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THE INFO VOL XXXIX WINTER 2018

Musical Hits Through the Years On an unseasonably cool night in January, 126 guests were greeted at the Rec Hall by Gail Gilvey and John Shea for an evening of feasting and dancing to the music of the Venice Party Band,” Fire N Ice.” We felt like we were in Italy with the décor of Italian flags, red and green tablecloths with the buffet table set up near the “Colosseum”. Our antipasti consisted of a variety of olives, fruits and cheeses accompanied by beer, wine, soft drinks and water served by our bartenders, Tom Drugan and Brian Doherty. The delicious

Italian feast catered by Oma’s consisted of lasagna, baked ziti, chicken cacciatore, meat balls (second only to Donna’s) and sausage. As always, our feast ended with sweets enjoyed by all. Now on to the dancing and a walk down memory lane as we were serenaded by “Dean Martin” with his awarding winning “Volare” and “That’s Amore” to continue the Italian theme. As the evening progressed our band

John Shea, Graham Sampson, Gail Gilvey

Fire ‘n Ice

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members showed their skills on trumpet, guitar and keyboard as well as vocal selections. I found myself reminiscing!!! Where was I when I first heard “Under the Boardwalk”, “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Polka dot Bikini” and “Ally Oop” to name a few? Looking around at the increasing number of young residents, I am sure that many never had heard these “Oldies but Goodies” before. Boy, did I feel old!! The Twist, the Lindy and Jitterbug continued on through the night as the new enlarged dance floor was put to the acid test. Gladys Henry was even caught on camera being serenaded by a band member.

Gladys Henry & Fire ‘n Ice Joyce Mazurek, Pam & Ken Euerle Margie & Alan Hurwitz

John Bock, Joe Longtin, Liam Ward John & Sue Troup Ken Comeforo, Susan Claudio Mary Kimura

Our emcee, Graham Sampson, led all in singing Happy Birthday to John Troup and thanked Barb and Jim Fox for their last fling as volunteers before they head to their new home in University Park. If you are reading this, Barb and Jim, know that you are missed. Thus ended another fun evening organized by the chairs of our Rec Committee, Gail Gilvey and Graham Sampson. Pat Geraci

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LbH Holiday Decorating Lots of fun was had at the holiday decorating event. Food, wine and work were contributed by: from L to R (front row): Janice Doherty, Mary Jean Drugan, Susan Claudio, Pat Marschke, Beverly Grimes, Mary Bock; (middle row): Brian Doherty, Maureen

Shea, Barbara Bellamente, Ted Janssen, Barbara Janssen, Melanie Johnson, Mary Kimura, Yo Kimura, Gail Gilvey; (back row): John Shea, Tom Drugan and John Bock. Graham Sampson was the photographer. Mary Bock

‘Twas The Season The festive evening began on December 9, as 121 guests bearing gifts or a check for “Toys for Tots” were greeted at the door by Jean and Bart Wassmansdorf. It was very evident that Santa’s helpers – Barbara Bellamente, Susan Claudio, Carol Fischbein, Jeannie McLoughlin, and Christina Filkins –had magically decorated the hall before our arrival. As we approached our tables, we noticed colorful centerpieces with smiling Santas, snowmen, teddy bears and gingerbread houses. At closer inspection, we discovered that the centerpieces were all cookie jars collected by Donna Winter from various shops over the summer.

The evening progressed as we were called to the buffet table arrayed with food for all. Donna Winter, Bonnie Coughlin, Carole Donna and Bob Winter

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Shaw and Melanie Johnson each had a hand in preparing and serving the feast. We all filled our plates with ham, turkey and shrimp accompanied by potato salad, sausage and peppers, fruit and cheese. There was almost no room for Donna’s famous giant meatballs – just like my Mama used to make. Did we really devour 150 meatballs? At the bar, guests were served wine, water and soft drinks by Brian Doherty and Tom Drugan. Of course, as usual, our great meal ended with a delicious cake and cookies.

After dinner, our Board President, Bob Winter welcomed all and acknowledged all who were responsible for the evening with recognition to Gail Gilvey and Graham

Sampson, the chairs of our Rec Committee. It was great to see our manager Igor, our administrative assistant Michele; Michael, Steve and Saul from our Maintenance Staff; Ken, our part-time bookkeeper and Delfina and Sandra from our Housekeeping Staff. So happy that we got to meet Delfina’s daughters too!

