From painting to emergencies, volunteers get it done

Hi Y’all,

We had some really pretty days this past week, before the colder winds came in. I’m not complaining, especially when I talk to the folks who are coming down from the north.

I don’t know if you noticed how beautiful the walls in the post office look. After tackling the enormous job of painting Chillas Hall, Debbie Wharton and Bobbi Trinkett (who mostly painted by themselves) have now tackled the job of painting the post office, with some more very helpful and needed volunteers (sorry I am not going to name names because I don’t want to leave anyone out and some are shy about being angels).

Debbie is one of those volunteers who if she sees something that needs to be done, she just jumps right in and gets it done. I just want to say to you, Debbie, you are so very much appreciated, as all of our volunteers are. Lanark Village is a better place because you care about the Village and the people. People like you dissolve any negativity that might try to take our “Sunshine” away. Thank You!

The American Legion Post 82 in Lanark had a very special gathering of the national VIP’s Friday morning – National Vice Commander Pamela Harris, National Executive Committee Member Jim Ramos, National Alternate Executive Committee Member Jerry Brandt, Department of Florida Commander Eunice Butts, Department of Florida 3rd Vice Commander Jessica More, Western Area Commander Sonny Decker, 2nd District Commander Roger Hewitt, 2nd District Chaplain Barry Roberts and Carrabelle Mayor Brenda LaPaz – as all these special people came to honor Lanark’s Bob Dietz.

The Crooked River Park Fest on Saturday, Feb. 4 was a great success with the cool, mostly sunny weather. In the evening, along with the full moon lighthouse climb, was a concert by Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers (one of my favorites) and they were so much fun, I didn’t care that I was cold. Lanark Village’s own Joan Matey, who is curator of the Lighthouse, took the stage to warm the crowd up while Tom Mason told how the song “Shine Crooked River Lighthouse Shine,” came to be written by Tom Mason. It seems Joan, with much conviction, let it be known that Crooked River Lighthouse deserved a song and Pirate Tom made it happen. Loved the song. 

On Monday, Feb. 6, the Lanark Village Association will have their monthly meeting. 

Also on Monday will be the Lanark Village Association Meeting, starting at 7 p.m. at Chillas Hall. We are hoping to have Commissioner Cheryl Sanders at the meeting along with someone from the sheriff’s department. Did you know that our regular, Capt. Brad Segree, will not be there due to medical issues, but he is doing great and hopefully will be back in the Lanark fold soon. We will be discussing the new Lanark Village sign that the board has been working on. Designs have been presented by the members and the board is hoping to come to a conclusion. Updates on other subjects which are on the front burner will also be discussed. 

Residents of Lanark, please come together to make your community stronger by caring about where you live, by participating in volunteer projects, by learning about the Association. There is Only one way that you can know about what we do, that is to make an effort to find out the Facts through the association. I will be able to get the highlights to you next Monday. If you have any questions, please come to the source. There are seven hard-working, volunteer board members who answer to each other and work with the membership to run Lanark Village Association Inc. Chillas Hall is open Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m., with coffee. 

The Lanark Village Golf Club will be having their meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9 at Chillas Hall at 6:30 p.m. Please note the start time is 30 minutes later so that you can come join in on Thirsty Thursday at 5 p.m. Come to the meeting to hear some of the exciting changes that we are making to the course.

The American Legion Post 82 in Lanark will be having a Super Bowl Party on Feb. 12 and the public is invited. Doors open at 3 p.m., food at 4 p.m. ($15 gets you the Unlimited Nacho Bar (with all the fixings) and your choice of a beer, wine or soda. Then settle down at 4:30 p.m. to watch the game and cheer your team on. There will also be a chance to buy a square and raffle tickets. All this for a Great cause. 

On Tuesday, February 7 starting at 7 p.m., a group began forming for “Game Night Tuesdays.” You will find notices about how this works throughout the area. If this is something that might interest you, try it out. Bring light snacks and what you want to drink every Tuesday to Chillas Hall. Bring your favorite game or join your friends and neighbors with their games. This is open to all who wish to come.

One of our residents has started up a low-impact exercise class on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. at Chillas Hall. There will be a disruption in the class while the CERT training mentioned below is in session, but there will be notices put out to let you know the changes. Keep it up, you will be glad.

Lanark Village will be hosting a very important training by Franklin County Emergency Management at Chillas Hall Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 to 15, and 20 to 22. You do not need any special qualifications except the willingness to Help! Sign up to join C.E.R.T., the Community Emergency Response Team, by calling or texting 850-653-5608 or email jenniferd@franklincountyflorida.com Please see notices posted around the area for more information. 

The firefighters met again this week and had a very productive meeting. They felt that they got a lot accomplished. We Still Need Firefighting Volunteers: Any questions should be directed to Robert Amick, rsamick4@yahoo.com Lanark Area Is Still Under A Burn Ban. Again, it has nothing to do with the weather. It has to do with not having a functioning fire department.

Please contain your garbage, the bears are still very active and those of you who are not taking care of your garbage are feeding the bears. Those of you who leave your cans on the right-of-way welcome others to throw their garbage in unprotected, the bears get them and your neighbors have to pick up the mess. It is only a matter of consideration for your neighbor. Thank you.

Love Lanark

Pat Sewell Funderburk is the Times Lanark News columnist. Be sure to send news and society items about Lanark Village life to her at p.funderburk@yahoo.com