Retreat Roundabout

RReefflleeccttiioonnss October 2014 Volume 3, Issue 2

Around The Board

A TWO WAY STREET FROM THE PRESIDENT

Fall has arrived with its changes of color and temperatures, just

as our community continues to change and grow. Welcome to all

of our new residents!

In my last article to the newspaper I addressed one part of the two- way

street covering principles of our history, personality, and challenges when I

addressed the path to improve our community by shared “responsibilities.” In

this article I want to cover the second path, the “rights” of residents. Together

these principles can serve as important standards of living here at the Retreat.

This is really a two-way street. For example, homeowners have the “right” to

honest, fair and respectful treatment as do residents that volunteer their

services and our management folks as well. We all have the “right” to fair

dealings regarding financial and other association obligations, including the

opportunity to discuss payment plans and options with the board directors. The

Board is in the process of developing another “right” for your approval, the

budget for 2015. It is your “right” to have a budget that has prudent

expenditures of fees and other assessments for our community. The Budget

committee meetings are open and residents are encouraged to attend.

Another “right” is that the Board keenly reviews documents that address

rules and regulations to synchronize with the community’s recommendations. Of

course all residents have the “responsibility” to comply with these governing

2

documents and to ensure those who reside at your property or visit as guests

adhere to these rules and regulations as well.

An example of your “rights” in action is the newly established Special Ad

Hoc Committee to investigate and develop items that we believe need to be

addressed by the developer/builder prior to the complete build-out of our

community. This is similar to the 45 day punch list we have all encountered.

The purpose is to identify the big ticket items that we deem are the Builder’s

responsibility to provide corrective financial relief, e.g. final street paving; repair

of drains and broken cement conditions; pond restoration; emergency signs and

road safety and parking space markings; etc.

As you read through this newsletter kindly remember that what is being

accomplished is due to the dedication and hard work of those wonderful folks we

call volunteers. To that end I would be remiss if I did not mention some comings

and goings. The Garden Quilt project coordination management has been assumed

by Sarah and Terry White. Pat Cross has been the administrator for the past

several years and has done an excellent job bringing that project together. We

thank Pat for her efforts and welcome Sarah and Terry to the team.

Jim Cross and Stuart Auer have stepped down from the Board. We convey

our thanks and best wishes to Jim and Stu for their membership. Glenna Skinner

has stepped up as the Board Secretary and Pete Calabrese as the Board At

Large Director to fill the vacancies. The Board is also pleased to announce that

the newly established Special Ad Hoc Committee – BOI (Build-out Issues)

Chairperson is Art Hildebrandt.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Residents I welcome the new

team members and convey our thanks for the services to the community of

those leaving their positions.

In closing, as Directors of the Board we remember that we are partners

with the community residents and so we operate on the premise that what is

good for the community is good for us all.

To our residents, I thank you for your support and cooperation. Remember

the Board of Directors is here to help enhance the wellbeing of all of us calling

the Retreat home. Best regards,

Tom Rothrauff, President

3

Meet Our New Board Member – Peter (Pete) Calabrese

Pete is a graduate of St Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and had a business career in

sales and marketing. During his career, he has been employed by Johnson and Johnson,

Xerox and Boundtree Medical Company. He retired two and a half years ago from

Bountree Medical as Sales Manager for the mid- Atlantic region. He is originally from

Philadelphia. Pete and his wife Carol have lived in Virginia ( Roanoke and Virginia

Beach ) for thirty nine years. They have two children, five grandchildren and four great

grandchildren. He enjoys music, golf and traveling and the Philadelphia Eagles and

Phillies. GO EAGLES!!! Pete and Carol have been residents at The Retreat for ten

months. In May of this year he replaced Dana Gilbert as Chairman for the Grounds and

Maintenance Committee.

Thank you for your past service and best wishes for great accomplishments with your

new duties.

=============================================================

=

========================================================================

Heart Health- Some Important Numbers to Know

120/80 or under is normal blood pressure for adults.

