FEBRUARY ISLANDER AS SPACE PERMITS

 

 

As I write this article, it is early January and most of our seasonal residents are here and we are at near capacity.  I trust you all had a Merry Christmas and I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.  We have had a mild season so far this year and hopefully that will continue.  The mild weather has helped the flowers and plants look especially nice.  As you use the front entrance you will see how beautiful and welcoming it is and the lighted palm trees at night are a very impressive sight and will remain lighted throughout year.  Thanks to Duane Card and the maintenance crew and the Beautification Committee, Jackie Appleby, Marna Corbus, and Loretta Scott we will continue to see improvement in appearance throughout our little piece of paradise.  Speaking of improvements, if you havent done so yet you must play the new golf course.  It is also a beautiful as well as functional addition to our community.

The maintenance crew and beautification committee created a true piece of art in the park like setting of the golf course.  We truly have talented people in our employees as well as the many volunteers who make this such a wonderful place to live.  This would be a pretty boring place without all of you doing the great job you do.  Take a moment to look in the Park directory to see some of the names of the dozens of volunteers making things happen.  We recently lost one of those volunteers, former VIHO Board member Don Yazell recently passed away.  He will be missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Barb and the family.

I know that I have written about these subjects in the past but they continue to be a problem.  I still see people walking and riding bicycles on the wrong side of the street.  Please remember to walk AGAINST traffic so you see the vehicles coming at you!  The driver just may have had one too many cocktails, have a stroke or heart attack or just not see you and you could at least attempt to avoid being run over.  While riding your bicycle, please ride WITH traffic and obey all the rules of traffic as if driving your auto, yes that means stop signs as well.  It is the law in Venice Isle Estates as well as the rest of Florida but most importantly it may prevent an accident and/or injury.  The two above issues make it even more important for you to obey the 15 MILE AN HOUR speed limit.  The very few minutes you save in reaching your destination certainly would mean nothing if you struck an adult or child.

Hope to see you at the Board meetings.  God Bless our Troops.

Park Managers Report:

            A staff of All-Stars.  That sums up how I feel about the employees who work here at the Park.  Their various jobs and duties are all different, but their attitude and dedication to provide the best possible service to the park residents seem to be instilled in all of them.  However, there is one star that has shined the brightest and deserves special mention.  That person is our Administrative Assistant Kim Watson.  When the snowbirds arrive, the work load for the entire staff increases, but for Kim, her work load and duties increase the most.  Besides the influx of all the snowbirds and the paper work that needs to be processed for the renters, we also have the increased burden of getting all the mailings for the budget and Annual Shareholders Meeting out to the owners.  Kim performs her duties with intelligence, kindness and a sense of humor.  Thanks Kim and keep up the good work.

            I would also like to bring to your attention some housekeeping issues for which we ask your help.  As I drive around the Park it almost seems as if it is a citrus grove, with all the various orange and grapefruit trees planted throughout the Park.  However, we have had some cold nights and frost may have caused some of the trees to drop their fruit.  If you have fruit trees please be diligent about picking the fruit up from the ground.  Second item is to remind pet owners to clean up after their pets especially on Cortina Boulevard just outside the south gate.

Welcome back to all our seasonal residents.  We have missed you and are glad to have you back.  If you are down for the winter and are renting here in Venice Isle, we would love to show you our homes for sale.  You can find your own slice of paradise in Venice Isle.  Please stop by the office and I would love to show you around the Park.  We have a very small selection to choose from so you may want to hurry.  We always keep a current list of what is for sale on our front door. Stop by and see what is on the market.

Our number of homes for sale has come down over the last year so now is the time to buy a home before the inventory is gone and prices start to go up again.  We have some very nice homes ready to sell so come in to discuss the homes.

If you are thinking of selling your home, NOW is the time.  There are only about 20 homes for sale in the Park and prices have started to move upward.  The Buyers are here now so take advantage of the season before they head back north.  Just give me a call and I will be glad to talk about the value of your home at no obligation.

Repairs & Installations- in addition to regularly scheduled maintenance activities.

Added 1800 lights to twelve Date Palms at the main entrance.

Replaced ballasts on two lights, one at CH#1 restroom and one at CH#2 kitchen.

Replaced timer at CH#2 Hot Tub.

Added 1050 new annual plants at front entrance.

Moved 70 plants from the front entrance to the south side of the incoming main drive to create a new hedge row.

CH#2 womens pool bathroom wall was repaired and door jams repainted.

North Gate was repaired.

Replace GFI boxes and receptacles at main entrance.

