The Annual Meeting and CSA Elections are now behind us. Thank you to everyone who voted and to those who attended in person to help us achieve quorum. I hope you enjoyed the updates on our 2025 accomplishments and our exciting plans to continue improving and modernizing our community in 2026 and beyond.
The proposed 2026 budget packet is now available on our website, with printed copies at the CSA office. And for those who sampled the Cosmic Creamery ice cream flavors at the meetinggood news! They’ll soon be joining the dessert menu at Blue Heron for you to enjoy.
Congratulations to our incoming ARC members, as well as our new Board Members: Marie Moraites (District 2) and Karin Coburn (District 6). A special congratulations goes to Liz Bonislawsky, voted our 2025 Volunteer of the Year. For over a decade, I’ve watched Liz work tirelessly to beautify our community. She truly embodies the spirit of TGO - proof that our residents’ volunteer efforts are what make this place so special.
After weeks of cold weather, including at least two hard freezes, we’re fi nally seeing warmer days ahead, with highs in the 70s this weekend. That means The Great Outdoors is gearing up for a busy season of outdoor activities and events! Tomorrow, the Activities Committee partners with Parrish Healthcare for our annual 5K walk/run around the community, starting at 8:00am at The Manor. Over the next two months, expect the golf course to be packed with league play every day, and Blue Heron Restaurant bustling with guests. Aaron, our new restaurant manager, is already wowing everyone with great specials, including the new Chicken Caprese Sandwich and the Super Bowl Sunday Smashburger.
Taking advantage of this cold, dry spell, CSA crews have been tackling projects that are tougher in the hot, rainy season. Last week, a team cleared vegetation in the St. Johns cow field south of the community to reopen the easement above our buried waterline - making it much easier for our utilities team to inspect for leaks or issues. We also completed two major stormwater improvements: one along the pathway to Buck Lake, and another at the north entrance to our Nature Trail.
Finally, as we warm up, I expect we will open our two pools for swimming soon. I’m happy to report that our heaters are up and running again at The Manor pool. Meghan, our recreation manager, is recruiting for a new aqua-aerobics instructor. Sadly, Diana Fernandez has stepped down from this role. We will work hard to fi ll this position, as I know this is a popular class.
As always, thank you for being part of this wonderful community. Let’s make 2026 our best year yet! Please contact me or the CSA offi ce if we can be of service to you!
Billy Specht CSA Manager
On the Cover: TGO’s 32 lakes are the lifeblood of our community. CSA Lake Monitors Marshall Roberts, Marc Gelbke, Jimmie Folse, and Ron Peoples volunteer countless hours tracking lake conditions, monitoring fish health, and reporting findings to help keep our lakes thriving for all our residents and wildlife. You can read why these gentlemen deserve recognition starting on page 29.
February 7 - 8:00am - The Manor
Parrish Healthcare 5K Walk/Run - Page 13
Tickets Available at the Activities Office in Hobbyland
February 9 - 8:45am Start - Page 7
Annual Valentine’s Cupid Tournament
Grab your sweetheart and go golfing! Sign up at the Pro Shop.
February 14 - 8am - 12pm - TGO Church
WIC Flea Market & Bake Sale - Page 29
All TGO Owners are invited to attend. First Come, First Serve.
February 16 - 3:00 to 6:00pm
4th Annual Coach Club Block Party
All TGO residents are invited - Starring Johhny Danger!
Plus Burger Rob’s and Jerry’s Ice cream. BYOB & Chair.
February 21 - 3:00pm - The Manor
The Story Of TGO - A 40 minute video told by the people who were at TGO from the from the inception.
All TGO Owners are invited to attend. - Page 13
February 21 - 7-10:00pm - The Manor
Mardi Gras Line Dance Social - $8 - Page 24
Tickets Available at the Activities Office in Hobbyland.
February 21 - 7:00pm - TGO Church - Page 27
Big Band Concert - $10 Tickets go on sale in January
All TGO Owners are invited to attend. First Come, First Serve.
February 26, 2026 - 7:30pm - Page 25
Crystal Stark - Order Tickets Now!
Plus Comedian Adam Ferrara
Tickets Available at the Activities Office in Hobbyland
February 28 - 8:00am - Page 14
8th Annual TGO ALS FUNraiser
Join our walk for a good cause. Great Prizes Available. For Info, contact Debbie Grondin at 603-617-0463.
March 1 - 8:45am Start - Page 7
Annual Can-Am Golf Tournament
The Canadians take on the Americans - It’s a Fun Event!
March 2 - 12:30pm - Blue Heron - Page 13
Calling All Pams Luncheon
Anybody named Pam is invited to attend
March 3 - 11:00am to 2:00pm
Mad Hatter’s Tea - The Manor - Page 16
All TGO ladies are invited - The social event of the season!
Tickets go on sale January 6. Call Cathy at 321-376-2823
March 4 - 3:00pm - The Manor
Nature Center Annual Meeting - Members Only
March 7 - 8:00am - Page 15
Community Yard Sale - All of TGO
Here’s your chance to buy some more junk!
March 14 - 11:00am
TGO Annual Car Show - Page 15
Grab a chair and watch some old cars put on a show.
March 19 - 1:00 to 3:00pm
Shred Day - In The Manor Lot - Page 15
Start collecting your old papers now to shred.
March 19 - 7:30pm
Boy Band Evolution - Order Tickets Now!
Barber Shop Quartet to Modern Hits! - Page 25
Tickets Available at the Activities Office in Hobbyland.
March 26 & 27 - 7:00pm - The Manor
TGO Variety Show - Page 14
Come Join Our Cast! All TGO Owners are invited to attend. For more information contact, Judy Grant at 819-868-0692
March 30 - 11:30am - The Manor
Newcomer Orientation Meeting - Page 16
An introduction to TGO for all new residents.
State and Regional Socials - Page 12/13
Ohio - February 16 - 2-5:00pm - Pavilion
New England - February 28 - 5:00pm - Manor
New York/NewJersey - March 21 - 5:00pm - Manor
Annual Memberships are available for Residents and Non-Residents
TGO Residents - February Rates
18 Holes Before Noon
9 Holes Before Noon
18 Holes After Noon
9 Holes After Noon
First Responder/Military Receive 10% Off
$55
$29
$45
$24
Using Your Arms In Your Swing
If you watch the PGA Tour, you’re seeing some of the most elite athletes in the world - players who work regularly with personal trainers and physical therapists - swinging with levels of strength and flexibility most of us can only dream of. And if you listen closely to the broadcasts, you’ll hear one word over and over again: rotation.
For most golfers, rotating through the ball like the pros simply isn’t realistic. We don’t have the same lower body strength or hip and torso mobility. So the question becomes: if we can’t rotate like them, how do we create speed and consistency? The answer is by using the arms - and that’s not a bad thing.
“Armsy” swings get a bad reputation, but when done correctly, they can be extremely effective. The key is stability. To allow the arms to swing freely and powerfully, the body must provide a solid base.
From the top of the backswing, the first move is a squat and turn. The hips move toward square with the target line as the arms drop the club into the delivery position. The core engages, creating a stable “post” to swing around. From there, the arms can whip the club through the ball, with the body naturally turning to the target afterward.
If you struggle with flexibility or have a hard time generating speed with your lower body, this approach can be a game-changer... helping you regain both distance and control.
1. Set into a solid base
2. Send the club through with the arms
3. Body follows into the finish
Valentine’s Day Cupid Classic
Monday, February 9
8:45 am Shotgun Start
OPEN TO ALL TGO RESIDENTS, TGO MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS
Teams consist of 2 players. Format is a Scramble.
Tee assignments based on already published Guidelines for MGA and LGA play. Any deviation must be approved prior to the day of play.
Cost per person is $40 (plus applicable course fees)
$30 for Nine Holers
Fee includes prize fund and lunch in the Manor after play
Mimosas Compliments of Golf Carts Unlimited
Sign up sheets are in the golf shop Payment is due at time of sign up
Please try to sign up as a team
SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Sign-up at the Pro Shop Details to follow
Sign Ups Open Monday, February 9 8:00AM
SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • RENTALS • ACCESSORIES
BattLite is a high-quality, safe, and reliable lithium battery designed primarily for golf carts. They utilize LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) technology, incorporating safety features such as multiple levels of protection and an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS).
They come with an Eight Year Warranty! They also include a new charger, battery meter, and receptacle.
Cost including installation is only $2,200 plus tax.
Stop by if you have any questions.
Pre-Owned Club Cars - Only $8,094 - 2 Passenger 4 Passenger Only $9,084 4 Passenger Lifted $9,994
2-Year Warranty on Cart Bumper to Bumper
3-Year Warranty on Battery Custom Seats
Stop by and take a look while supplies last!
Open Mon thru Fri - 8:00am to 4:30pm • Sat - 9:00 am to Noon • Closed Sunday
$9,495
Pre-Owned, four seats forward— where value meets
y Multi-Point Factory Inspection of Steering, Brakes, Electrical, etc
y Replacement of Worn Components with New OEM Parts
y Testing to Ensure Manufacturer-Level Performance
y Warranty Coverage: 2-Year Bumper To Bumper, 3-Year Limited Battery
y CPO Warranty: 2-Year Bumper To Bumper, 3-Year Limited Battery
www.tgomga.com
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
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, 5:00pm in the Manor
March 10, 11, 12 31st Annual “Member-Member” Tournament
March 13 “Member-Member Closing Banquet & Awards Night,” 5:00pm
March 18 Annual “US Flag Open”
March 25 Annual “MGA Beat the Pros Closing Tournament” + BarBQ Luncheon, Awards & MGA Annual Meeting
Congratulations to 2026 President’s Cup Cham pion JIM PRATT!
On Wednesday, January 21 our Annual President’s Cup Playoffs took place with a large crowd following all the action!
Front 9 Semi-Final #1
A Flight Champion Pat Bielling by default over C Flight
Champion Bruce Schwanda
Front 9 Semi-Final #2 -
D Flight Champion Jim Pratt defeats B Flight Champion Roy Brown - 1 Up
Championship Back 9 Final -
D Flight Champion Jim Pratt defeats A Flight
Champion Pat Bielling - 1 Up
January 21
9 Hole Stableford Team Competition
Winning Teams
1. Joe Porta, Todd Baines, Rick Conover, Jim Foley (59 points)
2. Tim Heath, Frank Gignac, John Blanchette, Steve Perry (58 points)*
3. John Gero, Jim Donohue, Ray Blake, Art Barton (58 points)*
4. Jim Stout, Mark Anderson, Mike Knight, Jan Rupinski (57 points)
*Ties Broken by Retrogression
Closest to the Pin #6 Bill Schueller
Low Net Individuals 1. Frank Gignac (27 points)
2. Rick Conover (26 points)
Net Skins (3) Bobby Ward - Hole in One on #8 Jan Rupinski - #4 and #6
January 28
Annual Pink Chump Ball Tourney
Winning Teams
1. (Tied) Tim Fields, Tom Robbins, John Blanchette, Ray Blake (-12)
1. (Tied) Joe Porta, Frank Gignac, Harold Gero, Al McGuire (-12)
3. Bob Ward, Mike Anderson, Carlos Ayala, Steve Perry (-11)
4. Guy Sullivan, Rodger Daughtery, Ray Turner, Eddie Jarrell (-9)
*Ties Broken by Retrogression
Closest to the Pin #5 Cliff Murray #12 Joe Clancy
Low Net Individuals 1. Ray Turner (69)
2. Tom Jaje (70)
Gross Skins (8)
#1 John Gero #3 Tim Fields #6 & #14 Pat Bielling
#9 Rob Hunter #10 Ray Blake #11 & #13 Cliff Murray
Net Skins (3)
#2 Ken Garasz #5 Harold Gero #15 Steve Perry
Roy Houtby Tournament Chair Cli Murray 2025 MGA Champion
Congrats to Bobby Ward for his Hole-In-One on #8. Witnessed by Joe Clancy and Al Maguire.
