Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Season’s Greetings to all!On behalf of myself and your High Point office staff, we wish to extend our very best wishes for a safeand happy holiday season to all High Point residents. You are the reason we are all here, day in andday out through the entire year and we appreciate working for and with you.

We have so many people to appreciate for their kindnesses and hard work throughout the year, from our inside andoutside maintenance workers to our Pool Monitors and vigilant Mobile Patrol drivers and Front Gate associates. HighPoint is also blessed to have such a wonderful group of clubs that meet the interests and needs of all of our residentsand some of them give back generously to the Community from their proceeds. It would be impossible to recognizeall of their contributions to the well being of the Community as a whole. Please know that all of your efforts in serviceto your neighbors are greatly appreciated. We would like to recognize the Lions Club, Social Club, Civic Organization,Mah-Jongg Club and Clay and Shiela Kirk for their donations toward the new stage curtains in the Community Center.This upgrade was certainly needed and their willingness to bear part of the financial burden on behalf of the entirecommunity is to be commended. I especially want to recognize April Alexander and her crew for the wonderful holidaydecorations inside the Community Center and the Garden Club for making High Point look so festive from the frontgate to outside the Community Center. Once again this year, the Mobile Patrol has provided the small stick-up calendarswhich are so popular among our residents and the newly formed Hernando High Point Emergency Medical Respondersare hard at work to put out the next edition of our Shopping Guide/Directory. A special thanks goes to Terry Mathesand all of the volunteers to made the Community Thanksgiving Dinner a success.

I would also like to personally thank my staff and our outstanding Board of Directors. They have been a joy to workwith on the many projects and improvements that needed to be addressed and with a minimum of “fuss and muss.”Again, there are too many to remember for their efforts. With so many willing workers, I have most certainly forgottensome who are more than deserving of mention. Please forgive me if I have forgotten you and know that you are deeplyappreciated!

December 2015High Point . . . A great place to live!

Vol 10, Issue 12

DECEMBER POOL HOURS

Mon. - Sat.9:00 am ‘til 5:00 pm

Sunday10:00 am ‘til 5:00 pm

Water AerobicsSunday-Monday-Wednesday-Thursday

10:30am to 11:30am

HIGH POINT PROPERTYOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Telephone 352-596-2397Facsimile 352-596-520112249 Club House RoadBrooksville, FL 34613

WWW.HIGHPOINTBROOKSVILLE.NET

SeminarFor those who are interested or considering cremation there will be aFREE Lunch and Seminar at the High Point Cafe (Golf Club), 12251Club House Road on Saturday, December 12th at 1:00 pm.

Call today to make a reservation. 727-888-2112 or visitwww.NeptuneSeminar.com. All are welcome.

Belles & Beaux Christmas Dinner/DanceCome and join us for an evening of dinner, music and fun! TheBelles & Beaux Christmas Dinner/Dance s open to everyone, notjust golfers. Date: Friday, December 11, 2015 at the CommunityCenter. Cocktails (BYOB) starting at 6:00 pm followed by dinnerat 6:30 pm. Cost: $15.00 per person. Call Sheena Lund for moreinformation and tickets, 352-293-4285.

Social MembershipSocial Memberships are now being sold for 2016. Social mem-bers may participate in all social vents and meals at the ClubHouse. Social Membership fee for 2016 is $10.00 per person.

High Point Café Winter HoursSunday Breakfast 8:00 – 11:00 amLunch 11:00 – 2:00 pmThursday Karaoke 5:00 – 6:30 pm Burgers and wingsTuesday dinner 4:30 – 6:30 pm sign-up at club houseFriday night fish fry 4:30 – 6:30 pm sign-up at club house

Ladies Cancer Golf OutingThe High Point Women's League made $1,381.00 for the FloridaCancer Specialists. Thanks to everyone that helped and a specialthanks to Linda Mason, Chairman of this year’s event.

