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

• A special thanks to all residents who participated in the Thanksgiving Food Drive for Lighthouse of Oakland. A very warm thanks to Nelson and Tom Rapp who transported all the food to Lighthouse prior to Thanksgiving.
   
• A very warm thanks to all those that helped with the clean-up at the community Thanksgiving Dinner last month. The many hands made the work that much easier! Thank you! Thanks to Nelson, his grandkids and Alex who helped set-up and take-down tables and chairs. Thanks to Marian Hansen, Kathy Mischley, Bette McCullough and Kay Kastran for decorating. What a wonderful event it was thanks to all those helping hands!
   
• Hope you’ve all had the chance to see the beautiful atmosphere at the Clubhouse where the holidays are abound! The trees and decorations are just awesome! There were many hands that helped decorate! Be sure to thank the following busy elves: Bette McCullough, Kathy Mischley, Frank & Rosemary Caccamo, Jack & Jo Kozlowski, Ron & Jan Smolinski, Shirley Falk, Cheryl Obester, Dick & Pat Siepielski, Dave Proper, Larry & Mary Ann DeRonne, Jodi & Don Faron, Briggi Williams, Adrienne Malczewski, Peggy Gentile, Nancy Fleischmann, Pauleen Ottenhoff, Claire Emmons, and Nancy Bell. Thanks to Gretchen Thams for the Hannukah decorations! If you haven’t stopped by to see the wonder of it all; be sure to soon! Thank you everyone!
   

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

Stop on by to wish your neighbors & friends a happy
holiday while enjoying some appetizers and a cup
of holiday cheer. Bring an appetizer to pass.
Holiday music by Charley.
See you there!
 

HOLIDAY GET-TOGETHERS
HERITAGE BELLES HOLIDAY CONCERT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18TH AT 7:00 PM - $3.00/PERSON

Come join your neighbors and friends and listen to the hand bells play holiday music for your enjoyment. After the concert we will serve a delicious dessert. Come support us! Don’t miss this great evening of music!
 

LADIES HOLIDAY LUNCHEON AND TEA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16TH AT NOON
$12.00 / PERSON

Come dressed in your holiday sweater and bring your favorite tea cup to enjoy a cup of spirited tea while enjoying a catered lunch with the ladies of Heritage. Sit back and relax and enjoy the holiday together!!

 

NEW YEARS EVE CRYSTAL BALL PARTY
CELEBRATE THE COMING OF 2010 WITH US AT THE CLUBHOUSE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31ST - 9 - 1:00 AM - $40

Have dinner before coming! Delicious appetizers and desserts will be served. BYOB, set-ups provided. Includes a Champagne Toast at Midnight. Entertainment will be Billy Dee, DJ with great music for dancing. All residents and their guests are invited! Sign-up by December 18th.!
 

RESIDENTS SENDING SPECIAL THANK YOUS:

• Judy Bradley shares with love: To All My Friends at Heritage in the Hills: Thank you ever so much for the lovely basket of flowers. They really brought a smile to my face the day after I returned from the hospital. I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for this generous expression of concern for my health and well-being. God Bless You All!
   
• Barbara Shrem writes: Many thanks to all who gave me support following the untimely death of my granddaughter, Meghan. The calls, cards, notes and hugs were a great source of comfort to me.
  I once again am reminded of how fortunate I am to be living in this wonderful caring community.
   
• Betty Bolda shares: Many thanks for the lovely basket of flowers and a special thank you all my neighbors and friends for the many phone calls, food, visits, bringing in my mail and newspapers, taking out my garbage and shopping, driving me places and so much more! Heritage is a great place to live—so many wonderful people!
  Thanks ever so much!
   
• Terri Ricketts sends Thanks for Being So Thoughtful: Thanks for thinking of me! Thank you for the beautiful basket of flowers and for the cards after my recent surgery. This is truly a wonderful place to work! Thank you so much!
   