February
March
March
March
March
March
March
April
April
April
April
Overall
First
Second
Third
Linda Bouvet Tournament Chair Pam Nalley 2025 LGA Champion Dawn England LGA President
2026 CSA Election Results
ARC Votes CSA DIRECTORS Votes
District O Lisa Berkis 19
District 2 Bill Hill 19
Ron Wagner 19
Marie Moraites 25
District 4 Pete Bronson 23 Lauren Clark 23
District 5 Bob Robinson 16 -
District 6 Greg Mackey 19
District 8 Dennis Chouinard 56
Information Provided by the CSA Election Committee
Martha Brown
Wayne Condra
John Dougherty
Kathy O’Brien
Diana Pafford
Ohio residents - past, present or future are welcome. This social is for everyone...
Owners, renters and guests.
Please Bring: Casserole, salad, appetizer, a snack or dessert to share and what you would like to drink.
Bottled water will be provided
Table service will be provided
Wear something Ohio related if you have it.
Don’t forget your name tags.
Raffle tickets will be sold for a 50/50 drawing.
Let’s all bring fun facts about Ohio or anything other topic or a few jokes to share with the group.
RSVP to: Nancy Centretto by email to: gcentretto@cfl.rr.com or text or call 407-227-4711
Karin Coburn 20
Terry Manchick 26
Barbara Yeager 20
Leon LeBlanc 19
ARC CHAIRMAN
Harold (Tuco) Witchi 176
Robert (Doc) Fraser 36
New England State Social
Save The Date
- Saturday, February 28, 2026
This year, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island welcome residents and renters from the state of Massachusetts and their guests to our group, therefore changing our name to New England State Social. Our Pot Luck social will be held in the Plantation Manor starting at 5:00pm.
Please bring an appetizer, main dish, salad/side or dessert to share. In addition, you will need to bring your own place setting and beverage.
Entertainment will consist of games, door prizes, 50/50 raffle (our only source of income) and music for listening and dancing. If you would like to donate a door prize, please contact Sue Charles at sacharles517@yahoo.com or 321-243-4894. Or bring an unwrapped gift to the event.
If you are from Massachusetts and would like to join the New England State Social Committee, please let me know.
Please RSVP to Nancy Powers by February 20, by email, text or phone. Please include the number attending and the food item you intend to bring.
Looking forward to seeing you...
Nancy Powers: 603-209-2544 - ncpowers46@gmail.com
Mark Your Calendars...
Exotic Wood Handcrafted Box 2 Exotic Wood Crosses
Details, Ect. 2 $125 Gift Certificates
Diane Denig Butterfly Serving Tray
Dogs R Us 3 $10 Gift Certificates
El Leoncito 4 $13 Gift Certificates
Epic Theater Movie Passes for two
Faith my Dog Remote Control Car
Ginny’s Airport Services 1 Way Airport Trip
Golf Carts Unlimited 3 $50 Gift Certificates
Health Extension Dog Food $95 Gift Basket
Hollerbach’s Restaurant $50 Gift Certificate
Home Depot $50 Cordless Drill
Joann’s Hair- Laura $20 Gift Certificate
Josie’s Floral Design $30 Floral Arrangement
Judy Sierer 2 Handcrafted Flamingo Quilts
Kathy Drugan 3 Handcrafted Bracelets
Hang 12 Tie Dye Handcrafted Stained Glass
Kennedy Space Center 4 One Day Passes
Laura Sievers Handcrafted Wooden Bowl
Linda Cavagna Beach Water Color Painting
Linda Dubey Antique Guest Towel
Long Doggers Restaurant 10 Coupons
Longhorn Restaurant 2 Gift Baskets 200 Free Appertizer/Desserts
Lynn Foster Water Color Painting
Mamma Rosa’s 2 $10 Gift Certificates
Native Bar & Grill $25 Gift Card
Pam Wheeler Handcrafted Quilt
Pat Bronson Patriotic Fleece Quilt
Paula Morelli Angel Tucked Art
Quirky Gator Studio $45 Crafted Pottery Plate
Randy’s Specialty Services 3 Services, 4 Seafood
River Lanes Bowling $50 Family Fun Pass
Robin’s Styles Unlimited $300 Gift Basket
Salty Roots Hair Salon $250 Gift Basket
Sharon Baumgarten Handcrafted Quilt
Sherwin-Williams $65 Paint Gift Bucket
Skinderella $39 Eyebrow Tint Gift Cert
Smart Plumbing T-Shirt Sponsor
Sonny’s BBQ 18 Free Meals
Starling Ford - Oliver Ruvell $460 Blackstone Grill
Starling Ford GMC Honda Coffee & Breakfast Snacks
Stellar Styling by Joan 20-$48 Gift Certificates
Stuff N Thingz 5 Handcrafted Cards
Suite Caroline Salon Spa $50 Gift Certificate
Teri Witschi Handcrafted Quilt
Texas Roadhouse Restaurant Gift Basket, Andy the Armadillo Mascot 250 Onion Blossom Appetizers
Therese Brown Massage 2 Massage Gift Cards
Top Nails - Jerry $33 Gift Certificate
TGO Golf 2 Gift Cards/4 Rounds of Golf
Towneplace Suites 2 Nights Staycation
Trimmers Hair & Nail Studio 2 Gift Cards
Valentino’s Pizzeria $25 Gift Certificate
Village Inn Restaurant 3 Meals, 4 VIP cards
Vine & Olive $50 Gift Card
Thank You to all for your support!
The TGO Community Wide Yard Sale Is On March 7
This is the day we all wait for - The Park Wide Yard Sale! The day TGO becomes a bargain paradise. A great time to get rid of all that stuff tucked away in the corners of your closets and garages. A good time to practice your negotiation skills. A fun way to cruise around the park with a cup of coffee (or?) and visit with your friends, scrambling from street to street looking for that special piece of junk you’ll most likely put out in next year’s sale. Have Fun... Drive Safely! The chaos starts at 8:00am.
TGO Annual Car Show March 14
Cars meet at Cracker Barrel - 10:30
Enter Hidden Lakes at 11:00 then follows the Golf Cart Parade route.
Cars will be on display in the parking lot across from the TGO Church. Come Enjoy!
Shred Day-March 19
Mark Your Calendars!
The Annual Shred At TGO. Here Are The Details You Need To Know
1 Shred Day will take place in the Manor Parking lot on Thursday, March 19, 2026 between the hours of 1:00pm and 3:00pm.
2 We have a rain day set for Friday, March 20, 2026, if we have to cancel the 19th due to weather.
3 If people have old TGO Directories they would like to dispose of, please drop them off at the CSA Office before March 12, 2026 so we can prepare them for shredding.
4 No Early Drop-Offs! All material must be delivered by a resident at or after 1:00pm and must be dropped off before 2:50pm.
5 Material MUST be in “ready to shred” condition. This means residents should not bring file folders, paper clipped material, plastic wraps of folders, plastic bags, etc. If materials are not ready-to-shred, the resident will be asked to step out of line, prepare their materials, and return with material that is suitable for shredding. This will help to keep the line moving.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Cindy Marini via email at clmarini@aol.com or phone 440-829-8633.
NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY POTLUCK DINNER
Plantation Manor - Saturday, March 21 - 5:00pm
Looking for all past and present residents of New York AND New Jersey! You are invited to our ‘70s Theme Dinner on Saturday, March 21 starting at 5:00pm, in the Plantation Manor. Come dressed in your favorite outfit from the ‘70s including your disco shoes! We will have a photo area to take pictures; Trivia from the ‘70s; music/dancing from the ‘70s, along with a 50/50 raffle.
Please bring your favorite ‘70s comfort food to share, either a main dish, sides/appetizer, or dessert. In addition, you need to bring your own place settings and beverages. Coffee and water will be available. Come join us for some fun with fellow TGO people from New York and New Jersey! RSVP by March 6 if you plan to attend, letting us know what food you will be bringing to share.
Please RSVP to Pat Bronson at 315-345-5246 (call or text) or email her at pbronson0822@gmail.com
The Pavilion will be closed starting April 1, 2026 until November or possibly later. All reservations during that time will be cancelled or moved elsewhere if space is available.
Contact Meghan at The Manor at Manor@tgocsa.com If you have any questions about your current or future event.
TGO BBQ RIBS COMPETITION
Do you think that you can make the best ribs in TGO? This is your chance to show it. We are looking for 6-8 entrants, for a competition on March 7 at the Pavilion.
There is no entry fee, but trophies and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 places. Judging will be by a select group of TGO officials.
Call Pat Matroniano ASAP at 585-738-0679 for more details and to confirm this event.
Newcomer Orientation Meetings
A Newcomer Orientation Meeting will be held in the Manor at 11:30 until 12:30 on March 30, 2026. Guest speakers from CSA, ARC, Courtesy Patrol, Nature Centure, Golf Shop, Activities and Firewise Committees will share important information with you. Bring your questions. We also have door prizes! Please call Sharon Sanford at 321-268-9767 to reserve your spot so we will have enough seating and handouts for everyone.
2025-2026
Owner’s Directory
Copies are for sale at the Activites Office and CSA Office for $5. A digital version of the directory is available on the CSA website under Board of Directors.
Executive
Porch
Accessory
Custom
Bath & Kitchen Remodeling
Door & Window Replacement
Hardwood Floors
Tile Floors
Concrete Work
Drywall
Custom Decks
Entertainment
Siding
Trim Work
Crown
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
Nature Center Educational Talks Are Off To A Great Start! Please Join Us For Future Talks!
Our first two Nature Center talks were met with record attendance!
Opening our series this year was Bird Migrations with Reinier Munguia on January 14. His in-depth knowledge and passion for birds held our audience captive! Some fascinating facts we learned:
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
• Merritt Island is a crucial stop-over location for millions of birds migrating up and down North America, South America and Mexico.
• Most birds migrate in flocks, but the tiny hummingbird migrates all by itself for thousands of miles, even over vast bodies of water.
PRESIDENT
of this fascinating and misunderstood species. He is always an informative speaker!
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 and more weekend programs.
If you missed our first presentations, please mark your calendars for upcoming talks. These one-hour talks are incredibly interesting and just a golf-cart ride away!
February 11
Florida’s Neighborhood Bats Shari Blissett-Clark
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 outdoors.
The Manor - Doors Open 6:30pm - All are welcome!
Please Join Us For Mornings
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.
Of Relaxation And Nature With Brian Grande!
Trail Maintenance - 9:00am
• On average, the farther north the breeding grounds, the farther south the wintering grounds will be.
• Arctic Terns migrate the farthest of any bird - 55,000 miles!
• The Bar-headed Goose holds the record for the highest flight over the Himalayas at 28,000 feet. Many shore birds will fly over 20,000 feet when flying at night.
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.
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 raiser for the center.
NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA
Please wear long pants, long sleeves, enclosed shoes/boots, insect repellant and sunscreen along with gloves and water.
February 9 - Trail Maintenance on the Carlson Trail. Meet at the Carlson trailhead behind the Library.
February 16 - Trail Maintenance on the Mattila & Juba Trails. Meet at the Nature Center.
February 23 - Trail Maintenance on the Karen Earley & Pisarz Trails. Meet at the Earley and Pisarz trailheads.
Guided Trail Hikes - 9:00am
Enjoy a relaxing, interesting and informative hike! Long pants, long sleeves, enclosed shoes/boots, insect repellant and sunscreen are recommended… and water! You may also want to bring binoculars and a camera.
shortly after. (Note: Betty says one should never touch a fawn - she was holding this one as it was just rescued from the water.)
February 11 - Guided Hike on the Carlson Trail. Meet at the Carlson trailhead behind the Library.
February 18 - Guided Hike on the Mattila & Juba Trails. Meet at the Nature Center.
February 25 - Guided Hike on the Karen Earley & Pisarz Trail. Meet at the Earley and Pisarz trailheads.
To volunteer, for questions, or for more information, contact Brian Grande at 407-766-7867 orSkinDvr2000@yahoo.com.
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.
PLANS FOR THE NATURE CENTER
Our second speaker of the season was Frank Robb on January 21. Frank is an appointed member of the Crocodile Specialist Group and sits on the human Crocodile Conflict Board. He started a 501(c)(3) non-profit called Environmental Education Awareness Research Support and Services (EEARSS.ORG) in 2019, and currently has four interns working with him doing research. His organization collects blood and tissue samples from alligators in our area. These animals are then tagged and released. It was fascinating to learn how he gathers these samples and the trust he instills in his alligators during the process. Did you know alligators are immune to cancer and viruses? They are considered a genus species? Frank spends time each year speaking about alligator and crocodile safety, and prides himself in trying to unite communities through education
Ideas she plans to implement include nature golf cart tours in the community, Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival bird
Upcoming Nature Center Events
February 10 - Eagle Nest Viewing - 10am - 11am, Meet along the Nature Trail between the Windsong bathhouse and Indian Mound Trail. Brian Grande (certified with Eaglewatch program) and Chris Mcquate will instruct on a place to view the eagles safely. (Residents have been repeatedly disturbing the nest area and this could result in the death of the hatchlings.)
