MARCH
HAWTHORNE
HIGHLIGHTS
Volume 27 No. 3
“A TASTE OF WINE & MURDER”
Presented by Hawthorne Players
Horrors! Barry Underwood disappeared over five years ago and now his body has turned
up in the basement of his winery. But who ‘dun it’? An investigation by Detective Carla
Rossini is scheduled in Hawthorne’s auditorium March 20th and 21st. The suspects will
be lined up: Otto Von Scnapps, Tiny Bubbles, Marilyn Merlow, Papa Vito, Hedy
Shablee, Bridget Bordeaux and Ralph Rottengrape. Which one did the horrendous deed!
As we hear their alibis, you will be the judge and jury.
The play is rife with questionable dealings, secret passages, a jealous old maid, hidden
agendas, cheats and philanderers. “Eyes, they never lie!” Or do they? Can the past be
buried (heh heh)? How about that midnight rendezvous and words of Marilyn Merlow’s
uncontrollable furies? It’s time to get to the bottom of Barry’s murder.
The Theater will be set up cabaret style with tables and a winery theme. The Hawthorne
Players will provide the entertainment and table setup. Please bring your own snacks and
bottle of wine, schnapps or favorite beverage. Sorry, but no tickets will be sold at the
door due to the cabaret style.
Jean Herrgott, the director, adapted the play from a “BePuzzled” Murder Mystery game
of the same name. It was presented to Hawthorne in 2011, receiving shuddery acclaim.
Jean returns again with a partly new cast and some old favorites. This is a play you
won’t want to miss, but space is limited due to the crushing demands of the press to
witness this murder investigation. Tickets will be sold March 6th through 17th, unless
sold out.
HAWTHORNE VOLUNTEEERS
ESSENTIAL TO HAWTHORNE’S WAY OF LIFE
Hawthorne’s successful forty two years clearly has been achieved, in part, by its resident’s
commitment to volunteerism. Even in the early Colonial Penn days this was true. The
Community’s first Program Director, Dr. K, founded what we know today as Club Hawthorne.
In its beginnings, it was known as an advisory group comprised entirely of volunteers who were
ready to steer the course of activities desired by residents.
It is amazing that our relatively small Community enjoys 109 clubs! These organizations are led
by Club Hawthorne’s Council made up of 18 elected volunteers. Have you ever considered how
many volunteers it take to support all these clubs? Counting the officers for the 109 groups
reveals that there are 872 volunteers serving in this capacity. Without these officers willingness
to shoulder the leadership responsibility for clubs, far fewer activities would be enjoyed by
residents. The officers are backed up with steering committee members. All totaled, there are
436 steering committee volunteers serving clubs.
Wow? Did you have any idea that Hawthorne’s wonderful array of clubs/activities has 872
volunteers that drive the success of these ventures? That is over half of our population.
It is at this time of year that leadership transitions are made. It is hoped that all 109
organizations found volunteers to step up into leadership roles that assure that every activity will
continue successfully. But, what happens if that is not the case? Club Hawthorne’s by-laws
state that all clubs must have officers and a steering committee. If not, the club is terminated and
the funds that they have acquired are turned over to Club Hawthorne’s General Fund.
Has this happened? Yes. Over the years, clubs have been terminated, due to the ebb and flow of
membership interest and difficulty finding officers. An example of this would be the Organ
Club, the Doll Club, the Barbershop Group, Retired Teachers group and the New England Club.
It is, therefore, important that all Hawthorne residents examine what volunteer contributions they
can make to keep their favorite activities vibrant and ongoing.
In 1982, volunteerism took on an even bigger role in Hawthorne. At that time, residents
collectively voted to form a cooperative Community governing system when they purchased the
park from Colonial Penn. This big step created a need for everyone to roll up their sleeves and
create a powerful volunteer nucleus that would energize the newborn Hawthorne Residents
Cooperative Association. This new HRCA cooperative governing body needed to elect 9
member Board of Directors to oversee the operation of the park. Thirty four years later,
Hawthorne continues to rely on the HRCA Board of Directors for its well-being. The elected
Board members are all volunteers and serve three year terms. That is truly a BIG volunteer
commitment of time and energy.