Golf League Starting TimesMonday Ladies Day 8:30 amTuesday 9 Hole Men 8:30 amWednesday 18 Hole Men 8:30 amThursday Belles and Beaus 10:30 am

Open golf after leagues are finished.

See Golf Club House Board for notices forother informal groups.

High Point Golf Club Membership Drive

The Golf Club Membership Drive will be January 4, 5 & 6, 2016.Fees for 2016 are:

Regular Family $2501.31 Single $1460.65 Plus $100 per person minimum spending money per year.

Sponsored, same rates as Regular

Silver $461.25 Plus $50. per person minimum spending money

per year.Seasonal Renter Single $235.65 per month

Family $371.30 per monthPlus $8 GHIN yearly fee and $100 per person minimumSpending money per year.

Gold Card $180.65 per year plus greensfees with each round, plus $50 per person minimumspending money per year

For more information about membership, call the Golf Po Shop,352-596-0833 or Donna O’Keefe, membership chairman at 352-596-4773.

Golf Club NewsBy Cindy Williams

Civic Organization of High Point by Ellyn Shulmier

Finally! We got word that our picture directory, the “High PointHighlighter,” is to be shipped the week of Dec. 7th to the CivicOrganization. This has been a year-long project, and when you seeit, it is worth the wait! We are scheduling distribution times in theCommunity Center as follows:

Thursday, December 10th from 10 am to 1 pm Friday, December 11th from 8:30 am to 11:30 am Saturday, December 12th from 9 am to noon Sunday, December 13th from 2 pm to 4 pm

These directories will be signed for and distributed to those whoparticipated by having their photographs taken by LifeTouchPhotography. Donations will be welcomed. For any non-participantswho wish to purchase a picture directory, add your name, address andphone number to the list. Directories sell for $10.00 and will beavailable on a first come, first served basis after all participants’directories are distributed. At the same time and dates we will havethe photos available which have not yet been picked up.

We thank all of you who participated and/or worked on the project.Especially a huge thank you to Gwen Roy who chaired the picture-taking portion and Genele Firlik who translated the information in theproper format for submission to the company. This is a project ofwhich I am most proud.

Our newest project is one which will benefit all who live in High Point.All of us have had the experience of learning of someone’s death longafter the passing of that individual, too late to attend visitation, thefuneral or memorial service or to pay respects in a timely fashion.

We have devised a method of letting residents know when a death hasoccurred in High Point. We are erecting an attractive sign board inthe Memorial Garden in front of the Community Center. When a deathoccurs and is reported to the office, we will add that person’s name tothe board and a small flag will be displayed for all to see. The namewill remain for 10 days, after which it will be removed and the flaghidden. This has been approved by the HPCPO Board of Directorsand Jack Rinaldi as President of the Garden Club. Work is presentlybeing done on this and should be completed by the end of the year.

One of the goals of the Civic Organization is to seek projects whichbenefit all High Point residents. If you have an idea, feel free tocontact Ellyn at 597-1966.

Civic Organization activities have been suspended for the month ofDecember due to the large number of seasonal events and partiestaking place at the Community Center. Our regular schedule of eventswill resume in January at a time and date to be announced.

December EMR & AuxiliaryUpdateBy by Joanne Driscoll - Public Relations Chair

We experienced our first endeavor to sponsor the Pancake Breakfastand Tailgate Flea Market on November 21st. Thanks to manyvolunteers who made this a big success. Barbara Reed, who chairedthis event, did a fabulous job in organizing all the particulars neededto be done for success.

We are looking forward to our many fund-raisers taking place in theup-coming months. At the present time we are planning onsponsoring: Car Show on Saturday, January 9th at the CommunityCenter from 9 am to 2 pm. We will be serving lunch.

Community Get-together Pot Luck Dinner on Friday,January 29th at the Community Center starting at 6 pm. Please planon attending this event so you can meet and greet your High PointEmergency Medical Responders and Auxiliary members.

