Good afternoon to all the readers of the Coffee Talk, there is an air of anticipation as Gov DeSantis prepares to share with all those in Florida the steps to re-opening the Sunshine State. Not sure how much re-opening will occur at first but it definitely gives us hope that within the next few weeks maybe we can gather together again at Coffee Hour in person!! Social Distancing practices will be in full effect but I am hopeful that soon and very soon we will have Coffee Hour.. hehe Now I know those words written that way made at least a few of you start to sing that Spiritual “Soon and very Soon”. I did it on purpose of course because we are to be joyful and full of praise no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in BECAUSE of the hope we have in Christ Jesus. So, by now you all are bound to know I am focusing my thoughts today on HOPE.
Without Hope there is no love or faith. With Hope there is Faith for any and all battles we are facing or may face soon and very soon. With Hope there is Love, for hope springs eternal and who offers us an eternity of endless Joy and Praise but Christ and well Christ is LOVE cause Christ is God! Love dispels fear and it brings us a Peace that passes understanding and I believe that it all begins with Hope. So I Hope that wherever this Coffee Talk finds you today it will spark you to live Faithfully and to Love unconditionally as Christ has first Loved US!. There is no virus on earth that can defeat the Hope that we have in Christ Jesus! So please live in the strength of this day for this is the day the Lord has made LET us rejoice and be glad in it!!
Happy Birthday wishes go out to the Park Manager today and also to Colleen D (2nd); and Harry J (5th). I sure HOPE everyone will sing along right now… Happy Birthday to youuuuu Happy Birthday to youuuuuu Happy Birthday God Bless youuuuuu Happy Birthday to You!!!! And many moreeeeeeee. We finally have a couple Anniversaries to celebrate this week also so well wishes go out to Norman & Rowena C and Don & Jeannie G on the 4th!!! As the park manager directs Happy Anniversary to you Happy Anniversary to you Happy Anniversary God Bless youuuuuu Happy Anniversary to youuu.. and many moreeeeeee.
Announcements: Friday evening at 6:30 pm Brenda K will be offering a Concert to Honor our Beloved Brother Gordon White at the library. We HOPE that many of you will come out and listen as Brenda plays the organ and piano in honor of a man who inspired all of us with his positive outlook in spite of his circumstances. Bring your golf carts, lawn chairs or stand and please observe social distancing standards as we celebrate Gordon’s life in music Friday evening 6:30pm May 1st.
We ask that you be in prayer for Rev David Smalley the pastor of the Sebring CoB as he is in Tampa General with serious injuries from an accident he was in earlier this week. He has some completely broken ribs and they are keeping him sedated so he does not puncture a lung or his heart. I know we are a praying community and Pastor David needs our prayers at this time.
As many may know Gov DeSantis will be announcing plans for the gradual re-opening of Florida. He is using the results of his 22 member advisory panel to guide him in this decision. Please be in prayer that he chooses wisely and that we soon can resume some of our activities such as coffee hour and games and even Church services sooner rather than later. It is my hope that we will continue the social distancing hour in the evening for the foreseeable future as I enjoy it and I believe others do as well.
BIG Thank You to all who were able to help with the cleaning of the new floor in the Fellowship Center. Pictures will follow soon as we are in the process of re tiling the entrance and the hallway so we may need more help soon with some more cleaning. Such a blessing to be where when you ask for help folks come out and HELP!
The notices about the biannual increase to Monthly Service fees are in your mailboxes in the Fellowship Center for those still here In Lorida. Thanks for picking those up for your information.
As other states begin to lift restrictions it seems as if many of you are soooo ready to fly the coup and well it makes me a little sad but I understand the pull to return home to your northern residences. We sure have enjoyed having a larger than normal crowd here for longer this season. We are truly blessed here that even in the midst of our many differences we find common ground in our love for Jesus. It is my hope that we will never lose sight of the commonality in Christ and always look forward to when we come back together again each new season. So it is with sadness we sing We are sorry you are going away for those who choose to head north in the coming week.. We wish that you would stay!!!
This passed week we had the passing of someone I admired and cherish in the passing of Dr Gordon White. In time there will be a service to celebrate his amazing life but right now I just ask that you be kind to Linda and if the big red door is open stop by for a visit but if it is closed please extend to Linda the kindness to honor he privacy. Love takes on many forms but sometimes the greatest love is to pray for someone and give them the time they need to heal.
Men’s Fellowship will meet Thursday evening in the pavilion in the RV park as we learn more about Christ and his resurrection. All men are invited to join us but please be aware that we ask everyone to sit 6 feet apart.
In closing let me remind you that we have a great Hope in Christ and that Prayer is not a spare wheel to just pull out in time of trouble but PRAYER should be our “steering wheel” to sterr us rightly through life!
Coffee Talk at the Palms
April 8, 2020
Hope has a name and HIS name is JESUS. You see, HE is still Risen, HE is still ascended, He is still at the right hand of the Father, and HE is still King! This is the theme I want to share and encourage you, my dear residents, with this wonderful day. The world around us is in a state of panic but this Holy Week I pray you will find time to be STILL in his presence and to HOPE and to BELIEVE! No matter what each of you is facing today, we serve a RISEN Saviour! On this day 2000+ years ago Jesus knew the very difficult road ahead for him but he forged on because he knew that his Resurrection day was still coming.
HE lives, he lives Christ Jesus lives TODAY. As difficult as times may be right now, he walks with me and talks with each of us along life’s narrow way. My prayer this Wednesday of Holy Week is for each of you to live boldly in the face of uncertainty and know HE still is in control!
It is with that victory that I pray we each may live in each and every day. We celebrate the Last Supper tomorrow night but we do so in the Faith and Knowledge that the Victory is already Won. Ain’t God Good!!! He is still in the miracle business.
Ok enough sermonizing, it is a beautiful day here and I pray it is a great day wherever each of you are today. Thank you to all the many of you who came out this morning to assist in the moving of the tables and chairs and the removal of the carpet in the Fellowship Center. I understand there were as many as 20 there today and the work was completed in almost record time. At the end of this Coffee Talk are a couple of pictures shared with me of the removal of the carpet to prepare the floor for the next phase.
Time for a big group sing-a-long as we sing and wish Happy Birthday greetings to Mary P (9th) and David E (12th). OK everyone sing out loud 1,2,3 Happy Birthdayyyyyyyyyyy and many more! You sounded awesome, good job everyone. Now that your voices are loosened up Happy Anniversary needs to be sung to Richard & Yvonne N (12th) and Mike & Diana C (14th). Ok now I do NOT want to be the only one singing….Happy Anniversary to youuuuuu and many more!
UPDATE!!!! The Pool Lift Chair is in and being used and that is so exciting. Thanks to all who donated to make this happen. It makes our pool accessible for everyone in the park now. We are so blessed here!
Announcement:
Tonight from 6:30 -7:30 during Social Distancing Hour, Mary Picking will be out on her driveway for folks to stop by and sing or blow kisses or just well wishes as she is here with us for just a brief time. Thanks to Diane her daughter for sharing her with us as she celebrates her birthday tomorrow. Show her some love as you still can give her love and wishes from a safe distance!
IF anyone is interested the Church of the Brethren will be having a live stream Love Feast tomorrow evening, Maundy Thursday, at 7:30pm. All that is asked of you is to have a basin with a little water and a towel to wash your hands in and some bread or crackers and a cup of juice or water(you know Jesus did turn the water into wine) as we celebrate this most Holy time of Holy week. If you miss it you can watch again at your convenience on Church of the Brethren.org and look for the Love Feast broadcast. For those whose churches also are sharing communion do so in Remembrance of HIM.
We ask that each of you continue to be in prayer for your brothers and sisters in the park who are facing battles. I Praise the Lord that I got to visit with Helen E a couple of nights ago and she looks Marvelous. See Prayer changes things and it is NOT the only thing we can do.. IT IS the GREATEST thing we can do…SO be thankful in ALL things and then once you have praised our Lord go before him with your requests. A little scriptural way to do things 😉
We have begun the work in the RV park with the electrical company and will keep you all informed at this project progresses.
Attention all Men of the Palms:
We are still in need of Men or women to help squeegee the floor in the Fellowship Center as it is buffed clean from all the glue and such on its surface. If you have some time to help see Larry E as he needs a few good helpers. Thank you in advance.
In the coming days of Holy week and in the coming weeks of this Covid crisis we each will be given many opportunities to give of ourselves. Whether it is time, talent, attitude, or money may this scripture be encouraging in the love of Christ and remind you as 2 Cor 9:7 “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart--not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.” We cannot out give God. That should be comforting and challenging all in one.
Calendars are available in the office and each day we have given an idea of something to do to lift up those around us or back home. Participate as you see fit, no pressure ie 2 Cor 9:7 hehe all I ask is that each one of your precious folks here live each day to the FULLEST in Christ!
Coffee Talk at the Palms
February 19, 2020
It was humid and quite warm this morning as 106 folks gathered in the Fellowship Center for coffee, tea, and doughnuts or bagels. Inside it was nice and cool and comfortable while the visiting and eating were taking place. That is when Diana C stepped to the mic and said that she had been struggling with one part of her body and that part was that old foe, the tongue and taming it. She asked forgiveness if she had said anything to anyone that offended or had hurt them previously and it illustrated a very powerful point that the tongue can inflict pain and we not even realize it sometimes. So, Diana set the theme for the day around the 2-edged sword that is tough to tame but also can lift great Praises. In fact, Diana used her voice to lift a beautiful opening prayer asking the Lord to give us strength to overcome that which besets us so easily and giving Thanks for the wonderful community we have here at Palms Estates.
After her prayer she quoted Psalm 141:3 “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” She then asked us to stand and we all said the Pledge of Allegiance and then we were off full speed ahead. Diana offered Thanks to the Nurses who took the vital readings today for our residents; thank you to Ben B & Brenda K for our lovely music today; big thanks to our doughnut runners, Roger S & Larry C and really big thanks to our kitchen helpers today Glenda S & Karen C!