After a standing ovation for our hard-working and dedicated staff, Igor turned the tables by thanking the residents for their many contributions to the well-being of our community. Flowers were presented to Donna Winter, our hostess for the evening, and Happy Birthday was sung to John Shea and Eleanor Carnese. Staff members were each invited to choose one of the beautiful centerpieces after which numbers were drawn for the lucky guests to choose the remaining cookie jars. And the winners were Pat Young, Milt Harr, Deborah O’Connor, Sally Liddle, Ted Janssen, Malihe Karimi, Jim Owen,

Charlotte Wittkamp, Joyce Mazurek, Steve Laflamme, Paul Coovert and Pat Geraci. I love mine!!

As the evening progressed and the Christmas music changed into dance music, it was surprising that no one approached the dance floor. I wondered- Are we getting too

John & Maureen Shea, Janice Doherty, Michele Andrews

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old or what??? Actually, we were all too busy eating!! The women finally broke the ice followed by several couples and the dancing began under the festive strobe lights. Many thanks go to the Board who sponsored this night of fun, camaraderie with residents and staff and sumptuous food combined with giving to others – the reason for the season! Did you happen to see the Winter’s SUV as they pulled out of the complex with the trunk and backseat filled with toys and $575.00 for the very thankful “Toys for Tots” organization? Pat Geraci

LBH’s Own Resident Psychologist Speaks to the Masses Our own Allen Ross, PhD. was the featured speaker at the January 23rd Men’s Club Luncheon. Dr. Ross’s presentation was designed to engage people while making them think about their own experiences as it relates to aging and retirement. Everyone said he was wonderful

and engaging.

There were 62 men that enjoyed a scrumptious luncheon prepared by Bonnie Coughlin with the help of Barbara Stamp. The season-long putting contest

got off to an excellent start

under the management of Jim Gaffney, Brian Doherty and Ken Euerle. Men’s Club president Bill Coughlin provided the men with a health tip that involved boxing. He also gave us a walking/posture demonstration, while telling us to stop slumping over and shuffling our feet. Then he gave us all a self-protection move

Bonnie Coughlin, Darroll Meyer & Barbara Stamp

Bart Wassmansdorf,Tom Drugan, Ted Janssen, & Brian Doherty

Alan Ross, PhD

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in case of a confrontation.

With the help of distinguished Men’s Club members, Graham called out the winners of the five door prizes that we had in addition to the 50/50. Imagine 62 guys and five door prizes, meaning a 1 in 12 chance of winning and an incredible meal all for $10. The monthly Men’s Club Luncheon is the best deal in town. Now back to the winners. The first winner was Bob Munoz getting a $10 gift certificate to Blue Dolphin. Then Darryl Marshall won a gift certificate for a free $10 future Men’s Club Luncheon. Bob Mazurek won a $15 Lazy Lobster gift certificate. Larry Bateman won an $18 Deluxe Optimus Car Wash. Robert Tosby won a Premium $27 Optimus Car Wash. Ken Euerle was the big winner taking home half of the 50/50 - $170.

At 1pm, the doors were opened to the entire community and 40+ women and neighbors entered to hear Dr. Ross’s presentation. Almost every seat was filled and over a hundred heard Dr. Ross speak, make us think, and even tell us a couple of humorous jokes. “I’ve been thinking about your offer, he said”. “I take the soup”. HA!

In closing, Bill Coughlin proposed a toast to Warren Conrad with Warren’s own cheap swill that he left when he sold his condo to Dr. Ross. A respectful salute to our past and a fun current memory.

If you missed it, make sure to mark your calendars for our next meeting on February 20th when Andrew Boyer, Esq. is the featured speaker. The doors will open once again for the men at 11am and to the entire community at 1pm. Mr. Boyer’s presentation will touch upon

Yo Kimura, Milt Harr, Dick Delgard, Chuck Sweet

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topics that include probate and non-probate assets, how trusts operate, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives and more.

If you were here for our first Men’s Club meeting, we know you will be back. The good food, comradery and fun is not to be missed.

