The common ground dove is a Florida resident, but we don’t see them very often in the winter. They spend most of their time on or near the ground. Perhaps the streets being fi lled with more vehicles, people and pets keep them in areas away from easy viewing. I do enjoy watching them all summer as they walk along the street and forage in the grass. They are so cute with their squared off tail and rufus highlights.
threat with their long very pointy beak. I have actually watched a stilt following a three to four foot gator, poking at its tail.
One of my favorite things about summer here is seeing all the babies…birds, deer, possums, raccoons, armadillos, etc. Summer, when there are fewer people around, either they’ve gone back up north or are sheltering from the heat indoors, is when wildlife is seen more often. This is the time when we get calls about a little fawn laying right on the patio or under a shrub beside the house. My comment is, “How wonderful that doe chose your home to shelter her fawn. Do not disturb it. The fawn needs to rest.”
The fawns will stay pretty much right where mama dropped them. The doe cleans the fawn carefully; then she goes off to graze. The doe keeps watch from a distance and avoids drawing attention to her fawn. In the early weeks, the doe only goes to the fawn to feed it. It is really amazing; I know if I told my child, “just stay here,” then left for a number of hours, that kid would not be in the same spot when I returned!
Driving on the entrance road one must be cautious, you never know what will be on the edge or in the middle of the road. The Florida softshell turtle will fi nd a little patch of bare ground and begin laying eggs. She stretches her neck out as she does so. The problem is her neck is so long that though her body is off the road, her head and neck are well into the road. Otters can be glimpsed moving rapidly across the road, mama and her pups. From dusk to dawn there is always a chance you may encounter an alligator. The alligators begin courtship in April, mating season is May to June.
The last of our winter migratory birds have returned north to their breeding grounds. The American avocet is replaced by the black necked stilt who has spent winter further south. The black necked stilt young are little balls of gray fl uff on pink stilts that hatch and walk away from the nest at the edge of the water to follow mom and dad around. As ground nesters it is safest for them to be on the move. When the adults perceive a threat, they will do the broken wing display and, if the threat doesn’t move away from the area, they will challenge and poke at the
Photo by Robin Francis
Photo by Robin Francis
The fawns will begin to travel with the doe when they reach a sufficient size at about two months. Never touch a fawn as you transfer the human scent to them which may draw predators. When mother has cleaned the newborn fawn, it has no scent. With no scent on them predators are less likely to find them.
Throughout the summer we get to observe Nature’s young as they explore our community. The colors in the meadow change as flowers go to seed and another specie takes its place. We don’t have the grand fall foliage you can see up north, but we do have grand flora most of the year and especially through the summer.
Gentle spring rains become electrically charged thunderstorms. You either love them or hate them, but they are awesome to observe from a safe place, like inside your house. As the rains increase so do the wildflowers. The firebreaks become beautiful meadows filled with yellow coreopsis, pink
meadow beauty, white and pink camphorweed, purple mist flower and Nuttall’s thistle. Red cedar trees host the butterfly orchid. The flowers are not huge, but each spike will have five or more little blossoms. The flower’s color changes with time, the tepals (outer petals) start out a very pale yellowish-green and slowly turn yellow, red-brown or orange.
The Nature trail has stars shining throughout the day. Starrush whitetop, that is, with its long delicate white bracts tipped with green looking for all the world like a star that should be in the heavens and not on the ground. Frogfruit, with its reddish cone sporting a ring of tiny white flowers, draws skippers and other butterflies to its nectar. And oh, how the butterflies love all that nectar, even from the tiniest of flowers. White peacock, gulf fritillary, common buckeye, and tiny dainty sulphur butterflies enjoy this awesome buffet mother nature has set out for them. Zebra longwing, the Florida state butterfly, lays its eggs on the passion vine. The white peacock and common buckeye not only nectar on the Frogfruit, but they also lay their eggs on it. The dainty sulphur butterfly seeks out the very common Spanish needles which blooms year-round to lay its eggs. Giant swallowtail butterflies take advantage of the citrus trees and Hercules club to lay their eggs while the Palamedes butterfly uses the red bay tree.
I do love it here all year! What I do miss during the summer are my good neighbors.
Story by Betty Salter, better known to many as Earth Mother
Giant swallowtail butterfly
Zebra longwing butterfly
Frogfruit
Starrush whitetop
Nuttall's thistle
Butterfly orchid
The Wild Charm of Hemingway Days
Every July, as the summer heat shimmers over the Florida Keys, something peculiar stirs in Old Town Key West. Bearded men in khaki shirts and safari hats begin to gather. They smoke cigars. They tell tall tales. They fish. And they drink... oh yes, they drink.
No, it’s not a mirage or a literary hallucination. It’s Hemingway Days—a one-of-a-kind island celebration that honors Ernest Hemingway, the famously adventurous author who called Key West home in the 1930s. And let’s just say, it’s not your average book club.
At the center of the festivities is the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where dozens of stout, bearded “Papas” crowd the stage each night. They strut, they pose, they recite Hemingway’s words like gospel, and they wink at the judges with the swagger of a man who once boxed a matador. The crowd roars. After all, who wouldn’t cheer for a guy who channels Hemingway while holding a daiquiri?
But it’s not just about the beard. Hemingway Days packs in a literary short story competition, poetry readings, a marlin fishing tournament (in true Old Man and the Sea fashion), and even a whimsical “Running of the Bulls”—Key West style. Instead of charging cattle, contestants “run” alongside fake bulls on wheels, cheered on by tourists and locals who have decided, once again, that normal is overrated.
At the Hemingway Home and Museum, guests stroll the shaded grounds once walked by the man himself, while six-toed cats stretch lazily under the palm trees—descendants, they say, of Hemingway’s original polydactyl pet.
For a few glorious, sweaty, sun-drenched days in July, Key West turns into a living novel—equal parts history, humor, and heart. So if you’re ever craving a taste of adventure, or just want to see 50 Ernest Hemingways order mojitos at the same bar, Hemingway Days might just be your next great story..
So mark your calendar: July 23–27 is the time to dive into literary lore, dazzling look-alikes, and island fun.
Your Full Service Salon for Over 28 Years
We Have a Professional Stylist for All Your Needs
Located in the CSA Office Building
Experienced and Professional Hair Design for Both Men and Women
• Dimensional Hair Color • Foil Highlighting and Lowlighting
• Waxing - Facial Only • Spa Pedicures • Gel Manicures
Give us a call, we have openings for hair appointments
We now offer Fairy Hair
Jennifer Stevenson, Owner/Master Stylist
Tuesday through Friday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Jackie Moore, Licensed Cosmetologist
Tuesday through Friday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sowandy Palma, Hair & Nails
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Deloris Fox, Nail Technician
Tuesday through Friday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday through Friday • 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Appointment Hours Can Vary
Deloris Jennifer Jackie Sowandy
Activities Events 2025-2026
November 7 Friday Nickel Bingo
November 8 Saturday Artisian Market
November 13 Thursday The Edge Effect
November 14 Friday Trivia I
November 15 Thursday Trivia II
December 15 Friday Golf Cart Parade * 2026
January 15 Thursday Rhinestone Cowgirls
January 17 Saturday Sock Hop Social *
January 29 Thursday The Boulevards
February 6 Friday Trivia I
February 7 Saturday Trivia II
February 7 Saturday 5K Wellness Fair
February 21 Saturday Line Dance Social
February 26 Thursday Crystal Stack & Adam Ferrara
March 19 Thursday Boy Band Evolution
Concert Dates in Bold. Other events to be added throughout the year.
* Looking for a Chairperson
Monthly Activities Meeting
Our next meeting is October 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm in the Plantation Manor. Everyone is welcome.
Activities Committee Points of Contact
Carmella Zielinski 321-289-0150 tmcmzie@gmail.com
Pat Foley 407-538-8035 pqtfoley441@gmail.com
Ruth Falusi 219-670-1111 falusirr@yahoo.com
NOTE: The TGO Tickets & Gift Shop in Hobbyland will reopen on October 2025
2025-2026 Concert Series Sponors
Mackey’s Home Renovations
Atlantic Storm Protection Eagle’s Pride RV Sales & Service
Gary L Torres DMD, PA JAD Family Pharmacy
Parrish Medical Center Starling’s Auto Group, Inc TGO Realty, Inc
A Great Line Up Of Shows For The 2025-26 Season!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025 - 7:30 PM
Performing songs by Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra, Chicago, Michael Jackson and more
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Powerhouse Singers - Classics and Contemporary
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026 - 7:30 PM
VINTAGE ROCK & ROLL - ‘50s & ‘60s Expert Musicians - High Energy Entertainers!
American Idol Finalist Tribute to Ladies Of Song
THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 26, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Comedian and Actor ADAM FERRARA
“Hilarious” says Entertainment Weekly
BOY BAND EVOLUTION
THURSDAY MARCH 19, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Barber Shop Quartets to Modern Hits
Tight Harmonies - Queen, The Eagles
Motorhomes, 5th Wheels and Travel Trailers Annual Services: Lube, Oil, All Fluids, Filters, Batteries, Generators and More!