Please help support this organization by buying tickets forthe “Timeshare Getaway.” These tickets will be sold at Dime Jingleor at the High Point office. For questions or additional informationplease contact Marlene Allen at 352-600-8342. Also, there will beflyers posted on this Getaway in the Community Center.

Please note that we are still recruiting volunteers for our group asFirst Responders, traffic control, chair people and administrativesupport.

Our HHPEMR, Inc. family has a lot to be thankful for this holidayseason. We thank our volunteers for making the program work andwe thank our fellow High Point residents for the tremendous support.

We started our Monday night member meets and EmergencyMedical Responders training class. The EMR Auxiliary and variousteams have “hit the ground running” in planning fund raising events.

We are still in need of volunteers interested in becoming FirstResponders. After completion of a 40 hour training course, you’lljoin the team to provide valuable and sometimes lifesaving assistanceto our neighbors when they call 911. It’s hard work, but extremelyworthwhile and rewarding. The more trained Responders we have,the better. We work in teams and usually commit to one, two ormore shifts per week. If you’d like more information about theprogram, please call 352-410-6888 and we’ll be happy to provideyou with more detailed information.

We would like to take this opportunity toexpress our sincere appreciation for yourconfidence and loyalty. We hope you allenjoyed a happy and blessed Thanksgiving andextend our best wishes for a very MerryChristmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

High Point Dance ClassesLine DancingHi, everyone! If you are just back to High Point from yoursummer home, we would like to invite you to join us for LineDancing. We have a great teacher this season. His name is DaveMussatto. We do easy line dances to warm up at the beginningof each class, review dances he has taught us in previous classesand learn new dances. We have had a lot of positive feedbackfrom the people taking line dance classes. The cost is $3.00 perperson per week. Please join us every Monday from 1:00 pm to2:00 pm for learning, exercise and, most of all, fun!! Questions?Call Murilene at 518-424-5319 or Marie at 352-600-7036.

Ballroom DancingBring your significant other and join us for a real treat! DaveMussatto is a trained ballroom dance instructor and a great guy.We have a lot of laughs while we are learning how to ballroomdance. We learn new dances and then review often so we don’tforget what we have learned. All are welcome, even singles. Itis great exercise! The cost is $5.00 per person per week, payableby the month. If you have any questions, please call Murilene at518-424-5319 or Marie at 352-600-7036.

High Point Social Club for 2016Every first Tuesday of the month, the Social Club has a meetingto allow other clubs to enlighten those attending of upcomingevents. Entertainment is provided after each meeting, followedby donuts and coffee.

Entertainment for 2016 is as follows:

Jan 5 “Ms. Dynomite” - extraordinary singer & entertainerFeb 2 Louie Fortunato, who needs no introductionMar 1 Elliot Smith, fantastic magicianApril 5 “Mid-Life Crisis” - female singersMay 3 Ashley - a young girl who has a super voiceJune 7 Ice Cream SocialOct 4 Rusty - singer and entertainerNov 1 Donny and Sandy - return by popular requestDec 6 Comedy Time - remembering comedians of the past

We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Our Community Thanksgiving Dinnerwas a success again this year and we thank all of

those who helped to make this possible.

So that all of our hardworking volunteers may havethe day to spend with family and friends,

there will be NO CHRISTMAS DINNER at the

Community Center.

Timely RemindersIt has been noted by several residents in recent weeks that peopleare leaving the storage compound and forgetting to lock the gatewhen they leave. Please double check when leaving that youhave closed and secured the gate.

We have received several complaints about individuals goingdoor to door in the Community to solicit business. Some of thesepeople are very aggressive, high pressure salespeople who arequite adept at taking advantage of unwary residents.

For your own safety and security and that of your neighbors,please do not encourage these people by doing business withthem! If you are able, get a business card from them and thentell them that there is no soliciting allowed in High Point. Thenbring their card, or the phone number on their vehicle to the officeso we can call the company involved and let them know ourpolicy.