Administration building was power washed.

Renovation of horse shoe pits is underway.

Took out Chinese Palm at main entrance and replanted.

Photo light sensor was replaced that controls main entrance lighting.  Bobs Electric

New underground circuits were repaired and added at front entrance.  Bobs Electric

New tires were installed on maintenance cart.

Preventative maintenance was performed on all A/C units in both clubhouses.

Mail Boxes-3

Set-ups- 22

Monthly safety topic- Housekeeping

 

Waste Management/Trash:  All garbage, yard waste, and recycles will be picked up on Thursdays only.  If you are in doubt as to what goes in the red and blue bins, if something should be bagged or bundled or how long or heavy it is supposed to be- call Waste Management  493-4100. 

Repairs & Installations- in addition to regularly scheduled maintenance activities.

Replaced Dimmer Pack and light bulb for CH#2 Stage lighting.

Repaired hot water heater in CH#2 pool area.

Replaced an element for CH#2 Kitchen hot water heater.

Repaired the fountains control system mounting platform.

Added a detected electrical circuit at the Maintenance Building for the new alarm system.

Installed an alarm system at the Maintenance Bldg.

Installed a Video Camera surveillance and recording system at the Maintenance Building.

Replaced two sprinkler heads at CH#1

Repaired two sprinkler heads for residents that were broken by previous lawn crew.

Finish renovations to the horse shoe pits.

North and South gates were repaired twice after cars drove through the gates.

Two broken grates at the bottom of CH#2 pool were replaced.

The steps on the ladders at the CH#2 pool were repaired.

Three water inlets on the bottom of CH#2 were unplugged and cleaned out that were restricting water flow.

CH#2 Billiards room Heat was repaired by Venice Heating and Air

All fire extinguishers were serviced and inspected by CINTAS Fire Protection.

A new irrigation bladder tank and Backflow valve was replaced behind CH#1 by Tom Miller Irrigation.

Irrigation lines and heads were installed next to the Miniature golf course.  By Tom Miller Irrigation.

Mail Boxes- 4

Set-ups-30

Monthly safety topic- Safety Glasses

Sale of Home Reminder- If you are selling your home personally or through an outside Real Estate Agency, please contact the Administration Office or have your agent come into the Administration Office for the proper procedures.

Rental Reminder- If you are planning to rent your Venice Isle home, the following forms must be on file and approved prior to your tenant arriving at Venice Isle Estates.

§  Owners Permission to Rent Form

§  Tenants Information Form

§  Tenants Privacy Policy Form

§  Copy of Drivers License(s) or Photo I.D.

All renters must have a Background Check. These forms are available at the Office.

I, Joyce Clark, as the Welcome Hostess, would like to welcome you as well as bring you some maps, coupons, and provide you with information regarding Venice and about the activities here at VIE.  Please call me so that I may visit with you at your convenience.  Please leave your name, address, and a phone number on my recorder if Im not at home.

Joyce Clark- 484-0780

There will be one open seat on the Venice Isle Activity Board this year.  The election is March 20^th.  If you are interested in running, please submit a brief resume to me no later than February 9, 2012.

Richard Nuzzo, VIAC Board President- 412-0260

Vice President- Del Millar opened the meeting and asked for a roll call.  9 members present; 1 member, Rich Nuzzo, via telephone.  1 absent- Fran.  Del welcomed all visitors.

Visitors Comments-Carl Risch, Board representative, invited everyone to the VIHO board meeting today at 1:00.  Diane Tarr, Islander Editor, has asked liaisons or board members to make the deadline for their articles.  E-mail them if possible.

Secretary Report- Priscilla reported that the minutes are posted at both clubhouses.  Motion was made to approve minutes, 2^nd, motion passed.

Treasurer Report-  Charlie has posted Treasurer report at both clubhouses.  We are doing well and Star Entertainment is keeping us going.  Joe motioned to approve report, 2^nd by Mel.  Motion passed.

Presidents Report- We welcome Theresa back to the board and thank her for her services.  Now we need a motion to make Priscilla Conklin secretary.  Charlie made a motion, Carolyn 2^nd, Motion passed.  Rich, by telephone, thanked Theresa and Carolyn for taking care of the Employees Luncheon.  Also thanks to Joe for getting the Bocce games started.

Liaison Report- Joe reported a sad day for shuffleboard, they lost.  Better days coming.  Dominos are doing well.  Need more players.

Old Business- Jazz group to start January 2^nd.

New Business- New Activities:

Tai Chi practice CH#1.  Contact, Naomi Christie

Joe made a motion to approve, Skip 2^nd.  Motion carried.

