Resident Information and Notes | Karen's Corner | Events & Activities | Clubhouse Events
 December Calendar of Events | Communication from Homeowners Association Board

• A very special thank you to all who made donations to Lighthouse of Oakland for the Thanksgiving Food Drive. We collected quite a bit for this cause. Special thanks to Nelson Davey and Tom Rapp for delivering all the food to Lighthouse.
   
• A warm thanks to all the helping hands that made the Community Thanksgiving Dinner such a huge success. Thanks to Tom Rapp, Cy DeMeulemeester, Nelson Davey and Alex Robinson for moving furniture and setting up tables and chairs. Also a special thanks to Bette McCullough, Marian Hansen, Pat Proper, Diane McDaniel, Claire Thornton and Chris DeGroot for dressing the tables. Many hands helped clean-up in the evening; special thanks to you too! What a great event! Thank you all!
   
• The Clubhouse is in it’s splendor with all the beautiful holiday decorations. Be sure to stop in and see the beauty. Many hands helped to make it a winter wonderland! Special thanks to all who helped especially to Kathy Mischley who helped coordinate and organize the day! Special thanks to: Carole & Nelson Davey, Cheryl Obester, Bette McCullough, Dick & Pat Siepielski, Sheri Kennedy, Ethel Wegienek, Ron & Jan Smolinski, Shirley Falk, Peggy Gentile, Dee Egan, Dottie Buran, Dave Proper, Larry & Mary Ann DeRonne, Frank & Rose Caccamo, Harlan Quinn and Adrienne Malczewski.
   
• Heritage in the Hills supplied the cookies for the Auburn Hills Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. 24 dozen cookies were baked by Terri Ricketts and then decorated by Dottie Buran, Ethyle Marshall, Shirley Falk, Marian Hansen, Linda Foltz, LaVerne Luttermoser and Dee Egan. Thank you ladies! Thanks to Marian for making the deliveries to Auburn Hills!!

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, December 7th from 4 - 6 pm

Join with your neighbors and friends to share in some holiday cheer.
Bring an appetizer to pass.
Charley Gehringer on the piano. Many delicious punches will be
served. Come and enjoy with us!

SIGN UP IMMEDIATELY !

LADIES HOLIDAY TEA AND LUNCHEON
Friday, December 19th at Noon - $12/Person

Join us for this angelic afternoon in celebrating the holiday together. A delicious lunch (by Catering by Katherine) and an awesome selection of tea. Come dressed in your favorite holiday wear and bring your favorite tea cup! Don’t miss the fun!

SIGN UP BY DECEMBER 12TH (40)!

HERITAGE BELLES & BEAUS CONCERT
Thursday, December 11th at 7:30 pm - $3/Person

Come hear your Heritage Bell Choir perform their Holiday Concert for your enjoyment. This concert will be played six times “on the road”. Come support us and enjoy the music! A delicious holiday dessert will be served following the concert. Come join in the holiday fun!

Sign-up by December 8th!

RESIDENTS SENDING SPECIAL THANK YOUS:

• Gretchen Thams writes: Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers which cheered me up considerably during my recent (and unexpected) hospital stay. Also a big thank you for all the other acts of kindness - visits, cards, phone calls, food, mail delivery and trash pick up! Who could ask for more?! I would also like to put in a good word for the Auburn Hills EMS and Fire Department. They arrived promptly after my call and were very professional (cute, too!). They delivered me safely to the hospital. It’s nice to know that at least some of our tax dollars and going to a great service. How fortunate I am to live in such a wonderful community!
  B’Shalom!
   
• Margaret Bonhardt shares: Thank you so much for the lovely flowers for my short stay in the hospital. They brightened my days in this cold weather. Love you all!
   
• Billy Stringfellow writes: It is nice to know we live in a community of people who care. Thank you for the beautiful flowers and lap robe that I understand was made for min in mind. Thanks to Marian Hansen for the banana bread. Yum! Thank you for the personal visits from Tom Rapp, Dick Hansen, Coach Kennedy, Dick Brennan and Dave Williams. Also a special thanks for all the phone calls and prayers on my behalf. Thanks for everything!
   
• Nancy Bell fondly shares: Thank you for your wonderful support as I recuperate from my recent surgery. I appreciate your thoughtful cards, calls, visits and gifts. The flower arrangement you sent was like a cup of a sunshine. I am feeling better everyday and look forward to seeing all of you at the holiday gatherings.
   