• Tow Set-Up
• Hitch Installation
• Braking Systems
• Shock/Sumos Installation
• Motorcycle Lift
• Awning Installation and Repair
• Air Conditioning/Furnace
• Lithium/solar upgrades
• Refrigerator Repair and Installation
• Satellite Dishes and Electrical
• Full RV Collision Repair
• We Work with All Insurance Companies
• Extended Warranty Work
• Warranty and Recall Work on Most Manufacturers
Eagle’s Pride RV Service & Parts - 108C Plantation Drive, Titusville, FL 32780
Open Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Call or email us... 321-383-0288 or eaglespriderv@yahoo.com
• We Buy RVs, 5th Wheels and Travel Trailers • We Accept Trade-Ins • We Consign RVs • We Can Provide Financing • We Sell Warranties
RVs Are Always Plugged in with Air Conditioning On • We Provide Free RV Appraisals • We Have a 24 Hour Security Guard with Cameras
Pride RV Sales - 98 Plantation Drive, Titusville, FL 32780 Open Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Call or email
An Interdenominational Christian Church
SUNDAY
WORSHIP SERVICE
10:00 am
Watch the LIVESTREAM on our Church Website: tgochurch.org
Dr. David Price
Lead Pastor J.B. Kump
Minister, Small Groups, Visitation and Retreats
Dan Zahn
Minister of Prayer & Visitation
321-383-0303
Richard Harleman
Director of Music
Leanne Craig
Office Administrator
Georgi Zeigler
Administrative Assistant
Send e-mail to: info@tgochurch.org www.tgochurch.org
Watch Bible Study and Services
Pastor David’s Bible Study is LIVESTREAMING on Thursday mornings at 10:00 am on the church website: tgochurch.org. In-person bible study is 11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.
If you miss the livestream of any service, you can watch it from our website: tgochurch.org by clicking on the Resources tab at the top of the homepage, then click on Archived Videos to find the service.
Pastor Dan Zahn’s Bible Study
Year-round on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm by Zoom. Contact Pastor Dan for the link at 321-446-7966.
Ray Z’s Bible Class
Will resume in October.
Calling ALL Singles - Join us for fun events!
The SINGULARS of Great Outdoors Community Church are continuing their enjoyable schedule. Get on the email distribution list for all the events for this group. Send your email, with the subject line “Singulars Email” to: info@tgochurch.org or call the church office at 321-383-0303 to keep up on the latest news for the Singulars. Please contact our coordinator Pastor J.B. Kump at: 321-543-1608 or email: jb.kump@gmail.com.
Memory Garden Open to All TGO Residents
Interested in a Memory Walk Paver or Columbarium Niche? Inquire at The Great Outdoors Community Church - 321-383-0303. Monday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Listen to Verse by Verse
With David Price on WPIO 89.3 FM every Monday - Friday at 4:40 pm and 9:13 pm
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from November through April and meets in the Narthex. Contact Rosalind Zahn for more information at 321-446-7968.
Great Outdoors Community Church has a ministry that provides services to TGO residents. The areas of support and their points-of-contact are as follows: Home Repairs Heidi Turner 321-514-3719 hsturner44@gmail.com
Lending Closet Jeff Craig 248-880-7462 jcraig26@protonmail.com
Temporary Meals Linda Snyder 610-751-5919 ravenmst@hotmail.com
County Services Bev Houghton 810-919-1629 bhoughto10@hotmail.com
Transportation Charlie Wood 847-609-1222 charliewood847@gmail.com
Blink Me Back to Cocoa Beach A Dreamy Dive into “I Dream of Jeannie”
Let’s rewind to a simpler time, shall we? A time when NASA launches were hot news, bell bottoms were cutting-edge fashion, and apparently, you could find 2000-year-old magical blondes just lying around in fancy glass bottles on deserted islands. Yes, we’re talking about I Dream of Jeannie - the zany 1960s sitcom that brought magic, moon missions, and mid-century mischief to America’s living rooms… and to our own backyard: sunny Cocoa Beach, Florida.
NASA Meets Nonsense
The show ran from 1965 to 1970, but reruns make it feel like it never left. It starred Barbara Eden as the bubbly, barefoot, blink-happy Jeannie, and Larry Hagman as the perpetually flustered astronaut Captain Anthony “Tony” Nelson - who really just wanted to do his job without being turned into a monkey or waking up in Baghdad. You know, astronaut problems.
Tony was supposed to be on a top-secret NASA mission when his capsule crash-landed on a remote island. There, amidst the sand and palm trees, he stumbles upon a mysterious bottle. (Not a Coke bottle. Not rum. Not even SPF 30.)
Just your everyday, ancient, jewel-encrusted genie container.
He pops the cork and poof! Out comes Jeannie, with her pink chiffon outfit, platinum ponytail, and an immediate crush on her new “Master.” Tony brings her home to Cocoa Beach, which was portrayed in the show as a laid-back, palm-fringed paradise full of astronauts, generals, and a suspicious lack of traffic.
The Characters:
Outrageous, Adorable, and a Bit Off Their Rockers
Let’s be honest - Jeannie had zero chill. She was sweet and loyal and magical, yes, but she also had the impulse control of a toddler in a candy store. Barbara Eden played her with so much charm, you could almost overlook the fact that she accidentally wrecked more NASA property than a dozen Florida hurricanes. One blink and there goes the rocket simulator. Another blink and boom! Tony’s house is now a medieval castle. She meant well. Mostly.
Larry Hagman (before his Dallas “Who shot J.R.” days) was the straight man of the operation. Tony Nelson was the kind of guy who could pilot a space capsule through Earth’s atmosphere but couldn’t explain to the Air Force why there was suddenly a live tiger in his kitchen or why he kept showing up at briefings in a toga. Poor guy just wanted a promotion.
Then there was Roger Healey (played by Bill Daily), Tony’s best friend, fellow astronaut, and human golden retriever. Roger spent most of his time trying to get Jeannie to blink him a girlfriend or a Ferrari. He was lovable, bumbling, and proof that the space program had a very relaxed hiring process.
And we can’t forget Dr. Bellows (Hayden Rorke), the long-suffering NASA psychiatrist who knew something very weird was going on but could never quite catch it on camera. His entire character arc was basically: “I know you’re hiding a genie, Tony! Or at least something un-American!”
One Jeannie, Two Jeannies, Red Jeannie, Evil Jeannie
Now here’s where it really got wild: halfway through the series, we were introduced to Jeannie’s evil twin sister. Yep. Same actress, but with a dark hairdo and a villainous smirk that screamed “diet soda version of Maleficent.” Evil Jeannie wanted Tony too (I mean, what was in the Cocoa Beach water?), and she wasn’t afraid to scheme, seduce, and swap places with her nicer sister to get her way. It was classic ‘60s television - full of mistaken identities, wacky plans, and enough split-screen magic to make your head spin.
Magic Gone Wrong (and Occasionally Right)
Jeannie’s magic was impressive but wildly inconsistent. One episode she’d create an entire palace in Tony’s backyard, the next she’d forget how to turn a frog back into a colonel. She blinked Tony to Rome, the Arctic, inside a jail cell, and even made him invisible (more than once). Honestly, if NASA had just hired Jeannie full-time, we could’ve skipped the whole Space Shuttle program and just blinked our way to the moon.
But no, Tony kept her a secret, mostly because he didn’t want to get court-martialed, and partly because the Air Force tends to frown on magical girlfriends popping out of briefcases during meetings.
Location, Location, Cocoa Beach
While most of I Dream of Jeannie was filmed on Hollywood sets (surprise!), the show was firmly “set” in Cocoa Beach, making our little slice of Florida immortal in TV history. In fact, Cocoa Beach even embraced it with an annual I Dream of Jeannie Lane and a retro-style sign. Sure, the real Cocoa Beach didn’t have quite as many spontaneous camels or floating living rooms, but it did (and still does!) have rockets, sunshine, and a healthy appreciation for good-natured chaos.
Truth be told, Barbara Eden has actually visited Cocoa Beach for promotional appearances, and she’s always spoken fondly about the show’s ties to the Space Coast. If you’re strolling the pier or watching a launch today, just imagine Jeannie floating nearby with a wink and a swirl of pink smoke.
The Ending That Nobody Asked For (But We Got Anyway)
As the series wore on, the writers made the questionable decision to have Jeannie and Tony get married. This pretty much defused all the romantic tension and led to less wacky hijinks
and more... well... sitcom-y marriage problems. The magic (pun intended) started to fade a bit after that, and the show wrapped in 1970 after five seasons and 139 episodes.
Still Dreaming of Jeannie
More than 50 years later, I Dream of Jeannie remains a classic - a fizzy cocktail of mid-century nostalgia, physical comedy, Cold War absurdity, and magic that makes zero sense but somehow totally works. It’s been parodied, referenced, rebooted (badly), and immortalized in everything from Halloween costumes to pop culture trivia nights.
Barbara Eden, who somehow never aged, is still out there, attending conventions, waving from parade floats, and reminding us that a little mischief (and a lot of eyeliner) can go a long way.
So next time you’re watching a rocket launch from your TGO patio or strolling down Jeannie Drive, give a little blink and a nod to the magical mayhem that once made Cocoa Beach the epicenter of TV fantasy.
And if you find an old bottle buried in the sand… maybe don’t open it. Unless you’re ready for a tiger in your bathtub and a wedding you didn’t plan.
Barbara Eden, born August 23, 1931 (now 93), is the timeless star of I Dream of Jeannie. She resides in Beverly Hills with her husband Jon Eicholtz and their Labradoodle Bentley, surrounding herself with memorabilia and her beloved collection of genie bottles.
For you New England fans... Does Larry Hagman look a bit like Tom Brady?
The Blast That Changed Brevard! How The Bumper 8 WAC Rocket Changed Everything
On July 24, 1950, a strange, thunderous sight rose from the coastal wilderness of Cape Canaveral. It was Bumper 8 WAC - an experimental two-stage rocket built with a captured German V-2 missile and an American-made WAC Corporal upper stage. Though its mission was largely technical, its launch did far more than test military technology. It marked the beginning of a transformation unlike anything Florida’s east coast had ever seen.
At the time, Brevard County was a remote, mostly rural stretch of scrubland and citrus groves. The beaches were quiet, the roads sparse, and the few towns scattered between Titusville and Melbourne were little more than agricultural outposts. In fact, Cocoa Beach had a population of just 246 people. Satellite Beach and Palm Bay hadn’t even been incorporated. Titusville’s skyline was mostly trees and water towers, and Melbourne’s population hovered around 4,200.
