2019 02 lake hammock village newsletter

Gator Tales February 2019

“The Park with A Heart”

Editor:

Joice Smith

Lake Hammock Village 36106 US Hwy 27 Haines City FL 33844S 863-421-5764

Board of Directors Jerry Sibila President (2019) (910) 876-7221

Joyce Middleton Vice President (2019) 330) 323-2247

Gary Devore Secretary (2019-20) (517) 403-9772

FEBRUARY 2ND, 2019 GROUND HOG DAY LET’S HOPE FOR AN EARLY SPRING

Richard Gould Treasurer (2019) (863) 422-5902

Pam Leland Director (2019) (207) 447-0890

David Alms Director (2019-20) (217) 246-0103 Lee Emery Director (2019) (585) 330-6328

FEBRUARY 3RD, 2019 CLUBHOUSE 5:00 PM SOUP & SALAD BAR 6:30 PM SUPER BOWL GAME

Committee Chairs Gator Tales Joice Smith (863) 438-6612 Sunshine Carol Gould (863)422-5902 Welcome Joyce Middleton (330) 323-2247 Memorials Dona Rawson – (863)547-9326 Debbie Bialecki – (863)422-8296

FEBRUARY 13TH, 2019 “BE MY VALENTINE DINNER” 4:30 – 6:30 PM LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE CLUBHOUSE SEE FLYER FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

“Gator Tales” is available online at: http://floridacommunities. com/lake-hammock-newsletter.

A Message from the President . . . . .

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

During the past year I’ve had the opportunity to serve as your VicePresident and now I am proud to accept the position of President of our HOA. I look forward to working with our new Board of Directors to bring new ideas to our great community. Please feel free to bring any new ideas to me or any of your Board Members; we’re here for each of you.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our out-going Board Members, Art Stanley and Norm Baczkiewicz for their service. We wish them well and hope to see them back as a part of the Board soon. Also, a big thank you to Joyce Middleton, our past President, for her dedication and hard work she brought to this organization. She had new ideas, new projects and a big team effort to this group and we appreciate all she’s done.

We received many Resident Improvement and New Event ideas from the Annual Meeting and we will review those and develop a plan moving forward. We met for a “work session” just to become acquainted with each other. Many new ideas and suggestions were brought to the table and we look forward to a great year. I invite each of you to attend our Board Meetings and the General Meeting each month to add to our ideas.

If you see me out, feel free to stop me with any suggestions, comments or just to say hello.

Jerry Sibila, President.

Souper Bowl Party Sunday, February 3rd 5:00 PM – Soup and Salad Bar 6:30 PM – Super Bowl Game Come and enjoy some soup and salad and watch the Super Bowl game and cheer for your favorite team.

HOA BOARD MEETING Tuesday, February 5th 7:00pm Jerry Sibila – (910)-876-7221 The monthly Board of Directors meeting will be held in the Clubhouse. Everyone is welcome to attend.

MONTHLY BOOK CLUB THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH 2:30 PM – LHV CLUBHOUSE Milly Curry – (315) 854-6248 Dona Rawson – (863) 547-9326 This month we will be reviewing “The Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall. Please what you want to eat and drink.

The book for February will be a historical fiction, “Year of Wonders a novel of the Plague.” This will be reviewed in March.

BREAKFAST OUT SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH 8:30 AM MARGE LOVE (815) 978-7427 Join us for a time of fellowship and good food at Davenport Diner on Hwy 27 North Davenport.

HOA General Meeting Tuesday, February 12th 7:00 pm 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.

VALENTINE DINNER WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH LHV CLUBHOUSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM HOSTED BY: LEE EMERY & NORM BACZKIEWICZ Come and enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship.

Tickets are $3.00 and will be returned to all that are members of the HOA. Last day to buy tickets is February 6th. Tickets can be purchased at the Office or from Norm Baczkiewicz or Lee Emery.

