The Acorn
March 2023
Partying in the Park
The month of February was VERY busy in the Park
Everyone in the park was invited to attend an Ice Cream Social to recognize all those celebrating a 50th year Anniversary. There was special recognition for those celebrating 50 years of marital bliss.
Congratulations to long-time residents Harry and Irene Painter who are celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary this year.
In 1983 the Park officially became the Ancient Oaks RV Resort Condominium. In recognition of this 40 year milestone we held a carnival. It was extremely popular with carnival food and games. We even had a Jail where the Sheriff and her Deputy did a great job arresting some of the local rascals, cleaning up the park.
This year is a wonderful time to recognize some of our long-time residents, like Miss Fran, who has lived here since 1983. She remembers when the roads were all gravel and cows roamed the park.
Heartfelt THANKS to our Volunteers
The many events in the Park, especially the lunches and breakfasts, take a lot of volunteers. Thank you very much to all those who gave of their time and talent.
Special recognition to Lisa Taylor who has coordinated a HUGE number of the activities held this year. She is a real asset to the Park and has brought a lot of fun and joy.
In Memoriam
We are always saddened to learn of the passing of our fellow Ancient Oaks residents. While we may not know them personally, please pass on the information to us so we may pay tribute to them in the Acorn. Send details to AncientOaksAcorn@gmail.com
We are in the process of updating the Memorial Board located in the Clubhouse. If you know of an owner who has passed away between 2020 and 2022, please provide their name, birthdate, and date of their passing to Eileen Gedert at thegederts@gmail.com or 567-699-0333.
Pool Closed for Maintenance
The pool will be closed starting on Friday, Mar 3, planning to reopen on Monday, Mar 6. We will be identifying the location of a leak that is causing a steady loss of water. At the same time we will be installing a new double railing to allow easier access to the pool.
We Want Your Help and Input
We need your help with three things.
Activity Schedule
There are a lot of activities that happen at the Park, especially during the busy season. If you are the contact for an activity we would REALLY appreciate your comments and input on the layout of the schedule that is available from the office. This year at the Clubhouse we had a map of the event locations and a contact list. What are your thoughts on these items?
Clubhouse and Bulletin Boards Information
At the Clubhouse we redesigned things a bit. We kept the Scheduled Activities list and posters on one side. On the other side, we kept the Event and sign-up sheets as well as the For Sale Board. What is your input on this new arrangement?
Acorn
We’ve completed a year of creating the Acorn. We would really like input on how to make it better. Is the font the right size, how can we make it more informative, is the design and layout easy to read, and can you find electronic copies easily? This is YOUR Ancient Oaks Community newsletter.
Yippee Ki Yay
The Library has been gifted with 29 leather bound books by the famous author, Louis L’Amour. He was best known for his western novels. If you are interested in this genre of stories you are in for a real treat
Tennessee and Carolina Valentine’s Day Dance
by Teresa Williams
Thank you to all the volunteers who made the night a success! We had lots of Fun and DJ Rob was the Bomb! Here is a breakdown of our expenses for the evening. The proceeds will go towards the picnic table and concrete for the common areas.
Income
Lotto tree $ 175
50/50 Raffle (Total $190) $ 95 to the dance and $95 to the winner
Bucket Raffle $ 203
Ticket Sales $ 950
Photo Booth $ 40
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TOTAL $1558
Expenses
Cake $ 102.94
Lotto Tickets $ 35.00
Restaurant Gift Certificate $ 110.00
Piggy Bank Money $ 78.70
Jar Money bank $ 153.12
DJ Rob $ 350.00
Reimburse Tickets $ 20.00
TOTAL $ 850.36
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Net Donation to Park $ 707.64
Mid- Atlantic States Night
Wayne and Dawn Cook are investigating the possibility of a Mid-Atlantic + One State Night for 2024. Their initial meeting was held in February, however if you are interested in volunteering or knowing more contact Wayne and Dawn Cook at 443-783-1475 or cookrfc18@gmail.com.
Prepare for a BUSY March
Board of Directors Meeting
A meeting of the Ancient Oaks Board of Directors will be held in the Clubhouse:
Wednesday, March 1
2:00 pm
An Agenda will be posted in advance of the meeting.
Maintenance Appreciation Day
Maintenance Appreciation Day is the first Friday in March. This year falls on March 3rd. Often we see Facebook posts thanking the wonderful staff we have that maintain this Park so beautifully.
While fixing water breaks at all hours of the day and night, trimming trees, and cutting grass are obvious things we see. There are numerous things that happen that we do not see.
Thank You to all Our Staff.