That launch from Cape Canaveral ignited more than a rocket - it ignited Brevard’s future. Before Bumper 8 WAC lifted off, Brevard was a quiet, agriculture-based region tucked between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The economy revolved around citrus, cattle, and fishing. Life moved slowly, dictated by crop seasons and tides. The landscape was untouched and undeveloped, and aside from the occasional military presence or winter tourist, it was largely overlooked.
But everything changed when rocket science arrived. The federal government’s interest in Cape Canaveral’s geography, its eastern seaboard location, vast over-water range, and proximity to the equator - made it the ideal site for testing longrange missiles. The Bumper program’s success sealed the deal, and by the mid-1950s, a steady flow of engineers, scientists, contractors, and military personnel were descending on the Cape. And it wasn’t a gradual change. It was explosive.
The 1950 census recorded Brevard County’s population at just 23,653. Within a decade, that number had swelled to over 111,000 - a staggering 371% increase fueled almost entirely by space-related activity. Where pine forests and palmettos once grew, roads were bulldozed. Neighborhoods popped up seemingly overnight. Motels, diners, and hardware stores followed, catering to the influx of workers and families
Cape Canaveral’s First Launch and the Rise of Brevard County
who arrived chasing opportunity, technology, and the promise of something bigger than themselves.
Titusville began to expand along the river. Cocoa Beach transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a hub of government contractors and launch workers. The arrival of NASA’s Project Mercury in 1958 added even more fuel to the fire. More engineers came. More families followed. Local schools were overwhelmed, and new ones had to be built. Dirt roads became four-lane highways. Entire communities were mapped out where pastures and wetlands once stood.
There were growing pains, of course. Early arrivals often struggled to find housing, and some workers resorted to temporary shelters - garages, trailers, even tents along the beach. But the momentum was unstoppable.
By 1970, the county’s population had more than doubled again, topping 230,000 residents. This time, the surge was tied to the Mercury and Gemini missions, and the grand crescendo of the Apollo program. Onlookers crowded every shoreline and rooftop to witness rockets thunder toward the Moon. Titusville earned the nickname “Miracle City,” and the eyes of the world turned to Florida’s Space Coast.
The needs of a rapidly expanding workforce brought massive infrastructure improvements. Bridges and causeways connected once-isolated barrier islands to the mainland. Water and sewer lines extended into previously undeveloped tracts. Entire new neighborhoods, churches, hospitals, and shopping centers emerged to serve the ballooning population. Roads were widened. Schools multiplied. Brevard’s transformation from rural outpost to technological frontier was swift and irreversible.
The space industry didn’t just shape the physical environment. It elevated the local economy. High-paying jobs in aerospace, engineering, and science brought with them a level of prosperity few could have imagined just a decade earlier. Real estate values soared. New businesses opened. Civic pride grew alongside rocket capability.
The post-Apollo layoffs in the early 1970s brought widespread job losses. The Challenger disaster in 1986 was a national tragedy that deeply affected the local community, and
the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011 delivered a major economic blow, particularly in Titusville, Cocoa, and Merritt Island. Yet through it all, the roots of the space economy ran deep - strong enough to withstand each challenge and eventually drive new growth and innovation.
Today, Brevard County is home to more than 650,000 people. What began with a single rocket test has evolved into one of the most advanced and active spaceports on Earth. Commercial space companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance now launch dozens of missions annually from the same shores where Bumper 8 WAC took flight.
Communities like Viera, which were once cattle pastures, are now sprawling suburbs with shopping centers, restaurants, and state-of-the-art schools. Titusville has undergone a renaissance, with a revitalized riverfront, modern shopping areas, and businesses that cater to space tourism. Cocoa Beach has embraced its retro space-age charm while attracting a new wave of entrepreneurs and families.
The Kennedy Space Center remains a hub of innovation, preparing for lunar missions under the Artemis program and
serving as a gateway to Mars. Launches are so frequent now that they’ve become part of daily life - residents pause, look up, and resume their day.
But underneath the excitement and booming progress, there’s a quiet thread of continuity. The same elements that defined the area in 1950 - sunlight, shoreline, ambition - are still very much present. What’s changed is the scale.
Bumper 8 WAC didn’t just lift a missile into the sky. It lifted an entire region. It signaled to the world that this quiet stretch of Florida would become something new: a place where the impossible could happen, where ideas could be launched into orbit, and where a humble county could rewrite its own future.
Seventy-five years later, Brevard stands as a living monument to that transformation - a place where the roar of engines once heard over orange groves now echoes over subdivisions, tech parks, and launch pads. From 246 people in Cocoa Beach to more than half a million across the county, the Space Coast’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. And it all began with one historic liftoff.
Fashioned from a captured German V-2 missile and an American-made upper stage, the Bumper WAC rockets were the first practical two-stage rockets. On July 24, 1950, Bumper 8 WAC became the first rocket to fly from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. If you are reading this online, click on the image to view footage of the rocket launch taken from the rocket.aero DVD “The V-2 in America.” This Image has
The Day Pepsi Sparked a Riot The Catastrophe of Number 349
In 1992, Pepsi launched a marketing campaign in the Philippines that would go down in history, not for its success, but for how spectacularly it failed. What began as a brilliant promotional idea turned into chaos, riots, lawsuits, and even deaths. It would ultimately become one of the most disastrous marketing failures the world has ever seen.
At the time, Pepsi was losing ground to its archrival, Coca-Cola, which was dominating global markets. Determined to regain momentum, Pepsi borrowed an idea that had shown promise in other markets: a bottle cap lottery. Dubbed “Number Fever,” the campaign seemed simple and genius.
Each Pepsi bottle cap featured a unique three-digit number. Every evening, the winning number was announced on national television. If the number under your cap matched, you could claim 1 million pesos— about $40,000 USD at the time, a fortune in a country where the average monthly income was only $100.
The campaign electrified the nation.
People hoarded caps, dug through trash bins, and spent their last pesos chasing their millionaire dream. Kids skipped snacks to buy Pepsi. Entire families gathered around TV sets each night to hear the lucky number. Word of mouth spread like wildfire, and Pepsi sales soared - from 10 million bottles a day to 14 million almost overnight.
Then came May 25, 1992.
That night, the winning number was announced: 349. Cheers erupted across the country - until the fine print caught up.
Unbeknownst to the public, Pepsi had previously designated 349 as a non-winning number. Due to a printing error, over 600,000 bottle caps bearing 349 had been mistakenly distributed across the Philippines. But unlike scratch cards or serial verification systems, Pepsi had no way to confirm which 349 caps were legitimate. Thousands of Filipinos believed they had won. Some people had five, eight, even ten “winning” caps. Families danced in the streets. Bottling plants were swarmed with claimants ready to collect their prizes.
You are invited...
LORI’S SPACE COAST TRAVEL, LLC TRAVEL NIGHT
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 6:00 to 8:30 pm
“A
Join us at the TGO Pavilion for an evening to learn about travel with guest speakers from Viking, Sandals and NCL. Complimentary Appetizers, Wine and Beer will be served. Space is Limited.
Pepsi’s response? They refused to pay the full prize. Instead, they offered a “goodwill” payment of just 500 pesos (about $18) per winning cap - far from the promised 1 million pesos. For families already living in poverty, the gesture was seen not as compensation but as an insult. The backlash was instant and furious. What followed was nothing short of mayhem.
Angry mobs formed outside Pepsi facilities. Molotov cocktails were thrown at delivery trucks. A schoolteacher and a five-year-old girl were among the five people killed in the violence. Pepsi executives were forced into hiding. Riot police were deployed. The Filipino public, once enthralled by Pepsi’s game, now viewed the company as a deceitful foreign giant.
Leading the movement for justice was Vicente del Fierro, a local preacher who became the voice of the cheated. He rallied 800 “winners” and filed a $400 million lawsuit against Pepsi. Del Fierro even flew to Pepsi’s U.S. headquarters demanding justice.
Please RSVP by August 25 to Lori Bledsoe at LorisSpaceCoastTravel@gmail.com or Call or text to 678-231-7680
Pepsi, however, dug in its heels. They filed libel charges against del Fierro. He was forced to attend court hearings regularly, even while battling heart failure. The legal war dragged on for years.
In the end, Pepsi paid out more than $10 million in goodwill payments and legal fees. Yet it wasn’t enough to recover the damage done. Their once-booming sales collapsed. Coca-Cola surged ahead, regaining the dominant position. In many parts of the Philippines, the Pepsi brand became taboo, a symbol of betrayal.
All of this - over a single number.
The story of Number 349 is more than a corporate mishap. It’s a cautionary tale of what happens when marketing ambition collides with human error and underestimates the hopes of the people it touches. What was meant to be Pepsi’s crowning moment in the Philippines became its greatest catastrophe, a reminder that even a tiny mistake can set off an unstoppable avalanche.
The Blue Heron Loyalty Reward Program
1 Sign Up in Seconds
Ask your Server or use the QR Code below. Simply enter your phone number.
2 Earn Points Automatically Every time you visit, you’ll earn points toward free food, beverages, and exclusive rewards.
3 Enjoy the Perks
Just Another Manic Wing Monday! 99¢ Chicken Wings! A
Great Way to Combat Those Monday Blues
APPETIZERS SALADS & SOUP
Basket of Fries - choice of two sauces 4.99
Quesadilla 10.99
12” flour tortilla filled with sautéed onions, peppers and shredded cheese. Add chicken - 3.00 Add shrimp - 5.00
Pretzel - Served with nacho cheese dip 9.99
Pierogi 9.99
Served with a choice of sauerkraut and horsey sauce or sautéed onions and sour cream
Potato Skins 9.99
Loaded with shredded cheese and bacon, topped with green onions
Fried Okra - Served with ranch 8.99
Onion Rings 8.99
Beer battered, served with a choice of dipping sauces
Spicy Quesadilla 13.99
12” flour tortilla filled with onions, peppers, jalapeños, tomatoes, and buffalo chicken.
