2009-03_Southfork_Newsletter_Color

Southfork News “FOR THE RESIDENTS, BY THE RESIDENTS” Happy St Patricks Day

March 2009 Be Aware

Many Four-Leaf Clovers Many four-leaf clovers and endless skies of blue, I’m wishing these and health and happiness for yours and you.

May St. Patrick’s Day bring all you’re hoping for, and where you find a rainbow may you find many more.

It has been brought to our attention that a few Golf Carts and Battery Chargers have been stolen from Blue Jay Community right next door to Southfork and in the first week of February there was a golf cart stolen on Ewing Dr and a battery charger on Maverick.

May the Good Lord bless you richly all of your days, and touch your life in many beautiful ways.

If anyone sees anything suspicious such as any slow moving vehicles or people coming through our park especially in the evenings or later hours kind of let your neighbors know to be aware and also to be looking and call the police. Some times that gut feeling is all you need and follow through with it.

Irish Toast May green be the grass you walk on, May blue be the skies above you.

May pure be the joys that surround you, May true be the hearts that love you.

May your home be bright with cheer May your cares all disappear, May contentment come your way, and may laughter fill your day.

Wishing you the luck of the Irish and a Happy St Patrick’s Day!

It may be a wise idea for any of you walkers who go out in the evenings to be aware of this situation. It may be a good idea if you have a cell phone to make sure and carry it with you when walking in the evening or extreme early hours in the morning to be able to call for help or let someone know of a possible problem immediately.

Please keep all sheds and doors locked and also your car doors. This is not to scare you but to be aware it could at anytime again here in our community.

If anything like this happens, please let Norm know immediately..

PS NO SOLICITORS ARE ALLOWED IN THIS COMMUNITY WHETHER IT BE THE TAMPA TRIBUNE OR OTHERWISE. TELL THE SOLICITOR THEY MUST LEAVE AND NOTIFY NORM OF THIS!!

Newsletter 1

ewsletter Information Note, any information to be placed in the newsletter, must be submitted between the 1st and 20th of every month. Please contact the editor ( Phyllis Grossi) at 567-6105 or drop off the information at 11150 Mesquite Dr. All newsletters can be viewed in color on the web site at www.floridacommunities.com. (click on Southfork at bottom of page) Please contact Phyllis Grossi for any changes, deletions or additions to the calendar by the 15th of each month. Phone number is 567-6105 _____________________________________________________________

Oh, the pity of old age.

When I went to lunch today, I noticed an old man sitting on a park bench sobbing his eyes out. I stopped and asked him what was wrong. He said, "I have a 22 year old wife at home. She rubs my back every morning and then gets up and makes me pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit and freshly ground coffee."

I said, "Well, then why are you crying?"

He said, "She makes me homemade soup for lunch and my favorite brownies, cleans the house and then watches sports TV with me for the rest of the afternoon."

I ask again, "Well, why are you crying?"

He said, "For dinner she makes me a gourmet meal with wine and my favorite dessert and then makes love with me until the wee hours" I ask once again, "Well, why in the world would you be crying?"

He said, "I can't remember where I live!"

from the Association President etworking for Single Residents If you are like me, you have adjusted to living alone, but wonder what would happen if you became ill or had an injury that would prevent you form getting to a telephone.

Many of you know that happened to my dear friend, Mabel Wyman……..We spoke daily and told each other “briefly” what our plans for the next day were. That is why, I checked on her.

Would you like to have someone call you?

Would you like to arrange with a neighbor that if you didn’t raise a shade or turn on a specific light that indicates you need help?

It has been suggested that we form a “Telephone Calling System for us Single People.” help?

Will you volunteer to

Our friends and neighbors are “Our Family”….We need each other….Please give me a call.

Submitted by, Dot Cady, President 567-6456 ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Association Board Highlights February 2nd the transition meeting was held and the old board members passed their manuals etc. to a new board member.

