S U M M E R     I S     F I N A L L Y     H E R E       ! ! ! ! !

FOR ALL CAMPERS, SUMMER SPECIAL !!!

We had such a great success last summer, and have had many inquires if we were going to run the same special this summer. And the answer is YES!
We will once again be running our summer on-site storage special from the beginning of May through the end of September. Bring in your rig, pick a non-prime site and storage your unit for only $50.00 plus tax per month. Then when you are ready to get away for a long needed weekend you just come on in, hook up your rig and pay only for the days that you’re here.

REMINDERS:
* Mobile home owners must check in their guest if they are going to be using the beach.
* We have had some complaints concerning our beloved pets. It is Mandatory that you pick up after your pets. Please be good neighbors and pick up after your pets. Odors can be a nuisance when pet deposits are left on the ground, as well as messy.
* Please make sure that ONLY HOUSEHOLD garbage is going in the dumpsters.

Joke of the Month!
Jim had an awful day fishing on the lake, sitting in the blazing sun all day without catching a single one. On his way home, he stopped at the supermarket and ordered four catfish. He told the fish salesman, “Pick four large ones out and throw them at me, will you?” “Why do you want me to throw them at you?” “Because I want to tell my wife that I caught them.” “Okay, but I suggest that you take the Black Bass.” “But why?” “Because your wife came in earlier today and said that if you came by, I should tell you to take Black Bass. She prefers that for supper tonight.

Don’s Corner
Adios, Amigos! (Only Spanish words I know) Hope your summer goes well, and that you return safely to Lake Waldena next season. We had several new RV’rs join us this year and we hope all of you enjoyed the season with us.
Now for the bad news: our operating costs have gone up dramatically during the past 2 years, since we last raised the camping fees. We need to address that issue before next season. Our options are:
1. Cut back on our services, as much as possible.
2. Raise the camping fees.
3. Install electric meters at each site and charge for usage.
I personally like #3, because that allows everyone the opportunity to conserve on their costs, should they want to. Most other seasonal parks have already taken that route.
Your input would be appreciated. Thanks, Don

Well, our annual chicken picnic was again a great success. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful dishes you spent the time to make and share. We would like to one again announce that Terry & Pat Schliep Lot 167 received awards for the “Most Improved Property”, George Lengle– Lot 218 for the “Best Maintained Property”, George Diamond – Site #63 received award for “Citizen of the Year” and Jackie Eversoil – Lot 121 received runner up for “Citizen of the Year” We would like to say special thanks George Diamond for going above and beyond in everything he is doing for our community. An honorable mention to those who have helped George: Paul Hine, Bob Minnehan, Herb Hines

We also have a few more announcements:

Shuffle Board Men’s Winner: Art Bishop Women’s Winner: Jackie Eversoil
Bowling Men’s Winner: Bob Burgin Women’s Winner: Judy Dahlman
Euchre Men’s Winner: Bob Burgin Women’s Winner: Ruby Cade
Cribbage Men’s Winner: Dave Mathews Women’s Winner: Terry Bradford
Horseshoes – Singles Winner: Bob Burgin
Horseshoe – Doubles Winners: Bob Burgin & Bill Hamblin
Pool – Singles Winner: Bob Burgin
Pool – Doubles Winner:Paul Hines & Wally Appel

For those of you that are leaving us for the summer I want to wish you the best of travels, a wonderful summer and look forward in seeing you next year

REMINDERS:
* I want to remind those of you that are leaving to please stop by the office and let us know that you are heading out. We also have a sheet for those of you that haven’t already filled out to leave us updated emergency contact information, in case we should need to reach you while you’re away. And those of you in the mobile home section your lawn care sheet, letting us know who will be tending to your yard while your away. Remember on site storage units must have everything completely unhooked and put away. Including all outdoor lawn chains, grills, ect.

Don’s Corner
Don doesn’t really have a lot to say this edition (Surprise, Surprise!!), but since the opportunity presents itself…how can I refuse?
This Chili Cookout was not very well attended, due in part to the weather, our scheduling (Ash Wed.), and our failure to post a sign-up sheet. Considerable effort by some great volunteers and staff, plus several hundred dollars was put into this project, and everyone was disappointed by the attendance. Many thanks to those who did come.
The options we will be taking a look at for next year are: 1. Not having it. 2. Having it in the Rec.Hall. 3. Making it a charity benefit (Salvation Army), and pre-selling tickets. 4. Reducing the scope of the project.
Your comments are always appreciated!

Make Sure you follow us this summer on Face Book and Twitter !!!

