Gator Tales December 2015
“The Park with A Heart”
Editor: Donna Barkley
Lake Hammock Village 36106 US Hwy 27 Haines City FL 33844 863-421-5764
Board of Directors Clark Smith President (2015) (863)438-6929
Jim Fischer Vice President (2016) (239)248-2597
Maria Combs Secretary (2016) (863)438-6643
Marilyn Smith Director (2015) (863)421-1018
Richard Gould Treasurer (2016) (863)422-5902
Sharon Bowden Director (2015) (863) 353-7676
Jan Baczkiewicz Director (2016) (989)889-9498
Committee Chairs Gator Tales Donna Barkley (863)232-9837 Phone Squad
We will be having our Annual Christmas Potluck Dinner, Friday, December 25th at 2:00 pm. We would love for everyone to celebrate Christmas with us. Please sign up in the clubhouse with the food you will bring to share and the number attending. Please remember that whether you can attend or not, we wish you a Very Merry Christmas from your Lake Hammock Village Family!
Florence Browning (863)353-9804 Sunshine Carol Gould (863)422-5902 Welcome Maria Combs (863)438-6643 Marilyn Smith(863)421-1018 Memorials Brin McDonald (863) 438-5241
“Gator Tales” is available online at: http://floridacommunities. com/lake-hammock-newsletter.
A Message from the President...
Dear Friends and Neighbors, As I write this, we are nearly through November and rapidly approaching the holidays, although as you look around, it appears that we're already there. November, as always, has been an extremely busy month, starting with the Fall Garage Sale and the Harvest Dance. I would like to extend a big “Thank You” to all those who participated in and helped make these events a success. Now we look forward to our annual “Thanksgiving” and “Christmas Dinners” to be held in the clubhouse. December looks to be just as busy as well with Clark and Joice's 3rd annual Christmas Open House Party on the 12th, followed by the Christmas Cantata on the 13th, and later in the month, the Golf Cart Parade, the Christmas Hayride and finally, the New Year's Eve Party. So, get in the holiday spirit and enjoy all of the upcoming events and spending time with your friends and neighbors. In closing, we have a lot of new folks moving into our community so please take the time to extend a warm smile, a friendly handshake, and make them feel welcome in their new home. On behalf of the HOA, let me extend a heartfelt wish for the upcoming Christmas season. We hope everyone has a safe and blessed holiday season with family and friends. Also, let's not forget those who have afforded us the opportunity to celebrate the season. Clark
HOA Board Tuesday, December 1st 7:00 p.m. Clark Smith (863) 438-6929 The monthly Board of Directors meeting will be held in the Clubhouse. Make & Take Crafts Wednesday, December 2nd 2:00 pm At the clubhouse HOA Meeting Tuesday, December 8th 7:00 p.m. Clark Smith (863) 438-6929 The monthly HOA meeting will be in the clubhouse. Please take the time to attend the meeting to hear what is happening in your park. Dining By the Book Thursday, December 10th Carpool 4:30 pm Marilyn Smith 421-1018 Ovation Bistro, 42605 Hwy 27, Davenport Carpool at 4:30 (Deadline to sign up to attend is three days before the event).
Park Breakfast Out Saturday, December 19th 8:15 a.m. R-Eatery 35510 Rt. 27, Haines City Birthday/Anniversary Celebration Sunday, December 20th 6:30 p.m. (following Hayride/Golf Cart Parade) Dona Rawson & Joanne Marko 438-5011
Come celebrate December birthdays and anniversaries. This month’s celebration will be hosted by Lorraine Dezinski and Joanne Marko Activities Meeting Tuesday, December 22nd 2:00 p.m. If you have ideas of activities, places to eat around town or other things that you would like to see LHV do, then please join us in the clubhouse as we plan our January activities. We enjoy having new ideas to explore. Christmas Potluck Friday, December 25th 2:00 p.m. K.Z. and Sharon Bowden, Hosts
Christmas Cantata Saturday, December 13th 5:00 p.m. At Clubhouse, bring A Can in Each Hand
New Year’s Eve Party Friday, December 31st 7:00 p.m. See attached flyer for details
Ladies’ Lunch Wednesday, December 16th Carpool 11:30 a.m. Dona Rawson 547-9326 Kumo Japanese Restaurant, 207 Ambersweet Way, Davenport Carpool at 11:30 (Deadline to sign up to attend is three days before the event).
