July.August 2011

Headlines or Fineprint?  by Debi Walter

Being neighbors is a fact.  Being friends is optional.  Friendships take time and commitment to cultivate.  In a community such as ours they begin as we come and go with a friendly wave.  They build as we stop to talk on the sidewalks to share the headlines of our lives..  But it takes more commitment to actually open up the fine print of who we are.  It takes an investment and willingness to give of ourselves - to really share who we are and what we value.  You may have a neighbor next door who will move away in a year or two, or you may have a neighbor who becomes a life-long friend.  No one knows until we try.

“We want to have you over...” was repeated as often as we said, “hello!”

It’s true. Ever since the Gary’s moved in next door we’ve wanted to have them over for dinner, but life kept interrupting our best intentions.  

It’s hard to believe, but they have lived here for years now, and still we have only chatted in the front yard and welcomed them inside for our Christmas Open House a couple of times.  She had her third baby and I’ve had four grandchildren in these years.  

In April Bonnie Anderson and I were talking about our mutual desire to have our neighbors over for dinner.  She suggested we set a deadline for us to actually do it by Memorial Day. No more promises, no more excuses.  Since that was nearly two months away, it seemed quite doable.  I accepted her challenge,

A month later Bonnis was excited to tell me her evening with their neighbors went well.  Then she asked about my end of the bargain - I stared at her with eyes wide opened.  I couldn’t believe it; I had not only forgotten to do it - I had forgotten about the challenge all together! Memorial Day was only a week away, so there was still time - maybe it wan’t too late.

I e-mailed the Gary’s, the Byrd’s and the Reel’s (our newest neighbors) to see if they were available for a Memorial Day Cookout/Pool party.  Surprisingly, they all were.  We ended up having the best time together.  We laughed, we ate, we shared stories and made a memory.

It felt good to meet the challenge Bonnie had given me - albeit, by the skin of my teeth! But we did it, and we got to know our neighbors on a more personal level as a result.

I am grateful for the friendship I have with Bonnie who knows me well enough to challenge my weaknesses (that’s in the fine print!)  I am grateful for the neighbors I have who desire to spend time with us for no other reason than to build a friendship.  Maybe years from now we’ll still be friends, sharing the headlines and fine print of our lives in Lake Bosse Oaks.

 

President’s Corner

 

by Donna Kress

 

It seems as though we were just beginning spring, and now it is officially summer!  

 

I reminisce about my school days and summer vacations; days and weeks seemed to be endless without any adult responsibilities.  Times have somewhat changed, I am back in school again, so days and weeks are still endless, but I don’t get those summer vacations anymore!

 

With summer vacation in full swing, let’s be especially aware of the younger members of the neighborhood. The children are out of school, they are out in the streets, playing, riding their bicycles, and doing what they know best, how to be kids.  Please be careful as you drive to and from your houses. 

 

Speaking of summer fun, another area that I wanted to mention is anywhere there is water. I know that we live in Florida, and the news broadcasts are full of cautions this time of year.  Just as I am certain that we are all aware of the risks, make sure the kids are aware too.  Lake Bosse is a great lake, but it too, comes with risks; in addition to the body of water, there are wild animals that call it home, so please be diligent in teaching your family. 

 

Kids can hardly play anywhere these days, let keep our neighborhood one of the places that they can still be, and make it a safe place for all.

 

You may have noticed that we spruced up the Lake Bosse entrance with some landscape timbers.  That project is almost finished, and when it is, we are attempting to identify a few plant species that may survive without the need of a sprinkler system.  One other project that we will be starting soon is the fence surrounding the boarders of the cul de sac at the Lake. We will be replacing those worn out pieces with new fence panels, and also a gate for the entrance instead of just a chain. (We have had some reports of strangers hanging out or loafing at the lake area; do not hesitate to report any suspicious activity.).

 

I hope to see you all on August 2^nd for “National Night Out”! (Look further for the details!)

 

                                                       Donna

 

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“ARB” Wired

 

The ARB would like to WELCOME the 4 new families who have moved into Lake Bosse Oaks in the past month!

 

Today, the beauty of Lake Bosse Oaks continues with on-going improvements.   Speaking of improvements… We noticed a couple of neighbors that have taken those extra steps to enhance their curb appeal.  We applaud your efforts and pride!

 

The ARB team is working diligently to ensure that all properties are maintained and kept-up to the standards as provided in our Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions. The team appreciates everyone’s cooperation as you make the necessary changes to your home.

 

Yard of the Season was awarded to Joe and Heather Harmer on 4048 Greenfern Drive! They received a $25 Home Depot gift card! Congratulations Joe and Heather and thank you for consistently maintaining and improving your home year after year J

 

Have a wonderful summer from the ARB Committee.

 

Kindest Regards,

Jasmine

 

LIFE EXPLAINED 

 

On the first day, God created the dog and said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years." 

The dog said, "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?" 

So God agreed. 

On the second day, God created the monkey and said, "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty year life span." 

The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?' 

And God agreed. 

On the third day, God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years." 

The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?" 

And God agreed again. 

On the fourth day, God created man and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years." But man said, "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back. That makes eighty, okay?" 

"Okay," said God, "You asked for it." 

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. 

And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

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National Night Out

2011 

 

On Tuesday, August 2nd, neighborhoods throughout Orlando are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “28th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event.  NNO, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, will involve over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.  In all, over 37 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”  NNO 2011 is being supported in part by Target, a national corporate sponsor.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

From 7 - 10p on August 2nd, residents in our area are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police.  Many neighborhoods throughout Orange County will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from police, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and anticrime rallies.

National Project Coordinator Matt Peskin said, “This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity.  NNO showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer nationa.  On NNO, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to join us in Giving Crime & Drugs A Going Away Party.”

Lake Bosse Oaks, Trafford Park and Cobblestone residents are invited to take part in our very own “Going Away Party.”  We will have ice cream and lots of fun and information to help send crime on its way for good!  Our event will begin at 7p and go until 9p.  Please call Debi Walter, 407.293.0750, if you have questions and/or to commit to this worthwhile event.  

Let’s make a loud statement to crime in our area by your full participation!

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Kim and Jason by Jason Kotecki

 

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