Less than 200 mg/dl is a desirable cholesterol level.

Less than 100 mg/dl is an optimal level of LDL or “bad” cholesterol.

More than 40 mg/dl is a desirable level of HDL or “good” cholesterol for men:

women should be 50mg/dl

Less than150 mg/dl is a desirable level of triglycerides. This blood fat, like LDL, can

make your arteries harden and narrow.

Sources: American Heart Association, Centers for Disease Control

4

Meet Your New Neighbors By Edna Constand

Ed & Ellie Moulton 1408 Carrolton Way Both come from Claremont, New

Hampshire. They met at a square- dance which both did not want to attend! Well, they did attend, and as the saying goes, “that’s all she wrote”. They married sometime later and had two sons, who live locally, (and four grandchildren.) Ed has quite a background. He attended several colleges including Syracuse, Utica, Keene State in New Hampshire and the Air University in Alabama. Ed was in the Air Force and was a Technical Instructor. He then worked for General Electric in the capacity of National Technical Trainer. He was instrumental in designing the electrical system for our guided missile systems for space exploration. (Moon exploration - Saturn Missile) Ellie is a seamstress and loves to play the organ. She also builds dollhouses (so do I), and she also makes the miniature furniture for the dollhouse. They wanted to live near their son in Virginia Beach, but nothing was available at the time – so they ventured over to The Retreat and liked what they saw. Welcome!

Marianne &John O’Neil 1429 Carrolton Way

Marianne comes from the very “toney” North Shore of Long Island and John from the not so “toney” Brooklyn. Marianne was in the advertising business, and John in an Advertising Agency managing top accounts, including American Express and JC Penney. One of the bosses decided it would be a good idea if they formed a bowling team (to make contacts)….and this is where they met. What a life! Marianne went on to be a “newspaper” consultant traveling all over the USA. She also enjoyed an extensive political career being the budget director in Nassau County, for one. John started his own advertising

agency in Long Island. They both belong to the Sons of Italy. John was installed as a president in this organization on a Saint Patrick’s Day – how does an Irishman accomplish this????? The “Gift of Sight” in conjunction with Helen Keller is a special charity affiliation for Marianne. Their job history and charity involvements are too extensive for this short paragraph, so please stop by and talk with them. John is also an accomplished artist as evidenced by the lovely paintings in their lovely home. Several family ties in Virginia Beach, and of course, a daughter and two grandchildren, brought them to The Retreat. Welcome!

Debbie&Pat Thompson 1410 Carrolton Way

Pat is from Syracuse, New York and Debbie is from “everywhere – a typical Navy Brat!” Listen to this, they met on the Internet – Match .com. Ladies and gentlemen – there is hope! Pat worked in a managerial capacity for G.E., RCA, Montgomery Ward and Coca Cola – finally ending up with Debbie at Aflac. Debbie has been an agent with Aflac for 18 years. She has been #2 in the state for three years and #1 for three years. This achievement entitled her access to Aflac’s President’s Club, which opened the door to many wonderful trips: Paris, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Hawaii and many more destinations. Pat has three Children, and Debbie two daughters. (By the way, Debbie is a twin. Another interesting note: Debbie’s father was the hospital administrator for Portsmouth Naval Hospital.) They lived in the Virginia Beach area for 38 years and like the idea of living in a 55+ community, which brought them to us. Welcome!

5

News and Notes By Glenna Skinner CLUBHOUSE RENTALS

Did you know residents can rent the

Clubhouse for private parties? The cost is $60 for the first 4 hours and $15 for each additional hour (setup and cleanup times must be included in total rental time). A $200 security deposit is also required and is returned if the Clubhouse passes the post rental inspection. Go to our website retreathomeowners.net for more details. POC is Glenna Skinner at 410-4498 or gskinner5@cox.net

CLUBHOUSE PARKING

We all are aware there is not enough parking at the Clubhouse and many end up parking on the streets. Please make sure you do not block mailboxes, driveways and fire hydrants. Also be aware of the Fire Lane signs. It can be hazardous to park on Retreat Drive as it is the main entrance and exit to the community and has the most traffic. Another area to avoid is the asphalt area next to the Quads to the right of the Clubhouse. This area is for those residents only. For those renting the Clubhouse, please inform your guests of the parking guidelines.