Each resident living in Hawthorne needs to make a difference? Your action will count.
If you enjoy a club in the park, find a way to give sincere thanks to the leaders of your group.
Consciously carve out some time to assist them to make that activity remain viable. Start small,
and then move into a larger volunteer role. You are needed!
No other volunteer group affects your life more than that of Hawthorne’s Board of Directors.
Have you ever attended a Board Workshop Meeting, a formal Board Meeting or observed Board
committee sessions? You should? Commit to becoming informed by attending your
community’s governing meetings. Your input at this level may make a big difference.
Learn all you can about the volunteer candidates who are running for a Board of Directors
position. Listen to them as they are interviewed on Hawthorne’s TV 98 February 23rd. Read
carefully the brief on each candidate’s qualifications, which has been sent to you via a green
sheet. Vote in March for the candidates that best represent your interests.\
To all the volunteers who have served and all the volunteers who will serve in the year
ahead, please know that you are valued! YOU’RE SERVICE IS ESSENTIAL, for you are
vital contributors to Hawthorne’s way of life.
FOOD HISTORY – DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN
1919 – Jello was developed by Joseph Cohen using gelatin from bone, cartilage and tendons
1921 – Wonder Bread begins national marketing
1923 – Skippy peanut butter does likewise
1925 – Automatic potato peeling machines gave rise to potato chip sales
1928 – Will Kellogg introduces Rice Krispies
1929 – Grocery stores began marketing prepared baby foods
1930 – Sliced bread was introduced
1931 – Alka Seltzer was introduced to treat digestive problems
1932 – The ice cube tray was patented giving way to drinks called, “on the rocks”
1933 – Grocery stores now carry frozen foods. Canned beer is introduced in New Jersey
1936 – Vitamin Plus, the first commercial nutritional supplement hits stores
1937 – Spam Luncheon Meat is introduced by Hormel Co. Its 7 year shelf life makes it a staple
1939 – Birds Eye Foods introduces precooked frozen foods
1948 – First McDonald hamburgers are sold in San Bernardino, CA
1949 – Artificial sweeteners are introduced
1954 – TV dinners are introduced
1955 – Kentucky Fried Chicken is introduced
1958 – Instant mashed potatoes arrive
1974 – American’s favorite food is pizza
Citizen’s Academy Invites You To
Get to Know Hawthorne’s Emergency Medical Operation
The developers of Hawthorne recognized the importance of emergency services.
They committed to the inclusion of both emergency services and fire truck services in
their 1974 plans. It was then, as well as today, one of the major factors why
prospective home buyers select Hawthorne as their residence.
The marina was built to provide space for both of these services. Although
emergency medical technology has changed, Hawthorne’s original facility still fills
most of our needs.
Chief Steve Waters, a 24 year veteran of our Emergency operation, was elevated
to the Chief’s position in 2004.He leads a team of 18 EMTs who work 12 hour shifts
and are available around the clock. These men and women are Hawthorne
resident’s first line of defense in case of an emergency including health issues,
accidents, auto collisions, fire prevention and gate security. Additional assignments
include supervising storage areas, rental of boat slips, issuing auto bar codes and
arranging for visitors at the gate.
The Emergency operation of Hawthorne is a BIG job!
The Citizen’s Academy is offering all the residents of Hawthorne the opportunity to
join Chief Waters to learn about our Emergency operation. You will learn:
* the details that make the program tick.
* the qualifications it takes to be an EMT.
* the financial commitment Hawthorne has made to this program.
* how a fire truck affects your taxes, as well as see it firsthand.
* how a response vehicle is set up, as well as see it firsthand.
* view the equipment and emergency vehicles used by our EMT staff.
When will this program take place?
Where will the program take place?
