2010-12_lake_hammock_village_newsletter

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My Christmas card to you:

My Christmas Card List

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book,

And every year when Christmas comes, I go and take a look.

That is when I realize these names are all a part,

Not of the book they’re written in, but of my very heart.

For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path

sometime,

And in that meeting they’ve become the rhythm in each

rhyme.

While it may sound fantastic for me to make this claim,

I really feel that I’m composed of each remembered name.

And while you may not be aware of any special link,

Just meeting you has changed my life much more than you may

think.

For once I’ve met somebody, the years cannot erase

The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face.

So, never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine

of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between.

For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you,

It’s because you’re on the list of folks I’m endeared to.

For I am but a total of the many folks I’ve met,

And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget.

Whether I have known you for many years or few,

In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do.

And every year when Christmas comes I realize anew,

The best gift life can offer is meeting folks like you.

So, may the spirit of Christmas that forevermore endures

Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Renee`

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December is:

National Stress Free Family Holiday Month, Universal Human Rights Month,

Write to a Friend Month, Safe Toy and Gift Month, Hi Neighbor Month and

Read A New Book Month

The turquoise and zircon are the birthstones for December.

Holly, narcissus, and poinsettia are the flowers for the month of December

December is the twelfth and last month of the year according to the Gregorian

calendar, which is used in almost all the world today. It was the tenth month in the

early Roman calendar and takes its name from the Latin word decem, which means

ten. It became the twelfth month in a later Roman calendar. In 46 B.C., the Roman

statesman Julius Caesar added two days to December, which before then had only

29 days.

Winter begins in December in the northern half of the world. Some people call it

"the frosty month." But winter does not begin until December 21st and most of

December is usually warmer than other winter months.

Holidays in December

December 1st – Hanukkah, is the Jewish Feast of Lights or

Feast of Dedication. The Hebrew word hanukkah (also written

Hannuka; Hanukah or Chanukah) means dedication. Hanukkah is

an eight-day Jewish observance that remembers the Jewish

people's struggle for religious freedom.

December 7th – National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day,

commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during

World War II. Many American service men and women lost

their lives or were injured on December 7, 1941. National Pearl

Harbor Remembrance Day is also referred to as Pearl Harbor

Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day.

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December 21st – Winter Solstice, which is the point in the

Earth's revolution about the sun where the sun reaches its

most southerly declination. This is the shortest day of the

year and occurs on or about 22 December. It also marks the

beginning of the official winter season.

December 25th – Christmas - Many people in the United States

celebrate Christmas. The day celebrates Jesus Christ's birth.

It is often combined with customs from pre-Christian winter

celebrations. Many people erect Christmas trees, decorate their

homes, visit family or friends and exchange gifts.

December 26th - Kwanzaa is a week-long

holiday honoring African culture and

traditions. It takes place from December 26 to January 1, a time

that some African cultures called "the edges of the time when the

year meet" and is traditionally spent in celebration, focus and

assessment. The word Kwanzaa, sometimes, spelled Kwanza and means "first fruits of

harvest" in Swahili. Maulana Karenga, an African-American leader, proposed this

observance and it was first celebrated between December 1966 and January 1967.

December 26th - Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in Britain, Australia, New

Zealand, and Canada. The traditional celebration of Boxing Day included giving

money and other gifts to charitable institutions, needy individuals, and people in

service jobs. The holiday may date from the Middle Ages (A.D. 400's-1500's), but

the exact origin is unknown. It may have begun with the lords and ladies of

England, who presented Christmas gifts in boxes to their servants on December

26. Or it may have begun with priests, who opened the church's

alms (charity) boxes on the day after Christmas and distributed

the contents to the poor.

December 31st - One celebration that runs over into the next

month, and the next year as well, is New Year's Eve. This

involves saying good-bye to the old year and rejoicing in the new

one. In the United States it is often marked by fire-works,

dropping a ball in Central Park, parties with dancing and snacks.

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December Happenings All the signup sheets for events are posted in the clubhouse.

The Activities committee will be meeting on Thursday, December 2nd at 2 PM. We

hope to see more people to the meeting to help us plan future events for our park.

Monday, December 6th at 4:30 PM (carpooling) we will be Dining

Out for our “Early Bird Dinner” at Red Lion. This is a new

restaurant on HWY 27. Come and join us for some good food

and conversation.

HOA Board meeting will be on Tuesday, December 7th at 7 PM. This is also Pearl

Harbor Day so remember to fly your flag.