After a funny story about some chocolate covered peanuts that were just peanuts in the bowl to eat, Diana asked for any Returnees to our park; Jesse & Norma B from PA are finally here and are working to learn all the new folks; Tim & Becky M from MI shared they are so thankful to be here and Becky wanted everyone to know she is so grateful for the prayers and cards sent from the folks here while she was dealing with treatments before they could come join us. Diana then went looking for newcomers and Phil & Tammy M introduced themselves and shared they were “practicing” retirement. We hope when they get enough practicing done they will join us for real retirement hehe.
On we went to guests in the park, Bob & Vicki K have their daughter, Susan, from the great Susquehanna Valley home to 2 nuclear plants, one that is very famous; Ben & Nancy W welcomed their daughter Melissa, son-in-law Jeremy and grandchildren Ella & Ben2 from upstate NY; Bev V has Jean W visiting from OH with her daughter; Dennis & Joanne S have a brother and sister in law Steve & Faye R. So wonderful to have so many great folks coming to visit us here in Lorida.
On the theme of the tongue and what we say, Diana told a very cute but real story about an elderly man who was hard of hearing and could not hear what his family said and it was frustrating for him so he went to the doctor and he gave him some meds and after a couple of visits he said you hearing is perfect…. How does your family feel about your being able to hear them now? He replied, I have not told them yet hehe So the doctor asked why have you not told them and what have you heard them say? The elderly man said I have heard them say enough that I have changed my will 3 times since I got my hearing back and the place roared with laughter.
Diana then asked who was celebrating Birthdays this coming week, Harry D & Bill M the 23rd, Loretta G, Vickie B, Donna H & Pat S all celebrate on the 24th; and Madge E the 25th. We then sang Happy Birthday and wished them all many moreeeeeeeeeee. With no Anniversaries this coming week we did get to sing to Jesse & Norma B who celebrated 56 years of marriage last Sunday.
Diana then told a very powerful story about the power of silence when we talk to each other about Smitty and Martha at the State Fair. The theme was a great one and encouraged each of us to think before we spoke if we needed to speak at all sometimes.
Diana then took on the hat of announcement maker and shared that Yoga would not be held this week in honor of the Memorial Service at 2 Thursday for Del & Lavern. She is playing the piano for that so join her next week though for Christian Yoga. She also announced that she is so glad to have Nelson W back and that in conjunction with him they were putting together next Thursday evenings Entertainment Night Feb 27th. It will be a Carry In at 5:30pm followed by another wonderful night of Entertainment by our folks here at Palms Estates. She asked that you sign up by Monday and please keep your acts to 3 or 4 minutes/act. Rehearsal will be next Thursday at 2:30pm in the Fellowship Center.
Jama W announced she is the chair once again for the Bake Sale of the Festival the 29th and needs some of the delicious baked goodies that we are famous for here at Palms Estates. She will sell anything you bake but asks that you please price your goodies before you bring them to be sold cause she said she is not a good pricer hehe. Delivery of your goodies is preferred on Friday afternoon the 28th if possible but they will also accept goodies on the morning of the Festival and she thanked everyone for their contributions ahead of time.
Vicki K shared that Square Dancing with Snacks will be held Thursday evening at 7pm that is today in the Hobby House. She also shared that she hopes everyone will come out on Monday mornings at 9:30am in the Hobby House for Square Dancing and Line Dancing as it has begun again and we need dancers. It is fun and exercise and you cannot beat that combination!!!
Saturday is the 60th Anniversary of Palms Estates and she asked that people please sign up to attend so we know how much soup, salad, and sandwiches we need for the Lunch Time meal. The festivities begin at Noon with lunch followed by a Big Celebration at 1:30pm and capped off with a Campfire at 5:30pm. A huge fun filled day and we hope all will attend.
Mardi Gras is in trouble of being cancelled if more people did not sign up to be in the parade and to come to the party Tuesday night. WE will let you know by One Call its fate. Due to lack of participation I have just been informed
Next Saturday is our Annual Festival and it runs from 7:30 – 2pm with Breakfast and Lunch being served; Rummage Sale; Outdoor Yard Sale( if you have anything big to donate to that sale please see Don G or Ben B before next Wed. or you can drop them off Fri at 9am. Check the newly released Phone Directory for numbers to call these men. We also have a Car Wash, Craft Sale and Bake Sale It is is big big day!!! Please sign up to volunteer as there are lots of volunteers needed.
Vicki K then asked that we try to limit Perfumes, Body Washes and Colognes when we are all together as we have many residents who suffer from asthma and those items can cause some real breathing issues for those who suffer from asthma. Thanks for helping out!
Since the Board of Directors has moved their meeting to the 16th the Fellowship Board will also move their meeting from the 2nd to the 9th. Make sure to check your calendars when we get them out for March.
She then got volunteers to assist in the collection of the Christmas gifts we give to our staff in December. WE do it now as most of you are not around in Dec and we need to collect now so we can distribute them to show our Thanks for the hard work that the staff do here to keep our park running well and looking so good. Your volunteer will be around with an envelope so that all may give in anonymity. Thank you for your contributions.
Karen C stood in for her Fishing hubby who has a son visiting and reminded everyone about the Men’s Fellowship and Study Thursday evenings at 6pm at the Millers house for all Men in the park and church. The Bible study ends at 7 so you can attend other events so take the time to see what this study of God’s word for Men is all about.
Marilyn E Rummage Chair informed us that Monday after Square and Line Dancing the Hobby House will be closed for the rest of the week to prepare for the sale at the Festival the 29th. Volunteers are needed badly to sort thru things and get it all ready on Monday 1 – 4pm; Tuesday 9 – 3; Wed after Coffee Hour til 4pm; Thursday 9 – 4 and Friday 9 – Noon with the Preview sale for Park Residents only at 4pm on Friday. The deadline for donations is Sunday the 23rd at 3pm everything after that will be packed up at the end of the sale and donated. She thanked everyone for the tremendous amount of donations already accepted.
Trivia Night is Monday, March 9th at 7pm. We need teams badly and we will help you form a team if you are a single team member looking for some other members. Just sign up and then fill you head full of Trivia!!
Connie D
Brenda K Thanked all for the prayers for Jr as he healed from his fall and was so glad he is almost completely healed. Jr & Brenda will teach Euchre or Bid Euchre to anyone interested in learning the game. Hopes to get started this Saturday night just see her if you are interested.
Judy B gave a great commercial for Quilting which is held every Wednesday from 1 – 4 in the Fellowship Center. They are not tying now but need help cutting square or putting together tops to be tied.
Don’t Miss the Cracker Trail riders as they pass thru Lorida Thursday morning as they ride across the state celebrating the Crack of the whips that cowboys use to heard cattle.
Jeff then got up to share about the Cracker trail wagon train that will camp just above Mallard Creek Park Wednesday night and then come thru Lorida Thursday morning. It is a great and fun time.
Friends of Istokpoga meeting is Thursday evening at the Community Center here in Lorida at 7pm and as the park is a member any fisherman can attend if you are interested.
Big Plant Sale is Saturday morning at the Bert Harris Ag Center as the Master Gardeners work to clear out to make room for the new plants they will grow for November.
Downtown Music at the Circle is Friday evening if you are looking for an evening of good music in your our lawn chair in the beautiful Downtown Sebring from 6-9pm
The new phone directory has a mistake although they tried to catch them all: the internet network is PE Fellowship NOT Fellowship Hall for Wifi seekers.
Jeff reminded everyone to attend the 60th Anniversary as we are so blessed to have been owned by the same wonderful group all 60 years and that is such a rarity in this day and age WE hope your grandchildren will be here to celebrate the 100th year of service in Christ as a Christian retirement park.
We sadly say farewell to Gene & Janet Gibble who are leaving us this week. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
After telling a closing story about the theme of being tamers of our tongues, Diana challenged herself and each one of us to have more coffee(life) and worry less about our cups.
Coffee Talk at the Palms
August 14, 2019
It was a beautiful warm and sunny morning when a big group of Palms Estatites, 18 to be exact, gathered around the tables in the Hobby House to laugh, talk, and drink some morning beverages. Of course, everyone there knew who was at Coffee Hour but sometimes the manager just has to make it sound like something even bigger LOL. When Jeff walked in there was talk already about Labor Day picnic and this months Coffee Talk on the Road and he thought he was late but alas we were just getting a jump on things.
After some discussion, we decided to meet next Wednesday at 11am at the Hobby House to carpool it to The Caddy Shack for another installment of Coffee Talk on the Road Again! We hope everyone around will join us. Also, there was a sign-up sheet for those who will be attending the Labor Day Picnic and once we see how many will be attending, we will decide the menu.
With some housekeeping out of the way, Bob K stepped to the mic and asked Jeff to have the opening prayer. Jeff then thanked the Lord for this awesome day and these great folks gathered together and also lifted up the many who are not well for the Lord’s healing and love in their time of need. With our prayer time complete, Bob thanked Harry D for his work to set up for todays coffee hour and also to those who brought something to share in the food department. Then Bob gave a remined that we will be going to Caddyshack next Wednesday and meet at 11am to carpool to lunch in Sebring.
Bob then asked if there were any returnees and Al & Linda G spoke up and we welcomed them from Indiana as they have come down for a couple of weeks to work in their new home on Canal St. With no guests or newcomers around Bob moved on to birthdays and anniversaries being celebrated this coming week. Today we send happy Birthday wishes to Frank B and Audrey B; Brenda K and Yvonne M tomorrow and a big Happy Birthday wish to Jr K for next Tuesday as he will be 95! And many moreeeeeeeeeeee…
We send out our warmest Anniversary wishes to Greg & Teresa K on their big day tomorrow. Blessings for many more anniversaries.