What time will the program happen?
Thursday, April 6, 2017
In the auditorium
2 pm - 3 pm
Plan to attend! You should understand how this program works.
Free tickets will be distributed March 27- March 31 at the auditorium.
HAWTHORNE SPORTS REPORT
BOCCE
The Hawthorne BOCCE Club recently hosted the team from Mid-Florida Lakes.
The BOCCE team from Hawthorne currently is in third place in a league of seven
teams. There are a total of 14 tournaments per season and the last tourney is the
first week in April. There are four members per team and they play six games.
The first to 16 points wins the game. For those of you who haven’t seen our
BOCCEBALL courts, you should stop by and see how nice our facility is. It is just
south of the gardens. Here we see Hawthorne and Mid-Florida Lakes standing
around the flagpole for the pledge of allegiance prior to the tournament. After
traveling to other retirement communities one begins to realize how nice the
BOCCEBALL courts are at Hawthorne.
TENNIS
The Tennis Club recently put on an event on Saturday morning, February 4 th for all
of the members of the Hawthorne Tennis Club. Players of all ability levels played
in a round robin event that was followed by socializing and good food. The
following week, Hawthorne Tennis journeyed to the Del Webb Community for a
tournament. Hawthorne came away with a 6-2 win with six of our doubles players
winning their matches against Del Webb.
SOFTBALL
The five Softball teams continue to compete with competition and travel all over a
three county area. Level 3 continues to do well but is starting to meet tough
competition as some snowbirds have come into the other communities after the
new year. Level 5 and 6 are doing very well and the women’s team just needs a
little more speed on the base path to gain their first win of the season. They
certainly have improved their hitting and fielding. The Softball Club recently put
up netting over the bleachers and picnic tables to protect patrons from foul balls hit
over the fence. Several members of the teams put in a lot of time planning and
building the framework for the netting. The end result is a safer place to enjoy
Hawthorne Softball.
PICKLEBALL
One of the most popular sports here at Hawthorne is Pickleball. It kind of looks
like tennis but is on a much smaller court with a few different rules. Any morning
and most afternoons you can see Pickleballers playing on one of the three courts
that are located near the front entrance to Hawthorne. They don’t yet compete with
other communities but have plans to do so in the future.
ARCHERY
Another new sport/activity here at Hawthorne is Archery. The targets are just
inside the entrance to Hawthorne and many people are finding out more about the
sport and how to get involved. Plans are underway to add competition with other
clubs in the future.
DRAGONBOAT
The Dragonboat Club continues to meet and practice on Tuesdays and Fridays and
offers casual paddling for anyone interested on Mondays. The Club is sponsoring
a special day of fun and competition for clubs within Hawthorne who compete
with each other in a sport that is very strenuous and requires coordination between
the participants paddling the boats. It is an exciting day and was great fun last year
and will be really special again this year.
SHUFFLEBOARD
Hawthorne’s Shuffleboard continues to play host to some very important north
Florida shuffleboard events. On February 6th, the men’s and ladies State Pro
Tournament for the North District of Florida was hosted by Hawthorne. Between
October 6, 2016 and March 23, 2017 members from Hawthorne have or will
participate in 46 events at Hawthorne and other sites in Florida. The pride that
members show in how they maintain their courts makes Hawthorne Shuffleboard
very special.
YOUR SPORT
If you would like the rest of Hawthorne to know more about your sport in the
sports report, please contact Bob Goodwin at 785-231-8381 or email at
[email protected]
Submitted by Bob Goodwin
RUMMAGE SALE
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017
9 AM TO 1 PM
Resident participation, in the past has been FANTASIC. We hope that you will continue to
support this annual event and join in the fun. All proceeds from the sale go into Club
Hawthorne’s Program Account General Fund which benefits ALL Hawthorne residents. There
is a no return policy for the sale.