Mark Your Calendars Euchre is returning Sunday nights beginning January 10th at 7:00 p.m. Bring $1 to play and a handful of nickels, in case you get euchred. All monies are paid out each night. New players welcome!
Activities Chairs These volunteers will not be hosting all the events, but they will be the ones finding hosts for the events and planning the dates. If you have any suggestions or need more information on these activities, please contact the following: Activities: Maria Combs 438-6643 / Joanne Marko 438-5011 Birthdays/Anniversaries: Joanne Marko 438-5011 Breakfast Out: Jane Biba 422-6531 Bus Trips: Joanne Marko 438-5011 Early Bird Dinner: Sharon & KZ Bowden 353-7676 Dining by the Book: Marilyn Smith 421-1018 Entertainment: Clark Smith 438-6929 Ladies’ Lunches: Dona Rawson 547-9326 Park Breakfast: Maria Combs 438-6643 / Karen Wilson 353-2275 Potlucks: Eileen Lemay 353-1108
Newsletter Information All newsletters can be viewed in color on the web site at www.floridacommunities.com (click on Lake Hammock at bottom of page). Just a reminder, any information needs to be submitted to Donna by the 20th of every month. If you have any questions or suggestions about the Gator Tales, please contact Donna by email, phone, or drop a note in the box on her screen porch. We are always looking for ways to improve. Gator Tales Staff Donna Barkley (Editor) 172 Glen Este Blvd. 232-9837 donna.barkley@aol.com Sharon Bowden Stephanie Strom Andy & Nancy Belski Richard & Marion Speigel
December Birthdays 1 2 7 7 12 13 16 16 18 18 19 19 20 21 21 24 25 26 26 26 27 28 29 31 31
Sharon Greenfield Karen Wells Gordon Arsenault Brin McDonald Judy Loy David Rawson Barbara Dickerson Pete Evans John Miller Sue Pickard Becky Allred Ron Cowles Willard Davidson Vito DeStefano David Lennox Earla Herring Marilyn Smith Jerry Butler Maria Combs Scott Hubany Florine Mackey Gary Smith David Butcher Greg Blackman Pat Marotti
(If we have missed your birthday, please let us know!)
December Anniversaries 1 15 22 22 23 23
Joe & Debbie Fendone Mike & Audrey Molnar Terry & Renee DeJane Bill & Clarice Klepadlo Jim & Donna Barkley Wayde & Emily Marshall
(If we have missed your anniversary, please let us know!)
Get Well Wishes Andy Belski - Home Jane Biba – The Palms in Sebring Charles Boston – Home Chester Clapp – Home Gene Loy - Home Dick Williams – Haines City HealthCare Becky Ziegler - Home If you know anyone who is sick or in the hospital, please let Carol Gould (422-5902) know so she can get a card to them. If you would like to be put on the prayer chain, contact Lori Johnsen 588-1599. Condolences Our sympathy goes out to Curtis Belford’s family in the recent passing of Curtis. Caring thoughts from our community for you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Thank You Thank you to everyone who donated Christmas decorations for the November garage sale. Your donations are appreciated and the proceeds went to the HOA. Eileen LeMay Thank you for the cards, phone calls, prayers and visits. I want to express my appreciation for all of you upon J.C.’s passing. Audrey Hertsch Thank you, thank you for Sharing Christmas for the not so fortunate children of Haines City. The ladies that made this possible for another year include, Vivian Keller, Nancy Roy, Joanne Marko, Mary Ann Donovan, Dona Rawson, Brin McDonald, Jane Lallier, Karen Patelunas, Marileigh Osborne, Nancy Belski and Pete and June Evans. We collected $843 from ALL of you. Very good! Betty Rhoades
Memorials & Phone Squad I am so excited about our New Memorial Committee and Phone Squad. We have such a great group of volunteers. Our New Memorial Committee Brin McDonald 863-438-5241 If you can’t reach Brin, call: Sandy Blackman 863-353-9804 Other Committee Members: Dona Rawson 863-547-9326 Nancy Kifus 757-240-2528 Deb Bialecki 863-422-8296 Our Phone Squad Florence Browning 863-353-9804 If you can’t reach Florence, call: Marileigh Osborn 863-421-6289 Other Phone Squad Helpers: Joann Marko, Carol Gould, Mary Schnopp, Sally Phillips, Linda Martin, Marion Speigel, Deb Bialecki, Stephanie Strom, Nancy Roy, Dona Rawson, Margaret Conley, Nancy Kifus Thanks to all of you for volunteering! A special thanks to Marion Spiegel for all your help with the memorials and the phone squad.