Sunday, December 12th we will be having a Holiday Gift

Exchange at 4 PM. Men need to bring a gift for a man and

women bring a gift for a woman. The gift should be no more

than $8.00, wrapped and labeled man or woman. Please bring

your favorite holiday cookies to share (drinks will be provided).

Hope to see many of you for a time of good treats, fellowship

and fun.

Tuesday, December 14th at 7 PM will be the HOA meeting. Please attend.

Wednesday, December 15th at 9:00 AM (carpooling) our Ladies Lunch will be a

mystery ride. Sign up early as only 16 ladies maximum can attend.

Saturday, December 18th at 8:30 AM we will meet at “R-Place Eatery”

for breakfast. Join us for a nice start of the day.

Sunday, December 19th we will celebrate our birthdays &

anniversaries at 6:30 PM at the clubhouse. Everyone is invited,

even if it isn’t you birthday or anniversary month. A movie will

follow.

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Saturday, December 25th is our Christmas Potluck Dinner at 1

PM. The HOA pays for the turkeys and hams. We are going to

start charging for GUESTS this year. The cost will be: adults

$4.00, children age 5-12 $2.00, under age 5 free. You must pay

for guests 1 week ahead to Mary Ann Donovasn

Dining by the book will be on Wednesday, December 29th at

End Zone. Meet at 4:30 PM (carpooling).

Friday, December 31st from 8 PM -? (at least midnight we

will be having a New Year’s Eve Dance with a D.J. from our

own park, Ron and Arlene Plouffe. It will be B.Y.O. drinks

and snacks to share. The charge will be $5.00 a person.

Hope every one of you will come. The last dance was great

fun so decided to have them back and hopefully get some more of our residents out.

It’s Here! The Enjoyment Book

The Enjoyment Book is still $30 for a year’s two for one specials that include dining,

sports events, and services. It’s available at 67 Sargent St., either cash or checks made

out to L.H.V. Any questions please call Marilyn Smith at 421-1018.

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HAINES CITY COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

(For more information call Parks & Recreation

Department 421-3700)

Farmers Market: Every Wednesday at Railroad Park

Friday, December 3rd: Glitter Glisten & Snow - Lake Eva Park 5-9 PM (free)

Saturday, December 4th: Haines City Christmas Parade – 10 AM

Saturday, December 18th: Cruise In – Railroad Park 5-9 PM

Saturday, December 25th: Bike Fest – Railroad Park 4-9 PM

Lakeridge Winery

Annual South Lake Animal League Arts & Craft Show

$2 donation benefitting the South Lake Animal

League.

Local Artists and Crafters are invited to display their

work. Enjoy live music by incredible bands on outdoor

stage throughout the entire weekend. Lakeridge wine,

beer, soft drinks and a variety of food will be

available for purchase, along with complimentary

Winery tours and tasting.

December 11th (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

December 12th (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

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Celebration Events

Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers an all

new ice rink and a schedule filled with surprises. Now Snowing is a month long

Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens Carolers,

photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and

nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 PM.

Saturday, December 4th: “Celebration of Voices” – Celebration Town Center

Main Street 2-9 PM

Saturday, December 11th: Radio Disney Holiday Concert – 6-9 PM

Friday, December 31st: New Years Eve – Celebration Weekend - Central

Florida’s Premier Fireworks Spectacular and Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Event.

A weekend full of fun with live music, snow, ice skating, and more!

A Sunny Christmas Every year at Christmas time

There's not a sign of snow. Instead we spend our yuletide days

In the sun's warm cheery glow. We have the best of Christmas things,

The lights, the gifts, the bells, (And "snowbirds" who arrive en masse

To fill our beach hotels.)

The glorious weather fits right in With our happy Christmas mood,

And we can also walk and run Without having to be snow shoed.

So don't feel bad for your (Florida) friends

Who have no snow or ice. We think our sunny Christmas here

Is a holiday paradise! By Joanna Fuchs

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Christmas Trivia (Answers given on page 18)

1. One of the most loved Christmas books is 'A Christmas Carol'. Who

wrote it?

A. Mark Twain C. Hans Christian Andersen

B. Charles Dickens

2. Which well-known author of fantasy fiction also created a book

called The Father Christmas Letters?

A. Lewis Carroll C. E. Nesbit

B. J.R.R. Tolkien D. C.S. Lewis

3. One of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes takes place during the

Christmas season. The name

A. The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle C. A Christmas Carol

B. The Nightmare before Christmas

4. What is the first line of the second verse of 'Angels from the

Realms of Glory'?