Bob then gave us a very interesting history lesson on where the saying “Sons of Liberty” came from and it has it origin in a Irishman named Isaac Berry who suffered a devastating injury on the battlefield but returned to Parliament to remind them what a Son of Liberty was and it went forth from there. He also showed us the origin of Wilkes-Barre name in Pa . You truly learn something new every day something else to be thankful for.
Bob then turned it over to Jeff as he had a few announcements to share with the group.
The Sebring Historical Society is having a BBQ dinner next Thursday at the Sebring Civic Center from 4-7pm. For the purchase of a $13 ticket you will be get BBQ Brisket hot off the smoker and Baked beans Coleslaw and Dessert to go but if you stick around you get your drink also and all proceeds go to help fund the Historical Society.
On October 12 the Historical Society will sponsor a trip to the Florida Aquarium with travel included, See the Flier posted in the Hobby House if interested.
Tomorrow the Lorida 1st Baptist Church begins a new session of Bible Study for the ladies. All are welcomed as it begins at 10am and continues every Thursday.
After a brief closure of the pool due to chlorine being out of whack the pool is open for business to everyone again except on M T Th and F mornings from 9:30am – 11am for swim exercises. All are welcome to participate in swim exercises if you are interested.
We still have a few spots open if you would like to attend the EAA dinner with world famous author and pilot Patty Wagstaff on Oct 18th. It will be a great night of food fun and hearing some of the many tales Ms Wagstaff has experienced during her Pilot Hall of Fame career. Tickets are $50 and please see Jeff as soon as possible.
Becky M then thanked everyone for all their prayers meals and cards during her surgery and her time of recovery. She and Eddie want to thank everyone for their kindness and how blessed they are to live in such a wonderful community.
Bob came back up and asked who was leaving us this coming week and the Cuppers and the Groths will both be heading back to their other homes for awhile and we sang our song of farewell to them til we meet again… soon we hope😉 With the singing completed, Bob sent us on our merry way to enjoy another Blessed day. “This is the day the Lord hath made, Let us REJOICE and be glad in it!” Psalm 118:24
Coffee Talk at the Palms
May 22, 2019
On a rather Warm morning in Lorida, a wonderful group of 23 good Palmites gathered in the Hobby House to drink coffee and visit til time for the official Coffee Hour. Ben B played his guitar as friends visited and Gary W prepared to be our emcee. Promptly at 9:30am Gary W stepped to the mic and opened our time together. Gary started our time with a great story about the importance of being faithful to the Lord and keeping our eyes on him in all we do. He reminded us to focus our thoughts on him and not ourselves although today it seems as if it is the other way around. Gary then led us in a beautiful prayer giving thanks for the beauty we are so blessed to have all around us here in Palms Estates.
Gary then thanked Kathy U for the wonderful job she did decorating the Hobby House as we close in on Memorial Day. Also he thanked Ben B for the music he provided for us and to the Burgers for setting up for Coffee Hour. Gary also thanked all those who brought some of the many goodies we had to nipple on as we visited one with another. YUMMMMYYYY.
Moving right along Gary asked for returnees and there were none but we were treated to one Guest as Rick & Audrey AKA “Dixie” B introduced us to Audreys bro Kenny who was here to visit them. Welcome and hope you enjoy your time with us!
When asked if there was anyone in attendance celebrating a birthday this week there were no one but to those who are back north we send greetings to Sylvia S 24th; Toni W 25th; and Wanda H 30th.. Happy Birthday and many moreeeeeee. On we went to Anniversaries and Rick & Audrey B are also celebrating 51 years on the 25th!! So we got to sing and wish them a great anniversary. Also Anniversary wishes go out to Don & Sue R 22nd listen in your head to her us singing to you guys also.. Hehehe.
Gary then told a story about the wife reminding how Biblical it is that the Men of the relationship are to make the coffee in the mornings because she opened the Bible and pointed out over and over that HE brews and HE brews hehe
Announcement Time
Monday at 2pm the Military Sea Services Museum will have a Memorial Day ceremony featuring Medal of Honor recipient Major General James E Livingston with an open hose with refreshments to follow his presentation.
Memorial Day picnic here at the Palms at 12:30 bring a covered dish and join us for Fried Chicken and fun Monday as we honor Memorial Day with a get together.
Vicki K also reminded us we need emcees thru out the summer so sign up and remember it is easier in the summer 😉
Vickie B shared we need to be in prayer for Brenda K as she deals with blood clots and is on a walker. Praying for her complete healing!
G W thru G W the emcee announced a program this coming Tuesday at Rotary will be about the Center for Great Apes and should be very interesting as it is the only preserve in America for Great Apes. And it is located in Wachula.
Jeff then got up and shared that Food Truck would invade Lake Placid next Monday evening if you were looking for a fun time with great food and music at Stuart Park off Inlaken Dr. 5-9pm
He shared that today is National Solitaire Day so everyone here can participate with a good game of Solitaire hehe
Jeff also reminded those that he still has the free tickets for any veteran for the meal the First Bapt Church is serving this Sat evening. Just see Jeff.
With no questions and a light activity schedule going on Larry B gave a big applause as Jeff was brief and done quickly this morning hehe WE know how to have a good time in Christ here.
Gary then asked who would be leaving and Becky M is headed home for a week and we sang the song of departure to her. Gary closed with a really cute story about the Young Lady who was attending a wedding with her Mom and she asked her Mom why was the girl all in white and her Mom said that was because she represented all that was good and pure and wonderful in the world and then the girl asked so why then is the Man all in BLACK >>>>LOL
God’s blessing on everyones day as is has richly blessed each of us!
Coffee Talk at the Palms
April 17, 2019
With Brenda K playing the organ and Ben B playing his guitar, a much smaller group of Palms Estates residents sat and visited and enjoyed the music and company of one another. Being as no one else had signed up to emcee, we were blessed to have Bob K back at the podium for our Coffee Hour. He asked Jeff to lead us in our opening prayer and Jeff did so giving thanks to the Lord for the abundance of blessings he has bestowed on us and also asking for the Lord’s healing on the many who are sick or in the hospital. Bob K then tried to remember who were the Doughnut runners this morning and did call out Harry and Donna K for their service and also thanks John & Loretta G for working in the kitchen this morning.
Swiftly he moved on to see if there were any returnees or newcomers to a few chuckles and also asked if there were any guests, finding none we moved along in the program. Thus was issued the call for birthday or anniversary celebrators and sadly there were none of thus either. Please be mindful the Sandy M 21st is celebrating this coming week but that will be back north in Kentucky but we send her birthday greetings from Sunny Gorgeous Lorida!
Then came the part of our program we have come to dread ..those who are leaving us this week! Junior & Brenda K back to MI; Bruce & Margaret U next week; and Gene & Beverly V this coming Monday and Verla H heads north later today. WE sang the song of departure to them and wish them safe travels and quick returns to our midst.
Bob K then threw out some more terms to see what reactions he would get from the crowd such as what is a Yupper; Punch Ball; Alligator Pear; Stoop and Fixin.as in I am fixin to go home. With our brains tested, we moved right along to Announcements!!
Vicki K Reminded us that Easter Dinner is at 1pm Sunday and they will be setting up table and such Saturday at 2pm for anyone who would help. Water exercises continue at 10am and Game nights continue in the week. IT was decided to move Coffee Hour to the Hobby House starting next Wednesday as our group has dwindled to about 30-35. We will need one more week of doughnut runners then we will return to our bring a goodie Coffee Hours and Larry B reminded Jeff he would need to make some “Pigs in a basket” then hehehe Vicki lastly asked for Emcee volunteers over the summer months and hopes many will sign up.
Linda W fresh off being asked by her loving hubby Gordon if it was their anniversary as he does weekly(LOL), announced that the Sebring Historical Society is having a lunch time talk at the Society office today at noon on Floridas Emancipation.
Pat C thanked everyone at Coffee Hour for their many wonderful prayers as Jerry did come back home from the hospital and is still scheduled for surgery to blow up his kidney stones on April 30. Please continue to lift them in your prayers. Also Pat was able to give us an update on Helen E and shared she was sitting up and eating a little which is great news and we pray she is able to return to the rehabilitation hospital to have physical therapy.
Jeff asked the group to please prayer for George Y as he had to go to the ER Monday night and will be seeing a doctor tomorrow about his condition. His son Mike is flying down today so lots for which to pray! Jeff also shared that Donna C came home from the hospital yesterday and was flying home to Ohio today with Ken and Kim to drive up in a couple of days.
With those updates completed, Jeff gave us plenty of Easter week services to participate in if we so chose. Thursday 6pm Lorida CoB Love Feast Spring Lake Methodist 7pm Love Feast Good Friday Spring Lake Methodist at Noon the stations of the Cross 6:30pm Good Friday Community Service Spring Lake Presbyterian Church ( IF you can sing a lick come out at 5:15pm the Spring Lake Presbyterian to rehearse ‘It is Well with my Soul” and sing in our combined Community choir led by Jeff P.. or Good Friday service 7pm at Spring Lake Methodist Church. Easter Sunrise Service 6:30am Spring Lake Methodist Church and at 7am at Lorida CoB followed by a big community breakfast in the churchs Fellowship hall. Either way Jeff asks that you find a place and celebrate the LIVING Son of God somewhere this Easter Sunday.
Next Saturday to be put on your calendars Jeff shared that the Avon Park Blueberry Festival April 27th all day at the park by the beach just up the road from Jacarandas with great food, music, crafts and fun. Make sure you bring a chair to sit down and enjoy the music and the blueberries!
Del H came up to announce the Maranatha Baptist Church would have their Easter Cantata on Friday night at 7pm and again on Easter Sunday night at 6pm at the church on Arbuckle Creek Road.
Bob K then adjourned us to a great day that the Lord has made here in Sunny Lorida!
ADDENDUM Things the Manager forgot to include in the Coffee Talk Minutes for April 17, 2019
The Grabitz House on Live Oak Dr has sold and Larry & Sandy Esworthy are the new owners to be. We will miss Lee Grabitz but we welcome The Esworthys.
Coffee Talk at the Palms
April 10, 2019
On a breezy warm morning in the Fellowship Center in Lorida, a smaller group of nesting snowbirds gathered around the tables with coffee and pastries and lots of story telling and laughter. Most of them knew that it would not be long till they join the rest of the flock who have flown the coup here and migrated north for half a year, but the rest of us hard core year-rounders welcomed their good company as we watch the group thin out for the summer It was with this slew of activity that Bob K stepped to the mic to be our emcee with some wit of his own to encourage those among us who will be here awhile yet to volunteer to emcee or endure his good humored quizzes😊.
Bob would call out a word and ask if we knew another word for that item and I thought it was fun others maybe not so much but upon a groan at this game, Bob said the best way to ensure you don’t have to play this game again is to volunteer to emcee or I will.LOL and off we went to our meeting. With that Bob K asked Pastor Bob C to open our time in prayer. Pastor Bob led us in a very nice prayer covering those among us who are not well and asking to travel mercies for those who will be leaving us and thanking the Lord for his many blessings all around. Bob K then thanked Ben B for the music and Brenda K came up and asked to use the mic as she also wanted to thank Ben B for his sharing of his talent with us. Bob then thanked Brenda K and Karen C for their great work in the kitchen this morning and a big thanks to Gene & Bev V for being our doughnut runners who did it with ease this morning.
Upon finding there were No returnees and No newcomers and No guests Bob asked if anyone had a birthday this coming week to celebrate and with none in attendance he asked for Anniversary couples and there were none present but here are those who we celebrate this coming week who were not in attendance; Birthdays; David E 12th and Don(Jacob) S 15th!! And these happy couple are celebrating Anniversaries this coming week Mike & Diana C 14th and Richard & Yvonne N 12th. Sing amongst yourselves!!
John G did ask what state has the smallest soda pop…Mini Sota hehehe Minnesota
Given the choice to do Announcement or Those who are Flying the nest for the North.. Bob K chose to see who was flying home…..Mike & Anita K; Ken & Donna C( who thanked everyone for their prayers and shared she is feeling so much better. PTL) Frank & Doreen B; Ken & Peggy W; Larry & Karen C; Miller & Connie D; Jesse & Norma B, Cliff & June M; Gordy K; and saving the best for last Verla H. It is sad to see you leave but you go with many prayers for your safety for a good summer and a hasty return if the Lord wills to our little “Hidden Gem” here at Palms Estates!
Announcements:
It was asked if anyone knew where the Recipro Saw ( hopefully spelled correctly) might be located?
Marilyn E shared she had brought 3 “chrysalis” baby butterflies to be here today if anyone wanted to see them before they become Monarchs within the coming week and if you want some Milkweed to be habitat for Monarchs come get them at 105 Canal St and please take at least 5 plants as you need that many to properly create a place for them. She also shared another clothes rack had been donated in the Hobby House to hang clothes on for next years Festival and the shelves are marked please put your items where they belong.. and there is an Abundance of hangars if you need some come get some but before Friday as they will be given to Salvation Army on Friday.
Vickie B thanks Bob & Vicki K for doing so much work to wipe and clean all the chairs and build the fires and clean up after our very successful campfire last Saturday. It was fun and well attended and just not able to happen without great volunteers like the K’s.
Vicki K reminded us that there are a lot of empty slots on the April calendar for emceeing or kitchen work or doughnut running so please step up and help out. Also, she reminded us to sign up for the Easter Lunch Meal on Sunday April 21st at 1pm so we will know how much Ham to get to serve so everyone gets enough to eat. WE need a number and the way we get it is from you signing up so we know you are coming to dine with us on Easter Sunday!! Take a little time please and sign up for you and your guests or family.. you all know how we love to eat!!
Tomorrow night a change of the April calendar due to she and Jeff missing that the 18th is Maundy Thursday and many of our people will be at church so we moved Carry-In/Card Bingo to April 11th so we would have a decent crowd because later in the month would be after sooo many more leave us for the trip North. 5:30 pm Tomorrow night Carry In and then Card Bingo.
Gordon W then shared that he and his lovely wife Linda were dressed In their Univ of Virginia shirts because his Alma Mater won the NCAA National Championship in Basketball on Monday night and for him a very touching part was the last points the Cavaliers scored in winning the championship were scored by Braxton Key who just happened to be a cousin of the Great Ralph Sampson who was the best player in college basketball in the early 80’s but was never able to get his team to the Final game. Great story and connection for a team who well deserved this championship.
Ben B then Congratulated the Cavaliers on their big win Monday night and Jeff came up and shared his favorite part of the UVa National Championship was seeing Gordon in the same Wahoo T shirt 3 days in a row HEHE
Jeff the shared how the devout faith that the coach of the UVa mens team, Tony Bennett, and his willingness to share his faith with his players and anyone else who would listen was a great inspiration to me. It is always a blessing when one who has a big audience does not forget that it is only through the blessings of the Lord that he is where he is today and that is Tony Bennett. Although I am a huge Carolina Tarheel fan it gave me great joy to see my brother in Christ celebrating a great victory and giving our Lord the Praise.
Jeff also announced a concert at the Circle Theater this Saturday night to help supply musical instruments to students who need them to be able to participate in school bands and he encouraged any one who like 60’s to todays music to go and help with this fundraiser. Also an old fashioned movie under the stars is Friday night at the Circle in Sebring. He was reminded that the Breakfast at the Hangar at the Airport is this Saturday.. some of us usually head that way around 8:30am and it is for a good cause as well plus it is great fun.
Jeff spoke with Dorothy K and shared she sent her great thanks to all those who have had her in prayer as she deals with C diff and thanks for those who have sent her cards. Keep her in your prayers please as she continues to heal and get well. We miss you Dorothy. Also please lift up Gene and Helen E in your prayers as she continues to heal. It is such a blessing to live in a community where prayer is real active and makes a difference is so many lives!!!
Jeff adds this thought.. What did Mississip??? She sipped her Minne Soda!!! HEHE that is just for John G.
Blessings to all from Jeff.
Bob then adjourned us as Jeff offered a video to show how to use our New AEDs. We will have it again in the fall along with CPR training.
Coffee Talk at the Palms
April 3, 2019
After some Mic trouble was cleared up, Paul L the Iowan, came up to be the emcee for our wonderful Coffee Hour on a gorgeous Spring Day in Lorida. Paul being shy and all LOL started us off with a good laugh and then he asked Pastor Bob C to lead us in our opening prayer. After a very nice prayer of thanks for those here and those who have returned to the north, Bob closed his prayer asking for continued Grace and Mercy from our Lord. Paul then thanked Roger & Glenda S for working in the kitchen this morning and thanks Bob K for being our Doughnut runner earlier and also thanked Brenda K & Ben B for their lovely music as we visited with each other.
Upon learning there were no returnees, Paul asked for any newcomers and Gordon (Gordy) K stood up and introduced himself to everyone as our newest member of Palms Estates family. He hails from Michigan and will be leaving in a couple of weeks but will be back down here this coming season for a longer stay in the RV park. Paul then did something so out of character for him… he gave the new guy Gordy a hard time lol .. Paul being Paul.
He began to read a story about some city folk taking a field trip to the country to a farm and promptly passed off the reading to Madge E when his eyes did not work like he wanted them to. Madge read the story the the young lady who asked what the purpose of this one particular cow. The farmer shared that horns can cause more damage than they are worth so they will saw them off or use a little acid to keep from growing when they are young then he politely shared with the young lady that she did not have to worry about this one particular cow getting horns as it was a “Horse” LOL
After a good laugh Paul moved on the those leaving us for some reason although he did have those who tried to steer him hehe get it “steer” him to birthdays and anniversaries but Paul would not be deterred and asked for those who would be leaving us in the coming week. So here they are Roger & Glenda S; Don & Sue R; Jake S and his “cute” friend Patty( who thinks Jeff is cute also)😉; Carl & Sylvia S; Bob & Ruth M; David E is headed to see his brother in Belize but will be back; Dave & Pat D; John & Carolyn V; Colleen D back to the Racoon Valley; and she is gonna take Paul L with her especially since he is her driver; and Mike & Diana C. With this long list of those leaving, we serenaded them with the sad Farewell song and they are still gonna leave us!
Paul then told the story of the lady who was speeding down the highway and the policeman pulled out as she flew by to stop her and give her a ticket, she kept going and then there were 2 police cars chasing her and she sped up faster and then there was a third and a fourth police car trying to get her to pull over and she just got faster till all of a sudden she jerked over off the road into a rest area and hopped out of the car and ran in the restroom when she came out she was greeted with a lot of police officers and she cheerfully said to them “ Bet you didn’t think I was gonna make it in time!” LOL
And off we went to those celebrating Birthdays in the coming week… Jesse B shared with us he will be celebrating 80 years of life Saturday and Emily M was not able to be here last week but shared that she might have turned and upper 80’s number and it was not a trick on April 1st.. so we sang to them to let them know we are wishing them the very best for another year and many moreeeeeeee. Also Happy Birthday wishes to Peg D on Sunday and Mary P on Tuesday.
We gave honor to a special Annversary as Verla and Carl H would be celebrating their 75th this weekend so we sang to Verla and wished her a blessed day of wonderful memories of her awesome husband, Carl.
Announcements:
Marilyn E informed us that Defibrillator Awareness Dad is next Wednesday after Coffee Hour for those who would like training to use the newly purchased AED. There will be another D.A.D. day when everyone returns next season as well.