Artist and Artisan Show and Sale
We are very fortunate to have so many talented people living in the Park. Annually we hold an Artist and Artisan Show and Sale to display the talents of art and crafts.
Sunday, March 5th – 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Free Admission
Whether for your home or early Christmas shopping, this show provides one of a kind unique items at reasonable prices. There will also be a raffle and a bake sale. Plan to attend.
Social Activities Committee Meeting
Plans are already underway for activities this fall and into 2024. If you are interested in getting involved or have some ideas about activities or expenditures the Social Activities Committee should consider, please plan to attend their next meeting:
Tuesday, March 7 – 1 pm
Insurance On Your Florida Home
There have been a lot of questions on home insurance in Florida. Thanks to the Social Activities Committee we’ve had two insurance brokers, Pritchard’s and Lawrence, already come to the Park to answer questions and provide information.
This month David Diehl will come make a presentation:
Tuesday, March 7 – 3 pm
The Social Activities Committee, Ancient Oaks, and the Board of Directors do not endorse any of the three insurance brokers, but wanted to provide information to the home owners in light of Foremost Insurance deciding not to renew policies for some owners in the Park.
Fashion Show
Nessie’s Boutique is returning to the Park for one more Fashion Show. This will be her last show of the season and forever, as she plans on retiring. There will be a new collection of clothes, not seen at the show earlier this year. Being the last show there will be LOTS of bargains.
Wednesday, March 8 – 11:30 am
Tickets are only $5 and that includes a chicken salad croissant lunch. Tickets will be on sale from 9 – 11am on Tuesday, February 28 and Thursday, March 2.
This will be a popular event, get your tickets early.
A Night With Elvis
Last year, Jeff Gordon provided an excellent Garth Brooks Tribute Show. This year we are having him return for his tribute to the King – Elvis Presley.
Saturday, March 11 – 7 pm
Pre show tickets will be $15 and $16 at the door. You can purchase tickets during Lunch or Breakfast from Pam Tucker.
This will be a GREAT show, do not miss it
Ladies Lunch at the Jacaranda Hotel
Monthly, Jol Creech coordinates the Ladies Lunch at notable restaurants in the area. For March, Jol has planned a special luncheon at the very popular buffet at the Jacaranda Hotel in Avon Park.
Wednesday, March 15 – 11:30 am
The cost will be $17.75, which includes tax and tip. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Clubhouse the first of March. Ladies Lunch happens the third Wednesday of every month.
Ancient Oaks Annual Honor Day
Last year we held an event to honor our veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces. Needless to say this was very popular.
Saturday, March 18th – 1:00 pm
There will be a free lunch for veterans and others can buy lunch for $5. A variety of meal options will be available.
After lunch, we will be honoring the veterans and those currently serving. We will also be collecting donations for the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Post 10539.
There will be a Poker Run around the park following the recognition of the veterans. You can walk, bike, or take your golf cart around to the five locations in the Park. Best hand wins.
Join in the festivities and decorate your golf cart in a patriotic theme for the weekend
CPR Training
When the EMT was in the Park to provide the training for the new AES unit located in the Clubhouse. There was a lot of interest in having a CPR Class. A CPR training class has been organized off-site at the EMS headquarters.
Tuesday, March 21 – 8 am – 2 pm
Fire Station / EMS Headquarters,
707 NW 6th St., Okeechobee
A sign-up sheet is available at the office and you must sign-up by Tuesday, March 14th. The cost is $50 per person. We are planning on carpooling.
Movie Night at the Park
At the end of the busy season at the Park we are showing a classic end of summer movie, directed by George Lucas. On the last day of summer in 1962, high school friends (featuring Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, and others) cruise the streets of their small California town, while Wolfman Jack spins classic rock’n roll tunes, making for an epic soundtrack.
Saturday, March 25 – 7 pm ** NOTE NEW TIME **
Movie concessions will be available. Depending on the weather we hope to show the movie in the parking lot of the Clubhouse.
Give the Gift of Life
The OneBlood Bus will be in the Clubhouse parking lot on Thursday, March 30th from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Please make a reservation at www.oneblood.org/donate and indicate the sponsor code 9483.
In January we had 23 volunteers and 20 were able to donate. Three had low iron and were unable to donate. If you have trouble with low iron, try eating Total cereal that morning. Remember, your unit of blood may save 3 lives.
Having a Party
The family of Anni McGreavy want to invite everyone at the Park to come celebrate Anni’s 88th birthday on:
Saturday, April 1st – 1:30 pm
They plan on having a DJ and of course cake. B.Y.O.B. RSVP to Rita at 954-732-8350 No presents, just best wishes.
