iPad and iPhone Classes

 

WOW!!  Our iPhone and iPad classes have been very popular with requests for more.  The difficult part is getting a room reservation so stay tuned for further announcements.

So far we have January 7 reserved for our next class.  Be sure to bring your phone and iPad with you to the SanTan Room at 9:30 that Saturday morning.

I will also be making a presentation at the Computer Club meeting on Wednesday, January 4 at 9:30 in the SanTan Room.  Come join us there as a guest for a more in-depth iPad class.  

Christmas Parade & Softball Video

We had the biggest and best Christmas parade this year!  It was sooo much fun to see such a huge turnout of decorated carts and enthusiastic fans as we toured the streets.  

Julie Hoffner & Family with Alice in Wonderland

It's a GREAT time to be here in Palm Creek with all the fun activities.  Check out the weather forecast for the next couple days.

Jerry Moy from the Softball group send this great video to share with you.  Take time to watch this as Jerry did an OUTSTANDING job.

Palm Creek Softball

 

Chorus, Corn Hole, Recycling, and cats

 Congratulations to the entire chorus and the team that helped with the success of the performance.  It was a delightful evening of music and laughter to get us started with the Christmas season.

Thank you to Arlene Noteman for using sign language skills along with the song.  

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I conducted the first of our iPad and iPhone classes last Saturday.  I had to "tap dance" through the presentation due to an electrical problem in the SanTan room and/or a computer glitch but I think we still had a good time and learned a few new tips and tricks.  I only snapped one photo while demonstrating how to fully incorporate the "Contacts" app.  Sue Bernth was my guinea pig. 😉

Hope to see you all again at Saturday's class, 9:30.  Bring iPads and iPhones.

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I need to make an addendum to my last blog regarding the horseshoe club.  The Ladies League is scheduled to start on Friday, January 9 at 9:00 a.m.  If you have any questions, contact Jerry Liester at 253-880-7301

Are you interested in playing Corn Hole?  Go down to the "pits" on Fridays at 9:00 for a mixed league.  Should be fun!

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RECYCLING

I received this information from Jim & Cathie Phillipson regarding the big wooden recycle bins.

"Last week we put two new recycling bins into operation at Palm Creek. One is at the North Pool recycle area, the other is at the North gate recycle area. These compliment the two existing bins at the Sports Complex and Woodshop recycle areas. These bins are for the collection of CLEAN #1 CLEAR PLASTIC BOTTLES AND JARS WITH SCREW CAPS - ONLY. A description of what is and what isn't acceptable is posted on the front of each bin. 

This is an initiative led by Mesquite Elementary School fifth grade teacher, Rick Wilson, assisted by volunteers in PC. The proceeds from these recycled bottles and jars go to the Casa Grande Food Bank and the Humane Society. 

Many thanks go to Steve Alexander and crew at the woodshop for their wood cutting skills and to Jorge and crew for forklifting the bins into position."

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Thought I'd take a moment and thank Dr. Brian Renegar, our Palm Creek resident veterinarian for coming over to examine Kat's eye.  Brian says it's a scratched cornea probably from rough housing with Mouse.  A couple eye drops each day should clear up the problem.  Thank you, Brian!!

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Don't forget to mark your calendar for the Craft Fair on Tuesday, December 13.  Great opportunity for more Christmas shopping.

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Again....I have been reminded to add some cat pictures to the blog entries.  Here ya go:

Occasionally they rest.  But not for long. 😸😺

Boxes are the best toys!  This one is a double decker.

I get the hint that I've been at the computer too long.

I was reading a good book but Kat got bored.

There are cute cat video games on YouTube.

Saturday dance details

 I'm trying to help spread the word about changes to this Saturday night dance.

This Saturday's Dance with DJ & the Midnight Sun is now going to be from 4 - 7 pm on the Bistro patio. The Bistro will be open to attendees only with a special menu for the dance.

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

SATURDAY NIGHT DANCE:  December 10

DJ & The Midnight Sun will be playing on the Bistro patio this Saturday.  Change of time!  Due to chilly weather, the dance time will be held from 4:00 till 7:00.    Watch for further announcements.