Technology Tips & Tricks By Andy Butler

Shopping with

Cellphones

Your cell phone

makes a great shopping

companion, one that

saves you money. If you find an item

you want in the store, reach for your cell phone.

Not to call for someone’s opinion, instead use it

to check if you are getting a good deal at that

store, or if you can get a better price elsewhere.

There are several free, or nearly free, little

applications (apps) that will let your cell phone

scan the barcodes on retail items. The app then

uses the barcode to check nearby stores and

online for the best price deal. Some of the apps

even tell you if the item is in stock at the store

with the best price.

I have researched the best shopping apps of

2014 for the iPhone and Android (e.g., Samsung)

smartphones, resulting in the following reviews.

By the way, I use one of these apps myself, and it

frequently saves me money. Aside from checking

for the lowest price, some of the apps also provide

electronic coupons for the merchandise you want.

Store managers do not want to lose your business

to competitors, and they often match prices when

faced with this information

.

Here are the reviews:

RedLaser: It is one of the oldest of these

apps, and it immediately finds prices in the

store, at nearby retailers, or online. As well, you

can make the purchase directly from your phone.

I always give the store the option of matching the

price before buying elsewhere. RedLaser is what

I use, though others enjoy great ratings as well.

PriceGrabber: This app is very similar to

RedLaser in searching online and nearby for the

best price. If you have in mind what you are

willing to pay, and if the search does find that

price, then you can set a price alert, and it will

notify you when the product becomes available at

that price. Neat!

RetailMeNot: This one is interesting,

because it finds sales information and coupon

codes from a large number of retailers, allowing

you to “bookmark” those that interest you. You

do not print the coupons. Instead, this app lets you

show the coupon to a retailer to get the deal.

SaleSorter: Do you want the latest

information on sales near you? This app does con’t.on page 6 column 1

6

the job, by finding real-time sales information via

the internet. You can even limit what it finds to

your favorite stores! A really useful feature is that

you can find sales in a mall without traipsing

through the whole mall.

All of these and more are available for both

Android and iPhone smartphones. Simply go to

the iPhone store or the Android stores to find one

for your phone. And, the good news is that you

can load more than one on your smartphone if you

want the unique features from several apps.

You will need to learn how to use each app

you want, but the basic features are fairly simple.

Simply open the app while in a store, then point

at the barcode with your phone. When it lines up

properly, the app will “grab” the information and

start searching for best prices for you. Every app

reviewed here is free. Many that charge a one-

time fee hover around $1.99 for the app. You will

save much more than that on your first shopping trip.

Which stores will honor sales prices from

competitors? At this time, almost all of them!

Happy and thrifty shopping to all,

Andy Butler Sources: 2014 edition of US News and World Reports

(Money) online, and 2014 online edition of Consumer Reports.

Retreat Luncheoneers Attending this group activity is a great way

to enjoy a great meal of your choice and get to know your neighbors. The fourth Tuesday of each month is the meeting time and each month lunch is at a different restaurant.

This month your host and hostess will be Sylvia Haase and Don Snipes. The lunch will be held at Abuelo’s Restaurant, 1712 Mall Ring Road, Chesapeake on October 28 at 12:30 PM. Please reply to your email evite or call your host or hostess, Sylvia Haase at 819-7997 or Don Snipes at 410-8245.

Feeding Our Brains Have you attended any of the Monday

night lectures given by Art Hildebrandt? So far the fortunate participants have learned about The Curse of Tecumseth and its possible effect on those presidents who died in office-or did it really?

The last three sessions-The Supreme

Court Said What?-have increased our knowledge regarding the power of the Court, some of the decisions made by this third branch of our government, as well as some of the extraordinary individuals who have served in the Court.