ALL ACTIVITIES (with exception of Library, Fine Arts, and Fitness Center) ARE PREEMPTED DURING THE FOLLOWING TIMES:
Thursday, Afternoon, march 23rd, from noon onward
Friday, March 24th, ALL DAY and ALL NIGHT
Saturday, March 25th & Sunday March 27th all day and all night
Monday, March 27th, closed for Maintenance Day
ZONE CAPTAINS, PLEASE TAKE NOTE: Weekly bulletins may be picked up outside the
Library on Friday morning, March 24th only.
REMEMBER, this is a “Good Stuff” RUMMAGE SALE. Hawthorne employees and their
families and friends are invited to join us.
The clubhouse front door and all side doors will open at 9 AM for the sale.
QUESTIONS??? Call Allan Pinkham at 638-1554
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT OUR PRESIDENTS
George Washington
George Washington, our first president, had to borrow money to get to his own inauguration.
Washington was not poor. He was among America’s largest landowners. But when it came time
to travel to New York for his inauguration in 1789, he didn’t have any cash. The “Father of our
Country” had to borrow about $600.00 to get there. One consolation, his presidential salary was
$25,000.
President Washington was the first to use “help wanted” ads to hire staff. Washington moved to
New York, then the U.S. Capital, and put a classified ad in the New York Daily Gazette
requesting a coachman and a cook “for the family of the President”. Apparently it was no great
honor to work for a first family for the ads ran six weeks before the jobs were filled.,
Abraham Lincoln
It is often told that Abraham Lincoln hurriedly composed his most famous speech, The
Gettysburg Address, on the back of an envelope while riding on a train from Washington, D.C.
to the site of the speech in Gettysburg. The story apparently originated with Lincoln’s son,
Robert, who first created it in a letter he wrote after his father was assassinated. The truth is that
Lincoln actually started writing the speech two weeks before the event, and wrote at least five
drafts before even leaving Washington for Gettysburg. Lincoln was uncomfortable speaking
spontaneously; in fact, he even refused to say anything to the crowd that met him at the
Gettysburg train station because he was afraid he might say something foolish.
Other presidents influenced the citizenry in interesting ways:
John F. Kennedy’s use of a rocking chair for his back created a demand for these chairs around
the Country. B. Altman, a NY department store, devoted an entire floor to them. This resulted
in the rocking chair becoming a common piece of living room furniture.,
George Bush did not like broccoli as a kid or as an adult. He refused to eat it. This led to a
recipe contest sponsored by Campbell Soups and Women’s Day called, “How to get the
President to eat more broccoli”. With all the publicity, the sale of broccoli shot up 40%,
Dwight Eisenhower helped popularize TV trays. Every night, reporters told the nation, Ike and
his wife eat supper off matching tray tables in front of TV. Ordinary families followed suit and
so the TV tray because a part of many American homes.
Bill Clinton was a saxophone player. He played this instrument on the campaign trail and at his
inauguration and received favorable publicity. Due to Clint being willing to toot his horn on
national television, sales of the saxophone went way up.
Source: Uncle John’s Reader
FOR ANY NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT FANS
Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority found over 200 dead crows near greater
Boston recently, and there was concern they might have died from Avian Flu..
A bird pathologist examined the remains of all the crows and to everyone’s relief, confirmed the
problem was definitely NOT AVIAN FLU. THE CAUSE OF DEATH APPEARED TO BE
VEHICULAR IMPACTS.
However, the detailed analysis it was noted that varying colors of paints appeared on the bird’s
beaks and claws. By analyzing these paint residues it was determined that 98% of the crows had
been killed by impact with trucks, while only 2% were killed by an impact with a car.
After extensive studies, and a cost of several million dollars, the Mass. Transit Authority, hired
an Omithological Behaviorist to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate
percentages of truck kills versus car kills. He quickly concluded the cause: WHEN CROWS
EAT ROAD KILL, THEY ALWAYS HAVE A LOOK-OUT CROW IN A NEARBY TREE TO
WARN OF IMPENDING DANGER.