HORSESHOES:

Our horseshoes group has big news!  They are starting a lady's league on Monday mornings at 9:00.  Meet at the horseshoe pits.  Equipment and lessons will be provided.

They have lots of activity this season.

Monday 9:00 new women's league

Tuesday is a mixed league at 9:00.  

Wednesday is men's singles at 9:00.  

Thursday mixed league at 9:00

Thursday night mixed league at 6:00

Friday 9:00 mixed CORN HOLE

HOT AIR BALLOON GLOW:

The annual Cancer Awareness weekend (February 3) will again host the traditional Hot Air Balloon Glow in Palm Park at 6:30 p.m.  John Ross and his friends will light up the night sky with seven balloons as everyone gathers together.  They will also continue the tradition of having passenger flights available the following morning.  All funds received will be donated to our combined fundraising efforts for this most worthwhile endeavor.  There will not be a tether ride operation on Friday evening this year.

The Activities Office will have info in the January Happenings as well as a special flyer will be distributed to all.  They are looking for about 20 volunteers for Friday evening's Glow as well as 20 volunteers to assist the Saturday morning flights.  A signup board will be in Activities if you wish to help out.

P.S.  John has let it be known that this will be his last season flying passengers so if you or family or friends want this bucket list experience, reach out to John SOON.  

CHRISTMAS CHORUS CONCERT:

Don't forget the Christmas Chorus program for this Thursday, December 8, at 7:00 in the ballroom.  Rumor has it there will be cookies available after the program.  😁

iPhone and iPad Classes + More

 Over the summer, I held a couple of classes on iPads and iPhones.  They were fun groups explaining some of the tips, tricks and ways an iPhone can make life easier...and more fun.

Since then, I have been approached almost daily by people who missed the classes or want them repeated.  Sooo....starting with Saturday, December 10, I'll conduct a few more class sessions.

If you have an iPhone or are thinking about getting one, you should come.  I promise you will be amazed at some of the things it can do for you.

I'll put up signup sheets in Activities, so I know how many people to expect.

I feel really weird about charging my friends and neighbors.  There will be a jar for donations but please do not feel pressured to support my Bingo habit.  😉 I love teaching and interacting with friends or people who will become friends.

WHEN?  

Class 1:  Saturday, December 10, 9:30 in SanTan

Class 2:  Saturday, December 17, 9:30 SanTan

We can schedule more if requested.

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Ready for some great Christmas Music, a bit of comedy, and even a visit from the Big Guy in the Red Suit, himself? Then you won't want to miss the Palm Creek Singers' Christmas Show December 8, 7:00 p.m. in the Palm Creek Ballroom!

Tickets are $10.00 and will be on sale in the Activities Office starting Wednesday, November 30 through Thursday morning, Dec 8. Net proceeds will be donated to a local Casa Grande charity. Thank you for your support!

Patio Sales New Businesses, Agave Plants

We had our first patio sale of the season this past weekend.  We were amazed to see that there were 78 sales scheduled on the map. It was FUN to ride around and see all the goodies for sale and chat with folks we haven't seen for a while.  

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 Good news for Casa Grande! I confirmed with the Planning Office that Barro's Pizza has indeed applied to open another location in the old Mimi's building. AND....Home Goods has applied to open in the old Bed Bath & Beyond location. Yahoo!!  It's good to see the Promenade area come to life again.

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Uh Oh..........did you return to find your pretty agave plants looking like this?  Dying if not already dead.  Blame the agave snout-nosed weevil!!  The little devils are traveling throughout the park so better take action now to save your plants.

I copied some information for you.

MEET THE WEEVIL

Agave snout-nose weevil

The agave snout-nosed weevil is a half-inch-long black beetle with a downward-curving proboscis that enables it to pierce an agave’s core, where it lays its eggs. Grubs hatch, consume the agave’s heart, then burrow into the soil to pupate.

The weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus)---once prevalent only in desert regions and Mexico---is spreading rapidly throughout the US and abroad, earning it the dubious distinction of being one of the "Top 100 Worst Global Invasive Species."

Also at risk are Agave relatives such as Beaucarnea, Yucca, Mangave and Furcraea. 

An upright center cone and drooping outer leaves are a sign of snout weevil. Such plants, lacking roots, will rock or fall over when pushed.

