(9-23-21)

This article is the last issue in September. Hard to grasp on the days, weeks and months just flying by!

Actually this issue is on the second day of the Fall Season aka Autumn. Yikes! The summer ended two days ago on September 21st! There is a Yiddish expression " Kenahora" which in other cultures means "giving the Evil Eye" In fact just by saying the obvious the opposite is believed to be in the near future.

I began with these perceptions because I wanted to report that thus far ... we have not had a hurricane (yet) in our vicinity. As the theory goes if I say, as I just did, no hurricanes thus far, and I don't say Kenahora along with that, the mother of all hurricanes will be spawning hurricanes galore for the balance of this hurricane season. Also it wouldn't hurt to knock on wood as well. Sometimes I wonder if I just say "I don't have much money" this could result in "pennies from heaven" raining down on me. I tried this on many occasions, needless to say it didn't work.

I understand that by next month the Snowbirds will begin coming down. Please note that a regular Men's Club Breakfast Meeting is scheduled for Sunday October 10th at 9:30a.m. I do want to make the following announcement that on Sunday November 14th The Men's Club has scheduled a Special Breakfast Meeting where every man residing in Covered Bridge members and non-members alike are all invited to this FREE BREAKFAST! Please put this on your calendar as we also will have a guest speaker along with great food! This announcement will appear in the next two issues of the Men's Club Newsletter. With that said....

Stay well, be safe ... until then

(9-9-21)

As the song goes "for it's a long long time from June to December"...but not to me! It seems that time is flying and this past June was as if it were only last week! With that said we just celebrated Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer. Beside being the first Monday in September providing for a long weekend, this holiday is to honor and recognize the American Labor Movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.

Also this week (Tuesday and Wednesday) the Jewish Holidays of Rosh Hashanah took place, celebrated by the Jewish faithful everywhere, marked the beginning of the High Holy Days to culminate on Yom Kippur next week on Wednesday September 15th. On Tuesday evening the night before (September 14th) At sundown highlighted by praying and singing the Kol Nidre and the beginning of "fasting" where the faithful begin fasting and do not eat nor drink anything until the next day (Yom Kippur Day) at sundown! Fasting is an opportunity for each of "us" to observe Yom Kippur in a most personal way. It is a day of intense self-searching and earnest communication with the Almighty. This search requires an internal calm which derives from slowing down our biological rhythm. Fasting on Yom Kippur provides the key to our inner awakening. It also is believed that we confess our sins on this day and that we are "written into the book of life" for yet another year.

As some of our Covered Bridge residents cant drive themselves to Doctor appointments "We Care" provides that service free of charge. We Care needs more volunteers as drivers......

Please think "there but the grace of God go I " The Men's Club has scheduled our next Breakfast Meeting for Sunday October 12th. We would like to have as many members to attend as well as ALL of the MEN in our community who are non-members to partake FREE of CHARGE as our guests. A representative from the CondoNews will be there as well to take photos and write up of this meeting. Please remember to reserve Sunday morning October 12th at 9:00am for this event. A guest speaker is scheduled as well.

I want to take this opportunity to wish our Jewish friends and residents a Healthy and Happy New Year!

I already received my 3rd shot (Booster) . Please get completely vaccinated so that we can get rid of this Covid19 scourge once and for all!

Stay well, stay safe.......until then

(8-26-21)

Well, it's good to welcome the rainy season in! Our lakes had been looking a bit dry but not anymore! We wished for some rain and we have been rained upon every day, or so it seems. The water level in our lakes are at capacity.

With so many activities like bocce, tennis pickle ball, the workout room in addition to billiards and card games mahjong, our beautifully stocked library and not forgetting our two beautiful swimming pools we have plenty to keep us busy. I recently participated in a "Seated Scavenger Hunt" in another nearby community, and I thought to share this with my fellow friends and residents at Covered Bridge. The game goes like this......as an addition to parties, dances etc.....bring a bag of items from your home. Think "outside the box" when looking for things to bring. Your table will be your team. When the caller asks for an item, and your table has it, you will receive one point. Extra points will not be awarded for others at your table who may also have the item. The winning table will receive a prize.

Things are beginning to slowly coming back to pre-Covid. Our C.O.P. Program will be activated as we already had our first monthly meeting. For those who are interested to join us, (see Men's Club Newsletter dated September 1st.) Look for Ira Falkenstein's article on C.O.P. Basically a tour of driving our COP Car for at least one 3 hour tour per week, driving throughout Covered Bridge with lights flashing, to help keep our community safe. Rules are, the driver is the eyes and ears, never to confront, and to report via two-way radio of suspicious activity. The driver must wear the Official Sheriff's Shirt with ID Badge displayed.