• Willie Swayze sends her Heartfelt Thanks: Thank you to all residents who have donated to the Flower Fund once again this year. It allows us to continue to send flowers as needed to residents after hospital stays or illness. If you haven’t donated yet, it is not to late! Turn your envelopes or checks into the Clubhouse
  Office at your convenience. Heritage certainly is a caring community. Your donations prove that! Thank you one and all!
   
• Pat Siepielski (Library Coordinator) send her thoughts: Thank you to all the library helpers for taking such good care of the library. A special thanks to Al Mosseso and Jim McDonald for their help in setting up the new bookcase and organizing the non-fiction books. Certainly appreciate all your hard work!
   
• A very special thanks to Marian Hansen and Ethyle Marshall who decorated the first 144 cookies for the Annual Tree Lighting Event for Auburn Hills. Thank you for decorating and delivering the cookies on behalf of Heritage in the Hills! Special thanks to Terri for doing all the baking!
   
• A heartfelt thanks to Joe Goceljak for making a donation to the Clubhouse of Bunko supplies. We thank you very much and know that we will use them with pride! Bunko has become a fun and well attended event! Thanks for beginning it all those years ago! Much appreciated!
   
• The Garden Committee would like to thank Mike Detloff from Miller Landscaping for being so cooperative and so nice in moving some plants this fall. He’s just such a pleasure to work with! Thank you, Mike!
   
• The Knitters Knitch members thank Marge Allasio for her generous donation to the group! Thank you so very much!

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY

To Kathy Mischley and her family for the loss of her sister-in-law in November. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

HITH SMARTER THAN A FIFTH GRADER COMPUTER CLUB NEWS - Submitted by Bob Wolf

Friends, we will not have a meeting of the “Smart As A 5th Grader Computer Club” in December. We will be starting fresh in January with Computer Basics, Beginner Microsoft Word and Excel
Sessions, and starting to use the Internet. If you haven’t joined us yet, please stop in. If you’re an old timer to the Club, Welcome Back! We meet in the Clubhouse from 2 - 4 pm. The next Club meeting will be Sunday, January 31st. Hope to see you all there!

2009 GIVING TREE

We will once again provide a Giving Tree at Heritage. Tags are available on the tree in the lobby of the Clubhouse. The tags will include the name of a child, the age of the child and wishes the child has expressed. They ask the presents be delivered in a bag; unwrapped. Wrapping (paper, ribbons or bows) can be included if desired. Gifts are to be delivered to the Clubhouse by Monday, December 14th. Tags are still available. Hope you consider helping to make this a Christmas to remember to a child who might not otherwise have the experience! Thank you in advance for considering participation!

Prayers for Continued and/or Quick Recovery To:

• Bill Eldridge

• Joe Goceljak

• LaVerne Luttermoser

• Don Cassidy

• Bunny Harms

• Marge Allasio

• Norm Cloyd
   

HERITAGE BOOK CLUB

There will not be a Book Club Meeting in December. The next gathering will be January 23rd. See you then!

Call Joyce or Bruce Sanders at 248-475-0854 for more information.

CARD & GAME FUN

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

PINOCHLE
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

BINGO
Wed., December 16th at 7:00 pm - We play 10 games ($.25/card) - And 1 Cover All Game ($1.00 Per Card). Join us!

CHRISTIAN CHRISTMAS TRIVIA TO SHARE

Even though Christmas is supposed to be a sacred celebration of the birth of Jesus, Christmas today is often a secular holiday rather than a sacred holy day. However, it is possible to see the sacred in the secular if one intentionally looks for the religious meanings in those things that are secular in nature for many, if not most, Americans today.

Wreaths are one of the oldest symbols to greet visitors into people’s homes. The ancient Romans placed decorative wreaths outside their doors as a sign that joy and happiness could be found inside.

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer was the invention of Robert May, an artist employed by the Chicago mail-order house, Montgomery Ward. In 1939, he included the illustration and story of Rudolph in a coloring book for children which the store distributed as a free gift each year. In 1949, Johnny Marks wrote the song based on Rudolph which was first sung by Gene Autry.