Of course, you are free to call anyone with whom you wish to dobusiness, but it is important that you and they understand thatthey are not allowed to solicit door to door.

High Point Sunday Non-Denominational WorshipBy Lucy Basta & Jack Waldron, Music Ministry

We’ve had a wonderful start to ourbi-weekly Sunday worship program.From now through April, the secondand fourth Sundays of each month willbe a time for worship at High Point.The worship services will begin at10:15 am with Rev. G.H. Trumbo, aHigh Point resident, who can becounted on to give a fine message toget our week off to a good start.

In addition to being a fine preacher anda good singer, it has been said that Rev. Trumbo is quite a golfer.A few summers back he played 18 holes with legend Arnold Palmera LaTrobe Country Club. Scores unavailable. . .

Here is a bit of biographical information on Rev. Trumbo: He wasborn in Charleston, West Virginia. In addition to being a ClarionCollege graduate, he studied for the ministry at Wesley TheologicalSeminary. As a veteran, he also served his Country in the military.

Rev. Trumbo’s service to God spans the years 1981 to present. Hebegan at West Alexander UMC in Pennsylvania from 1981-86. Hethen served churches in Turtle Creek, Pa. From 1986 to 1992 andHermitage Pa. from 1992-2002. His calling next found him inGreensburg, Pa. From 2003-06 and Erie Pa. from 2006-12. Rev.Trumbo and his wife, Barbara, became High Point residents in Juneof 2012, and he continues to minister occasionally at local churches.In his “spare time” he sings as Jake Blues with friend Jon Hope inthe Blues Brothers Show.

The Trumbo’s are parents to Carol and Mark and grandparents toJoey McGee and Avery Trumbo.

All are welcome to our 10 am hour of worship in the High PointCommunity Center. It is guaranteed to improve your Sundaymorning!

Helpful Phone Numbers

High Point Travel Club by Trey Jordan

Well, it sure was good to see so many people back and coming toTravel Club. By the time you folks read this, many of us will bein St. Augustine seeing the Night of Lights and touring the city.

We have a new trip out and it is Treasure Tavern located inOrlando. This is an adult show similar to Vaudeville or Burlesque.The trip includes luncheon and show, with gratuity and bus anddriver’s gratuity. The date is 12/18/15. There is a short sellingtime on this so get your spot now!

On 1/29/16 we will be going to Tampa Downs for Horse Racing,lunch included, for $48.00. On 3/28/16 we have a trip to Mobileand Biloxi. This is a 5 day, 4 night trip, 4B/2L/2D included.

We have a number of cruises going so come and see what else weare up to. We meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month,excepting holidays. Hope to see you at a meeting!

Bulletin DeliverySylvia

596-6006 County Sheriff

Non-Emergency #754-6830

Information Booth(Front Gate)

596-5359

Nursery DaysLaverne Oswald

596-2827Lions Med Equip

Tony Albano596-7435Mo Gay

413-388-0882High Point Golf Club

Pro Shop596-0833

Animal Services352-796-5062

Adult Protective Svcs.1-800-962-2873

Chili Buffet & Music TriviaSocial Club “2nd Friday” Event

January 8, 20166-10 PM

At High Point Community Center

$5.00 Donation

Seaside Sanitation1-800-282-9820

Veteran’s Day in High PointOn Wednesday, November 11th, the Social Club and the Civic Organization of High Point combinedpresented a fitting tribute to the men and women of our United States armed forces. The programbegan at 10:00 am with presentation of colors by members of our Mobile Patrol, then opening commentsand the Pledge of Allegiance. These were followed by a very moving video montage honoring thosewho have served to protect our great nation and its people.

Here in High Point we are privileged to have veterans of WWII, Korea, Viet Nam and the Gulf wars.Some of these who attended the program are pictured above. Whether they served in combat ornon-combat positions they are among those who “at one point, wrote a blank check made payable to‘The United States of America’ for an amount of ‘up to and including their life.’” We owe them alla debt of gratitude.