Birthday/Anniversary Celebration Sunday, February 17TH 6:30 PM Clubhouse Dona Rawson 547-9326 & Joanne Marko 438-5011 Come celebrate February birthdays and anniversaries.

Activities Meeting Tuesday, February 19TH 2:00pm 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 March activities. We enjoy having new ideas to explore.

Ladies Lunch Wednesday, February 20TH Carpool 11:30 am Patty Bergstrom 740-624-6903 Balmoral, Hwy. 27 Haines City Fl Meet at Clubhouse at 11:30 am (Deadline to sign up to attend is three days before the event).

Early Bird Dining Tuesday, February 26th Carpool 4:30 p.m.

Marilyn Smith 863-421-1018 Cypress woods Golf Course, Winter Haven FL Deadline to sign up to attend is three days before the date. Carpool at Clubhouse at 4:30 PM

ACTIVITIES CHAIRS

2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jerry Sibilia – President Joyce Middleton – Vice President Gary DeVore – Secretary Richard Gould – Treasurer Pam Leland – Director David Alms – Director LOOKING FORWARD TO GREAT THINGS HAPPENING IN 2019

Activities: Maria Combs 438-6643 / Joanne Marko 4385011 Birthdays/Anniversaries: Joanne Marko 438-5011 Breakfast Out: Marge Love (815)978-7427 Bus Trips: Joanne Marko 438-5011 Early Bird Dining - Marilyn Smith 421-1018 Dining by the Book: Marilyn Smith 421-1018 Entertainment: Ladies’ Lunches: Pat Bergstrom- 740-624-6903 Park Breakfast: Maria Combs 438-6643 / Karen Wilson 353-2275.

Memorial: Dona Rawson – 863-547-9326 Debbie Bialecki - 863-422-8296

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 me by the 20th of every month. If you have any questions or suggestions about the Gator Tales, please contact Joice Smith by email or phone. We are always looking for ways to improve.

Gator Tales Staff Joice Smith (Editor) 121 Silver crest (863) 438-6612 smithjoice89@yahoo.com Andy & Nancy Belski Richard & Marion Spiegel

Get Well Cards Barb Stauffer – Hospital/Home Richard William – Hospital/Home

C&D BUS TRIPS FEBRUARY 2ND – LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBride – WINTER GARDEN THEATER - $52.00 PP FEBRUARY 6TH – TWISTED BON APPETIT - $66.00 PP FEBRUARY 13TH – HOOP DEE DOO REVIEW - $94.00/PP FEBRUARY 17TH DAYTONA 500 - $210.00 PP FEBRUARY 27TH – BRIGHTON CASINO - $29.00 PP Signup sheets are at the Clubhouse

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES 11th 12th 16th 17th 27th

Rich Williams & Lorrie Boran Darrel & Jo Chaney – 54 yrs.

Chester & Rita Clapp – 62 yrs.

Joe & Nancy Kifus – 57 yrs.

Richard & Carol Gould – 53 yrs.

BIRTHDAYS 1ST 2nd 5th 6th 7th 7th 8th 12th 13th 21ST 21st 22nd 23rd 25th 27th 27th 27th 28th

Fred Gagne Ken French Carol Radden Charlene Nelson Shirley Foraker – 90 Years Old Sandra Nolan Charles Kemp Bill Palmer Pat Bergstrom Gary DeVore Audrey Molnar Lorrie Boran Lori Budzyna Margaret Conley Darrel Chaney Tom Darwell Mary Ann Donovan Judy Rouble

(If we have missed your birthday or anniversary, please let us know)

Congratulations to Sheryl Nykaza for being our Volunteer for 2018. She is always ready to help anywhere she is needed. Last summer she hosted the Movie Night and Ice Cream Social. She has helped with Bingo whenever she is called upon. Without volunteers like Sheryl these events and activities would not happen. So, if you see Sheryl and Sophie out and about stop her and say thank you.

GRANDMA’S ATTIC Barbara Pund For those of you who are new to our community or have just forgotten, we have a lending project with used but not abused medical equipment that been donated.