Two weeks ago one of my grandson from Long Island NY, Junior Year at Hofstra University and in the ROTC, came down to visit with me and his Aunt and Uncle and cousins in near by Wellington. Andrew and I spent quality time together as I we hadn't seen each other for a few years (but always in touch). (see photo).

Our first breakfast meeting of the new "season" scheduled for September 12th has been cancelled and rescheduled for October 10th. If you haven't already done so GET VACCINATED!

Stay well, stay safe ... until then

Andrew Dickerman and his proud Grandpa (yours truly) on Andrew’s visit from Long Island NY.

(7-29-21)

There is a classic by Shakespeare entitled "A Midsummers Night’s Dream". Unrelated to that play, I had a dream the other night that we would not have a single Hurricane this season. A pipe dream at best but the odds are that this won't come true. Thus we are prepared as a community to deal with a storm of this magnitude here in Covered Bridge. I do however hope my "dream" materializes!

One of my grandchildren Andrew who hails from Long Island N.Y. is coming here to visit myself and the family that reside in Wellington. He will be arriving the second week in August. Andrew has this free time to come down, as he is entering his sophomore year at Hofstra University located in Long Island, in mid-August. Upon graduating he will be entering the Army as he is enrolled in the ROTC. Our family contingency who live nearby and of course myself are looking forward to a wonderful family reunion with Andrew.

On behalf of myself and all of their friends and neighbors we wish our friends Herb and Marlene best wishes as they purchased a home and will be moving into another beautiful community in Delray Beach in mid-August.

I recently attended a monthly Men's Club Board Meeting. We are happy to announce that the second Sunday in September and each subsequent month following, the breakfast meetings will be resumed. This first breakfast we are inviting all of the men in our community, members as well as non-members to attend as our guests. There will be an interesting "guest speaker" presenting.

With that said and with not much to report at this time, be safe, be healthy ..............until then

Arnie's grandson 

Andrew Dickerman

(7-15-21)

We thought back in early June that the "rainy season" may not show up this year. That changed somewhat when there were light rains and sudden downpours....alas the rainy season was upon us. With a warm dry spring behind us our wishes for some water from the heavens may have resulted in our chagrin to a very early hurricane season with tropical storm Elsa threatening our portion of Florida. Fortunately we were spared the wind and the rain. Let's hope that the rest of this summer and fall we find ourselves without hurricanes! Downpours only will be welcomed!

A belated birthday wish to America, on this past July 4th our wonderful country celebrated its 245th birthday. The birthday gift was to all of us to enjoy the freedom and prosperity the greatest country in the world offers to each and everyone living in the U.S.A. By the way, the armed services bands playing their beautiful marches as well as the marches by John Philip Sousa together with our colors flying proudly (besides the hot dogs and burgers) was my highlight of this celebration!

The televised fireworks in particular Macy's display in New York was outstanding... (a real blast)!

However the "patriots" locally who did fireworks in the streets made it necessary to give our dog a tranquilizer so that he could stop his nervous shaking!

At Covered Bridge individual residents did their own barbequing on Independence Day (on the fourth) as unlike in years gone by where we had community cook outs. This was because of not planning for one early on due to Covid 19. We couldn't know during this past year of the progress that was to be made in dealing with the virus.

Hopefully this will continue to bring normalcy back to our daily living.

Stay well, stay safe …..until then

(7-1-21)

Father's Day was a wonderful day as my 3 sons and their families acknowledged "my day". The feelings evoked were joy and pride as a Dad and Grandpa as well as as sadness that my beloved wife Maddy of 60 years, who passed a year and one-half ago, wasn't with me to share with the love our entire family provides. The Summer Solstice followed the very next day. Summer had begun, the green grass and flora came back to life as the new season has brought much needed rain.

Walking around our community this has become obvious. It would be appreciated by everyone if the July 4th weekend coming up, Mother Nature would take a time-out on bringing the needed rainfall. I believe that everyone knows the meaning of this very American Holiday. Just a refresher......Independence Day, a.k.a. The Fourth of July is a Federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the U.S.A. (thirteen colonies at that time) on July 4th, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the 13 American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain King George lll and were now united, free, and independent states! Actually The Congress had voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2nd, but it was not declared until two days later....July 4th! The usual celebrations taking place on this holiday weekend include fire works, family reunions, concerts, barbeques, picnics, parades and baseball games.......and most important the commercial partaking of SALES!

This past week on June 24th The Board of Directors had its' first Covered Bridge "Input Meeting" for homeowners. Kudos to the event as the proceedings proved to be constructive and satisfying to our community.