The Yule Log is an emblem of good luck and is traditionally burned on Christmas Eve in many countries. It should be only half-burnt, the remainder kept to light the new log on the next year’s Christmas Eve.

Angels are not just tree-toppers, but reminders that angels appeared to the shepherds announcing the birth of the long-awaited Savior.

Santa means “saint,” and Claus is a shortened form of Nicholas. Santa Claus is St. Nicholas, a 4th century Christian and bishop who preached the good news, and who practiced what he preached. The Dutch pronounced his name as Sinter Klaas, and when Christians from Holland came to America, they brought Sinter Klaas as part of their Christmas celebration. St. Nicholas gave generously, unselfishly, and anonymously, and over the years, largely as a result of Clement Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Thomas Nast’s drawing of Santa Claus of our secular Christmas. However, with eyes of faith, one can see in Santa Claus a messenger of Christ, who preached and taught that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The poinsettia can be seen as a star that represents the Star of Bethlehem that led the Wise Men to the infant Jesus. The red poinsettia reminds believers of the blood of Christ, and the white poinsettia reminds them that the blood of Christ cleanses sin from all.

Remember the Reason for the Season! Merry Christmas!

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

Christ was born on Christmas morn.
Heaven and earth and peace were born.
Rejoice in Mary for delivering our King.
In the manger’s area, you can hear the angels sing.
Stars up above were shining so bright.
The north star gave us light all night.
Men bearing gifts traveled from far away.
And when they saw Baby Jesus, they knelt to pray.
Silent night, holy night, it’s Christmas night.

LET'S PLAY DREIDEL!

Each player is given 10 gelt coins or any item such as peanuts or poker chips.
Each player puts a “bet” in the middle of the table.
The first player spins the dreidel. If it lands on:
Nun, the player gets nothing (1st below)
Gimel, the player takes everything in the middle.
Hey, the player takes half of what is in the middle.
Shin, the player puts one in the middle.
Before the next player spins, everyone puts another bet in the middle.

Ponderings From the Manager

Just a reminder that there are still tags left on the Giving Tree in the Clubhouse. The gifts are for families of Lighthouse of Oakland County. Please consider during these difficult times to help a family that won’t otherwise have Christmas! Thank you to all who have already taken tags and are shopping as a secret Santa! Stop by today and take a tag to help. It is very satisfying to know you’ve helped make Christmas for a family right here in your own county! Thanks!

Next to come is snow, snow, snow! As I sit writing this, I am watching the weather forecast and it looks like it may come before we’d like! But what a beautiful November we’ve had! The weather has spoiled us! We have to face the fact that snow is coming! Just a few reminders about snow plowing. Miller usually responds once there is at least a one inch accumulation. They may come out and do the main roads if there is ice conditions. They do notify me when they are coming out and as usual, I ask for your patience while they are doing their work. They work efficiently in getting the community cleaned up as quickly as possible. Remember, the community is quite large and if you don’t see them at your home, it DOES NOT mean they aren’t in the community working!

Remember to do your best in not parking cars on the streets if possible. If you do, please understand that there is a good chance that the car will be plowed in; depending of course on the amount of snow fall we have. If you do have a car that isn’t parked in the garage and you know that Miller is near your home, you can work with them by moving the car from the drive-way so that it can be cleaned. Once it is cleaned, move it back up to the drive-way and have it cleared from the street. This always seems to be a problem with cars not parked in the garage. Your support and cooperation in helping will be greatly appreciated.

PLEASE remember while using the Clubhouse to return everything back to it’s original way before leaving. Shut off the lights, the fireplace, and reset the heat thermostat. Remember when shutting off the lights to turn the switch to off; just turning the dimmer down does not turn the light off. We also enjoy the private parties that occur in December and many are scheduled. It’s wonderful you are sharing with your friends and family the beauty of the Clubhouse. But remember your responsibilities and be sure to double check that everything is cleaned up and all is shut off. If you use the coffee pot in the kitchen, you must remember to shut it off! Help us to
conserve costs by doing your share! Thank you!