CAMPERS – Now is the time to book for your site for next season. If you are planning on staying 4 months or longer you can now book your specific site by paying your fourth month payment in advance. After March 31, 2012 ANY unreserved sites will be available for booking with the standard $200.00 deposit, which will guarantee you a site, just not a specific one.
CAMPERS – For those of you that may not be aware of our On-Site Storage Special. Not only with the price of gas & diesel going thru the roof but in our current economy we need to try and save every penny we can. Several years ago Lake Waldena Resort started on On-Site Storage for seasonal campers. Campers staying at least 4 full months can leave their rigs on their site, as long as it is not a prime site for $53.00 per month. That means if you are here for 4 months and leave your rig on a non-prime site for 8 months it will only cost you $424.00. You can come back with your economy car instead of the vehicle that eats right through your wallet. Most people that I have spoken with spend on an average of $1200.00 round trip, and with the price of gas & diesel going up that is sure to rise as well. Many of you took advantage of this last year and from what I am hearing will be doing it again this year. We have many new faces in the park this year and want to get the word out for those of you that may not be aware of this special. Save, Save, Save!!

March is the month for our Annual Picnic down at the pavilion. It will be held on Wednesday, March 28. Chicken and 2 sides will be provided. Bring a dessert or another side to share. Watch the board for the sign up sheet around the 15th of the month. There will also be a sign up sheet for volunteers to help set up, serve and clean up. All leftovers will be donated to a local soup kitchen.

March is also “Clean Up Month” We will be doing mobile home inspections. Some of the things that we will be looking for skirting repairs, homes that may be faded that need to be painted or may just need to cleaned from mildew, roofs cleaned, concrete drive and walkways pressure washed, unlicensed or inoperative vehicles, excessive clutter in carports, ect. These inspections will be conducted the 1st full week of march and if you are in violation you will receive a reminder notice to make sure such issues are taken care of immediately. Please help us keep Lake Waldena beautiful as it was met to be.
We will pick up leaves and pine needles from mobile home residents on Thursdays during March. PLEASE PUT THEM IN TRASH BAGS for easy pick up by our maintenance staff. Campers…we will continue to pick up your raked leaves and pine needles from the front of your sites on Fridays. For those campers that will be taking advantage of our On-Site Storage Special. Your rigs need to be completely unhooked (water, cable and electric lines, sewer hoses, any outdoor items should be stowed away in your rigs or completely under them. The maintenance staff will need to get in and around your rigs to mow and week-eat this summer. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

J o k e o f t h e M o n t h
A wife says to her husband one weekend morning, We’ve got such a clever dog. He brings in the daily newspapers every morning. Her husband replied Well, lots of dogs can do that. The wife responded, But we’ve never subscribed to any papers!!!

Don’s Corner
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!
Many of you responded to our plea for not using a credit card to pay your lot rent or site rental. (You will recall our request from a previous newsletter) I don’t have exact numbers, but typically, for every $100 in credit card usage, the banks charge the business $3.00 in processing fees. Most businesses simply pass this along to their customer as a ‘cost of doing business’. I reason that if we don’t have to pay it, then we don’t have to charge for it. Thanks again for your cooperation.

We have in the past and will continue to work with our local provider to receive the most up to date speed that is offered to us. Everyone needs to understand that you are all working off a “Shared Network” not your personal modem. We are currently running a 10 MB line, and your bandwidth to 350 MB per hour per user. We are asking you to help us, help you and your neighbors. If you are not using your computer please log-off of the wi-fi system, and for those of you that are uploading video please do not do so in the peak hours.
Think about this… Uploading 1 hour of video is equivalent to sending 4 million e-mails.

Reminders :

A) We have had some unusual debris turn up at our lift station. This reminder is for campers and mobile home owners. Please only flush toilet tissue down your commodes. For those of you that may not know or may not understand that we have our own sewer and water plants. We do not run off of city water and sewer. We have found items, such as, plastic bags, candy wrappers, mechanic towels and even styrofoam peanuts show up at our lift station. These items will and have clogged the pumps. What does that mean to you? If the pump cannot push the waste to the plant you could have wide spread back up in your mobile homes and campers. So, please help us help you and only flushed what was meant to be flush down your toilets. Thank You!

B) We have had some complaints concerning our beloved pets. It is Mandatory that you pick up after your pets. Please keep to the dog paths or take your pets to the dog park. Do NOT cut through sites or lots or congregate in the common areas. PLEASE RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBORS!