Substitute Fried Shrimp - 5.00
Fried Pickles - Served with Sriracha Ranch 9.99
Potstickers 10.99
Pork potstickers, served with Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Chilled Spanish blended soup, served with croutons or crackers.
Ask your server about our Gazpacho special of the day!
Music at The Blue Heron
Friday, July 11 Bill Collins
Friday, July 18 Johnny Danger
Friday, July 25 Mike Johnson
Friday, August 1 Tiki Band
Friday, August 8 Sammy
CONSUMER ADVISORY
Consuming undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, or seafood may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions. Please inform your server of any special dietary needs.
BURGERS AND SANDWICHES
Blue Heron Burger - Angus beef with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle. Served with french fries. 12.99 Add cheese 1.00
MOAB Burger - Mother Of All Burgers. Angus beef with American cheese, onion rings, bacon and BBQ sauce. Served with french fries. 15.99
Chicken Sandwich - Grilled or fried chicken breast with lettuce and tomato. Served with french fries. 12.99
Chicken Parm Sub - Fried chicken, marinara and cheese. Served with french fries. Half 10.99 Full15.99
Cheesesteak - Steak or chicken, sautéed peppers, onions and mushrooms, topped with provolone cheese. Served with french fries. Half 10.99 Full14.99
Heron Club - Sliced turkey or ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on your choice of bread. Served with french fries. 14.99
On The Green Burger - Angus beef with provolone cheese, spinach, avocado and house aioli. Served with french fries. 15.99
J&B’s Patty Melt - Angus beef smothered with caramelized onions, on marbled rye bread with Swiss cheese. Served with french fries. 13.99
Meatloaf Sandwich - House meatloaf with gravy, lettuce and tomato. Served with french fries. 13.99
Eggplant Parm Sub - Fried eggplant, marinara and cheese. Served with french fries. Half 10.99 Full15.99
Meatball Sub - Meatballs marinara, provolone cheese on a toasted sub. Served with french fries. Half 10.99 Full14.99
The Reuben - Thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing on marbled rye. Served with french fries. 14.99
ENTREES AND PASTAS
Potatoes and vegetable of the day are subject to change. Ask your server what we have today.
Chicken Tenders - Served with French fries and choice of dipping sauce. 10.99
Fish and Chips - Beer battered fried Haddock, served with french fries and coleslaw. 14.99
Spaghetti and Meatballs - Meatballs over spaghetti pasta with marinara sauce with garlic bread. Half 9.99 Full 14.99
SIDES
Replacement options require an up charge. Ask your server for more information.
French Fries Sweet Potato Fries Onion Rings Side Salad Side of Fruit Coleslaw
Summer Hours Starting June 1
11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Grilled Salmon - Choice of grilled or blackened salmon, served with vegetable of the day. 21.99
Chicken Alfredo - Grilled chicken over fettuccine alfredo. Served with garlic bread. Half 12.99 Full 15.99
Albatross Pasta - Creamy marinara, penne, basil, and Parmesan. Choice of chicken or meatballs. Half 10.99 Full 15.99
DESSERTS
Personalized cakes are custom to order. Contact us for more information regarding our bakery services!
Cake 10.99
Ask your server about our Dessert of the day!
Riding and Reading with...
Chris Elwonger
So Chris, how long have you lived in The Great Outdoors? December will make five years. We moved here in December of 2020.
And where did you live before that?
Fort Lauderdale. A very congested Fort Lauderdale.
Are you a native Floridian?
No, originally I’m from upstate New York, a little town called Elmira. I moved to Florida 40 years ago - so I’ve actually lived in Florida longer than I ever lived in New York.
How did you find out about TGO?
Were you an RVer?
Yes, we were at the Tampa RV Show and saw a booth for The Great Outdoors, hosted by the realty company. This was back in 2016 or 2017, the year we bought our first RV. We came to TGO and rented a spot on Oak Cove. Then we rented other sites on Oak Cove and Plantation before deciding we wanted to retire here.
So your first house was in Hidden Lakes?
Yes - but we actually had that house built by NuVision.
Do you still have an RV?
We do, but we don’t get out as much as we used to. Our schedules have picked up and we’re both very active in the community. But we’ve done a couple of cross-country trips.
I know you said you’re retired, but I also know you offer a driving service around the community. You’re known for scooping people up at four in the morning to take them to the airport. Tell us a little about that. That’s right! I scoop them up and take them to the airport - or the cruise port - at all kinds of crazy hours. I pick people up any time of day or night. It’s so much better to be in a car with someone familiar than trying to grab an Uber with a stranger who doesn’t know you or care to chat. I take people to the airport, the cruise terminal, doctor’s offices, barbershops, nail salons - wherever they need to go.
I also understand you’re an author?
Yes, I’ve written four books so far. I actually started writing during the COVID lockdown. My first book is called ...Always. It’s about a young woman who marries young, goes on her
honeymoon with her husband, and they decide they’re never going back home. But then she finds out he’s living a double life. It’s a romantic suspense novel, and I’ve written two sequels to that series.
I keep hearing about your latest book - the one that takes place in The Great Outdoors - and that you’ve used real people from the community as characters. Without giving too much away, can you tell us more?
Yes, that’s my newest book, Cookies in Wilderness Acres. A lot of the characters are inspired by people in the park. The main character is beautiful and younger than most of the residents at Wilderness Acres - aka TGO - which makes it a challenge for fitting in. Some ladies are jealous of her. The story includes drama, affairs, teenage children coping with their new life and even a bartender named Adonis who some TGO folks might remember. Readers may recognize quite a few people - and yes, I even used some real names!
So where did your inspiration to write come from?
My favorite classes were always English and composition. I loved being able to pull ideas together and write about them. I even helped some classmates - people for whom English was a second language - get through their assignments. That gave me confidence.
Your books are self-published, right?
Yes, I publish them through Kindle and Amazon. The whole process is pretty amazing. I write the manuscript, submit it, and then it goes through a review process. They usually get back to you within seven to ten days with approval. It can be a little tricky to figure out at first, but once you get the hang of it, it gets easier. The books are print-on-demand, so when someone places an order, it’s printed right then and usually arrives in about three to four days.
I also have several at my home if anyone wants to pick one up directly from me.
Living the life of luxury and social glamour, Franny still felt something was missing in her life. A happily married woman with two children, she longed for something more, or something different. When she acquired the change she thought she desired, it was far more than she bargained for. Her life began to spiral until she meets the one person, the most unexpected person, who could put it all into perspective.
If you are interested in buying a book directly from Chris, you can contact her at 305-479-7004
FROM THE EDITOR
Funny Thing Is… Where Was I Going Anyway?
It’s summer. Time for us seniors to fantasize like we’re NASCAR drivers and hit the road with all those crazy kids who overuse their middle fingers way too much. Packing for the trip used to be a multi-day event, but now it’s just the basics. I don’t pack for every possible event because the trip is pretty much drive, eat, drive some more, eat again then get a motel to sleep. You don’t need a lot of different changes of clothes for that. Maybe one dress up outfit for church or a fancy restaurant, but other than that, just grubs for the ride, a bathing suit in case the motel has a pool not infested with mold or a lot of loud kids, and pj’s for sleep. Then we hit the road. Back in the day, we navigated using something called a road map. It was a giant paper map that, once unfolded, required two people and a bottle of scotch to refold. I don’t know how we got anywhere before GPS, but can we make those things a little nicer? Mine says things like, “In 500 feet, turn left,” in a tone so smug, I swear it’s judging me. So I changed the voice to a British lady because they’re always polite. Still, when I miss a turn it huffs, “Recalculating,” like it’s disappointed but not surprised. My wife, who I call “the backseat driver in the front seat,” is like the GPS color commentator. Thanks to her I’ve learned those little red lights on the back of cars are not Christmas decorations but mean “STOP!” She must think I forget because she announces EVERY TIME a brake light comes on for any car within a mile of our location. Bathroom breaks are a key part of any road trip since we passed 60. There’s a strict one hour policy in effect, not because we need to go, but because we might and with my luck it’ll be 30 miles to the next exit when it hits me. So when you get the urge to hit the road for vacation, take my advice. Stay home. Watch people’s travel videos on YouTube, eat food you already paid for. Drink top shelf liquor you already own, and make your kids happy that you’re not wasting their inheritance on something you’re just gonna complain about when you get home.
With this issue of The Happenings, I’ve officially reached my 24th edition— completing a full year as editor! Looking back, it’s been a busy, rewarding, and sometimes whirlwind experience, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This particular issue is packed with content, a testament to the vibrant, active community here at The Great Outdoors.
I’ve been especially fortunate to have help from some fantastic contributors this issue. Linda Day provided in-depth coverage of the Nature Center, and our previous editor, Tim Clark, took on the heavy lifting when it came to capturing golf events—sorting through scores of photos and assisting with captions and text. Their efforts made this issue possible, and I’m incredibly grateful.
Most of all, I appreciate how welcoming and supportive everyone has been over the past year. Whether it’s sharing stories, offering photos, or simply providing encouragement, this community has made my job a joy. I look forward to another year of bringing The Happenings to life and keeping everyone connected to the unique place that you all call home.
Greg Wostrel Editor of The Happenings
Comments, ideas, suggestions, and submissions are always welcome. Please be in touch with me here: email: happenings@tgocsa.com phone: 401-286-9228
- Dr. Sammy -
AQUACIZE Plantation Manor Pool (pool is closed during class)
Monday - Friday - 10:00 am - Weather Permitting
Call the CSA Manor Office to ask about any cancellation due to bad weather. Aquacize, or water aerobics, is a fun and easy workout for all ages. It uses the resistance of water to increase cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and muscle tone. Diana Araujo-Fernandez For more information call: Plantation Manor - 321-264-2393
BIKE GROUP Plantation Manor - Thursday 9:00 AM
RETURNING IN SEPTEMBER
TGO Bike Group does group rides every Thursday. We go on bike trails or on lightly traveled urbanSstreets, no major roads, We travel anywhere between 10 to 20 miles at 8 to 10 miles per hour. E bikes and recumbents are welcome. If interested meet in the Manor parking lot at 9 AM on a Thursday.