You will find several ways to celebrate the holiday this month with gatherings at the Clubhouse. The first is coming quickly with the Holiday Open House. Bring along an appetizer to share and come on over to enjoy a cup of holiday punch. We will offer many punches; non-alcoholic and spiked alike. We have holiday music played on the keyboard by Charley Gehringer. It’s a great time to gather with your neighbors and friends and share the holiday joy. We also have the Heritage Belles & Beaus performing their holiday concert with dessert following. And a Ladies Holiday Luncheon and Tea. We also will be having our annual New Years Eve party at the Clubhouse which is always a gala event. Look at the calendar for specific dates and times. I sure hope you find time in your busy holiday calendars to come join us for all of these festivities.

For all of you traveling this holiday season, I wish you safe travel. If you are leaving for an extended period of time, please be sure to notify the office. Be sure to keep in touch with us; call and say hello now and again .. or remember you can always drop me an email from the website. I will miss you all and will be anxious to see all of you “snow birds” again in the spring. I love it when you all come home again! As the holidays are quickly upon us, we also wish each and every one of you the happiest of holidays. May you all have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; the spirit of Christmas which is peace; and the heart of Christmas which is love. Be sure to take time to laugh and to hug. Remember to wish, to dream and to hope. Take time to wonder, to reflect and to remember; for this time is a gift and a blessing. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and a Happy Kwanzaa! Peace and love to all from our hearts to yours!
 

SCHEDULED BUS TRIPS FOR DECEMBER AND UPCOMING MONTH

• Mon., Dec. 7th at 5:00 pm - Bells playing at the Auburn Hills Tree Lighting Event at 6:00 pm. Everyone welcome to the Tree Lighting. It’s a very nice event with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring the grandkids! Cookies at this event baked and decorated by Heritage!
   
• Tues., Dec. 8th at 10:30 am (Lunch at 11:45 am) - Holiday Lunch at The American Harvest restaurant at Schoolcraft College. Cost on your own. Bus Filled - Sold Out ($3).
   
• Wed., Dec. 9th at 11:30 am - Lunch at the new Chapman’s Grill on Crooks. Come give this restaurant a try! Great menu .. something for everyone! Sign-up by Dec. 4th ($2).
   
• Thurs., Dec. 10th at 9:15 am - Historic Trinity Holiday Tour & Lunch. Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit is an ecclesiastical, cultural, community resource for all of Metro Detroit. It will be “dressed” for the holiday season. Price for lunch is $13.50. Seats still available. Sign-up immediately ($3).
   
• Fri., Dec. 11th at 7:00 pm - Avon Players for Xmas Survival Guide. Tickets $16. This intimate revue takes a wry and knowing look at a stressful season. Armed with a copy of “A Christmas Survival Guide” and an optimistic attitude, the characters charge into an urban holiday landscape searching for the true essence of Christmas. In songs and vignettes, they learn to cope with the season in ways that are both hilarious and heartwarming. Sign-up immediately ($2).
   
• Sat., Dec. 12th at 6:45 pm - Mt. Zion Theatre Company presents Doc’s Holiday. Doc’s house is a special place. But, then again, Doc is a special person. The only person who doesn’t understand this outlook on life is, sadly, Doc’s daughter, Charlotte. And she chooses Christmas time, of course, to inform her father that she is moving away. This leaves Doc to decide whether to spend the Yule season with her and her new husband in a different city or stay at home to help a separated couple get back together and a preacher put together his Christmas pageant. Suitable for children. Tickets $12 at the door. Sign-up immediately ($3).
   
• Sun., Dec. 13th - Matinee Movie and Dinner Out - Movie will be Everybody’s Fine with Robert DeNiro. Time and Dinner Location to be announced on Dec. 9th. Call the office for more information if desired. Sign-up by Dec. 12th ($2).
   
• Mon., Dec. 14th at 9:00 am - Casino Trip with Nelson. Sign-up by Dec. 11th ($3).
   
• Tues., Dec. 15th at 12:45 pm - Bells Concert on the Road. Concert at 2:00 pm.
   
• Wed., Dec. 16th at 9:00 am - Men’s Breakfast Out. Meet in the Clubhouse parking lot to car pool. Sign-up by Dec. 14th.
   
• Thurs., Dec. 17th at 12:30 pm - Bells Concert on the Road. First Concert in Farmington Hills. Then dinner together. Concert in evening.
   
• Fri., Dec. 18th at 11:30 am - Jersey Boys! Tickets in the Loge for $53.50. Sold Out!
   
• Sat., Dec. 19th at 1:30 pm - Home for the Holidays with DSO. Tickets $32.50. Come enjoy the holiday music of the DSO! Sign-up by 12-4 ($3).
   
• Sun., December 27th at 11:45 am - Cirque Dreams Holidaze at The Fox. Tickets $42. An original new musical extravaganza filled with spectacle, imagination and whimsical dreams. All ages will be mesmerized with its memorable tribute to the holiday season. Sign-up immediately ($3).

TRIPS IN JANUARY AND BEYOND (Sign Up Available Now!)

• Sun., Jan. 3rd at 11:45 am - Walking with Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular - at the Olympia. The show depicts the dinosaurs’ evolution, complete with the climatic and tectonic changes that took place, which led to the demise of many species. With almost cinematic realism, Walking with Dinosaurs has scenes of the interactions between dinosaurs, and the audience sees how carnivorous dinosaurs evolved to walk on two legs, and how the herbivores fended off their more agile predators. Tickets $30. Sign-up immediately! ($3)
   
• Tues., Jan. 12th at 9:00 am - FireKeepers Casino (in Battle Creek) Coach Bus Trip - $35. FireKeepers offers a Las Vegas-style gaming floor with over 2,680 of the latest slot and video poker games, 78 table games including blackjack, Craps and Roulette; a live Poker room and exclusive high limit area. Five restaurants from fine dining at Nibi to a variety of flavors at the Mijem Buffet, and heart-warming comfort foods at Café 24/7. There’s something for everyone! 4 Hours of Gaming. Receive $20 gaming credit back and $5 food voucher. Back to Heritage by 6:00 pm. Sign-up by Jan. 5th. Need 25 to go!
   
• Fri., Jan. 15th for 8:00 pm Show - Chris Botti at the DSO. Tickets $36.40. Sign-up by Jan. 6th ($3).
   
• Thurs., February 11th for 1:00 Show - Wizard of Oz. Tickets only $20. Sign-up by Jan. 31st ($3).
   
• Fri., March 12th for 1:00 pm Show - Mel Brook’s Musical Young Frankenstein Tickets: $34.75. This was the winner of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and Broadway’s Audience Award for Best Musical. This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Frankensteen) as he attempts to create a monster—but not without scary and hilarious complications. The brains behind the laughter is mad genius and three-time Tony winner Mel Brooks himself—who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book. At the Detroit Opera House. Sign-up by March 1st ($3).
   
• Thurs., March 18th for 8:00 pm Show - Cherish the Ladies at DSO - Tickets $32.50. Cherish the Ladies is one of the powerhouses in Celtic music. Their spectacular instrumental talents, stunning step dancing and beautiful vocals evoke the magic of the Emerald Isle, creating an immensely entertaining show, brimming with spirit, wit and soul. Sign-up by Feb. 18 ($3).
•  
• Thurs., April 22nd for 2 pm Show - The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Gem Theatre. Tickets $34.50. Watch for more information on this show!
   

• Wed., Dec. 2nd at 3:00 pm - Decorate holiday cookies for the Tree Lighting in Auburn Hills. Cookies will be baked, you will be decorating. Join us to be up to your elbows in icing!! Sign-up immediately.
   
• Wed., Dec. 2nd at 7:00 pm - Rummikub (Tile Rummy Game) at the Clubhouse. Sign-up immediately.
   
• Thurs., Dec. 3, 10, & 17th at 1:00 pm - Mah Jongg. Sign-up for weeks to play.
   
• Fri., Dec. 4 & 11th at 10:00 am - Handbell Practice at the Clubhouse.
   
• Fri., Dec. 4th at 6:00 pm - Resident Holiday Pot-Luck. No need to sign-up, come join us!
   
• Sun., Dec. 6th from 4 - 6 pm - Holiday Open House. Bring an appetizer to share and enjoy a glass or two of a delicious punch or two! Enjoy the piano music of Charley Gehringer. Come and wish your neighbors and friends happy holidays! Sign-up immediately.
   
• Wed., Dec. 9th at 7:00 pm - Mexican Train. $1 for rize money payable there. Sign-up by Dec. 4th.
   
• Fri., Dec. 11th at 1:00 pm - Stitchers Knitch by the Fireplace! Keep warm, join with friends and stitch away on those last minute presents! Sign-up by Dec. 9th.
   
• Fri., Dec. 11th at 1:00 pm - Duplicate Bridge at the Clubhouse. Sign-up by Dec. 9th.
   
• Fri., Dec. 11th at 6:00 pm - Resident Social and Poker (at 6:30) - No need to sign-up just come on up and join us!
   
• Sat., Dec. 12th at 7:00 pm - Movie at the Clubhouse. Movie is Cadillac Records. $1 (payable there) for soda & popcorn. Sign-up by 12-10.
   
• Mon., Dec. 14th - Giving Tree Gifts due into the Clubhouse Office by 5:00 pm.
   
• Weds., Dec. 16th at Noon - Ladies Holiday Tea & Lunch - $12 - Come dressed in your holiday favorite. Bring your favorite tea cup and hear some delightful holiday stories. Come join with your neighbors and friends for one of your favorites! Guaranteed to be a beautiful and relaxing afternoon! Sign-up by Dec. 11th.
   
• Wed., Dec. 16th at 7:00 pm - BINGO Night. 80th Birthday Party of BINGO. Sign-up by Dec. 14.
   
• Fri., Dec. 18th at 7:00 pm - Heritage Belles & Beaus Holiday Concert at the Clubhouse. $3 for Dessert after Concert. Come enjoy the music of the handbells! Come support YOUR bell choir! Sign-up by Dec. 15th.
   
• Thurs., Dec. 31st from 9 pm - 1 am - New Years Eve Crystal Ball Party. $40/Person. Minimum of 50 people. Sign-up by Dec. 18th.

CLUBHOUSE EVENTS FOR JANUARY AND BEYOND (AVAILABLE TO SIGN UP NOW!)

• Wed., Jan. 6th at 7:00 pm - Rummikub at the Clubhouse. Sign-up by Jan. 2nd.
   
• Thurs., Jan. 7, 14, 21 & 28th - Mah Jongg at the Clubhouse. Sign-up for specific weeks.
   
• Fri., Jan. 8th at 6:00 pm - Resident Pot-Luck. No need to sign-up; just join us!
   
• Sat., Jan. 9th at 10:00 am - De-robe the Clubhouse of the Holiday Decorations. Lunch will be served. Come lend us a hand! Sign-up by 12-30.
   
• Sun., Jan. 31st at 2:00 pm - Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader Computer Club. Sign-up by Jan. 26th.
   

(From the November, 2009 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:

• Several members of the Board were in attendance when the State Court of Appeals heard our appeal in our lawsuit against the developer. We must now wait for a decision which could take anywhere from thirty to ninety days. We will keep you apprised of any decisions made by the Court.
   
• The October financial numbers were not yet available but our treasurer stated that our finances were in very good shape at this time.
   
• Our manager reported that the Thanksgiving Dinner was fully subscribed before the cut-off date. This is always a popular event so remember to sign up early next year.
   
• Plans are well underway for a New Year’s Eve party. The committee has been working hard to make this a special night and all residents and their guests are encouraged to attend.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE:

New Board member, Ken Marzorati, has agreed to head the Architectural Review Committee. We received a complaint that one of our trees fell on property in Rochester Hills which backs up to Heritage common area. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the Rochester Hills residents have been extending their lots and encroaching on Heritage property. These Residents will be contacted by our attorney and requested to respect our property lines.