Early in our winter season, local weather forecaster's snowfall predictions reminded me of Aesop's Fable, "The Boy Who Cried Wolf."  Every time the forecast called for hefty snowfall I thought, "yeah right."  There were more hyped up forecasts of falling snow than actual snowflakes flying.

Then, nearing the end of winter, it happened; the "wolf," that being Mother Nature, decided to make her wraths presence. She ferociously pounded our land with two snowstorm wallops within a week of each other.  And now, at times it seems like winter is infringing on our spring season.  

Technically, according to the calendar, the winter months are behind us.  We can now look ahead to the months of spring. 

So, step aside grey skies and make way for the beautiful blue hue that has eluded us for some time now.  The sun is shining, grass is greening, birds are chirping, sweet scents fill the air and a riot of color is rising to the occasion.  Our land is alive once again!

It's time to put a spring back in that step of yours, recharge those batteries and get energized!  The start of better times is here!  Better times to be had outdoors.  Enjoy all that comes with the spring season, even the mud and the muck. Hey, at least it's not SNOW!

Katie 

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even 

    with a shoe full of slush."  - Doug Larson 

As you now know, "On The Horizon" will be sent electronically to those of you that we have email addresses for.  However, if you prefer to receive a printed copy of the newsletter rather than the electronic version, just let us know and we will be happy to mail it to you instead.  Those without an email address will receive a printed copy of the electronic version in the mail.  

 POOL AND 

Horizon's Pool and Tennis Club opens Memorial Day Weekend, May 28th, 2011.  Each of you will receive a 2011 Horizon's Pool and Tennis Club brochure in the mail.  The brochure will inform you as to the dates, times and rules governing the Club.   

As a resident of Horizon Villages you, your children and grandchildren are entitled to full use of the entire Pool and Tennis Club at no extra charge.  

Please remind your children and grandchildren that they must sign in under your name and unit number before entering the pool.

If you wish to have a tennis key, please call the office and we'll have one ready for you to pick up. Those of you with a tennis key from last year may continue to use it until May 28th.  A new tennis key will be issued at your request.

Our annual pool party with an Independence Day theme is scheduled for July 9th, 2011.  The rain date will be July 10th.  We are organizing a bike parade contest for the children of the pool club. We would love to have a few of the residents of Horizon Villages act as judges for the contest.  If any of you would like to participate in our patriotic parade as a judge please let us know either by calling the office at 257-6059 or via email to Katievillages@aol.com.  

Come out and enjoy some summertime fun at the pool with us.  Remember to invite your children and grandchildren.  We hope to see you there!

From left to right: Virginia Rinker, Charlotte Bruce, 

Katherine Preston, Betty Thurston and Barbara Shew

Since its debut in March of 2009 the Women's Coffees have grown in popularity and prove to be an enjoyable social event for the women of Horizon Villages.  We are very pleased with its success and hope that the turn out each month continues to grow.  

The Women's Coffees are held on the last monday of each month during a time that is convenient for the hostess, either in the morning or afternoon.   The next Women's Coffee will be hosted by Lucia Armstrong and is scheduled for April 25th, 2011 from 10 am to 11:30 am.  This month 

refreshments will include coffee, tea and a variety of danish.  Look for your invitation to arrive in the mail three weeks prior to the event.

For some extra help around the house, you might consider contacting the following individuals.  Each of them have either been recommended to us or we have used their services.  They provide services such as doing odd jobs, carpet cleaning, residential cleaning, light housekeeping, laundry, running errands and transportation to appointments.

Robert Washburn

is available to do odd jobs around the house. 

844-5036

Sunshine Carpets and Upholstery Cleaning Co.

3320 Taughannock Park Rd.

Trumansburg, N.Y. 14886

Mike Butler (over 20 years experience)

387-3304

Carpet Cleaning by Ed 

2287 W. Danby Rd.

Spencer, N.Y. 14883

Ed Biskup

564-7531

Tillie Ellinwood

has many years of experience in residential cleaning. Tillie currently cleans for Ed Gobrecht, a resident of Horizon Villages.

home: 546-7664

cell: 228-0092

Carrie Sladich

residential cleaning on weekends.  Carrie works in Katie's dentist's office as an assistant.  She is very sweet, hard working and loves to clean.

229-7938

Betty Buck 

is a retired home health aide that would be willing to run errands, do light housekeeping and laundry and drive you to appointments.  If you would like to take advantage of any of the services that Betty provides, you may call the office at 257-6059 and we will put you in touch with her.

Have you been pondering the idea of doing some spring and summer clean up in your home?  If so, Stanley and his daughter Alicia can help!  They are willing to do anything from cleaning out your basement and garage to hauling a few items to the dump. 

Also, if you have a number of items that you wish to sell, Stanley and Alicia will set up, organize and run a garage sale for you.  

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Stanley at 257-5608.