BINGO Plantation Manor
Tuesday - 6:00 pm, all year
CARDS GO ON SALE at 4:45 pm. TGO Owners, Renters, and Guests Only. All present during play must be 18 years of age or older. Age verification via government ID may be required.
BOCCE The Bocce Court (next to Shuffleboard)
The Bocce ball set can be borrowed from the cabinet outside the Fitness Center, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. For weekend play, pick up the Bocce set on Friday.
BOWLING River Lanes (SR50) - Titusville
TGO bowling - 2025 Season - $1.00 per week for 3 games with free shoe rental. 2 Practice dates: 12/4/25 and 12/17/25 at 1:00 pm. ($5.35 for 3 games with free shoe rental). 12-week league starts 1/7/26 - first date at noon (for meeting) then 1:00 pm for all other Wednesdays. Teams comprised of 4 bowlers per team. Single bowlers welcome - we will find you a team. League is a handicap system, so everyone has a chance to win. To confirm your place or join, text Ruby Logan - 321-749-8642 or email: Ruby@lakesagency.com
RETURNING IN DECEMBER
BRIDGE CLUB Plantation Manor Porch
Monday - 1:00 pm, Thursday - 1:00 pm
For intermediate and advanced level players. Bridge sign-up sheets are on clipboards on the Plantation Manor office door by the stage. Players must sign up by Friday noon to play Monday afternoon and must sign up by Tuesday noon to play Thursday afternoon. For more info, call: John Comeau – 321-269-5525
BUNCO The Library
6:00 - 8:00 pm
RETURNING IN SEPTEMBER
Fee: $1 for Bunco and $3 for Left, Right, Center. For more information, call or text: Cathy Costello - 321-376-2823
BUNCO The Manor Porch
Every other Tuesday 1:00 pm except where noted. $1 to play. Call or text Lillian VanDuyne at 607-316-4910 to be added to our sub list or for further information.
CHESS The Library
Every Friday 7:00 pm
RETURNING IN OCTOBER
We invite chess players of all levels. Bring a chess set and clock if you can. For information, join the TGO Chess Players Group on Facebook or contact Bill Severance at 207-317-1365 or bill@westnetdesigns.com.
CIGAR CLUB Windsong Pavilion
2nd & 4th Tuesdays – 3:30 pm. Enjoy a cigar with fellow smokers, swap cigars, share cigar knowledge, join field trips. (Bring a beverage)
Contact: Bob Hazlett – 937-545-7446; rlhazlett999@gmail.com
CLOWN ALLEY The Library
The Clown Alley meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm. For more information call: Pam Campbell Taylor 571-217-0444
RETURNING IN OCTOBER
COLORING GROUP Windsong Pavilion
All Year Long - First and third Tuesdays Noon to 3:00 pm and/or Wednesdays 4:00 to 7:00 pm. $10 - Colored pencil supplies provided. Start with a short coloring lesson, choose what you color, color at your own pace. Reservations REQUIRED by the Monday before class. tgocolor@stuffnthingz.com or call Tracy Lewis - 425-478-6078
CORN HOLE The Shuffleboard Courts
Sunday 3:00 pm, Wednesday 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Come join your friends and neighbors each Sunday afternoon or Wedneday evening for a few games of Corn Hole. Practice starts a half hour before play. For more information call: Randy Sanford - 321-505-8353
CROQUET CLUB In front of the Golf Driving Range
Sunday - 2:00 pm
No experience needed. Equipment provided. Bring your own chair and beverage. No formal attire. It’s a great way to get outside and have fun with friends and neighbors. Contact: Joe DiGuilio 321-398-1816 or Frank Valenza - 407-223-5196
DIAMOND PAINTING The Library - Monday - 1:30 pm
Try this new craft hobby that’s a mix between Cross Stitch and Paint by Numbers. Tiny resin “diamonds” are applied to a color-coded canvas creating a vibrant mosaic painting. Contact: Nancy Landry - 781-820-7276
EUCHRE The Library
Saturday - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
RETURNING
OCTOBER 1ST
Euchre is OPEN NOW for all who love the game! The cost is $1.
Contact: Theresa Crosby - 740-548-0140
FRIENDLY HOBBIES Hobbyland
Wednesday - 9:30 am - 12:00 noon, all year
Bring your knitting, cross stitch, crocheting, and other needle creations. For information, call: Theresa Sansoucie - 603-491-4515 or Mary Jane Smith - 810-853-8188
EXERCISE WITH CHARLOTTE Manor (M) or Pavilion (P)
Monday (M) - 8:00-9:00 am
Strength Training
Monday (P) - 9:00 - 9:30 am
Low Impact
Tuesday (M) - 8:00 - 9:00 am
PiYo Live
Tuesday (M) - 9:00 - 9:30 am
Back Stretch
Wednesday (M) - 8:00 - 9:00 am
Medicine Ball
Wednesday (P) - 9:00 - 9:30 am
Total Body Toning
Thursday (M) - 8:00 - 9:00 am
Low Impact
Thursday (M) - 9:00 - 9:30 am
Belly, Back, Buns
Friday (M) - 8:00 - 9:00 am
Strength Training
Friday (P) - 9:00 - 9:30 am
People's Choice
Beginning May 1 thru August 29 there will begin a new 5 week cycle of classes for 9:00-9:30am on Thursdays and Fridays.
Manor - Thursday Pavilion - Friday
1st Week Arthritis* Balance*
2nd Week Belly, Back Buns** Arthritis*
3rd Week PiYo* Balance*
4th Week Mobility** PiYo*
5th Week Balance* Arthritis*
* A chair may be used ** A mat will be used
FMCA - Ambassadors Chapter Plantation Manor
4th Monday (October - April) - 4:30 pm
RETURNING IN OCTOBER
Seasonal meetings are monthly, in the Plantation Manor. Come to see your friends, share your latest RV adventures and get updates on our rally schedule and chapter activities. After our business meeting, we provide a light meal for our members and guests. Please bring your own beverage of choice. If you will be attending, you must send an email to Bob Nebel by the Monday before the meeting so we know how much food to purchase. Bob’s email: renebeljr@gmail.com For more information, call: Bob Nebel at 321-626-1290 Visit our website at www.TGOAMB.com
FRIDAY HARMONY AFTER LUNCH BUNCH The Pavilion
HAND KNEE AND FOOT CARD GAME The Library Wednesday and Saturday - 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Much more challenging and fun than original Hand and Foot, this is still similar to Canasta. Both days meet all year.
For more information, call: Marie Zeigler - 518-805-8569
RETURNING IN OCTOBER
KARAOKE Plantation Manor - starting at 6:00 pm. Join in the fun or listen to your friends. Bring snacks and beverages. Don Wheeler - 407-401-3655
LINE DANCING Plantation Manor Tuesdays - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Beginner class starts at 10:00 am. No dance experience - basic steps taught. Improver class starts at 11:00 am.
Michelle Neese - Instructor
MACHINE EMBROIDERY CLUB Hobbyland
Friday - 12:00 - 5:00 pm, all year
Join us in this fascinating hobby by bringing your embroidery machine. Bring your door key for the craft room.
Contact: Diana Spahn - 207-432-2107
MAD HATTERS Plantation Manor
1st Tuesday (November - April) - 11:30 am
RETURNING IN NOVEMBER
All TGO ladies are invited. Lunch is $18.00, bring the exact amount, advance reservations are required. For lunch reservations, contact Susan Bonneau, madhatlunch@gmail.com. For any other information contact: Sharon Alonzo at queensharonmadhatters@gmail.com or 518-542-4539
NICKEL BINGO Plantation Manor Friday, June 20, July 4 & 18
6:00 pm. Bring snacks for your table/BYOB. Bring a roll of nickels to play and $1, per person, for donation to three charities.
RETURNING
OCTOBER 25
Fridays - 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Harmony After Lunch Bunch (HALB) is an all voices chorus headed by a 30-year Barbershop Harmony Society member. Peter Maselli - 714-392-4444
FTTA - Fun Time Travel Association Plantation Manor
3rd Monday (October - April) - 4:30 pm
The FTTA is a rally group open to all owners and renters in TGO. All types of RVs are welcome and are encouraged to enjoy the fun. Join our monthly meeting for information about rallies and socializing. We will serve food at this meeting. Those who plan to attend, send an e-mail to Monica Fierro by the Friday before the Monday meeting so we know how many chairs to set up and how much food to purchase. Next meeting is Monday, April 14. Monica Fierro - 321-604-0011 Email to tgomonica@hotmail. com. Put “FTTA” in the subject line.
RETURNING IN OCTOBER
GAMES NIGHT The Library Sunday - 6:00 pm, Tuesday - 6:00 pm
This fun-loving group plays many types of games. For info call: Carol Hall - 321-383-3544 or Kathy Smith - 401-742-9766
Bev Moquin - 508-317-0295
PAGE TURNERS The Library
RETURNING IN NOVEMBER
1st Wednesday of each month - 6:30 pm Wine is welcome! Please consider joining the fun! The book selection and more good information can be found on FACEBOOK at TGO Page Turners.
PICKLEBALL Pickleball Courts
Six Pickleball Courts are available starting at 8:00 am every day.
• Lights for Night Play • Beginners Lessons
• Organized Tournaments • Clinics to Improve Member Skills
• Open Club Play 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Daily and Wednesday evening 6:00 - 8:00 pm • Private Games in the Afternoon
Get a good start to Pickleball by calling Pam Howland at 470-400-1168 for lessons. The lessons will be offered from November - mid-April, Wednesdays 2:00 - 4:00 pm, by appointment only. You can also borrow equipment from the Plantation Manor CSA Office Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information: tgopickleballclubboard@gmail.com
PHOTO CLUB Manor 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. If you enjoy taking pictures and would like to learn more, please visit with us. Whether you use your phone or a Mirrorless Camera, all are welcome. New faces are always a welcome addition to our meetings. Contact: David Spahn - 207-468-6760
QUILTERS Hobbyland
Thursday - 9:30 am- 5:00 pm, all year
Join in the creative enjoyment of this sewing art. Weekly meetings are held at 1:00 pm November through April. TGO Owners, please bring your door key for the craft room.