• Fritz Troff sends his thanks: Once again I am overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and generosity of the Heritage in the Hills neighbors and friends. The flowers you sent are a welcome bit of cheerfulness and greatly appreciated. Thank you!
   
• The Schoenbeck Family send their thoughts to Friends at Heritage with Love: Thank you so much for the lovely floral arrangement. Your love and concern helps during this difficult time. We so
  appreciate your prayers too. Thank you!

SHALL WE GO TO THE MOVIES?

Tom Rapp would like to get a group together to see the new movie, Valkyrie. It opens at the end of December and will go to the Star Theatre at Great Lakes Crossing. If you are interested in going, contact Tom directly at 248-340-7953.

This movie is about the “July 20 Plot” on Hitler’s life and is one of the most heroic but least know episodes of WWII. The movie stars Tom Cruise.!

OUR THOUGHTS & CONDOLENCES TO RESIDENTS ...

• Thoughts and prayers to resident Ann Marie Schoenbeck for the loss of her husband, Elmer last month. Elmer’s passing was sudden. Our prayers are with the entire family.
   
• Our heartfelt thoughts are also with Ralph Hawes for the loss of his wife, Beth just last week after a long
  illness. Our prayers are with you and yours at this most
  difficult time.

RESIDENTS IN OUR THOUGHTS …

Prayers for Continued and/or Quick Recovery To:

• Billy Stringfellow

• Norm Cloyd

• Lynn Muka

• Tom Buran

• Dottie Buran

• Jacquie Thomas

• Dean Balhorn

• Joan Huffmaster

YOU ARE INVITED TO A HOME BIBLE STUDY

Merl and Trudy Terry invite you to join them in their home for David Jeremiah’s Captured By Grace Bible Study. The study will be at their home on Tuesday evenings beginning January 13th. Call them for more
information at 248-373-8525.

2008 GIVING TREE

GIFTS DUE INTO THE CLUBHOUSE BY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12TH AT NOON

There are still tags available on the Giving Tree in the Lobby at the Clubhouse. Please help by taking a tag today and help make Christmas special for an Oakland county child! Please help today!

Gifts are not to be wrapped and must be new. You are welcome to enclose wrapping paper or a bag for giving. Be sure to add the tag to the bag so we know who to deliver it too!

HERITAGE BOOK CLUB

There will not be a Book Club Meeting in December. The Book Club will meet again at the Clubhouse on Saturday, January 24th at 10:00 am. The book of the month will be The Turnaround by George Pelicanous.

Coffee and bagels are served each meeting. Everyone is welcome to join us! If you enjoy reading, come and see what we are all about! We would love for you to join us!

If you have any questions regarding the Book Club, please call Joyce or Bruce Sanders at 248-475-0854.

KUNDALINI YOGA FOR THE CHANGING TIMES

A sense of urgency pervades our times. Vast changes in our society, our consciousness, and our perceptions of the world and each other are occurring with intensity, speed and scope. Change is happening on all levels at once and it affects each one of us personally. Consequently, it is up to each of us individually to manage our minds and our own state of awareness to deal with the widespread and constant stress affecting our households and our nation.

The Five Sutras (Threads) of the Aquarian Age (now) as stated by Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga, are worth considering as ways to maintain mental calm and neutrality. 1.) Recognize that the other person is you. 2.) There is a way through every block. 3.) When the time is on you, start, and the pressure will be off. 4.) Understand through compassion or you will misunderstand the times. 5.) Vibrate the Cosmos, and the Cosmos shall clear the path.

Kundalini Yoga teaches us to be still, to develop self-control, intuition, and inner wisdom through Meditation. Through the technology of Postures we develop stamina under stress and clarity of values for decision making. We establish “yoga”, a union between our unit consciousness and the Infinite Consciousness. Kundalini Yoga also balances the body, mind, and spirit so that we can move in the world at our maximum capacity and experience. This yoga allows the natural unfolding of your own nature, and it is that strength and goodness of your own nature which will get you through these changing times.

Co-ed classes in Kundalini Yoga will be offered this Spring at Heritage in the Hills by certified Kundalini Yoga instructor, resident Sherla Evans. Watch the newsletter for start dates and times and consider joining us!

