There
was a lot of action at the Craft and Hobby Show today. Lots of good things to
see and buy.These pictures progress from top to bottom
There
was a lot of action at the Craft and Hobby Show today. Lots of good things to
see and buy.
 Gene
Mathes had his trains on display and running for the visitors. |
 Here
are some scenes from the show showing Orange Acres residents at work. |
Here
is the crew that started the Christmas decorating at the hall today. From left
to right are Larry & Joyce Mansfield, Audrey Young, Alice Vierus, Ward Young and
Dick Vierus.
 Decorating
continued today with Maxine Mock, Joan Kapp, Marge Freeman and Faye Spinney.
Looking good ladies. |
 The
bike ride to the mall was attended by only Ralph Bush and Gene Mathes. We
did meet Nancy Bush at the food court for lunch though. |
There
were 116 at coffee this morning.
The
speakers this morning were Kristen Channing and her mother Marilyn Biggart from
Biggart Insurance Inc. talking about the mobile home insurance that is available
to us.
These
three Orange Acres residents were seen at the SPCUG (Sarasota PC Users Group)
Christmas party tonight enjoying the meal and fellowship. They are Anne Subrizi,
Marge Phelan and Mary Ryman. Gene Mathes took their picture.
There
were 111 at coffee this morning.
The
Christmas party was attended by about 125 residents and friends tonight. We had
a sing-a-long followed by entertainment, refreshments and then treats from
Santa.
 We
had a half hour sing-a-long of the great Christmas songs led by Gene Mathes
on his Q-Chord. |
 The
'Silver Foxes' From Venice entertained us with a half hour program. They had the
chorus singing
Christmas songs. |
 They
entertained us with comedy. |
 They
showed us great dancing. |
 Santa
was there with his elves. Notice that elves come in all sizes. The elves
were Hugh Spinney, Joyce & Larry Mansfield. Santa was played by Ralph Bush as
usual. |
 Santa
and his elves had gifts for everyone and personally handed them out. |
 There
were 11 golf carts carrying 36 people around the park tonight for the
Christmas caroling.
|
 Dick
Vierus and Gene Mathes accompanied the singers with guitars.
|
After
the caroling the group had cookies and hot chocolate at the clubhouse.
 Cheer
baskets were delivered today in the park. Here are Grace Sherry, Charlene
Sherman and Charlie Parkes delivering the cheer basket to Rose Mary Blackney. |
 A
new home was delivered to lot #99 this morning. |
90 residents and guests were in attendance for the coffee/donut hour this
morning.
 The meeting
was ably chaired by vice president, Pat Myers. Thank you Pat. You did a
good job. |
 These
three Brits enjoyed the free donuts provided as a Christmas gift from our
president, Gene Mathes. From left to right - Alma Hallums, Olive Pullman and
Doreen Gibbons. |
 As you can see, There weren't many leftovers!! |
 Neighbors
helping Charlie Parkes celebrate the "Lighting Of The Arch". |
 The
luminaries were beautiful tonight. Many people toured the park including
some from outside the park. This is looking North toward Loren Drive in
front of lot 199. |
 This
view is of Jason Drive looking north from the south end. There were more
luminaries this year than in previous years. It was a beautiful night for
the lights. |
Gene
Mathes displayed his model city which was aluminated with street lights and
houses.
 There
were 60 at the annual Christmas Dinner today at the clubhouse. Caroline
Turner Jean Hanes and Mary Ryman did a fabulous job of organizing it. |
 As
usual the food was great. Warringtons supplied the ham and residents
supplied the covered dishes. |
 Everyone
brought gifts for the 'Yankee Swap'. Marj Dunn and her daughter Marsha did a
great job of running it. |
 Here
is Charlene Sherman picking out her gift. Most people swapped the gift they
received with someone before them. It was a lot of fun. |
There
were 75 at coffee this morning. We expect the attendance to build up now that
the holidays are over.
Here
is our alligator along with two turtles sunning themselves on the north bank of
the North Lake in Orange Acres.