Page 11 - March pages

Page 11
Seascape I news and more

The Annual Owners meeting of Seascape I was held and about; it was easy to see. After saying “have a good
on January17, 2021 at the Cayman Center. The owners day,” we both went on our way.
voted for modified reserves. There were no new nomi- WOW what a journey - long, slow, painful and now
nees for Board of Directors. The directors for 2021 are rewarding. She had serious problems, found the strength
President Ross Gillis, Vice President John Smith, Trea- to deal with them, and now has a much better quality of
surer Jim Lassen, Secretary Dan Sullivan, and Direc- life. What an inspiration - she did not give up, she did
tors Gene Chumbley, Nancy Scott and John Wappett. not give in, and she is living her life to the fullest.
When things get really hard for a family member or
KINTSUGI friend, my daughter Kim will say, “be strong.” SO sim-
There is a woman who walks early every morning ple and so much packed into those two words. She has
around museum park near the bridge. She carries a cane. a way of kindly helping others rise to the challenge and know I do. For me this is a lesson on how to make the
Her walk is more like rocking, each leg is stiff, her stride feel more able to handle it. most of what you have or what you have left.
is to lean left and swing the right leg forward then lean Everything you’ve gone through in your life has The last year has taken a toll on everyone. People are
right and swing the left leg forward. She carries a cane made you into the person you are today… “You are tired of the news, divisive ideologies, lockdowns, and
but does not use it. We always say “hi” to each other. strong because of all the challenges and ciscumstanc- all the negative stuff. We may have cracks and scars.
Today we were both on a narrow stretch of sidewalk es that you’ve endured. Be thankful of everything be- They are part of us; they are part of the beauty that
approaching one another. I was on a bike I stopped and cause as you get stronger… life becomes easier.” by make us who we are.
moved aside to give her room to pass. She appologized Robert Tew March is upon us, spring is almost here, it’s a time
for being slow. I said it seemed that she would be safer if There is a centuries old Japanese art form of fixing for rebirth, renewal and starting over. In “Great Ex-
I was out of the way. I told her it was inspirational to see broken pottery called Kintsugi. The name is a combi- pectations,” Charles Dickens said, “It was one of those
her walking and asked why she carried the cane. “Oh, nation of two words. Kin means gold and sugi means March days when the sun shines hot and the wind
Page 8
that is for balance when I stop walking.” She stopped joinery - to join with gold. It is a method of repairing blows cold - when it is summer in the light and winter
and we chatted for a few minutes. She said she was very broken ceramics with a lacquer mixed with gold or sil- in the shade.”
Beachtree I Buzz ver. The purpose is not to hide the repairs but to make
heavy and it took a toll on her joints. She lost a lot of Let’s reset our minds and begin again. Let’s think
weight, and had both hips replaced and one knee. Now them in to a feature and to make them more beautiful. kintsugi, our rough edges and difficulties will make
The news from BT I this month is about as dire as guests his cousin Andreas Otte-Witte and his us stronger, better and more beautiful. BE STRONG
she walks daily. She said she went from a wheelchair, to The history of the broken piece will show how it can
as from the other clusters. Our Canadian residents “significant other” of 31 years, Daniela, who were - find your bliss - live in your own sunshine and have
a lift chair, to a walker and now a cane. While listening become beautiful. It shows the value in brokenness and
fled north weeks before they wanted or intended to. visiting from Hamburg, Germany.
to her she was smiling and happy. I told her she was an repair as part of the pottery’s history rather than seeing a great day!
A number of owners prepared themselves to stay
Daniela recently quit her job, which necessitated
inspiration to others. Clearly she was happy to be out it as something to disguise. Do we all have cracks? I Dan Sullivan
longer than they wanted or intended to. We all have a long commute and began work in Andreas’s den-
said goodbye to potlucks, dinner parties, movies, tal office. Over dinner, they complained about their
and dinners out. “See you sometime” is the mantra taxes (like the rest of us), and the higher amounts
for local friends, planned visitors, and family. singles had to pay. Hans brought up the fact that
Fortunately, most of us have been here since at married couples had a definite advantage there.
least January without having traveled afar, so we Hmmm. A quick call to David and Pam Alexander,
feel relatively safe with our neighbors. The courts who were married in the Remembrance Garden,
and greens have less demand, offering opportuni- and the next day found the four Germans at the Ft.
ties to get outdoors. From four of our buildings we Pierce City Hall. An hour later, Andreas and Dan-
can see increased visitation of the Remembrance iela were a married couple, after 31 years together.
Garden, a welcome haven. Only a few hours after that they enjoyed their wed-
The March Board meeting was canceled, but ding feast from the BT I buffet line at the OVC.
members will call in for the April meeting. They The accompanying picture will be cropped to make
plan to address the need for paver repair and the them a wedding photo. Just what we all need: a sto-
trimming of the tree in the garden. Trimming of the ry with a happy ending.
palms is also underway. Practice safe habits, follow the rules, and be help-
The March potluck was canceled, but the Febru- ful to your neighbors. We’re all in this together.
ary one held a surprise that few knew about at the Submitted by Bettie Marshall Daniela and Andreas Otte-Witte (left), Baerbel and
time. Owners Hans and Baerbel Schumann brought Hans Schumann (right).

