August 2023 Beachcomber

Lake Thunderhead Beachcomber

Volume 32 Issue 7 August, 2023

Third Annual Kids’ Fishing Derby Held Organizers Deem It A Success!

Lake Bridge Club Continues After 38 Years Of Playing and Socializing

Fishing poles were made available for the approximately 45 “junior anglers” that participated in the third annual Kids’ Fishing Derby”

Along with the Missouri Department of Conservation (DOC), the Lake Thunderhead Fish Committee held our third annual Kids’ Fishing Derby, Father’s Day at the lake’s Kids’ Fishing Pond, Though the event was intermittently interrupted by rain, everyone had a good time and most everyone caught some fish.

In preparation for the Derby, the DOC stocked the pond with hybrid bluegills, while the lake maintenance team and others prepped the pond. The lake fellas did a fantastic job once again. Many thanks to Rodney and the entire lake team. The ladies in the office fielded questions and helped handle cookie donations for the meal. Thanks to all the folks who baked and donated cookies for our dessert. They were scrumptious and were quite popular with the kids……and kids at heart.

We had approximately 45 kids sign up this year, which is a hair down from the first two years, but the weather, which in prior years was practically perfect, brought some rain during the event. But that’s OK. The kids learned

that fishing success often varies with weather conditions, along with how to bait a hook, cast, and even clean their fish!

Speaking of bait, it was donated by our awesome bait and gas fellas at the lake, Gage Duvall and Jake Rouse. We truly appreciate the donation, as well as their enthusiastic and reliable service with bait and gas. The kids put the donated worms to good use. Landing plenty of fish and having a great time! Some even fished right through the rain!

Following the Derby, our custom is to give each participant a gift for

participating. This year, as in year’s past, the kids received a brand new rod and reel courtesy of the Fish Committee. Along with other items like a tackle box from the DOC and a bobber from our generous sponsor, Mary Frank of Shelter Insurance.

A big thank you to Farmers Bank, who has sponsored the Kids’ Derby since it’s inception three years ago. We appreciate your support of the event, and of the kids!

We can’t thank our Fishing Derby… Cont. to pg 6

The Lake Bridge Club was started in 1985 by several of the ladies who had played bridge for years. They had such an amazing group who wanted to learn, that they ended up with 12 who

have played every week. They occasionally call upon some part-time ladies who are available as “substitutes”.

As members of the founding group have been lost, wonderful new

ladies have learned the game and join. These ladies have become such dear friends over the years that the group continues to enjoy their time together.

Community Bands Together For Storm Clean-up

It was truly a team effort to repair the new flag pole after being damaged in the storm.

Thursday morning, June 29 what started as a welcome rain soon turned to pounding winds resulting in significant damage around Lake Thunderhead. Fallen trees, missing shingles, free-floating docks and boat damage in addition to the demise of the newly erected 100 foot flag pole were left in the fastmoving storm’s path.

Within moments of the storm’s passing, neighbors emerged to help one another cut

down fallen trees and clean up storm debris.

The most daunting task required determination and grit from a group of men who decided Mother Nature was not going to lessen our celebration for the Fourth of July. Keith Morris, Ron Hinkle, Cody Veach, Dick Hoover, Derrick Knowles, Davin Veach, Bill Wood, Nate Albers, Kade Richman and Ryan Etcher worked tirelessly to remove, repair and resurrect the flag pole. Gratitude and appreciation for our community added to a festive July Fourth!

The pond bank was full of eager anglers.

The Lake Bridge Club members include: Back row: Karen Pedersen, Chris Carmichael, Susan Salmon; Middle Row: Sandy West, Judy McDonald, Marilyn Fitzgerald, Kay Bonifazi, Marilyn Mead, Marge Krigbaum; Front Row: Jean Gardner, Mary Phippen, Mary Schaffner.

Lake Maintenance Crew to the Rescue

In the aftermath of Thursday’s storm, the maintenance crew worked tirelessly to collect and reposition docks that had come loose in the high winds. Their focus was enabling ev

eryone to enjoy the holiday weekend on the water and off. Thanks to each of you for your hard work!

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A new meaning for ‘hometown’

Why buy a house when you can buy a whole town? The Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC] reports that the town of Water Valley, Maury County, TN is up for sale. Think about it, not only would you be a homeowner, you’d also be the mayor and the chief of police,

if you’ve a mind for that. The asking price is $725,000 -- not bad when you consider that not so far away homes are selling for $400,000 to $800,000. But Water Valley consists of four general stores, a barn and a circa-1900 creek-side home with updated wiring and plumbing.