Rise and Shine exercise class.  CH#1, 8:30-9:30 am, Mon, Wed, Fri.

Contact Joyce Closurdo

Merle made a motion to approve, Joe 2^nd.  Motion carried.

Board members have copies of Election procedures.  Skip made a motion to accept the procedures.  Joe 2^nd.  Motion carried.

Three positions are open, Del, Fran, Carolyn.  If we vote to have 9 on the board, one seat to fill.  If we vote to have 11 on the board, 3 seats.  Rich checked on other boards of area parks and he recommended we go to 9 board members.  Skip made a motion to go to 9, Mel 2^nd, Motion carried.

Priscilla read a Thank you card from Theresa thanking us for the flowers.

Mel made a motion to adjourn, Joe 2^nd.

Respectfully Submitted, Priscilla Conklin

Copies for VIAC Activities: The VIAC copier is located in the Lido Room (Poker Room) in CH2.  The request folder is now located on a shelf placed on the copier cabinet.  The folder with copies is placed on the second shelf located on the copier cabinet. Please include a contact name with your request.  VIAC will not reimburse anyone for copies made elsewhere.

Priscilla Conklin- 485-9295

Please save your aluminum cans.  When you have a full bag, take them to the bin marked for Habitat for Humanity inside the gate by the Maintenance Building.  This will help them in building homes for the under privileged families in our Community.  Do your part in helping out this organization.

Need Sound for Your Event? -  Please remember to give five (5) days notice for your event or function.  This includes all weekly or monthly events.  In addition, your performer(s) must contact me before they perform to insure that sound, lighting and musical selections are discussed fully before the performance.

Rich Conklin- 485-9295

Announcements:  Currently only channel 195 is available for in-house dissemination of information.  Comcast has removed all other channels for their use.  If you wish to input any information on the VIC channel, please note that forms are available in the San Marco Room (Billiard Room) at CH2.  There is a pocket with blank pink sheets that must be used to submit articles for the channel.  Completed forms should be put into the slot adjacent to the blank sheet pocket.  Only pink forms will be accepted.  Please, no phone calls or e-mails.  Information is provided on the back of the forms.  There are several VIC channel coordinators processing these sheets so please print legibly and include your name and phone number.  If you have any questions, please drop a note into the slot and one of the coordinators will call you back as soon as possible. 

Islander Mailing Service:  You must provide a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope with $1.44 Postage for the number of months you wish the mailing service.  Please comply with this request, and I will be happy to continue mailing The Islander to you.

Thank You,

Betty Munnell, 410 Vasto Dr., Venice, FL 34285

941-488-1379

To keep the Bulletin Board orderly and to have available space to post as many notices as possible, please do the following:

1.  Use 3x5 index cards or paper.

2.  Mark the date you are posting the notice on the                      right bottom corner.

3.  Post it in the area assigned:  Rentals, Want to Rent, For Sale, Services, etc.

4.  Notices will remain for 30 days.  You may re-date, if needed.

5.  Please remove or have someone remove your posting when your property is rented or sold.

 If you have any questions, please call me.

Our bus leaves from both Clubhouses at approximately 9:30 am, 11:30 am, and 2:30 pm., Monday through Thursday except for Holidays.  You may arrange with the driver, Joe Lovett, for the pickup or your return trip.  However, if you leave the Park on a 2:30 pm bus, you will need to provide your own transportation back to Venice Isle Estates.  Note:  The Wednesday 11:30 am bus only goes to the Venice Village Shops and Wal-Mart if requested.  On request, passengers will be taken to Venice Beach, Venice Library, Venice Regional Medical Center and Health Park, downtown Venice, grocery stores, Doctors offices, etc.  Please call the Administration Office, 488-9648, for further information and to make special requests.  There is no charge to the residents for this service.

Trouble with a Utility-   Call the utility company you are having a problem with, not the Administration Office.  You will receive better service calling yourself.  Questions will be asked that only you can answer.

The purpose of Friends in Need is to offer transportation to Doctors appointments to residents of VIE when needed.  It is staffed by volunteers and is offered free of charge.  Call anyone on the following list to make arrangements for pick up.  A couple of days advance notice would be appreciated.

There are two ways to become a member of your new yahoo group VENICEISLEVINE (one word) effective January 2012.

You can use this address to join: VENICEISLEVINE-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

You may have to sign up with a Yahoo email address if you dont already have one, but then once you become a member, you can select to have the messages sent to your regular email address, or the messages will be sent to the yahoo address.

