FC LIFE DECEMBER, 2016

DECEMBER 2016

ANNE and JEFF STANFIELD’S grandchildren are having fun at Frenchman’s Creek. Pictured to the left are: Becca and Charlie Friedman. To the right are Becca Friedman, Ben Stanfield and Charlie Friedman enjoying golf!

Our Birder Dr. Gleiber brings this unusual picture to us this issue. It is a Cormorant sitting on top of a decoy duck. He thought it was different and a clever resting spot.

Perhaps you saw this in the Wall Street Journal, Monday, December 5, 2016.

“Running with a Plan,” featured HOWARD WINER’S daughter,

Lauren Marcus. Lauren was a runner most of her life, however, like many, she felt this made up for a poor diet. Fast forward to today when she has changed her diet to fresh foods and a Vegan diet and feels much healthier- more energy and ability to sleep better. To keep her in her morning routine, she adopted a rescue puppy, Benny. They run three days a week in Central Park.

Page 2

And 2 the same day!

On November 26th, HELENE SHUTER and ROZ BUDKOFSKY had Holes-In-One! Helene had it on 13 of the North Course using a 7 wood for 115 yards. Roz had it on 9 of the South Course using a 7 wood for 95 yards.

Ralph Grebow had a Hole- in-One on November 30th. It was Hole 11 on the South course playing at 165 yards. He used a 5 rescue.

JOAN ANCHIN had her Hole-in-One on November 29th. It was hole Number 13 of the South Course and she used a driver for 125 yards.

PAUL SILER had his Hole- in-One on December 2nd on 11 South. He used a 7 wood for 95 yards.

Page 3

Britt-Marie Was Here, Fredrik Backman

If you fell in love with Ove in Backman’s “A Man Called Ove”, because of his basic humanity in spite of his hard edges, you will adore “Britt-Marie Was Here”. In spite of her rigidity and need to adhere compulsively to rules, her inner softness and tenderness will shine through because the author is very skilled in describing life at its core. His dry wit will mitigate the distressing events in the book so that although it is not a laugh out loud story, it will surely, often, offer the reader a chuckle and a smile. Who is Britt-Marie? She is the antithesis of the liberated woman. She is an old-fashioned, naïve, very tidy lady with demanding scruples and an excessive love of lists that she feels compelled to follow to the letter. For her entire life she has been dependent on her husband, Kent, and before that on her family. She is a woman with little sense of humor, with little knowledge of the outside world, and with few social skills. She is an expert when it comes to taking care of a household, husband, and children, not necessarily her own, and also in entertaining her husband’s business clients. Otherwise, she is ill-prepared for the real world outside her home. Who is Britt-Marie? She is a woman betrayed. Her husband, Kent, had a heart attack which led to her discovery of his mistress. She is distraught, humiliated and shocked. For the first time in her life, she makes an independent move which leads to her finally finding her true self. She leaves and takes a room at a hostel. When we meet her, she is in an unemployment office harassing the employee who cannot seem to provide her with an immediate position. Britt-Marie is called a nag-bag by many and she lives up to the reputation. After all, on the list, one of many she has made, she has written “find employment”, and she ticks off the items on it as they get completed. Although she has never worked outside the home, and is told she has no work experience, she insists that working at home was a job, a concept that should make many a woman smile. Exasperated by her persistence, the unemployment office employee offers her a three week position in a town that is dying due to the financial crisis that has hit the world, only it has hit harder in this town of Borg. She is appointed as the caretaker of their recreation center. She immediately returns to the hostel she is staying at, packs her things and heads straight to Borg to begin her new life where she sets about cleaning up the place, for she is nothing if not organized, nothing if not a creature of habit, but first, out of habit, she demands certain cleaning products. She wants Faxin, and only Faxin will do. It is the product she has always used to clean her windows, it is the only one she will use! She wants baking soda, too, which she always uses to clean everything, clothes, furniture, mattresses, and refrigerators! Britt Marie is an expert at spouting left-handed compliments which she believes are not insulting, just truthful. Although she often says things in very impolitic ways, sometimes those she addresses are actually confused by her statements and then so amused by her innocence that they are not insulted. For instance, she might tell someone he was brave to wear such an unpleasant looking tie, or she might inquire why a child is not in school in a most cryptic, indirect way, especially when one of the children, a “fixer” of sorts, offers to get her the items she needs, although they are not sold in the store. They seem to have “fallen off a truck” somewhere. There are a variety of quirky characters: Psycho, a young man who is psycho, Bank who is not blind, but insists she is only sight impaired, Sean, the Sheriff who is lonely like Britt, Britt-Marie’s husband Kent who is a male chauvinist, Somebody, a woman who rolls around her restaurant in her wheelchair barking orders in less than the king’s English, and Vega, Omar and Sami, the oldest at 20, who are siblings trying to survive. They all form relationships that will mutually enhance their lives.

Britt-Marie Was Here, Fredrik Backman, continued

When the children approach Britt-Marie to be their soccer coach because she is their only choice, she agrees. They need to have a coach in order to compete in town for the coveted cup. Although she knows nothing about soccer, this decision changes her life and the lives of all those in the town of Borg. She learns more about life in that capacity than she had during the years she was married. She shares the town’s happy moments and suffers with them when tragedy strikes. She comes of age in Borg, at the “young” age of 63 and learns about starting again. The reader will laugh at her naïveté and might bristle at her husband’s behavior, but all will cheer her on as she learns to make her own independent choices and will wonder about what she will choose next. Will she and the town choose to begin again? Britt-Marie sought employment so that someone would notice if she went missing. Now she knows that some will genuinely care. Soccer brought life back into Britt-Marie’s world and, at the same time, it breathed life into a dying town.

What is special about 999?

Where is 999?

What does 999 mean to you?

Can you 999?

Where do I find 999?

Have you watched 999?

Answers on page 14!

Page 5

We thought you would enjoy a pictorial story of GEORGIANNA COTTON and J.PAT MITCHELL’S TRIP TO ISRAEL and JORDAN and CYPRUS.

Pictures from Petra, the Treasury, our donkeys, the Monastery the end of Petra.

Pictures from Crusaders Castle, Mosaics of the World, Mount Nebo in the Dead Sea.

Pictures of Jordan, King's car museum, Amman Citadel

Cyprus – the Monastery .

Page 6

GEORGIANNA COTTON and J.PAT MITCHELL’S TRIP TO ISRAEL and JORDAN and CYPRUS continued

Pictures from Haifa, Church of the Annunciation, Sea of Galilee, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus on the Israel side, and Tabsha

Pictures from the streets of Jerusalem,

Pictures from Nazareth of the sea of Galilee the, copper mines, Suez Canal.

Pictures from Wadi Rum, face on the mountain from the movie The Martian, Lawrence of Arabia plaque.

Page 7

Welcome Back Tennis Party by Marleen Hacker The “Welcome Back Vintage Tennis Party” was held on Saturday, November 19. It was early in the season, so a lot of the “regulars” hadn't yet arrived, but for those who attended, it was a fun event. Tikki and Kristin wore vintage clothing, while most players were dressed in white. Many even came with their old vintage wooden tennis racquets. Following tennis, drinks and a bountiful dinner was served by the Fitness Center Pool. It was another beautiful Florida evening. Thanks to all who made this a lovely evening and to those who attended. Special recognition to our very talented caddies who played “the other sport” that day. Look for more activities, whether it be tennis, pickleball, or bocce ball. Tikky and Kristen have planned a very exciting season for all levels.

Page 8

The 9 Wine and Dine Tournaments at Frenchman’s Creek keep getting more and more popular. The third one of the season, on December 2, attracted 176 golfers, who were once again treated to beautiful weather. Trying something new, this tournament, though still divided into four flights, with one on each nine, was played in a different format described as an Alternating Scramble. Instead of foursomes, teams were comprised of six players, with men teeing off on odd holes and women teeing off on even holes. For groups that were three, adjustments were made. After one half teed off, the other half of the team hit from the best tee shot, alternating in this manner until reaching the green, where all six putted. Winning groups are listed below. As usual, golf was followed by a lovely cocktail party and buffet dinner. As always, Rich Luccini and his staff were great, as were all of our wonderful dining staff. Co-chairs Carol Smith and Joanne Weinbach continued their excellent job as they provided us with another successful event. Mimi Bergel

SOUTH FRONT:

1st Mike & Melanie Lipson & Marlene Grad & Don Ogilvy & Bob & Robin Rothenberg 2nd Sam & Erma Liebovich & Mike & Karen Slosberg & Howard & Emily Bromberg 3rd Norman & Ruth Stavisky & Ed & Harilyn Zimmerman & Howard Winer & Judy Rubin

SOUTH BACK: 1st Steve & Phyllis Gross & Richard & Lynn Feinstein & Toni Smith & Ellen Pollack 2nd Stanley & Sandra Bob & Robert & Eunice Gould & Sue Sternberg & Mr. Siegel 3rd Michael & Carol Smith & Robert & Susan Shaw & Harvey & Arlene Kaplan

NORTH FRONT: 1st Dick & Wendi Adler & Steve & Joan Parks & Maddy Friedman

2nd Saul & Betsy Bernstein & Barry & Lynn Byrd & J. Pat Mitchell & Georgianna Cotton 3rd Howard & Judy Goldsmith & Peter & Nancy Berkley & Alan Eisinger & Marlene Hacker

