2016 01 lake hammock village newsletter

January 2016 “The Park with A Heart” Editor: Donna Barkley

Gator Tales

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

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

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

Volunteer of the Year…

2015 was the first year that we, as a community, voted for

the Volunteer of the Year.

Volunteers were nominated by the community and the four

finalists were voted on by Lake Hammock Village residents.

The four finalists were: Eileen Lemay, Joanne Marko, Joice

Smith and Richard Spiegel.

The winner is…

Richard won a plaque, $100 and his name on a perpetual plaque

to be hung at the clubhouse.

Thank you, Richard, for all you do. Who will be the Volunteer

of the Year for 2016?

A message from the President...

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

“Happy New Year” and “Welcome 2016” from your Lake Hammock Village

Homeowners Association.

As we reflect back on the past year, I think we can say that in 2015, Lake Hammock

Village was a fun and exciting place to be. We were able to offer an abundant array of

activities to our residents, including the Summer Pool Party and the New Year's Eve

Party, both which provided excellent food, refreshments, and entertainment all at no cost

to our residents. The regular weekly events continued and were enjoyed by many. Both

our Spring and Fall Garage Sales were hugely successful. We, as a community, owe a

huge “Thank You” to all those volunteers who stepped up to the plate to host, assist,

setup and cleanup at all of our many events.

In 2016, we anticipate an even bigger and more exciting year. In addition to our regular

weekly, monthly and yearly events, we look forward to new and fresh ideas for future

events that would be of interest to our community. If you have an idea, please don't

hesitate to step forward and suggest it.

Finally, as a reminder, our Annual Meeting will be held January 19th, at 7:00 PM in our

clubhouse. In order to be a voting member, you must pay your 2016 HOA dues of

$15.00, no later than January 9th.

Here's to a great 2016......

Clark

When we can no longer maintain our home in Lake Hammock Village,

what comes next?

Join us on January 7th at 2:00 pm at the clubhouse.

We may find the answer, Annette of Spring Haven / Holiday Retirement

Homes will show us some possibilities.

Please come, listen and learn.

Any questions, contact Marilyn Smith.

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

HOA Board

Tuesday, January 5th

7:00 p.m.

Clark Smith (863) 438-6929

The monthly Board of Directors meeting will be

held in the Clubhouse.

Make & Take Crafts

No craft day for January

2:00 pm

At the clubhouse

Ladies’ Lunch

Wednesday, January 13th

Carpool 11:30 a.m.

Dona Rawson 547-9326

Southern Dune Clubhouse

Carpool at 11:30 (Deadline to sign up to attend is

three days before the event).

Dining By the Book

Thursday, January 14th

Carpool 4:30 pm

Marilyn Smith 421-1018

Cham Pino’s, 6617 N. Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland

Carpool at 4:30 (Deadline to sign up to attend is


Park Breakfast Out

Saturday, January 16th

8:15 a.m.

R-Eatery 35510 Rt. 27, Haines City

Birthday/Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, January 17th

6:30 p.m.

Dona Rawson & Joanne Marko 438-5011

Come celebrate January birthdays and

anniversaries. This month’s celebration will be

hosted by Margaret Conley and Joanne Marko.

Activities Meeting


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 February activities. We enjoy having new ideas

to explore.

HOA Annual Meeting


7:00 p.m.

Clark Smith (863) 438-6929

We will be voting for 2016 HOA board. Dues must

be paid by January 9th.

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.

Early Bird Dining


4:30 p.m.

Sharon & KZ Bowden 353-7676 Hog Haven Smokehouse 1708 6th St SE, Winter Haven Carpool at 4:30 (Deadline to sign up to attend is


Potluck – January 29 – 5:00 pm

“International Cuisine” – a little taste from

our residents’ traditional dishes from their

home state or ethnic heritage.

If you are not a cook, get together with a

friend.

Also, to make things interesting, we ask if

you would bring along a photo form your

youth (if possible) so that other attendees

can guess who’s who.