This project is called “Grandma’s Attic”. Currently I have shower chairs, walkers (some with seats), stroller and crutches. Sometimes you need a piece of equipment for a short time. Please call me if a need arises, Barb Pund Lot #93 Phone is (863) 419-8231.

New Resident Directories For all those that did not get their new resident phone directory at the annual meeting, they are available at the sales office.

THANK YOU Submitted by Lee Emery We would like to thank the following people for making the Pancake Breakfast a huge success.

Bruce and Marge Love John & Jeanine Miller Karen Wilson Sharon Greenfield Margaret Conley Also, those that helped set up and clean up. Thanks also to all those that attended.

Thank You; Lee & Nanci Emery FOOD BANK We have received a thank you note from House Blest food bank mission. They truly appreciate our continued donations which are a welcomed addition to the sometimes-EMPTY shelves. If you would like to read the note, we have posted it on our progress chart in the clubhouse.

Thank you to all donors. Please keep them coming Fred and Jeanne Blicker LAKE RIDGE WINERY TRIP February 8th, Lake Ridge Winery 2019 Winefest with Arts and Crafts Vendors. For those interested, we will meet at the clubhouse at 10:00 AM and carpool to the winery.

Admission is $10.00 per person. Bring a snack to pass around and a lawn chair. Remember NO alcoholic beverages can be brought in but soda, water and tea are permitted.

Future events are March – Seafood Festival April – Blues Festival Any questions contact Jan or Norm Baczkiewicz Phone: (989) 889-9498.

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY Every Tuesday is Senior Day at Beef O’Brady’s in the Shopping Center to the right outside the Park.

Let’s support our local businesses. They have menu with 2 for $20.00 and all seniors get 15% off the bill.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2019 LHV CLUBHOUSE PLATES AND BOWLS AND SILVERWARE WILL BE PROVIDED SOUP AND SALAD BAR OPENS 5:00 PM

SUPER BOWL BEGINS: 6:30 PM

BYOB Coffee, Tea, and Water will be provided

COME HANG AROUND AND WATCH THE BEST TEAM WIN

BE MY VALENTINE DINNER WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH, 2019 TIME: 4:30 PM

HOSTED BY: Lee Emery Norm Baczkiewicz

DINNER MENU: APPETIZER SALAD ENTRÉE: Chicken Cordon Blue Russet Potatoes Vegetable BYOB – Coffee and Tea will be served PLATES AND SILVERWARE WILL BE PROVIDED.

Cost: $3.00/Ticket will be refunded at the door to all HOA members in good standing.

Tickets available at Office (Bonnie), Norm Baczkiewicz (lot #25) and Lee Emery (Lot #45)

CUTOFF DATE FOR TICKETS IS FEBRUARY 6TH

COUNTRY

SATURDAY, March 2nd TIME: 8:30 – 10:00 AM LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE CLUBHOUSE COST: $3.00 PER PERSON HOSTED BY: KAREN WILSON

Please sign up in the Clubhouse

DO NOT BRING PLATES. PLATES AND SILVERWARE WILL BE PROVIDED MENU: SCRAMBLED EGGS FRUIT PASTRIES COFFEE BISCUITS AND GRAVY

Health & Vendor Fair Lake Hammock Village March 14, 2019 10:00am - 1:00pm

Home and Health Vendors including:

Please join us for our Health & Vendor Fair sponsored by your own Home Owners Association. Enjoy a free lunch while casually visiting with vendors – both health and household living needs. Learn about services and products in our community to assist you in maintaining your health and well-being.

Health screenings, BPs Diabetic blood checks Hearing Golf Cart Guy Air Conditioner Roofing Anchor & Barrier Health Insurance Broker Home Insurance Doctors, Dentists Restaurant Massages – Spa And many more.

Come out and join us!

Have Lunch and win a door prize.

GROUND HOG DAY TRADITION

Groundhog Day is held on Feb. 2, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania every year, and you might be wondering how a groundhog landed the job of predicting the weather. If you’re unfamiliar with the tradition, it goes like this: If the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, sees his shadow, we’re stuck with six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, we luck out with an early spring.

The tradition dates back to 1887, and though the origins are unclear, it is said to have originated from ancient European weather lore in which a badger or sacred bear predicts the weather, rather than a groundhog. It also has religious origins, as it shares similarities with Candlemas Day, which is also on Feb. 2. According to an old English song, “If Candlemas be fair and bright, / Come, Winter, have another flight.”

Punxsutawney Phil has definitely adapted to the times. He can now text you his Tuesday weather prediction. Just text “Groundhog” to 247365 on Groundhog Day. States without groundhogs are taking matters into their own hands by choosing their own weather predictor. Texas, for example, chose its state mammal, an armadillo, to predict the weather for their first “Armadillo Day.” Only time will tell whether the groundhog or the armadillo is the true prognosticator.

History of Valentine’s Day History of Valentine’s Day – The Man Valentine Is the history of Valentine’s Day expressed in the current celebration of yummy chocolates, lovely cards, and sparkling engagement rings? What is the story behind such a highly-retailed celebration?

Some say the day is named after a bishop named Valentine, who was stationed in the Roman Empire.

Claudius II was the Emperor at that time.

He thought that unmarried men made better soldiers, so he decided to make it a law that young men could not marry.

Around 270 A.D., Valentine took pity on the ostracized soldiers who were not permitted to marry or see their sweethearts.

He became an advocate of these young lovers and began to perform secret marriages. He was soon found out and jailed. Emperor Claudius II attempted to convert Valentine to begin worshipping the Roman gods, but Valentine refused. Instead, he tried to convert Claudius to Christianity and Valentine sentenced to be executed on February 24, 270.

Another version of the history of Valentine’s Day tells that Valentine fell in love with his jailer’s daughter. Just before his death, he sent her a note and signed it “from your Valentine.” An aura of romance surrounded his demise and those who knew about it

spread the tale. Bishop Valentine became Saint Valentine with his fame extending to England and France.

After his death, Valentine then became what is known as a “Patron Saint.” Some considered him the spiritual overseer of an annual festival in which young Romans would distribute cards of affection to those they wished to formally see. This festival was held each February 14. There are Valentine cards in museums worldwide that date back to 1415.

February has been the month to celebrate love ever since the Middle Ages.

History of Valentine’s Day - Symbols of the Day Even though the history of Valentine’s Day is unclear, it has become one of the most popular holidays among lovers and florists!

The common symbols of Valentine’s Day in this era are cupids, hearts, roses, teddy bears, and words of adoration. Children exchange valentine cards decorated with current comic and cartoon icons. Adults have continued this tradition of card giving which makes this day, behind Christmas, the second largest card-sending holiday of the year.

Cupids with bows and arrows represent Roman mythology. Cupid was the son of Venus, the goddess of love. The shot of the arrow would strike the unsuspecting desired person or god, making him fall in love.

Are you eligible for Medicaid nursing home coverage?

Lake Hammock resident, Barbara Pund asked that a synopsis of the article written by lawyer Kevin R Album for the January 10, 2019 edition of The Ledger newspaper be shared for information purposes.

Health insurance coverage may pay for the first few days or months at a nursing home. Once that ceases, private-pay coverage can often exceed $10,000 per month. Two options to pay for continued care are: - Qualify for Medicaid Nursing Home coverage - Pay the private-pay rate any way possible by selling off assets, impoverishing the spouse at home or getting financial help from family members In Florida, in order to qualify for Medicaid Nursing Home coverage, an applicant must pass a three-part test that looks at: -assets -income -health (at the time they file the Medicaid application) Income: maximum of $2,313 per month (If the income is above the maximum, then a qualified income trust, set up by proper legal planning is used to make the individual eligible) A spouse’s income can be unlimited and it does not impact a Medicaid’s eligibility for Medicaid benefits.

Assets: maximum $2,000 of countable assets. There are two types of asset classes. Some non-countable assets are: homestead property up to $585,000 in value; one automobile of unlimited value; prepaid burial contract with a nursing home; term life insurance without a cash value.

Countable assets can be bank accounts, investment accounts, life insurance with a cash value, CDs, annuities, etc.

A spouse can have a maximum of $126,420 of countable assets without impacting their spouse’s Medicaid eligibility.

In conclusion, it is highly recommended that a qualified elder law attorney assist with obtaining Medicaid eligibility before filing a Medicaid application.

Further questions can be submitted to the author of the article online at thelaw@cclmlaw.com.

For February Issue of Gator Tales

Hurricane & Emergency Planning in 2019 By the HOA Emergency Preparedness Committee The HOA Emergency Preparedness Committee was formed in early 2018 and met a number of times during the year. In 2019 the committee plans to continue its work.

During 2018 the focus was on providing information on hurricane and emergency planning to all residents. The committee developed an Information Packet which was distributed to all residents. Through the HOA, this information is now being provided to all new residents of LHV at time of purchase. The committee has established an ongoing relationship with the Polk County Emergency Office. They were extremely helpful in providing materials for our Packet and by having a representative meet with the committee to answer questions. The information packet included: ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Updated Hurricane Shelter Maps for 2018 Hurricane Kit Shopping List for 2018 Hurricane Preparedness Special Needs Brochure & Special Needs Application Form Home Inventory Checklist" "Don't Forget Pets" flyer "Don't Forget Your Meds" flyer Florida Hotel Listing – compiled by the committee - to help provide options in the event some may wish to evacuate. Pet friendly information was included. Note: this list was not part of the regular information packet. (List was not included due to copying costs. However, the committee has made copies available to anyone interested and quite a few have requested it.)

The committee plans to obtain updated 2019 information to include in the 2019 Information Packet. In addition, it is our hope to add new information if available and helpful. We would appreciate any suggestions you may have. Just speak to any of the committee members listed below.

Other 2018 Activities: ✓ ✓

✓

In June, 2018 the HOA Sponsored a Special Meeting devoted to hurricane and emergency preparation The Committee developed and distributed a Storm Contact & Services Sheet which asked residents if they needed any assistance in the event of an emergency. It also asked if anyone was interested in becoming a volunteer. To date we have received about 40 returned forms.

The committee will continue to develop a Hurricane / Disaster Volunteer Program. This will continue our work from 2018. Our goal is to link those needing help to volunteers. For example, a number of people have indicated they need help with removing outside furniture and other items if a storm is coming our way. We have people who have volunteered to help with this and would welcome others. A meeting with volunteers will be scheduled for the Spring.

The committee thanks Joyce Middleton, Jerry Sibila, and the HOA Board for all their support. For more information contact any of the members listed below.

Committee Members: David & Sharyl Graham – 863-353-7989 (davemg1@outlook.com) Wayne Saunders – 863-438-4240 Jerry & Shelly Sibila – 910-876-7221 Art & Wand Stanley – 863-353-2690 Lori Johnson – 863-232-9332 David Hurr – 814-671-8366 David Rawson – 863-547-9326

LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE NEW YEARS EVE

THE LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE COMMUNITY CRUISE – JANUARY 19TH ,2019

LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE CRUISE 2019

LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE 019

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LHV Residents Corner A Place for our Residents’ Services

Handy Man at your Service

Household Handy Man Bruce Lemay 863-353-1108 33 Silver Crest Dr. General maintenance and home repair. No job to small, call or stop by for estimate.

Jerry Sibila Cell Phone: 910-876-7221 No job to small!! Give me a call and we can discuss what you need done. OR stop by my house and see what we’ve done inside.

58 Sargent Street Floors – Plumbing – Ceiling Fans – Painting – Landscaping – Household Repairs – ETC.

Are you interested in moving towards a more Holistic approach to health and wellness? Are you wondering what the craze about essential oils are all about. I would love to share this information with you.

Please contact: Gloria Bitner RN, BSN Wellness Advocate 160 Glen Este Ct. 989-992-6949

____________________________________________ WREATHS BY BARB I have a few wreaths on hand at my home for sale to choose from or I can custom make one for you for the upcoming season.

Give me a call and we will set up a time to look at what I have or stop by #162 Glen Este Ct. My phone number is 863-866-9121.

General Remodeling & Repairs Kitchen/Bath remodeling Floors – Painting – Ceiling Fans Screening – Plumbing Etc. Quick reliable service In Park references CALL: TOM DARWELL 813-344-6331 BOB KRUSE – 813-841-2188

Brown Insurance Group Complete Retirement Services Annuities, Life Insurance, 401 and IRA Roll overs, and Medicare Plans 863-651-7784

David Brown Independent Agent Dbrown0115@gmail.com

SUB-FLOOR & FLOORING EXPERTS!

FREE ESTIMATES 30 YRS EXPERIENCE STATE CERTIFIED GENERAL CONTRACTOR CGC# 004138

LICENSED INSURED BONDED

STATE LICENSED MOBILE HOME INSTALLER IH# 102549/1

863.812.4741 800.681.3772

7:00 HOA Gen. Mtg

9:30 Water Aerobics 10:00 - Shuffleboard 1:00 - Hand & Foot 2:00 - Billilards 6:15 - Bingo

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7:00 - Euchre

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6:30 - Birthdays and Anniversaries 7:00 - Euchre

9:30 Water Aerobics 10:00 - Shuffleboard 1:00 - Hand & Foot 2:00 - Billiards 6:15 - Bingo

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9:30 Water Aerobics 10:00 - Shuffleboard 1:00 - Hand & Foot 2:00 - Billiards 6:15 - Bingo

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7:00 Euchre

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4:30 - Early Bird Dining

10:00 Petanque

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10:00 Petanque 2:00 Activities Mtg.

10:00 Petanque

7:00 - HOA Board Mtg.

10:00 Petanque

5:00 PM Souper Bowl Party 6:30 PM Super Bowl

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9:30 Water Aerobics 10:00 - Shuffleboard 1:00 - Hand & Foot 2:00 - Billilards 6:15 - Bingo

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TUESDAY

MONDAY

SUNDAY

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8:00 Men's Breakfast 10:00- Shuffleboard 1:00 - Line Dance 2:00 - Billiards 2:30 - Book Club 7:00- Dominoes

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THURSDAY

8:15 Coffee & Donuts 9:30 - Water Aerobics

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8:15 Coffee & Donuts 9:30 - Water Aerobics 11:30 - Ladies Lunch

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8:00 Men's Breakfast 10:00- Shuffleboard 1:00 - Line Dance 2:00 - Billiards 7:00- Dominoes

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8:00 Men's Breakfast 10:00- Shuffleboard 1:00 - Line Dance 2:00 - Billiards 7:00- Dominoes

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8:00 Men's Breakfast 8:15 Coffee & Donuts 10:00- Shuffleboard 9:30 - Water Aerobics 11:30 - Crafts 4:30 Valentines dinner 1:00 - Line Dance 2:00 - Billiards 7:00- Dominoes

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8:15 Coffee & Donuts 9:30 - Water Aerobics

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WEDNESDAY

FEBRUARY 2019

9:30 - Water Aerobics 1:00 Pokeno 2:00- Color & Stitch 7:00 CLR

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9:30 - Water Aerobics 1:00 Pokeno 2::00 - Color & Stitch 7:00 CLR

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9:30 - Water Aerobics 1:00 Pokeno 2:00 - Color & Stitch 7:00 CLR

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6:30 PM LADIES POKER

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6:30 PM LADIES POKER

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6:30 PM LADIES POKER

8:30 AM Breakfast out

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6:30 PM LADIES POKER

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1 9:30 - Water Aerobics 1:00 Pokeno 2:00 - Color & Stitch 7:00 CLR

SATURDAY

FRIDAY