NORTH BACK: 1st Glen & Debra Greenberg & Mel & Wendy Dinner & Chris Burke & Debbie Butler 2nd Norman & Marjorie Feinstein & Martin & Susan Slepkow & Jeffrey & Shelley Parker 3rd Harry & Paula Silverman & Larry Cook & Christina Monacelli & Alvin Meisel & Faye Levine

Page 9

Junior Davis Cup held at Admiral’s Cove December 10th

It was a great day of fun Tennis on Saturday December 10th and I was so proud of all The Frenchman Children! Great Job! Kristen Wertenberger

Taylor Nicklaus (Member FC) Sydney Schiff (Member FC) Andrew Schiff (Member FC) Noah (Guest of Schiff) Kyle (Rothenberg Grandson)

Lucy Newmyer (Member FC) Rangeley Newmyer

Group Picture of Admirals Cove Kids and Frenchman's Creek Kids Junior Davis Cup

Shane (Rothenberg grandson) Rangeley Newmyer (Member FC), Zoe Brown (member FC) and two Admirals Cove Kids

Good doubles team Sydney Schiff (Member FC) Ellie

Nicole Nicklaus (Member FC) and 4 Admirals Cove children

Lucy Newmyer (Member FC) Zoe Cooper, Mimi, Admirals Cove Girl, Christopher Andrews (Member FC)

Page 10

Marty Krall continues to bring us dynamic speakers who are well received by our members. This was evident Tuesday, December 13th as 350 of our members came out to hear Captain Ziv Shilon, of the Israeli Defense Forces, story. He is a Magen David Adom Hero and Israel’s Man of the Year. ( of course as Marty said, his copious e-mails also contributed to the large turn out.) There was a presentation followed by a ques- tion and answer period. Captain Shilon’s story is one of immense motivation and will power as he succeeded to rise above many physical hurdles one would think impossible. His awe inspiring talk focuses on recovery and survival of his own experiences often facing death. On October 23, 2012, Ziv arrived at the Gaza Strip Gate Security Fence where his brigade was s earching out terrorists. As a Commander, he was always leading his soldiers and to his credit not one man was ever lost. As such, Ziv , who told his men to stand back 250 feet, opened the gate. A massive explosion occurred– a bomb planted by terrorists was triggered and detonated. Severely injured, his life was changed forever and the battle for his life began. Miraculously, after a few moments, he opened his eyes to see a tremendous amount of blood next to him and tried to stop the bleeding , could not understand why he could not move his arms, then saw part of his right arm lying next to him and discovered the left forearm was gone also. By sheer willpower he ground the stump of the left arm into the ground to stem that bleeding, picked up his right arm by his shoulders and left arm stump and ran back to his men 250 yards away–who did not know what happened. Nearing them, he screamed for help , his medic all of 18 years old never saw such devastation. Ziv’s sense of humor never left him as he commanded the medic to put a tourniquet on so he would not bleed to death. Magen David Adom then came into the picture who really saved his life. He was immediately evacuated to a hospital site, received 56 units of blood( 3.2 gallons), and had his right arm reattached. His fight to recovery persevered through many surgeries and much physical therapy with feelings of fear, anger and disappointment. He was after all only 24 years old. At this time, his main support, his Mother, was battling cancer. He proceeded to build a new life, his girlfriend who he told, after being injured, to find someone else did not and stayed with him through his whole ordeal. They were married two years ago and have a little girl. He is now going to law school. For someone who could not walk for 4 1/2 months now runs a 26.2 mile Marathon and is working toward the Triathalon. Magen David Adom provides all the blood supply and medical necessities for the entire Israeli Armed Forces. They have begun building new facilities 50 feet underground, financed by people such as Bernie Marcus, where no one can destroy the blood supply or stem cells. Ziv Shilon is a true hero. An amazing and unbelievable story of survival. bobbe wiener

Page11

CAN YOU FIND YOURSELF

Page 12

DRESS FOR SUCCESS WAS A SUCCESS – Co-Chaired by Judy Petricoff and Myrna Hill, Dress for Success was held November 29th and 30th at the old sales office. It is a charity that provides women, who fit the criteria, with counseling, interviewing skills, mentoring and clothing and accessories to wear at their interview in order to get back to the work force. When these women obtain a job, they are given a week’s worth of clothing , handbags, hats, jewelry and accessories– in other words they are outfitted from head to toe. This idea came to Judy when she was cleaning out her closet and drawers. She brought the idea to Nancy Berkley, who co-chairs the Volunteer Match Program with Marie Kravecas. Nancy contacted the Chapter of the Palm Beaches, and the idea became a reality. Our community rallied whole heartedly to the cause and were so happy to donate their slightly used clothes to this wonderful cause. It was so successful, a whole moving truck filled with black plastic bags containing clothes, costume jewelry, shoes, hats, handbags went to Dress for Success. It was so successful that another drive will be held in April and then again in the fall. So ladies save your clothes and you do not even have to leave the community to donate. All contributions are tax deductible. This year the drive had two corporate sponsors who offered brand new clothing and jewelry completely unsolicited. The Co-Chairs thank Adrianne Weissman, President, and Lauren Emert, manager of Evelyn and Arthur of Palm Beach Gardens and Viktoria Hayman Accessories, a jewelry designer. The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. As Judy, succinctly stated “It is truly empowering to us the women of Frenchman’s Creek to be able to give these women back their self esteem.” Myrna and Judy are very appreciative to all the women who helped and contributed– you all can be very proud.