Call: Debbi Walling - 925-708-3599
RADIO CONTROLLED AIRCRAFT
Experience the “high” of flying R/C aircraft. FREE training. The airfield is less than a mile from TGO. We fly all year and are usually at the airfield by about 8:00 am. Call: Bob Netherton - 321-269-3016
RUG HOOKING Hobbyland
Tuesday (October - April) - 9:00 am
SWEDISH WEAVERS Hobbyland Monday - 1:00 - 3:00 pm
RETURNING IN FALL
Relax with this fun, needlecraft fabric decorating style. The simple technique can be mastered and enjoyed by all ages. Carmella Zielinski - 321-289-0150
TAI CHI Windsong Pavilion
Monday and Wednesday 8:30 - 9:30 am
For more info call or text Dan Tracy at 608-658-4465
TENNIS CLUB Tennis Courts
Tennis Club Members Match Play: Mon - Wed - Fri - 8:00 am to Noon
All Tennis Players - Round-Robin - All Skill Levels: Tue - Thu - Sat - 8:00 am to Noon. Open Play Tennis - Daily Noon - 8:00 pm. Join the TGO Tennis Club. Contact any Tennis Club Board Member on court.
Or call Belle Maropis - 770-695-8266
TEXAS HOLD’EM Juke Box
Texas Hold’ Em tournaments on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:00 pm in the Jukebox Recreation Room.
For more info: Call Doyle Wilson - 502-751-4657
TEXAS HOLD’EM MIXED GROUPS Juke Box
The TGO Traditional Rug Hooking Group invites all “Hookers and Lookers” to view our work. Call: Terri Strack - 603-540-5921
RETURNING IN OCTOBER
SAWDUST CLUB The Pavilion
Members meeting - 2nd Tuesday (October-April) - 9:00 am
RETURNING IN OCTOBER
The club building is near the CSA maintenance yard and open to members 24/7/365. Members may pursue their wood and/or metalworking hobby. Loaner tools are available for any member. Membership is open to all TGO property owners.
Laura Sievers 630-408-6461 tgosawdustclub.wordpress.com
SHUFFLEBOARD Shuffleboard Courts by The Manor
Texas Hold’ Em tournaments on Thursdays at 6:00 pm in the Jukebox Recreation Room.
For more info: Call Andy Martenson - 321-246-0033
TEXAS HOLD’EM WOMEN’S POKER CLUB Juke Box
Sunday evenings in the game room from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. HEY GALS! Interested in playing Texas Hold ‘em? Here’s your opportunity to get in on a low-stakes limit game. For more info contact Elaine Meier at 716-239-6325.
RETURNING IN OCTOBER
Thursday - Scheduled play October - April - 1:00 pm
Discs and Cues are on the Fitness Center front wall. Please return equipment when you are finished. For after dark, there is a light switch timer by the Tennis Court fence enclosure door that is nearest to the shuffleboard courts.
For more information, call: Doug Jensen - 401-885-9731
SINGLES AT TGO The Café Wednesday 11:30 am
Join us for lunch every week. Men and women can spend an hour or two in fellowship together. Meet old friends and make new ones. Sammye Madden - 321-383-8530 or Cam Pelletier - 321-264-0691
STAMPIN’ UP Card Making Class Hobbyland
2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 6:00 pm and Fridays at 9:30 am. Make 3 cards for $15. All supplies provided. Reservations REQUIRED. E-mail: bdaniels@cfl.rr.com by Monday before classes or call Carol Hall - 321-289-7380
STITCHING FROM THE HEART Hobbyland
Thursday - 9:30 am - 12 noon, all year
Come join in the fun of stitching your projects while you enjoy a cup of tea. Bring your key to the craft room. For more information, call: Teri Alexander - 321-961-1393 or Theresa Sansoucie - 603-491-4515
TGO DANCE GROUP The Pavilion Thursdays 6:00 - 7:00 pm Fun, safe class learning newest trending dances from social media. FREE CLASS, but tips appreciated. join FB page: TGO Dance Group
UKULELE GROUP Nature Center Tuesdays - 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Join us! All levels of players welcomed.
Pam Campbell Taylor- 571-217-0444
RETURNING IN NOVEMBER
WATERCOLOR CLASSES Hobbyland
RETURNING IN
NOVEMBER
Tuesdays - 1:30 - 4:30 pm. All levels welcome. Contact: Angie Woznick 321-269-6609 or Sally MacNevin 508-944-0082
All skill levels welcome. Join us for whittling or relief, chip, and carving-in-the-round styles. Contact: Charlie Wing - 321-474-1952
YOGA Pavilion - Mondays - 9:45 am
Plantation Manor - Thursdays - 9:45 am
Vinyasa Yoga - Bridget Griffin - Instructor
IN NOVEMBER
Bring a yoga mat and towel or kneeling pad for both classes.
RETURNING
ZUMBA Plantation Manor Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 9:00 am
Fun fusion of body sculpting and dance movements to lively Latin rhythms that tone your bodyInstructor: Diana-Arujo-Fernandez
RETURNING OCTOBER
Board Of Directors Meeting
Plantation Manor • Wednesday, July 16, 2025 • 3:00 pm
The CSA Board of Directors are responsible for the entire operation of The Great Outdoors Community Services Association. The following list shows the current Board of Directors:
Chairman Tom Wheir 253-248-8201 chairman@tgocsa.org
District 0 Ron Wagner 607-542-6376 district0@tgocsa.org
District 1 Doug Matz 516-903-3145 district1@tgocsa.org
District 2 Dan Barnes 570-905-4906 district2@tgocsa.org
District 3 Robert Fraser 407-491-2500 district3@tgocsa.org
District 4 Lauren Clark 607-761-0092 district4@tgocsa.org
District 5 Colleen Marigliano 845-656-8394 district5@tgocsa.org
District 6 Matt Willey 518-321-1134 district6@tgocsa.org
District 7 John Comeau 321-269-5525 district7@tgocsa.org
District 8 Terry Manchik 901-603-6418 district8@tgocsa.org
District 9 Drew Proulx 207-751-9268 district9@tgocsa.org
Also part of the Board of Directors Organization are CSA Manager Billy Specht, Architectural Review Committee Chairman Leon LeBlanc and CSA Secretary Sharon Sanford. The CSA website at www.tgocsa.org has individual biographies and contact information for each director.
President’s Council Meetings
Owners are encouraged to attend all the Board of Direc tor meetings . Green speaker cards are available if an owner wishes to address the board for three minutes about any issue. An informational packet with the meeting agenda is given to each household that attends. Prior to the meeting, the agenda is posted on official bulletin boards. The board meeting is televised LIVE on channel 732.
CSA Board of Directors meetings are held on the third Wednesday from October through May. Planning meetings to set the agenda for the Board of Directors meetings are scheduled October to May on the second Wednesday of the month in the CSA Conference Room at 3:00 pm. They are open to attend for any TGO owner.
District Meetings
There are ten CSA voting districts at The Great Outdoors. They are non-geographical, but are determined by the last digit in each property’s street address. The District Meetings are held monthly from October through May. Various districts join together to hold combined monthly meetings. There are two meetings per month with five districts in each one. Please note the upcoming meeting schedule if you want to attend your district meeting. In the PAVILION: Stay tuned for future dates scheduled for October, 2025.
President Council Meetings will start back on October 21 with meetings at the CSA Pavilion on the third (3rd) Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am. Chuck Benoit is the Chairman of the Council and Ron Young is the Vice Chairperson. Owners are invited to attend.
2024 Condominium/HOA Presidents
Condo President Phone# Email
I Pat Dick 321-848-2813 tgo.condo1@gmail.com
II Kay Dennison 505-350-4340 tgo.condoii@gmail.com
III Ron Young 540-294-4044 tgo.condo3president@gmail.com
IV Blaine Littlefield 207-798-2279 tgo.condo4pres@gmail.com
V Chuck Johnson 978-729-6248 tgo.condo5@gmail.com
VI Penny Harlow 808-561-8559 tgo.condo6@gmail.com
VII Len Perkins 757-651-0582 tgo.condo7pres@gmail.com
VIII Dot Raab 407-968-4795 tgocondo8@yahoo.com
IX Stephen Sohles 804-824-8180 tgo.condo9pres@gmail.com
X Cindy Marini 440-829-8633 tgocondo10@gmail.com
“The
Condo President Phone# Email
XI Leonard Caton 321-567-3009 tgo.condo11board@gmail.com
XII Matthew Willey 518-321-1134 condo12tgo@gmail.com
FHOA Ken Birtwistle 401-580-5071 tgofairways@gmail.com
XIV Laura Dedrick 386-341-7537 tgo.condo14@gmail.com
XV David Spahn 207-468-6760 tgocondo15@gmail.com
XVI Chuck Benoit 978-314-9945 tgo.condo16@gmail.com
XVII Pete Bronson 315-263-6469 tgo.condo17pres@gmail.com
XVIII Dave Legrow 954-701-5770 tgo.condo18pres@gmail.com
XIX Carl Rosner 516-241-1877 pres@tgocondo19.com
APHOA Cammy Miller 407-592-4059 tgoaddison@gmail.com
measure of a successful life is not the money you make, it’s the kind of difference you make in people’s lives.” - Gerald R. Ford -
ARC Office Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed from Noon to 1:00 pm for lunch.
Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Members - Contact Information
Chairman - Leon LeBlanc 423-791-3158
District 0 - Lisa Berkis 267-549-3674
District 1 - Harold Witschi 716-998-6393
District 2 - Scott Lancaster 505-269-4851
Architectural Review Committee
District 3 - James Alonzo 518-577-7666
District 4 - Pete Bronson 315-263-6469
District 5 - Chris Christian 931-628-3675
District 6 - Greg Mackey 219-322-5555
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the next ARC Meetings will be held on Wednesday, July 16 and August 6, 2025 at 10:00 am on the Manor Porch.
The Architectural Review Committee meets for planning purposes on the Plantation Manor Porch at 10:00 am on Monday, July 14 and August 4, 2025.
All changes to your property that are visible on the outside require advance approval from the Architectural Review Committee. Application forms and ARC Guidelines may be obtained from the Community Services Association office or printed from The Great Outdoors Community Services Association website at www.tgocsa.org. All completed ARC forms must be submitted to the CSA office by Noon on the Wednesday before the next Wednesday meeting. Results will be available to pick up after the ARC meeting or from the CSA Office.
Be sure ALL necessary paperwork is included with your ARC application. No approval will be given without having all the required data available at the ARC Meeting for review.
District 7 - Doug Jensen 401-885-9731
District 8 - Bill Flatt 321-626-5594
District 9 - Lisa Babcock 903-372-8849
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) was established to preserve property value through consistent evaluation, revision, and enforcement of architectural covenants and precedents. The ARC will provide owners with a clear understanding of what is allowed and when ARC approval is needed. Gaining ARC approval is facilitated through a responsive process that is easy to use.
The ARC Guidelines and Application Form are available for download at TGOCSA.org or you can also pick up an application in the CSA Office Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. Applications must be submitted to the CSA Office by 12:00 Noon on the Wednesday prior to the following Wednesday meeting date to be considered at that meeting.
The ARC is elected by property owners. ARC has eleven members, ten elected from representative districts and one elected by the whole membership to serve as chairman. Each ARC term is two years. Districts are determined by the last number of each address (ex: 324 Plantation would be District 4).
If you have questions regarding ARC, please call the ARC Chairman, your ARC representative, or the CSA Office at 321-268-9767.
TGO Committees - And Their Contact Information
The Great Outdoors is home to several resident-led committees that help keep our community running smoothly and looking its best. These committees occasionally seek new members, and volunteering is a great way to contribute your time and talents. If you have experience or interest in any of the areas listed below, feel free to reach out to the committee chairman to ask about current openings. Your involvement makes a difference!
“Dusk” is different throughout the year. Please check the chart in the pool area. Please lower umbrellas after use so they’re not damaged by wind gusts.
Oak Cove Pool & Spa
OPEN: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
Daily cleaning from 6:00 - 7:00 am
Wear or have in your possession a Pool Wristband. They are FREE and can be obtained from the Plantation Manor CSA Office.
Residents use lime green bands.
Visitors use bands that are red, white and blue. Your guests are welcome to keep their bands as a souvenir of their visit to TGO.
Emergency Vehicle Protocol
Florida and TGO share the same vehicle and traffic laws as the rest of the US: Everyone must yield to emergency vehicles. If there’s no shoulder on the road, simply stop to allow an emergency vehicle to pass. We have all been driving long enough to know this. Please, when you see emergency vehicles coming in with lights flashing, pull over and let them pass! It could be your loved ones they are here for.
Contractor Restrictions
Contractors employed for repairs, construction, renovation, or installation at residences that are in The Great Outdoors are not allowed to work on Sunday, except in an emergency or with the advance permission of the CSA. From Monday through Saturday, contractors must leave TGO by 6:00 pm from October 1 to April 30 and by 7:00 pm from May 1 to September 30.
Call the CSA Office at 321-268-9767 during regular weekday office hours to request any exceptions to these contractor work restrictions.
Lorraine Murphy Historic Center
Located in the CSA Conference Room next to Trimmer’s Salon.
Available to tour:
Monday - Friday • 3:00 - 5:00 pm Visit the CSA Office to borrow the key. The Historic Center can be shown on weekends and holidays.
Call for an appointment: Lorraine Murphy at 321-431-4526
Lynne Cassidy, from Keller Williams Realty, treated the entire CSA work crew to lunch last week, bringing in Publix sandwiches, fresh fruit, snack trays, and drinks. Great idea, Lynne — the whole crew truly appreciated your thoughtful gesture.
CSA Trash Pick Up Rules
The CSA crew picks up household trash 364 days of the year (off for Christmas). You’ll see them in a big truck pulling one or more green hoppers behind it. The guy crouching on the hopper grabs your trash bag as they pass by. To make the process efficient, please follow these rules:
• Trash must be placed in plastic bags that are tied closed. Lightweight bags should be tied together. Trash that is not in plastic bags may not be picked up.
• Break down all boxes and put all packing material in a closed bag.
• Place trash within one foot of the road so that it’s within easy reach.
• Dispose of your pet’s waste inside the closed trash bag.
• Put trash out at the curb by 10:00 am - Pick-up time varies within the park.
• Do not mix household trash with organic yard debris or construction materials.
• Do not put trash out at night because by morning it will have been scattered by wild animals.
Please do not allow pets to urinate on trash or debris.
The crew has to pick this up!
• Also, be aware that if you place your trash out on the street too early, the vultures think you have prepared them a sack lunch!
CSA Yard Debris Pick-Up Rules
The CSA crew picks up organic yard debris at least once per week. Tree trimmings should be cut down to a maximum of 4 feet long, weigh less than 50 pounds, and be stacked uniformly at the curb. Loose material such as pine needles, leaves and small twigs must be collected in untied plastic bags or open containers. The CSA will not pick up sod, dirt, tree stumps, construction material (e.g., concrete, wood, drywall, metal), chemicals (e.g., paint, oil), major appliances, or tires. DO NOT bring these items to the CSA Maintenance Yard yourself. They may be dropped off, without charge, at the Brevard County Mockingbird Mulching Facility (321-264-5009) on South Street (SR405). Go past the Lowes SR405 entrance then turn LEFT at the first traffic signal. Most other waste items such as carpet, porcelain plumbing fixtures, etc., that are not mentioned above can be dropped off at the Brevard County Transfer Station (321-264-5048) that is also on South Street (SR405), but 0.5 mile past Lowes on the same side of the street.
Clearing Vegetation on CSA Property
Our Declaration of Covenants states that “No CSA land may be cleared of any vegetation without prior written permission from the Board of Directors or its designee. Unauthorized clearing of CSA property will result in a hearing, with possible fines and ordered replanting.” This only makes sense, as you would not cut vegetation on someone else’s property without permission first. In order to track this better, we will require anyone seeking permission to cut vegetation on CSA property to fill out an ARC permit. An approved permit must include the CSA manager’s signature, and a copy of the permit will be filed in your ARC file for documentation purposes.
Guide to Living With Alligators in TGO
There are 32 lakes in The Great Outdoors and all of them are home to alligators. Please keep these points in mind to be safe when alligators could be nearby:
• It is illegal to feed, taunt or harass an alli gator.
• Do not swim or wade in any of our lakes.
• Do not walk near the shorelines and do not walk your pets near the shoreline.
• Do not allow your pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near our lakes.
• While alligators can be active at any time, they are most active between dusk and dawn and move during the night to different water sources.
• Please give our alligators the respect and space they deserve.
NOTE: If you come across an aggressive alligator, please contact the CSA Office prior to SNAP and allow us to handle any situation.
Service and Set-Up Calls - 833-697-7328
The CSA has a contract with Spectrum that includes Spectrum TV Select and Spectrum Internet services. If you are experiencing problems with their service or need to set up a new service, call the number above. Tell them your community at The Great Outdoors has a bulk agreement known as the Bronze Package.
TGO Community Channel 732
Our television channel of the Community Services Association will be active for broadcasting board meetings. Your TV must be equipped with a Spectrum TV cable box or digital adapter.
Automated Visitor Call-In - 321-383-8802
To call in a visitor at the gate, you must call in No More than 24 hours prior to your visitor’s arrival. You will have two options - you may request a one day pass or a two day pass. The phone number you use must already be registered with the CSA Office for the access request to be accepted. This system can not confirm that your request was received and can not respond to any additional messages.
CSA Trouble Calls - 321-268-9767
If you have questions about lawn spraying, getting sprinklers adjusted, or any other services provided by the Community Services Association, residents should contact the CSA Office by email at service@tgocsa.org or call 321-268-9767 to mention your concerns.
Vehicle Barcodes
If your vehicle needs a barcode installed, call the CSA Office at 321-268-9767 to schedule a REQUIRED appointment. Barcodes are $10 - new or replacement. They install them everyday, but will not do “walk-in” applications. If you need a barcode installed on your Recreational Vehicle, they’ll install RV barcodes on Fridays ONLY, and they want to visit your home or RV site to hopefully complete that barcode installation without moving your RV.
Propane For Sale
Mon - Fri - 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 am By Appointment Only - TGO Commercial Area - West of the CSA Building.
The Community Services Association offers LP Gas for your convenience and currently at $4.00/gallon, plus 7% sales tax! Cash or check accepted.
Call the CSA Office at 321-268-9767 for an appointment or visit during office hours. Payment by cash or check. No credit cards accepted at this time.
TruGreen regularly applies spray applications to our lawns and common areas that includes an herbicide for weed control, a liquid fertilizer, and an insecticide to kill chinch bugs, and other turf-damaging insects.
The application dates for 2025: July 15 & 16
TruGreen is also offering “service-call” visits to TGO. If you are still having problems with lawn pests or weeds, call the CSA Office at 321-268-9767, and we will put your address on the TruGreen list.
Service Call Dates are: July 31, August 14 & 28
TruGreen advises all TGO residents to stay off treated areas of your lawn, and to keep your pets off treated areas, until the application has thoroughly dried.
AED Basics (Automated External Defibrillator) Have Someone Call 9-1-1 While You Operate AED
The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that diagnoses incorrect heart rhythm patterns that could potentially be life threatening. The device treats the condition with electrical shocks.