Enjoy the 4th of July, hope it doesn't rain on your parade

Stay well, be safe..........until then

(6-17-21)

This coming Sunday June 20th is Father's Day. Which is celebrated world wide, in fact more than 111 countries set aside one day a year to honor fathers and fatherhood. This holiday is celebrated here in the U.S.A. on the third Sunday of of June, founded by Sonora Smart Dodd in 1909 and first celebrated in our country in 1910. This day is held on various dates across the world and different regions maintain their own traditions of honoring fatherhood. Here many people send or give cards or gifts with the iconic necktie taking the lead along with sports items or clothing, electronic gadgets, outdoor cooking supplies and tools for household maintenance.

Monday June 21st is officially the first day of summer. This day in my childhood I personally thought of this as "Kids Day". and Kid's season. Officially summer is defined (in the Northern hemisphere) as the months of June, July and August but to my recall it also included the days in September leading up to the return to the new school year.

Today I find my grandchildren looking forward to going to school. They get bored of playing video games and spending time indoors (exception of my adult grandchildren). Back in my childhood I was walking on a cloud as the school summer vacation began. Stickball and punchball, hardball and softball, hide-n-seek and the ice cream trucks and sleeping later into the morning. These and a whole list of outdoor games and just having fun, from dawn to dusk is emblazoned in my memory. Of course parents were aware of where and when we played. knowing what I learned in later life our school teachers enjoyed the summertime vacation perhaps even more than I knew way back then.

Making my rounds in our community I am pleased to report that our new Property Management company together with our new Landscaping company is applauded by our folks. I also want to take this opportunity to laud the new makeup of the Board of Directors, which I had been a member of for the past eleven years.

The Men's Club sponsored "Cigar Night" which took place two weeks ago. Bob Kleinberg did the honors of grilling hot dogs and serving the sides, while Dave Friedland provided cigars from his Cigar Store. A good time was enjoyed by everyone.

Wishing the best to Edith Foreman who after many years of residing in CB relocated to an assisted living facility. Edith was a member of the Men's Club ... yes a woman ... that story is for another day. For all those who remembered that June 14th was Flag Day, thank you for displaying the colors.

With that said ... Let’s hope there will be no hurricanes ... Happy Father's Day to everyone.

Stay well, stay safe ... Until then.

(6-3-21)

This past week family members and myself went out to eat and we ate "indoors" at our favorite restaurant. Dining indoors at an eatery was never in my lifetime a thing to write about, however everyone reading this article knows exactly why this has been so meaningful. We all have experienced once something that is taken for granted is gone, at least temporarily, is so appreciated when it returns! Folks have finally begun to take up activities that were normally considered routine to enjoy now savoring their participation....unmasked! (provided they have received completed vaccinations).

As I am writing this on Memorial Day weekend I appreciate the fine weather, and hope that the "rainy season" holds off until this holiday is over. We are in need of much rain as our greenery landscaping is showing signs of "thirst". Irrigation itself is not enough.

I do hope that looking back on the past holiday weekend everyone enjoyed themselves....took time to remember our fallen heroes, and if desired picked up some "bargains" at holiday sales.

I want to call your attention to our We Care Program. We need drivers! This vital community program after almost 30 years in existence NO-ONE is volunteering as Drivers! Without drivers a person in need of a Doctor or Laboratory visit cannot happen! So folks call Hal Berman and step up and volunteer! Who knows you may one day be needing this service yourselves!

With Father's Day being celebrated this coming Sunday, June 20th, I thought that the following pays tribute to all Fathers everywhere young and old. It's called "Father's Love".............

I loved you enough to ask where you are going, with whom, and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself even though I can afford to buy one for you.

I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your best friend was a jerk.

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Children should know that their parents aren't perfect.

I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh, they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it...

Those were the most difficult battles of all. I am glad I won them, because in the end you won too. And someday when your children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them!

With that said, I am taking this opportunity to wish Fathers every where..............

Happy Father's Day!

Stay well, be safe............until then

(5-20-21)

This past Sunday morning the Men's Club held its first "Lox and Bagel" breakfast since pre-Covid! While there was a special Pancake Breakfast a few weeks ago, this meeting was the first "official" one in over a year. As always new members are always welcome and in fact two new members attended. As I am also the head of the Kitchen Crew, I and the rest of the crew was as bit rusty but quickly relearned our kitchen duties. Speaking of "Rusty", Maurice Ennis better known by all as "Rusty", did the shopping for this event! As a well oiled machine the Lox, Bagels, Cream Cheese, Tomatoes and Onions plus Ham on Rolls went smoothly. The Coffee flowed with cake for desert. Kudos to our entire Kitchen Crew!

At last some normalcy returned to Covered Bridge!