They discovered that while all the LOOK-OUT crows could shout ‘CAH’ ‘CAH’ ‘CAH’, NOT
A SINGLE CROW COULD SHOUT ‘TRUCK!!!!”
“NO ONE MADE YOU KEEP READING”
2017/2018 BREAKFAST REQUESTS
Make sure you turn in a Breakfast Request for your Activity. Breakfast Requests will be
available on the quad March 1st. They are due into Debbie Provost in the Program Office no
later than March 17th. The Chairman of the Breakfast Club will assign Breakfast dates. This is
perfect fundraiser for all Activities.
Concert Series
Roscoe Farmer urged our concert selection committee to bring The Marlins to our stage back
in early 2012. It was one of many gambles we took. Even Roscoe was a bit apprehensive. He
needn’t be.
The Marlins were here in November 2012. They were a sensation. Everyone came to us asking
that we have them again. We did in March 2015. This performance was another blockbuster.
You’ve never heard a group of entertainers quite like The Marlins! These four brothers –
Gary, Jace, Rick and Robert have over 35 years entertaining all over the country. They will be
here on March 19 to close out our concert season.
We anticipate a full house for this concert. Special Single Admission Tickets will be on sale at
$15 on Wednesday, March 15 and Friday, March 17 at the clubhouse, 10 to 11:30 am. Plan now
to enjoy this group.
REMINDER-TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2016, 10 AM-12 NOON
Hawthorne is having their annual “HEALTH FAIR” in the Hall and we are excited to offer you
the opportunity to come and meet the area health facilitators. We will have a variety of different
services and products, assisted living, home health companion services, physicians, orthopedics,
podiatry and vision, nutrition and medical equipment. There will be a variety of screening and
testing for hearing, vision and blood pressure. These are just a few of the many services offered
to you free of charge. We are expecting over 25 Health-Care Organizations to participate. We
will also have refreshments and will be giving out several gift prizes.
FISHING CLUB
The Hawthorne Fishing Club is recognized in the January Bassmasters.
A copy of the article was provided to us by Dennis Renfro from the Florida Fish and Wild Life.
In the enclosed picture, it shows Bill Connelly and John Moore dropping off fish attractors that were built at our
Hawthorne Marina by our Fishing Club members and many of our residents. The picture was taken by Todd
Reader.
The following is a portion of the article and the picture:
The full article can be found at: http://www.bassmaster.com/news/daily-limit-fishing-capital
Dennis Renfro said the FWC is making these efforts because it knows the economic power of fishing. Florida is No.
1 in in-state anglers at 2.8 million; expenditures are $4.4 billion; anglers average 17.2 days fishing per year for 46.3
million fishing days; and 24.4 million of those days were spent in freshwater by 1.4 million anglers.
He often shares such facts when he visits with groups like the Hawthorne Fishing Club, Harris Chain of Lakes
Bassmasters and the Villages Fishing Club. As resource manager for the Harris Chain, where B.A.S.S. opens its
season this week, Renfro has overseen each of those groups in a recent massive habitat project.
fwcattractors.jpg
Courtesy FWC
The FWC worked with local clubs to place fish attractors in hopes of improving the fishery.
In hopes of improving angling opportunity, Renfro’s group partnered with a number of entities to construct
and install some 700 plastic fish attractor units at a number of quarter-acre sites in Lake Harris. Modeled
after the habitat efforts on Lake Havasu, it was just another in the number of projects to help improve
sport fishing there. And Renfro talked up his work on Lake Griffin, within the Harris Chain of Lakes and
site of a huge fish attractor study.
Call for WFL Bass Tournament Volunteers
Members of the Hawthorne Fishing Club volunteered to work at the Bass Pro Southern Open
which took place in January at Venetian Gardens. In anticipation of the upcoming WFL
tournament we are extending the invitation to volunteer to anyone in Hawthorne who might be
interested in helping out.