Hosted by Eileen Lemay and Jane Lallier

Get Well Wishes

Florence Browning - Home

Don Ives – Home

Marge Love - 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.

Thank You

I would like to thank everyone for their cards,

flowers, and prayers while I was ill. I really

appreciate all the kindness shown to me.

Florence Browning

I want to thank the many residents who helped

with Thanksgiving Dinner. A special thank you goes

to Marilyn Smith, Joyce Wright and Lorraine

Dezinski for serving.

K.Z. and Sharon Bowden

David and I want to send kudos to Mrs. Combs and

her helpers for the super Thanksgiving feast,

fellowship and friendship extended to all.

David and Mary Schnopp

Thank you to all the people who have helped us get

settled in the park.

Karen & Ron Wells

Thank you to all that voted for me as Volunteer of

the Year.

Richard Spiegel

We want to thank the many residents who gave of

their time to set up, serve, and clean up the

Christmas Dinner. Your help made the meal go

smoothly. A special thanks goes to the Goulds,

Loves, and Palmer’s for preparing the ham and

turkeys.

K.Z. and Sharon Bowden

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 757-420-2528

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

Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, February 6

Serving 8:30-10:00 a.m.

Cost $3.00

Apple, blueberry and plain pancakes cooked

to order, scrambled eggs, breakfast meat,

juice and coffee

Please sign up at the clubhouse so we know

how much food to prepare.

Hosts: Lee and Nanci Emery

C&D Trips are as follows:

Mystery January 6

Barbara Lee January 11

Solomon’s Castle January 19 $59.00

Brighton January 27 $25.00

Winter Park January 29 $44.00

Tony Bennett February 6 $80.00

Tony Bennett February 10 $72.00

Bon Appetit February 12 $55.00

New Orleans Feb 15-19

Daytona 150 February 18 $80.00

Daytona 500 February 21 160.00

Tarpon Springs February 24 $65.00

Derby Lanes February 27 $56.00

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

January Anniversaries

10 Brian & Sue Elkington 21 Jim & Bonnie Fischer 21 Lester & Pat Iceman 23 Mr & Mrs Godfrey 26 Dick & Trish Keiger 28 Pete & June Evans 30 Bruce and Eileen Lemay 30 Robert & Pat Marotti 30 Harry & Donna Webb

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

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

[email protected]

Sharon Bowden

Stephanie Strom

Andy & Nancy Belski

Richard & Marion Speigel

January Birthdays

1 Norm Baczkiewicz 4 Robert Marotti 4 Clark Smith 7 Betty Kemp 9 Pat Iceman

10 Maura Cullen 10 Don Nolan 11 Lisa McGowen 12 Greg Wolfinger 14 Joan Butler 14 Ken Hendges 15 Judy Page 16 Georgette Chadwick 16 Vivian Keller 19 Kathy Deuel 20 Dick Williams 21 George Palmer 22 Tami Frech 22 Bill Patelunas 22 John Rounds 23 Florence Browning 24 Joyce Wright 27 Charles Osborn 28 Audrey Hertsch

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

http://www.floridacommunities.com/

mailto:[email protected]

George Palmer has lived here since 2001, when he and his wife Georgianna moved from Illinois. George had his own plumbing business and was very active in musical theater for about 25 years. He also was a volunteer fireman until his back couldn't take it anymore. George served in our National Guard for 6 years. He must have been good because he has quite a story about getting his discharge papers! In 2000, Georgianna had a heart attack and required a triple bypass. Their daughter Dori wanted them to move here, so they met Ed Hester and toured model homes in Plant City. While they were touring the various communities, as they came through Lake Hammock’s front gates, Georgianna said "this feels like home!" They sealed the deal, returned to Illinois long enough to sell everything and return to their new home. Rather than drive to Celebration, Georgianna developed her own cardio rehab program here at Lake Hammock. Prior to her death in 2012, both of them were active in a number of activities. George served as HOA President when the residents wanted to buy out the owners and make LHV a resident owned community. He now is on the hot tub restoration committee. Gini moved here this past year from Arizona. She is George's oldest child. The family did a lot of camping. Gini graduated from Western Illinois University and has worked for the State of Arizona

in The Department of Economic Security. She enjoys all genres of music, cooking and hanging upside down on her inversion table! Gini also has a small herb garden, and a fish named Bubba who lives in an antique castle in a glass cookie jar. She has also read most of the books in the Lake Hammock library. Her daughter, Cesya, pronounced Sasha is staying in Gini's house until she returns to Arizona. Please take the time to get to know your neighbors.