Words of welcome were extended to the new vice president, Tony Trubiano as well as two new directors, Phyllis Grossi and Jim Morvatz An expression of thanks for past services was extended to Ernie Sluder, Frieda Ballerstein, and Dixie Logoyda, finishing their terms on the board.

February 9th the workshop meeting was held for all board members.

At this meeting committee chair people were discussed for the many committees and any former chair people who wish to remain as chair people were welcomed to stay on.

February 16th was the first official board meeting of the new board. An Audit report was given and both Bingo and Treasurers reports were completed with no problems.

On the agenda were the Treasurers report, Secretary’s report, Budget report, Security report. New committee chair people were noted.

Discussions were on Treasurers finance statement given, Bingo reports, Items missing from the kitchen. Detailed summary was given by Tony Trubiano on a neighborhood watch which will be started here in the community in the very near future.

See you all at the next association meeting!

January Annual Association Meeting Highlights Mary Bolin opened up the meeting with a prayer and a pledge to the flag. Since the President resigned a week before the meeting and there was never a Vice President appointed to the board, Treasurer, Richard Brown acted as a chairperson and opened up the meeting at 9am. The Treasurer named Don Duarte as Sergeant of Arms!!!

Ernie Sluder, resigning president ask for the floor and read a prepared letter as to why he resigned after which many residents voiced their opinions and asked many questions. Some of the many questions were answered and some were tabled such as questions regarding a breakdown of income and expenses in the activities area. The membership were reassured that a posting and detail of these expenses would be put on the bulletin board for everyone to see ASAP. One resident asked to hear a recording of the past board meeting which was not available because she was told the minutes of the meeting had not been approved yet and that would be addressed at the next association meeting.

Don Duarte explained and read a statement of the meeting this past Fall with management and park manager with the results and all the maintenance that has been done because of it..

Because of the elections, the nominations was opened again for all the offices and directors.

The following were the people who have been nominated in November and at this January meeting.

President, Vice Pres, Secretary, Treasurer, Directors:

Dot Cady & Ted Sterhardt Tony Trubiano Marge Morrison & Aggie Mitchell Richard Brown Al Albrecht & Mary Price running for the 2nd term.

Tom Geyer, Phyllis Grossi, Jim Morvatz & Larry Ruffner

Elections were held and votes were counted and at 2pm the same day the final outcome of the elections were posted for everyone to see. Dot Cady is our new president, Marge Morrison is secretary, and the 3 directors elected were, Tom Geyer, Phyllis Grossi and Jim Morvatz. There was no opposition for the Vice President and Treasurer. _____________________________________________________________________________________

Suggestion Drop off Box or Association mailing address: For any ideas, suggestions etc., use the suggestion box in the foyer of the clubhouse. Please sign your letter or it will not be recognized. If you want it to go to a specific person or officer or editor, address it accordingly. This box is also used to deposit your association dues and make sure it states that on the envelope or letter. The formal mailing address for the association is: 10852 Tumbleweed Dr, Dade City, 33525

From orm’s desk Well, we thought winter was over but, I hope we can uncover the pool and the plants for the last time this year.

I sincerely appreciate the concentrated effort and concern for Sandie and I, and it is definitely appreciated.

A word of warning to those who ignore the watering rules. The county is sending out water cops and they tell me that they will issue tickets and you will pay a fine. Please check on what day and time you may water your yard.

Things are looking up and we are experiencing a large increase in traffic, looking at homes. A good positive sign of an up swing in sales.

Submitted by, Norm _____________________________________________________________________________________

Calendar A big Thank you to Jean Matala who has been doing the calendar for many years. Her computer decided to take a medical break and retire, so Jean has resigned from doing the monthly calendar. So any deletions, changes or additions, please submit to Phyllis @ 567-6105 _____________________________________________________________________________________

Southfork Red Hatter’s Fashion Show Southfork Red Hatter’s will be hosting a luncheon and fashion show on April 3rd.

Kathy Myers will have tickets on sale until March 15th. The price of the tickets are $7.00 and anyone interested may call Kathy at 521-3680. Please check bulletin board in the library for more details and signup.