settlement in the sandy soil. To replace them entire-
den and of the countless hours she devoted to making
ly is cost prohibitive, so we are seeking to have a
it the beautiful refuge it is today. Trained as an edu-
less costly repair, having the pavers pulled up, the
The Garden Spot cator, Georgia spent only two years in the classroom,
ground prepared with more gravel and sand, and the
but she was a life-long teacher. She generously shared
existing pavers replaced. That project might take
what she had learned about Florida plants to anyone
place this spring. Meanwhile, watch your step, and
who showed interest. On a personal level, I worked
be prepared to come another day if work is being
done.
TCNSP9162 closely with Georgia, interacting in some way almost
This month’s Garden Spot is not about a particular daily. When she returned to Wisconsin for the sum-
Georgia Kraemer. Georgia. An avid reader. A me-
The same is true for the central tree. We hope to have
flower, tree, or shrub; it is about the garden itself and mers, I assumed her position in the garden and the
ticulous librarian. An ace tennis player. An enthu-
the Black Olive tree in the middle of the garden trimmed
the role it can play during these trying times. The library. When her health problems forced her to retire
siastic swimmer. A skilled bridge partner. A daily
for the hurricane season in late April or early May.
Yard Doc, Carol Cloud Bailey, eloquently wrote in from the garden last year, I agreed to become the gar-
presence, biking through Ocean Village. A model of
I want to send a shout out to the many volunteers
the Sunday paper, March 22, about the benefits of den chair, but I am quite aware that I am the “acting”
vitality. And a “gardenaire extraordinaire.”
who have come forward to help with the twice-daily
being in a garden: chair. No one will replace Georgia, but many of us
Georgia’s sudden and unexpected death in late Feb-
watering of the potted plants (necessary since both
“It has been demonstrated that simply being
ruary has left many in OV stunned at the enormity of will continue to do her work.
around plants can lower stress levels, improve winter and spring skipped us), with deadheading,
the loss and the many voids her absence has created.
To recognize her dedication to the garden, the Gar-
concentration....One report found when people are and weed pulling. They not only help the garden,
We, as a group and individually, extend our deepest
but they are reaping the therapeutic benefits men-
around plants, they experience a reduction in feel- den Committee has started a fund to memorialize
sympathy to her husband, Bill, and the family. To
tioned above.
ings of fear and anger.” her. Those wishing to contribute may send a check to
those who have offered their condolences and their Bettie Marshall, 2400 S Ocean Dr. #3635, Ft. Pierce,
To volunteer, please call either Georgia Krae-
You are cordially invited to visit the garden if you
help, Georgia’s daughter and son-in-law expressed
mer at 772-498-8736 or Bettie Marshall at 772-
have not yet discovered its beneficial beauty. Its en- FL 34949. The checks should be made to Beachtree
their thanks on behalf of their two children, who
607-1918. For donations, please contact Georgia
try is colorful: the orchids are blooming,take a walk I Cluster, Inc, but please indicate that it is designated
“adored their Grammy,” and of her brother, Patrick
or deposit money in the birdhouse at the entry. For
down the steps, circle the garden for different views, for the Garden Fund. If you are in OV, you may drop
Remembrance bricks, contact Toni Cracknell at772-
and his two daughters and grandchildren.
sit awhile, and enjoy the shade and the frequent donations at Beachtree I #3635 or call or text me at
467-9622. Note: She has returned to Canada, so if
The garden volunteers are acutely aware of Geor-
breeze. 772-607-1918 and I will retrieve it.
gia’s love and dedication to the Remembrance Gar- you fill out a form from the box, please contact me Georgia Kraemer
Do observe the CAUTION notice at the entrance
Submitted by Bettie Marshall
from the sidewalk or the stairs. Many of the pavers at the number above.
have risen due to tree roots or have sunken due to Submitted by Bettie Marshall Color greets visitors at the garden entry.
Bocce League Winners
1st place (L-R) Tom Duffy, Mary Duffy, 2nd place (L-R) Susan Thew, MaryAnne 3rd place (L-R) Doug Burd, Candy Burd, 4th place (L-R) Maryanne Tormey, Marty
Mary Beth Jarmasco and Dick Jarmasco. Fiscner, Betty Reyda and Barbara Pulie. Bonnie Wood and John Wood. Tormey, Barbara Miller and David Miller.
.