PresidentGaryGresch
Well, we madeit through the July 4th holiday weekend,Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and several other social club activitiesand events. Now, we can all take a deep breath as we coast through the summer in preparation for the upcoming holidays. Later this month (August), we have a somewhat low-key event planned for you. Stay tuned...
I believe I speak for everyone on the current and past boards when I say I wish more of you would take advantage of what goes on around here. If there’s anything we can do to make it easier or more appealing for you to get involved, please let us know. We’re also open to any suggestions or criticisms regarding past activitiesor ideas for future ones—just reach out to oneof us.
I’d like to share an article I recently came across that captures this topic well:
Five Benefits of Social Engagement for Seniors
September 8, 2021
A socially active lifestyle is a crucial component of overall wellness for seniors. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has conducted research showing a positive link between social interaction and health and wellbeing among older adults. While exercise and diet are vital for health, maintaining social connections can significantly enhance wellness— helping promote physical activity, healthy eating, pain management, injury recovery, and reducing harmful habits such as smoking.
1. Improved Emotional Health
Feeling better inside! Social engagement fosters a sense of belonging and boosts self-esteem. Connecting with others who share similar hobbies and interests can provide emotional support and give your daily activities more purpose.
2. Enhanced Cognitive Function
Boost brainpower! Research from the NIH indicates that social involvement correlates with better cognitive abilities. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like games, crafts, and puzzles can improve concentration, memory, and reasoning skills.
3. Improved Physical Health
Build a stronger body! Seniors who exercise with friends often look forward to their workouts and are more consistent. These relationships support increased physical activity, leading to better mobility, balance, and overall health.
4. Increased Longevity
Live life fully! Studies suggest that socially active seniors tend to live longer and more fulfilling lives. Having a support network helps manage stress and encourages healthier lifestyles.
5. Better Sleep
Rest more deeply! Adequate sleep is vital for overall health. The NIH reports that seniors who participate in social activities—such as volunteering, religious groups, or organized clubs—often experience improved sleep quality, helping them feel more rested and energized.
Overall, staying socially active can profoundly impact emotional, cognitive, physical health, longevity, and sleep quality. So, don’t be a wallflower—get involved in a social activity today!
For more information, you can read the full article here: [Five Benefits of Social Engagement for Seniors] (https://www.meridiansenior.com/blog/five-benefits-of-socialengagement-for-seniors)
See you at the next social event / activity! . . .----Gary Gresch
PLACENTIA
Deborah’s Corner
Boy is it hot out! Make sure you all have your sunscreen on and hats, and stay hydrated. It’s going to be a long summer!
We are having a Cocktail Appetizer Potluck event this month, donuts and coffee, and of course, Free Popsicles in the clubhouse freezer all summer long. Sounds like a lot of fun coming our way! Don’t forget to cool off in the pool. However, please, no food at the pool only drinks in containers.
Just a friendly reminder Please Do Not Feed the Ducks, (I did send out notices… in June). And the speed limit in the park is always 15MPH. Please slow down because we have many residents and pets walking on the streets all day. Have a great summer!
God Bless, Deborah
Editor’sPage:“It’stimeforaBallGame!”
GreetingsFellowLakeParkResidents, Well,Idon’tknowaboutyouall,butforme,thebestpart aboutsummerisBaseball!Iusedtoplayallthetime whenIwasakid,butnowI’mjustacrazyDodgerfan!
Now,IlikewritinglittlepoemsandIthoughtIwouldwrite oneaboutbaseball,butthenIhadanidea:WhatifIask ChatGPTtowriteitforme?Ineveruseditbeforeandon myveryfirsttry,itworked!Seewhatyouthink.Ithink Mr.ChatGPTdidaprettygoodjob!
THEDIAMOND’SDANCE
Upon the diamond, crisp and green, Where sunlight casts a golden sheen, Nine players poised, with gloves in hand, A timeless game, forever grand.
The crack of bat, the ball takes flight, A soaring arc, a thrilling sight. Outfielders sprint, their hearts ablaze, Under the sun’s relentless gaze.
The pitcher’s mound, a stage of skill, Each curveball thrown with measured will. A duel unfolds between bat and eye, A story told beneath the sky.
The umpires call, a runner’s haste, Sliding home, the crowd embraced. Cheers erupt in jubilation, A shared delight, a celebration.
Through innings long, the game unfolds, With tales of triumph, courage bold. A sport of rhythm, finesse, and chance, Wrapped in a dance of circumstance.
Baseball’s more than a game, you see, It’s memory, hope, and history. A thread that binds, a tale that’s spun, A legacy shared by everyone.