This year Monday May 31st our country commemorates Memorial Day. This day is marked by parades to celebrate and commemorate our fallen heroes. Observed annually on the last Monday in May, it was established soon after the Civil War. Over the years it has become a day to honor all of the men and women who have given their lives to the cause of freedom. Let's call it as it is, Memorial Day has also become commercialized! Department Stores, Malls, Car Dealerships among others announce and feature Memorial Day Sales! In fact this federal holiday is referred to as the unofficial start of summer. It is suggested that by flying the American Flag, attending parades or taking advantage of sales, or barbequing you are both showing respect and gratitude to the fallen while enjoying with family and friends.

Allow me to go back a week and a half when on Sunday May 9th we celebrated Mother's Day. Though there wasn't the usual Mother's Day event, all of the ladies were greeted and honored to be stopped to receive the best wishes of being Mothers

Though the Snow Birds have flown the coop, Covered Bridge residents are slowly emerging from their confines to socialize and to enjoy all year round life.

Stay well, be safe............until then!

(5-6-21)

April provided great weather not to hot nor to cool but whatever happened to those April Showers that the song by that name promised?. Our lakes and ponds have seen very low water levels while the newly planted flora are getting dried up! But as night follows day the rainy season is about to begin. I can count on complaints of too much rain in May while we begin to prepare for the hurricane season which starts on June 1st!

Speaking about seasons, the Covid 19 "Season" seems to be winding down as people and places are coming out and opening up. As more and more people are receiving their vaccinations there seems to be a growing confidence that Covid 19 while still active is waning. Almost all of our snowbirds have flown the coop while a few still remain. Just as the Swallows return to Capistrano, so will the snowbirds return to their other home....Covered Bridge.

With many new owners now moving in to our community, lets not forget the "seasoned" residents. Edith Foreman, a very long time owner after so many years, has left to live in an assisted living facility in Palm Beach Gardens. One unique feature Edith possessed was being the only woman who was an active member of .....The Men's Club! There is a history behind this but our members will keep this a secret (or they will forfeit their bagels for the next three breakfasts).

I have been asked to announce that Tennis or Pickleball can be enjoyed playing 7 days a week! Courts are open for Tennis from 8 am to 10 am while Pickleball courts from 10 am to 12 noon.

There is a Men's Club Board Meeting scheduled for Thursday May 20th. Also a shout out to our Friday Niters who are planning their events well in advance. Hopefully, their Halloween Dance featuring a costume competition, horse races (night at the races) Movies, and offer wonderful nights of dancing will once again light up our lives!

Sunday May 9th is Mother's Day! Almost all of our ladies in Covered Bridge are Mothers.

Let's wish them all a Healthy and Happy Mother's Day.

Some of our ladies doing water exercises

(4-22-21)

Signs of activities starting to stir. Since pre-Covid just about all activities have been in the doldrums until now. For openers, indoor activities are slowly coming back. The Men's Club began with a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, April 11th. This proved to be successful. The attendees also were served sausages and coffee. Next on the agenda will be "Cigar Nite" with Hot Dogs and sodas on Tuesday evening, April 20th.

Meanwhile, The Friday Niters held a Social Club Meeting where it was decided to have a Movie Nite. This was scheduled for this past Friday, April 16th. I understand that the movie, "Mama Mia Here We Go Again", was featured. It was so successful everyone enjoyed the movie and they are scheduling another movie nite. The film "Saving Grace" is what they have in their plan.

Another "in the works" is to have a sing-a-long billed as Christmas in April. Meanwhile outdoor activities are going strong .... Tennis, Pickleball, Saw and Hammer Shop, Water Exercises .... Oh, almost left out another indoor activity, "Billiards" in our Billiard Room at the clubhouse.

One of my duties in the Men's Club is to be in charge of the Kitchen volunteers. This has been my position at all Men's Club breakfasts. I also participate in cutting servings of Lox (Nova), cutting servings from a block of cream cheese, preparing an 80-cup coffee urn and in general, lend a hand with everything else, including individual plates which hold bagels, onions, tomatoes etc.

Once again after a long hiatus since pre-Covid, we are going to hold our first official Bagels and Men's Club Breakfast on May 16th! Hopefully these scheduled events will continue to expand to include the Red Hatters, the Book Club, and dances.

Stay well, be safe, ... until then ...

(4-8-21)

Those April Showers "will" come your way they bring the flowers....and Tax Day (this year) that blooms on the 17th of May! Hope that everyone had both a sweet Passover and a happy Easter. As more and more family members have been vaccinated that allow some gatherings to take place and a chance to see our relatives more readily. We have company! Speaking of family, we have as guests my son, daughter-in-law and my identical twin granddaughters hailing from Needham, Mass. The twins are now 4 1/2 tears old. First time in over 2 years that I was able to get kisses and hugs from them!