8,
February 11 - Board of Directors Meeting - all are welcome Nature Center Porch, 1:00pm
a recently
Sandra Miraglia, Betty Salter, Kim Mosely. Photo credit Linda Day
Photo was taken immediately after Betty rescued this fawn from drowning. The fawn was reunited with its mother
Betty Salter on the Betty Salter trail January
discussing
shedded snake skin. From right: Julie Gifford, Cindy Hinkle,
Photo by Linda Day
Text by Linda Day
Both Frank Robb and Reinier spoke to a packed house. Photos by Linda Day.
February 11 - Nature Center Information Meeting - all are welcome - Nature Center Conference Room, 2:00pm
Please join us to learn about upcoming Nature Center news and events! A special topic is discussed at each meeting. This discussion will focus on native Florida plants and information about creating butterfly-friendly habitats.
February 11 - Florida’s Neighborhood Bats - all are welcome
The Manor, Doors Open 6:30pm - Speaker - Shari Blissett-Clark
March
4
- ANNUAL MEETING
CELEBRATE GOPHER TORTOISE DAY!
Members Only at The Manor - 3:00pm
The Nature Center at TGO will celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day with TGO NatureScape at Tortoiseville (accessible on the Doggie Walk) on Thursday, April 10 from 3 to 6 p.m.
To become a Nature Center Member, please contact: naturecentermembership@gmail.com or sign up at Nature Center talks and other events.
Last year the tortoises were very active! We will have a tent with information where you can learn all about this keystone species -one of the oldest living species on the planet!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING EAGLES NESTING NEAR TGO
GUIDED TRAIL HIKES / LIGHT TRAIL MAINTENANCE
Disturbing nesting eagles is illegal. Humans should be no less than 330 feet (100 meters) away. Stay on the Nature Trail to view them. Palm frond and stick barriers are set up but people are climbing over them! Contact Brian Grande and he will guide you to a safe spot to view them. PLEASE! Thank you for staying on the trail and your interest and respect for these grand birds!
The end of March wraps up our busy season at TGO. There will be fewer scheduled trail activities, however feel free to contact Brian and he’ll be happy to take anyone for a hike. The trails are in great shape and the dry season helps immensely with 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!
BRIAN GRANDE (EAGLEWATCH) IS HOSTING AN EAGLE NEST VIEWING
To volunteer, for questions, or for more information, contact Brian Grande at 407-766-7867 or SkinDvr2000@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, February 10 from 10 to 11:00am
TGO POSSUM RESCUE EFFORT
With Brian Grande & Chris Mcquate Brian is certified in the Eaglewatch program. Meet along the Nature Trail between the Windsong bathhouse and Indian Mound Trail. Any questions call Brian at 407-766-7867 or email SkinDvr2000@yahoo.com
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
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
Purple Martin Houses Are Once Again Ready For New Families
Have you noticed the gourds are up on the poles?
In mid-January, our team of Purple Martin caretakers - Scott Akers, Christine Kynoch, Ron Peoples and Dori Peoples - installed and raised the Purple Martin gourd houses alongside Lake Judy. Last fall, this team removed the houses after the birds left for their winter homes and carefully cleaned and stored them. Each year, a group of loyal volunteers once again raise the the gourds prior to the martins return to their spring breeding home. Last year it is estimated we had 37 nesting pairs, which was a record. We hope to break another record this year, and will keep you posted! If you’d like to assist with the houses in the future, please contact Ron Peoples.
DID YOU KNOW? And help is needed, please!
SPECIAL TORTOISEVILLE ADVENTURE
In addition to smaller donations that are sold at the Nature Center Christmas and January Flea Market, the Nature Center also accepts larger items that are sold on the internet.
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.
Photo by Sarah Stennett
In addition to larger household items such as furniture, outdoor gear (kayaks and canoes, etc.) are also greatly appreciated. These donations represent a real financial boost to the center. Assistance is also needed to move heavier items into storage.
Our coordinator Sandra Miraglia, needs your help! Please contact her at 727-483-2493 (texting preferred) if you or anyone you know is interested in helping, especially over the summer.
President Betty Salter ncpresident23@gmail.com
Vice President Donna Pittman ncvp23@gmail.com
Treasurer Lori Krawczuk nctreasurer23@gmail.com
Secretary Pat Dick ncsecretary23@gmail.com
Other Points Of Contact
Injured Animals - Please contact these specialists
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 8:00am to 5:00pm 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
According to Don Peoples, last year we had about 48 gourds with nesting activity. He believes the gourds were 60 - 70% utilized, making last year one of the record years for Purple Martin nesting.
FIREWISE INFORMATION
RESIDENTS REDUCING WILDFIRE RISKS
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.
Firewise: Fireworks, Beautiful, Noisey - But Not For TGO
Celebrations come in many forms, from cake and balloons at a birthday party to celebratory firing of firearms in the air, which is prohibited in the state of Florida by Florida Statute 790.15, to setting off fireworks, also prohibited in Florida with some exceptions which we will cover later. Fireworks have been around for a long time. They can be traced back to around 200 B.C. where the earliest fireworks were created by heating up bamboo stalks until the air in the hollow areas in the stalk would explode with a loud bang. It was thought that this could ward off evil spirits. From that beginning, fireworks have grown to what is estimated to be a 2.8-billion-dollar business in 2026.
While fireworks are fascinating to many, they have some negative results. Fireworks are responsible for many injuries each year. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, there were approximately 14,700 emergency-room injuries related to fireworks in 2024. This does not include those injuries that were not treated in hospital emergency rooms. The most common type of injury is burns which account for about 42% of all injuries from fireworks. Other injuries such as amputations, blindness and disfigurement are also attributed to fireworks. There were also eleven deaths in 2024 attributed to fireworks. Fireworks are not only dangerous to humans they can be a source of fear and anxiety for pets because of the loud noises and bright flashes that can startle them. Common reactions include shaking, hiding, drooling, and attempts to escape. In extreme cases, pets may develop noise phobias, which can result in destructive behavior or self-harm. Additionally, many pets go missing during fireworks displays, with statistics showing a significant increase in lost pets around holidays like the Fourth of July.
Since we live in the middle of a wildland the subject of fireworks is an important consideration. The state of Florida only allows the discharge of fireworks on three occasions, they are July 4, December 31, and January 1 of each year. However, given the location of TGO and concentration of homes and RV sites the use and/or discharge of any fireworks are prohibited in TGO. The state legislature gave homeowner associations the ability to prohibit the use and/or discharge of fireworks in 2020, and in that year the CSA Board of Directors made the change to our establishing documents to prohibit the use and/or discharge of fireworks in TGO.
Firewise Committee - Contact Information
Butch Jones Chairman 804-514-4458
Christopher Miller Co-Chair 407-375-8310
Tim Graham 561-262-8833
Donald Payne 407-222-0583
Ed Brown
Fireworks started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023 including 3,760 structure fires, 849 vehicle fires and 441 unclassified fires and 27,252 outside fires, resulting in $142 million in direct property damage.
In addition, in TGO there can be no open fires. Gas cooking grills and gas fire pits are allowed. So, celebrate with family and friends but leave the fireworks to the attractions and other venues with professional fireworks displays and keep TGO safe.
BE FIREWISE - BE SAFE
321-383-8253
Mike Lavery 585-315-5554
Albert McGuire 810-338-5646
Ron Peoples 407-509-0486
Betty Salter
Tony Swoope
321-223-8073
321-383-9765
Bob Taylor 571-294-3595
Joe Visconti 321-360-3877
Activities Events 2026
February 6 Friday Trivia I
February 7 Saturday Trivia II
February 7 Saturday Parrish Healthcare 5K Walk/Run
February 21 Saturday Mardi Gras Line Dance Social
February 26 Thursday Crystal Stark & Adam Ferrara
March 19 Thursday Boy Band Evolution
March 26 & 27 Thur/Friday Variety Show
Concert Tickets are $20 for General Admission
Concert Dates in
Please Volunteer
The TGO Tickets & Gift Shop is always looking for volunteers to help with planned activities and become a chairperson for fun events our TGO Community loves.
Variety Show
Monthly Activities Meeting
Our next meeting is February 17, 2026 at 1:00pm 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 patfoley441@gmail.com
Ruth Falusi 219-670-1111 falusirr@yahoo.com
Nancy Wyatt 321-474-7949 NA
NOTE: The TGO Tickets & Gift Shop in Hobbyland is Open 10-Noon, Mon-Fri
2025-2026 Concert Series Sponsors
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
TICKETS
Available NOW
TGO Ticket Office In Hobbyland
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
NOTE: The TGO Tickets & Gift Shop in Hobbyland is Open 10-Noon, Mon-Fri
Introducing the 2026/2027 Concert Series
Mark Your Calendars!
We have a great line up for next season! Tickets go on sale in March, 2026 for Reserve Seat Tickets - Save the dates now!
November 12, 2026
Jeff Norris and Frances Dilorinzo
Two comedians - each with their own 45 minute show
January 14, 2027
7 Bridges - An Eagles Tribute
February 4, 2027
Live From Earth - A Pat Benatar Tribute
February 18, 2027
Knights of Music
March 11, 2027
Bronx Wanderers
Watch Bible Study and Services
Pastor David’s Bible Study is LIVESTREAMING on Thursday mornings at 10:00am on the church website: tgochurch.org. In-person bible study is 11:00am 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 6:30pm by Zoom. Contact Pastor Dan for the link at 321-446-7966.
10:00am
Watch the LIVESTREAM on our Church Website: www.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
Nancy Reinish Director of Bells
Leanne Craig Office Administrator
Georgi Zeigler
Administrative Assistant Send e-mail to: info@tgochurch.org
Ray Z’s Bible Class Mondays at 11:00am in Fellowship Hall.
Men’s Weekly Bible Study - Hosted by Harold Green Mondays at 9:00am in the Choir Room.
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 11:00am - 1:00pm, Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm.
Listen to Verse by Verse
With David Price on WPIO 89.3 FM every Monday - Friday at 4:40pm and 9:13pm
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 Clariece Lewis 321-693-9864 clariece13@gmail.com County Services Bev Houghton 810-919-1629 bhoughto10@hotmail.com
Transportation Charlie Wood 847-609-1222 charliewood847@gmail.com
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Our TGO Lake Monitors
Fishing With a Mission: Keeping Our Lakes Healthy for Everyone
At The Great Outdoors, our lakes and ponds are far more than scenery - they are living systems that affect the beauty of our community, the health of our wildlife, and even the enjoyment of our golf course and daily outdoor life. That’s why TGO’s four CSA Lake Monitors - Ron Peoples, Jim Folse, Marshall Roberts, and Marc Gelbke - deserve real recognition. These men aren’t “just out fishing.” They are experienced anglers who volunteer their time as dedicated stewards of our waters, helping ensure our ponds remain healthy, balanced, and thriving. Their work includes carefully tracking and charting what they see and catch - recording fish type, size, date, and location - and just as importantly, logging the lakes where fish activity is low or where nothing is caught at all. Those “no-catch” reports matter, because they reveal problems before they become obvious to everyone else. The charts they’ve developed are impressive, detailed, and consistent - the kind of real -world lake data you can’t get from a quick glance at the shoreline. And for anyone who has ever felt “testy” seeing a monitor near a backyard or on the golf course, it’s time to understand the truth: these men are doing essential work that protects a community resource we all share - and TGO is better because of it.
The Role of TGO’s Lake Monitors
The Role of TGO’s Lake Monitors goes far beyond fishingthese dedicated volunteers are the eyes and ears of our lake system, helping protect one of TGO’s most valuable natural resources. With 32 lakes across the community, our lakes require ongoing attention to stay healthy, balanced, and enjoyable for everyone. Lake Monitors provide that support by regularly visiting different lakes, observing conditions, and reporting concerns such as vegetation overgrowth, water quality changes, and fish activity. When they fish, they are not “just catching bass” - they are sampling the lake’s health in real time, checking fish conditions, and spotting problems early before they become bigger and more expensive to fix. Their work helps CSA make informed decisions about lake maintenance, stocking, and long-term planning.