C) There is a sign-up sheet in the laundry room for any motor home owners that would like to get their propane tank filled. They come in on Tuesday of each week. Mobile home residents must call and set an appointment. Tru-Gas (866) 795-9110

D) If you have a comment, suggestion or complaint concerning any park issues. Please it must be submitted in writing and given to the office staff and it will be addressed. Please do not stop the maintenance staff or call the office, as this takes them away from their daily duties and perhaps may be unintentionally be forgotten.

E) Please make sure that your vehicles are parked in your driveways or on your camp sites, NOT on the roads or in your yards. We need to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles.

J o k e o f t h e M o n t h

Golf Lesson
The schoolteacher was taking her first golfing lesson.
“Is the word spelled p-u-t or p-u-t-t?” she asked the instructor.
“P-u-t-t is correct,” he replied.
“Put means to place a thing where you want it. Putt means merely a vain attempt to do the same thing.”

I would like to start out the new year welcoming back all out returning residents and a special welcome to all the new residents that are now calling Lake Waldena home. We have a great community and I for one am very proud to be a part of it.

Doris’ Corner
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year! Don & I spent a “different” Christmas this year, as we Rv’d in a Fla. State Park with friends. Had a great time. Our new puppy, Taffy, was with us, of course, and many other campers also had their dogs with them. I was impressed that most all are responsible pet owners and control their pet’s barking and also pick up after them. Please let’s be good Walden’rs and neighbors and do the same here. Lake Waldena is home to a lot of people at this time of year and we all need to be considerate of others. Thanks.

Reminders :

A) We have had some complaints concerning our beloved pets. It is Mandatory that you pick up after your pets. Please keep to the dog paths or take your pets to the dog park. Do NOT cut through sites or lots or congregate in the common areas. PLEASE RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBORS!

B) If you have a comment, suggestion or complaint concerning any park issues. Please it must be submitted in writing and given to the office staff and it will be addressed. Please do not stop the maintenance staff or call the office, as this takes them away from their daily duties.

C) There is a sign-up sheet in the laundry room for any motor home owners that would like to get their propane tank filled. They come in on Tuesday of each week. Mobile home residents must call and set an appointment. Tru-Gas (866) 795-9110

D) Please make sure that your vehicles are parked in your driveways or on your camp sites, NOT on the roads. We need to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles.

E) There is a flag attached to the large brown mailbox. The mail carrier will put the flag down each day upon leaving the park to let everyone know that the mail had been delivered for the day. All outgoing mail should be put in the slots labeled “out going mail” in the grey mail boxes NOT in the brown mailbox. Only outgoing large packages should be put in the brown mailbox. This is for your privacy and protection.

Are you sick of making the same resolutions year after year and yet you never keep them? Here are some resolutions that you can actually accomplish! Enjoy!
10. Read less.
9. I want to gain weight. Put on at least 30 pounds.
8. Stop exercising.
7. Watch more TV. I’ve been missing some good stuff.
6. Procrastinate more.
5. Drink. Drink and Drink some more.
4. Start being superstitious.
3. Spend more time at work.
2. Stop bringing lunch from home: I should eat out more.
and last but not least…
1. Take up a new habit: maybe smoking!

Don’s Corner
HELP! HELP! HELP! Approximately 4 years ago, Lake Waldena Resort initiated a credit card payment option. It was a convenience for our RV customers to make reservations quickly, and accommodated those travelers who do not keep local checking accounts. The service fees we pay for providing that accommodation was, and is approx. 3% of the total amount charged. Our first year’s costs were less than $1,000.00. This year our direct costs will be approx. $8,000.00. The primary reason for that increase is because more people are using the plastic cards even though they could just as easily write a check or pay cash for the rent due. (Banks promote card use by offering special deals).
The only fair way to recoup our costs is to charge each card user a 3% fee. Trouble is, that’s against the law in most states, including Florida. As a result, most businesses raise their prices to compensate for the added cost. I happen to think that only those folks who use the cards ought to pay the 3%, not everyone. I’ve been fighting this battle for a long time (see enclosed), and will continue to do so.
So, let me ask, no encourage, each of you to stop using a card unless you absolutely need to. We will continue to monitor our costs over the next several months to see if, in fact, we can contain our losses.
Please help us help you toward this goal. Thanks, Don

It is that time of year again. The office will be doing an annual inspection of all properties. Mobile homes and campers should be clean of mold and mildew, roofs clean, and this year we will specifically be looking for concrete drives and walkways to be free of mildew. The office can provide a list of contractors, but we advise you to get your estimates in writing and DO NOT pay any contractor until the work is completed to your satisfaction.

Reminders :

A) If you have a comment, suggestion or complaint concerning any park issues, please it must be submitted in writing and given to the office staff and it will be address. Please DO NOT stop the maintenance staff or call the office this takes them away from their daily duties.