If you dont have any luck with the above, you could go to Yahoo Groups, then select Yahoo Group directory, search VENICEISLEVINE, and you will be at our website and it will ask you to join.

Group email: VENICEISLEVINE@ yahoogroups.com.  You can use this to post messages from your email to the site.

The nice thing about this is all members will receive the messages when posted, if this is the option they select when signing up, and the posting will stay on the site until deleted.

Messages do not require approval.

1.  All members can post messages.

2.  Email attachments archived on site.

3. Members cannot hide email addresses.

4.  Group email listed in directory

5.  Membership does not require approval.

Group Email Addresses:

Post message:  VENICEISLEVINE@yahoogroups.com

Subscribe:

Unsubscribe:

 VENICEISLEVINE-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Group home page:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VENICEISLEVINE

Jean DeLoreto- pjdelo@yahoo.com

 

 

Valentines Day is coming soon so before that, come and have your blood pressure checked.  Come and see us on February 8th from 9-10:30 am at Clubhouse 2 in the Venetian Room.

Mary Nuzzo 412-0260

Are you a loner or a joiner?  When you need help do you call 911 or your neighbor?  I recall two army buddies who graduated high school together but met for the first time in the army chow line.

Dont be like themnot knowing your neighbors.  Come to Clubhouse #2 on Feb. 17^th at 8:30 am for FREE coffee and donuts, courtesy of VIAC, and meet other Venice Isle residents.  We have a short half hour or so of social time and around 9 am we have a guest speaker.

This month we are pleased to have a man who brings with him the reputation of a gentleman, and an individual with much knowledge of the local area.  This individual is highly respected by all who have met and dealt with him.

You will not want to miss hearing Mr. Jon Thaxton on February 17^th.

The Demonstration Gardens were created to illustrate the principles of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.  Using native and non-native plants, the gardens demonstrate how you can create your own Florida-Friendly yard which is beautiful, sustainable, and environmentally friendly; also micro irrigation system, examples of recommended varieties of mulch, and the compatibility of gopher tortoises in the home garden. 

There are 8 garden plots:  Wildlife, Cactus & Succulents, Seasonal, Edibles, Ground Covers, Shrubs & Perennials, Ornamental Grasses and the Butterfly Garden across the shell path.  Except for the edible plants, all plants are drought and salt-tolerant which is necessary for the full sun and windy coastal environment of the park.  The sandy well-drained soil has a pH of 7.2 which may be similar to your own yard.  All these plants require very little maintenance once they are established.  Melaleuca, pine straw, pine bark, and eucalyptus mulches are used in the garden.

UF/IFAS Sarasota County Master Gardeners & the Friends of Shamrock Park partnered to design, install, and maintain these gardens.

There will be 2 Master Gardeners at the park to give us the tour and answer questions.  (One is our own Park resident- Linda Cholakis).  The VI bus will be used for transport.  You can sign up for a seat through the office.  We will carpool overflow, if needed.  All Are Welcome!

Bus Pickup- North side of CH2

Time: 10 am

Date: Thursday- Feb. 16^th

Reminder:  We have moved our meetings to the third Thursday.

Carol Gilmore- 484-0584

Art Group:

Now that the New Year is here and the snowbirds continue to return, our group is slowly growing.  All medias are welcome.  Anyone is encouraged to come, browse and ask questionsyou may become inspired!  If you think you may want to bring out your artistic self, we can get you started.

All Welcome!! (Girls & Guys!)

Clogging meets every Thursday at 12 noon in CH2 in the room next to the Stage except during the holidays.  See you there!

All of you line dancers, Fun Night resumed on January 9^th in CH#2 at 7:00 pm.  Beginners are welcome and as always there is no charge.  Dust off your dancing shoes and come and join us for an hour of fun and great exercise.  For more information, call:

Place:  Clubhouse #1

Day and Time:  Thursdays from 3-4:00 pm

Cost:  Pay as you go or by the month.  For the first line dance session of the season we had a good turn out and lots of fun.  Please feel free to come and join us.  Thanks go to Darlene Thomas for volunteering to be our liaison starting at the end of March.

A new class is being offered in CH#1 every Tuesday at 1pm.  Musical Theatre Jazz is a one hour class, consisting of a warm up, progressions and combinations.  Hope to see you on Jan. 10^th.

The Venice Isle Computer Club continues to meet each Tuesday afternoon at Clubhouse 2, Rialto Room.

A session on computer basics is offered from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. This is designed for those people just beginning to use a computer or those who are more advanced but would like to review the basics.