In short, Lake Monitors are not only protecting a favorite pastime - they are helping preserve the beauty, function, and future of TGO’s lakes for residents, golfers, wildlife, and visitors alike.
Why Monitoring and Maintenance of Our Lakes Is Important to Their Health and the Property Values of TGO
Our lakes are more than just pretty scenery - they’re living ecosystems that need attention to stay healthy. Unlike natural lakes with steady flowing water, many of our lakes depend heavily on rainfall and runoff, which means conditions can change quickly. That’s why the work of our CSA Lake Monitor Program is so valuable. Without consistent monitoring, lakes can become overgrown, stagnant, and unbalanced - leading to more bugs, more moss, and fewer healthy fish.
Continued...
Our TGO Lake Monitors
And there’s an important ripple effect: healthy lakes don’t just benefit fishermen - they benefit everyone. These lakes add to the natural beauty of TGO, enhance the experience on the golf course, and help maintain the attractive landscapes that make this community such a special place to live and visit. Well-maintained water features support wildlife, improve views, and contribute to the overall pride of ownership here - which can ultimately support property values across the resort. Keeping our lakes healthy is truly an investment in TGO’s future. Proper care keeps our lakes thriving for everyone.
Lake Monitors Aren’t “Just Fishing,” They are Protecting and Learning About Our Lakes
It’s understandable that from time to time a resident may feel a little surprised - or even “testy” - when they see one of our CSA Lake Monitors fishing behind a home, along lake bank, or even standing near the golf course lakes. But it’s important for everyone to understand what is really happening: these men are doing the kind of “boots on the ground” work that helps protect the health of our lakes, our wildlife, and the overall quality of life inside TGO. When a monitor fishes a lake, they are effectively sampling and observing the lake - checking fish activity, fish condition, vegetation levels, water clarity, and other signs that tell the story of what’s happening below the surface. Their time on the
water helps CSA make better decisions about stocking, vegetation control, and long-term lake health. And just as important, the property around these lakes is not privately owned lakefront in the way some assume - it belongs to the community as part of TGO’s shared land and natural resources.
CSA Lake Monitors are officially authorized to fish any TGO Lake, behind any home, and on any hole of the golf course as part of the Lake Monitor Program. These monitors also understand etiquette and safety: they are experienced enough to stay clear of golfers, avoid interfering with play, and they often fish during quieter times when golfers are not present. When residents complain, they may believe they are protecting their space - but in reality they are misunderstanding the rules and discouraging one of the most valuable stewardship efforts we have.The better approach is simple: know the policy, respect the program, and appreciate the fact that these monitors are helping maintain the natural beauty and balance of the lakes that we all benefit from every single day.
Why Catch and Release Is a Smart, Safe and Responsible Way to Fish
Catch and release is one of the best ways to enjoy fishing at TGO while also protecting the long-term health of our lakes. Some residents - especially those who don’t fish often - may worry that catching a fish “hurts it” or causes it to die later, but our Lake Monitors have seen firsthand that this is simply not the case when it’s done correctly. With proper handling, most fish swim off quickly and continue thriving in the same lake, which helps keep our fishing enjoyable year after year. Catch and release also supports the balance of the lake ecosystem by keeping healthy fish in the water to control insects and maintain a natural food chain. Another common concern is that releasing fish attracts alligatorsbut the Monitors have made it clear that they do not fish around gators, and they move to a different location if one is present. In other words, the key is smart fishing: use good techniques, respect the wildlife, and release fish responsibly. When done the right way, catch and release is not harmful - it’s actually one of the most conservation-minded habits we can practice in TGO.
Why Stocking Our Lakes Matters So Much
Stocking our lakes is one of the most important things we can do to keep the lakes at TGO healthy, balanced, and enjoyable for everyone. Years ago, many of our lakes were stocked twice a year, but like everything else today, costs have increased - and we cut back to one rotational stock-
John Roberts was TGO’s original Lake Monitor, and now his brother, Marshall, helps carry the torch as one of TGO’s current Lake Monitors.
ing per year. But this is still a critical investment because our fish population faces constant pressure from every direction. Fish don’t just “live forever” in a lake - they are part of a natural food chain. Alligators eat fish. Birds eat fish. Larger bass eat smaller fish. Even turtles, otters, and other wildlife can reduce the numbers over time. And when the fish population drops too low, the whole lake begins to change. Fish play a major role in keeping the water healthy by eating insects and helping reduce the buildup of nuisance growth. A balanced fish population helps prevent lakes from turning into stagnant water full of algae, excessive surface scum, and overgrowth that blocks sunlight and chokes out oxygen. When fish numbers fall, algae can multiply faster, the water can become murky and unhealthy, and the lake becomes less of a clean, living ecosystem and more of a “soupy” mess. Stocking keeps that balance in place - not just for fishing, but for lake health, water clarity, wildlife balance, and the natural beauty that makes TGO such a special community.
Early Warning Signs - Prevention is the Smart Solution
One of the most valuable roles TGO’s Lake Monitors provide is serving as an “early warning system” for the health of our lakes. Because many of our lakes are landlocked and depend on rainwater and runoff, conditions can change faster than most people realize - sometimes in a matter of days. A lake that looks fine one week can suddenly develop algae growth, heavy weeds, poor water
clarity, or stressed fish activity the next. Lake Monitors help catch these changes early by regularly visiting different lakes, watching vegetation patterns, observing shoreline conditions, and paying attention to what is happening in and around the water. That kind of consistent presence can prevent small problems from turning into larger, more expensive ones.
Just as important, Lake Monitors don’t only identify problems - they provide practical insight into what may be causing them and how to respond in a smart, balanced way. If vegetation becomes too thick, it can choke out oxygen, trap debris, and create stagnant areas. But if vegetation is removed too aggressively, the lake can lose cover and structure that fish and wildlife depend on. Our Monitors understand that healthy lakes are all about balance, and they help CSA make better decisions before things get out of control. In many ways, their observations protect not only fishing, but the entire lake ecosystem - supporting cleaner water, less algae, fewer insect issues, and a healthier environment across TGO.
What Our TGO Lake Monitors Provide
Quarterly Reports to the CSA Manager
Regular updates that document pond conditions and highlight needs before small issues become bigger problems.
Fish Health Monitoring (Catch & Release)
By catching and safely releasing fish, monitors observe fish condition, strength, and overall lake health firsthand.
Catch Documentation for Stocking Decisions
Detailed logs of fish type, size, date, and location - including “no-catch” days - help guide future restocking needs.
pH Testing of Lakes
Water testing helps track pond balance and supports healthier fish and cleaner water over time.
Water Clarity Observation
Changes in clarity can signal algae growth, runoff impacts, or other shifts that need attention.
Vegetation Monitoring for Control
Monitors watch aquatic growth to support a healthy balance of habitat while preventing overgrowth.
Spray Guidance With the Weed Mitigation Contractor
Input on where spraying is needed - and where it should be limited - helps protect fish habitat and pond usability.
Air Pump Verification (Oxygenated Ponds)
Ensures lake aeration systems are operating properly and reports issues quickly.
Trash Pickup Along Pond Edges
Removes debris and helps keep our pondbanks clean, safe, and attractive for everyone.
It takes our community volunteers to support our fish stocking efforts and keep our ponds healthy. These fish will be safely transported and dispersed into TGO lakes to support balance and growth.
Ron Peoples
A TGO resident for nearly 15 years, fishing has been a part of ron’s life for more than 60 years. Ron became involved with the Lake Monitor program after meeting John Roberts shortly after moving to TGO. John was a mentor and Ron soon began assisting with fish stocking efforts. From there, his involvement naturally grew into a bigger role supporting lake health and monitoring. When it comes to fishing favorites, Ron says it’s hard to choose just one — but Lake Betty is one he especially enjoys. Outside of fishing, Ron enjoys boating and traveling.
Jimmie Folse
A lifetime fisherman, Jimmie has lived in TGO for four years. He started as a young boy fishing with his dad and never stopped - even spending time in competitive bass fishing along the way. Jimmie became a CSA Lake Monitor after meeting Marshall Roberts and learning more about the program. His favorite lakes to fish are Lake Betty and Lake Egret, especially because of the access behind his home and the bigger fish he’s caught there. When not fishing, Jimmie enjoys golf, bowling, traveling, and riding motorcycles.
Marshall Roberts
A lifelong fisherman with deep roots in the CSA Lake Monitor Program. Born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1940, Marshall has spent his life outdoors and on the water. He had been coming to TGO for about 15 years, and officially became a homeowner roughly 8 years ago. Marshall stepped into the Lake Monitor role at the request of his late brother, John Roberts, who helped establish the original monitoring program more than 20 years ago. He fishes TGO often, loves catching bass, and his personal best is an impressive 10 pounds, 4 ounces.
Marc Gelbke
A year-round resident for nearly four years, Marc has been a recreation angler since childhood, first learning the sport along side his father while growing up in Europe. At the request of Tim Graham, Marc joined the Lake Montoring Program in 2025. While he continues to work full time, he dedicates part of his time to this important program as a way of giving back to the community. “Our lakes play an important role in our ecosystem here at TGO. It’s critical that we maintain them properly so they stay healthy, balanced, and beautiful.”
12 Lakes Open for Fishing
1) Lake Judy
2) Lake Running Deer
3) Turky Lake
4) Mockingbird Lake
5) Spartana Lake
6) Lake Harvey
7) Fawn Lake
8) Pine Lake
9) Bass Lake
10) Bob’s Lake
11) Doe Lake
12) Buck Lake
You may fish along the portion of the lake marked in the dark area
TGO Fishing Rules/Regulations
1.Fishing is allowed from all Common Properties, except from the golf course side of lakes or other waterways.
2. Maps are available in the CSA Office showing access to the lakes from the Common Properties. Private property may not be crossed for fishing without the Owner’s consent.
3. All fishing is catch and release; fish must be retrieved and released quickly and handled gently.
4. No nets or casting of nets is permitted for fishing purposes. Only small nets may be used to aid in the retrieval of fish from a fishing line.
5. Because of safety concerns due to the presence of alligators, all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult while fishing.
6. Fishing hours are from sunrise to sunset.
7. The use of live bait, except worms, is prohibited.
8. Only barb-free hooks may be used.
9. Wading into any lake or other waterway for fishing or any other purpose is prohibited. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10, 11 & 12
All TGO Residents Are Invited...
Coach Club Knows How To Throw A Party!
It was an idea that came about when a group of neighbors and good friends got together (there may or may not have been some alcohol involved) and came up with the idea to throw a party that everyone at TGO would enjoy. It turned out to be a big sucess and is now one of the most anticipated events of the year. The original culprits behind the idea were Frank and Suzy Whitmore, John and Kathy Drugan, Craig and Penny Ryan and their neighbor Judy Lyons. Soon, Tony and Brenda Cullen became part of the team - and now the party has become accepted by the entire block with all the neighbors looking forward to the festivities, food, music and, of course, the ice cream.
The incredible Johnny Danger will return for 2026, entertaining the crowd with his classic rock ‘n roll, and for those who want to dance - who knows... there might even be a dance contest! Burger Rob and his food truck will be serving up his famous Smash Burgers, plus Jerry The Ice Cream Man will make his anticipated return to TGO. All you need to do is show up with a chair and your favorite beverage and be ready to have fun and meet some new neighbors.
“This has really turned out to be a fun event that we know everyone looks forward to,” explains Frank, as he sits behind his custom Tiki Bar laying out the 2026 plans to the Coach Club team. “We decided to push the party back a few weeks this year hoping to find a little warmer weather - so this year, it’s going to be on Presidents Day, Monday, February 16. Let’s just hope it’s sunny and we avoid the rain. But no matter the weather - The Party will go on!”
The tiki bar - better known as Tiki 215 - has become the operational headquarters for all things “Coach Club Block Party.” In John Drugan’s words, “Some of the best ideas we have come up with have started right here on these bar stools. And some of our worse ones also!”
No matter what the ideas are, if you’re around on February 16, the party starts at 3:00pm and generally ends at 6:00. Bring a friend or meet one there. One thing for sure - You’ll have a fun time!