C&D Trips are as follows: Fisherman Village Shopping and Christmas Light Boat Tour First Baptist Church of Orlando Singing Christmas Tree St. Augustine Christmas Lights Tour
December 16 and December 17 December 13 December 14 and 15
$49.00 pp
$59.00 pp $199.00 pp (Overnight)
Joy to the World. The Lord made the Loys to worship Him in many ways." (Marian) How did so many members of one family end up at LHV? It all began when Judy's father moved to Tampa to escape the harsh Nebraska winters. Donna Weber came to visit and loved the area and bought her first house here. In 2000 she moved to her current address.
Donna Weber (Judy Loy’s sister) and her husband, Vern were the first ones to move into LHV in 1997 on Sargent Street. In January of 1998, they moved to 144 Glen Este. Donna’s husband became ill and passed away in 2009. They have 8 children, 5 boys and 3 girls, 23 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Donna started working at Disney in 2000, selling merchandise at World of Disney in Downtown Disney. Then went to Hotel Concierge and worked the front desk. She’s been working there for 15 years and is planning to retire soon. When she retires, she would like to get involved in park activities. She enjoys shuffleboard and card games.
Next came Lil. Lillian Loy lives at 146 Glen Este. Lil’s work schedule is so busy that we were unable to get an interview. Lillian is a sister to Glen Loy, Gene Loy and Sharon Greenfield.
Gene and Myrna joined the move south next. Myrna was born in Canada, moved to S. Dakota and met Gene, through her sister. Gene married that sister and they enjoyed 56 years together before she died. They had 7 children. Gene worked at General Motors in Michigan for many years. Myrna also married and she and her husband had 3 children before he died. Gene and Myrna saw each other at family events and the children from both families knew each other. They were both missing their spouses when Gene called Myrna and told her he
loved her. Thus began their pathway to marriage. Their adult children all gave their blessings. They now have 22 grandchildren, 12 great grands, and one great great grand.
Their lives are rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ. The entire clan is involved in the church. Myrna was a music teacher and plays many instruments. Many of you have heard Myrna and Gene add their beautiful singing voices at various events here at LHV. They began singing together in the choir at 12 years of age. They are involved at the Lake Hamilton Family Fellowship in a variety of ministries, including feeding the homeless. They enjoy playing Hand and Foot, and hope to start playing at the clubhouse, and taking the occasional cruise.
Phil and Sharon Greenfield joined the Florida migration in 2007. Phil and Sharon are from Michigan where Sharon was an elementary school teacher until 2000 when she retired. Phillip worked at General Motors and retired the same year that Sharon did. They have two children, a grown son and daughter and two grandchildren.
Glen and Judy Loy arrived next. Glen served as a Methodist Minister for 50 years, and then 7 years as a district superintendent, all in Nebraska. Judy is a nurse who works part time in Winter Haven. They raised 7 children and now bask in the joy of 23 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. They both just retired after 10 years at Disney working at Spaceship Earth in Epcot.
During the winter months, they would come down to Florida to visit relatives at LHV. In 2007, they finally made the move to 178 Justin Dr. Sharon is the younger sister of Lillian, Glen and Gene. When they are here, they like to ride their bikes and ride around on their golf cart. If they are here when we have our yard sale, they get involved. They also like to get involved to feed the homeless. They will be heading south from Michigan and stopping in Virginia by their daughter and family to have Thanksgiving and celebrate Christmas. We hope you have a safe trip coming to your home at LHV.