The mission of the Men’s Club is to give 100% of everything we collect back to the community and its members. This all-volunteer organization is grateful for your support of the Club and especially the 50/50, as it allows us to do so much more for the entire community. Thank you for your generosity. It is greatly appreciated and it really does make a big difference. Graham Sampson

Longboat Harbour Turtle Rescue During our morning walk around the harbor on January 9, after the cold spell, we spotted a turtle in the harbor. It was floating at the surface, occasionally moving his front flippers and lifting his head to breathe. He had an abnormal mass near his back flippers. We and others also saw him a few hours later, still not appearing well. I called Mote Aquarium where volunteers relayed the message and sent out a rescue team. I kept the turtle under observation to track his location. My husband, David, cautioned me that the “Turtle Ambulance” might move …very…very…very… slowly. However, the team arrived within 15 minutes. The marine biologist said that the turtle was a juvenile Green Sea Turtle with

possible cold stunning and extensive papillomatous (viral) tumors. the team was extremely patient, as the turtle was too far from shore to be netted. David and a Mote employee

got our kayak, with paddles supplied by LbH employee Steve, to save time. Unfortunately, as the turtle was approached by the kayak, it became frightened and dove. Everyone looked for the turtle for about an hour and, just as the Mote

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team was about to leave, it was spotted again. The team got its own kayak and he was finally rescued after about three hours. The turtle was to have surgery to remove the tumors, thereby giving him a greater chance of survival. Unfortunately, upon further examination at the Mote hospital, x-rays revealed internal papillomas so he could not be saved. Mote expressed appreciation for having been contacted so that they could alleviate the turtle’s suffering. I speculate that his removal might lessen the chance that another turtle may become infected. Ginger Driscoll

In Memoriam Longtime owner, Ethel Athanas left this world on February 7, 2018 after a brief illness. Ethel lived in D101 for 37 years and was well known in our community. She could be found early in the morning in the gym and later in the Art Room where she created beautiful sculptures. She was no stranger at BOD meetings where she let her

opinions be known. Ethel was a world traveler with her husband of 40 years, Aristides, who predeceased her. Ethel was a faithful member of St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church in Sarasota where she and her husband generously gave of their time and financial support. Ethel leaves two daughters, Angela Michaud who lives here at LbH and Diane Athanas as well as a son, Peter and a grandson Alexander Michaud. Ethel will be missed by the residents of LbH. Mary Bock

Library News New books were purchased for the Library! The shelves were almost full. Now, half the books from the Mystery and Children’s Section are missing. If you have any of these books, please return them when you are finished with them and leave them on the table. We do not accept any Cook Books or books published after 2010. Thanks to whoever donated all the plays. Please leave your name with

Michele so I can thank you personally Beverly Grimes

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The Men’s Club Super Bowl Party is a Huge Hit Oh, what a party. $1,000 in pool money and half of the $570 50/50 pool converted the entire audience into folks now interested in the big game. Even those who don’t follow football, but came because they knew it would be a good party, now cared about the outcome of the game. One quarter at a time.

Everyone was glued to the new big screen TV. The new 120” motorized screen, with the overhead projector and the xFinity HD signal made for a crystal-clear picture. The new system’s debut was a hit. Then there was the food! Bonnie Coughlin and her team of volunteers produced another wonderful meal. Burgers, hot dogs boiled in beer, Philly cheesesteak sliders, New England clam chowder, chicken fingers, salads and so much more. No one left hungry

Gretchen & Bill Burns, Janice Doherty

Margie Clark, Marge Geiger, Pat Geraci

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And now for the important stuff. The evening’s winners were as follows: 1st quarter score – Eagles 9, Patriots 3. With a missed extra point by Philadelphia at the close of the quarter, John W. and Dennis McIvor became the winners, taking home $100 each. 2nd quarter – Eagles 22, Patriots 12. Sharon M and Gail Gilvey walked away with $100 each. At halftime, the 50/50 was drawn and Sue Martin won $285 in absentia. What a surprise she had coming her way! 3rd quarter – Eagles 29, Patriots 26. While Bill Coughlin still had faith in another

Patriots 4th quarter comeback, he and Chris Dinger picked up a $100 each at the end of the third for having the box that intersected E9 & P6. Game Final: Eagles 41, Patriots 33. When a 4th quarter Brady comeback failed this time and the Patriots were denied a 6th Super Bowl title, the real winners ending up being Pat Marschke and Ken Comeforo as they each won $200 in absentia. More happy surprises. Everyone had a wonderful time. Many said

that they looked forward to this event and weren’t disappointed. The Men’s Club couldn’t be happier. Putting on an event that brings our community together for fun, food, comradery and new memories is their mantra. By the reviews, it is obvious that they succeeded once again. The result: happiness all around.