Meet the Team
Looking to buy or sell in The Great Outdoors? TGO Realty is the only full-service real estate company with offices inside the resort - serving the community for over 32 years. Our team of Licensed Sales Associates has extensive knowledge of all properties within The Great Outdoors, from well-appointed paved RV sites to custom-built resort homes. In fact, almost all our agents are residents here, with years of experience and ready to assist you with any questions. Please contact any of our agents - they’ll be happy to help you.
Stephanie and Darrin Huggins Brokers Owners stephanieh@tgoresort.com darrinh@tgoresort.com
Please feel free to contact any of our TGO Realty, Inc. Licensed Sales Associates
Nancy Merchant 321-243-5335 nancym@tgoresort.com
Paul Shimski 321-704-3111 pauls@tgoresort.com
Ann Henn 321-432-4350 tgoann@aol.com
Mike Zeigler 321-349-4123 mikerzeigler@gmail.com
Tammy DeVries 321-537-1170 tammyd@tgoresort.com
Lou Costanza 813-777-4186 LJCostanza@gmail.com
Terry MacDonald 516-383-3704 tmacdonald1255@gmail.com
Marc Lundeberg 321-423-1388 marcl@tgoresort.com
Brenda Cullen 561-281-9382 brendac@tgoresort.com
Nancy Kuzma 321-269-5004 TGO Office Manager
TGO Resort Homes and Villas
NEW LISTING
637 Pineridge Court - $498,000
Immaculate custom Davidia model featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, plus loft and game room. Offered furnished with appliances. Golf course and Buck Lake views from screened porch and patio. Oversized cul-de-sac lot. 1,800 sq. ft. living, RV and car garages, major systems updated. Solid surfaces, stainless appliances, newer roof, HVAC.
NEW LISTING NEW PRICE
301 Harmony Lane - $680,000
Built in 2017, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath poured concrete home offers 2,406 sq. ft. living plus 1,320 sq. ft. air-conditioned garage space. Hurricane windows, open concept design, gourmet kitchen, luxury primary suite, RV and car garages, 22,000-watt Generac generator self-starts weekly for maintenance. HVAC 2017, roof 2017 and new water heater 2026.
252 Harmony Lane - $799,000
Beautiful expanded Oakwood Model in Hidden Lakes with approximately 2,605 sq. ft., featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a sun porch overlooking Camp Lake. A private en suite bedroom over the garage adds flexibility. Upgraded granite kitchen, bay windows, tray ceilings, abundant storage, and garages for cars, golf cart, and RV. New roof 2025, HVAC 2024.
331 Harmony Lane - $849,000
Modified Judith Ann model in Hidden Lakes. Built 2018 with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and approximately 2,600 sq. ft. living area. RV garage with dual hookups, golf cart garage, impact glass, whole-house generator, water filtration system, granite countertops, GE Profile appliances, ducted AC, and tray ceilings. Ultra Clean - Must See!
336 Plantation 252,000 Screen Room Terry MacDonald 516-383-3704
130 Windsong 259,000 .09 Acres 1,190 sq ft Suite, Extra Deep Lot Ann Henn 321-432-4350
50 Sunset 274,900 67 x 24 Furnished Nancy Merchant 321-243-5335
122 Windsong 279,000 .09 Acres 1,250 sq ft Suite, Furnished Ann Henn 321-432-4350
455 Oak Cove 279,900 Shed, Paver Drive, Lake/Golf View Terry MacDonald 516-383-3704
321 Oak Cove 279,900 40 x 60 524 sq ft Suite Brenda Cullen 561-281-9382
509 Oak Cove CONTRACT Furnished, Lake & Golf View Mike Zeigler 321-349-4123
TGO RV Sites
ADDRESS PRICE LOT SIZE FEATURES
LISTING AGENT
483 Fawn Trail 99,999 40 x 80 Lot Only Mike Zeigler 321-349-4123
371 Oak Cove 109,000 40 x 80 224 sq ft Florida Rm, Shed Tammy DeVries 321-537-1770
382 Oak Cove 114,000 40 x 80 Shed, Nature View Brenda Cullen 561-281-9382
184 Plantation 115,000 40 x 80 Shed w/Shower, W&D hookups Ann Henn 321-432-4350
13 Sunset 119,000 40 x 80 180 sq ft Florida Rm/Shed Terry MacDonald 516-383-3704 40 Sunset 124,900 .08 Acres Shed Paul Shimski 321-704-3111 429 Oak Cove 125,000 40 x 80 Shed Terry MacDonald 516-383-3704
Sunset 127,000 40 x 80 Shed Terry MacDonald 516-383-3704
417 Oak Cove 129,000 .011 Acres 288 sq ft Utility Rm Tammy DeVries 321-537-1770 312 Oak Cove 130,000 49 x 80 Extra Deep Corner Lot Tammy DeVries 321-537-1770 439 Oak Cove 134,900 .08
336 Plantation Drive - $252,000
Café Hours - 8:00am to 11:00am Blue Heron Hours - 11:00am to 8:00pm
BREAKFAST
BREAKFAST
Early Birdie Classics
Hole in One - One egg any style, with bacon, one slice of toast, and hashbrowns 8.99
The Birdie - Two eggs any style, with meat, two slices of toast, and hashbrowns 12.99
The Sand Trap - Biscuits smothered in sausage gravy, with one egg any style Half - 6.99 Full - 12.99
The Caddy Stack - A stack of one, two, or three homemade pancakes or french toast 1 - 3.99, 2 - 6.99, 3 - 9.99
Add blueberries or strawberries 1.99
Blue Heron Nest - Two poached eggs nested in Canadian bacon on top of hashbrowns, smothered in hollandaise sauce 14.99
Build Your Own
The 9-Iron (Sandwich or Wrap) 12.99
Bread: White, wheat, rye, English muffin, croissant, tortilla
Meat: Bacon, Canadian bacon, ham, or sausage
Cheese: American, Swiss, jack-cheddar, or provolone
Veggie: Tomatoes, onion, or green pepper
Wrapped around 2 eggs any style
McDuffer’s Cheese Omelette - Egg omelet with jack-cheddar cheese, served with toast and hashbrowns 2 Eggs - 8.99, 3 Eggs - 10.99
Omelette Add Ons - Green peppers, red onions, diced tomatoes, mushroom, spinach, black olives, cilantro, basil, Jalapenos .99 each
Omelette Add Ons - Ham, Canadian bacon, sausage, pepperoni, grilled chicken, fried chicken 1.99 each
Sides
Fruit - ala carte 4.99
Oatmeal - ala carte 4.99
Hashbrowns/Home Fries - ala carte 3.99 onions/peppers 1.00
Ala Carte
Side of toast - white, wheat, or rye 2.99 English muffin, Croissant, or Biscuit
APPETIZERS
APPETIZERS
Basket of Fries - choice of two sauces 4.99
Quesadilla - 12” flour tortilla filled with sautéed onions, peppers and shredded cheese 10.99
Add chicken - 3.00 Add shrimp - 4.00
Spicy Quesadilla - 12” flour tortilla filled with onions, peppers, jalapeños, tomatoes, and buffalo chicken 13.99
Substitute Fried Shrimp - 1.00
Pretzel - Served with nacho cheese dip 9.99
Pierogi - Served with a choice of sauerkraut and horsey sauce or sautéed onions and sour cream 9.99
Potato Skins - Loaded with shredded cheese and bacon, topped with green onions 9.99
Fried Okra - Served with ranch 8.99
Onion Rings - Beer battered, served with a choice of dipping sauces 8.99
Fried Pickles - Served with Sriracha Ranch 9.99
Potstickers - Pork potstickers, sweet Thai chili sauce 10.99
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.
Caesar Salad - Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, side of Caesar dressing 9.99
Gazpacho - Chilled Spanish blended soup, served with croutons or crackers 8.99
Ask your server about our Gazpacho special of the day!
Spaghetti and Meatballs - Meatballs over spaghetti with marinara sauce, garlic bread Half 9.99 Full 14.99
Dinner Salmon - Choice of grilled or baked, regular or blackened, salmon, served with vegetable of the day 21.99
Chicken Alfredo - Grilled chicken over fettuccine alfredo, served with garlic bread Half 10.99 Full 15.99
BURGERS & SANDWICHES
BURGERS & SANDWICHES
Cheese options - American, Swiss, Provolone, Pepper Jack Vegetarian Burger - 3.99 Gluten Free Bun Option - 2.99
Blue Heron Burger - Angus beef with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, served with 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 fries 15.99
Chicken Sandwich - Grilled or fried chicken breast with lettuce and tomato, served with fries 12.99
Chicken Parm Sub - Fried chicken, marinara and cheese, served with fries
Half 10.99 Full 14.99
Cheesesteak - Steak or chicken, sautéed peppers, onions and mushrooms, topped with provolone cheese, served with fries
Half 10.99 Full 14.99
Heron Club - Sliced turkey or ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on your choice of bread, served with fries 14.99
On The Green Burger - Angus beef with provolone cheese, spinach, avocado and house aioli, served with fries 15.99
J&B’s Patty Melt - Angus beef smothered with caramelized onions, on marbled rye bread with Swiss cheese, served with fries 13.99
Meatloaf Sandwich - House meatloaf with gravy, lettuce and tomato, served with fries
Half 8.99 Full 13.99
Eggplant Parm Sub - Fried eggplant, marinara and cheese, served with fries
Half 10.99 Full 15.99
Meatball Sub - Meatballs, marinara, provolone cheese on a toasted sub, served with fries
Half 10.99 Full 14.99
The Reuben - Thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing on marbled rye, served with fries 14.99
Albatross Pasta - Creamy marinara, penne, basil, Parmesan, and garlic bread - chicken or meatballs Half 10.99 Full 15.99
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
FLATBREADS
FLATBREADS
Build Your Own - starts at 12.99, with marinara and cheese Cheese - Pizza or cheddar-jack Alfredo Sauce 1.00
Toppings 1.00 each
Jalapeno, green pepper, red onion, cilantro, basil, diced or sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, black olives, roasted garlic, pineapple
Meats 2.00 each
Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, meatballs, grilled or fried chicken, ham
Ask your server about our Dessert of the day!
Sunday & Monday! - 99¢ Chicken Wings!
Thursday - $3.50 Tacos
Music at The Blue Heron
Friday February 6 Sammy
Friday February 13 Sammy
ENTREES & PASTAS
ENTREES & PASTA
Potatoes and vegetable of the day are subject to change. Ask your server what we have today. Chicken Tenders - Served with fries and choice of dipping sauce 11.99
Fish and Chips - Beer battered white fish, served with fries and coleslaw 14.99
Friday February 20 Tiki Duo
Friday February 27 Mike Johnson
Friday March 6 Sammy
Wed. March 11 Johnny Danger
Friday March 20 Sammy
Medicare Won’t Pay for Long-Term Care.
often be provided at home for as long as possible, based on a simple certification from your physician. In many cases, benefits are available with minimal or no underwriting - even if you’ve been DECLINED in the past. One of the greatest advantages is ownership. The funds remain yours. If care is never needed, the assets grow on a guaranteed basis and pass to your beneficiaries. Call, text, or email for a complimentary review of your options.
Funny Thing Is… The Older I Get...
Since I passed 60 years old, I think I’m growing again. Every time I try to put on my socks it seems my feet get farther away. Now I’m past 70 and I may need to sign up for the NBA because they are so far away I can barely reach them. And forget about trimming those toenails. I need glasses just to see clear enough to not whack off a much-needed toe. Wow! I never thought I would have a growth spurt in my sixth and seventh decades of life!
Why is it the older I get the harder it is to smile? I’ve always been a happy guy, but it seems like the older I get the more gravity seems to be tugging at the corners of my mouth. Hey, I’m not a “Get off my lawn kid” grouch, so who is that guy looking back at me in the mirror every morning? And why is he so blurry? I got auto focus on my iPhone so how come I don’t have it on my eyes?