Proceeds will go to charity.

Women’s Club February 4 we had a very nice meeting with 69 ladies present. The Clubhouse had a festive Valentine’s look with the red and white table cloths. th

The Charity and the Memorial committees were recruiting new members. All the chairmen from all of the committees are working very hard. Thank you to each of you.

When we work together, we can make a difference in our Community.

We received lots of canned goods, dry beans and rice and we would like to continue this nice gesture at every meeting. There also is box in the Clubhouse for collection of clean clothing for Battered Women of Sunrise in Dade City, so please be generous.

We had our election and here is our new Board for 2009/2010: President Marielle Quain Vice-President Hattie Lane Treasurer Phyllis Grossi Secretary Judy Sluder - Winter months Shirley Rouer - Summer months An audit Committee audited the books of our Treasurer - Freida Ballerstein and everything balanced and was fine.

We will continue our Secret Pal program for the members who wish to do so. You will get a new Secret Pal at our next meeting. If interested ask for a form and join the rest who are enjoying the secret pal group.

A survey was distributed, please do not forget to bring it back at the next meeting.

Refreshments and delicious food were served after the meeting. Next months Social part of the meeting will be served by, Mary Jo Dye, Brenda Knight and Sue Peltier.

See you March 4th at 9:30am.

Marielle, President ________________________________________________________________________

Remember to change your clocks on March 7th. Spring ahead by one hour!!!!!!!!

Hotdog and Hamburger Fest The Hot Dog & Hamburger Fest held every Wednesday afternoon at the SF Cabana is becoming a weekly “Must Do” for our residents and friends. New weekly menu items have been tried and found to be successful. Our motto is: If you don’t see it on our menu, mention it to one of our volunteers and we might try it in upcoming weeks.

Also watch the signs and bulletin boards for upcoming extravaganzas like “Country Western Night at the South Fork Water’n Hole” with a special chuck-wagon menu and “Live Country Music” or a fun theme night called “Tacky Tourist Night” where we can all make fun of the goofiest tourists with items right out of “our own closets.” (Can you spell T-Shirt with a tie, or plaid pants and striped shirts with your wife’s “go to meetin’ hat?) Of course these themes can be taken on in to bingo to impress your friends with your sense of style and humor!

“Special Thanks” to all of the volunteers who help make this a popular weekly event!

Submitted by, Jim Morvatz _____________________________________________________________________________________

Women’s Club Charity Committee Southfork resident, Isabel Wirth, who works at Daystar Hope Center in Dade City, will be a guest speaker at our March meeting of the Women’s Club. Please come and welcome her.

We are asking members to bring some items needed for the Daystar food pantry., such as Canned Vegetables, Fruit, Soup, Tuna, Meat and Evaporated Milk. Also needed is Peanut Butter (name brands), Jelly, Dried Beans. Smaller Bags of Rice, Juice, Cereal, Boxed Macaroni & Cheese, Crackers, Jello or Instant Pudding, Pasta and Canned Spaghetti Sauce. Your response at the last meeting was great--please keep it up at each of our meetings.

We also have a large box in the Clubhouse for donated items for Sunrise of Pasco County for Battered Women and Children. Needed are: Clothes in clean and unwrinkled condition, Baby Diapers, Pajamas, New underwear for Women, Boys, and Girls and Toddlers, Bras, Robes, Towels, Wash Cloths, and Linens.

They’d also appreciate Toilet Paper, Toiletries, Perfume or Cologne, Fingernail Polish or Remover, Nail Clippers, Hair Dye, Stationery, Pens, Stamps and Phone Cards. Some women arrive with nothing except the clothes they are wearing and desperately needing help.

The committee meets most “Last Wednesday” of the month at 10:00am in the Clubhouse. If you are interested in being a member and did not sign the list, please contact: Shirley Rouer @ 352-523-0528 or Co-chairman, Mary Bolin at 352-518-0748.