Vicki K announced Robber Bingo tomorrow night bring a snack and a $1 gift to be stolen; Swim Exercises are moving to 10am unless it is not 70 and then will be 11am if 70 then; Campfire this Saturday night at 5:30 at the fire pits in the picnic pavilion. She also asked for volunteers to emcee, doughnut run or work in the kitchen throughout the rest of April. Vicki then shared some decisions from the last Fellowship Board Meeting they voted to give any monies left over from the up to $13000 they will half with the Board for the A/C in the Fellowship Center to the Board to help with the Security Camera project. And also they voted to take $200 from the Benevolent Fund to give to Lorida Volunteer Fire Dept.
Gordon W gave us some hints on culture and he closed with a good story with Jeff in his office when Howard walked in and told him “X Y Z” and amazing yes I said amazingly, G W did not know what that meant so he asked Jeff and he let him know it was Xamine Your Zipper and he said he had always heard it called “ Zip up your Doodah” LOL with a big laugh he had brought culture to our group..HEHEHE
Vickie B shared that Corn Hole would be at 2pm on Wednesday and she thanked Harry D for taking the time to build a very nice scoreboard for our Cornhole game. Thanks Ducky!!!
Jeff then came up and had not much to share.. he needs a volunteer to help in the recycle shed and also asked for volunteers to paint the bridge over to the island where the repair work was done. He let the group know if they are hungry for some fast driving this Fri at the Race track the Performance Driving Group would offer some high speed driving experience on the Race track from 12noon to 8pm Also Jeff reminded everyone about the Sebring Sofa Festival this Fri and Sat at the circle in Sebring and Ducky shared that the Soda Shop on the circle has AWESOME Ice Cream and every good Brethren heard that one!!! He answered a couple of questions then shared he thought Patty was adorable also and with that he finished his time at the mic. Short and sweet.
He did forget to mention the Gospel Glory would be at Lorida 1st Baptist Church this Sunday night at 6:30 pm if you want a blessing of good music come on out. And also he had received a email from Dave and Judy B in Puerto Rico and they were off to a good start in the rebuilding effort there. Please keep them in your prayers.
Paul closed with a short story that went like this.. The power at an elementary school went out one day before lunch and the Head lunch lady was trying to decide what to fix her students for lunch since they had no way to cook anything.. she decided to make a huge stack of Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches and as they came thru the lunch line that day one child was heard to exclaim, “FINALLY a home cooked meal!!!” LOL With much laughter and applause Paul thanked everyone for coming out today and off we went to enjoy another beautiful day in Lorida!!!
Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!
August 8, 2018
13 wonderful folks gathered around the table in the Hobby House to share our Coffee Hour. The numbers have gone down some but the spirit and love still grows. Agatha J was our emcee for the day and she opened by thanking Harry D for making coffee and also thanking all the people who supplied our goodies for today.
Agatha then asked for birthdays.. and as no one with a birthday was present for which to sing we do have members of our family celebrating this coming week and they are: Waneta T tomorrow; Gary W 10th; Angelo T 13th; Audrey B 14th; and Frank B also the 14th. Happy Birthday to you all!!! Then Agatha asked if there were any couples with anniversaries this coming week at our meeting and there were none but there are some up North: Dan & Karen P today and Gene & Bev V 13th. Wishing both couples a wonderful Anniversary!
Agatha then focused her attention on her main point for today and that was dealing with Meds and Doctors… many of us have to take meds daily… drugs with hard to pronounce names and many with terrible side effects yet necessary for us… for many of us life often revolves around taking of meds.. pouring up our meds … yet we have one who can do miracles in our life as we look at Psalms 6:2 “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.” WE are blessed to have a community that understands these pains and shares love with those as needed to help bring healing. With that Agatha led us in a wonderful opening prayer about health and Gods ability to heal us.
Then she shared a couple of skits about Doctors and patients… One that stood out was a dialogue between and patient and a hospital administrator
Patient “I’m here to file a complaint.”
Admin “What’s the complaint?”
Patient “The doctor used to four-letter word during my surgery.”
Admin “What word was that?”
Patient “Oops!!”
Everyone laughed and all of us could relate to this and other real life times when our interaction with a Doctor or nurse was just as funny. Teaching us to be careful what we say. Words have Power!
Announcement Time:
Vicki K reminded us that we need emcees for the rest of the month of August and Howard W agreed to emcee next Wed to fill that void.
Ray and Harriet M have called and shared the good news about their grandson Mike B. His surgery was a success and they could not find any other cancer and was able to remove that whole tumor from his pancreas and test his lymph nodes and could not find any other cancer at all. Praise the Lord for answered prayer. They asked for continued prayer as he recovers and has chemo/radiation treatments still ahead.
Norman C emailed Jeff and requests prayer for Rick and Opal S’s son-in -law Chris who is undergoing treatment on a brain tumor. Reports have been positive but much prayer is needed. Please lift up this family. And Thank God for answers so far.
Eddie & Becky M prayer for them as they travel home and the selling of their house in NC.
Jeff then got up and shared the following events coming up:
Aug 10th Chow Down Food Truck at the Fairgrounds 5-9pm Take a lawn chair
Aug 11th Annual Grape Stomp at Henscratch Vineyard 10am -2pm Stomp Grapes and food and Lucy look a like contest
Aug 11th Breakfast at the Hangar at the airport for the Aviation Club 8-10am
Aug 11th Indoor Flea Market American Legion off Hwy 27 in Lake Placid 8am -2pm
There was discussion of the group going to lunch one Wednesday and we decided to go to the Cheese Hut on August 22nd for our Coffee Hour leaving the Palms Estates at 12:30pm and we pray all will go!
Gordon W then shared his Show and Tell item for the week and it was a Porcelain License Tag from Florida. License Tags were originally made from porcelain but they kept breaking and finally they began to make tags out of pressed steel. He shared other little known things named Florida. Like the Florida islands located just above the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. He shared that 18 states had porcelain license plates at first but now none do. The first tag for Florida was in 1906 and issued by the governor at that time Napoleon Bonaparte Broward and when he signed into law what all autos should have a tag as a way to identify all these new moving vehicles it was funny that he did not even have the first tag. #1 was given to a man from Jenson Beach and the reason Mr Broward did not get the first tag was that he did not own a car. Lots of learn when you attend coffee hour with us!
Agatha then asked if anyone was leaving us this week and Eddie & Becky M will be departing for a while tomorrow morning and we sang the “Miss you” song!
Agatha then sent us off to our busy days in a very warm Florida Sunny Day!
I was fortunate enough to get to speak with Margaret U right after Coffee Hour and I am sharing with you all that she was able to remove her sling but is still in the very early stages of rehab on her shoulder. She called because she wanted to thank everyone for their prayers, cards and words of encouragement. They have meant so much to her as she and Bruce mean so much to us. She is now beginning 4 months or so of intense rehab and still cannot use her arm to eat or anything basically but she is just thrilled to see progress as she recovers from her Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Please keep them in your prayers… We hope to see them soon!
Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!
August 1, 2018
Well our streak of well attended Coffee Hours continues with 23 wonderful Palms Estates people gathered around some tables fellowshipping one with another. After some time visiting with each other, Jeff P took to the mic to introduce Ricky T. our new Asst. Maintenance Man to all in attendance as everyone said Howdy and Jeff asked that we would make Ricky feel at home as he brings his skills to our community. Vicki K asked Jeff to have the opening prayer since he was already at the mic and thus Jeff led us in a prayer of thanksgiving for all the many wonderful blessings God has bestowed upon us.
Vicki K then came to the podium and informed us that Peggy D had said she would be emcee if her health allowed but sadly it did not and Vicki had assured her she would fill in for her if her pain was too bad. Vicki opened our Coffee Talk with cutest story from our Worship Service Sunday at Lorida CoB, when one of our young children lifted up a Praise that her Mom had had oral surgery and God had taken care of her which prompted Pastor Bob to ask the little girl what was her name and the little girl looked at him and said, “ Her name is Mommy” And a little one shall lead them… so precious!
Vicki K then looked around a room for returnees and there were none and Ricky T was our only newcomer of the day. As she scanned the room for birthday celebrators there were none but we do have some great folk who will celebrate this week and they are Nancy W and Sylvia R-K on the 6th!! Happy Birthday northerners hehe… Now was time for those celebrating Anniversaries and we had one couple with us Pastor Bob and Bertha celebrating 31yrs August 2nd and so we sang the Anniversary song to them!! We also have more anniversaries within our Palms Estates family this week: Jim & Peg D Aug 3rd ; Roger & Glenda S Aug 5th.
Vicki K then shared “Walking on Water” a reading that had been given to her by Emily M and originally came from Anna Ruth F a former resident on Live Oak
Dallas heard that his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had all walked on water on their 21st birthdays. So, on his 21st birthday, Dallas and his big brother Damon, headed out to the lake. “If they did it, I can too!” he insisted. When Dallas and Damon arrived at the lake, they rented a canoe and began paddling. When they got to the middle of the lake, Dallas stepped off the side of the boat… and nearly drowned! Furious and somewhat embarrassed, he and Damon headed for home. When Dallas arrived back at the family home, he asked his grandmother for an explanation. “Grandma, why can’t I walk on water like my father, and his father, and his father before him?” His sweet old grandmother took Dallas by the hand, looked into his eyes, and explained, “That’s because your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were born In January. You were born in June, dear” HEHE
ANNOUNCEMENTS: No swim exercises from August 8th to the 24th except by appointment since the crew will be down to one.
Jeff P then got up and shared that August 10th Chowdown Food Truck Event from 5 – 9pm bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the food and live music. Also, tomorrow is the day for PA Days in Osterberg PA 10am – 3pm join the Lorida crowd in Pennsylvania! There is a Carry in Meal at the Lorida Church of the Brethren this Sunday August 5, 2018 after service. Also, Moses & Brenda C asked to be signed up for the group we are putting together to go to SFSC for events in the fall and winter. See Jeff if you are interested or call him if you are up North.