Also, the older I get the less I want to go to any sports games. Yeah, I used to love getting to the stadium, stopping at the food court, grabbing some grub and a cold beer, then finding my seats hoping some gorgeous supermodel would have the seat next to me. Now I prefer my lounge chair, free beer from the fridge, perfect temperature, no wind or obnoxious Pittsburg fan raising my blood pressure, and I’m the only one in the bathroom when the urge strikes. The supermodel is guaranteed because I married her 47 years ago and, though she has no interest in sports, she patiently listens to me complain about the Browns or the Indians depending on the season, then gets me a treat to change my mood when I’m out of control. It’s like having an onsite therapist with great legs and benefits (if you know what I mean)!
You know, the older I get the more I realize most of the pills I take are not to cure anything but just to treat the side effects from the other pills I’m taking. I used to make fun of my dad and his 7-day pill box, but now if I can’t find mine it’s like losing the car keys. Stop everything until I find them.
Yeah, the older I get the more I wander and wonder. Now, what were we talking about? - Dr. Sammy -
Aquacize Manor Pool
Mon - Fri - 10:00am Weather Permitting. Call CSA Manor Office to ask about any cancellations. Aquacize, or water aerobics, is a fun and easy workout for all ages. It increases cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and muscle tone. Diana Araujo-Fernandez - 321-264-2393
Bingo Plantation Manor Tues - 6:00pm Cards Go On Sale at 4:45pm. 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.
Bike Group Plantation Manor - Thur 9:00am TGO Bike Group does group rides every Thursday. We go on bike trails or lightly traveled urban streets, no major roads, between 10 to 20 miles at 8 to 10 miles per hour. E-bikes and recumbents are welcome. Meet in the Manor parking lot at 9:00am on a Thursday. Ed Swan - Text 321-536-0572
Bocce The Bocce Court
The Bocce ball set can be borrowed from the cabinet outside the Fitness Center, Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 3:00pm. For weekend play, pick up the Bocce set on Friday.
Bowling River Lanes (SR50) - Titusville
TGO bowling League - 2026 Season - 12-week league starts 1/7/26 - first day at Noon (for meeting), then 1:00pm for all other Wednesdays. $10 per week for 3 games with tax & free shoe rental. 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 at 321-749-8642 or email: Ruby@lakesagency.com
Bridge Club Manor Porch
Mon - 1:00pm, Thurs - 1:00pm
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 Library
Every other Thursday 6:00pm. February 26, March 5 & 26, April 2 & 16.
$4.00 - $1 Bunco and $3 for Left, Right, Center Text Cathy Costello 321-376-2823
Bunco Manor Porch
Every other Tuesday 1:00pm. February 17, March 3, 17 & 31, April 7 all games are at 1pm. All of the dates are two weeks apart with the exception of April which is one week. $1.00 to play. Call or text Lillian VanDuyne at 607-316-4910 for more info.
Chess The Library
If you are interested in playing chess one-on-one or would like to reactivate scheduled group play, please contact Bill Severance-207-317-1365 or bill@westnetdesigns.com. Join the TGO Chess Players Facebook group.
Cigar Club Windsong Pavilion 2nd & 4th Tuesdays – 3:30pm. Enjoy a cigar with fellow smokers, swap cigars, share cigar knowledge, join field trips. Facebook: TGO Cigar Club Bob Hazlett – 937-545-7446; or email: rlhazlett999@gmail.com
Clown Alley The Library
Meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 3:00pm. For more information call: Pam Campbell Taylor 571-217-0444
Coloring Group Windsong Pavilion
All Year Long - First and third Tuesdays 1:00 to 3:00pm and/or Wednesdays 5:30 to 7:30pm. $10 - Colored pencil supplies provided. Start with a coloring lesson, color at your own pace. Reservations required by the Monday before class. Text or call Tracy Lewis - 425-478-6078 or email tgocolor@stuffnthingz.com
Cornhole The Cornhole Courts Sunday 3:00pm, Wednesday 5:30 - 7:00pm Practice starts a half hour before play. Randy Sanford - 321-505-8353
Croquet Club
Front of Driving Range - Sun - 2:00pm No experience needed. Equipment provided. Bring your own chair and beverage. It’s a great way to get outside and have fun with friends and neighbors. Joe DiGuilio 321-398-1816 or Frank Valenza - 407-223-5196
Diamond Painting Library - Mon - 1:30pm
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.
Nancy Morrison - 207-577-0161
Carol Renaudette - 610-334-2654
Euchre The Library Sat - 7:00 - 9:00pm
Euchre is for all who love the game! Cost is $1. Theresa Crosby - 740-548-0140
Friendly Hobbies Hobbyland
Wed - 9:30am - 12:00 noon, all year
Bring your knitting, cross stitch, crocheting, and other needle creations.
Theresa Sansoucie - 603-491-4515 or Mary Jane Smith - 810-853-8188
Exercise With Charlotte
Manor (M) or Pavilion (P)
Mon (M) 8:00 -9:00am Strength Training
Mon (P) 9:00 - 9:30am Low Impact
Tue (M) 8:00 - 9:00am PiYo Live
Tue (M) 9:00 - 9:30am Pilates
Wed (M) 8:00 - 9:00am Medicine Ball
Wed (P) 9:00 - 9:30am Total Body Toning
Thur (M) 8:00 - 9:00am Low Impact
Thur (M) 9:00 - 9:30am Total Body Stretch
Fri (M) 8:00 - 9:00am Strength Training
Fri (P) 9:00 - 9:30am People’s Choice
FMCA - Ambassadors Chapter Manor
4th Monday (October - April) - 4:30pm
Seasonal meetings are monthly. Come 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 Nebel at 321-626-1290 or Email: renebeljr@gmail.com
Visit our website at www.TGOAMB.com
FTTA - Fun Time Travel Association Manor
3rd Monday (October - April) - 4:30pm February meeting will be on the 9th, not the 16th.
The FTTA is a rally group open to all owners and renters in TGO. 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.
Monica Fierro - 321-604-0011
Email: tgomonica@yahoo.com
Put “FTTA” in the subject line.
Game Night The Library
Sun - 6:00pm, Tue - 6:00pm
This fun-loving group plays many types of games. Carol Hall - 321-383-3544 or Kathy Smith - 401-742-9766
Hand Knee And Foot Card Game The Library
Wed and Sat - 11:30am - 4:00pm
Much more challenging and fun than original Hand and Foot, this is still similar to Canasta. Both days meet all year.
Join us for lunch every week. Men and women can spend an hour or two in fellowship. Meet old friends and make new ones.
Sammye Madden - 321-383-8530 or Cam Pelletier - 321-264-0691
RETURNING IN OCTOBER
Join in the fun or listen to your friends. Bring snacks and beverages. Don Wheeler - 407-401-3655
Line Dancing Plantation Manor
Tue - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Beginner class starts at 10:00am
No dance experience - basic steps taught. Improver class starts at 11:00am. Michelle Neese - Instructor
Machine Embroidery Club Hobbyland
Fri - 12:00 - 5:00pm
Join us in this fascinating hobby. Bring your embroidery machine. Bring your door key for the craft room. Diana Spahn - 207-432-2107
Mad Hatters Plantation Manor
1st Tuesday (November - April) - 11:30am
All TGO ladies are invited. Lunch is $20.00, cash or check, advance reservations are required. Contact Susan Bonneau at madhatlunch@gmail.com. For any other information contact: Cathy Costello at 321-376-2823 or cathy.costello@gmail.com
Fridays, Feb 20, Mar 5, Apr 3 & 23 at 6:00pm. Bring snacks for your table/BYOB. Bring a roll of nickels and $1, per person, for donation to three charities. Bev Moquin - 508-317-0295
Page Turners The Library
1st Wednesday of each month - 6:30pm Wine is welcome! Please consider joining the fun! The book selection and more information can be found on FACEBOOK at TGO Page Turners.
Photo Club Check website for meeting location: tgophotoclub.com
1st and 3rd Fridays. If you enjoy taking pictures and want to learn more, join us. Use your phone or a mirrorless camera, new faces welcome. David Spahn - 207-468-6760
• Organized Tournaments • Clinics to Improve Member Skills
• Open Club Play 9:00am - 1:00pm Daily and Wednesday evening 6:00 - 8:00pm
• Private Games in the Afternoon Equipment available at the Manor CSA Office Mon- Fri 8:00am to 3:00pm. For more information: tgopickleballclubboard@gmail.com. Lessons will be offered every Wednesday from 2-4pm. No reservations necessary. Show up ready to learn. If lessons are cancelled it will be posted on the gate at the courts. Pam Howland at 678-570-7625
Quilters Hobbyland
Thur - 9:30am- 5:00pm, all year
Weekly meetings are held at 1:00pm November through April. TGO Owners, please bring your door key for the craft room.
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 8:00am. Bob Netherton - 321-269-3016
Rug Hooking Hobbyland
Tues (October - April) - 9:00am
The TGO Traditional Rug Hooking Group invites all “Hookers and Lookers”
Terri Strack - 603-540-5921
Shuffleboard Shuffleboard Courts
Thurs - October - April - 1:00pm
Discs and Cues are on the Fitness Center front wall. Return equipment when done. After dark, there is a light switch timer by the Tennis Court fenced door nearest the shuffleboard courts. Doug Jensen - 401-885-9731
Sawdust Club The Pavilion
Members meeting - 2nd Tuesday (October-April) - 9:00am. 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
Stampin’ Up Card Making Class Hobbyland 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 6:00 pm and 2nd and 4th 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 Thurs - 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. Teri Alexander - 321-961-1393 or Theresa Sansoucie - 603-491-4515
Swedish Weavers Hobbyland Monday - 1:00 - 3:00pm
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 9:30 - 10:30am
Classes start Monday, Jan 5. For more info call or text Dan Tracy at 608-658-4465
Tennis Club Tennis Courts
Tennis Club Members Match Play: Mon - Wed - Fri - 9:00am to Noon
All Tennis Players - Round-Robin - All Skill Levels: Tue - Thu - Sat - 9:00am to Noon. Open Play
Mon-Sat noon-8:00pm, Sundays 8:00am-8:00pm
Join the TGO Tennis Club. Contact any Tennis Club Board Member on court.
Belle Maropis - 770-695-8266
Texas Hold’em Juke Box
Tournaments on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:00pm in the Jukebox Recreation Room. Doyle Wilson - 502-751-4657
Texas Hold’em Mixed Groups Juke Box
Tournaments on Thur at 6:00pm in the Jukebox Recreation Room.
Andy Martenson - 321-246-0033
Texas Hold’em Women’s Poker Club
Juke Box - Sunday evenings in the game room from 6:00 - 9:00pm. HEY GALS! Interested in playing Texas Hold ‘em? Here’s your opportunity to get in on a low-stakes limit game.
Terry Marsh at 919-368-0224
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• Customized solutions designed to meet your individual hearing needs
• 75+ Years of Innovation
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forward to meeting you and your loved one. Together we will find a solution hearing problems.” Adam Ursell, Hearing Aid Specialist
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Call TODAY to Schedule a FREE hearing test discover why Miracle-Ear ® is THE RIGHT CHOICE!
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Call TODAY to Schedule a FREE hearing test and discover why Miracle-Ear® is THE RIGHT CHOICE!
TGO Dance Group The Pavilion
Thurs - 6:00 - 7:00pm
Fun, safe class learning newest trending dances from social media. FREE CLASS, but tips appreciated Join on FB page: TGO Dance Group
Ukulele Group Nature Center
Tuesdays - 1:00 - 3:00pm Join us!
All levels of players welcome. Pam Campbell Taylor - 571-217-0444
Angie Woznick 321-269-6609 or Sally MacNevin 508-944-0082
Wood Carving Hobbyland Monday - 8:00am - 12 noon
All skill levels welcome. Join us for whittling or relief, chip, and carving-in-the-round styles. Charlie Wing - 321-474-1952
Zumba Plantation Manor
Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 9:00am
Fun fusion of body sculpting and dance movements to lively Latin rhythms that tone your body. Instructor: Diana-Arujo-Fernandez
• Loaner Lot Available While Yours is Being Coated
• Industrial Grade Concrete Sealer
• Rust, Oil, and Mildew Resistant
If you are in charge and have any changes to your Hobbies or Recreation Notice, please email them to Happenings@tgocsa.com
• Simulated Tile and Textured Coatings
NOTICE: To All Managers of Recreational Clubs, Hobbies and Events
• Many Colors and Designs
Just because items are listed in The Happenings they still need to be approved with the Recreation Department and scheduled onto the calendar for facility use.