Graham Sampson

Graham Sampson

Bill Coughlin

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Operating Committee Highlights FEBRUARY 6, 2018

Igor is working on a solution to the problem of the new stickers inability to open beach gate

New kayak racks will be built soon Estimates are being obtained for resurfacing of Pool 1 Property elevation certificates are forthcoming New tile for the Rec Hall back wall is on its way Samples will be obtained for second and third floor carpets Letter re damaged screens mailed to 103 owners Tile stain issue will be corrected by new cleaning solutions Motion passed to obtain new heater for Pool 4 – not to exceed $3,500.00 Motion passed to replace ripped tennis wind screens – not to exceed $440.52

Motion passed to authorize John Shea, temporary Wood Shop Chair, to acquire needed supplies not to exceed $400.00

Motion passed to add downspouts to carports in phase 2 not to exceed $2,100.00

Motion passed to obtain a tile scrubbing machine not to exceed $1,850.00 and to include some replacement parts

BOD Meeting Highlights FEBRUARY 15, 2018

Fencing is being installed at new kayak rack Elevation certificates available for each building on LbHOA web site Certificate received from Toys for Tots for our generosity Motion passed authorizing OC to spend up to $2,500.00 for asbestos training for up to 7 employees

Motion passed to award contract to D&D Aluminum not to exceed $2,100.00 for repairs to gutters at various building locations and to add 39 new downspout leaders to carports in Phase 2

Motion passed to purchase Rheem Pool heater for pool 4 not to exceed $3,100.00

Motion passed to accept an ESA to allow a service animal (cat) in M308

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Operating Committee Highlights FEBRUARY 20,2018

Problem with Building J elevator being evaluated New heater installed in Pool #4 New drain installed in Building G laundry room New screens ordered for tennis court Tools purchased for woodshop Fax machine contract to expire in 4 months – other companies to be explored

Tile cleaner ordered Raccoons continue to be trapped- residents asked to make sure garbage is put inside containers

Issue of asbestos training for employees tabled pending obtaining of more information

Motion passed to purchase a commercial street sweeper not to exceed $425.00

Meeting for discussion of the five year plan scheduled for Tuesday, February 27 at 9:30 a.m.

Pat Geraci

Men’s Club Scores Another Winner! February 20, 2018. Sixty men assembled for this month’s Men’s Club meeting. The season long putting contest got in its second round of scores. Everybody ate

tons of food. Ziti made by our friend Darroll Meyer, crock pot cooked meatballs in an amazing red sauce by Bonnie Coughlin along with salad and bread put together by Barbara Stamp and Janice Doherty. The feast was on! Then when everyone was full, out came the ice cream and cookies. Hard to have more fun, comradery and a great meal for only $10. Speaking of deals, each guy got a door prize ticket when they entered. With 5 door prizes to be Darroll and Darroll Meyer

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awarded, that meant each guy had a one in twelve chance of winning. They also were vigorously encouraged to buy 50/50 tickets by Head Honcho and arm-twister Bill Coughlin. The pot grew until the lunchtime drawing. Beef even doubled his $10 investment to $20 on 50/50 tickets. And then, the lucky Irishman of the day, Dan Linehan, walked away with the $178 big ones that were in the pot. A special thanks to all the men who bought 50/50 tickets. We are much closer to paying for the $1,000 Ladies Appreciation Breakfast because of your generous contributions.

Then there were the door prizes. Slade Cargill won a $10 gift certificate to Blue Dolphin Café. Vic Mancini proceeded to have the winning ticket and garnered a free future Men’s Club Luncheon gift certificate. Keith O’Connor’s ticket was selected and he won himself a $15 Lazy Lobster gift

certificate. Then came two big door prizes from our friend and fellow resident of LBH and owner of the Optima Car Wash, Marko. Dick Warren had the ticket that got him a free $18 car wash and Ken Euerle, a frequent Men’s Club winner, walked away with the $27 Super Duper Car Wash. So many smiles. So many happy faces. The Men’s Club Luncheon was the place to be today.