The next group of lectures starts on

October 27 and is titled “The Pentagon.” They are held on Monday nights at 7:00PM.

I guarantee that Art will not only make

you think and laugh, but will feed your brain. Art worked as an attorney for the Naval

Air System Command in the Office of General Council and lived in the DC area for 30 years.

Submitted by Nancy Rakestraw

Art Hildebrandt

7

Looking at Nature

By Don Snipes

At a Resident Landscape Meeting held on September 30th, 2014, Ryan Lehrter of Valley Crest Landscaping addressed many issues they have encountered since their landscape maintenance contract began this year. Several problems have been solved, some are in the process of resolution and others remain to be handled. Many of these problems are routine and fall under the maintenance contract.

Some other things that are bothersome do not come under the landscape contract. Birds

that are problematic to us, such as Canada Geese, are protected under the International Migratory Bird Treaty. This treaty which covers almost all bird species in North America pretty much ties our hands on doing anything. It is extremely difficult to work around this treaty.

Chesapeake animal control will help us with some wildlife, others might come under Virginia

Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries. Moles and Voles are troublesome, but can be managed with chemical products. Cats are probably the best control for voles.

Roses are best pruned in January or February, but can be shortened in the fall if canes are

high and wind might damage plants. For more detailed information on plants check out the Virginia Cooperative Extension web

site which also has links to other informative sites that are scientific and research based.

Questions? Call me - Don Snipes at 410-8245

Swift Creek Mill Theater November 18, 2:30 PM

8

The Retreat Chronicles “Our Storied Past” By Susan Tarkenton

I can picture her as I think of the young woman she must have been. Let’s go back in time, say around the 1950s. Maybe she wore a poodle skirt, bobby socks and saddle shoes with those rolled up jeans. Her hair could have been tied back in a ponytail as she showed her talents with the hula hoop. I visualize her having fun at the drive-in movies and cramming into telephone booths or whatever fun was to be had for a woman during her young life.

I always think of her this way. Maybe it was her sweet smile, loving squeeze she shared or

that twinkle in her eye when we talked. I’d like to imagine her life to have been all of the wonderful things she passed on to others.

The first time I hugged her I knew she was full of love and life. I sensed her spirit and

could appreciate the strength of a woman dedicated to her family. I felt that bond with the imprint she transferred with her touch. Do I think this was like Ozzie and Harriet? I’m not sure, but I do know the strength of her family was rooted in her soul.

I will miss my friend; I will miss her winning at Bingo, Wii, cards, riding her bicycle up to

the pool and seeing someone living her life to the fullest no matter what came her way. Bernie Burlamachi will always be a memory I’ll cherish for many years to come and so

thankful our paths crossed. Bernie and her husband Al have been long time residents of The Retreat and she will be

missed by many.

Stories of Our Lives By Dennis Petraitis

Bob Webster How do you start when your subject opens to the Question of “Tell me about yourself?”, and he starts telling you that he has been around the world. Bob lives across the street from me and I have been here over a year, I had no idea of the experiences he has had. I knew Bob was in the Navy but I didn’t know how many places you could have been and how many experiences you could have in twenty years. Many workers go on “business trips” but in the Military it’s more like “home trips” from business. Continued on page 9