NEWSFLASH Dateline Southfork There have been reports of large, sometimes unruly, crowds congregating around the Southfork Pool Cabana on Wednesday evenings between the hours of 4:30 & 6PM. These incidents reportedly have been fueled by exotic foods and sometimes strange music, even periodically, almost wild dancing in "lines". There was even one report of a lady (?) shaking her "maracas" in sync with the music.

Later, on the same evenings, there have been further reports of a large gathering inside the Southfork Clubhouse with squawking chickens, bells ringin, and train whistles reacting on key to a ringmaster who announces certain numbers which then flash on a "Bingo Baby". That "caller" seems to excite this noisy frenzy. Every now and then someone in the crowd even gets paid for just sitting there!

Anyone with information about these events is asked to call their neighbors and friends and encourage them to come to the Southfork Clubhouse area on Wednesday evenings to witness these events themselves in order to form their own opinion of such goings on!

Submitted by, Jim Morvatz

THANK YOU ALL I would like to thank all of you who were so kind and thoughtful with cards, flowers and goodies after my fall. It all is very much appreciated!!!

There is a lesson to be learned from everything.

My lesson: never take “Buck� for a walk on garbage day.

Also, thanks to Andy for bringing my dogs back home.

Thanks again,

Sue Garside

VALE TI E'S DAY STRAWBERRY SOCIAL The Valentine's Day Strawberry Social held February 14, was enjoyed by 120 people. Red and white colors set the mood for the evening!

The event was originally scheduled to start at 7 PM, however, since the crowd was so enthusiastic and the servers were ready we actually started a few minutes early.

Music by "Larry the Entertainer" (our own Southfork "Elvis") was provided for our entertainment and by 8 o'clock the tables had been cleared from the floor, so that dancing could be added to round out the evening. Many people enjoyed those belly rubbing dances as well as the line dancing, and how 'bout that impromptu "twist contest?" We sure do have some fine dancers and fun people in our community!

I would like to thank the committee for all your help. Your volunteering and working together truly helped to make this event a huge success! Sincerely, Aggie Mitchell

Southfork Phone Directory Well, the phone directory publisher proved me wrong for the new directory. Usually it is delivered to Southfork between the 20th & 31st of each January. I have spoken with the publishers a few times and I guess they had a problem with one of the advertisers and kept pushing back the printing date and of course I was promised delivery at different dates as well. The last time I spoke with them I was told it should be the 2nd week of February, so now I don’t know when it will arrive, so I sit and wait as I am writing this.

I am so sorry for any inconvenience this has caused and thank you for your patience. Phyllis Grossi _____________________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Information eeded Recently we have had a few cases of emergency’s here in Southfork and when the ambulance and paramedics arrive they have to know certain information about the individual involved. In case of a death there will also be police involved and this is vital information that they must have.

They will request health notes and all prescriptions that are taken by the individual. Copies of all prescriptions and names of all the doctors of the patient are very crucial at the time they arrive and these should be kept in a wallet or purse for anyone who lives in the house and all should have a copy.

On the side of your refrigerator, should be your doctors names, Emergency contacts and if a person has passed away there should be a name of the possible funeral director or crematory that will be used.

This is a case when a buddy system is needed, especially for the singles who live alone. Names of children, their home and cell phone numbers are essential when anyone has to be admitted to a hospital or have any kind of medical care given and permission must be given by a member of the family only because of the HIPPA law. Work phone numbers of children should also be available.

Trust is a factor here when giving out a key to your home in cases of any emergency. A key should be entrusted to a close friend or neighbor that you know will take care of calling the correct people and also to open a door in case of suspected illness when no one has seen or heard from you in a day or so.

So with you and your entrusted buddy or neighbor have certain signals that they will know when you awake daily and that you are okay. If you don’t see an open blind or curtain it may be a signal to phone that person or pay a visit to see if they answer the door and are okay. A phone call daily would not be a bad idea to ensure that you are okay and that you are also checking in on your neighbor at the same time.

Come on folks, don’t think it will not happen to you…………….In our age group it can happen to anyone and at any given time.

BETTER TO BE SAFE THE SORRY!!!!!!!!!! .