By the way, Their Mommy and I took the twins to Lion Safari Country the other day. I was there with another two grandchildren about 5 years ago. It was wonderful then as many of the species of animals and birds were out and about. This time beside some animals in small herds and lots of Ostriches and one Lion taking a nap a distance from the car, and just before exiting we got a glimpse of penned in Giraffes and Zebras...other than that it was a very expensive disappointing event!

I see that our Covered Bridge monthly calendar has some more activities listed since last year. Saw and Hammer Shop (Hobby Shop), Tennis, Pickle Ball, Water Exercises, Billiards, plus a Pancake & Sausage Breakfast Meeting on Sunday April 11 at 9:30am a Men's Club event for paid-up members, and Men's Club Cigar Night (picnic area) Tuesday April 20th at 5:30pm.

I will cut it short as i am happily involved with my visitors.

Stay well, be safe.........until then

Arnie Dickerman, columnist for Covered Bridge, getting hugs

 from his twin granddaughters, Jordan & Sienna, now 4½, 

for the first time in 2 years.

Family photo: Arnie’s son Jayson with his wife Stephanie and

Arnie’s twin granddaughters Sienna & Jordan.

Left to right ...Arnie's oldest son Neal & his wife Marj, with Stephanie and Jayson, and the twins Sienna and Jordan in the pool.

(3-25-21)

In good old New York (and all areas North of Florida ) there is an old adage that "March comes in as a Lion and goes out as a Lamb". Well as you all experienced that here in South Florida March did come in as a pussycat (hey the Lion is also in the cat family) and is leaving us Lamb-like! With that said as many of our fellow seniors have received at least one vaccine "shot" possibly the second shot as well, Just in time to celebrate both Passover, which begins on March 27th and ends eight days later which coincidentally will be Easter Sunday which is on April 4th. These two holidays are usually spent with families and friends. Still use common sense regarding masks and social distancing on these upcoming religious holidays which will bring relatively small gatherings together to celebrate these two holidays.

Speaking of family my identical twin granddaughters and their parents are coming down from Massachusetts to visit and join myself and their Aunt and Uncle and cousins who live nearby in Wellington in celebrating Passover.

On April 6th Covered Bridge will hold its Annual Meeting and Board elections.

Our Men's Club is attempting to slowly come out of "hibernation". They have planned a Hot Dog /Cigar Night as well as an outdoor /indoor Pancake and Sausage breakfast in early April.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Stay well, be safe ................until then

(3-11-21)

Except for a couple of cold nights and cool early mornings this year it seems that the "winter" season has given way to spring-like weather. No complaints here! Speaking of spring that officially starts on March 21st.

Another March date that requires action to be taken by all of us......moving our clocks one hour ahead on March 14th at 2:00a.m. to welcome in Daylight Savings Time! A good adage is to move our clocks one hour forward before going to sleep on the night of March 13th! Did you know that DST goes by this name in Canada as well. Known as "summer-time" In the United Kingdom and European as well as others is the practice of advancing clocks during warmer months so that darkness falls at a later clock time. Of course in the fall season we move the clocks back one hour. The result is there is one 23 hour day in late winter (or early spring) and one 25 hour day in the autumn! Another fact is that DST is NOT observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and most of Arizona!

On March 17th St. Patrick's Day is observed officially in Ireland and the Irish everywhere commemorating the Patrick Saint bringing Christianity to Ireland. However wearing of "the green" along with a St Patty's Day Parade has been a long tradition here. The saying goes "we are all Irish on St Patrick's Day. Even our local Bagel Stores along with doughnut providers feature green bagels and green doughnuts!

I am taking this opportunity to pay condolences to Judy Goodman and her entire family as her beloved husband Sam Goodman of well over 60 years passed away last week.

Due to the Pandemic WE CARE and the C.O.P.s programs as well as club activities such as Red Hats, Book Lovers, Friday Niters as well as Men's Club are all on hold at this time!

Get vaccinated, wear your mask, wash hands often

Stay safe, stay well............until then

(2-25-21)

As February is the shortest month I would guess that explains why the end of this month seems to have come up so "suddenly". Folks it's still winter out there, well in all contiguous 47 states except here in Florida. After the many years that I have been residing in Florida I still find it unique that the rest of the country has been frozen and snowed under while the weather here is almost summerlike. This place I now call home is as close (weather-wise) to being Shangri-la! With more and more seniors having been vaccinated against Covid, which in the very near future everyone of any age will be offered the vaccine, life (as we knew it before the pandemic) will return to pre-covid normal. We have all grown weary of the lack of socialization and activities for the past year that are so sorely missed.

The recent Driver's Ed course was successful. Thanks to Rochelle Friedland for organizing and running the meeting and thank you to Ira Bernstein for assisting with the audio/visuals.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Judy and Sam Goodman and their family.