B) There is a sign-up sheet in the laundry room for any motor home owners that would like to get your propane tank filled. They come in on Tuesday of each week. Mobile home residence must call and set an appointment. Tru-Gas (866) 795-9110

C) Please make sure that your vehicles are parked in your driveways or on your camp sites, NOT on the roads. We need to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles.

D) We have had some complaints concerning our beloved pets. It is Mandatory that you pick up after your pets. Please keep to the dog paths or take your pets to the dog park. Do NOT cut through sites or lots or congregate in the common areas. PLEASE RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBORS

Knock Knock Who’s there ? Mary Mary who ?
Merry Christmas !

June 14, 2010

Representative Barney Frank
Senator Chris Dodd
All Members of Finance Reform

Over the past 40 year I have developed and filled three retirement (55+) mobile home
and RV parks in the state of Florida.  Eighty four percent (84%) or more of our senior citizens pay their monthly lot rent by cash or check.  Within the past three years we
added the credit card option as a convenience to our RV customers.  This facilitates reservation deposits and accommodates those out of town campers who don’t have a
local checking account or sufficient cash for an extended stay.

This accommodation is costing our business thousands of dollars annually in bank
service fees and other charges.  We had not foreseen this loss of revenue.  Most of
our colleagues simply accept the charges as a “cost of doing business” and pass it
along in the form of a rent increase to their residents.

I have a “novel idea:  How about allowing a business to collect a surcharge (or “convenience” fee, as a recent treasury management newsletter by Jim Plunkett suggested) on all all credit and debit card transactions.  This would target only
the people who use the cards and not the vast majority of seniors who choose not
to use plastic.  Obviously the banking industry won’t care for the concept for various reasons, but what’s fair is fair.  So, while you’re in the process of finance reform,
how about considering something as basic as “if you use it, you pay for it”?

Respectfully,

Don L. Hilgeman
Lake Waldena Resort

Don’s Corner
Whew! It’s been a couple of hectic weeks for us; just got back last week after Trip #2 from Ohio. (It takes at least two trips back to haul all the junk that we took up to Ohio in the spring.) One new item however, was Doris’ 13 weeks old golden retriever puppy, Taffy. Taffy just had to stop at every rest stop for a potty break.
It’s going to be good to see all the old faces, plus meet our new residents as they arrive. We’re expecting a pretty full house this year.
So…kick back, relax and enjoy the good people and nice surroundings that our excellent staff has provided for you.

There will be an activities meeting on Tuesday, November 8th, at 3:00pm. We encourage Campers and Mobile Homes Residents alike to attend.
Please keep an eye on the activities board that is located by the mailboxes, for the added activities that have not yet been posted on the calendar.

Reminders :

A) There is a sign-up sheet in the laundry room for any of you that would like to get your propane filled. They come in on Tuesday of each week. Motors Homes ONLY! Mobile home residence must call and set an appointment. Tru-Gas (866) 795-9110

B) We have had some complaints concerning our beloved pets. It is Mandatory that you pick up after your pets. Please keep to the dog paths or take your pets to the dog park. Do NOT cut through sites or lots or congregate in the common areas. PLEASE RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBORS

C) We will be starting the evening campfires again here shortly. We would like to remind everyone to watch their profanity. Lets Make it enjoyable for all!

D) Please make sure that ONLY HOUSEHOLD garbage is going in the dumpsters. And please breakdown any cardboard boxes before throwing them away.

E) Remember to watch your speed when driving thru the park. Speed Limit is Only 15 MPH.

F) There is a flag attached to the large brown mailbox. The mail carrier will put the flag down each day upon leaving the park to let everyone know that the mail had been delivered for the day. All outgoing mail should be put in the slots labeled “out going mail” in the grey mail boxes NOT in the brown mailbox. Only outgoing large packages should be put in the brown mailbox. This is for your privacy and protection.

Joke of the Month:

A little boy, at a wedding looks at his mom and says, “Mommy, why does the girl wear white?”
His mom replies, “The bride is in white because she’s happy and this is the happiest day of her life.”
The boy thinks about this, and then says, “Well then, why is the boy wearing black?”

Well fall has officially arrived. Lets’ hope the weather gods are looking down on us this year for a wonderful season. “No Long Johns Needed”. The days are still a bit warm but the evening and morning air is changing just a bit to let us know that cooler weather is near. Because the days are still pretty warm we will be keeping the beach open through the month of October. So get out there and take a dip!