• Extremely Durable
• Industrial Paver Sealer Protects Pavers
Please check the TGOCSA website calendar for all scheduled activities. Many past activities have expired and have not been renewed through proper procedures. Once expired, other activities fill those dates and times quickly. Space is very limited. Our community facilities need to be shared equally.
Check out some of our work at The Great Outdoors:
FOR SALE: 233 HARMONY LANE $610,000
Coach Club Drive 172 184 203
Plantation Drive 262 390 844
3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, One Story UNDER CONTRACT PRICE IMPROVEMENT!
FOR SALE: 538 TWIN LAKES DR $339,000 1Bedroom, 1 1/2 Bath with Loft Open House Tues 1-4
If you have any questions about scheduling your activity or event at the Manor, the Pavilion, Hobbyland, the Library, the Conference Room, Jukebox Rec Room and Recreation Courts (Shuffl e, Corn, Tennis and Pickleball) please reach out to the Recreation Manager at Manor@tgocsa.com
Wake up to peaceful nature views and end your day with cool breezes from the comfort of your own screened porch. This Grand Davidia home offers the kind of space and flexibility that’s hard to find in TGO, perfect for full-time living, hosting family, or simply spreading out and enjoying resort life your way. The open layout, loft bonus area, and oversized indoor utility space give you room to live, work and relax without feeling cramped. Whether you’re arriving with an RV and travel plans, or settling in for the season, this property delivers comfort, practicality, and a setting that feels like a private retreat.
at $408,000
Chrissy’s Catering Corner:
Grand Davidia Model with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Plus Loft
• Unfurnished with appliances
• Built in 1997
• Total living area 1,747 Sq. Ft.
• Central vacuum system
• 12 ’x 25’ laundry room / work shop with AC
• 12’ x 35’ screened porch overlooks Bob Pond
• RV port is 43’ long with 12’ x 13’ garage door
• Generator installed in 2021
• Roof replaced 2015
Listed by Heith Mohler Brokered by Property Marketers, LLC
Did you know? Strawberries have been linked to love and romance dating back to ancient Roman times. They were associated with Venus, Goddess of love and beauty, due to their vibrant red color, thusly making them the symbol of passion and fertility. They were once considered to be an aphrodisiac and believed to enhance desire and excitement, but science finds that only the sensual experience of sharing ripe strawberries is the factor. Facts: Strawberries are the only fruit where you will find the seeds on the outside. They mainly consist of water (91%) and contain Vitamin C, Manganese, Folate(B9) and Potassium. They contain a decent amount of dietary fibers which are important for feeding the friendly bacteria in your gut for digestive health.
• 2 3.4 oz. boxes Strawberry Flavored Instant Pudding
• 1 cup strawberries (washed, hulled and chopped)
• 8 oz. Cool Whip Whipped Topping
• 8 whole strawberries (for garnish)
• Chocolate ice cream topping (for garnish)
Directions: Mix the milk and instant pudding mix together in a bowl until very thick, about 2 minutes. Remove 1 ¼ cup of pudding from the pudding bowl and fold the chopped strawberries into it.
Spread the strawberry and pudding mix into the bottom of the chocolate crust. Next, mix 1 cup of whipped topping in with the remaining pudding. Fold until well incorporated. Spread the pudding and whipped topping over the strawberry pudding layer. Next, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Garnish with whole strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate ice cream topping (optional).
May also be frozen for a frozen pudding pie. If freezing, remove from freezer about 20 minutes before slicing. Makes 8 servings.
Health sources: Healthnet / RestoNYC Recipe source: Chrissy Elwonger
PUBLIX - A Company Built from the Inside Out
In 1930, in Winter Haven, Florida, George W. Jenkins was managing a Piggly Wiggly grocery store when he started noticing things other people seemed to overlook. Shelves were poorly stocked. Stores felt dark and cramped. Customers weren’t treated particularly well, and employees were treated even worse. Jenkins believed none of that made sense and was inspired to create a new store.
If grocery stores were places people had to visit regularly, why shouldn’t they be clean, bright, friendly, and efficient? Why shouldn’t the people working there feel proud of what they were doing?
That simple line of thinking led him to open his own store, which he called Publix Food Store. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t revolutionary in size or scale. But it was different in spirit. Jenkins believed that if you respected customers and genuinely cared about employees, the business would take care of itself. That idea sounds obvious today, but in the middle of the Great Depression, it was quietly radical.
Jenkins was a retailer at heart, but he was also something of a philosopher. He believed dignity and work mattered. He believed people responded to being trusted and valued. He famously said that if you take care of your employees, they’ll take care of your customers, and the customers will take care of the business. It wasn’t a slogan to him. It was a blueprint. By 1934, sales were strong and George opened his second store, also in Winter Haven.
In 1940, after mortgaging an orange grove, George
built what many consider the first modern supermarket in the Southeast. The store had air conditioning, wide aisles, florescent lighting, and a bakery and floral department, which were luxuries at the time. But even as Publix grew more sophisticated, Jenkins never lost sight of the human side of the operation. He walked stores regularly. He spoke to baggers and cashiers. He listened more than he talked. Jenkins wanted Publix to feel like a place where people belonged, both behind the counter and in front of it.
That sense of belonging eventually became institutionalized in one of the most distinctive aspects of Publix: employee ownership.
Unlike many large corporations that reserve ownership and wealth creation for executives and investors, Jenkins believed that the people who showed up every day and made the stores run should share in the company’s success. Over time, Publix developed what is now known as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, often referred to simply as the ESOP. Through this program, Publix associates earn shares of company stock as part of their retirement benefits, at no direct cost to them.
Jenkins believed ownership changed how people thought about their work. When employees became owners, even in small increments, they didn’t just work shifts - they protected something they had a stake in. Clean floors mattered more. Friendly service mattered more. Pride replaced indifference.
Publix remains privately owned, and its stock is not traded on the open market. That decision, too, traces back to Jenkins’ philosophy. He feared that answering to Wall Street would eventually erode the company’s culture. Public shareholders might demand shortterm gains at the expense of long-term values. Jenkins wanted Publix to grow steadily, and carefully, without sacrificing the trust of employees or customers.
Associates earn stock based on years of service and hours worked, and over time that stock can become a meaningful asset. Many long-term Publix employees have retired comfortably because of it. Some started as teenagers bagging groceries and stayed for decades, eventually realizing that their loyalty had translated into real ownership and financial security. Those stories aren’t outliers at Publix; they are part of the company’s institutional memory. The idea of calling employees “associates” rather than workers or staff was also deliberate. That belief still echoes through Publix stores today, where long tenures are common and familiar faces become part of customers’ routines.
Over the decades, Publix expanded steadily across the Southeast, entering new states without losing its identity. Stores grew larger. Offerings expanded. Technology changed everything from inventory management to checkout lines. Yet the company resisted the temptation to grow recklessly or abandon its core principles. Publix rarely rushed into
How Did George Choose the Name Publix?
Before opening his own store, George Jenkins worked in grocery management and was familiar with the Publix Theatres Corporation, a popular movie theater chain in the Southeast. He liked the name because it sounded modern and welcoming, and because it suggested something created for the public. When Jenkins opened his first grocery store in 1930, he adopted the name Publix, keeping the distinctive “X” because it gave the word a clean, forward-looking feel. The name fit his philosophy perfectly - a store meant to serve everyday people, built on respect, accessibility, and community.
• Publix employs approximately 260,000 people across its retail stores, corporate offices, cooking schools, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities.
new markets, preferring to ensure it could maintain its standards of service and employee care wherever it went.
That consistency is part of why Publix inspires such loyalty. Customers notice when employees seem genuinely content to be there. They notice when someone walks them to the aisle instead of pointing. They notice when the store feels calm instead of chaotic. Those experiences don’t happen by accident. They happen when people feel invested.
George Jenkins passed away in 1996, but his influence remains deeply embedded in the company’s culture. His portrait hangs in many stores, not as a corporate mascot, but as a reminder of the values he insisted on. Publix still promotes from within at a remarkable rate. Many store managers and executives began their careers pushing carts or stocking shelves. That upward mobility reinforces the belief that effort matters and that loyalty is rewarded.
In an era when many companies talk about culture as a branding exercise, Publix’s culture feels natural rather than manufactured. It wasn’t designed by consultants. It evolved from one man’s conviction that business could be both profitable and humane. Jenkins didn’t see a contradiction between the two. He believed they were inseparable.
Publix today is one of the largest employee-owned companies in the United States, with thousands of stores and hundreds of thousands of associates. Yet at its core, it still operates on the same premise that guided its founder nearly a century ago: treat people well, give them a stake in what they’re building, and trust that they’ll rise to the occasion.
That philosophy has proven remarkably durable. In a retail landscape littered with once-dominant chains that lost their way, Publix continues to thrive, not because it chases every trend, but because it stays grounded in principles that never go out of style.
• Publix operates about 1,430 stores across eight Southeastern states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia - with Florida being home to the majority of locations.
• Publix’s annual sales reached nearly $60 billion in 2024, with net earnings in the billions - impressive figures for a company that is privately held and employee-owned rather than publicly traded.
• Besides supermarkets, it operates multiple manufacturing plants producing dairy, bakery and other in-house products, and grocery distribution centers supporting its regional network.
Valentine’s Day Traditions From Around the World
Every year on February 14, Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day. The February holiday is set aside to let that special someone know how much they’re cared about through gifts, flowers, greeting cards, or a dinner out.
But what about other countries around the world? You might be surprised to learn how other places around the globe mark the occasion, but not all of them in exactly the same way. Nor do all countries recognize Valentine’s Day on February 14.
Brazil
Rather than celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14, Brazilians recognize Dia dos Namorados. The name loosely translates into Lover’s Day or Couple’s Day, and it celebrated on June 12, which is the eve of the Feast of St. Anthony, the patron saint of marriage.
Dia dos Namorados is also commemorated in June because February conflicts with Brazil’s epic Carnival, which is observed that same month. Similar to how Americans commemorate Valentine’s Day, Brazilians mark Lover’s Day by going out to dinner, exchanging gifts or having a date night with their sweetheart.
Finland
Instead of celebrating a traditional Valentine’s Day, Finland, instead celebrates Ystävänpäivä (pronounced YOUS-ta-vanPIE-vah), which loosely translates to “Friendship Day,” and that is exactly what’s commemorated each year on February 14. Rather than showy displays of love and affection on Valentine’s Day, Fins offer their pals and loved ones small presents and mementos to let them know how much they’re valued.
Denmark
Couples are not the only ones who partake in Valentine’s Day festivities in Denmark and Norway. Friends and family swap “lover’s cards,” which range in sentiment from touching to hilarious. Some might even send an anonymous joke letter — the signature is written only using dots — called a “gaekkebrev.” The letter features intricate paper cut-outs and a short poem or message.
If recipient of the gaekkebre - which translates to “snowdrop letter” - guesses the identity of the sender, they are owed an egg at Easter. It works in reverse, too: If they guess incorrectly, they must give the sender an Easter egg.
England
There’s a variety of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in England, but one of the more popular ways is to be regaled by the sweet sound of children singing. In turn, little crooners get candy, fruit or money. Some might even trade Valentine buns — also known as “plum shuttles” — baked with raisins, plums or caraway seeds to commemorate a bountiful harvest.
Germany
If you’ve had enough of heart-shaped trinkets on Valentine’s Day, get inspired by German couples who exchange pigshaped gifts instead. Apparently, the pig is the symbol of both love and lust, so it’s not uncommon to give and receive pig statues, stuffed animals and more. Flowers and chocolates are also shared, as well as ginger cookies featuring loving phrases in icing.
Mexico
You don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to revel in the love fest that is Valentine’s Day in Mexico. That’s because February 14 is “El Día del Amor y Amistad,” which translates to the “Day of Love and Friendship,” where everyone regardless of their relationship status can celebrate with flowers, cards, stuffed animals and more.
Philippines
No pressure if you’re dating someone in the Philippines and Valentine’s Day rolls around. The government actually hosts a huge marriage ceremony en masse so hundreds of lovebirds can tie the knot
Japan
Chocolate is the way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Japan. If someone’s really into you, you’ll get “honmei choco” (true love chocolate). But if you’re a friend or relative, you’ll enjoy “giri choco” (obligatory chocolate) instead. Honestly, it sounds like a sweet deal either way.