RESIDENT CRAFT EXCHANGE

Monday, December 15th from 6 - 8 pm

If you are a resident that is crafty and has made items that other residents might like to purchase for holiday gifts, gather up your goods and come on over to the Clubhouse! This opportunity is for residents ONLY and crafts BY residents ONLY. All residents are invited to come over to Clubhouse to see what is displayed and for sale. Plan on coming to join us! If you have things to display, sign-up to let us know. You don’t need to sign-up to come look and purchase! We hope to make this an annual event with more notice! Plan on coming to our first!

ANNUAL COOKIE EXCHANGE

Thursday, December 18th at 3:00 pm

Bring 2 dozen cookies to share; one dozen to eat while enjoying the fellowship of neighbors and friends, and one dozen to share and take home. Punch and Egg Nog will be served for your enjoyment. Be sure to bring your recipes too if you are making your own cookies. Don’t have time to bake? Buy them and share them with us! Just come and enjoy!

SIGN UP BY DECEMBER 15TH

WEIGHT WATCHERS PROGRAM AT HERITAGE

Our first Weight Watchers Program and Meetings will end the 12 week period on Tuesday, December 16th. It was very successful with lots of participants and lots of weight loss! HURRAH to you all! We will begin a new 12 week program on Tuesday, January 6th. The cost for 12 weeks is $150. Sign-up at the Clubhouse if you are interested in attending this session. What a great way to meet your New Years Resolutions! Sign-up NOW! Pay WW direct at the first meeting in January.
 

CARD & GAME FUN

BRIDGE
Mondays @ 7:00 pm; and Wednesdays at 1:00 pm

PINOCHLE
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

BINGO
Wed., Dec. 17th at 7:00 pm - We play 10 games ($.25/card) - And 1 Cover All Game ($1.00 Per Card). Join us!!

 in December

BUS TRIPS IN DECEMBER AND UPCOMING MONTHS

• Thurs., Dec. 4th 12:45 pm - White Christmas at The Fox Theatre - Tickets $31 - Tickets SOLD OUT ($4).
   
• Tues., Dec. 9th at 1:30 pm - Heritage Belles and Beaus concerts on the road. We will play at 3:00 at Woodward Hills and at 6:30 pm at The Baldwin House. Bus for handbell ringers only.
   
• Wed., Dec. 10th at Noon - Lunch out to Auburn Hills newest restaurant, Palm Palace. Come with us to check it out and enjoy a great lunch! Cost is on your own. Sign-up by 12-5 ($2).
   
• Thurs., Dec. 11th at 12:45 am - Heritage Belles and Beaus concert on the road. Play at 2:00 pm at Waltonwood on Main in Rochester. Bus for ringers only.
   
• Fri., Dec. 12th at 1:30 pm - Tour of new Whole Foods Store in Rochester. They will give a tour, serve some samples and share recipes. This will be an informative look into the new store. Sign-up by 12-8 ($2).
   
• Fri., Dec. 12th at 6:45 pm - The Mt. Zion Theatre Company (in Clarkston) presents The Rented Christmas. Tickets are $12 at the door. John Dale hasn’t enjoyed a “real Christmas” for years. So, on the spur of the moment, he decides to “rent” a Christmas, including a family and all the trimmings, from Anne Weston, who owns the local rent shop. This story is how John Dale’s Rented Christmas turns into a new life for all concerned and makes this a warm story for the holiday season. Sign-up by 12-8 ($3).
   
• Sat., Dec. 13th at Noon - Heritage Belles and Beaus concert on the road. Playing for a women’s luncheon at White Lake Oaks. Bus for ringers only.
   
• Sun., Dec. 14th at 1:45 pm - South Oakland Concert Band (and Jazz Band) performs their holiday concert at Clawson High School. Tickets $8 at the door. Sign-up by 12-10 ($3).
   
• Sun., Dec. 14th at 3:45 pm - Classical Bells perform at First Presbyterian in Rochester. We will car pool from the Clubhouse. Tickets $10 at the door. Sign-up by 12-10.
   
• Tues., Dec. 16th at 6:30 pm - Garrison Keillor with the DSO (Under The Mistletoe Concert) - A host of NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion returns for one night only. It’s a night of holiday tales and stories told with the unparalleled wit and humor of the incomparable Garrison Keillor. Tickets sold out.
   
• Wed., Dec. 17th at 9:00 am - Casino Trip with Nelson. Sign-up by 12-12 ($4).
   
• Wed., Dec. 17th at 9:00 am - Men’s Breakfast Out to the Rochester Grille in Rochester. Meet in the Clubhouse parking lot to car pool. Sign-up by 12-12.
   