Reminders :

A) There will be a sign-up sheet in the laundry room for any of you that would like to get your propane filled. They come in on Tuesday of each week. Motors Homes ONLY! Mobile home residence must call and set an appointment. Mike with Tru-Gas (352) 625-0500

B) We have had some complaints concerning our beloved pets. It is Mandatory that you pick up after your pets.

LOCAL EVENT SCHEDULE

10/1/2011 The Abbey Horse Festival Southeast Livestock Pavilion, Ocala, Fl.

10/8/2011 14th Annual Lake County Folk Festival Historic Downtown Eustis, Fl.

10/9/2011 Bill Belleville “At His Best” Marion Co. Public Library, Ocala, Fl.

10/15/2011 Lade Lake Art in the park Music Festival Log Cabin Park, Lady Lake, Fl.

10/22/2011 McIntosh 1890’s Festival Van Ness Park, McIntosh, Fl.

10/22/2011 Ocala Arts Festival McPherson Governmental Complex, Ocala, Fl.

10/22/2011 14th Annual JEEPTOBERFEST Market of Marion, Bellview, Fl.

10/28/2011 1st Annual Ocala Pumpkin Run Castro Farms, Ocala Fl.

Joke for the month:

A doctor is complaining to a mechanic
A doctor is talking to a car mechanic,
“Your fee is several times more per hour then we get paid for medical care.”
“Yeah, but you see, doc, you have always the same model, it hasn’t changed since Adam; but we have to keep up to date with new models coming every month.”

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer.

Tips for Camping with Your Dog

Feature photo by Shek Graham.

This was too cute!
A dog is an indispensable companion on a camping trip. It will smell and hear things before you do, can help guide you through sticky underbrush, and, if well trained, find lost members of your camping crew. A dog can warm you up, devour scraps around the fire, and just be there when the full moon rises. Your pet can benefit from your safety planning just as much as you will, so take a few minutes and think of what they may need. If you’ll be camping for an extended period of time, look online for a veterinarian close to the campground and add their number to your cell phone. Make sure your pet is up to date on all shots, particularly rabies, and bring along any necessary documentation in case a trip to the vet is needed. If you don’t already have it, an ID tag with your name and phone number is also a good idea

LOCAL EVENT SCHEDULE:

Aug 5th Open House at Sable Palm Gallery, 5:00pm Ocala, Fl

Aug 7th Jammin in the Park, 4:00pm Marion Oaks Community Center

Aug 13th Unbelievable Hibiscus Seminar LandO’Lakes Community Center

Aug 20th 3rd Annual Antiques & Collectibles VFW Post 4781, Ocala Fl.

Joke of the Month:

On a rural road a state trooper pulled this farmer over and said: “Sir, do you realize your wife fell out of the car several miles back?” To which the farmer replied: “Thank God, I thought I had gone deaf!”

Everyone should be glad to see that we have spent a great deal of time and effort this past month renovating the beach area. We hired outside contractors to spray and kill the aquatic pond grasses at the beach and swimming area with an environmentally friendly spray. We have started manually racking and dragging the aquatic pond grasses as it dies off and will continue to do so until the swimming area is clear.
So get out there and ENJOY your summer !!!

       FIREWORKS        

Unfortunately due to the extreme dry conditions The Ocala National Forest is under a mandatory burn ban prohibiting the use of any and all fireworks. 
Although the light show must go on, ask the office staff for a listing of locations around our area where you may enjoy fireworks during Independence Day.
July 4th is not only an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s independence but also celebrate the sacrifices of those who have made our country’s independence possible.

LOCAL EVENT SCHEDULE:

July 2nd  Kingdom Fathers Annual Car & Bike Show Livestock Pavilion

July 4th    Concert & Fireworks Start at 3:00pm Silver Spring Park
     Starring John Michael Montgomery

July 6th  Ballroom Dance Party, 7:00pm  Dancin’ Around Studio

July 10th  Jammin in the Park, 4:00pm  Marion Oaks Community Center
        
July 14th  Spirit of Ocala Irish Dancers, 2:00pm Forest Public Library

July 23rd & 24th Florida Australian Shephard Show  Livestock Pavilion 

Joke of the Month!
One morning, a father and his young son were in the forest hunting rabbits. After about an hour, they finally came across some rabbit tracks. In between the tracks, there were these little round brown pellets, and the son said to his father, “Dad, what are those?”
The father replied, “Those are smart pills. Try a couple.” So the kid grabbed a couple of them and put them in his mouth. The boy made a funny face and said to his dad, “Ewww! Yuk! They taste like s**t.”
The father replied, “See, you’re getting smarter already.”