Submitted by Stephanie Strom

Karen and Ron Wells are both from the Chicago area.

They were high school sweethearts and got married in

1966.

They have two adult boys and two adult girls who all

live up north. They have eight grandchildren and one on

the way. They also have one great-granddaughter.

Ron started working for the railroad in 1966. He worked

there for 36 years and then retired. Karen worked in the

public school system in Michigan and retired in 2006.

They started looking around in Florida for a place to

live. They saw the Lake Hammock sign on Hwy 27 and

came in and looked around. They liked what they saw.

The park is clean and friendly. They bought 55 Sargent

in February 2015. They will be snowbirds from

November to April, until they decide to sell their home

in Michigan and become fulltime residents.

Eventually they will get involved in games and activities.

When you see them about, introduce yourself and

make them feel at home.

Photos by Sharon Bowden

Sheryl Nykaza is Karen Wells’ sister. She came from

Chicago. Sheryl worked for 12 years at a bank and 15

years at Fed. Signal Corp. They make light bars for police

cars, emergency vehicles and outdoor warning signs.

Sheryl’s position was in the finance department.

She has three adult sons, two grandchildren. Her

granddaughter works in Orlando and her grandson is a

freshman at St. Joseph College in Indiana.

Two of her sons are in the Chicago area and one son is

in China. He teaches English in a Chinese school.

Sheryl was with her sister and brother-in-law when they

were looking for a place. She found her house at 126

Silvercrest in February 2015. She went back home to get

some of her stuff. Sheryl enjoys shopping and like to

play dominos. She has a 3-1/2 year old dog named

Sophia.

When you see Sheryl and Sophia riding around on their

golf cart, introduce yourself and make her feel at home.

Submitted by Marion Spiegel

Tick Tock

I’m writing this in a state of shock,

Watching the clock—tick tock, tick tock,

Advancing, approaching, relentlessly,

A brand new year; Oh, can it be?

The calendar says the same thing, too;

Time races, vanishes for me; Boo hoo!

No, wait! If time flies, I’m having fun!

A year of fun! It’s gone! It’s done!

I now embrace the blur of time,

Because it simply means that I’m

Too busy with pleasure, joy, delight

To mourn the passing days’ swift flight.

So I’m wishing you fast, happy days,

Pleasuring you in myriad ways,

Filled with happiness and cheer,

Oh Happy, Happy Bright New Year!

By Joanna Fuchs

LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE

RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM

2016 DATE SAVERS:

(All activities will be held at the Clubhouse.)

January 13, 9:30 AM: We will be making cancer bracelets to sell. If you can, bring

jewelry elastic, beads, scissors, rulers and jewelry glue. If not, just come to help!

January 18, 6PM: Next Meeting. Please join our team.

February 7, 2PM: Ladies Pampering Event. Cost is $10.00. Tickets are available

from Donna Barkley and Dawn Maluchnick. Includes mini-manicures, chair massages, hors d’oeuvers, desserts, giveaways, and more surprises.

March 5: Spaghetti Dinner, Games, Silent Auction and Items for sale: Cost – Free

Will Offering for Dinner. Game prices TBD. Games will begin at 10 AM. Spaghetti Dinner will be from 11:00 AM – 2 PM. We are looking to collect very nice new or slightly used items for the Silent Auction. Please see Dawn Maluchnick or any other team member if you can help.

March 19, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. Cost-Free Will

Offering.