A scary dust devil

“I couldn’t breathe ... so I held my breath,” said 7 year old Bauer Zoya, the catcher for the little league Ponte Vedra Sharks when a sudden whirlwind encircled him during a recent baseball game in a suburb of Jacksonville, FL. The unexpected dust devil

sent the players running in all directions but Bauer was trapped in the cone. Umpire 17-yearold Aidan Wiles came to the boy’s rescue; he told reporters that he was “freaked out” at first but quickly “decided to run in there and grab him out of it.”

A rude awakening

It happened in the town of Golden, British Columbia. Ruth Hamilton was fast asleep when her dog started barking. Then, says the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC], she heard “ a huge explosion and [felt] debris all over my face.” She got out of bed and called 911. “Talk-

Featured Lake Thunderhead Properties

32042 Falcon Drive $ 23,500

Listing Broker:

Ced Gilworth

ing to the operator, she was asking me all kinds of questions, and at that point, I rolled back one of the two pillows I’d been sleeping on and in between them was the meteorite. I was shaking like a leaf. You’re sound asleep, safe, you think, in your bed, and you can get taken out by a meteorite, apparently.”

17220/17222 Hickory Court $59,000

Listing Broker:

Darl Davis

Lake lots for sale at Lake Thunderhead in Unionville, MO. Two lots located in the Prairie Rose addition. These are 2nd tier lots with utilities at the road. The property is adjoining to commons ground, giving a lot more privacy. With two lots, you can build your lake home, or create a camper pad area, while giving you privacy that is sometimes hard to find at the lake. Also there are several trees on the property along with cover on the commons ground behind. For more information call Ced Gilworth at 660-626-8445.

Sold

Lots for sale located at 17220/17222 Hickory Court at Lake Thunderhead. This property has two adjoining lots with utilities already installed, making it ready for summer! There

22022

Blazing Star Court $350,000

Listing Broker:

Ced Gilworth

The property is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in a well-established neighborhood, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. This is a bare lot, with utilities already on the lot with a shared grinder pump. The waterfront is 106’ wide and at the road is 20’ and the sides are approx 300’ long. The two campers on the lot are not included in the sale of the property. Main body lots are hard to find these days at Lake Thunderhead. When you consider neighboring private lakes, the values at Lake Thunderhead are still less than many of the lakes around. The Wildflower Community Association dues are $810.00 per year. https://wcalakethunderhead. com/ Overall, 22022 South Blazing Star Court is beautiful and perfect for those who seek a peaceful and serene lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Give us a call today to set up a showing, Ced Gilworth 660-626-8445.

NOTE: Campers and the dock in pictures and videos are not included in the sale of the property

As you pull in the driveway, there is a landing that has been landscaped at the road for more parking. Then as you come down the driveway to additional parking closer to the home, the main entrance has a deck running the full length of the house with a covered roof over the entrance. As you enter the home, an open concept allows for you to see the lake when you step in the door with the large windows on the waterfront side. There are 3 bedrooms on the main level, along with 2 bathrooms. The stairway takes you to the basement family room area, three more additional bedrooms, and a bathroom that is not completed. There are a few other items left to do in the basement such as trim. Out the basement door you go to a concrete patio and just steps away from the dock and lake time. Included in the sale of the property is the dock, jet ski lift, boat lift and kitchen appliances. The home is approximately 2800 square feet and was built in 2003. The seller is aware that their home is in need of some finishing touches, landscaping, work in the basement, etc.

First Boat Poker Run of the Season

Lake residents enjoyed an afternoon on the lake in the first Boat

Poker Run of the summer. 270 poker hands were sold ay $10 a piece.

On Saturday, July 22 the entertainment committee is hosting a themed boat poker run. This year’s theme is “Christmas in July” and promises to be festive. Sign up begins at North Beach pavilion at 12 noon with the poker run kicking off at 1 PM. Poker sheets can be purchased for $10 each and fantastic prizes await the creative efforts!

First Prize: $2000 Bass Pro Gift Certificate

Best Themed Boat: $300 Gift Certificate to the Marina Restaurant or the Fuel Dock

Best Themed Poker Stop: $300 gift certificate to Marina Restaurant or the Fuel Dock.

Winners will be announced at North Beach preceeding Centerline Band.