Judy Petricoff and Bobbe Wiener contributed to this article

Page 13

YOUR DOLLARS ATWORK !! Frenchman’s Creek Charities Foundation

“ERNIE ELS SON WITH AUTISM HELPED HIM BECOME THE MAN HE WANTED TO BECOME– HE’S MY BOY.”

Frenchman’s Creek Charities contributes to the Renaissance School for Autistic, part of the Els Center of Excellence for autistic children.

Our contribution is used for their Music and Art program. If you know anything about autism, this is an important type of communication for these children.

ON A RECENT TOUR OF THE PROPERTY, IT WAS NOTED THAT SOME OF OUR RESIDENTS ARE PUTTING TRASH IN PLASTIC BAGS AT THE CURB. TO OUR NEW MEMBERS WHO MAY NOT KNOW AND TO OUR LONG STANDING MEMBERS WHO MAY NOT REMEMBER, TRASH GOES IN CANS OR BOXES. CANS PREFERRED. THE ANIMALS LOVE PLASTIC BAGS AND ARE MAKING A MESS SO PLEASE REFRAIN FROM PLASTIC BAGS ONLY.

THANK YOU FROM THE ADMINISYTRATION.

Why FCTV is back on the air. Watch Channel 999 for all the Happenings at Frenchman’s Creek. Be in the know !!

Page 14

Column by Lois Stern

Photography by Bob Cohen

Please call Lois to be featured with your pet. 626-5062

FERN PORTNOY and ROGER O. GOLDMAN adopted Oaklynn and Katrina, black Labrador Retrievers, from the Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey. The Seeing Eye breeds and raises puppies to become Seeing Eye guide dogs for blind people. Oaklynn was trained to be a guide dog, but she has a short attention span and was not a vigilant guide. She had two placements, neither which worked out. We were fortunate to adopt her when she was three years old. Katrina was born in Australia and brought to the Seeing Eye as part of their international exchange program. She had several litters, but when she was four years old, Seeing Eye, decided that she needed to retire to a welcoming home. Both girls are now eight years old, but they seem to remember at least some of their earlier training. Oaklynn was trained to stay away from water, so whenever anyone goes into the pool, she gets excited and runs around the pool barking. Katrina on the other hand, having never been trained to protect her “person” from the danger of falling into the pool, loves to push her toys into the pool and jump in to retrieve them. She will play this game for hours. Fortunately, she only does it when someone is in the pool. The girls love their daily walks, playing tug of war with their toys and chasing each other. During the summer, they freely wander around their Berkshire home chasing ducks, turkeys and an occasional deer.

On the morning of June 18, 2016, Marilyn Greenberg called to tell me she had a puppy born on April 16th she thought we might be interested in. Sending her picture over the phone, I fell in love. I showed my husband, CHRIS and we decided to meet her in person. Off we went to the Justin Bartlett rescue adoption center and came home with a precious little Chihuahua-Fox Terrier mix puppy of 2 months. We gathered the family to choose a name and Rosie was the winner! She is just filled with love and energy and has brought us many hours of fun and enjoyment. She is 8 months old now and as lively and sweet as ever.

Everyone just loves Rosie!

JAN TIGHE

ROZ and HARVEY BUDKOFSKY with Charlie. In May, we lost Stormy. We told Marilyn Greenberg we wanted a small, fluffy white dog. Six weeks later, we got Charlie. He came from a single parent family home whose Mom changed jobs and had to leave him home alone 12-15 hours a day.

He is a 4 1/2 year old “white, fluffy,” 14 pound pure bred Maltese. He is completely trained and fabulous. We are in love!

Page 15

HAPPY HANUKKAH

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Community mourns the loss of our following member

DAVID CHERRY who lived at 13835 MONACO WAY and was a resident since 1989. Our heartfelt sympathies to his beloved wife, Merel, their children and grandchildren.

Club News Staff

Editor

Bobbe Wiener Correspondents Mimi Bergel, Emily Bromberg, Shirley Goldberg, Marleen Hacker, Jeri Jacobs,

Myrna Leven, Norma Lippman, Dan Myerson, Adele Shamban, Lois Stern, Judy Tobin

Photographers

Marleen Hacker and Bob Cohen

Page 16