This year Mardi Gras as celebrated traditionally in New Orleans which would have been last week on Feb. 16th also known as "Fat Tuesday" was closed down as a result of Covid. But the next day Wednesday Feb. 17th "Ash Wednesday" was observed by the Christian faithful everywhere. A bit of history....the concept of marking one's head with ashes on this day is said to have originated during the papacy of Gregory the Great (509-604) and as a sign of sorrow and repentance for sin. Ash Wednesday marks the onset of the Lent, a 40 day period of fasting and abstinence. Though originated by the Roman Catholics and subsequently embraced by all Christian denominations. Ash Wednesday is related to Mardi Gras, Carnival Lent and Easter.

Speaking of Holidays of faith.....Today February 25th is the Hebrew Holiday called Purim. This commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Hamen a Persian Empire official who planned to kill all the Jews, as accounted in the Book of Esther usually dated back to the 5th century BC. With the intervention of Mordecai (Hamen's cousin) and his adopted daughter who became the Queen of Persia foiled Hamen's plan. Purim is celebrated by Jews everywhere exchanging gifts of food and drink, donating to charity with other customs including wearing masks and costumes, and eating hamentaschen (a triangular pastry folded to hold the fruit filling commonly prunes are used). Basically Purim is a festive day celebrating the deliverance of the Jews from imminent doom.

Thought our readers would like to know..........

Stay well, stay safe..............until then.

(2-11-21)

Two notable occasions are scheduled to be observed this coming weekend. Both Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day this year, are overlapping each other. Valentine’s day is celebrated on the 14th of February which. falls on different days of the week every year. While Presidents’ Day comes on the third Monday in February every year. This year both the traditional "lovers’ holiday" and the official Presidents’ Day coincide on the same weekend.

Did you know....St. Valentine also known as the feast of St. Valentine is to be celebrated by sending greeting cards and gifts, dating and church services.....a celebration of love and affection. Presidents’ weekend (this year falls on February 15th) formally known as Washington's Birthday actually also it includes Lincoln's birthday is neither the actual birthdays of either President! When I was a young man Washington's birthday was celebrated on his actual birthday of February 22nd and Lincoln's birthday was celebrated on February 12th his actual birthday, as this year it is on the 15th of February! I believe with the commercialism as with the sanctity of most holidays it was decided years ago to have one big "bash", call it a Presidents weekend to create retail sales and even extend these sales in the name of Presidents’ Day for at least a week if not more!

A similar concept has overtaken Valentine’s Day. Hallmark and other providers of greeting cards are raking in lots of sales. Every chocolate candy vendor as well is giddy over the enormous sales that this day brings. Valentine’s Day to the man knows that by not acknowledging this day to the wife or girlfriend he will sleep in the Dog House for a time to be determined by the lovely lady in his life!

Admittedly I have been known to buy a Valentine’s Card and accompanying gift the last minute. I mean the very last minute when the best greeting cards are already sold out leaving myself and other hapless men to perusing the leftover bottom of the barrel cards that are left. Not this year folks...I bought a Valentine’s Card in January and have it hidden until the right time this month!

Having lived here in South Florida for over 10 years after a lifetime of Northern climes (Brooklyn and Long Island ) I have morphed into a true Floridian as I am complaining of the cold winter mornings here. 45 degrees, which used to feel like spring up North, now feels like a frozen tundra in Alaska! When I receive photos of my family up North enjoying the frigid climate while playing in the snow, I have to put on a sweater to remain comfortably warm!

Just want to leave you with this thought.....change for the sake of change I believe called for the saying "buyer beware", leading to "buyers remorse". This holds true with every facet of life, whether in communities as well as government!

With that said, Happy Valentines Day and watch your budget on Presidents’ Day

Stay well, be safe,........ until then

My twin granddaughters, 

Mommy behind Mr. Snowman....

Winter in Massachusetts

(1-28-21)

It seems as though the first month of this new year flew by quickly. Here we are a couple of days from February and I still pause at times to write 2021 on a check. As we are in the early stages of distribution of the approved vaccines with two additional vaccines to be approved in the coming few weeks, the masses if you will remain unvaccinated. This means that our community basically has limited activities. Yes water exercises are going on but virtually mostl clubs and organizations are at a standstill due to Covid.

I recently took part in the Men's Club Board Meeting where struggling to remain relevant was discussed. SO another Cigar Night has been scheduled for mid February. All paid up members and new residents who wish to join by signing up at the event are invited. No you do not have to be a smoker! Consuming hot dogs, sides and beverages will be served while schmoozing will be on the menu as well!

