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The Grand Valley Grapevine Official Monthly Newsletter of the Grand Valley Homeowners Association G.V.H.A. P.O. Box 550 New Port Richey, FL 34656 Tel. (813) 468-0872 Issue 219 December 2013 Editor: Walda Pagucci

8141 Stony Bridge Drive

Board of Directors Notes The elections for the Board of Directors were held at the October General Meeting.

The following were elected to the Board: Eric Parker, Peggy Madison, and Marty Meehan. According to the By-Laws, the newly elected Board is to meet at the next scheduled Board Meeting to Select the officers. The newly elected Board met at the November 18th meeting and elected the following officers: President: Marty Meehan, Vice-President: Dick Heinzenberger, Secretatry: Peggy Madison, and Treasurer: Gene Brooks. Our thanks go out to Nick Bell for all work, time and effort that he has given as President of the Board.

Now is the time to come together and join in the social activities that are being planned for the coming year. The Board Members are hoping that you will attend the next General Meeting that will be held on December 2nd at 7:00 PM in the hall. Your input and your suggestions are always welcome and are important to the Board and to the Success of the Grand Valley Homeowners Association.

Page 1 of 16 264-7773

From Management: Just a reminder that trash pickups will change to MONDAY AND THURSDAY beginning December 2nd. Recycling will be the 2ND AND 4TH WEDNESDAY of every month. To avoid any interruptions in the Sales Office, we ask that residents use the side entrance into Judy’s office.

Lost and Found A ladies watch has been turned into the office after being left at the pool.See Judy to claim it.

Christmas Greetings We will again have a table for Christmas cards set up in the clubhouse. Drop your greetings cards in the GV Christmas Mailbox after 12/1. They will be placed alphabetically on the tables. You MUST be sure to pick up your greetings no later than 12/27 at 3 pm.

Halloween Dance Our first dance of the season was a success. 65 tickets were sold. The 50/50 was won by Ruth Bell. Costume prizes went to “Living Dead Zombie” Dottie Brooks, “Chief Wampum” Nick Bell and Dr. Howie Feltersnatch Fred MacDonald.

Issue 219 December 2013

Our Troops Times are tough, but please don’t forget our troops – they deserve all the support we can give them and more. Keep your donations coming. See the box in the clubhouse. Any money donations are to be given to Sis Pickles or Pat Blake for postage.

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Recycle Aluminum Cans Recycle your aluminum cans by placing them in the “Blue Bags” on scheduled recycle days. In December it is on Wednesday, the 11th and the 25th. Please note that cans may no longer be brought to the clubhouse.

2nd Annual Christmas Caroling Parade Bring your voices or come out to listen on Friday, December 13. Carolers will leave the clubhouse at 5:30 (Be there by 5:15). We will carol throughout Grand Valley and hope residents will come out of their homes to listen. There will be a majorette, banner carriers, decorated cars, “wagons” carrying carolers as well as walkers singing and Mr. & Mrs. Claus handing out candies at the end. We hope everyone will join the “after party” in the clubhouse for refreshments and more music. There is no charge.

Can Tabs for Shriners Hospital Shriners Hospitals is a network of 22 children’s hospitals throughout North America. Shriners Hospitals are specialty hospitals, treating children’s orthopedic problems, cleft lip and palate, spinal cord injuries and severe burn injuries. All services are provided regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.

Keeping TABS is a fun way to help the children and at the same time promote recycling. AND THE WINNERS ARE THE CHILDREN! Please continue to turn your tabs in to Al Krueger at 8045 Monitor or to Connie in the office.

Donate Used Eyeglasses Please donate any of your old eyeglasses by placing them in the box on our library table.

Pancake Breakfast Come join us for the pancake breakfast on December 7th. All the pancakes you can eat – plus eggs, sausage, juice and coffee – all for $3.00. We will be serving from 8 to 10 AM. Hope to see you there.

Jackie Massey 727-845-7799.

Thank You Thank you for making the Military Fundraiser a success. A big thank you to all our volunteers without you we could not put this function on. A big thank you to the Blake's for having their nephew Col. Ed Barrett here – it makes a big difference to hear first hand how much it means to the military to get a box when you are so far from home and know there are people back home that care. Thanks again. Sis Pickles and Pat Blake. 

Issue 219 December 2013

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Christmas Dinner Dance Rich and crew will put on a roast beef potluck dinner dance on the 14th of December. Starting at 6 PM, dancing from 7 till 10. Music by “Buddy V�

Price $7.00 per person for paid up members and guests. Any questions contact Rich. Sign up sheet for potluck will be posted in clubhouse library after Thanksgiving dinner.

Get tickets from Rich 846-8973 or Connie in office. No tickets sold after 11 December at 10:00 PM. Richard LeLievre 846-8973

Issue 219 December 2013

Ladies Lunch The Ladies Lunch will be on Tuesday, December 10th 1 PM at Village Inn Pizza, at the corner of Main Street and U.S. 19. If you need a ride call me. There is a sign up sheet at the club house. If you can't get to the club house to sign up call Pat Blake @ 727-849-9831.

Bunco Join us to play Bunco on the 2nd Monday of each month. Cost is $5.00 to play. Prizes are from $5.00 to $20.00.

Refreshments are provided.

From the Editor Walda Pagucci Any information for the Grapevine is due no later than noontime on the 20th of the month. No exceptions will be made. There is a mailbox outside my front door for any items that are to be included in the Grapevine. I still need input from street captains. Please keep in mind that I am not aware of many of the events and activities planned that should go on the calendar. Even if you have given the information to Connie, please make certain that I get it as well. I really need everyone’s help so that everything that should be put in both the newsletter and/or the calendar gets in there. Please call me at 264-7773, email me at walda@tampabay.rr.com, or use the mailbox outside my front door (@ 8141 Stony Bridge) to submit anything that you want to be, or should be, included in either the Grapevine and/or the calendar. Please sign your name and leave your phone number in case I have any questions about your submission. Thank you to all who submit items for the newsletter in a timely manner it is very much appreciated.

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KAFFEE KLATCH NEW DAY!!!

Monday, December 16th 9 to 11 AM for coffee or tea and a donut. The cost is $2.00 per person for coffee or tea and a donut, with additional donuts $0.50 each. It’s a good chance for people to mingle and gab with their fellow residents. Who knows!!

Some of the board members may be there to discuss the latest news about upcoming events and changes in GVHA. “PLEASE COME” Crafters, Card Makers, Scrapbookers We meet at 1:00 PM on Wednesdays at the clubhouse, and would like anyone who is interested in learning a new craft or has one they would like to share to join us. Watch the bulletin board inside the clubhouse for upcoming classes you may like to join. For more information, please contact Arvella at 264-8378 or Doris at 815-9192.

Shuffleboard Join us every Friday at 10 am at the shuffleboard courts for fun and friendship.

There’s plenty of room for all. Any questions, please call Bob at 848-5549.

Wendy’s 60th You are all invited to help Wendy Adams celebrate her 60th birthday on Saturday 12/7 at 7 PM. There is no charge and Larry will DJ. Cake will be provided. Please bring your own beverage and snacks.

Issue 219 December 2013

Red Hat Ladies Don’t forget the December 2 Christmas lunch at BD’s Mongolian Grill @ 1:00 PM. Drivers please let me know if you need directions.

December 5th all ladies who paid – don’t forget Show Palace. Leave by 10:30. Sales 9:30 to 1:30, doors open @ 11:30. Lunch around 12:00-12:30, show at 1:30.

We picked names for each month to host an event, and they picked a partner to help.

We had 19 out of 30 ladies attend the meeting, Thanks to you for showing support.

Get your dues of $20.00 to Ollie so she does not have to spend this year’s Christmas party collecting them.

February 26 – Mardi Gras Madness Riverside Grill Home and Veranda, Meal and a good time $35.00. Have 19 signed up, need money before Christmas. Call me if you’re interested in going.

Sis is having Movie Day each month, Check the paper and let her know if you want to attend.

Thanks to all the ladies who attended the meeting, Your help is deeply appreciated.

Susan Chafin 813-340-1372.

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Texas Hold’Em Mark your calendar. On Thursday, January 9th at 1:00 PM in the clubhouse, there will be tutoring sessions. On Thursday, January 16th, there will be a short “refresher” course at 12:30 PM with the tournament following at 1:00 PM. Blinds will change every ½ hour. In the event that the game does not end on the 16th, play will continue on January 23 at 1:00 PM. The buy in is $10.00 for 100 chips; there will be prizes for first and second place. Please see the sign up sheet in the club house. If you have any questions, please contact Frank Messina 848-9071 or Annette Gill 817-1520 Upcoming Events You are more then welcome to join and help out with the social activities. Your input is important and will help in providing activities that would be enjoyed by all. You may contact Susan Chafin 813-340-1372 for more information. Here are some of the social events that are in the planning stages by the Social committee: December 13th Christmas Caroling and Parade th December 14 Roast Beef Dinner & Dance December 16th Kaffee Klutch December 31st New Year’s Eve Celebration January 9th

Texas Hold’Em Introduction

January 16th January 31st

Texas Hold’Em Tournament Starts Chinese New Year Dinner

February

Retro Dance

March 8th

Grand Valley’s Yard Sale

March 17th

St. Patrick’s Dinner

October2013 2013 IssueIssue 219 217 December

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Trash & Recyling Waste Services has merged with three trash companies and thanks you for your patience during their transition. Effective December 2, 2013, trash days will change to Monday and Thursday, Recycle days to the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. Please recycle bottles, glass, cans and plastic containers with a number 1-7 in a triangle on the bottom. You can use a blue bag or a marked recycle container.