• Wed., Dec. 17th at 5:15 pm - Heritage Belles and Beaus concert at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church (6:30 pm). Holiday dinner out following concert. Bus for ringers only.
   
• Thurs., Dec. 18th at 6:30 pm - Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Concert at the Masonic Temple. Tickets ONLY $23 (Limited Number). Sign-up by 12-12 ($4).
   
• Sun., Dec. 28th at 5:30 pm - Tour of Downtown Rochester Lights (they are totally awesome) and Dinner Out following. Sign-up by 12-21.

TRIPS IN JANUARY AND BEYOND

• Sun., Jan. 25th at 3:00 pm - Marvin Hamlisch with the DSO - Tickets $37. He has been called “a one man sensation” and has won every major awards that exists: three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe awards. Beat the winter blues and warm up listening to the music and songs of the sensational Marvin Hamlisch. Sign-up now or by 12-25 ($4).
   
• Wed., Jan. 28th at Noon - Beyond the Rainbow at Meadowbrook Theatre with lunch at O’Mally’s first. Tickets (including lunch and ticket) only $27.50. Don’t miss this winter’s escape! It will be a lovely afternoon! Sign-up now or by 12-15 ($3).
   
• Thurs., Jan. 29th at 11:45 am - A Chorus Line at the Fisher Theatre. Tickets $35 (Limited Number). Sign-up now to see this spectacular show! Don’t miss it! Sign-up by 12-29 ($4).
   
• Sat., Feb. 7th at 8:30 am - Knit Michigan at Sacred Heart Academy. Lots of vendors for knitting/crocheting needs. All proceeds go to Breast Cancer Awareness. Bring chemo caps for reduced admission price. Can’t go but would like to donate a cap? Bring them to the office. Patterns also available in the office. Sign-up by 1-29 ($3)..

• Fri., Dec. 5th at 1:00 pm - Stitchers Knitch at the Clubhouse. Special Olympic scarves due in by Dec. 15th so they can be mailed and received on time. Military hats need to be in the same date. They will all be mailed before the holiday. The next project is chemo caps for cancer patients. We will take them with us to Knit Michigan in February. Come join us and see new patterns and get new ideas! Sign-up immediately.
   
• Fri., Dec. 5th at 6:00 pm - Resident Holiday Pot Luck. Bring a dish to pass and enjoy the company of neighbors and friends. No need to sign-up! Please join us!
   
• Sat., Dec. 6th at 7:00 pm - Movie at the Clubhouse on the big screen. The movie will be Leatherhead (note change in movie selection). Sign-up immediately.
   
• Sun., Dec. 7th from 4 - 6 pm - Holiday Open House at the Clubhouse. Punches will be served for your enjoyment. Please bring an appetizer to pass. Background piano music will be played by Charley Gehringer. Come join with your neighbors and friends in beginning the holiday season together! Come one, come all!
  Sign-up immediately (40).
   
• Wed., Dec. 10th at 7:00 pm - Mexican Train - $1.00 payable that night. Sign-up by 12-8.
   
• Thurs., Dec. 11th at 7:30 pm - $3 Person - The Heritage Belles and Beaus Holiday Concert at the Clubhouse. After the concert, enjoy a delicious holiday dessert! Sign-up by 12-08.
   
• Fri., Dec. 12th - GIVING TREE GIFTS DUE INTO THE OFFICE BY NOON.
   
• Fri., Dec. 12th at 6:00 pm - Resident Social at the Clubhouse followed at 6:30 pm with Poker for Everyone. No need to sign-up; just be sure to come join us!
   
• Mon., Dec. 15th from 6 - 8 pm - Resident Craft Exchange - For residents; By residents. Sign-up to bring in your craft to sell. All residents invited to stop by and see what’s available by our crafters in the community. Crafters selling, please sign up by 12-10.
   
• Wed., Dec.17th at 7:00 pm - BINGO at the Clubhouse. Come for a night of fun and 11 games of BINGO. Only $.25/card and $1.00 coverall. Sign-up by 12-15.
   
• Thurs., Dec. 18th at 3:00 pm - Annual Cookie Exchange. Bring 2 dozen cookies. Enjoy cookies and a drink while sharing the holiday spirit with neighbors and friends. Take home some cookies to share during the holiday. Sign-up by 12-15.
   