Basically we’ll be working Thurs and Fri (March 9th and 10th) at Venetian Gardens. We’ll be
manning the ramps during the morning launch and the afternoon retrieval plus we’ll be helping
to direct and control traffic around the launch area. In the morning we’ll also be helping anglers
park their trucks/trailers.
We car pool over each morning and afternoon so having your own car is not necessary. With
enough volunteers we should be able to free everyone up to spend some time watching the daily
weigh-in and looking over what the vendors have to offer.
If you’re interested and have questions and/or are willing to help please contact
— Bill Connelly at [email protected]
— Bill Mitchel at [email protected]
— Todd Reader at [email protected]
HRCA BANQUET
Tuesday, April 11, 2017, we are having a banquet to congratulate our new HRCA
Board of Directors as well as thank our outgoing Board Members. Catered by the
Hawthorne Kitchen Club. This year’s menu consist of: Mini meatloaf with mashed
potatoes and gravy OR Baked Ziti, tossed salad, carrots, peas, rolls and butter and
apple cobbler with ice cream, ice tea and coffee. Tickets will be on sale Tuesday,
March 28th until Wednesday April 5 for $11.00.
Social Hour is at 5:00 PM with Dinner at 5:30 PM
Come and show your appreciation for our HRCA Board Members past and present.
IT IS BLUEBERRY SEASON
Spring marks the beginning of Florida’s blueberry season. Thanks to Native Americans, we
came to favor this “super star” fruit. Florida growers produced more than 17 million pounds of
blueberries in 2014, an increase of 3 million pounds from 20 years ago. In Florida, most
blueberries are of the highbush variety. Cultivated highbush berries are larger than low bush
varieties, which bear small succulent fruit. Blueberries gained their “super star” rating due to
their antioxidant component, which helps us combat disease. New studies credit these berries
with contributing to improved memory while one cup of blueberries provides ¼ of our daily need
for Vitamin C, 14% of the fiber requirements and only 84 calories.
Picking blueberries is a popular activity and contributes to tasty options at the table. There are
more than 500 acres of blueberry farms in just the Central Florida area. Several communities
sponsor blueberry festivals at this time of year, including Brooksville and Belleview. Are you
yearning for fresh blueberries? There are several establishments in our area that offer blueberry
“picking”. If you are so inclined, you may wish to drop by any one of the following:
Green Acres Fernery and Citrus
8635 High St. Yalaha
Blue Bayou Farms
26921 Bloomfield Ave, Yalaha
Whispering Oaks Farm
10934 N. County Rd 475, Oxford
Mills Ranch and Berry Farm
105 County Rd 722, Webster
A Natural Farm
2360 State Rd. 19, Howey-in-the-Hills
Bass Farm
2500 Urick St, Fruitland Park
Once you have your berries home, clean and wash them and pat them dry. Freeze a portion to
enjoy later in the year. You might enjoy this Maine blue ribbon recipe for Blueberry Muffins.
Union Fair Blueberry Muffins
Heat oven to 400 degrees
2 ¼ c. flour
½ tsp. salt
2 ¼ tsp baking powder
1 c. brown sugar
¼ tsp allspice
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 egg
½ c. oil
¼ c. milk
2 c. blueberries
Combine dry ingredients in bowl.
Stir into above. Blend well. If too thick, add more
milk. Drop into greased muffin pan. Sprinkle
with a blend of sugar and cinnamon.
Bake 25-30 minutes.
The following report is for the month ending: January 31, 2017
Total home water usage for the month 9,551,000 gallons.
Average usage per home for the month 7,992
gallons (based on 1186 homes)
Home usage year to date 9,551,000 gallons
Average year to date monthly usage 7,992 gallons (home use year to date/number of
months)/1186 homes)
Maximum allowable usage per home per month is 8,800 gallons. (based on 1186 homes and
CUP allocation of 124,000,000 gallons/year)
Total gallons left for home use for the rest of the year 114,449,000 gallons.
Rainfall for the month 2.70 inches
Rainfall for the same month last year 5.80 inches.
Rainfall year to date 2.70 inches.
Rainfall for the same period last year 5.80 inches
Submitted by Keith D. Slone Chief Plant Operator
DATES TO REMEMBER
Thursday, March 2 – Club Hawthorne Council Meeting
Thursday, March 2 – Woodcrafters Ice Cream Social/Card Bingo
Saturday, March 4 – Ceramics & Hi Steppin Cloggers Community Breakfast
Thursday, March 9 – Club Hawthorne Group Meeting
Sunday, March 12 – Fine Arts/Photography Show
Tuesday, March 14 – Health Fair
Thursday, March 16 – HRCA Annual Meeting
Friday, March 17 – AARP Fashion Show
Friday, March 17 – Dragon Boat Hoedown
Sunday, March 19 – Concert Series “The Marlins”
Monday, March 20 – Hawthorne Players Play
Tuesday, March 21 – Hawthorne Players Play
Thursday, March 23 – Clubhouse closed at noon for Rummage Sale
Friday, March 24 – Clubhouse closed all day for Rummage Sale
Saturday, March 25 – Rummage Sale
Sunday, March 26 – Clubhouse closed all day due to Rummage Sale
Monday, March 27 – Clubhouse closed for Maintenance Day
Friday March 31 – Sox & Boots with “The Shades”
Hawthorne’s, “Artist of the Month” is Barb Warne. Be sure to
visit the Library where our artist of the month is featured. The
artist is also on HTV on the first Friday of the month.
TIME MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 27, 2017 LONGEVITY SPECIAL REPORT
The article “Where will all the Old Folks Live?” got my attention. Housing for the elderly is
expected to be a crisis situation in the coming 20 years, as retirees will grow from 50 million to
80 million. That will represent my kids. At age 82, my wife and I are already over the top on
this issue. The approach of the article is: “At what point is it required for the younger caregivers
to move the old folks out of their homes to a place where they can continue to maintain an
independent lifestyle”. In my case, that isn’t necessary. We moved from our farmhouse on 5
acres (one bath on the 2nd floor-attic accessible by step ladder-full basement for heating, hot
water) to a manufactured home with only 2 steps from the ground to the single level home (1
baths). Further, we chose a community designed for retirees (social programs, emergency
medical services, fitness center, library, and more). A second article “How Can I Afford to Live
to 100?” raised some thoughts. Five specific items were highlighted here. Unfortunately, I can
claim only to have succeeded at one-move to a place where it’s cheaper to live. We’ve been
retired for 22 years. We are living on the monthly income from my retirement. I continue to be
amazed that we have no debt and all bills are paid when due. I know this is not true for all
retirees. Still, the question of approaching 100 is an unknown. “Why Do People Want To Live
So Long Anyway?” raised a third issue. Quoting, “Almost all people complete their most
meaningful years before age 75…Physical function crumbles for about half of Americans at
around 80, and aging makes all of us mentally slower and less creative.” I have to accept that
some of the more active activities ended at age 75. But I cannot accept that being mentally
slower or less creative applies to those over age 80. What’s the advise for those who will be 65
or older in the coming 20 years? First, pay off all debt and do some serious saving-even if
putting it under the mattress is the best you can do. Second, give some serious thought to
suitable housing should you face mobility issues. Whether that means refurbishing the existing
home or looking into another place, begin now to plan. Third, live a healthy lifestyle. Reaching
75 is a positive goal, but after 80% remains a challenge.
Submitted by George Wolf
HAWTHORNE HIGHLIGHTS
JANUARY DEATH NOTICES
Shraon Gisselbrecht
Jay Spahr (former resident)
Donald Warner
Charles Ames
Lorine Brayman
January 2, 2017
January 10, 2017
January 22, 2017
January 14, 2017
January 22, 2017
Hawthorne at Leesburg
100 Hawthorne Blvd.
Leesburg, FL 34748
(352)787-1000
Editor: Debbie Provost
General Manager: Roger Slagle