A. Christ by highest heav’n adored C. Shepherds in the fields abiding

B. Shepherds why this jubilee

5. 'Yule lads' are a traditional part of Icelandic Christmas. What are

they?

A. Band of thirteen gift giving goblins

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B. In charge of Santa’s reindeer

C. Woodcutters

D. The best male singers from each village

6. The first commercial Christmas card got a hostile reception from

some people because

A. It depicted a family, children as well as adults, drinking wine

B. A mass-produced card was felt to violate the Christmas spirit

C. The ivy leaves bordering the design were once a pagan symbol

D. The card’s popularity raised fears of a paper shortage

7. The card was the brainchild of

A. Sir Henry Cole B. John Calcott Horsley

8. One fairly modern Christmas ritual is the British monarch’s broadcast

to the people on Christmas day. The first was given by George V in

1932. Who wrote the king’s speech?

A. The King C. Enid Blyton

B. Rudyard Kipling D. Sir Winston Churchill

9. All through the Christmas season in old England, "lambswool" could be

found in the houses of the well-to-do. What was it?

A. Imitation snow

B. A brew of hot ale with roast apples floating in it

C. Material used for knitting Christmas gifts

D. Fluffy confection made from almonds and sugar

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Sick List Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers:

Olive Craighton – Consulate Rehab Ruth Crocker – stroke

Darlene Dinio – heart valve surgery Bruce Lemay – Home

Doris Palte – surgery on Nov. 12th in Ohio

David Wakefield – Nov. 5th heart problems

If you know of anyone that is sick or in the hospital please let Marilyn Pena (353-

1782) know so she can get a card to them.

In Memoriam

Bob Gillin passed away November 9th

______________________________________________________________

Thanks

We want to give hats off to Donna Hunt and her committee for a

wonderful Yard Sale. Also for the great weather. Hugs and happy fall to all.

David and Mary Schnopp

We had a wonderful Yard Sale and need to give a big thanks to Donna Hunt for the

many hours she put into the organization of this event. Donna wants to thank all

her workers for their help.

Thanks to everyone who came to visit me during my hospital stay. Also for all the

flowers, cards and well wishes all were most sincerely appreciated. Thank you,

Marcyn Seal

A big thanks goes to Leon Martin and Bill Patelunas for the new sound acoustics in

the club house.

I want to thank Donna Chilton for all her hard work while serving on the HOA

Board. Good luck with your new job. Tammy Anthis

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DecemberBirthdays

1st May Cook

1st Ron Cowles

1st Sharon Greenfield

4th Michael Huber

6th Doris Rockwell

7th Christine Dean

8th Steve Maddocks

9th Mary Raymond

9th Ed Tomaselli

10th Pauline Atteridge

10th Hazel VanDyke

11th Scott Cameron

12th Judy Loy

12th Georgiana Palmer

16th Barry Anthis

16th Pete Evans

18th Sue Pickard

19th Rebecca Allred

19th Jack McQuade

December Anniversaries

2nd Robert & Elsie Torpey

33 years

4th Stephen & Christine Dean

1 year

10th Bob & Debbie Renka

22 years

11th Francis & Elaine Pepe

51 years

20th Richard & Florence Browning

49 years

20th Willard Davidson

20th Helen Sheets

21st Vito Destefano

21st David Lennox

21st Pat Marotti

23rd Helen Vernon

24th Earla Herring

24th Kay Levinson

25th Greg Schamerloh

25th Marilyn Smith

25th James Welch

26th Jerry Buttler

28th Betty Pall

28th Steve Pierce

29th David Butcher

29th Victoria Goodwin

22nd Terry & Renee DeJane

38 years

23rd Wayde & Emily Marshall

22 years

24th Fred & Judie Bott

25 years

28th Gary & Earla Herring

47 years

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YOUR HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION (HOA) NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Why is it important to pay HOA Dues? Well there are numerous reasons. Your dues are

used to help fund various community activities; to purchase supplies (paper plates, cutlery,

paper towels, beverages, etc.), in support of those activities; purchase the meats for the

Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners; purchase decorations for the clubhouse and

many other expenses.

In addition, our HOA needs funds to purchase office supplies (postage, paper, etc.), pay

taxes (we must pay taxes on income received from fundraisers), and pay insurance

premiums.

Last but not least, paying dues entitles you to vote at our annual meeting in January and at

any other time that votes are needed by dues paying members.

Of course, the dues alone cannot pay for everything, that’s why fundraisers (yard sales,

Share the Wealth, Entertainment Coupon Book, etc.) are also important.