Clubhouse Bulletin Board Please see the Clubhouse Bulletin Board for event details and sign up sheets for the Board sponsored events. If you are interested in helping with a particular event or just in general, contact any one of the Board members or the Activities chairperson, Aggie Mitchell. They can always use help with ticket sales, setup, serving, and breakdown of setups! ________________________________________________________________________

Attention Southfork Golf Groups We here in Southfork have many new residents who have moved here in the last couple of years and many have questioned how to get in contact with a person about information for the various golf groups.

All of you who play golf each week with a group and are the contact person, if you would be so kind as to submit the days, times, contact person etc. this information can be put on the bulletin board at the clubhouse for all to see and it should also be given to the editor.

Also, if there is a standard day and time each week, this information can be put into the newsletter calendar for all to have. This should be for both women’s and men’s groups.

The newsletter would be a good way of promoting this sport to all the golf enthusiasts and also a way of showing good team spirit amongst the players. If you want we could on a monthly basis list all or anything that golf players would want to hear and places and course’s that you play on.

We look forward to hearing from you!!!!

BI GO Toast to the new “Bingo Baby”

After all the trials and tribulations and much controversy by some, the new “Bingo Machine” has arrived and some festive celebrating was done on Wednesday night 2/11/09. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony by Marielle Quain and Dot Cady and a toast was made to Marielle with (Sparkling grape juice) by everyone. We had a tribute to Marielle read by Judy Sluder explaining about the hard times this past year trying to get this machine and the many hurdles that we all had to jump over and finally how it all came true. But with determination, all the dedicated bingo players won out and everyone was there to help break in the new machine.

We had a visit from Scott Heiler before the bingo started and he approved and was impressed at such a good deal that was made. Thanks to Scott for the $1000.00 donation to help purchase this machine and no money was needed by the association. The balance was raised from the equipment fund taken in weekly and donated by the players.

Much thanks to all who helped in getting this set up and helping the delivery man who installed the board and machine. Thank you to John Quain, who took down the old board and for all of his support. Also helping John were Phil McPheron, Craig Whitbeck and Gene Lane. Thanks to Craig Whitbeck for the banner above the machine which stated (Our Bingo Baby.)

We went from owning a Volkswagon to a Cadillac with a top of the line machine. It has many more perks and makes Phil’s job a lot easier. Phil our bingo caller was like a small boy with a new toy and loving every minute of the evening. He was so excited the day the machine was delivered he could not sleep all night and was here the next couple of days trying everything out. Because of his excitement he paid out along with the regular money and extra $10.00 out of his pocket for the first game that was won and it just happened to be 3 people that it was divided with. Before the bingo started, Shirley Rouer presented him with a hat that had a bingo card and a chicken (chicken legs) on it for him to wear all night. PS - bingo players know the meaning of chicken legs……..(smile) There was 54 people in attendance and for this festive occasion everyone brought some kind of finger food (3 tables full.) There was enough food to feed the entire community and boy was it delicious. After the toast and before the games began everyone got to go and fill up a plate of food and then at half time a decorated cake was cut and again everyone got to eat again. If you like Bingo, come and join us on Wednesday evenings and the doors open at 6pm and the bingo starts at 6:50pm.

Date: March 28th, 2009 Time: 8a.m. to noon

ACTIVITIES Women’s club Meeting is the 1st Wednesday of each month at 9:30am Watch newsletter for any special event time change.

Men’s Shuffleboard Summer hours are 9am Monday through Saturday. Fall/Winter hours are 1pm. Come and join the fun.

Women’s shuffleboard Fall/Winter hours are on Tuesday and Thursday’s at 3pm.

No summer hours Mixed shuffleboard players Tuesday and Friday’s at 9am Pancake Breakfast Every 1st Saturday from October to April @8am to 9am Potluck’s Every 3rd Thursday of the month at 5:30pm. Bring a covered dish to serve at least 8 people.

Hamburg’s/Hotdog’s Every Wednesday at 4:30pm at the poolside. Watch for announcement’s at the clubhouse.