9

I know one thing about Bob; he must have had a pool table where ever he went. On Wednesday nights at “Men’s” Billiards we “shoot pool” (Billiards sounds so much more polite than pool). When Bob is not playing, he sits in the corner chair and watches each of us. I know before I take a shot, I have to glance at Bob for his approval. Most of the time, he shakes his head, “NO”, to me as a sign that I’m going to screw up my shot. He is usually right, however on those occasions that I make the shot, he comments, “I’m impressed.” Not only is he a good coach to all of us, he is a winner. Bob started out as most of us military kids with only a High School education, as an enlisted man. When he finished his time with the Navy he was an officer. Those of us who were in the service call this path, “a Mustang”. These officers, the “Mustangs” are regarded higher than the officers who got their commissions after college. That’s because we knew that they had the experience of an enlisted man or woman first, we respected that hard work. It took Bob 14 years to go from enlistment on his way to his commission; he went through all the enlisted grades up to and through Master Chief, (E9) on his way to Lieutenant that is really the hard way. After Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, he stayed to go to Electronics School. This school took him 38 weeks. That is 1,520 hours training in one subject, and that is a specialist! It’s very close to a full four year of college education, without the other required subjects like History and English. Etc. Another school he went to was in Dam Neck, VA. This one was for Helicopter Drone maintenance. (Sounds like fun to me. Get to fly little drones.) These Drones carried two torpedoes; this was in the mid ‘60s. His orders took him to Japan on a Destroyer (USS Norris DD859) where he was sent off the coast of Vietnam. He was doing maintenance on Drones and the ship provided gunfire support and plane guard to aircraft carriers. As I spoke to Bob, he told me the places he had been, I couldn’t list them all but believe me, he saw the world. Bob spent a tour of duty at Newport as an Electronics instructor, where he moved up in rank. The Dennis J. Buckley was a ship Bob was stationed on as an Electronics Technician. He was the leading ET as a Seaman Second Class and was promoted to Seaman First class while he was there. Next step will be Chief on his way to Master Chief and beyond. Bob was stationed in San Diego for a year. From the Southwestern most city in the US he was transferred to one of the most Northeastern cities in the US at Newport, RI. (Why not?) It’s the government! From RI it’s “on the road again”. This time, it’s back to school, but not a Navy school, this one is at Memphis State Technical Institute, where he received an Associate degree. Somebody in there must have loved Bob. Not only was Bob moving up in Rank, but his assigned ships were getting bigger. He was now assigned to the USS Midway, a Carrier whose home port was in Japan. This ship is most significantly known for Bob being assigned to it and for its part in the evacuation of Saigon, Vietnam. Some of the Vietnam helicopters had to be pushed overboard to make

10

room for the incoming Piper Cub carrying a South Vietnam Major, his wife and 5 children, who they took to the Philippines. They then went to Thailand to pick up several aircraft that had to be taken to Guam. These were picked up with slings from the helicopters and carried to the ship . There are so many stories to this career that should be told. I enjoy talking to Bob and hearing about his experiences. Like many others here at the Retreat, we have so many stories to tell. Please don’t keep them to yourselves. Write them for your children and grandchildren or contact me and I will help you. In any case I’d like to talk to you about, “The Stories of Your Lives”. When I asked Bob of his feelings about his time serving his Country in the Navy, He gave a typical Bob Webster answer, “Gratifying”.

Retreat Roundabout Reflections Staff

Nancy Rakestraw, Editor nancygnurse@verizon.net, Phone: 410-8566 Edna Constand, Assistant Editor ajconstand@aol.com, Phone: 410-7695 Contributors Tom Rothrauff .............................................................................. Around the Board Andy Butler ................................................................... Technology Tips and Tricks Dennis Petraitis .................................................................. The Stories of Our Lives Don Snipes Looking at Nature Rosemary Thietje ............................................................................. Social Activities Glenna Skinner ................................................................................ News and Notes Celia Gilbert and Tom Szelest .............................................................. Photography Susan Tarkenton .................................................................. The Retreat Chronicles

*****

Any resident is invited to contribute news or information to the Newsletter.