Italy
Italians celebrate “La Festa Degli Innamorati” in commemoration of Juno, the Goddess of Women and Marriage. Oldschool tradition has it that the first man a single woman sees on February 14 will become her husband (or at least look like him). It’s common to gift romantic partners with those well-loved Perugina Baci chocolates — delectable chocolate candies with a hazelnut or sweet cherry center covered by wrappers featuring poetic sentiments.
In Verona, where the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, Valentine’s Day stretches into four days of festivities marked by free concerts in the Piazza dei Signori and heart lanterns lighting up the town. Inspired lovers can indulge in one of the many dinner specials being offered by local restaurants.
Think bigger companies have the advantage? They don’t - they just have bigger bills to pass on to you. When you call flashy corporate outfits, you’re paying for billboards, nonstop advertising, and bloated payrolls - not better service.
With Compton’s, you get us - a licensed team with 24 years of hands-on experience and personal accountability on every job. We’ve spent decades perfecting our craft, and it shows in every repair, installation, and service call. You’re our neighbor, not a number. Choosing our small business means quality work without the corporate markup.
Need a reference? Look for our truck and ask your TGO Neighbor.
Board Of Directors Meeting
Plantation Manor • Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 3:00pm
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 253-632-2105 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 Marie Moraites 256-740-9900 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 Karin Coburn 619-709-4945 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 Temp-Chairman, Harold Witschi, 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 3:00pm. They are open to attend for any TGO owner.
District Meetings
There are ten CSA voting districts at The Great Outdoors. The District Meetings are held monthly from October through May in the Pavilion. The districts are determined by the last digit of your property’s street address: Districts 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 are held the first Tuesday of the month. Districts 0, 1, 4, 7, 9 are held the second Thursday of the month.
President Council Meetings are at the CSA Pavilion on the third (3rd) Tuesday of each month at 10:00am. 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 Dan Walters 856-982-9682 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
Condo President Phone# Email
XI Leonard Caton 321-567-3009 tgo.condo11board@gmail.com
XII Megan Westbrook 407-878-8854 tgo.condo12.president@gmail.com
FHOA Ken Birtwistle 401-580-5071 tgofairways@gmail.com
XIV Jay Fetner 307-409-1407 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
ARC Office Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Closed from Noon to 1:00pm for lunch.
Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Members - Contact Information
Chairman - Harold Witschi 716-998-6393
District 0 - Lisa Berkis 267-549-3674
District 1 - VACANT
District 2 - VACANT
District 3 - James Alonzo 518-577-7666
District 4 - Pete Bronson 315-263-6469
District 5 - Bob Robinson 717-994-2807
District 6 - Greg Mackey 219-322-5555
District 7 - Doug Jensen 401-885-9731
District 8 - Dennis Chouinard 561-329-8031
District 9 - Lisa Babcock 903-372-8849
Our annual TGO elections will be held January 26, 2026. The Architectural Review Committee will have candidates for a new Chairman and District Representatives for 0, 2, 4, 5, 6 & 8.
Architectural Review Committee
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the next ARC Meetings will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:00am on the Manor Porch.
The Architectural Review Committee meets for planning purposes on the Plantation Manor Porch at 10:00am on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Application Review Agenda: Approve field approvals, old business, non-compliance violations, new business, adjorn. 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.
The Architectural Review Committee (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 8:00am until 5:00pm. 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!
ARC Committee
Harold “Tuco” Witschi arcchair@tgocsa.com
Elections Committee
Vicki Littlefield vickilynnl@prodigy.net
Finance Committee
Matthew Willey district6@tgocsa.org
Firewise Committee
Butch Jones butch_jones2001@yahoo.com
Human Resources Committee
Lauren Clark district4@tgocsa.org
Infrastructure & Natural Resources Committee
Drew Proulx district9@tgocsa.org
Landscaping and Beautification Committee
Tim Graham dancingcracker@gmail.com
Planning & Building Committee
Ron Wagner district0@tgocsa.org
Rules & Regulations Committee
Lynn Jacobs jjacobs120@aol.com
Safety & Security Committee
John Comeau district7@tgocsa.org
Traffic Infractions Committee
Cindy Marini clmarini@aol.com
Black Cat Coffee
Coffee Shop and Roastery
3355 Foley Road - Behind Starling Ford
Open Monday - Friday 6am to 3pm Sat - 7am to 3pm Sun - 8am to 3pm
The Freshest Coffee in Titusville
Automated Door App & Fob
CSA now provides an App that goes on your cell phone or a Fob and allows afterhour entry into the Gym and Recreation Room outside of regular business hours. Call the CSA office to make an appointment to receive yours - 321-268-9767
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.
Contractor Restrictions
Contractors employed for repairs, construction, renovation, or installation at residences that are in The Great Outdoors are allowed to work Monday - Saturday and not allowed to work on Sunday, except in an emergency or with the advance permission of the CSA. Contractors must leave TGO by 6:00pm from November 1 to April 30 and by 7:00pm 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.
CSA Office - 321-268-9767
100 D Plantation Drive
Open: Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm
CSA Trouble Calls
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.
Daily Dog Hours
Small 12 lbs or less 11am - 12pm
Medium 35 lbs or less 3pm - 4pm
Large 35 lbs or more 4pm-5pm
All other times are open play.
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. Please, when you see emergency vehicles coming in with lights flashing, pull over and let them pass!
Golf Cart Gas
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 11:00am
The Community Services Association offers unleaded gasoline. Fill-up times are Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 11:00am, at the CSA Maintenance Area. The Maintenance Area no longer accepts cash; please go to the CSA Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (closed for lunch 12 to 1:00pm) to purchase a fuel card. Cash and credit card payments are accepted. The price per gallon is $4, subject to change.
Guard Gate - 321-383-2004
Call to alert Courtesy Patrol about any community problem or to request assistance from CSA for on-site maintenance.
Living in TGO Reference Guide
Great information for the homeowner or renter. Pick up your FREE copy at the CSA Office.
The Manor - 321-264-2393
To schedule events at The Manor or The Pavilion, check with the manager in the Plantation Manor Office. 145 Plantation Drive - manor@tgocsa.com
Lorraine Murphy Historic Center
Located in the CSA Conference Room next to Trimmer’s Salon.
Available to tour:
Monday - Friday • 3:00 - 5:00pm
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
Plantation Manor Pool & Spa
OPEN Every Day: 8:00am - Dusk “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: 7:00am - 11:00pm
Daily cleaning from 6-7:00am. 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.
Propane For Sale
Mon - Fri - 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30am
Appointment Only - TGO Commercial Area - West of the CSA Building. CSA offers LP Gas for your convenience and is currently $4.00/gallon, plus 7% sales tax! Cash, Credit Cards or Checks accepted. Call the CSA Office at 321-268-9767 for an appointment or visit during office hours. .
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.
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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 it’s within easy reach.
• Dispose of your pet’s waste inside the closed trash bag.
• Put trash out at the curb by 10:00am - 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.
• 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. 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 Station321-264-5048.
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.
Be A Good Human
If you have food or clothes you can donate - please do Titusville Food & Clothing Donation Locations
SPCA Thrift Store
4220 S. Washington Ave.
321-267-2210
Hours: Monday - Saturday - 9:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday - 10:00am - 6:00pm
North Brevard Charities
4475 S. Hopkins Ave.
321-269-6555
Hours: Monday - Friday - 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday - 10:00am - 5:00pm
Women’s Center Upscale Resale Store
3216 S. Hopkins Ave.
321-362-5885
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Food Drop-Off - Fresh & Staples
Liberty Lodge Ministries
4150 Mt. Sterling Ave. 321-264-0757
Hours: Monday - Friday - 9:00am - 3:00pm
Saturday & Sunday - closed
CSA Patrol is Hiring
Patrol officers play an important roll. Here is your opportunity to become an integral part of the community and help keep TGO safe by enforcing traffic rules, and directing traffic during emergecies. If you would be interested in working for the CSA Patrol, go online to our website: www.tgocsa.org then click on CSA Documents/Forms/Application for Committee Assignment. Or stop by the CSA office to pick up an application. We Need You!
Traffic Infraction Committee Opening
They are looking for a committee member. They meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 2:00pm to hear any appeals involving traffic violations that have been written during the previous month by the CSA Patrol. Go to www.tgocsa.org then click on CSA documents/ forms/application for committee assignment. Fill out the form and deliver to the office. Or ask for an application at the CSA office.
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.
Turf Masters regularly applies spray applications to our lawns and common areas that includes an herbicide for weed control, a liquid fertilizer, a granular nitrogen fertilizer and an insecticide to kill chinch bugs, and other turf-damaging insects.
Turf Masters 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 Turf Masters list. Application dates are scheduled for March 9-11.
Turf Masters 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.
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 alligator.
• 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.
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
THE HAPPENINGS
Open Monday - Friday • 8:00am - 5:00pm
The Great Outdoors Community Services Association (CSA) publishes The Happenings 24 issues a year (one issue only in July and August). This magazine is for the information and enjoyment of the TGO community 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.
Contributors must provide information ten days prior to publication date.
For advertising rates or editorial information, contact: Happenings@tgocsa.com
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.
Sudoku originated in the late 20th century, evolving from earlier number-placement puzzles and gaining worldwide popularity after being published in Japanese newspapers in the 1980s. Its name, meaning “single number,” reflects the game’s simple but elegant logic-based challenge. Beyond entertainment, Sudoku is widely valued for its benefits to brain health: it engages memory, concentration, and logical reasoning, helping to keep the mind active and sharp. Regularly solving Sudoku puzzles can support cognitive function, improve problem-solving skills, and may help slow age-related mental decline by encouraging sustained mental exercise.
TGO MarketPlace
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• Do-It-Yourself
• Backflow Testing & Repair
• Sewer & Drain Cleaning
• Shower Pan
• Mobile Homes
• Electronic Hidden Leak Detection
• Gas Piping
• Bath and Kitchen Remodeling
• Sewer & Water Lines Repaired or Replaced
• Domestic Water Line Re-Piping
• Epoxy & Drainage Line Re-Lining
• Drainage Issues
• High Pressure Jet Sewer Cleaning
• Drywall and Tile Repairs
• Faucet Repair & Replacing
• Camera/Video for Drainage Lines
Classified Ads
FOR SALE : 441 Oak Cove Road and a 2014 30 ft. Newmar Baystar RV - Call/Text 919-414-3305 (exp 02/20)
FOR SALE : Blue Ox Towbar - Used once -$550. Rug approx 12x12 free - Call 561-371-2979 email djaffe1036@aol.com (exp 02/20)
Tailgate Treasures - Third Friday of Every Month in the Rally Lot at 3:30 - Unless otherwise notified on Facebook Bring what you want to give away and take home what you want - NO money exchanged - Tailgate Treasures TGO on Facebook
TGO MAIL CENTER
TGO Mail Center News...
We want everyone in TGO to know that we are implementing a new labeling and tracking number system for all Priority and Ground Advantage packages.
The good news for using this system is discounted prices for mailing all packages.
We will have a laptop computer on the counter so we can enter the information needed to create a label.
We Will Need:
1. Your name, address and e-mail address as the shipper.
2. Name, address, zip code and e-mail address of recipient so they get the tracking number.
3. If you don’t have an e-mail address, you can take a picture on your cell phone or write the number down when you are here.
This will take more time to enter all this information so please be patient with us. You will be very pleased with the new prices.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Keep Your Wheels Turning
Whether it’s back pain, joint stiffness, or nagging injuries, Chiropractic Care helps you move better, play longer, and feel your best - every day and every ride.
At Active Spine Center, we offer personalized therapies and techniques designed to make your journey to pain relief, recovery, and total-body wellness effective and rewarding. We provide an array of specialized services to help get you back on your feet and and keep you moving forward with confidence and ease.
• Chiropractic Care
• Spinal Decompression
• Near-Infrared Laser Therapy
• Dry Needling
• Body Contouring
• Neuropathy Treatment
Super Bowl Winners
Primary Stroke Center
Stroke is a leading cause of death in Florida. Certified Primary Stroke Centers, like Parrish Medical Center, have demonstrated stroke treatment excellence. Nationally Certified Since 2004
Symptoms of Stroke
Sudden symptoms like these should never be ignored. At the first signs of a stroke, call 911.
Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Difficulty walking, dizziness or loss of balance and coordination