There are other goings on such as the Landscape Committee whose 6 members are headed by Sharon Tyner, and the library headed by Susan Gittelman and Pat Buonfiglio. I suggest that you check it out. In addition the We Care CB has remained active as well, headed by Katherine Busch assisted by Judy Goodman and volunteer drivers to help those of you who need assistance getting to Doctor and Laboratory appointments. Shout out to Keith Graybill who heads the Saw and Hammer Hobby Shop. Keith has upgraded the facility and is available for all residents, appointments are necessary. The Book Lovers Club remains active under the guidance of Lois Latman, they meet the third Tuesday of the month. Until everyone completes having vaccinations will social events then be considered to resume.

Stay well, stay safe.............until then

One of the identical twins mimicking Snow White. That is my granddaughter on the left!!

Includes events at all facilities ...

Also, "Now" and "Then" photos (scroll down)

Celebrating 99th Birthday!!

Audrey Levy (center) is surrounded by friends at Covered Bridge celebrating Audrey’s 99th birthday.

Photo by Arnie Dickerman

July 4th, 2016, at Covered Bridge

Left to right: 

Dave Friedland and 

Al Zimmerman (note his outfit), 

at the grilling station.

Left to right: 

Rochelle Friedland, 

Nellie Litevsky 

(organizer of this event) 

and Judy Goodman, 

working in the kitchen preparing 

all of the side dishes.

Left to right:

Sam Goodman and Arlene Rose, assisting serving attendees.

103 year old "Essie" who 

is the scorekeeper in 

her regular Canasta group!

Ruth Olinsky

greeting attendees.

Pancake/Sausage Breakfast at Covered Bridge

Al Zimmerman,

taking a welcome break from working the Grilling Station.

Left to right: 

Barbara Datri, 

Mary (Arena) Rossi,

Dave Datri, 

Lou Rossi, 

Rosemarie Zimmerman.

Covered Bridge's Property Management Company

Covered Bridge 

Property Management Company staff

Merciella Bell and Dennis Buschel, Seacrest Management Co. V. P..

Merciella celebrated her 20th anniversary with Seacrest.

On Monday, May 2nd, Ms. Merciella Bell, employed by our Property Management Company, a wonderful dedicated lady who daily cleans and cares for our clubhouse, was honored by her employer to mark her 20th anniversary in their employ. Our Office Staff and Our Maintenance Crew all who are employed by the Management Company as well as our Board Members were invited to a lunch provided by the VP of Seacrest Dennis Buschel to attend.

Haddassah November 2015 Meeting

President of " Lee Vasill Chapter": Linda Brock Cohen, presenting to Natalie Finver & Fran Buschin

Diane Sieven, Janice Bennet, Blanche Berk, Shirley Urben

We Care Luncheon

Edith Forman, Herbie Cohen, 

Jean Triano, Thelma Cohen

Hal Berman, Mary Romano, 

Holly Schuman, Ira Falkenstein, Janet Bennet, Sophie Wozniak

Millie Freeman, Janice Christie, 

Ira Falkenheimer, Sam Goodman, Judy Goodman, Jean Kaplow, Katherine Busch, 

Maddy Dickerman. 

Arnie Dickerman

Halloween Party

Terri Schneller

Bob Tyner, 

Marylou Graybill,

Keith Graybill

Maddy Dickerman and the "girls" went out for lunch to help Maddy celebrate her 75th Birthday which was on September 21st. 

(Back left to right) 

Judy Goodman, Ethel Brownstein, Nellie Litevsky, Ruth Olinsky, 

Ellen Keslow,
(Front seated left to right) 

Toby Reiss,
Maddy Dickerman

Presentation by Palm Beach Fire Dept. on CPR and instructions on use of new AED Defibrillator located in Clubhouse Auditorium

Capt. Charles Coyle , PB Fire Rescue Presenting CPR and 

AED Defibrillator lecture and demonstration

Attendees at the 

PB Fire Rescue program

Sam Goodman and our own Carlos Maintenance Supervisor and 

CPR training manikin.

Summer "Outdoors People" at Covered Bridge Pool

Mike Turner

Rosemary

&

Al Zimmerman

in the pool

Rochelle Friedland

Old Glory Proudly Flies at 

Covered Bridge Clubhouse

Annual Mothers' Day Luncheon

Men's Club members acted as waiters for the Mother's Day luncheon:

L-R: Tim Mazza, Ira Falkenheim, Bob Tyner, Herb Zeiman, 

Vinnie Corona, Bob Kleinberg, Sam Goodman, Gil Linn, Al Zimmerman

Olympics Winners 2015

Tennis

(l-r) Elaine Evans, Coordinator 

Jean Kaplow, Olympics Chairperson (Camera shy) Nicole Mercier and Bernard Godbout, Winning Team

Rummique

(l-r) Pat Leach, Winner 

Jean Kaplow, Olympics Chairperson

Bocce

(l-r) Dino Dalmolin, Winning Team member of 2 member team (Camera shy) Sheila Weisman, Justin Aquaviva, Coordinator

Horseshoes

(l-r) Joe Cornell, Winner; 

Tom Wiemer, Coordinator

After weeks of competition in the CB Olympics, where over 100 participants of the five events competed in bocce, tennis, horseshoes, croquet and rummique the winners attended an exclusive celebration sponsored by the Men’s Club on the afternoon of April 16th, in our clubhouse. Their spouses and significant others gathered to an awards ceremony enjoying coffee and cake as the crowd gave the recipients cheers for their accomplishments.

Men's Club: Back to the '50s

(serving,l-r) 

Carol Mazza, Danny Lore, 

Ermie Molinary

Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Ennis

Elvis, Dave Friedland, 

vocalist and accompanist

Italian Night, March 7, 2015, 

Mock Wedding Ceremony

(Left to right) 

Winnie Convertini, (bride) 

Arnie Dickerman, 

Joe Llorens, Nellie Litevsky, 

Joe a Cornell

(Left to right) 

Shelly Zandel, Terri Mirolla

(Left to right) 

Joe Sheber, Linda Brock Cohen, Nellie Litevsky , Joe Cornell

This is the real "Bride" and her "Groom " of 56 years this June 7th.
Maddy & Arnie Dickerman

Saturday evening, March 7 2015, at the Covered Bridge annual Italian Night, which featured a mock wedding ceremony followed by a reception dinner, with home made meatballs, pasta, salad and coffee and desserts took place. There were 100 "guests" at the wedding including the wedding party. The groom marrying his very pregnant bride, cajoled by her gun toting mobster father, her mother and her father’s floozy girl friend, the officiating minister who spoke in different broken English from varying dialects, the cross dressing ushers and maidens, the best man, ring bearer and flower girl, even the wedding planner all used adlibs to enhance the characters portrayed. The entire "affair" was a complete joy and success based on the commentary voiced by the attending crowd. Good food and entertaining provided by the zany wedding party made this years Italian Wedding the talk of the (town).

February Flurry of Activities 

Friday Niters presented 

"Mystery Night", a whodunit with a wonderful cast consisting of our own top thespians: (from left)  

Ira Falkenheim, Jean Johnston,

Joanne Schneller, Dino Dalmolin, Terri Merolla, Joe Llorens, Perry Palmer, Joe Sheber, Elaine Evans.

(from left) 

Arnie Dickerman, 

Herbie Cohen,

Thelma Cohen, Al Levy 

at monthly sing-along.

Happy New Year! 2015

Maddy D and Nellie Litevsky

Forefront: Frank and Susan Scheer

Holiday Decorating and Lighting, Dec. 16th & 19th

Blanche Berk

Elliot Taubenslag, Francine Vinacco

Carol Maza, presenting the completed Christmas Tree

Decorating The Indoor 

Christmas Tree:
Front: Cathy Hogan, Carol Maza; Rear: Joe L.,Terri Merolla, 

Dino Dalmolin;

Hidden: Sharon Tyner, Joe Cornell

Men's Club Pancake Breakfast, 

Nov. 16, 2014

"Master Chef" 

Al Zimmerman

Halloween, 2014

Barbara and

Dave Datri

Marylou Graybill

Linda Brock Cohen

Tim Mazza

Ginny Cornell

Nick Kirschner

Labor Day Barbecue, Sept. 2014

Myrna and Elliot Taubenslag

Dave and Barbara Datri

Maddy Dickerman and Ruth Olinsky

Nellie Letevski and Ted Kaufer

Al and Rosemarie Zimmerman

Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.) Volunteers

Leading "Unit 86" (left to right)
Terry Mirolla, Trainer; 

Gil Lin, Captain (retired);
Flo Lin, Lieutenant; 

Michael Halzel, Major;
Richard Silverman, Lieutenant (ret.);

and a Sheriff’s deputy in background.

Covered Bridge 

Morning 

Swimming Pool 

Exercise Group

Celebrating Fourth of July, 2014

Rosemarie & Al Zimmerman 

were among those who attended the Pot Luck.

April 30, 2014 Picnic/BBQ 

Sunday, April 30, 2014, an informal picnic/barbecue took place in our picnic area. The folks who attended, including myself, enjoyed the camaraderie and the opportunity to say some good-byes to a few snowbirds.

Hi Tea, April 6, 2014

featuring Lake Worth High School Chorus

The Lake Worth High School Chorus, 

led by their director and pianist Mr. Weatherspoon

Men's Club's 2nd Annual 

"Back to the Fifties" Social,

March 29, 2014

"Elvis" with Irene Goldberg

Photo by Arnie Dickerman

Tennis Finals, 2014

Photo by Arnie Dickerman