At 1:30 pm we switch to a users group format where you can share specific problems or offer new ideas on ways to get the most out of your computer experience.

Both sessions are open to everyone.  If you own a laptop computer, please bring it.  There is no charge but you can make a donation to our equipment and upkeep fund.

All Venice Isle residents are reminded that the Computer Room is open for general use at all times except when a class or meeting is in progress in the Rialto room or when a large gathering is being held in the main ballroom of Clubhouse 2.  There are five desktop computers available for internet use and an open wireless connection.  This room is a very popular gathering place for V.I. residents.

The next scheduled VIAC approved trips are Feb. 14^th and Feb. 28^th.  It is still only $25 per person and you receive a $25 voucher for free slot play and a $5 food voucher.  If over 32 people attend each event, free Bingo on the bus. (3-$50 prizes).  Bus leaves from CH2 by the bocce courts by 9 am and returns around 4:45 pm.  Please show up by 8:30 am bus leaves as soon as everyone is checked in.  There is a sign up sheet at CH1.  For more information or sign up, call:

  Movie Night

Free popcorn- BYOB

Free will donation accepted.

Skip- 483-3516

We will be celebrating St. Valentines Day!

Celebrating Little Italy, Venice Isle Style

Little Italy, Venice Isle Style March dinner ticket sales, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012- CH2, 9-11 am.

Many thanks to all dinner attendees for your willingness to accept hosting duties and late additions to your table count.  We try to accommodate late park arrivals as best that we can.  We are open to any suggestions you might have to make the process run more smoothly.

Bridge classes will be held in CH#1 in the Tuscany Room on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00 pm.  We will have beginner and advanced classes with two teachers.  Why not try this difficult game?  There is no charge.

 

Mexican Train dominoes have started again for the season.  Again we are in CH#1 at 7:00 pm on Monday evenings.  Be there by 6:50 pm so we can draw table assignments and start by 7.  If you have any questions, contact me at 445-5170

Mahjongg will be played at CH#1 on Thursdays at 6:00 pm.  Everyone is welcome.

Texas HoldEm is played on Monday nights at 6:30 pm in the Lido Room in CH2.

Buy-in: $5.00 (no rebuys)

Receive $1000 in chips (when your chips are totally gone, you are out of the game).

Payouts will be determined by the quantity of players.

For information and questions, call:

If you like to sing, even if its in the shower, we would like to have you in the Glee Club.  You dont have to be able to read music.  Weve got a great group and we would like to have you join us.  We meet on Wednesdays at 10 am in CH1.

Please give Mel Studley a call, if you are interested at 488-2359.

We meet every Thursday morning at 9:00 am in the Tuscany Room at Clubhouse #1.  All are welcome, beginners to advanced quilters and anyone who would like to learn how to quilt.  We are currently working on making wall quilts for the Sorrento Room.

  Ceramics:

Let us know if anyone is interested in doing ceramics during the spring and summer months, otherwise, February and March are the months left to paint and fire items.  We have some fun things to paint:  turtles, spoon rests, mushrooms, etc.  Everyone is welcome.

The Venice Isle Singles is a group of men and women who meet to get to know one another for fun and fellowship once a month.  Our year starts in October and lasts through May.  We have some outings, such as the theatre, ballgames, boat rides and more.  We occasionally have a speaker and/or just have a fun time.  Our meeting day has changed to the 3^rd Thursday of each month at CH1 at 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted.  There are no dues to join.  Come try it, you might like it!!  For more information, call:

Help&help!!! Why do I need help??  Lucy Poole just brought me a huge bag of beautiful yarn.  Adding this to what I have&my yarn supply is taking over a whole closet!!

I have instructions for both knitted and crocheted sweaters or like many of my knitters, you can use your own pattern.

I have needles.  Learn something new this winter and help keep a child warm somewhere around the world.  Menit is not unmanly to knitits good exercise for the hands and arms.  New knittersI can get you started and I have several ladies who will get you started if you select crocheting.

Log on to www.knitforkids.org to see what knitters across the U.S. are doing!!

On Wednesday, February 8, at 10 am in the Rialto (Computer) Room of Clubhouse #2, the VI Readers will hold a planning meeting  for next years book selections.  Please bring your list of favorite books that you would like to recommend.  The group will select from the lists provided.

The next book discussion will be on February 22, on Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult.  The Boston Glove states that Picoult is a skilled wordsmith, and she beautifully creates situations that not only provoke the mind but touch the flawed souls in all of us.  People magazine states the story is Brilliantly Told.  Avis Morse will be the discussion leader.

The following books are scheduled for the rest of the season:

March 14- A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith

March 28- The 19^th Wife by David Ebershoff

April 11- Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford.

Call Lynn if you would like to borrow a book from our supply at 517-647-2460.

Remember that all visitors and residents are invited to join our group at any time.

I cant imagine that anyone walking into our library and seeing what a pleasant room it is, would then proceed to leave damaged, dirty and torn old books for us.

We are not in the business of disposing of worn out books.  Please put them out in the weekly trash pickup at your home.

You cannot help but see that the room and the books we do offer are clean and in very good shape.

We are proud of the quality of the books we have.  We pride ourselves on the look of the entire room.  We know that you, the residents, take pleasure in the library and in sharing your treasured books and puzzles with us.

Hours are 8:00 am to 9:30 pm every day.  Its your library.  Its still the honor systemyou take out- you return.

Spring Fashion Show- Fashions by Bealls

Door Prizes and Prizes for Prettiest-Funniest- Most Creative Hats

Desserts & Refreshments

Bring it on, Ladies!!!

All proceeds go to Cancer Research

Sponsored by Phi Beta Psi-Beta Sigma Chapter

Ticket Sales: Sat., Feb. 11^th, CH2, 8-11 am

Singing The Soundtracks of our Lives for over 50 years.  Their first million dollar seller was 26 Miles followed by Big Man, Down at the Station, and Lazy Summer Night. This is a special show and offers open seating.

Special price--$10 pp.

Rick Starr- Rick has opened for Frankie Valli, Marie Osmond, Tony Bennett and many more.  Enjoy the comedy of this very funny NY entertainer.

Donna & Dunning- With world class vocal talents, uncanny singing impressions, humor, music and mayhem, this dynamic duo will have you laughing in your seats.

This is the 2^nd show in the 2012 Season Package.

Come and enjoy this Southern Gospel Group which has headlined at Dollywood in Tennessee for the past 25 years.  They will be back with an all new show this season.  This is a special show and offers open seating.

Special price- $10 pp.

This musical review takes you back to the good old days.  They pay tribute to The Rat Pack, the Teen Idols, and the Girl Groups.  From Broadways Guy N Dolls to Chicago, they will entertain you with their own popular renditions of a more romantic erawhen Las Vegas and Atlantic City were magical places to visit.

This is the 3^rd show in the 2012 Season Package.

This is unlike any musical experience around recreating an entire instrumental band with nothing but their voices.  They bring timeless, classic music to life with renewed freshness and they infuse beautiful harmonies with a lovable sense of humor and style all their own.  A cappella at its finest!!

This is the 4^th show in the 2012 Season Package.

Joan- 483-3516        Gen- 483-3339

 

The following are the trips scheduled for this year.  If you are interested please contact me by e-mail (trishjim@comcast.net) or by phone (485-7453).  After you register with me, you will send your checks directly to Northport US1 Travel located at 14385a Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287.

FEBRUARY 13, 2012

COLUMBIA RESTAURANT & FLORIDA AQUARIUM

The Columbia restaurant is Floridas oldest continually operating restaurant and defines the standard to which Spanish cooking in America is held. It occupies an entire block in the heart of Ybor City.  After lunch we will head to the Florida Aquarium located at the Port of Tampa.  Voted in the top 10 aquariums in the nation.  Also contains an aviary and botanical garden.

Includes bus transportation, lunch and Aquarium admission

Departs 10am and returns 6:00p.m

Price: $85  due January 13, 2012

MARCH 22, 2012

TRAILER PARK

Broadway Palms dinner theater

Meet some of the residents of a trailer park called Armadillo Acres.  Norbert and Jeannie have been married for 20 years and theres no electricity in their relationship, a situation enhanced by Jeannies agoraphobia, in which she refuses to leave their trailer.

Includes bus transportation, lunch, show, tax and waitress tip.

Departs 10am and returns 5:00pm

Price: $65  due February 22, 2012

Please lower the Pool umbrellas when you are finished using them to protect them from the wind and to keep them from becoming airborne.

On Tuesday, February 21^st, our 6^th Annual Midwest Dinner will be held at CH2.  Dinner will be Swiss Steak and all the trimmings prepared by VIs excellent cooks.  Tickets will be sold Sat., Feb. 4^th from 9-12 am at CH2.  Only 150 tickets will be sold.  Social time, 5 pm (BYOB and Place Settings).  Dinner at 5:30 pm.  Cost is $10 per person.  Cash prizes will be drawn.

.Mary Kulig- 218-591-5295

 

 

Assorted trays of fruit, veggies and cheese

Punch/Coffee/Tea

Breast of Chicken Marsala

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Sautéed Baby Beans

Choc. & White Frosted Marble Cake

Music for dancing, 50/50 Draw

Many beautiful baskets filled with goodies

will be drawn for during the evening.

Ticket Sales- Tues., Feb. 21^st, 11:00-1:00, CH2

also at the Pancake Breakfast. Call:

Rosemary- 488-1929

Binka- 488-4193

Theresa- 486-0084

The New England Dinner will be Wednesday, March 7, 2012.  It is being catered by Buffalo Bills.  Cost is $12.50 per person.  Appetizers are at 5 pm to 6 pm.  BYOB.  Dinner is at 6 pm.

There will be door prizes and a 50-50 raffle.

Make sure you get your tickets early as there are limited amounts.  Watch Channel 195 for further information.

The 2012 Venice Isle Community Sale will be held on Saturday, March 24^th from 8:00am- 2:00 pm.  The Table Reservations went really fast this year.  As of 1/11/12 there are 5 tables left.  If you still want to participate, please call Noreen@ 585-781-0218 or send an e-mail to Noreenrash@gmail.com.  Include your name, contact information (email address or phone number) and how many tables you think you would like.  I can then let you know if there is anything available.  Cost to each participant will be $3.00 per table.  Thank you in advance.

A nurse leads!!  Last December 7^th, Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, became the Armys 43^rd Surgeon General and Commanding General, US Medical Command.

She was nominated to the position by President Obama back in May and later approved by the Senate.  Horoho has commanded the Army Nurse Corps since 2008 when she received a rare two (2) grade promotion from Colonel to Major General.  Major General Gale Pollock served as acting Army Surgeon General for a few months in 2007, but Horoho is the first nurse and the first woman to be nominated for the position and confirmed by the Congress.  Congratulations, General Horoho!!

The Weight Awareness Group meets at CH#2 in the Venetian Room on Thursdays from 12 noon to 1 pm.

The holidays are over and again we are committed to losing our excess weight in healthy ways.

Each week I prepare information from the books:  Women, Food, and God plus Why Weight by Geneen Roth.

The members of the group discuss this information during the meeting.  You decide if this information pertains to you.

This eating plan has worked for me and other members of the group. This group was formed to support each other.  If you dont want to change your eating at this time, keep coming back.  Sometimes we need support before we make Big changes in our lives.

Members:  Both women and men are attending these meetings.

Cost:  Each Activity in Venice Isle is asked to be self-supporting.  I am asking you to give $1 each week to pay for the information copies we use during the meetings.

Facilitator:  I want to be healthier and thinner.  I have read many books on losing weight and being healthier.  I will be using some information from these books at our group meetings.

Feb. 2              Compulsion and Awareness

Feb. 9              The Basic I

Feb. 16            The Basic II

Feb. 23            Only Eating When You are Hungry

Why do Clubs in Venice Isle enjoy some recognition and successful activities?  Look briefly at the Bike Club, the Tennis Club, the Bocce crowd, and perhaps the Shuffleboarders.  Add the efforts of the Bowling folks, Glee Club, and almost countless others.  Whats the common denominator?  Good decisions thru organization perhaps.

Add the factor of common interest, idea sharing, and just wanting more fun, there is an argument for considering a club approach.  Not to take things too seriously and go nuts with structure, there are some neat advantages with the above issue.

Two years ago, 2009, there was a huge, fun turnout to a Christmas Parade of Golf Carts.  Last year, 2010, it was colder than the North Pole and things bombed a bit.  This year I chickened on any Christmas repeat and opted for a Halloween night parade.  That bombed!!  The obvious answer:  A Golf Cart Club to share input, timing, events, whims and woes, whatever that is.

Any such collective effort beats individual thinking anytime.  There are roughly 100 golf carts in VI and more than that number of creative thinkers.  We come from nearly 37 states, loaded with experiences far beyond imagination.  Lets go- let me hear from all or any of you residents, even whether or not you own a cart.  Full Speed Ahead- as long as its below 15 mph.

Our 14^th week of bowling produced some record setting high scoring marks by 2 of our stars; Erv Alajtner just missed a perfect game with a 278 single and John Gerhart had 3, 200 plus games for a high series of 678.  Those 2 totals will be hard to beat the rest of the year.  Ervs team VIHO is still in first place with 39 pts, followed by Eco/Ants, Prestige auto #1 and Eco/termites.  Four of our top bowlers are in a virtual tie for top average, Skip, Erv, Jim Armour and John Gerhart.  Pat Hill now has top average for the ladies followed by Joyce Closurdo and Theresa Dugas.

Ill just list a few high scores in the last 5 weeks:  Ron Burkholder had a 202 and a 506 series in week 11, Geritt Baker had 2, 500 plus series 2 weeks in a row and Skip had a nice 245/588 series in week 12.  Bob Rexroat hit for a 192/557 followed by a 519 in week 14.  Bob Lindsay had his high 182 for his Solar Vision team in week 12.  Frank Closurdo had a high of 223 and Chuck Karbon celebrated his first week back from the North Country with a nice 204/535 series.

All you late arrivals from the snow country are welcomed to join us for some fun and exercise every Monday at 9:15.  We always have spots open for new members, full time or substitutes.  Call me and Ill get you on a team.

484-0421

The first half of our season is over with the Giants team, consisting of Carmen Rainke, Arlene Mondry, George Strusheim and Bob Pogwizd taking first place with 56 games won.  The Vikings took second place, also with 56 games won, but had 17 fewer pins overall for the season.  Individual male honors went to Jim Rundell with high scratch game of 235 and Bud Lawrence with a high series with handicap of 769.  For the ladies, Jean DeLoreto had high scratch game of 235, high series of 568 and high game with handicap of 298.  Edith Sadler had high handicap series of 760.  The Steelers had high scratch game of 669 and high scratch series of 1823.   The Giants had high handicap game of 1003 and the Saints had high handicap series of 2855.  Jean DeLoreto leads the ladies high averages with 154 followed by Edith Sadler (and slipping fast) with 142; Jim Rundell has high mens average with 191 followed by Jim Lamar with 173.  Due to a shortage of bowlers this year we eliminated 1 team of only 2 bowlers and placed them on 2 teams that were short a bowler, so our league now consists of 7 full teams.  If there are any bowling wannabes who would like to sub this year or bowl on a team next season, please call Jean DeLoreto- 486-1909 or Edith Sadler- 484-4343.  Hopefully, we can get back to 8 full teams next season.  You do not have to be a park resident to bowl in this league.

Well, here we are into tournament play.  We had our first game on Jan. 7^th at Holiday Park ending up with 1 win and 2 losses.  We hope to do better the rest of this month.

We will be playing here at home on Feb. 11^th, at Harbor Isles on Feb. 18^th and LaCasa on Feb. 25^th.

Our games start at 9:30 am on Saturday morning.  Why not come on out when we are at home and give us some support!

We have been playing casual play with make-up teams each Wednesday since early November.  Beginning in January, 2012, teams were formed with last years personal performance as a guide.

Team play commenced on January 4, 2012 and will finish up in early April.

Matches are every Wednesday morning in the horseshoe pits behind CH1.  There is plenty of room for players (female & male) as team members or substitutes.

If interested, come down on Wednesday, 10 am or contact:  John Abbott @ 485-7893

Court Cleaning Schedule is posted on Bulletin Board by the courtsPlease comply with the schedule and fulfill your assignments.

Abide by the Captains decision on players assignments.  Her decisions are final.

Please follow the above comments to insure harmony on the team.

.Joe Leavy- 488-3793

The V.I. Golf League plays 18 holes each Thursday from November to April at the Oyster Creek Golf & Country Club in Englewood.  We are four weeks into the schedule but New Friends are Always Welcome!

Closing dinner is planned for March 21^st.  There is an entry fee of $35 for prizes and the Annual Dinner including spouses.  Sign up each Wednesday @ CH1 between 8 & 9 am.

The Tuesday mixed golf league at Venice Lakes Golf Club has started.  Mention that you play with Venice Isle for the discount.  Please use the sign-up sheet at Clubhouse #1.

Tennis is alive and well at Venice Isle as witnessed by the crowd, almost daily, at the courts!  Either there is a match going on with another park or our own residents and renters are sharpening their skills as well as socializing with one another.  We are participating again this year in four leaguesLadies Doubles on Monday, Mens A team on Tuesday, Mens B team on Wednesday and Mixed Doubles on Friday.  VI has proven to be very competitive in each of the matches already played.  There are no team standings or awards, therefore results are simply recorded by each captain.  Home matches will be listed on the park information channel so that anyone wishing to attend and cheer us on may do so.  We are blessed with some top-notch players as well as those who took up the sport later in life, improving by leaps and bounds every day.  Everyone is invited to come out and take part or just get to know a great group of people playing a great game, a lifetime sport, tennis!  Whats