Then Jeff shared an update from Norman & Rowena C and he read a note from them Just wanted to share with you Jeff and friends of Wed meeting something interesting to us: we received a notification that our submission of the Fork-tailed Flycatcher was accepted by the Florida Ornithological Society Records Committee at the July 22, 2018 meeting. We feel so honored. It was a quite thrilling experience to watch this bird for six weeks. We have shared this information to a number of people already, but wanted to let others know. Miss you all and God’s blessings on all of you.. Congrats Norman and Rowena that is so AWESOME!
Vicki K then returned to the mic to ask who would be leaving the Palms Estates in the coming week and Vickie & Ben B are leaving for 2 weeks; Gary & Lois W leave Sat for a couple of months; and Skip & Judy L head to Ohio for a couple of months and Lodema G flies home Fri hopefully to be back soon. We will miss you and eagerly await your return! We then sang the sad song of departure and Vicki adjourned us to another wonderful day in God’s creation!!
Please lift up Peggy D, those traveling north from the park, Diana C, Bonni R, Bob K and Dorothy K, Barry A., and anyone else who is struggling with health… God answers Prayer!
Please let Jeff know if there are any other prayers concerns in our midst.
Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!
July 25, 2018
Rarely is the emcee of our coffee hour also the birthday girl but today was our lucky day as Becky M was emcee and the celebrator and 24 people turned out for a good time at Palms Estates. Even Paul L surprised us with a visit and some say it was for Becky’s birthday but others say he had other reasons for his visit, either way we are glad to see him.
Becky then introduced Moses & Brenda C and Ben B who led us in Happy Birthday to open our time together celebrating Becky’s special day. Becky then shared they would be back to sing more in a bit and then Becky introduced Paul L and his son-in-law, Larry, and then she shared that “Her rememberer is not as good as her forgetter!” After some laughter, Becky led us in a beautiful prayer thanking our Lord for the many blessings he has given us. She then gave a special thanks to Vickie & Ben B for their outstanding service to make sure the coffee is ready and everything is set up each Wednesday for our time together. Becky then asked Moses & Brenda C and Ben B to lead us in a song and they led us in Amazing Grace and it was so beautiful!
Becky then told us today her emphasis would be on Love and challenged each and everyone of us to love each other and our neighbors as Christ loved us and the result would be a much happier world to live in.
Upon those words she asked if we had any returnees and of course it was time to officially welcome Paul L back to Palms Estates and also Peggy D back from Ohio and then she welcomed our guests Larry, Paul’s son-in-law and special guest Wanda L to our coffee hour. Everyone was so happy to see faces we have been missing and add so much to our life here in Lorida. With no other birthdays present to celebrate or anniversaries, we did not get to sing anymore but we do take this time to celebrate the following birthdays this coming week in our Palms Estates family; Judy P the 26th and Jewell W on the 27th!! Share the love with those near and far.
Becky then read I Cor. 13 the love chapter as her reading for the day to draw more attention to the fact that God’s love is unconditional and so special. There was a great feeling of love in the room then.
Del H then thanked everyone who had sent him cards or prayers during his recovery from a broken hip and he said the only bad thing about it was none of the cards had money in them LOL. Other announcements were that water exercises are now at 8:30am to avoid the heat and direct sun and Vickie B reminded us there was plenty of unused room in the pool if anyone else would like to come join them.
Jeff P then took the mic and shared that the Caladium festival is this coming weekend and he posted Musical performance times and who would be performing in Lake Placid this weekend. Also Gordon W announced that the Car Show Saturday at the Caladium festival is the largest in all the area and if anyone wanted to attend they would enjoy it but he could not attend this year as the Sebring Historical Society is having a Pot Luck meal with Rick Arnold as the performing and speaker and invited all to attend as it is free and in the Sebring Civic Center behind the Historical Society offices at 12noon Saturday.
Paul L then shared he may sell his home here in Palms Estates but that he would be back to stay in the winter.. he said we were not getting rid of him that easy and all had a good laugh.
Jeff then asked for everyone in the Palms Estates family to please lift up Dorothy K and her son Bob K especially in prayer as he has stage 4 cancer it is inoperable and the doctors have given him 2 – 12 months for his prognosis. We are a praying community and that is why Dorothy called me to asked for special prayer. Peg D also asked for prayer for her 16yo grandson, Grant F, as he has tests on his stomach. Peg D also had a HUGE thank you for Lois W who took such good care and locked up the library and did work in the library while Peg was in Ohio. Thanks Lois!!
Quick update from Jeff Florida Days in Virginia had a group of 31 and they had a great time together and we also want to remind everyone that August 2nd in Osterburg Pa will be Lorida Days in PA from 10am – 3pm.
After some more wonderful music and cake to celebrate the emcees birthday, Becky asked for those who would be departing the Palms Estates for awhile and Ray & Harriet M are leaving next Tuesday and Paul L will be leaving til he returns sometime this winter. We sang the song of departure Boo Hoo.
Becky then asked Moses & Brenda C and Ben B to sing one more song for us and we departed in Peace to enjoy another day in a great place to be after some wonderful music, food, info, and laughter. God is Good!!
Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!
July 18, 2018
18 wonderful Palms Estates folks gathered around some tables pulled together to visit and fellowship until our emcee for the day, Ray M., stepped to the mic to officially begin our Coffee Hour. Ray opened our time together with a great reading titled “The Light Turned Yellow”. The light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing by stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating. The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit the car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached her and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, “I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed your ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally.. I assumed you had stolen the car.” PRICELESS
After a good laugh and also getting everyone’s attention with such a true and present-day story, Ray then had an opening prayer about possibilities with God and thankfulness to Jesus. Ray then gave us some Fun Facts from their recent trip to Alaska. The Iditarod race that is held annually was begun in honor of the doctors who mushed their way thru the tundra in the early 1900’s to deliver medicine to those suffering from a diphtheria outbreak. The distance also honors that Alaska was our 49th state with the race covering 1049 miles. It is run the 3rd week of March each year and the mushers run most of the race and only ride a very little. Was very interesting to learn all this. Then Ray read us a hilarious reading about Squirrels that hit a little too close to home for Eddie and Becky M.
Squirrels – Brilliant
There were five houses of religion in a small town: The Presbyterian Church; Baptist Church; Methodist Church; Catholic Church and Jewish Synagogue. Each church and Synagogue was overrun with pesky squirrels.
One day the Presbyterian Church called a meeting to decide what to do about the squirrels. After much prayer and consideration, they determined that the squirrels were predestined to be there and they shouldn’t interfere with God’s divine will.
In the Baptist Church the squirrels had taken up habitation in the baptistery. The deacons met and decided to put a cover on the baptistery and drown the squirrels in it. The squirrels escaped somehow and there were twice as many there the next week.
The Methodist Church got together and decided that they were not in a position to harm any of God’s creation. So, they humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free a few miles outside of town. Three days later, the squirrels were back!
But – the Catholic Church came up with the best and most effective solution. They baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, and Easter.
Not much was heard about the Jewish Synagogue, but they took one squirrel and had a short service with him called circumcision and they haven’t seen a squirrel on the property since!
Ray then thanked Ben B for making coffee and Vickie B for helping set up and to all those who brought goodies to eat and make our time together even more special. THANKS!
Welcome back to returnees Eddie & Becky Motley! So glad to have you back in the fold for a brief while. There were no newcomers or guests but Gordon Black a twin of GW hehe.
As there were no birthday celebrators present for the coming week, we celebrate with Roger B as his bday is today and Joanne K July 23rd. We did get to sing Happy Anniversary as Vickie & Ben B celebrate the joyous event next Tuesday but we also send our well wished to Richard & Kathy U for their anniversary is TODAY!
Upon asking we were pleased to find out that no one is departing us this coming week but we had mixed emotions as we heard the Nelson & Jama W had arrived back home safely earlier this morning in the Shenandoah Valley. This brought us to Announcement time.
Jeff stepped to the mic and asked for everyone to be in prayer the rest of the day for Diana C as she is having heart surgery as we spoke back in Indy. Please keep Mike and the rest of her family in your prayers also! He then shared that the only thing really going on is the 28th Annual Caladium Festival in Lake Placid next weekend. Check it out for more info! Jeff then read notes from Richard & Dottie M thanking the wonderful folks of Palms Estates for all the prayers, cards and thoughts lifted up for them upon the passing of their daughter Lori Gould and he placed a copy of her obit on the bulletin board for anyone to read. Also, Jeff read a thank you note from Dianne Weber thanking everyone for all the thoughts, prayers, & cards shared with her during her time of loss upon Nanny Eleans passing. She shared that her Mom loved the Palms Estates and was so thankful to have been in a community of believers that showed her and everyone so much love. Dianne had sold her home and moved to a smaller place and her new address is 4823 Smoketalk Ln Westerville, OH 43081.
Jeff then shared that he had spoken to Jesse B and that Norma was improving nicely. He asked Jeff to do a commercial for Lorida Days in Pennsylvania on August 2nd, 2018 at the Ivy Stone Restaurant in Osterburg PA. He hoped that many would join them for more than a meal but a time to sit and visit and catch up as they have the room at the restaurant from 10am- 3pm with lots of time to eat but also to sit and share with each other. So, come for the food but stay for the time to be with one another and share memories and stories! It was also mentioned that this coming Friday is Virginia Lorida Days at Wood Grill Buffet in Harrisonburg Va Friday July 20,2018.
The Sebring Noon Rotary Club is having a Spirit Night at Beef ‘O’ Bradys in Sebring on Tuesday, July 31st and if you attend and eat, 15% of all sales will be donated back to the club to help them in their many ongoing projects! This is from 5-9pm with Music Trivia beginning at 6pm
Jeff wants to add an announcement that Bible Study is back tonight at 6pm in the Hobby House after a short holiday break. So, if you have time and are seeking to know the Lord better join them tonight and every Wednesday.
Ray M then came back to the mic to close our time together with a wonderful story about The Seniors Breakfast Special. It pays to think outside the box.