Sincerely,
Bob the Editor-Man
SATURDAY, AT 4 PM
(Until the food’s all gone! Gathering in the clubhouse)
Belowarethethedaysandtimesofactivitiesandservicesthat areavailableintheparkalongwiththecontactperson’sname. No Meetings July or August
Gary Gresch
AUGUSTBIRTHDAYS…
Called to order at 7:02 pm on Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Members Attending—23 present; 1 proxy; quorum not achieved
Board Members present: Gary Gresch, President
Donna Ferris, Vice President
Sharon Brandt, Treasurer
Carmela Bozulich, Secretary
Delia Castillo, Lake Park Rep
MariMartinez, Lake Park Rep
Janet Munroe, Lake Park Rep
John Villagrana, Park Manager
Deborah Villagrana, Park Manager
General announcements:
Welcome by Gary Gresch
Minutes summary for May 2025 read by Carmela Bozulich
Motion to approveby Pam Riley
Second by Ron Seighman
Motion carries
Treasurers Report for May 2025 presented by Sharon Brandt:
Beginning balance in April$6130.26
Income inMay total receipts of $646.00
Expenses for May total of $685.26
Ending balance for May 2025 $6091.00
Less required minimum balance of $2000 for working balance of $4091.00
Motion to approve report by Nancy Weiman
Second by Jim Ferris
Motion carries
Managers’Report:
New residents in #98 got flowers; nothing else to report.
Activities update:
Birthday LuncheonJune 18—Held at El Torito Grill in Brea; 17 in attendance; July 21 luncheon will be at Blake’s Place in Anaheim.
June 7 Coffee andDonuts—slightly smaller group in attendance, no leftovers; July 5Coffee and Donuts will proceed as scheduled.
June 28 Fathers’ Day—BBQ willbe served; need to signup by Monday June 23; will start at 5 pm; activity will betable top baseball.
No General Meeting until September; Board meetings willcontinue however.
August 23 event—Potluck Appetizers at 4 pm; more information to follow.
Sunshine and prayers report:
Not present to report; Joan Woerner passed away; Marsha Bates had heart surgery; Sal Capitano had open heart surgery.
Old Business: No report.
New business:
Discussion re the placque in the library honoring those who have served on the Board; agreed that should be taken down and touch up painting done.
Perry’s $25 gift card won by LorrieFennell
50-50 Drawingwinner was Sharon Brandt for $19
Gary adjourned the meeting at 7:27 pm
Motion made by Toni Cromer
Second by Pam Riley
Motion carries
Respectfully submitted, Carmela Bozulich
Respectfully submitted, CarmelaBozulich
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN YOU IDENTIFY?
Ifyoucandoit,writethefirst nameofeachpersonwithan arrowpointingtotheright person,tearoutthispage andpostitintheclubhouse!
MOREPICTURES!!
PRIZE WINNERS!
Donna Ferris won a $25 Ralph’s gift card.
Sharon Brandt won $19 inthe half & half drawing
FromtheKitchenofDonnaFerris: MongolianBeef
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
1/4 cupcornstarch
1/2 cupvegetable oil
2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the sauce
1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, 2 teaspoons vegetable oiland 1/2 cupwater. Heat soy sauce mixture in a medium saucepan untilslightly thickened, about 5-10minutes; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flank steak and cornstarch.
3. Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oilin a large saucepan. Add beef and fry until browned and cooked through, about 1-2minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; discard excess oil.
4. Add beef and soy sauce mixture to the saucepan overmedium heat and cook until sauce thickens, about 2-3minutes. Stir in green onions.
5. Serve immediately.
Note: Serve over noodles, rice or mashed potatoes Add steamed broccoli and fresh mushrooms
Keep Going, No Ma er What! (Life Lesson from Ernest Hemingway)
“Life doesn’t stop when we’re exhausted, when our hearts are sha ered or when our spirits feel threadbare. It keeps moving …unyielding, indifferent … demanding that we keep pace. There is no pause bu on for grief, no intermission for healing, no moment where the world steps aside and allows us to mend. Life expects us to carry our burdens in silence, to push forward despite the weight of all we carry inside.
The cruelest part? No one really prepares us for this. As children, we are fed stories of resilience wrapped in neat, hopeful endings … every storm clears to reveal a bright horizon. But adulthood strips away those comfor ng illusions. It teaches us that survival is rarely poe c. More o en than not, it’s about showing up when you’d rather disappear, smiling through the pain that no one sees, and carrying on despite feeling like you’re unraveling from the inside out.
And yet, somehow, we persevere. That’s the miracle of being human. Even when life is relentless, even when hope feels distant, we keep moving. We stumble, we break, we fall on our knees … but we get up. And in doing so, we uncover a strength we never knew we had. We learn to comfort ourselves in the way we wish others would. We become the voice of reassurance we once searched for. Slowly, we realize that resilience isn’t always about grand acts of bravery; some mes, it’s just a whisper … KEEP GOING.
Yes, it’s exhaus ng. Yes, it’s unfair. And yes, there are days when the weight of it all seems unbearable. But every step forward proves that we haven’t given up. That we are s ll figh ng, s ll holding on, s ll refusing to let the darkness consume us. That quiet defiance … choosing to exist, to try, to hope … is the bravest thing we can do.”
-Submi ed by Joe Rowe