Soon, if they haven’t already, one of your neighbors will be knocking at your door asking

you to support your HOA by paying your dues of $12 (Such A Deal!!) for the year 2011. But

you don’t have to wait for them to ask, your dues can be given to any board member

(Walter Strohmaier, Herman Biba, Gail Seal, George Palmer, or Karen Patelunas). Checks

should be made payable to the Lake Hammock Village HOA.

SUNCREST SALES CORPORATION

AT LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE 36106 Highway 27, Haines City FL 33844 863-421-5764 Fax 863-421-7378

Sales Staff

John Bialy (Home) 863-422-0521 (cell) 863-956-6540

Judy Dixon (Home) 863-421-7244 (cell) 863-325-6846

Kay Levinson (Home) 863-422-8543 (cell) 863-206-1675

The nominating committee has submitted the following list of potential candidates

for the Lake Hammock Village Board of Directors for 2011:

Tammy Anthis

Reta Cramer

Richard Gould

David Lennox

Hank Marion

Charles Osborn

Ronald Plouffe

Gail Seal

Walter Strohmaier

If you are interested in having your name added to the list please contact

Marileigh Osborn 421-6289. Nominations from the floor must be given at the Dec.

HOA meeting so that they can be added to the Proxy ballot that will be mailed out

in December. No names may be added to the ballot after the proxy’s have been

mailed.

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Lordex Spine Institute of Polk County

Ridge Chiropractic

Dr Chris Raemisch, DC

Medical breakthrough ends back pain without drugs or surgery.

Call or come for FREE consultation, see if you’re a candidate!

82 Maxcy Plaza Circle, Haines City, Fl

863-421-9700

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PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD-OF-HEARING

Smoke alarms save lives. But those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing cannot depend

on the sound of the regular alarm to alert them to a fire.

People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing should use alarms with strobe (flashing)

lights that have been tested by an independent testing laboratory. The alarms for

sleeping areas with strobe lights are required to be of a special high intensity that

can wake a sleeping person. Most major smoke alarm companies offer alarms with

strobe lights. For information on availability and pricing, go to the manufacturers'

Web sites. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of smoke alarms that meet

U.L. standard 1971 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing include: Ace

Hardware Corporation, BRK Electronics, Gentex Corporation, Kidde Fire Safety,

and Menards, Inc.

Safety tips

Consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light, vibration and/or

sound to alert people to a fire emergency. The majority of fatal fires occur

when people are sleeping, and because smoke can put people into a deeper

sleep, it is important to have the necessary early warning of a fire to ensure

that they wake up.

Be sure that the smoke alarm you buy carries the label of an independent

testing laboratory.

If there is fire or smoke, get out immediately and go to the designated

meeting place. But if you are trapped by fire or smoke, have your TTY/TTD

device or other alerting system close to the bed so that communication with

emergency personnel is possible should fire or smoke trap you in your room.

Alarms with a 10-year lithium batteries eliminate the problem of having to

change batteries. The batteries are designed to last the life of an alarm.

Ten-year battery alarms still need to be tested in accordance with

manufacturers' instructions at least once a month.

Alarms that go off because of burnt toast, steam, or other non-threatening

sources can be a nuisance and can discourage people from using smoke

alarms. Use alarms with a silencing feature that can be pressed to delay the

alarm for a short period time. If the smoke does not clear in a certain

amount of time, the alarm will sound again.

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Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each separate

sleeping area. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, have a qualified

electrician install interconnected smoke alarms in each room so when one

sounds, they all sound. Install a new battery in all conventional alarms at

least once a year. Test your alarm at least once a month, following the

manufacturer's instructions.

Include everyone in your home and make a home escape plan, making

provisions for anyone who has a disability. Practice your plan at least twice a

year.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christmas Magic Are we too grownup to feel a thrill

As we light the Christmas tree? Are we immune to cookies,

Christmas cards and Christmas glee? Are we too adult to "Ooh" and "Aah"

At the Christmas candle's glow?

Are we blasé about our gifts; Do we shun the mistletoe?

Are we too mature for carols, For merry or for jolly?

Do the decorations leave us cold,

The ornaments and holly? Fat chance! We'll never grow too old

To love the Christmas magic. A year without a Christmas

Would be boring, even tragic.

So bring it on! The candy canes, The feasting and good cheer;

O Christmas, lovely Christmas, You're the highlight of the year!

By Joanna Fuchs

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Calling all younger people 55-75 to serve on the Board of

Directors of our HOA.