Raffle Raffle Raffle The Classy Crafty Ladies of Grand Valley are raffling off a handmade quilt, donated and made by Doris Rutherford.

Tickets are 1 for $1.00, or 6 for $5.00.

Proceeds will go to the Military Fund for postage on the boxes they mail. The drawing will be in March after our yard sale. Contact Susan Chafin 813-3401372 or Jeanne Cellini 727-264-6568 for tickets, Please help us out – it’s going to a good cause.

Wednesday Night Poker Is Now Co-ed Poker and Is Open to the Ladies Co-ed Wednesday night straight poker – every Wednesday night from 6 to 9 PM. By straight poker, we mean NO WILD CARDS. Any questions, call Don Pickles @ 236-5686.

CaringBridge www.caringbridge.org This is a great web site that allows people with cancers and such to put daily blogs on the site and emailed to friends and relatives to keep up with their conditions. My son has been using this site for over a year, and it’s a great way to get daily updates on his condition.

Noah's Ark : Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark. One: Don't miss the boat.

Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat!

Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

Issue 219 December 2013

Customer Service Complaints Dialing Any 800 Number 800-ASK-4-USA The gas company serving this area brought their call center back to Phoenix from India last year after numerous customer complaints.

What a difference now when you call them...and it created 300 jobs.

I know this works because they were so bad that when India answered I wouldn't even deal with them. I'd simply ask to be transferred to a supervisor in the U.S. and they would comply.

Now that I know it is the LAW - I will do it for sure. Any time you call an 800 number (for a credit card, banking, Verizon, health and other insurance, computer help desk, etc.) and you find that you're talking to a foreign customer service representative (perhaps in India, Philippines, etc.), please consider doing the following: After you connect and you realize that the customer service representative is not from the USA (you can always ask if you are not sure about the accent), please, very politely (this is not about trashing other cultures) say, “I'd like to speak to a customer service representative in the United States of America.”

The rep might suggest talking to his/her manager, but, again, politely say, “Thank you, but I'd like to speak to a customer service representative in the U.S.A.” YOU WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CONNECTED TO A REP IN THE U.S.A. That's the rule and the LAW. It takes less than one minute to have your call re-directed to the U.S.A.

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Customer Service Complaints (Cont.)

Tonight when I got redirected to a U.S.A rep, I asked again to make sure – and yes, she was from Fort Lauderdale.

Imagine what would happen if every US citizen insisted on talking to only US phone reps from this day on.

Imagine how that would ultimately impact the number of US jobs that would need to be created ASAP. If I tell 10 people to consider this and you tell 10 people to consider doing this see what I mean...it becomes an exercise in viral marketing 101.

Remember - The goal here is to restore jobs back here at home – not to be abrupt or rude to a foreign phone rep.

You may even get correct answers, good advice, and solutions to your problem – in real English.

However AT&T has customer service regardless.

If you agree, please tell 10 people you know, and ask them to tell 10 people they know....etc....etc.

The foregoing article was submitted by Les Baker.

Printing Tips for the Grapevine If you want to print a copy of the Grapevine, to conserve ink or toner, don’t print the ads! When you click “print” on your computer, you should have the option of selecting which pages you want to print. Select only the page numbers that you want to print, and save some ink or toner.

Don’t miss the message on page 15!

Issue 2176 2013 219 October December 2013

Thank You I would like to thank the residents of Grand Valley for having me serve on the board for the past 3 years. I would also like to thank my fellow board members and all the committees that have helped to revitalize the park. Let's continue to work together to keep this an active community. The three new board members are: Eric Parker, Peggy Madison and Marty Meehan.

Nick Bell Welcoming Committee The welcoming committee had three appointments, one in May and two this month. Fred & Mary Grimm, 8045 Stony Bridge, 264-6744; Ted & Sharon Baranowski, 8035 Mill Springs, 6455569; Dennis & Deb Haywood, 8051 Monitor, 860-748-6932; John & Iris Munro, 8110 Stony Bridge 897-8491.

Respectively submitted, Dottie Brooks Hugette Guay Sympathy A sympathy card was sent to Ray Lucas at the passing of his aunt, Flo Saranchak.