AED use requires minimal training because an electronic voice prompts the user through each step. If you are helping a person who collapsed and you’re unsure if a heart attack is the reason, don’t hesitate to use the AED. Every minute counts.
The device determines if the patient needs an electrical shock or not. Simply place the AED pads on the patient’s bare skin, one on the right upper chest and the other on their lower left side. No one else should be touching the patient because false readings could result. The AED will advise you, the device operator, what to do next.
TGO Has Eight AEDs Located at CSA buildings.
1. Blue Heron - Outside Ramp 137 Plantation Drive
2. CSA Office - Outside 100-D Plantation Drive
3. Fitness Center 145 Plantation Drive
4. Hidden Lakes Clubhouse 461 Ambleside Drive
5. Library Kitchen 385 Plantation Drive
6. Oak Cove Pool Bathhouse 434 Oak Cove Road
7. Plantation Manor 145 Plantation Way
8. Windsong Bathhouse 155 Windsong Way
Golf Cart Gas
Monday - Friday - 9:00 - 11:00 am
The Community Services Association offers gasoline at the CSA Maintenance Area for TGO residents’ Golf Carts. Fill-up time is Monday through Friday from 9:00 - 11:00 am. The gas price is based on the prevailing rate charged to the CSA. Payment is CASH ONLY.
In Memoriam - David B Avery
July 23, 1944 - July 1, 2025
The treasured Dave Avery passed away peacefully on July 1 surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma.
Born in Sherwood, New York, Dave proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he met the love of his life Linda while stationed in Montana. Montana was one of many places Dave came to love. He and Linda went on to share 60 years of building a life they loved.
He was a man of many talents who didn’t let grass grow under his feet. His profession as a union ironworker allowed him time to pursue other interest. He was an avid hunter, and fisherman, served his community as a volunteer firefighter, and farmed the family land for several years. He also was a charter boat captain and had his private pilot license.
Dave was known for his gentle spirit, sharp wit, and the twinkle in his eye when he was up to something mischievous. He found joy in the simple pleasures, quiet woods on an early fall morning, a perfectly cast line, a good story, a sweet treat, and even in his final days, he brought moments of light to those around him, like enjoying a Twinkie with a familiar smile.
He is preceded in death by his Parents Benjamin and Laura Avery. He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Linda; his daughter, Shelley Lee (Dwayne); his sister, Phylis Forsyth and his nephew Jason Forsyth (Lisa); his grandchildren, Kayla Morris (Sean), Sheridan Sena (Gilbert), and Spencer Collier (Jacob); and his great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Amelia Morris, Tegan and Llewyn Sena, and last but certainly not least his beloved miniature schnauzer Holly.
He will be remembered as a steady presence, a loyal partner, and a loving father and grandfather who gave us all more than words could ever express. His family takes comfort knowing that he is now at peace, resting after a long and honorable life well lived.
A celebration of life may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Saint Frances Hospice Center online at https://reflectionslsc.org/donate.
Classified Ads
Classified Ads are only for tangible and real Property that are For Sale, For Rent or Wanted within TGO. They are not for Services Provided or out of park items. Classified ads are for TGO residents only. Cost is $10 per ad for 25 words maximum. Payment can be made by credit card, cash or check, payable to “CSA” at time of placing your ad. No refunds for early cancellation. You must fill out a Classified Ad Form that is available ONLY at the CSA Office, 100 D Plantation Drive.
RV LOTS, HOMES, MISC ITEMS FOR SALE OR RENT
FOR RENT: 386 Oak Cove Road - Available April 1. Private wooded lot backs up to nature, dog friendly. Long term rental recieves discount. 404-242-8040 or bartiewoods2012@gmail.com (exp 7/11)
FOR SALE: 2022 VanLeigh Beacon 41LKB 5th Wheel. Only 750 road miles, one owner, no pets or smoking, mint condition. Call 612-910-0080 (exp 7/11)
WANTED TO RENT - Seeking a Park Home or Resort Home from November - February. Very clean, responsible family. Contact Linda at 267-474-9801 (exp 7/11)
SUDOKU puzzles have one solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row, column, and 3x3 square must contain one of each digit.
TGO MarketPlace
Know These Warning Signs - They Could Save Your Life!
Dehydration Warning Signs
Older adults are at higher risk for dehydration because their sense of thirst diminishes with age, and certain medications can increase fluid loss.
Dehydration can escalate quickly in the heat and lead to serious complications like urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or confusion.
Key Symptoms to Watch for:
Dry mouth or cracked lips
Headache or dizziness
Dark-colored urine or infrequent urination
Fatigue or weakness
Confusion or irritability
Quick Tip: Encourage sipping water throughout the day - even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid caffeine and alcohol during extreme heat, as they can dehydrate you further.
Summer is here along with higher temperatures and the risk of Heat Stroke. Here are the Symptons and the Remedies.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body overheats and can no longer regulate its temperature, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion in hot weather. Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke requires immediate medical attention, as it can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. Symptoms such as confusion, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, and the absence of sweating despite the heat are critical warning signs. If not treated promptly, heat stroke can lead to permanent disability or even death. It’s not just a summer inconvenience... it’s a medical emergency.
• High body temperature (103° F or higher)
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache • Dizziness
• Nausea • Confusion
• Losing consciousness (passing out)
• CALL 911 RIGHT AWAY... Heat Stroke Is A Medical Emergency!
• Move the person to a cooler place
• Lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
• Do not give the person anything to drink
Know the STROKE WARNING SIGNS and BE FAST
Old-School Party
HEAR THE DIFFERENCE
Experience advanced technology and expert care — all with a risk-free trial.
At Miracle-Ear, we don’t just provide hearing aids — we offer life-changing solutions backed by decades of expertise. With state-of-the-art technology, caring professionals, and a commitment to personalized service, we’re here to help you hear your best.
Jean Weece - Hearing Aid Specialist
Jean is licensed as a Hearing Aid Specialist by the Florida Licensing Board within the Florida Department of Health. She has been through extensive training with Miracle-Ear and has received her Miracle-Ear Professional Certification. She has also been trained in Live Speech Mapping, Real Ear Measurement, deep canal impressions, and is proficient with all Audiometric equipment to service your needs.
Jean was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to the United States to attend college, where she majored in Education and Music. She began her career with Miracle Ear in 1991 and has passionately served the hearing-impaired community in Central Florida ever since.
B Q Z O K B W E S
C I N U W G O A M F B L G B A T A N A A E F D G S Q F D I K M C X F G P K O L Z G E G A T F N P W L R A
B B B O H U H K Q A E D U B O R N E O Y R Q S K V D Z P A G W
Y J E
G L R Z U I Q R G D E A P C I P P N Y S Z C A D R N L E B D L
L I N O D H R M K R Q J W Z N Z A I Y R A N A C B N Y S M G I U Z E
BAFFIN
ELLESMERE
JAMAICA
SICILY
Baffin bali Berkner Bora bora Borneo Canary
BALI
JAVA
SRI LANKA
corsica Cuba Cyprus Ellesmere Great Britain Greenland
BERKNER
BORA BORA
SUMATRA
Hawaii hispaniola Hokkaido honshu Iceland ireland
HAWAII
BORNEO
CANARY
HISPANIOLA
HOKKAIDO
LUZON MADAGASCAR NEW GUINEA
TAIWAN
jamaica Java luzon Madagascar New Guinea newfoundland
NEWFOUNDLAND
TASMANIA
TIMOR
palawan Puerto rico Sardinia Sicily Sri lanka sumatra
CORSICA
HONSHU
PALAWAN
TRINIDAD
Taiwan tasmania Timor Trinidad Victoria wellington
CUBA
CYPRUS
ICELAND
IRELAND
PUERTO RICO
SARDINIA
VICTORIA
WELLINGTON
ACTIVITIES OFFICE - Logo Items
Inside the Hobbyland Building
Carmella Zielinski • 321-289-0150
BLUE HERON RESTAURANT
321-385-9100
11:00 am - 8:00 pm Daily
Lunch and Dinner or Take-Out Food www.blueheronrestaurant.org
THE CAFÉ at the Blue Heron Restaurant
321-385-9100
Entrance Door just past Golf Shop Door
Lunch and Dinner
11:00 am - 8:00 pm Daily
CSA OFFICE - 321-268-9767
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
100 D Plantation Drive
EAGLE’S PRIDE - 321-383-0288
RV Parts, Service and Supplies
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed Weekends
Eaglespriderv@yahoo.com
EAGLE’S PRIDE RV SALES - 321-383-4495
Consignment RV Sales Lot
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Closed Sunday • sales@eaglespriderv.com
GUARD GATE - 321-383-2004
Call to alert Courtesy Patrol about any TGO community problem. Call to request assistance from CSA On-Site Maintenance.
GOLFCARTS UNLIMITED - 321-268-4882
Yamaha - Club Car - MadJax - DACH Sales, Service and Rentals
arrange a oneday or two day Guest Pass for a visitor.
THE HAPPENINGS
Open Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm • 100D Plantation Drive
The Great Outdoors Community Services Association (CSA) publishes The Happenings for the information and enjoyment of its members and their guests. The CSA assumes no liability for any information, omission or inadvertent error contained herein; or injury or damage resulting from the use of this information. The ideas, opinions, suggestions, classified ads, and commercial ads are to be used at the reader’s discretion. The CSA and group or individual contributors do not signify any approval, authentication, or endorsement by inclusion in this publication. For advertising rates or editorial information, contact The Happenings: Happenings@tgocsa.com
PARRISH HEALTHCARE ORTHOPEDICS
CHANGING LIVES ONE STEP AT A TIME
Joint Replacement and Reconstruction
Pain Management
Parrish Healthcare’s orthopedics and sports medicine practice delivers exceptional care to help you move without pain and live without limits. Our expert team uses the latest techniques and technologies to provide effective treatments for all of your orthopedic needs.