In 2016, Judy's younger brother, Gary and Debbie Devore will be moving into the Lovell’s previous house at 29 Silvercrest. The Loys extended family holiday plans include leading Lake Hammock’s Christmas Cantata, attending the midnight service on Christmas Eve and singing their favorite Christmas Carols. There are 79 members of this family and many of them will be here for Christmas. Brian and Jenni Loy lived at 184 Glen Este for 1-1/2 years before recently moving to S Dakota where he is pastoring a church of 5000 while he builds a new church.
(This article is a combined effort of Marian Spiegel and Stephanie Strom. Most of the pictures were provided by Brian Loy). Florida Christmas Carol
In 1981, after high school, Brian started his education for the ministry. He wanted to follow his Dad’s (Glen Loy) footsteps. Jenni came into Brian’s life and they got married and had children which meant he had to give up on his education for a while. They have grown children, two boys and two girls and five grandchildren.
Palm trees wave, are you listenin’? In the pool, water’s glistenin’, A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight Livin’ in a FLORIDA Wonderland
In 2011, he restarted his education. During this time, he lived with his Aunt Lil on Glen Este and his parents on Silvercrest. Jenni became a nurse. They are also busy with their new puppy.
Gone away is the blizzard, Here to stay is the lizard, A warm sunny day, we like it that way, Livin’ in a FLORIDA Wonderland
As they settle into their new home in Canton, SD, Jenni will continue working as a nurse and help support Brian with his ministry.
On the beach we will have a picnic, Turtles, sand and seagulls and sun, Christmas dinner is an old tradition It’s Grouper and Stone Crabs by the ton. Later on, we’ll perspire, As temperatures rise, even higher, A warm sunny day, we like it that way Livin’ in a FLORIDA Wonderland
JOIN US FOR OUR FIRST ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING AT THE CLUB HOUSE DECEMBER 7, 2015 6:00 PM
You can register on line to join our team at: www.relayforlife.org/hainescityfl then choose the Lake Hammock Village Team
Haines City /Davenport Relay for Life theme is Lights! Camera! Cure! Help us pick our movie theme and plan activities! SEE YOU THERE!!!!
St. Nick will soon be here Join us as we gather For some holiday cheer Christmas Day is soon to come Sweets and treats and lots of fun And when it does, we gather near With friends and family we hold dear Please join us for our annual Open House Christmas Party December 12, 2015 3:00 PM until ? Joice and Clark Smith 121 Silvercrest Dr Haines City, FL
Saturday, December 13th 5:00 p.m. Come join us in the clubhouse for our annual Christmas Cantata.
Admission is “A Can in Each Hand” for the local food bank. Presented by the Loy Family (Judy Loy 421-0112)
Annual Golf Cart Parade Decorate those carts and join us for our annual nightly parade. Parade starts at 7:00 PM from the clubhouse for 7 nights beginning December 14th and ending December 19th. On December 20th, the parade will begin at 5:00 PM and golf carts will be judged for prizes. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Let your imagination flow!!!
Get into the Christmas spirit and decorate those carts!!!!!!
And sing some Christmas Carols. Sunday, December 20, 2015 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM Meet at the clubhouse...cake, coffee and hot cocoa will be served after to celebrate December birthdays and anniversaries.
“New Year's Eve Party” Come and celebrate at
Luigi's Italian Cafe aka: Lake Hammock Village Clubhouse
Date: December 31, 2015 Time: 7:00 PM- 12:00AM
A full fare of Italian food will be available. Coffee and Tea will be provided.
Cocktail/Social Hour: 7:00- 8:00 Dinner: 8:00- 9:00 Dancing/Entertainment: 9:00- Midnight Ball Drop: Midnight
Residents: Free Non-residents: $3.00 SIGNUP SHEETS ARE IN THE CLUBHOUSE!! YOU MUST BE SIGNED UP TO ENTER!!!!!