Every one who attended was invited to return at 2:00 pm when the Marching Band from SpringsteadHigh School formed a parade from the former Fire House to the Community Center. A small butappreciative group was on hand to enjoy the musical program presented by these talented young people.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the day’s events and most especially to all of our High Pointveteran’s to whom we owe so much!

Landscaping TipsBy Tom Anderson, Univ. of Florida Master Gardener

“Soil Testing, Amaryllis, Herbs, Invasive Vine Control,ColdProtection, Venomous Snakes and Free Classes”

“I guess a good gardener always starts as a good weeder.” - Amos Pettingill

Soil Testing – According to the University of Florida Extension ServiceDecember is a good time to do a Soil Test if some of your plants did notperform as desired this past year. A Soil Test will not tell you why a plantdied, it will only show the make up of your soil and will help you determinehow much and what kind of nutrients or elements you may need to add toattain the soil you desire. Mail-in Soil Testing kits with detailed instructionsare available at the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service Office,1653 Blaise Dr., Brooksville (ph. 754-4433)http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/agriculture/soil_testing.html

Amaryllis–Also know as the Barbados Lily, genus Hippeastrum(meaning“horse star”) encompasses 75 species, all of which are commonly referred toas Amaryllis and is related to the daffodils. Most species are native totropical America, especially South America and were brought to the US inthe 1700’s. An Amaryllis in a pot does best by a window in warm moistfertilized soil. It can be planted outside after danger of frost has past in awell drained soil that is partially shaded. See: Hippedastrum x hybridumAmaryllis - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep060

Herbs –Dill, Fennel, Cilantro, Parsley, Sage, and Thyme are Herbs thatthrive in cool weather. See: Herbs in the Florida Garden -http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH020

Invasive Climbing Vines/Briars Control–In May we talked about ourmost prevalent Invasive Vines and Briars including Skunk Vine, VirginiaCreeper, Smilax/Greenbrier and Air Potato Vine. The only sure way toeliminate these vines is to pull or dig them out by the roots/bulbs. However,there is an effective selective systemic herbicide called “Triclopyr” that isused to control woody broadleaf vines and plants. If you choose to use anherbicide containing “Triclopyr” it will kill other woody plants includingtrees so follow label instructions carefully. See: Natural Area Weeds -http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/WG208

Cold Protection – It is time to start preparing for “Cold Spells.” A wellwatered soil 24 hours prior to a frost/cold spell will allow the soil to absorbsolar radiation and reradiate heat during the night of the freeze. HernandoCounty watering restrictions are still in effect. Never Attempt toIrrigate/water during the Freeze! Plant/shrub covers must extend down tothe ground and not be in contact with the foliage. Cloth covers are preferableto plastic. For more information go to: Cold Protection of OrnamentalPlants – http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG025

Venomous Snakes – The construction in the Southeast corner of our com-munity may be the cause of a recent finding of a dead Eastern DiamondbackRattle snake.If you find a suspicious snake, do not approach it. It will only attack if it isthreatened. If it is dead, do not handle it. The venom can still be potent.Call our Extension Office at 754-4433 and they should be able to contactsomeone to come out and make an identification. See: Recognizing Flori-da’s Venomous Snakes – http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw229

December 2015 Free Florida-FriendlyLandscaping and Gardening Classes

Thur. Dec 3 “Irrigation 101” 10:30 W. Hernando Library,6335 Blackbird Ave., Brooksville – Dr. Bill LesterWed. Dec. 9 “Irrigation 101” 10:30 Spring Hill Library 9220 Spring Hill Dr. – Dr. Bill LesterWed. Dec. 23 “Winter Checklist for Your Landscape” 10:30 Spring HillLibrary - Lilly Browning

The High Point Garden Club will have its Annual ChristmasDinner on Sunday, December 4th at 1-3 PM in the CommunityCenter. Please bring a dish to pass.