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Will be held on Thursday, December 12 at 2:00 PM. It is important for all singers to attend. The sign up sheet is posted in the Library. All those that have signed up please attend. Everyone in Grand Valley is invited to take part.

Come out and help us spread joy throughout Grand Valley.

Line Dancing Line dancing class will meet on Wednesday at 10:00 AM in the club house. Come one, come all. We do have some good exercise!!

Get Well A get well card was sent to Baxter Linam, Pat Blake, Bernie Kingsley, Don Pickles, Sharon Heinzenberger, and Terri White.

Issue 219 December 2013

Happy Anniversary 12/12/1975 12/19/1975 12/22/1973 12/26/1986 12/26/1966 12/30/1997 12/31/1970

Brian & Shirley Doyle Bernie & Jennette Kingsley Harold & Judy Scott George & Jennette Doenges Dave & Judy Payton Ray & Pat Brown Randy & Susan Chafin

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Happy Birthday 12/3 12/3 12/5 12/7 12/7 12/7 12/8 12/9 12/10 12/10 12/11 12/11 12/13 12/13 12/14 12/14 12/14 12/17 12/17 12/20 12/22 12/22 12/24 12/25 12/26 12/31

Jeanne Simays Bonnie Yeoman Bill Zeigler Cliff Erb Larry Gola Lois Neville Maryann Weikel Allan Goldarbit Fred Grimm Dorothy Westgate Flora Ridsdale Charlene Stratton Gay D’Agostino Jim Martin Sis Pickles Lucy Pietsch Bill Ritchie Fred Carpenter Irene DeLuca Warren Hollins Wendy Adams Mary Grimm Roberta Klein Jesus of Nazareth Angelo D’Agostino Russ Miller

Issue 219 December 2013

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Welcome Back Snowbirds Let Jeff at WaterWorld come to you for detailing

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Issue 219 December 2013

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A New Holiday Tradition As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Oh.... Yes there is! It is time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets his or her hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages that are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin's on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.

Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.

And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre? Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five-dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community.

If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US (We the People), encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we could not imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!! Please pass this around. We can make a difference - can't we?

“If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished."

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31

Tuesday

Thursday 1

16

Trash

30 Poker Club 1 PM Dominoes 1 PM

Trash

23 Poker Club 1 PM Dominoes 1 PM

Trash

Board Meeting

Kaffee Klatch 9-11 AM Poker Club 1 PM Dominoes 1 PM

Recycle

25 Crafts 1 PM Hand & Foot 7 PM Co-Ed Poker 6 PM

18 Crafts 1 PM Hand & Foot 7 PM Co-Ed Poker 6 PM

31 27 Bingo Crafts 1 PM Bingo 6:45 6:45PM Hand & Foot 7 PM New Year’s Eve Celebration / Dance Co-Ed Poker 6 PM

24 Bingo 6:45

17 Bingo 6:45

Recycle

20 Shuffleboard 10 AM Poker Club 1 PM Rummikube 1 PM

28 9’s 9’ 6:45 PM

Trash 29 Poker Club 1 PM

26 27 Shuffleboard 10 AM Eucre 7 PM Red Hats Movie and Poker Club 1 PM Rummikube 1 PM Lunch

Trash

19 Eucre 7 PM

Trash

Shuffleboard 10 AM Poker Club 1 PM Rummikube 1 PM Christmas Caroling and Parade

Eucre 7 PM

Trash

13

12

10 11 Lunch 1 PM Crafts 1 PM Ladies Lunch Bingo 6:45 Hand & Foot 7 PM Co-Ed Poker 6 PM

9 Poker Club 1 PM Dominoes 1 PM Bunco 7 PM

Shuffleboard Poker Club 1 10 PMAM Poker Club 1 PM Rummikube 1 PM

6

Friday

Trash

5 2 9’s 7 PM7 PM Crafts 1 PM1 PMot PM 7 Eucre Scrapbook Hand & Foot 7 PM PM Co-Ed Poker 67 PM

4

Wednesday

Trash

Bingo Poker PokerClub Club11PM PM Bingo 6:45 6:45 Dominoes 1 PM Monthly Meeting 7PM

1

Monday

30

28

21 Kaffee Klatch 9 AM

14 Roast Beef Dinner and Dance 6:00 PM

Pancake Breakfast 8 AM

7

Saturday

Recycle days are the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. Please recycle bottles, glass, cans and plastic containers with a number 1-7 in a triangle on the bottom. You can use a blue bag or a marked recycle container.

29 Rummikube 7 PM

22 Rummikube 7 PM

15 Rummikube 7 PM

8 Rummikube 7 PM

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Sunday

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