• Fri., Dec. 191h at Noon - Ladies Angelic Holiday Tea and Luncheon - $12. Come enjoy the fellowship of your friends and neighbors in spreading holiday cheer. Bring your favorite tea cup and dress in your holiday wear. You won’t want to miss this one! Lunch will be catered by Catering by Katherine. Sign-up by 12-12.
   
• Fri., Dec. 19th at 7:00 pm - (NOTE change in date from Thursday to Friday) - Holiday Music Sing Along Just for the Fun of It! Come join with friends and neighbors to sing some Christmas carols and enjoy an evening with hot chocolate and cookies. Just for a warm evening in; with friends! Come for the fun of it! Sign-up by 12-15.
   
• Sat., Dec. 27th at 7:00 pm - Movie at the Clubhouse on the big screen. Movie selection is What Happens in Vegas. Sign-up by 12-23.

EVENTS IN JANUARY AND BEYOND

• Tues., Jan. 6th - Weight Watchers Meetings begin 12 week session today. Sign-up NOW to attend. Pay at the first class directly to Weight Watchers!
   
• Wed., Jan. 7th at 7:00 pm - Euchre at the Clubhouse. Need at least 4 to play; would love to get 12 or so! Come play this fun game! Sign-up by 12-30.
   
• Fri., Jan. 9th at 1:00 pm - Stitchers Knitch at the Clubhouse. Come bring your project and sit back and relax and craft along with us! Sign-up by 1-5.
   
• Fri., Jan. 9th at 6:00 pm - Resident New Year Pot Luck - Bring a dish to pass and gather with neighbors and friends. No need to sign-up; just be sure to join us!
   
• Sat., Jan. 10th at 10:00 am - Holiday Undressing at the Clubhouse. Lunch served following. Sign-up to help by 1-3.
   
• Thurs., Jan. 15th at 6:00 pm - Introduction to Yoga with Tracy Flynn. Watch for more information and flier next month. Come see what we are all about!
   
• Fri., Jan. 16th at 6:00 pm - Resident Social followed at 6:30 pm with Poker for Everyone. Try something new and come join us! No need to sign-up.
   

(From the November, 2008 Board of Directors Meetings)

To increase communications about Board activities we are placing a brief overview of some of the topics discussed at each month’s Board meeting in the Monthly newsletter. Here are some topics from last month:

ASSOCIATION NEWS

1. The Board of Directors and Management Staff of Heritage in the Hills would like to extend our
   wishes for a happy and safe holiday season to all.
    
2. The Board is considering the purchase of new dining chairs for the clubhouse. The current chairs
   are showing wear. We will keep you updated on our progress with this project.
    
3. The defibrillator has arrived and been installed in the clubhouse on the wall in the hallway leading
   to the exercise room. The staff will be trained in its operation and also in CPR. A CPR class for
   interested residents will be offered in the near future. Please note – if the cabinet door to the
   defibrillator unit is opened, an alarm will sound. Please do not open this door unless you are going
   to use it on someone who is in need. If you have any questions regarding the AED unit, please
   see Karen Reagan or one of the Board members..

MANAGER’S REPORT

As a reminder to all groups who use the clubhouse, please make sure the kitchen is neat and tidy when you leave. The coffee pot should be left plugged in but make sure it is turned off. Also, we ask that you do not leave used coffee cups in the sink.

ARCHITECURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Board will ask Miller Landscape to come out and do a final leaf blow after the leaves have
dropped from the Bradford Pear trees. If a heavy snowfall occurs before the leaves fall, Miller will
not be able to pick up the remaining leaves.

NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION

As you know, the Board has decided to eliminate the New Year’s Eve celebration for this year. That
decision was made, as are all decisions, on what’s best for the entire community. Last year, the
community lost a significant amount of money on the party primarily due to early guarantee
requirements coupled with declining attendance and increasing cost. That loss was shouldered by the
entire community, not just the attendees. The actual per-person cost for last year’s party was $95.00
and the ticket price was $60.00. Attendance has gradually dropped from about 80 in past years down to 52 people last year. Costs for catering, entertainment, labor, etc. continue to rise and are historically about 3-4 times higher on New Year’s Eve. It’s difficult to maintain ticket prices at a level that most residents are willing to pay. Also, we believe that having the same event every year contributes to a level of complacency that could negatively affect attendance. The party began to lose its “special” luster. Some residents simply may have wanted to do something different. Future New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Clubhouse will be considered if sufficient interest is evident and it’s economically feasible.