Come join us for our Memorial Service for the Members of Our Community that we lost in 2015 Saturday, January 9th, 2016 At 2:00 p.m. Lake Hammock Village Club House
SUNCREST SALES CORPORATION At Lake Hammock Village 36106 U.S. Highway 27 Haines City, Florida (863) 421-5764 or (866) 741-1239 www.lakehammock.com Email: phil@lakehammock.com
Lake Hammock Village Residents – Bring us a buying customer and receive $100.00
Office Hours
Monday thru Friday * 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday * 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday by Appointment Closed Holidays
Sales Staff
Phil Nespeca * Cell (863) 307-9686
Chiropractic Care for Children & Adults Activator Methods Proficiency Rated Doctors Participating Providers with Medicare and Other Insurances www.heartoffloridachiropractic.com Carys Felton, D.C. Douglas C. Gagnon, Jr., D.C. 350 S. 10th Street Haines City, FL 33844 863-422-4575
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday 1
Wednesday 2 8:15 AM
10:30 AM Line Dancing
7:00 PM HOA Board Meeting
Coffee 9:30 AM Water Aerobics 10:30 AM Line Dancing 2:00 PM Crafts
Thursday 3
8:00 AM Men's Breakfast 10:00 AM Shuffleboard 2:00 PM Billiards 7:00 PM Dominos
7:00 PM Bingo
6
13 5:00 PM Christmas Cantata
20 5:00 PM Hayride/Golf Cart Parade Followed by Birthday Anniversary Celebration
27
7 9:30 AM Water Aerobics 10:00 AM Shuffleboard 1:00 PM Hand & Foot 1:00 PM Scrabble 2:00 PM Billiards 6:00 PM Relay for Life Meeting
8
14
15
9:30 AM Water Aerobics 10:00 AM Shuffleboard 1:00 PM Hand & Foot 1:00 PM Scrabble 2:00 PM Billiards
21
9:30 AM Water Aerobics 10:00 AM Shuffleboard 1:00 PM Hand & Foot 1:00 PM Scrabble 2:00 PM Billiards
28
9:30 AM Water Aerobics 10:00 AM Shuffleboard 1:00 PM Hand & Foot 1:00 PM Scrabble 2:00 PM Billiards
9 10:30 AM Line Dancing
7:00 PM HOA General Meeting
10 8:00 AM
8:15 AM Coffee 9:30 AM Water Aerobics10:30 AM Line Dancing
7:00 PM Bingo
10:30 AM Line Dancing
10:00 AM
Shuffleboard 2:00 PM Billiards 4:30 PM Dining by the Book 7:00 PM Dominos
6:30 PM Ladies’ Poker
11
12
9:30 AM Water Aerobics 1:00 PM Pokeno 7:00 PM CLR Game
3:00 PM Christmas at Clark & Joice’s
17
18
19 8:15 AM
8:00 AM Men's Breakfast 10:00 AM Shuffleboard 2:00 PM Billiards 7:00 PM Dominos
9:30 AM Water Aerobics 1:00 PM Pokeno 7:00 PM CLR Game
Breakfast Out R-Eatery 6:30 PM Ladies’ Poker Gator Tales Submissions Due Tomorrow
24
25 9:30 AM
26
10:30 AM Line Dancing
23 8:15 AM
10:30 AM Line Dancing
Coffee 9:30 AM Water Aerobics
2:00 PM Activities Mtg
10:30 AM Line Dancing
7:00 PM Dominos
7:00 PM Bingo
10:30 AM Line Dancing
9:30 AM Water Aerobics 1:00 PM Pokeno 7:00 PM CLR Game
5
Coffee 9:30 AM Water Aerobics
7:00 PM Bingo
29
4
Saturday
16 8:15 AM
11:30 AM Ladies Lunch
22
Men's Breakfast
Friday
30 8:15 AM Coffee 9:30 AM Water Aerobics 10:30 AM Line Dancing
Water Aerobics 1:00 PM Pokeno 2:00 PM Christmas Potluck 7:00 PM CLR Game
6:30 PM Ladies’ Poker
31 7:00 PM New Year’s Eve Party
7:00 PM Bingo
Thursday, December 10th – Dining by the Book – Ovation Bistro, 42605 Hwy 27, Davenport Meet at the clubhouse at 4:30 (Deadline to sign up is three days before the date of the event). Wednesday, December 16th – Ladies Lunch – Kumo Japanese Restaurant, 207 Ambersweet Way, Davenport Meet at clubhouse at 11:30 (Deadline to sign up is three days before the date of the event). Early Bird – No Early Bird Dining for December