Meals at the Park
Breakfasts – Served from 8:00 am to 9:15 am – Two pancakes, two eggs, three sausages, toast, juice and coffee.
Lunches – Hamburgers and Hot Dogs will be served every Thursday from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm. Sodas will also be available for $2.00
Thank you to all the volunteers that make these meals possible.
Food Trucks – Scheduled at the Park are:.
Monday, Mar 6, 11:30 am – Taqueria Mi Mexico
Monday, Mar 13, 11:30 am – Seas the Day
Monday, Mar 20, 11:30 am – BBQ Island
Monday, Mar 27, 11:30 am – ** NEW ** Labby’s Italian. Has an interesting menu of sliders, Italian Donuts, and it’s Famous Pinwheels.
Okeechobee Area Events
There are a lot of great events coming up in the Okeechobee Area in March.
Molly House Polo Classic
Saturday March 4 – 11:30 am
12499 SW Conners Hwy, Okeechobee, FL
Come enjoy watching a Polo Match and help raise money for Molly House. Bring a carload, or upgrade to a VIP Status. Participate in the divot stomping or the hat contest. A number of people have already registered for this Annual event.
Get you tickets at:
https://www.mollyshouse.org/polo-classic-2023.html
Speckled Perch Festival
Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12
Flagler Park, Park St. There is a parade on Saturday at 10:00 am.
To learn more go to www.OkeechobeeArts.Or
Cowtown Rodeo
Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12 . Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena
Find on Facebook at “Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo”
Okeechobee Community Theatre
Come see Connie, a fellow Park resident, in this comedy performed by the local theatre group. Performances are Friday and Saturdays, April 17 to April 1st.
From the Board of Directors
Wow! Here it is March already. Will March come “in like a lion, out like a lamb”? Some believe this saying is folklore, some think astronomical and some say biblical. Maybe here in sunny Florida it will be just more beautiful sunny weather.
Time sure flies when you’re having fun. February sure had a lot of fun. State Night dinners, the Ancient Oaks 40th Birthday Celebration and people dancing to the 70’s FlashBack tribute to K.C & The Sunshine Band with “Night Moves”. Look for more great activities coming in March. Looks like Jeff Gordon is coming back to town with his “Elvis tribute”. So get those hips loose and feet ready to move.
With so many activities, we can’t forget the awesome volunteers that make these all happen. A HUGE thank you to those that give of their time and talents. Remember this is your park so get involved.
For those who may be heading north in March, now would be a good time to start thinking about your preparations to leave. Please remember that we do experience hurricanes here as was evident with Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Please secure all loose items.
Did you know? That Florida Statute 718.113 (4) states: Any unit owner may display one portable, removable United States flag in a respectful way and on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, may display in a respectful way portable, removable official flags, not larger than 4 ½ feet by 6 feet, that represent the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, regardless of any declaration rules or requirements dealing with flags or decorations.
May March be a Blessing to all of you.
Your Board of Directors
From the Desk of the Manager
I hope this article finds you well. As we head towards spring, I am grateful that I no longer have to worry about shoveling snow. I’m sure many of you feel the same way, that’s why you are here in Ancient Oaks.
I wanted to provide an update on Blue Stream Fiber, which is making good progress. I hope you had the opportunity to attend the Town Hall meetings that Andria organized. In April or May, there will be meetings to register your account with Blue Stream. Keep an eye out for those dates and times. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the office. And a quick reminder – when you cancel the TV portion of Xfinity, you’ll need to return the boxes. You can drop them off at the UPS Store in town or the Xfinity Store on the coast. Make sure you get a receipt as proof that you returned the equipment.
It’s important that we have up-to-date information on your account, including your address and phone number. If there are any changes, please let us know. Also, please make sure you’re on our DialMyCalls system so we can communicate important information with you quickly and efficiently.
In other news, Tim Harbaugh purchased a used Peavey Sound board and, along with Chris, installed it on February 22nd. We’ll test it out at the February 23rd Town Hall. They said it’s working very well.
Lastly, a friendly reminder to slow down, have patience, and be kind. Also, please be very careful when driving.
Live long, and prosper, L.W. Smith II, Park Manager.
Notable News
Items for the Acorn need to be to us by the 15th of each month by sending an email to:
AncientOaksAcorn@gmail.com
We also coordinate the scheduling of the Daily Park Activities (see draft version after the calendar). Please contact us with dates, times and description of your activity so it is included. Send to AncientOaksAcorn@gmail.com or contact us at 330-844-9008.
The Acorn is also available on the Ancient Oaks website at:
