Golden Lakes Village

Love in Action 

By Ruth Tschudin

(11-19-20)

Thanksgiving comes at just the right time this year—as we face a unusually active hurricane season, a resurgence of the coronavirus, and the mother of all messy post-elections. And all this is on top of the challenging personal, national and world-wide problems we face on a regular basis. But don’t despair, dear readers, for Thanksgiving reminds us that with a healthy dose of loving gratitude we can make good things happen to counteract the negatives around us.

I think of that wonderful song from the sixties (music by Burt Bacharach, lyrics by Hal David and sung by Jackie DeShannon). Let’s sing it together:

CHORUS:

VERSES:

Just a little P.S. for you: Burt Bacharach is now 92 years old, Jackie is 79, and Hal David died in 2012 at age 92. All three have put their love into action through their musical giftedness, enriching the lives of untold numbers of people. It’s a win-win when love is active and lifts others. As the saying goes: Those who spread sunshine to others, can’t keep it away from themselves.

Here is a true story submitted by Love-in-Action member, Pearl Warner, which illustrates the nitty-gritty of what it means to put love into action. She calls it: A NIGHT IN THE PANDEMIC: SEARCHING FOR OSCAR

It’s 11:45 PM. My neighbor knocks on my door crying. Her newly-acquired, black-and-white cat has gone out the door and is missing. So, wearing my red and purple garish lounging-gown, I leave my cozy home to search for Oscar. Soon my neighbor sees him by the canal. By the time I get there Oscar has scampered away… and the next moment I’m puling my friend out of the canal! She looks like a Halloween-costume mannequin.

She spots Oscar under a car. I crawl under the car, yelling "Woof! Woof!," only to hear a car stop. It’s Security. He asks if I’m OK; I say I ‘m fine but Oscar is missing. "Who is Oscar?" is his reply. "My neighbor’s black-and-white cat," I say, brushing aside my sweaty (1/3 blond, 1/3 gray and 1/3 shabby) hair. He takes off. My friend says he’s not very helpful; I utter: " He was wonderful! He didn’t call the paddy wagon and pull us into a state mental asylum."

Once again my neighbor spots her cat by another nearby canal… and once again she falls in. I go to pull her out only to end up in the canal myself. We’re wretched, distraught and hoping there are no hungry alligators looking for a tasty two-course meal!

Back on dry land, she looks up to the sky and says, "It’s a full moon." I say, "Luna means moon and attic means top story, and we are looking loony in what is sure to be a story that tops them all." With that, a woman opens her door, looks at us, slams the door shut and latches it. Smart lady. Then out comes a gentleman with a beautiful white dog, and we yell to him: "If your dog sees a stray cat will he please bark and send it home." He yells out "Good luck" and runs from us. I say: "Now that’s what I call good social-distancing!"

My 92-year-old legs are hurting (and my garish gown is dripping onto my soaking wet shoes) when she spots her cat again. I tell her that when he arrives at the garbage bin to grab him from behind—the bushes in the area will stop him from escaping. I take her flashlight and hold it. Along comes Oscar, so proud of himself for his journey out. Our plan works: he stops at the garbage bin, I blind him with the light which glows in his eyes. She grabs him, kisses him and says "I need him so." I say, "I need a bath. What time is it?" She says "3 AM." She thanks me very much and says: "If you ever need a favor, ask me!" I say, "I’ll ask you for one right now. If ever your brat-cat decides to run away from home again, please knock on someone else’s door!"

Thanks, Pearl, for sharing your love-in-action (Lucy-and-Ethel-type) adventure with us. Your great sense of humor and generosity come through loud and clear. This Thanksgiving let’s all think about and express our gratitude as actively as possible, thereby adding to that much-needed love we just sang about. Happy Turkey Day to all!

Longtime Love in Action (LIA) Member

Helping those in need as a dedicated volunteer with Golden Lakes Circle of Friends Service group is Pearl, 2nd from left, front row. Leaders of the group are Dotty, next to Pearl, and Marie, far right front row.

In her younger days in Europe. She was born in NYC, a graduate of city College, raised tree daughters on Long island.

As an elf at the Christmas in July party for Kids with Cancer. 

When she was a young girl, 

she took to drama, loved Shakespeare and appeared on a TV show "The Belle of 14th Street" with Barbara Streisand.

Sharing her expertise as a speaker at LIA classes and Gatherings. She was a handwriting analyst (often testifying in court cases), a social worker specializing in desensitizing fears, and still works as a volunteer bereavement counselor (licensed by PB County Mental Health) for a local American Health organization.

Enjoying GLV social activities with boyfriend, Paul. They have known each other for years: Pearl was a licensed appraiser and had jewelry and antique stores here in Florida. Paul, whose parents lived in Golden Lakes 40 years ago, still has his jewelry store in Lake Park.

At a recent flea market with friend Batya, where LIA raised money for the American Legion Post #367.

Pearl Warner (right) at a Get-Together of LIA poets, 

to share favorites and originals

(11-5-20)

Yippee! It’s November! And what’s so great about November? Well… when I was a kid growing up in New Jersey in the forties and fifties, it was one of my favorite months. Lots of Halloween candy still hung around to sweeten the chill of the dropping outdoor temperatures and diminishing daylight hours. Yet it was still warm enough to enjoy the great outdoors and jump into the piles of leaves without having to wear layers of clothing. It was an "expect-anything" month titillating us with extreme possibilities, like the lingering warmth of an "Indian Summer," a powerful hurricane or even an early snow storm.

It was a month with personal significance as well, because Dad’s birthday and mine were celebrated just four days apart. And its major holidays perfectly combined patriotism and gratitude as we observed Armistice Day (which originated to mark the end of WWI; after WWII and the Korean War it became the broader Veterans Day) plus the 4-day Thanksgiving weekend set aside for giving special thanks to the Lord for our many blessings.

I have so many fond memories of family gatherings, delicious meals and peeks at football games I had very little interest in. But the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade … that was awesome! Except for Santa’s appearance in the parade, there’s no hint of Christmas yet—so we could savor the joys of the November without interference from Black Friday, Hallmark holiday movies and yuletide decorations here, there and everywhere.

Another highlight that makes November unique is Election Day, which occurs on the Tuesdays after the first Mondays of the month. As the years flew by, my understanding and appreciation of our right to vote deepened. The heartbreaking assassination of our President John F. Kennedy is unforgettable. I recall early dismissal from a college class on November 22, 1963 and walking to my off-campus residence crying uncontrollably.

I missed voting in the 1964 presidential election by a slim margin (I was over 18 but not yet 21; the age requirement changed in 1971). But in November of 1968 I finally got to vote for our president and was among those who put him into office.

As my view of November matured (no more delight in early snowstorms!) other significant changes both brightened and clouded this month. In 1967 I met the love of my life, Hugo, and married him on November 10th of that same year. It happened to be my Dad’s birthday and he of course attended our modest wedding, which made it extra special! Seventeen years later he was no longer with us, though his marvelous congeniality, wholesome humor and great wisdom surround us more in November than any other month—and especially on the 10th!

And now, as retired seniors living here in the Sunshine State, November is still very special to us. We have joyfully added a new family member to our November Highlight List: Grandson Dionisio Samuel Vazquez, born on 11/29/14. The November foreboding of the coldest, harshest time of year (up North) has now yielded to the delight of knowing that our best weather is now ahead of us. The daylight hours are shorter, yes, but the air is cooler and the sun less oppressive making it possible to walk, sightsee and enjoy the great outdoors any time of day. The threat of hurricanes now draws to a close. We have acclimated to the overlapping holidays and hardly notice the early-Christmas commercialism, and—especially this year—we value our right to vote more than ever.

And so you see, dear readers, why November is one of my twelve favorite months! We at Golden Lakes Love in Action invite you all to join us as we cherish each and every month of the year, bringing to each the best we have to give. It’s an amazing world—despite all the hardships and challenges. Our heartfelt wish is that November 2020 will exceed our expectations as we all vote our consciences (and then accept the results graciously), honor our veterans and all who sacrificed and are sacrificing so much for our liberty, thank the Lord for our many blessings, and do our very best to make our country and our world more just, kind and healthy in every way

GOLDEN LAKES VILLAGE: HALLOWEEN HOOTS & HOWLS

LOVE IN ACTION MEMBERS 

got together for a "Halloween Play Date," which was a howling success! Irene, Louise, Willi, and Batya enjoyed chatting, games and just being together again after many months.

Gloria also participated 

in the "Halloween Play Date"

Photos courtesy 

of Gloria and Irene

PHASE B’s OUTDOOR HALLOWEEN BASH ...

Diane purring behind 

her whiskered mask

Sharon with her 

Prince Charming Michael

Judy as Malificent

CS and Alice in the scouts

Alfonso in Action

Karen ad Alex ready to fly

Our mystery man as KISS

Jack (veteran in camouflage) 

 was the First Prize Winner.

(10-22-20)

Chances are you recognize the above words as those of Charles Dickens in the opening sentence of his historical novel "The Tale of Two Cities," set in Paris and London before and during the French Revolution. Sounds something like the challenging times facing us today, doesn’t it?

We have so much to be thankful for, such as the many modern-day marvels that make our lives easier and would astound our forebears no end. Chief among our blessings are the priceless gifts we cherish like our freedoms and the strides we’re making toward "justice for all." Yet we’re bombarded with fear, frustration and fluctuating feelings as we struggle with the pandemic, the upcoming election, the issues that spark anger and divisiveness, and the immensity of the work yet to be done.

"What is one to do?" we may ask. In his well-known story "The Man Without a Country" Edward Everett Hale (a clergyman who wrote in support of the Union during the Civil War—and the grand-nephew of patriot Nathan Hale) we find this well-known quote: "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything but still I can do something, and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." In that spirit, I would like to recommend a "one-two punch" that will make us purveyors of the best, the wisdom, the light and the hope sides of Dickens’ dichotomies.

PUNCH 1: PREPARATION. Just as an athlete works out, we can build ourselves up inwardly to be "workers who need not be ashamed" (great words from a man who survived 39 lashes of a whip five times, three beatings with rods, three shipwrecks, a stoning that left him for dead and a narrow escape in a basket lowered from the top of a city wall).

The same man was imprisoned for years and ended up beheaded… yet he is one of the most prolific biblical contributors and definitely one of my most influential heroes. He tells and shows us how to "rejoice always; pray continually; and give thanks in all circumstances." He tells us to think about about what is good and worthwhile, knowing that our actions follow our thoughts. He stresses love, even above faith and hope—and writes about God’s Spirit that fills us with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (an arsenal of strength and equanimity to see us through difficult times). Who is this great person? Saul of Tarsus, a highly educated Hebrew Pharisee who later used his Greek name, Paul—the great planter of churches and spreader of the Good News.

PUNCH TWO: ACTION! What we say and do as individuals is the greatest gift we can give ourselves and others. One habit I’ve adopted lately is not keeping a sincere compliment to myself. If I think something good, I share it with whoever deserves to know what I’m thinking. Right now I want to thank Harold Sussman, who wrote our previous column. Harold gets published on occasion by the Palm Beach Post because he writes powerful Letters to the Editor.

I’d like to also express how honored I am to be on the Condo News team, with Madelyn, Chelle and Roberto whose input is so valuable… with Betty whose column keeps our bodies and minds healthy… with Jimmy whose photos and wise musings give us food for thought and a nature-lover’s look at our world… and with Arnie, Lenore and the other Condo-Connection writers who share their news in uplifting, encouraging ways. Thank you, all!

Check out the photos of our latest Love in Action (LIA) examples. Whether we’re one person, one group or one nation under God, we can put our weight on the positive sides of Dickens’ see-saw quote for the joy of lifting others higher. And let’s share a wave and a wink when we see each other out there, obviously well-prepared and full of LIA-style action!

GOLDEN LAKES LOVE IN ACTION: WELL-PREPARED AND ON THE GO!

Homemade Meals for special village residents. Joycelynn, one of three LIA "cooks" recently made rollatini pasta with meatball sauce, meatballs, tossed salad, roll and fresh apple with cookie for dessert. She made the meals at her house and delivered them hot, even to second-floor residents.

Ready for Halloween, Dionisio, 5, is already enjoying his costume, which he modeled at Golden Lakes for his grandma, Ruth, and her friends. He holds his clone, Mario, a favorite video-game character of his.

A New "Do"

Golden Lakes resident, Barbara, is a wiz at cutting hair and recently gave pre-teen Jessica (Ruth and Hugo's granddaughter) a new, mod style that she loves. Barbara has owned beauty salons up north and in PB Gardens, and has worked with all types of hair and all types of people (including performers). She comes to your house and offers a special GLV rate for her services.

Help for the Homeless

LIA member, Robert, donates a bag of his gently used men’s clothes to be given the homeless men serviced by St. Ann Place on Dixie Highway. LIA member Lillian takes the donations to the location.

Out to Help

Nino and Ernie transport frozen/refrigerated food sent by insurance companies to recuperating patients, who sometimes want to share it with others in the village. The transporters take resident food donations to LIA Angel Network "distributors" to get to those who need and appreciate it. These all-around do-gooders deserve a pat on the back, but find that the reward is in the doing.

GOLDEN LAKES LOVE IN ACTION (LIA) WELCOMES GUEST COLUMNIST, HAROLD I. SUSSMAN

Harold attending his first LIA Gathering (March 2017) with wife Jackie and dog Dolly when he won a great prize in the raffle.

Enjoying dinner and a show at Phase A (November 2018) with wife (center) and LIA friends.

Running into LIA friends, Ruth and Hugo (July 2019) at the Norton Museum.

Donating food and dental items (September 2019)

for victims of Hurricane Dorian, which hit the Bahamas especially hard.

TO GOLDEN LAKES VILLAGE

Three years ago I suffered a heart attack. An ambulance took me to White Plains (NY) Hospital, where they inserted coronary stents to save my life. While recuperating in the hospital, I told my wife that I wanted to retire and move to Florida. She said she had a friend in Florida who had been a college classmate, so we reconnected with her.

It turned out that the friend was living in West Palm Beach, in a 55-and-over community known as Golden Lakes Village (GLV). By coincidence, a  neighbor of hers had recently become widowed and was selling her condo so she could live with her daughter in California. The real estate broker, Pamela, called me and I purchased the property sight unseen, as is, since it was going to be sold furnished. 

A few months later, my wife and I drove down to Florida on the Amtrak Auto-Train. Our car was loaded up with linens and other household items. When we arrived at GLV and entered our new abode, we were pleasantly surprised.  The prior owner had left all of her possessions behind for us to use. I could not even find room enough to unpack the items we had brought down with us. Needless to say, it made our move here very comfortable. 

We did not know anyone at Golden Lakes except for my wife’s ex-classmate. However, a local resident named Ruth befriended me and told me about a charitable organization she and others had started here in GLV called LOVE IN ACTION—which it truly is. We attended their next meeting, at which there was a raffle. I bought a ticket and was one of the lucky winners. I won a nice collection of classical CDs.

Last year, a devastating hurricane, Dorian, destroyed one of the Bahama Islands. Love in Acton initiated a food drive and sent the collected donations to the Bahamas, where they were sorely needed. I filled up a large cardboard box with canned goods and Gatorade drinks.  I also included toothbrushes and toothpaste. (I was a dentist)

As far as how our stay at Golden Lakes Village is progressing, I will state that my wife loves it here. The scenery is beautiful and there are lots of sea birds that come to roost in our backyard. There is a canal about 20 feet from our sunroom, and once in awhile an alligator swims by. Our community boasts two olympic sized swimming pools, where we both swim every day, rain or shine. In addition, there are also two small gyms, along with bocci, tennis and shuffleboard courts. 

I’d say it turned out to be a very lucky move for us. I took a blind chance and, as with the LIA raffle, I came out a winner!

(9-24-20)

"What’s new and exciting?" is a question I often ask as I greet folks I haven’t seen in awhile. It elicits a wide variety of responses: a smile, an expression of appreciation, an interesting update and sometimes even the sharing of a concern. Now, with the Hebrew New Year 5781 just starting, it’s the ideal time to think about what’s new and exciting in our own lives; and if nothing comes to mind immediately, let’s see what we can conjure up!

(1) LOOK AROUND… and see with "new eyes" the blessings we tend to overlook or take for granted. These are often tried and true "biggies" such as life itself, a free country, a safe place to spend our days (and nights), friends and family, etc. Now let’s add some others, no matter how trivial or insignificant they may appear or how deeply meaningful they may be. For me, it’s things like our county maintaining a below-5% infection rate as schools open this week. Or "Mr. Google" who answers most of my inquiries instantaneously so I can keep learning and growing. And then there’s our exercise class at Phase A that challenges us to become healthier and stronger with each workout.

(2) LOOK BACK… and see the new beginnings that can emerge from the past as well, if we’re open to them. Last week Hugo and I went to the new Amazon 4-Star Store at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall. Even on its opening day it wasn’t very crowded so we felt safe exploring the highly-rated items featured there— in our masks and gloves, of course, and with social distancing from the other curious adventurers. What caught my eye was a book I’d read years ago called "The Four Agreements" written in 1997 by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s a practical guide to personal freedom based on Toltec (American Indian) wisdom. Translated into 46 languages, it was a NY Times bestseller for over a decade. A quick look at the Table of Contents reminded me of those agreements:

Be impeccable with your word (Speak with integrity and carefully choose your words before saying them aloud). Don’t take anything personally (Don’t let others’ opinions fill you with anger, envy, sadness, etc. Keep in mind that people’s words and actions come from their own unique reality, which might have little or no bearing on you). Don’t make assumptions (Ward off stress and conflict. Ask questions so that clear communication will help to sidestep misunderstandings). Always do your best (Avoid regret and build self-confidence while moving toward your life goals).

(3) STEP OUT BOLDLY… A bright future awaits us! Our Golden Lakes resident artist, master of brightness and creativity, is Vincent Daddiego. We previously featured his one-of-a-kind "Pick-Me-Up Pods" and "New Leaf" designs, and now his latest works of art are hand-painted shells in which his cartoon character "Gail the Snail" lives. She moves in and out dragging with her this important reminder: "It’s Time to Get Out of Your Shell!"

NOW LET ME ASK YOU: What’s new and exciting in your life? Look around at what is, look back at what was, then move ahead boldly. Above all, look within yourself for new hopes, inspirations and incentives. Welcome your future with open arms. You may find yourself achieving what you never thought you could, thereby leaving a unique, precious and uplifting legacy!

Love in Action (LIA): The New and The Wonderful!

Joy prepares an LIA Basket of Cheer for GLV shut-in.

Neighbors on Lake Evelyn have been meeting together 7-8:00 PM daily since the pandemic started. Lots of laughs and weightier discussions take place outside Arlyne’s (standing) house.

Kay and Tom spruce up Ruth & Hugo’s backyard with mulch and flowering bushes.

Finally: some entertainment again! Vocalist "ZZ"  and "Mr. Keys" (keyboardist and vocalist) delighted villagers with a fantastic show recently. Line-dancers and others especially enjoyed getting up to dance together!

Some of the exercise class after an hour-long workout, pose for a photo. Even the instructor Jacob (seated) is tired! Our "energizer bunny" Willi, however, continues to do exercises on her mat. Then on to the water aerobics!

CS and Alice are proud of their only grandson, Alex.. his kindness as well as his accomplishments. They were not close with their own grandparents, though they credit them for passing down some great qualities that have made them who they are today: nonagenarian dancers, active LIA members, enthusiastic volunteers, great friends to each other & to many, &  loving grandparents to boot!