Garden Club Beauty SpotsFor December

Victor & Barbara Wisner12089 Thornridge St.

Jack & Judy Dempsey8051 Baltic St.

Jo Anne Powell 12045 Formosa St.

Musical & Comedy ClubChristmas Show

Its that time of year when our minds are on baking, recipes,shopping and all the things we enjoy as we prepare for Christmas.We look forward to hearing the sounds of music and the magic ofthe lights surrounding our Community Center. You are invited tocome with a twinkle in your eye and a song in your heart (or not)to hear the sounds and laughter of the Musical Comedy Club Show.

This show is free, It is our way of saying thank you to everyonefor supporting our shows during the year. The Christmas Lightsoutside of the Community Center will be turned on at 6:00 pm onDecember 4, 2015 and the show will be immediately followingthat in the Community Center. Please join us as we cap off thisyear and wish all of our fellow residents a very Merry Christmas!

Bocce Ball

Due to the time change and resulting earlier darkness,Bocce will now be starting at 6:00 pm. We do playunder lights. We play Tuesday and Sunday eveningsand we have a lot of fun. Come and join us!

From the President’s Desk-

HIGH POINT MATTERS

The “Gift” of Giving / Misc “Thots”Thanksgiving is over and Christmas approaches. Another year is drawing to a close. We’ve given thanks for the bountythis earth has provided, for friends, neighbors, family and our health. We will give thanks at Christmas for gifts, Joy,Peace and the birth of the Christ child. As we reflect on 2015, we need to be thankful for all the blessings we have received- but we also need to ask ourselves, “what have I given?” Have I been a “gracious giver” or just an “apathetic taker?”Receiving a gift can be exciting and joyful. Thanking the giver can be heartfelt and sincere or mechanical and unemotional,hopefully the former. But to be the giver is one of the most rewarding and satisfying emotions we can experience. It often self-perpetuatesand grows with each “pass-it-on” act. We can give all kinds of material gifts, but the most meaningful are the gifts from your heart, the giftof kindness and caring, compassion, etc., the gift of our time to listen to another’s concerns, to share their joys or their grief. There is alwayssome way to give of our talents, our time and our resources. All we have to do is look around us and see opportunities that need our attention.What have you given back to your friends, neighbors or your Community?

As President of your Board of Directors I am in a very unique and privileged position. I am honored to have six other Directors that trulycare about High Point and its member-owners. We don’t always agree, but we can discuss issues in a civil and conscientious manner to reachdecisions that always benefit our Community. No private agendas, no personality battles and no egos that “need to be stroked.” Just goodcaring people! We are also “super fortunate” to have our Office staff that run the day to week to month operations of our Community.Professional, patient, courteous, efficient and most importantly, people who care about the issues we, the membership, bring to them everyday. We are blessed to have them! The employees deserve our most sincere gratitude and respect as they deal with some of us “grouchyelderly persons!”

As we approach the Christmas Holidays, however we celebrate, we approach with Joy, Thanks and Hope for the future. 2016 will bring usopportunities to improve ourselves, our lives and our Community. Let us not let the moments pass without taking action.

On behalf of your Board of Directors, we wish you all the Happiness, Joy and Hope of Christmas and for the coming New Year. God bless!

- Jim Woolcock, President

Social Club DancesTo make the Season Merry & Bright!

Christmas Mix It Upwith Music by Johnny Lobo

Saturday, Dec. 19th at 7:00 PM$5.00 Donation

New Years Eve DanceThursday, December 31

8:00 pm Complimentary Hors D’oeuvres

9:00 to 12:30Dancing Music by Angelo Refino Jr.

$10.00 Donation

BYOB both eventsTickets available at Dime Jingle and

High Point OfficeOr call 352-410-5468

highpointsocialclub@mail.com