The older folks, 80 plus, need a rest. The younger folk with their fresh minds and

ideas need to come forward to take control and run our HOA, according to Florida

Corporation laws. Our HOA is the main body that protects our park residents in

disputes with park owners in matters of rent or land use changes. The owners

know they have to follow the law when they are dealing with a valued and strong

HOA. So you folks who are not yet members please join us morally and financially

to help make us a strong HOA and protect our chosen way of life.

A word about Federation of Manufactured Home Owners of Florida, Inc. (FMO).

FMO is a state wide organization that works for the benefit of all manufactured

home owners. They provide legal advice and maintain a lobbyist in Tallahassee for

our benefit. They are responsible for the creation of FS 723 and adjacent

legislation. Therefore, it is important that we support FMO with our membership.

Annual dues are $20.

From time to time volunteer teams of residents will be going around the park

visiting everyone about joining and supporting our HOA and FMO. Please welcome

them.

George Palmer

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year We're wishing you a Christmas

Full of laughter, love and light, With delicious holiday foods

To excite your appetite. We're hoping you receive

Delightful gifts to make you smile,

With family and friends To love you all the while.

We wish you a Merry Christmas; May your Christmas dreams come true,

And when Christmas is over,

Happy New Year, too! By Joanna Fuchs

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Newsletter Information

All newsletters can be viewed in color on the web site at

www.floridacommunities.com (click on Lake Hammock at

bottom of page). Just a reminder any information for Gator

Tales needs to be submitted to me by the 20th of every

month.

Tammy Anthis (Editor) Gator Tales Staff:

(863) 353-1959 Nancy Belski

50 Sargent St Mary Ann Donovan

[email protected] Richard & Marion Spiegel

____________________________________________________

Answers to Christmas Trivia Game on page 9-10

1. B 2. B 3. A 4. C 5. A 6. A 7. A 8. B 9. B

If you have changes for the 2011 telephone directory please let us know by sending in this completed form.

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LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Resident Telephone and Lot Number Directory 2011 UPDATE

Date:________________

Name (1st resident)_____________________________ Birth date___________

Name (2nd resident)_______________________________Birth date___________

Name (3rd resident)_______________________________Birth date___________

If married please provide wedding anniversary date:________________

Address: _____________________________

Telephone number(s) _______________;_______________;_______________

Please send your updated information to

Tammy Anthis (50 Sargent St.) [email protected]

or

Lori Johnsen (151 Glen Este Blvd.) [email protected]

The 2011 directory will be ready for distribution in early January. Please have your

update to us before 12/25.

Halloween Potluck Pictures

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Welcome Back Dance

25

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December 2010 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

8:30 AM Coffee/Donuts

9:30 AM Water Aerobics

7:00 PM Men’s Poker Dominoes

2 Hanukkah

8:00 AM Men's Breakfast

11:00 AM Line Dance

2:00 - Activ. Meeting 7:00 PM

Bingo

3


4

7:00 PM Ladies’ Poker

5 6 9:30 AM

Water Aerobics 4:30 PM

Early Bird Dining 7:00 PM

Men's Poker

7 Pearl

Harbor Day

10:00 AM Shuffleboard

7:00 PM HOA Board

Meeting

8




9


11:00 AM Line Dance

7:00 PM Bingo

10


11


12

4:00 PM Gift Exchange Bring a gift and cookies to share

13


7:00 PM

Men's Poker

14


7:00 PM

HOA Meeting

15 8:30 AM Coffee/Donuts


9:00 AM Ladies Day Out


16


11:00 AM Line Dance

7:00 PM Bingo

17


18

8:30 AM Breakfast R-Eatery


19

6:30 PM Birthday/

Anniversary Celebration

7:00 PM

Movie

20


7:00 PM

Men's Poker

21

First Day of

Winter


22




23


11:00 AM Line Dance

7:00 PM Bingo

24

Christmas

Eve


25

Christmas

Day

1:00 PM Meal

26

Boxing Day

In Canada

Kwanza

27


7:00 PM

Men's Poker

28


6:30 Texas Hold'em

29 8:30 AM Coffee/Donuts

9:30 AM Water Aerobics 4:30 PM - Dine

by the Book 7:00 PM

Men’s Poker Dominoes

30


11:00 AM Line Dance

7:00 PM Bingo

31


New Year’s

Eve Dance

8:00 PM

2010-12_lake_hammock_village_newsletter

Documents

gift month

christmas list

friend month

neighbor month

frosty month

pearl harbor day

christmas card list

new book month