HOW TO TREAT YOUR AGAVES

The goal is to drench the agave's roots. Do this in spring and fall:

1. The day before, soak (hose-water) the soil at the base of each agave to aid penetration.
2. Follow label directions. Wear gloves and protect your skin and eyes.
3. To mix the solution, I use a hose, a 3-to-5 gallon bucket, and a stick for stirring. If the label doesn't say how much concentrate per gallon of water for agaves, go with the ratio for shrubs.

How much? If using Compare-N-Save Systemic Tree and Shrub Insect Drench or BioAdvanced Systemic Plant Fertilizer and Insecticide: 3 oz. per foot of plant height per gallon of water.

4. Slosh the solution where lowest leaves meet the core to effectively drench the soil at the base of the plant.

5. Water the agave again in 3-4 days to ensure good soil saturation.

6. Apply in spring, repeat in 3-4 weeks, and treat once again in fall. 

Temperatures above 80F may diminish the insecticide's effectiveness, and it may possibly harm plants already stressed by heat.

IS YOUR AGAVE INFESTED?

Look for damaged tissue where leaves meet stem. The lowest leaves will appear wilted, and may slope unnaturally downward while the center cone remains upright. The plant, no longer anchored by roots, will rock when pushed.

When an infestation is well underway, it's possible to shove the agave over onto its side. It'll break at soil level, revealing a mushy, foul-smelling core infested by plump, squirming, half-inch, cream-colored grubs with brown heads.

Above: an agave's grub-eaten core resembles a sponge. Watch my Instagram video of a grub-infested agave. 

Above: Close-up of a snout-nose grub.

Bingo and Softball +

 Monday night bingo has begun!  We had a good crowd for the first night! 

 Lucky Jeanne Kinsvater won the Star Burst game for a whopping $762.  Congratulations, Jeanne!!  A great way to start the season.

Barb Nelson handing Jeanne her check.

We also celebrated the opening of the Getaway Cafe over by the softball field.  I like the tables and umbrellas so we have a comfy place to wait for our food order.  Nice idea!

The crowd was taking advantage of the nice new sun sails.

Games are played every Tuesday and Thursday.  Come on down, cheer for the teams, and enjoy a delicious burger.

The batting cage has had some renovation and even some bleacher seats were added for spectators.

Installation of solar panels continues.

My cats (Kat and Mouse) are very friendly and seem to attract feline visitors.  This darling little black and white kitten was coming to visit each night.  He would climb up on the chair and be face to face with Kat through the window.  They didn't howl or hiss but just chattered back and forth.  It was SOOO cute!  He disappeared a few days ago so I'm going to hope that he found a good home somewhere.  He could have been called a "peeping Tom".  

Welcome back, slow down, enjoy

Welcome back to all the snowbirds who have arrived to enjoy our sunshine!  The park really looks different as of November 1 when the steady stream of RVs arrive.  It's heartwarming to see all the "welcome back" greetings as friends return from their home state.  Power washers, landscaping crews, and cleaning crews are in big demand as each site spruces up for the season.

Some of our returning guests made it here just in time to avoid the winter snow back home.  Dennis and Loretta Bouchard were really glad to be here when they received news from back home in Alberta.  Brrrr.....

We're especially happy to have the Bistro open once again as it is a great place to gather and catch up on the news from returning friends.  

Enjoy the new menu:

The huge solar panel project is well underway.  We must contend with the noise and extra construction traffic but the end result should be worth it with the additional covered parking when it is all completed.

Along with the happy returns, we also see increased traffic on our roads within the park.  I've been hearing complaints about "speeders" who ignore our 10 mph speed limit.  Please be courteous and slow down due to increased cart, bike, and pedestrian traffic.  

Clubs and activities are gearing up for the fun season ahead.  Betty Preston is anxious to get the chorus ready to entertain.

Be sure to check out the November newsletter.  It has a very nice array of photos and names of our hard working staff members.

Link:  Palm Creek Newsletter

This season we have the ability to announce information about the clubs and activities we enjoy.  Get the information printed in the Happenings newsletter by contacting Taylor Nakakihara, Marketing Coordinator, at tnakakihara@suncommunities.com or drop the info in her inbox at her office near the Bistro.