At 1pm, the doors were opened for the featured speaker and 45-50 women and a few men came in to fill out the rec hall to maximum capacity. For an hour, Andrew Boyer, Esq. did a power point presentation on our new A/V equipment. He touched upon the many things that are important in the realms of elder care law, wills, trusts and Florida residency. The vigorous question and answer period extended the presentation until well past 2:15pm and no one seemed to mind. We were learning important stuff. Andrew left us thinking about

Joe Callahan, Bill Stamp, Bob Heffner, Bob Mazurek

Andrew Boyer, Esq.

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things we should be attending to as we made our way to the exit. Exactly what was hoped would occur, occurred. The response afterwards to his well-received message was one of appreciation for bringing someone of his talents in to inform and educate us. Men’s Club President, Bill Coughlin and Graham couldn’t be happier for the over-whelming turnout of about 110 people and the strongly positive support for what we are bringing to the residents of Longboat Harbour. Praise for the effort is very effective. We promise, more to come.

Next up! Mark your calendars now. On Tuesday March 20th, our own resident and board member, Shahe Momjian will be talking about cyber security, dangers of the internet and what you can do to protect yourself and your computer. While the Men’s Club meeting begins at 11am, the doors once again open at 1pm so the entire community can learn how to be better protected in this cyber-crazy world that we live in. Graham Sampson

Tuesday’s at 7pm in the Rec Hall

The season got off to a wonderful start on Tuesday January 23rd with over 60 LBH’ers coming to play for cash and prizes. Comradery and happy-chatter permeated the hall. It’s not just Donna Birnbaum’s incredible sweets that has everyone

coming back and talking about it to their friends and neighbors. It is 2 hours of fun, laughs, chuckles and jubilation. Yelling “BINGO” is just plain fun and it happens 10 times a night. Thanks to the wonderful hosts, Ken and MaryAnn Simpson for volunteering and running such a great Bingo program. Come and join Ken & MaryAnn in the fun. Bingo will be each Tuesday at 7pm until the Grand Finale on March 13th. See you there.

Ken Simpson

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The Men’s Club Women’s Appreciation Breakfast February 11, 2018. Longboat Harbour: The Ladies remembered how wonderful the breakfast was last year when the Men’s Club welcomed, catered to and entertained 83 women. This year, the response was so overwhelming that Michele had to cut off sign-ups at 100. With a turn no-one away policy, the Men’s Club fed, catered to and entertained 106 women on Sunday morning, February 11th. Bill and Bonnie

Coughlin were once again instrumental in creating the menu and buying everything. On Sunday morning her kitchen crew of Darroll Meyer, Dan Linehan, Ken Comeforo and Herman Waldman worked as a team and smoothly kept the plates of plenty coming out it a timely fashion. An impressive accomplishment all in itself. The breakfast was served on china and delivered by the many Men’s Club volunteers, to each guest at their assigned tables. Some of our volunteers just happily wandered around refilling coffee, Mimosa’s or fresh orange juice. Then there was the wait staff. As you can see, some really gave serious thought to their dress. The ladies were impressed. It was a fun and festive atmosphere for all, while a tuxedoed Bob Geraci serenaded the ladies with his beautiful music.

In closing, after Bill Stamp thanked each of the ladies for coming and gave them a beautiful flower, a picture was taken of all of the volunteers that made it happen that day. But in reality, it is all of the men who attend the Men’s Club events throughout the season that make the Ladies Appreciation Breakfast possible.

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Attendance and rigorous support of the 50/50 make it possible for the Men’s Club to be able to afford the $1,000 it takes to wine & dine the ladies. It’s the Men’s Club biggest event of the year. Being of service to our community. Giving back. That’s what it’s all about. Happy times. Great memories. Men’s Club

president, Bill Coughlin and Graham couldn’t be prouder of the men within this community for showing their enthusiastic support, physically and monetarily. If you missed this year’s breakfast, mark your calendar now for next year’s Woman’s Appreciation Breakfast on Sunday February 10, 2019 at 9am.

GGraham Sampson

Special Thanks From Mary Bock For help with the publication of INFO

Graham Sampson Pat Geraci Shahe Momjian Christina Filkins

Jan Langgard, Anne Bateman, Janet Ortmann, Carol Shaw, Marge Geiger, Maureen Shea

Brenda Nelson, Shelia Cyr, Nancy McNeil, Kaye Owen