We went to breakfast at a restaurant where the “seniors special” was two eggs, bacon, and toast for $1.99. “Sounds good,” my wife said. “But I don’t want the eggs.” “Then I’ll have to charge you $2.49 because you are ordering a la carte,” the waitress warned her. “You mean I’d have to pay for not taking the eggs?” my wife asked incredulously. “YES!!” stated the waitress. “I’ll take the special then.” My wife said. “How do you want your eggs?” the waitress said. “Raw and in the shell,” my wife said. She took the eggs home. DON’T MESS WITH SENIORS!! WE’VE been around the block more than once! Ray then sent us on our way to another wonderful summer day in Lorida!
Late breaking Update: Mike C just emailed me that Diana C was out of surgery in recovery and everything went smoothly in surgery and the doctor is hopeful that the surgery will be a great success! Praise the Lord for answered prayers but please continue to life them in your prayers!
I have copies available of the stories Ray told this morning in the office if anyone would like a copy.
Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!
July 11, 2018
As the group of 18 smiling happy Palms Estates folks gathered around the big table set up for Coffee Hour, the sun was brightly shining outside on another spectacular summer day in Florida. Linda W stepped to the mic a little early to begin our time together. She welcomed everyone to Coffee Hour and then asked Jeff P to have our prayer. Jeff offered up our prayer of thanksgiving for the beautiful day and ended the prayer asking for guidance for our leaders and thanks for his wonderful blessings to us all. Linda then thanked Ben B for making the coffee and we thank Vicki and Vickie for cleaning up. Linda then asked for returnees to Palms Estates and we welcomed back Ray & Harriet M and Bob & Bertha C. We had a guest in our midst and it was a pleasure to welcome Tonya Leigh K-H, daughter of Nelson & Jama W. There were no birthdays for today or this coming week in attendance but we did sing the Birthday song to Harriet M as she had a birthday last Tuesday. Birthdays of those who flew north; Barry A July 15th; and Bruce U July 17th. Linda then asked if there were any anniversaries this week and no one was present at Coffee Talk but the following are celebrating this coming week; Skip & Judy L and Harry & Agatha J on the 14th.
Linda W then shared with us why she chose to be the emcee at todays Coffee Hour. Because her father would have been 100 years old this very day, she honored her Dad and brought a picture of him in the grove and passed it around for all to see and reflect on his time here at the Palms Estates!. Thank you Linda for keeping us in touch with where we have been and that will keep us focused on where we are going in Christ! Linda then shared some things that happened in 1918, the year of her Dads birth…Russia becomes the Soviet Union….Daylight Savings time began in March… US Airmail service began in May… there was a total eclipse of the sun from Washington to Florida that all could see…the New York Times began home delivery…and last but surely not least at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month the armistice was signed ending the Great War( WWI). What a year!
Linda’s hubby, GW, also shared that his shirt was worn in honor of the successful rescue mission to save the soccer team in Thailand as it had the Thai flag on it and a saying in Thai as well.
Linda W then shared that she and Gordon had attended the meeting about what Florida residents will need at the polls to be able to vote and was made aware that voters really needed to read the ballot as well since there are 13 amendments on this Novembers ballot. She reminded those in attendance that a Valid Photo ID would be required to vote.
She then shared that she had received word that John Y was in the hospital and not doing well and asked that we all be in prayer for he and his wife, Dorothy and family at this difficult time!
Announcement Time:
Vicki K asked that folks sign up to be emcee the next couple of weeks as she will be gone and there is no one signed up at this time to emcee for our Coffee Hour. Bob C reminded the group that the Lorida CoB would be having a movie night this Sunday July 15th at 6pm with an Ice Cream social. The movie is “I Can Only Imagine” Please bring your favorite topping for the ice creamand also your hanky you will need one!
Jeff P then took the podium and shared that Vet Jam is this Saturday at the Moose Lodge on Hwy 98 with Live music a car and motorcycle show and Food from Noon til 8pm if anyone is looking for something to do in the area. Also he reminded the group about the monthly breakfast served at the last Hangar at the Airport from 7:30am – 10:30 this Saturday and it is a fundraiser to help with funds for a great project the Aviator Club for High School students that are building an airplane. We hope that many of you will get the chance to support this worthy group.
Jeff then discussed the County Commissioners meeting he attended last night as part of the Fire Assessment fee was looking to be increased by 700% for Fiscal Year 2019. He was happy to report that after much discussion and great presentations the Commissioners have adopted a plan that is fair and equitable for everyone in the county and will pass on an increase of 50% to Palms Estates in the coming year. If you have questions Jeff will answer them to the best of his ability if you call or email him.
Nelson W announced that Lorida Days in Virginia will be held next Friday, July 20th at the Wood Grill Restaurant in Harrisonburg Va and he encouraged all to attend!
Ray M then asked for prayers for their oldest grandson Michael as he is facing a tumor of some kind on his pancreas and is in great pain. He and Harriet asked that we all be in prayer for him as he faces this challenge.
This brought us to the sad part of our time together as Linda asked who would be departing Palms Estate this week and Nelson & Jama W and Vicki K are all leaving in the coming week so we sang that song that makes me sad and wish them safe travels till they return here to Lorida.
Real life signs shared by Linda W in closing:
Front yard of Funeral Home: “Drive Carefully.. We’ll Wait!
Radiator repair shop: “Best place in town to take a leak”
Car Dealership: “Best way to get back on your feet less a car payment”
Muffler Shop: “No Appt necessary We will hear you coming” Does this one remind you of anyone????
Restaurant window: “Don’t stand out there and be hungry come in a get fed up”
Linda then adjourned us to another blessed day in Palms Estates as family!
Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!
June 27, 2018
Another lovely summer morning in Lorida was greeted by a great group of Palms Estates residents joined around a big table for Coffee and fellowship. After some great fellowship, Harry D took the podium to officially begin the Coffee Hour for Wednesday, June 27,2018. It was a very feisty group of folks today that Pastor Bob lead in an awesome prayer that celebrated our Savior and the family we are here at the Palms Estates. Harry D then thanked the Burgers, Ben especially for setting up and making 2 pots of regular coffee since he was not sure he had made the first pot. LOL! Harry then welcomed back Gary & Lois W who joined us this morning upon their return to the park. He also mentioned that Nelson & Jama W were returnees also but had to go to West Palm for a doctors appt and asked us to make a point to welcome them back as well when we see them out and about. And we also welcomed back from his trip up North to Ohio Howard W!! After some laughter and joy shared as we had some returnees, Harry asked if there were any birthdays and anniversaries in the group and as there were none, no singing was done. But alas we do have members of our community celebrating this coming week and they are as follows: Happy Birthday to: Cathy M & Everett M share the 28th; Pat C & Bev V share the 29th; Harry K 30th; and Diana C & Harriet M share July 2nd. There should be a lot of celebrating in the coming week!! Happy Anniversary to: David & Judy B 29th; and Pastor Wayne & Pam G 30th!!! And GW gave us joy as he once again tried to avoid getting in trouble with his love Linda as he checked with her to make sure it was not their anniversary hehe.
Harry back at the podium shared a cute story with the group… A man and his wife were going for a stroll one night when they spotted what was obviously a blind man taking a walk with his seeing eye dog. “Wow Isn’t That something” he remarked “ look at that man taking a stroll just like us.” They continued strolling a few minutes when they heard the man let out a loud YELP. The dog had walked him right into a parked car and he had banged his shin badly. Rushing over to help, they were surprised to see the man reach into his pocket and pull out a treat for the dog. Isn’t that weird? Whispered the wife “giving him a treat even when he is mad.” “Why are you giving him a treat?” “ I AIN”T GIVING HIM A TREAT!” said the enraged man, “I’M JUST TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE HIS HEAD IS SO I CAN GIVE HIM A SHARP KICK IN THE BEHIND!!!”
After some good-hearted laughter. Harry shared a story about being polite as a Mother took her young child to have a shot. When the nurse opened the door to the examining room to give the little girl a shot she started screaming “ NO! NO! NO!””Jessica” her mother scolded, “that is not polite behavior!” At that the girl continued to scream”NO THANK YOU! NO THANK YOU! NO THANK YOU!” Hehe such is with life also….
Off to Announcements:
Vicki K shared that water exercises would be at 9am tomorrow and asked everyone to sign up for the 4th of July picnic and what they were bringing as the chicken will be provided by the Fellowship and a cake and ice cream will be provided by Peg D. Thus no Coffee Hour next week with the picnic at High Noon.
Gordon W suggested that we start a Show and Tell time every coffee hour and to commence this new tradition GW brought a Kamikaze Hachimaki to show and he told us he bought it at one of our festivals and that it was worn by a Japanese Pilot in WWII.
Jeff then got up and had few announcements: Tonight a group of park folk are going to the Patriotic Concert at SFSC Wildstein center. If anyone else would like to go Jeff still had tickets to share they are leaving the church at 6pm. He then talked about 4th of July celebrations in the area and answered a few questions. He shared that Debbie A had fallen and broken her leg and was not doing well as Rich had shared that she still needed another surgery but her kidneys and liver were not functioning well at all with a very low Blood pressure. So please be in prayer for them and the doctors caring for her. If you would like to send a card Rich and Deb’s address is 808 Woodlawn Circle, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or email them at debbierichappen@yahoo.com. If you want their phone number just call Jeff and he has that. That brought up the idea of adding a page in the directory for former residents address so we can stay in contact with everyone.
Harry then asked for those who would be leaving the park in the coming week and Peg & Jim D are heading to Ohio; Agatha & Harry J are heading to the lovely Shenandoah Valley VA; and Pastor Bob & Bertha will be in Cinncinati OH and our very own emcee Harry D heads to IND next Monday… he refused to lead the departing song but we sang it to them anyway LOL
Harry then closed our wonderful time together with this story--- A man found a bottle and when he rubbed it a Genie came out and told him he had one wish.. well the man thought about his family over in Europe and how he missed them but being from the old country he was terrified to fly so he wished for a bridge to connect over the ocean to Europe so he could drive to see them.. well the Genie said that was too hard and requested he make another wish… soooo the man thought hard and he said “ I want to understand everything about a woman” and the Genie responded to his wish “Soooooooooo do you want a 2 or 4 lane bridge????????”