Association member meetings Every 4th Monday at 9am from November - March Exercise Every Tuesday and Friday at 10am Sequence Every Tuesday @ 1pm in the Fall/Winter Yarn Hookers Meet every Thursday evening at 6:30pm Poker Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 4:30pm Women’s Poker Monday & Fridays at 12:30pm Golf There are men’s and women’s teams. See newsletter calendar for times and dates.

Bowling Every Tuesday at 12:30pm at the Zephyrhills bowling center Bridge Every Wednesday at 12:30pm

Association Board Meetings Every 3rd Monday @ 9am.

September - May

Bingo Every Wednesday evening at 6:50pm. Doors open at 6pm

Double Pinochle Tuesdays @ 6:30pm

Water Aerobics Every Thursday at 9:45am Bible Study Thursday’s at 12:30 - 1:30pm

Dominoes Thursday’s at 1pm Morning Coffee Hour Monday’s at 8am. Donuts $.50 & coffee free.

Line Dancing Monday’s at 10am Quilting Wednesday’s at 12:30pm September to April Hand/Foot card game Monday evenings at 6pm Euchre Monday evenings at 6:30pm Bid Euchre Friday evenings at 7pm “65” card game Saturday evenings at 7pm **Note** Most activities are at the clubhouse. Always check the newsletter calendar or bulletin board for any changes or updates.

March 2009 Weekly Calendar of Events Sunday : Church Of Your Choice; … Softball, 2pm _____________________________________________________________________________________ Coffee @ 8am; … Line Dance @ 10am; … Women’s Poker @ 12:30; …

Men’s Shuffleboard @ 1pm; … Hand/Foot @6pm; … Euchre, 6:30pm _____________________________________________________________________________________ Monday:

Mixed Shuffleboard 9am; … Exercise @ 10am; … Sequence @1pm; …

Men’s Shuffleboard @1pm; … Ladies Shuffleboard @ 3pm; … Men’s Poker @ 4:30pm; Dbl Pinochle @ 6:30pm _____________________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday:

Wednesday: Men’s Golf; … Quilting; … Bridge @ 12:30; … Horseshoe’s @1pm ; …

Men’s shuffleboard @ 1pm; … Burgers and Dogs @4:30pm to 6pm; …

Bingo @ 6:50pm …

TRASH PICKUP @ AM ____________________________________________________________________________________ Ladies Golf; … Hand & Foot @ 9am; … Water Aerobics @9:45am; …

Bible Study @ 12:30; … Dominoes @1pm; … Men’s Shuffleboard @ 1pm Horseshoes @3pm; … Ladies Shuffle @ 3pm; … Men’s Poker @ 4:30pm; …

Yarn Hookers @ 6:30pm _____________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday:

Mixed Shuffleboard @ 9am; … Exercise @ 10am; … Women’s Poker @ 12:30 …

Men’s Shuffleboard @ 1pm; … Bid Euchre @ 7pm _____________________________________________________________________________________ Friday:

Saturday: “65” (Card Game) @ 7pm; … Trash Pickup @ am _____________________________________________________________________________________ Special Monthly Events March 4th :

(Wed)

Women’s Club @ 9am

March 7th:

(Sat)

Pancake Breakfast @ 8am to 9am

March 13th:

(Fri)

Steve Jeffris Show @ 7 to 9pm ($6.00 a ticket)

March 14th:

(Sat)

Blue Bag Can Recycle Pick up @ am

(Mon)

Association Board Meeting @ 9am

th

March 16 :

March 18th & 19th: (Wed & Thur)

AARP Driver Class @ 8:30am

March 19th:

(Thur)

Potluck Dinner @ 5:30pm

March 23rd:

(Mon)

Association Meeting @ 9am

March 28th:

(Sat)

Annual Paper Recycle Cookout @ 4pm

March 28th:

(Sat)

Carport Sale @ 8 to noon

March 28th:

(Sat)

Blue Bag Can Recycle pick up @ am