All articles submitted are subject to editing and space available

11

Social Activities By Rosemary Thietje

Join the Monthly Activities at the Clubhouse

Bingo ...................................................... Fourth Friday ................................. 7:00 PM Bunco ..................................................... First Thursday ................................ 6:30 PM Bunco .................................................... Third Thursday ............................ 10:30 AM Bible Study .............................................. Every Wednesday ........................... 1:30 PM Billiards ................................................... Every Wednesday ........................... 6:30 PM Bridge ..................................................... Second Monday ............................ 10:00 AM Breakfast at the Clubhouse ....................... First Saturday every other month 9:00 AM Bring a dish to share Blood Pressure Check ............................... First Saturday ................................ 9:30 AM Every other month – check schedule Card/Game Night ..................................... Second Friday ................................ 7:00 PM Bring 9 one dollar bills for the game of Left, Right, Center Poker Night – Guys and Gals..................... Fourth Thursday............................. 7:00 PM Scrabble .................................................. First Tuesday ................................ 10:00AM TGIF ....................................................... Friday Evenings on the patio .......... 5:30 PM Note: (May thru Oct) Aubergine Gourmet Dining ....................... Second Saturday ............................ 6:00 PM Note: Must make a reservation with Karen or Susan, 410-7562, or email tarken@aol.com

Retreat Lunchoneers------------------------------Fourth Tuesday---------------------12:30 PM Note: See your email Evite for restaurant and host/hostess of the month or check The Retreat website for more information.

Check the Retreat Website for updates to Social Events and other important information.

12

Classes: Come and join the fun Art and Painting Class Third Saturday 10:00 AM (Call Karen at 410-7562 to sign up and prices for supplies) Candy Coating Oct 21st 6:30 PM Cost: $2.00 Zumba (Senior) Tuesday Mornings 9:00 AM Cost: $7.00 Yoga Thursday Mornings @ 9:00 AM Cost: Punch cards: 5 classes $35.00 10 classes $70.00 Line Dancing Last Thursday Night of the month 7:00 PM (donations for the instructor) Lecture Series by Art Hildebrandt “The Supreme Court Said What?” Monday October 6, 7:00 PM “The Pentagon” October 27, and Nov 3, 7:00 PM Anyone who would like to hold a class or instruct on a specific subject, We would all love to benefit from your experience or previous occupation Call Rosemary Thietje 410-12089 to set up a time.

13

Upcoming Bus Tours Harrington Casino October 21 Cost: $45.00 ( $10.00 Slots & Free Buffet) Baltimore Horseshoe Casino October 28 Cost: $55.00 (Opening special $5.00 back in slots play) Williamsburg Outlet November 6 Cost: $50.00 including Dinner Swift Creek Mill Theater * November 18 Showtime: 2:30 PM Cost: $80.00 includes: Show, Transportation, Lunch New York City by Bus* December 2-4 Information follows on flyer page Botanical Gardens’ Garden of Lights December 9 Cost:$55.00 Includes: Transportation, Garden Tour and Lunch

* Indicates more information follows on another page

Mark Your Calendars for the Remainder of 2014 !

October 18 Oktoberfest November 7 Fond Memories Group* November 22 Pilgrim Party December 13 Holiday Party *Indicates more information follows on another page

14

Don’t Miss This Performance!!

What: Fond Memories Performance, The Retreat at Greenbrier

When: Friday, November 7th, 2014

Time: 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Where: 1500 Carrolton Way, Chesapeake, Virginia

Group Biography: Our group consists of three guys and two lovely gals who sing simply because we love to share our music with others, and hope that our voices and melodies bring “Fond Memories” to those who listen. First there is Frank…born in Brooklyn and digs singin’ those “Old Blues Eyes” tunes… Then there’s Sandy…a lotta’ Country and a little bit Rock n’ Roll in a compact package... Then have a look at John…an Irish Tenor who can melt any ladies heart… Next we have Alison… a lovely songbird with a delightful lilting voice… And finally there is Chuck…a crooner with snow on the roof and a fire for singing in his heart. Oh, and let’s not forget Keith, the “Sound Man”, who keeps the tunes moving along without a hitch. Fond Memories is a volunteer group that visits Nursing Homes, Senior Centers, Hospitals, and Assisted Living Facilities in the Tidewater Area to share the true universal language that is music. Check us out on the Tidewater Arts Outreach website www.twartsoutreach.org and on our Facebook page “Vocal Group Fond Memories”.

We hope you can join us on Friday, November 7

th,

beginning at 7:30 pm, and share music from the

40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s that bring back many

“Fond Memories” in Music!

15