A good time was had by all and we adjourned to a busy hot day at the Palms Estates!
Note: if anyone has information about our family members who are sick or recoering from surgeries please call Jeff at the office so he can share that with all the residents here or everywhere thru a One Call or email. Prayer works!
Coffee Talk at the Palms
May 6, 2020
As I sat in my folk’s car outside the Florida Cancer Center as Eddie has his first chemo treatment, I was listening to JOYfm and kinda lost in a praise haze. I realized if nothing else good comes out of this time of Pandemic… increased Patience will for me and I pray it will for many others. In my study and prayer time recently, the Word has pointed out to me that this time used wisely will give growth beyond measure in my walk with the Lord. I guess that is why the Devil has been sending some tests my way lately but Praise the Lord he will see us through any and all trials we face. Isn’t it GREAT to know that “Who is he that overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” I John 5:5 So, if you are struggling with feelings of loneliness or depression or frustration from this time of Covid-19 and you believe and know Jesus REJOICE for you are one of the few who will overcome the world and this virus. I know it is great to have a friend like Jesus who is the overcomer and victor and is so loving and kind and patient with us SOOO that we can in turn be patient with others even if we don’t agree with them. Jesus brings us together IF we know and love him.. That is the Victory and Patience I pray each of us will live in today and forever!
Tune up those voices as we are getting ready to sing Happy Birthday to Howard W the 7th and Carl S the 8th… Happy Birthday to you and many moreeeeeee
Now that your voices are warmed up no one has an anniversary this week ☹. LOL sorry as I know how well you folks love to sing with me weekly now!! Please just be PATIENT with me see how I worked that in here also??? I am amazing lol
May calendars are in the office foyer. If you have been missing church as much as I have make sure you get out and worship with other believers THIS Sunday. 3 of Lorida’s 4 churches will be open again this Sunday and all will be practicing Social Distancing and making a joyful Noise so pick one and Get to Worship and this week no Pajamas at church HEHEHEHE
I received an email from Ben & Vickie B and now I am sharing with you all:
Ben and Vickie Burger Would Like To Thank Everyone for All The Love and Support and PRAYS You Have Shown in the sickness
and passing of Vickie's Dad.
We Love You ALL
MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE Vickie Ann Burger
Always a Blessing to hear from our park family especially when I can see God’s hand thru it!
Mike & Anita K; Ken & Donna C; Larry & Sandy E; Gary & Karen C; Mike & Diana C; Tim & Becky M; Dave & Pat D; Frank & Doreen B; Tom & Toni W; Jr & Brenda K and Jerry P I believe all these folks are guilty of leaving us this week and even though they are guilty of breaking my heart let’s all sing together right now that song of farewell with prayers to see them again soon! We’re sorry you’re going away we wish that you could stay, we’re going to miss you we ask God to bless you We’re sorry you’re going away!!!! Boo Hoo If I missed someone I do apologize the trauma of so many desertions has been rough enough I may have lost it hehe Love you guys!
HUGE HUGE Thank yous go out to Larry E and David B and Nelson W and Frank B for All their MARVELOUS Hard work to get the new floor put down in the Fellowship Center.. BOY oh BOT are some of you in for a HUGE surprise blessing when you get back to us at Palms Estates. Sneak peek photos included.
SO as you can see we don’t really slow down here we just reload with more and better things to do and get done. We are so blessed here that why wouldn’t anyone NOT want to be a part of Palms Estates every winter!!! God bless you all and ease back into life at your own pace but be mindful that there is nowhere you can go that the Lord does not go before you and with you and that alone should give us each the strength and patience to face tomorrow!!!
In closing, please be mindful that Sunday is Mother’s Day so take the time to celebrate all the women in your life. Food for Thought this Mother’s Day
“It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it.” — The Golden
“If at first you don't succeed, try doing it the way mom told you to in the beginning.” — Unknown
“Successful mothers are not the ones that have never struggled. They are the ones that never give up.” — Sharon Jaynes
God Bless you all
Coffee Talk at the Palms
May 20, 2020
Yes, it is true!!! We had COFFEE HOUR together and it was AWESOME!! A beautiful morning with a nice breeze greeted 30 Palm Estaters as we gathered together for the first time in 2 months at the Pavilion in the RV Park. Most everyone stayed seated on their golf carts and we all practiced social distancing. I really believe all those assembled together were thrilled to be able to once again be united as one body. There were smiles all around as Vicki K had purchased individually wrapped honey buns and doughnuts and of course freshly brewed coffee.
As everyone visited, Vicki came to the mic and let everyone in on our next big news. We are having the Memorial Day picnic this Monday at 1pm. To comply with CDC health requirements, the Fellowship will be getting all who sign up a boxed lunch with your choice of Dark or White Chicken or Fish with one side. We will also serve individually wrapped rolls and brownies. We will get together in the Newly floored and staged Fellowship Center at 1pm for the picnic. Please make sure you sign up by Thursday for this Annual Tradition as we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy living is such a great Free Country.
After a little more discussion among the wonderful folks gathered for Coffee Hour and once Jeff finally showed up hehe it was time for the official program with Donna H as our emcee. She opened with a great welcome and a lovely prayer of thanks for being able to be together again and for the blessing of being in such a great community. She then told a Blonde man joke that I hate to admit was as funny as the other Blonde jokes hehe. Donna welcomed returnees Lavon & Inell P back as they stay in their newly purchased RV, they bought from the Battes. Also she welcome Newcomer Betty who was introduced by her good friend Larry B and all welcomed her enthusiastically. Then came Birthday time and Donna asked for all who had had birthdays since the last time we were together for Coffee Hour and Larry B reminded us his birthday was last Friday. We also celebrated those who have Birthdays this coming week Toni W and Sylvia S. The best part was when we all sang to them and I did not have to imagine what it would sound like as I was there to hear it.. soo Happy Birthday and many more. Donna also celebrated all the Anniversaries we have had since our last Coffee Hour and then we celebrated this weeks with a song to Don & Sue R and Rick & Audrey B!!!
Jeff then came to the mic to give out some info. He welcomed all and was truly excited to be together again. He reminded everyone that next week Tuesday and maybe Wed an electric project will be going on in the RV park; he got in touched with the pavers and they hope to be here in June to pave Live Oak; if anyone has any dates for the June calendars he is in the process of making them now; possible return of game night with only 4 at a table to observe Social distancing and with masks; Jeff also announced that on June 27th at 2pm in the Lorida COB there will be a Memorial Service for Gordon White. All are invited to attend as we honor a truly great man and friend to all in the park. Jeff shared that we had a lovely music tribute to Gordon a couple of weeks ago given by Brenda K and Carl S and we had 65 people of attendance in their golf carts and distanced around the library parking area. It was a great evening of music and honoring G. W.
Jeff announced that Linda W has 3 boxes of 312 hearing aid batteries that are new and if anyone can use them, they are for free.
Jeff thanked all 4 men who worked so hard to see the floor in the Fellowship Center but we did all out clapping for David B as he was the only one still here. We do owe David and Larry E and Nelson W and Frank B a HUGE thank you for such a wonderful job. The stage is to be covered later today.
Jeff also thanked George & Sandy Y for their faithfulness to lock and cover the pool when necessary. They remind me that they are the remnants of the Pool Cmte but we are so blessed to have such faithful members. We gave them both a big hand in THANKS.
Jeff also thanked those who have donated to help make the Pool Lift Chair a reality and he has ordered an extra battery and hopes to move the charging station to the pool area. He also asked that those who use it last in the day please take it and recharge it in the Laundry Area of the Hobby House daily.
Jeff also made everyone aware that the Gator Shack in conjunction with Nu Hope ministries is supplying Senior with free meals each late afternoon/evening for free. There is a schedule of what is available daily and all you must do is call Nu Hope to get signed up for these wonderful free meals. What a blessing to have a local business that cares so much about our seniors!!!
We plan to have pictures of the gorgeous completed Fellowship Center for all to view in the coming week.
We sat up tables and chairs at social distancing lengths Thursday morning at 9am to prepare for the Memorial Day picnic.Jeff had to leave to take Eddie to his chemo with Mom Becky but Donna went on with Coffee Hour as emcee.
Donna asked who was leaving this coming week and the floodgates remain open as residents head North after prolonged stays… Bruce & Margaret U on Sat; Donna and Karen on Thursday and Jake S early next week. They then sang the farewell song till we meet again! ☹
After a wonderful Coffee Hour, we separated to go our ways and enjoy this day our Lord has made for each of us!!! Enjoy wherever you are God is GOOD!
Jeff asks that everyone to be in prayer for Carolyn and John V as she is quite ill and they are not sure what is wrong. They initially thought it was pneumonia but tests have not shown what it is. She has a granddaughter to get wed this Saturday and she hopes to be able to attend. As I know you are a praying community, I ask each of you to lift her up in your prayers.
Linda White has asked me to share the following note with everyone:
I would like to thank all the folks who have sent cards, meals, prayed, and generally done many special things to help me get through the past few weeks. It is wonderful to live in this caring compassionate community where we truly do show the love of Christ to each other.
Please note that I will be closing out Gordon's E-mail account - in the next few weeks so please use my account to contact me - FLgrandma47@gmail.com. And I plan to have Gordon's phone disconnected as soon as Verizon is open and I am able to talk to a representative so use my cell - 540-810-0055 to get in touch with me from now on. Thanks again for all the many kindnesses shown to me over these past months. You will never know how much I have appreciated it all.
Linda White
