Upcoming Holidays & Observances in March
March 2 - Read Across America Day March 31 - César Chávez Day
March 6 - Employee Appreciation Day Women's History Month (All Month)
March 17 - St Patrick's Day
March 20 - March Equinox
March 29 - Palm Sunday
Irish American Heritage Month (All Month)
by Brandi Brassfield
As March arrives, bringing longer days and the first signs of spring, residents in our 55-and-older community are reminded that the season is an ideal time to refresh and maintain their homes and yards.
March marks a transition month. Winter décor comes down, lawns begin to green, and neighbors once again spend more time outdoors. With that renewed activity comes an important reminder from the Homeowners Association: maintaining well-kept yards and home exteriors helps preserve the beauty, safety, and property values of the entire community.
Community guidelines encourage residents to tidy landscaping, edge walkways, remove weeds, and ensure that shrubs and trees are trimmed. Home exteriors should also be checked for needed touch-ups, including paint, pressure washing, and minor repairs that may have been postponed during colder months.
“Spring is a fresh start. Taking time in March to spruce up your property not only enhances curb appeal but also shows consideration for your neighbors.”
In a 55-and-older neighborhood, pride of ownership is one of the hallmarks that make the community special.
Many residents choose this lifestyle for its peaceful atmosphere and attractive surroundings. Keeping lawns mowed, flower beds neat, and driveways clear of debris ensures that everyone continues to enjoy those benefits.
Residents who may need assistance with heavier outdoor tasks are encouraged to reach out to local landscaping services or ask family members for help. The HOA also reminds homeowners to re-view community standards and deadlines for seasonal maintenance to avoid potential notices or fines.
As spring unfolds, simple efforts—planting seasonal flowers, refreshing mulch, cleaning windows, and maintaining fences—can make a noticeable difference. March offers the perfect opportunity to set the tone for the months ahead.
By working together to keep yards and homes wellmaintained, residents help ensure that the community remains a welcoming, vibrant place to call home throughout the year.
Rules: The rules for Sudoku are simple. A 9×9 square must be filled in with numbers from 1-9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically.
Jo Schafrik Jovonda@SaguaroDesignStudio.com
This publication is intended to provide entertainment and generalized information to the residents of Cobblestone Communities (Cobblestone) only. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Cobblestone, Royal Palms or its Management Team, and they are not responsible for any content, and do not endorse any advertisers.
• “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”
• “Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you.”
• “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover—hard to find and lucky to have.”
• St. Patrick wasn’t Irish!
• He was actually born in Britain and brought to Ireland later in life.
• The original color of St. Patrick’s Day was blue.
• Green became popular much later because of Ireland’s nickname, The Emerald Isle.
• Shamrocks have special meaning.
• St. Patrick is said to have used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity.
• There are no snakes in Ireland.
• Despite the legend, Ireland never had snakes—thanks to its cold climate and island geography.
• Chicago dyes its river green every year.
• Since 1962, the city has turned its river green to celebrate—using an eco-friendly dye!
• Corned beef and cabbage isn’t Irish.
• It became popular with Irish immigrants in America, not in Ireland itself.
• St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide.
• More than 50 countries join in the festivities each year.
• Leprechauns come from Irish folklore.
• They’re known as mischievous fairy shoemakers who guard pots of gold.
Recipe courtesy of Casey Elsass for Food Network Kitchen
Level: Easy
Total: 2 hr 40 min
Active: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Like many traditional dishes, the recipe for Irish coddle (also known as Dublin coddle) varies widely from family to family. Born in 1700s inner-city Dublin tenements, it’s a grab-what-you-have kind of stew that simmers low and slow to peak deliciousness. The building blocks of the dish--bacon, sausage, onions, potatoes and plenty of parsley and black pepper--add up to more than the sum of their parts, creating a dark, flavorful broth and an incredibly warm bowl of nourishment. Serving with slices of soda bread is a must and adding a splash of Ireland’s favorite beer, while optional, is very highly recommended!
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound Cumberland sausage or any mild pork sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large white onions, halved and thinly sliced
• Kosher salt
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/4 cup Irish stout, such as Guinness, optional
• Irish soda bread, for serving
Add the bacon to a large Dutch oven and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders, about 10 minutes. Add the sausage and increase the heat to medium high. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon and sausage are nicely browned, about 10 more minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon and sausage to a plate.
Drain the fat from the pot and return it to medium heat. Add the onions, a pinch of salt and 1/4 cup water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom and sides of the pot, then sprinkle the onions with 1 tablespoon of the parsley and plenty of black pepper. Layer the bacon and sausage over the onions and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley and more black pepper. Layer the potatoes over the meat and add enough water to submerge everything but the potatoes, about 2 cups. Season the potato layer with a pinch of salt and plenty of black pepper and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley. Bring the liquid to a boil (don’t stir!), then cover and transfer to the oven. Bake, checking halfway to add more water if needed, until the onions are very tender and caramelized and the liquid has reduced slightly, about 2 hours.
Finish with a pour of stout, if using, and a final garnish of the remaining parsley. Serve immediately with soda bread.
Simple, filling, and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
Directions
Place chicken in the crockpot.
Sprinkle ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Pour cream of chicken soup on top.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Shred chicken and stir well before serving.
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Total Estimated Cost: $8–11
Feeds approximately 4–6 people.
Calling all Cobblestone residents and guests! We are excited to announce our monthly photo contest. Share your favorite moments while soaking up the fun in our communities!
1st Place $100 Gift Card | 2nd Place $50 Gift Card | 3rd Place $25 Gift Card
Have fun like you always do and take some amazing photos.
Upload the photos to the Photo Contest section of the Cobblestone app. (Other residents will see and vote for the best.)
Visit the Cobblestone Facebook page and vote for your favorite photo! (Remember voting begins the 15th of each month.)
Cross your fingers and hope you’re the winner. (Winners will be announced on the 1st of each month)
Scan Here to Download There is no limit to entries, so snap away! Download