PLEASE JOIN OUR TEAM!

www.relayforlife.org/hainescityfl

Choose the Lake Hammock Village Team

The Relay for Life is April 2, 12PM to 12AM at Lake Eva!

For more information: Calvin and Dawn Maluchnick / Bob and Brin McDonald / Jerry and Joan Butler /

KZ and Sharon Bowden / Debra Kemp / Joe and Nancy Kifus / Donna Barkley

http://www.relayforlife.org/hainescityfl

Golf Cart Parade and Christmas Caroling

1st Place: Hacy and Joyce Wright; 2nd Place Maria Combs; 3rd Place: Richard and Carol Gould

Photos by Sharon Bowden

Chiropractic Care for Children & Adults

Activator Methods Proficiency Rated Doctors Participating Providers with Medicare and

Other Insurances

Carys Felton, D.C. Douglas C. Gagnon, Jr., D.C.

350 S. 10th Street Haines City, FL 33844

863-422-4575

www.heartoffloridachiropractic.com

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: [email protected]

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

http://www.lakehammock.com/

mailto:[email protected]

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9:30 AM

Water Aerobics 1:00 PM Pokeno 7:00 PM

CLR Game

2

6:30 PM Ladies’ Poker

3

7:00 PM Euchre

4 9:30 AM Water Aerobics

10:00 AM Shuffleboard

1:00 PM Hand & Foot

1:00 PM Scrabble

2:00 PM Billiards

5

7:00 PM HOA Board

Meeting

6 8:15 AM Coffee

9:30 AM Water Aerobics 7:00 PM Bingo

7 8:00 AM

Men's Breakfast 10:00 AM

Shuffleboard 2:00 PM Billiards 2:00 PM Spring

Haven 7:00 PM

Dominoes

8 9:30 AM


CLR Game

9 2:00 PM

Memorial Service


10

7:00 PM Euchre

11 9:30 AM

Water Aerobics 10:00 AM

Shuffleboard 1:00 PM

Hand & Foot 1:00 PM Scrabble

2:00 PM Billiards

12

AARP Safe Driving Class

8:00-3:30

13 8:15 AM Coffee

9:30 AM Water Aerobics

11:30 AM Ladies Lunch

7:00 PM Bingo

14 8:00 AM


Shuffleboard 2:00 PM Billiards 4:30 PM Dining by

the Book

7:00 PM Dominoes

15 9:30 AM


CLR Game

16

8:15 AM Breakfast Out

R-Eatery 6:30 PM

Ladies’ Poker

17 6:30 PM Birthday

Anniversary Celebration

18 9:30 AM




2:00 PM Billiards 6:00 PM Relay for

Life Meeting

19 2:00 PM

Activities Mtg 7:00 PM

HOA Annual Meeting

Gator Tales Submissions

Due Tomorrow

20 8:15 AM Coffee


21 8:00 AM



the Book

7:00 PM Dominoes

22 9:30 AM


CLR Game

23


24

7:00 PM Euchre

31 7:00 PM

Euchre

25 9:30 AM




2:00 PM Billiards

26

4:30 PM Early Bird Dining

27 8:15 AM Coffee


28 8:00 AM



the Book

7:00 PM Dominoes

29 9:30 AM

Water Aerobics 1:00 PM Pokeno 5:00 PM Potluck 7:00 PM

CLR Game

30


Thursday, January 14th – Dining by the Book – Cham Pino’s, 6617 N. Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland

Meet at the clubhouse at 4:30 (Deadline to sign up is three days before the date of the event).

Wednesday, January 13th – Ladies Lunch – Southern Dunes Clubhouse

Meet at clubhouse at 11:30 (Deadline to sign up is three days before the date of the event).

Tuesday, January 26th - Early Bird – Hog Haven Smokehouse, 1708 6th St SE, Winter Haven

Meet at clubhouse at 4:30 (Deadline to sign up is three days before the date of the event).

2016 01 lake hammock village newsletter

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