Fourth of July Golf Tournament Sees 15 Teams

Fifteen 4-person teams participated in the Fourth of July Golf Tournament. First Place winners each received a trophy and a $75 gift certificate to the Preserve Golf Course at Lake Rathbun. Second place team received Lake Thunderhead tumblers.

“Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now.”

-- P.T. Barnum

Winner of the best hand was Miles Weis. He won the Adirondack chairs and table donated by Wes and Marty Carter at Heartland Handcrafted Poly Products.

Winner of the worst poker hand was Ann Marie McElwee. She took home a Blackstone griddle from The Store Building.

First Place Winning Team: Wade Corwin, Brent Adams, Dick Hoover and Jeremy Adams.

Second Place Team: Carson, Cody and Brian Quint

Fishing Derby… Cont. from pg. 1

other donors enough for all they have done for the committee and the Kids’ Derby. Other donors were: Brian & Terri Ganzer of Ganzer Construction, Kerrie Rose and Tim Bunnell, HB Plumbing & Excavation,

Hy-Vee, Larry & Karen Howard, United Country Gilworth Real Estate, Jim & Barb Mothershead, and the generous donation of Boat Poker Run proceeds to the cause. Ben Daniels of: LakePropertiesForSale.

com donated some nice lures.

Again, special thanks to conservation officer DJ Loken and his team for everything they do for the lake, and fish committee in particular. From supporting events like this, to fish surveys, stocking recommendations, and identifying

and helping wipe out noxious weeds, they are truly a great partner for the lake.

Next up for the committee is our Fall Bass Tourney September 16th. Entry forms and rules will be available on-line via NABR, our Facebook page, the Lake Thunderhead Facebook

page, or at the lake office sometime the first week of August. The entry fee will be $40 per boat, and we’ll be serving another awesome meal prepared by Mary Daniel and her team. Many, many thanks to them for doing such a great job making and serving such fabu-

lous meals. Plus, Mary keeps us organized and helps us ensure that all of the details are properly in order.

So another Kids’ Derby is in the books. We’re looking forward to next year’s Derby already! Tight lines everyone!

Fireworks Light the Lake Skies

36 Teams Compete In Cornhole Tournament

What once started with a couple lake friends that wanted to support the lake entertainment offering has grown to a spirited competition with 36 teams competing in

this year’s Corn Hole Tournament. Team t-shirts and enthusiastic supporters cheered on friends and the cost of the tournament is covered by donations and fund raising.

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Thanks go to our own Ferne Kellison for making and donating a set of bags which were raffled off and won by the Howard family.

SRD Announces Road

Work To Begin July 19

Repair work is expected to take several days and traffic in and out of lake Thunderhead may be restricted to one lane. Cars may have to utilize and share one lane for entrance and exit. SRD asks that we all use caution and patience as our roads improve. Please observe people flagging traffic.

First Place went to Uncle Sam and the Dude (aka Brad and Sam) who won a cornhole set made by Fred McElwee.

Second Place went to Tom and Jerry (aka Trey and Brett) who won a cash prize

Third Place went to Big Country Corndogs (aka Corey and Gage) who returned their prize money to the committee.

Mark Your Calendars

Widows on the Water

The group will meet July 18 at 5 PM in the lake office basement for pizza and games. On Aug. 15 the group will meet at 5 PM at the Marina Restaurant.

Kayak Club

Kayak club will meet for fun, food and friends on Aug. 1. Meet at 2 PM at the lake office to car pool to Thousand Hills State Park.

Men’s Coffee

Join in for coffee and conversation on Tuesday and Friday mornings at 8 AM in the lake office basement. All are welcome.

Crappie Fishing Tips-

by Jake L. Myers, Conservation Agent - Putnam County, Missouri Department of Conservation

Depending on which crappie anglers you ask you are likely to get very different ideas on what is effective in terms of the best jig color, the best line to use, and so on. In reality, two anglers in the same boat can be using two completely different techniques and baits, and they will both be catching fish. It’s important to remember that there is more than one way to get the job done. Experiment until you find a technique that works for you.

Crappie are attracted to more wooded covered areas regardless of what time of year it is. A good rule of thumb is to fish shallow during spring and fall, then fish deep during summer and winter. However, a string of warm days in January can send fish into water less than 4 feet deep, while a strong cold front in April can send them to the depths for a few days. Crappie are extremely temperamen-

Lake Drinking Water Quality

To

Plan NOW to attend the Annual Summer Bash

mo.gov/ccr/mo3243388.pdf.

tal with temperature and weather patterns. When trying to locate crappie, target brush piles or other cover at a variety of depths, and let the fish tell you what depth they prefer on a given day. Just try to not get hung up in the process.

When crappie are active, like during spawn, they will hit a bait presented in close proximity to cover. When they are not so active, you may need to get your bait down into the brush to be successful. The two most effective ways to do this are vertical jigging and casting. A weedless jig works best for these types of presentation.

Fishing any kind of fish, but especially crappie, is a combination of trail and error along with a test of patience. The more active, devoted fisherman is more likely to find success than the fickle one. Keep hammering away at the water with whatever you have at your disposal for lures or legal bait and you will eventual find what you’re looking for.

The annual lake fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Aug. 5 at the North Beach Pavilion. Join your friends and neighbors for smoked meat, beans, chips and dessert at 5:30 PM. Funds raised will go towards the purchase of new picnic tables located behind the office. More funds mean more tables everywhere!

Pickleball Clinic and Tournament

On June 10 we had a great time at the pickleball clinic. Sixteen people gathered to learn about pickleball and meet other players. The day started with an introduction of the rules and scoring. Then the players paired up and

we played games. Most players stayed a couple hours to practice, play, and socialize.

August 12th, there will be a doubles pickleball tournament starting at 9:00 A.M. The tournament is limited to 8 teams. Registration is

open until filled. To register, pick up and complete a form from the office. Balls are provided.

Must bring own paddles. Registration is $20 per team and the money will go to a fund to paint the second court with pickleball lines.

A Friendly Reminder

Please be sure to let the Unionville Republican know of any address change you have. We want you all to receive your Beachcomber. Also, please let us know if you are new to the lake or if you have sold your property at the lake.

Unionvillerepublican@mac.com or 660-947-2222

Thank you, The Unionville Republican

Bryce ~ 660-988-0622

see our Consumer Confidence Report on the quality of our drinking water at Lake Thunderhead, please go online to www.dnr.

“What’s done is done. What’s gone is gone. One of life’s lessons is always moving on. It’s okay to look back to see how far you’ve come but keep moving forward.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

New Study Estimates YouTube’s Impact on U.S. Economy and Culture

Small businesses are also figuring out how to turn YouTube subscribers into opportunities. Oxford Economics’ research found that 78% of small businesses that use YouTube agreed it’s essential to their business growth.

waking up to the realization that you can build lasting careers and successful businesses by leveraging platforms like YouTube.”

Parents And Teachers Approve The report also shows

that parents and teachers find value in YouTube. According to the study, 85% of U.S. parents who use YouTube agree that it provides quality content for their children’s learning and entertainment. Additionally, 73%

of teachers who use the system agree that it helps students learn.

Learn More

For further facts and to see the full report, visit www.yt.be/impact.

Summer Reading - Solimeos

(NAPSI)—The next time you enjoy watching something on YouTube, you may care to consider there’s a lot more to the service than fun and learning. It’s an important part of our economy, too.

Study Shows

For example, Oxford Economics—a global advisory firm—published a study assessing the impact of YouTube creators on the United States’ economy, culture, and society. The report found that in 2022, YouTube’s creator ecosystem contributed more than $35 billion to the U.S. gross

domestic product and supported over 390,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

In the U.S., the number of YouTube channels with 1 million subscribers increased by more than 15% year over year between 2021 and 2022. The number of YouTube channels making $100K or more in revenue also went up by 5%.

A Big Help For Small Business

The report also provides insight into how YouTube creators and users, parents and teachers feel about the platform’s impact on American life.

“YouTube leveled the playing field between us and big box stores because it puts our business in front of customers who may not otherwise find us,” said Steve Andrianos, who runs Hercules Candy with his family in Syracuse, NY.

Others are leveraging platforms such as YouTube to launch new, rewarding careers. Nisha Vora of San Diego, CA left her career as an attorney at a top law firm to pursue her passion for vegan cooking. Her YouTube channel—Rainbow Plant Life—has over 1 million subscribers.

“Online success doesn’t just mean having a viral video or 15 minutes of fame anymore,” said Vora. “People are

“A daring new novel called SOLIMEOS by Rhoda Lerman, a critically-acclaimed author who passed away in 2015, imagines what life might have been like for Nazi officers and their families in South American exile after the Holocaust.”

(NAPSI)—A daring new novel called

SOLIMEOS by Rhoda Lerman, a criticallyacclaimed author who passed away in 2015, imagines what life might have been like for Nazi officers and their families in South American exile after the Holocaust.

Wicked Son Books co-publisher Adam Bellow, who The New Yorker called “the hottest editor in New York,” is universally credited with knowing a good book when he reads one. When he learned that the deceased “authors’ author” Rhoda Lerman (whose work has been favorably compared to that of his father, Saul Bellow) had left an unpublished manuscript, he made it his mission to

assure her literary legacy with the publication of what he believed was an “exceptional” novel.

In the waning days of World War II, fourteenyear-old Axel, his family, and their servants are cold and hungry in Pappendorf Castle. Baron Dietrich von Pappendorf, Axel’s father, is away, having spent much of the war traveling the world in search of an ancient, pre-Babel language that his occult-obsessed, Nazi masters believed would solidify Aryans as the master race. But when the baron returns to the family castle, it’s not in triumph. Axel

Nisha Vora, YouTube creator and founder of Rainbow Plant Life. (Photo: Rainbow Plant Life)

Solimeos… …cont.

the past.

to pg. 11

Protected from Nazi hunters, the baron prepares for the Fourth Reich while Axel is guided by a shaman into the wisdom of the jungle. It is there the young man discovers ancient truths linking an Israelite king to a river known as Solimeos. Axel is also passionately in love with his father’s mistress: beautiful, Polish-Jewish Luba. He becomes torn between his love for his father, his desire for Luba, and the growing realization that he and his family can never atone for

Melvin

Utterly original, highly entertaining, and sometimes shocking, Rhoda Lerman’s SOLIMEOS—a provocative parable about the sins of the father visited upon the son—is a powerful and elegantly written story of family, fanaticism, and fate.

Highly recommended for book clubs and reading groups who enjoy historical fiction, SOLIMEOS—available in paperback and as an eBook—begs to be discussed.

The New York Times famously wrote: “Rhoda Lerman is a find. Go out and find her.”

(NAPSI)—One of the greatest joys—but potentially biggest challenges—for many grandparents is time spent with the grandkids. Whether yours are toddlers or teens, keeping them entertained requires a level of fitness that might include everything from lifting a child to chasing them at the playground to competing in a round of golf. For grandparents seeking an enriching and active experience with their grandkids, it’s important to engage in everyday fitness routines that can help:

• maintain muscle mass,

• preserve cardiovascular health,

• fortify flexibility, and

• bolster balance.

Functional fitness training can help with these goals.

What is Functional Fitness?

“Functional fitness uses multiple muscle groups and movements to help train muscles, joints, limbs, and nerves to all work better together for everyday tasks, like lifting groceries from the car, or outmaneuvering the grandkids,” says Jaynie Bjornaraa PhD, MPH, PT, who is vice president of rehabilitation services and fitness solutions at American Specialty Health Fitness.

Examples of functional fitness exercises include lunges, squats, and planks. “Lunges help improve balance and make the legs stronger,” says Dr. Bjornaraa. “Squats help strengthen the muscles used in sitting, standing, or lifting heavy objects safely. Core training, like planks, helps strengthen

the lower back, hips, and abdominal muscles. A strong core provides a stable base when lifting, standing, or performing the chores of everyday life.”

There are many ways to incorporate functional fitness into an everyday fitness routine. For example, online workout classes such as Pilates, yoga, or strength training can provide easy access to beginner, intermediate, or advanced exercise routines. Gyms offer in-person classes plus access to most any kind of fitness equipment you may need to practice functional fitness, from mats and free weights to fitness balls and exercise bands.

If cost is a factor in joining a gym or fitness classes, programs such as the Silver&Fit® Healthy Aging and Exercise Program, which is available through certain Medicare Advantage plans, offer no-cost or subsidized low-cost access to thousands of

standard name-brand gyms and YMCAs, in addition to premium boutique studios around the country. These programs may also include online access to fitness video classes such as dance, cardio, tai chi, Pilates, strength training, yoga, and others that teach proper form and technique. Nearly five million participants use the Silver&Fit program to help them stay fit.

“Functional fitness offers terrific health benefits for everyone, no matter your age or fitness level,” added Dr. Bjornaraa. “I encourage my friends, family, and clients to engage in some kind of functional fitness exercise every day to maximize the benefits.”

If you’re ready to try some functional fitness exercises but aren’t sure where to begin, you may care to check out a functional fitness exercise video called “3 Functional Exercises Using Only Body Weight.”

~~~

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that airplanes take off against the wind, not with it.”

New & used boats, pontoons, fishing boats, boat trailers & outboard motors.

~

-- Henry Ford