Orange Acres History
November 2009

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These pictures progress from top to bottom

November 2 - Monday

There were three of us that took the bike ride to the mall today. From left, Gene Mathes, Ron & Marion Holsing.

On the way back we spotted this eagle high in the tree.

November 3 - Tuesday

There were 75 at the coffee hour this morning.

This was Ed Marian's first appearance as the new president. He did a fine job this morning.

Ed introduced his vice president Marti Gauthier.

Marti presented outgoing president Linda Burrows with a bouquet of flowers.

Ed also presented her with an Orange Acres shirt and an Orange Acres gift certificate.

November 5 - Thursday

I finally caught the Sandhill Crane mating dance on a movie. We believe the father is teaching the son how to do the dance.

November 7 - Saturday

Our community's Veteran's Day celebration Saturday had a lively parade, reverent ceremony, tasty refreshments and camaraderie found only at military events. Program Chairman Dwight Holden, who served in the U.S. Marines, directed 47 veterans preparing to parade from the clubhouse to the Memorial Park.

Flag bearer Kenny Russell led the parade and was followed by sign carriers Fred St. James and Phil Albarano.

Art Klimek and David Burrows supplied parade music as veterans arrived on golf carts, mobile chairs and by foot.

After an opening prayer by Betty Delanois, Grand Marshal Mike Delaney remembered the Korean War and his visit to the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C.. "The war was hard," Delaney said. "The best day since the war was visiting that memorial and reading a sign from the Koreans we defended that said simply, 'We thank you.'"

Speaker John Carroll talked about World War II and acknowledged veterans in the audience.

Joan Worden read a history of "Taps," which is played at military funerals. Peter Minotti then played the bugle call.

During a Bell Toll, Veterans Day Program Founder Charlie Parkes, a World War II technical sergeant, called out names of the community's veterans who died since 2000.

Ken Russell rang the bell for each soldier.

The crowd then moved back to the Community Center for refreshments. Serving from left, Elaine Studer, Jan Thomas, Orange Acres Veterans Day Program Founder Charlie Parkes, Gladys Moore and Bessie Kunkle pose with refreshments in the clubhouse kitchen. Other helpers were Lind Burrows, Rickie Gabbert, Joan Russell, Lorraine Labonte and Joan Collins.

November 10 - Tuesday

There were 83 at the coffee hour this morning.

Mary Ryman Introduced David Olson this morning. Dave had been a renter and recently purchased the home at 18 Jeffrey Drive.

Caroline Turner introduced former renter Joan Collins who recently purchased 204 Jason Drive.

November 14 - Saturday

Almost 50 Orange Acres residents enjoyed the Lost in the 50's Dance. Gene Mathes was our famous spinner of tunes and all had a wonderful evening.
A few guests enjoying conversation and getting ready to dance (Ed Marian, Lela St. James, Phil and Elaine Albarano).

Gene and Pam Rickles, Lorraine Labonte, Joan Collins and Elaine Albarano show off their line dancing moves.

A great shot of some of our dancers.

Couples enjoying a nice slow dance.

One couple started out this "Snowball" dance. Almost everyone was on the dance floor as we changed partners to "Since I met you baby."

More partner changes.

While some were dancing, others had an opportunity to chat with their neighbors.

Does anyone recognize our master spinner of tunes??

November 16 - Monday

There were 10 Orange Acres residents that went to Myakka Park today at noon for a picnic and bike ride. We traveled 10.8 miles.

Nine of us took the bike ride through the park. Gene Mathes, Natalie Davis, Ed & Judy Marian, Ralph Haas, Ron & Marian Holsing, Gill Forler and John Pugh. Phyllis Haas waited for us back at the picnic area.

The weather was perfect and the scenery was beautiful

Our group in front of the Myakka River.


We first stopped at the bridge over the Myakka River.	We saw a lot of big alligators similar to these sunning themselves on the bank.

Through the alligator infested waters came this brave kayaker.

A walk through the woods

To visit the Canopy Walk.

Some of us went to the top of the tower and were delighted to see the blastoff of the space shuttle.

It was then to the bird walk overlooking the lake and lots of wildlife.

Another great group shot.

On the way out of the park we spotted 4 deer. These two were grazing in the forest.

November 17 - Tuesday

There were 94 at coffee this morning.

Grace Sherry gave the sunshine report and also introduced Pauline Courchesne, our new sunshine lady.

Pauline Courchesne, our new sunshine lady. Pauline is from Canada, following in the footsteps of Marti Gauthier, who was the sunshine lady before Grace Sherry.