Winter on Pine Island
Marblehead snowbirds Dave and Wanda Morehead, Tony and Darlene Novak, Dan and Mary Monak were the first to arrive on Pine Island to escape the brutal Ohio winter weather. Bob and Jean Dewey join the group on February 1st; Mike and Debbie Garrard and Steve and Donna Ungvarsky flew in to join Tony and Darlene, and Lee and Betty Voisard on the Super Bowl Cruise. Dave and Lilah Groene arrived on Feb. 15.
The Pine Island VFW Post 4353 was the main attraction for the Marblehead snowbirds and following the cruise Marty Roth was there with everyone to meet Pine Island friends and to enjoy the gathering. Marblehead VFW Post 7572 Auxiliary President Debbie Garrard and all the members were pleasantly surprised to be paged by past District 9 auxiliary sister Jean Freda, now a resident of Pine Island and Lee Davis and George Evanoff, of Cape Coral and Lorain VFW Post 451.
Deane and Lynnda Osborne traveled from Sarasota for an afternoon with the visiting snowbirds. Thanks to friends Jim and Sheryl Doling, of Pine Island; we were able to contact Dave and Marian Glick. They too, with their lovely granddaughter Amanda Rankin, on winter break from Kent State made this gathering complete. Amanda kept texting her friend, our granddaughter Michelle Monak about; I’m sure the fun she was having.
Jack and Sharon Petrykowski traveled from the Villages to spend a few days with Tony and Darlene. We all gathered at the Novak’s residence for an afternoon of corn toss fun and dinner. The corn toss to this writer brought back memories of playing softball and bowling. Jack and Sharon were the winners.
On Tuesday’s, Paul and Patrice Lee traveled from Punta Gorda to join in the fun at the VFW’s Pony Races. I think most of the men from Marblehead were jockeys, Dan rode “Ohio On Top” and won half of the races; which included the fifth race to win dinner for two. There was standing room only and about 60 to 70 pizzas were sold every Tuesday night. Our own Dave and Wanda were volunteers; Lilah and Darlene were also there to help. This writer cannot find enough words to thank Ron and Becki King for the wonderful evenings at VFW Post 4353.
Every Saturday afternoon, the Full House Band provided the music for all ages. Among the several talented musicians there was former Ohioan Ron Tobias on the keyboard, Rich on drums, who often harmonized with his lovely wife Vickie, who is so blessed with a beautiful voice. It was always an emotional moment when David Nichels and Anita Martin led the singing of “Me and Jesus”. With everyone standing, the patriotic finale was led by Ron Tobias and Vickie Adams singing the songs of the armed forces and ending with “America, The Beautiful”.
Our friends Greg and Pam returned home to Canada much too soon. We missed Greg’s guitar playing and the sound of their beautiful voices; also their participation in the Full House Band’s patriotic finale.
Every Sunday afternoon was Karaoke with Bob (Elvis) Betz and Pat. The many talented singers included Stan Preston, Bob Palmer, Olga Burt, Regina Krivac, Becki King, Al Donah, Austin White, Ron and Mary Tobias, and our own Tony Novak and Dave Morehead. When Bob Betz sang one would swear Elvis was in the room and his lovely Pat, from Cincinnati, was perfect with every song.
Paul and Patrice, Tony and Darlene, Dave and Wanda, and Dave and Lilah attended the Ohio Day at Fort Myers Beach. Dave and Wanda volunteered for K.P. on Monday’s and as I mentioned on Tuesday’s. We are all proud of Ethel Gilbert in her campaign for Governor of Pine Island. We did hear the re-entry of the space shuttle, but it was not as loud as last year.
Kendall and Brenda Paisley flew in for a few days and totally enjoyed their short visit. The music at the VFW brought Brenda back to her dancing mode and she persuaded RV Park to play the Sloopy song for a second time; yes we did shout out “O-H-I-O”
On the last night of the Olympics, we joined the many members of the Pine Island VFW to cheer for the USA hockey team and especially for Defenseman Ryan Suter of the Nashville Predators, grandson of our beautiful friends Dodie and Marlowe Suter. Ryan’s father Bob Suter was a member of the winning 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey gold medal team, and his uncle Gary Suter won a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. We cheered when the score was tied, and teared at the end; but it was so exciting and we share with Dodie and Marlowe in the pride of their sons Bob and Gary, and grandson Ryan.
We sadly missed Wayne and Jackie Rode of Walbridge, and wish Wayne a speedy recovery; also to past Commander Lynn Grover, and all who are ill.
In reflecting back on a very cool winter in Florida and a very warm Pine Island VFW Post 4353; we wish to acknowledge Commander Janyce Sausmann, Senior Vice Commander Larry Guy and Jean Freda, Men’s Auxiliary President Ron King and Becki, and Ladies Auxiliary President Joyce Lake. Gary Krivac, Canteen Manager Regina Krivac, and their lovely daughter Karen; also Olga Burt, Bernadette Sullivan, Marge Dehaan, and our own Darlene Novak. Their welcome and excellent service, became entertainment as they made every move count, and a variety of beverages were serve at once.
This writer cannot close without also acknowledging the many supporters and volunteers of VFW Post 4353. Steve and Carol Kirby, Penny and Sam Allen, Anita Martin and Dave Nichels, Elaina and John Wilson, Dodie and Marlowe Suter , Mary and Ron Tobias, Lynda and Doug Keefer, Lee and Jerry Condon, Amy Wilson, Paul Alexander, Jim Crum and Bonita, Barb and Ray Brown, Juanita and Bill Winsenk, Michael and Peaches Gerner, Jean, Linda, Dottie, members of the Full House Band and the Karaoke singers. I apologize for not remembering last names and for missing the names of many others.
The snowbirds from the Marblehead VFW Post 7572 totally enjoyed the talent, the food, the fun, and friendship of the Pine Island VFW Post 4353.