Submitted by Bernadette Vespa and photos by Brenda Moody, Rita Jones , Kathy Downer, Mary Ann Gifford. Videos Betmar Video Club
SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
BERNADETTE’S MESSAGE
One of the greatest things about our community is the variety of people who call it home. We come from different places, backgrounds, and experiences, yet we share so much: the desire for friendship, laughter, purpose, and connection.
The bridges we build are often simple ones, introducing ourselves, inviting someone to join us, or taking a moment to listen. Those small gestures can turn neighbors into friends and strangers into familiar faces.
As we go about our week, let’s look for opportunities to connect. You never know how much a simple hello can mean.
FUN FACT
Today is National Coffee Day! Whether you prefer it black, creamy, hot, or iced, coffee has a way of bringing people together, one cup and one conversation at a time.
VOLUNTEER SHOUT OUT
Let’s thank the following people for volunteering to work coffee hour this month! Gerrie Heyl, Ann Raffue, Wayne Miller, Joyce Smith, Maxine Bailey, Mario LaFleur, Janet Blair, Julie Miller, Nancy Kraft and Cindy Hensley!
ACTIVITIES
*Lip Sync Routine Contest Sign-up/Planning Sessions
Activities is planning a Lip Sync Routine Contest, November 15, 2026, at CH2 6pm-8pm
Have a favorite song and a fun performance idea? We’re looking for solo acts, duets, & groups to join the show!
Stop by a Performer Sign-Up & Planning Session to register your act, share your song choice and get help with props, costumes or staging.
Clubhouse 4, Apache Maple Room
- Saturday, October 10: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Sunday, October 18: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, or 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Tuesday, October 20: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, or 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Snowbirds Welcomed!
Can’t attend a sign-up session, but plan to be here for the contest?
Contact Bernadette Vespa, Activities Director 978-808-5491
*Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga is held every Wednesday in CH3 at 11:30 AM (prompt start). This will continue year-round and punch cards do not expire.
Punch cards are on sale in the office
- Newcomer Trial: 5 classes for $15
- Regular: 10 classes for $25
Important: A signed Waiver of Liability is required to participate. The office can assist if needed.
*Ice Cream Social
Our next Ice Cream Social is Saturday, October 17th at 1:00PM. Tickets are $5 and are on sale before coffee hour and at the Office. Come for the Ice Cream or the Root Beer Float and stay for the Bingo and a chance to win some fun prizes! This will be our last Ice Cream Social until after the new year!
*Betmar Travel
Below are the remaining Seats available for the following trips, PLEASE get your reservations to Sandy Bedingfield ASAP.
- The October 2nd, Skyway Bridge & Shell Island – 15 places
- October 3rd, Pretty Woman at Suncoast Theatre – 5 places
- October 7th, Lake Panasoffkee for the Swamp Fever Airboat Adventure – lots of room
- October 23 The Zubrick Magic Show in St Pete – lots of room
- October 27 Fishing with Bob – lots of room
- November 7 Dear Evan Hansen at Suncoast – lots of room
- November 20 Dolly Parton Tribute – Waiting list
Please check with Betmar.org for a full description of these trips. Note, sign up early. We do issue refunds if you are unable to attend unless it is within several days of the trips and we have to pay them in full. Call Sandy or Bonnie with your questions.
*Women’s Bible Study
It’s never too late to join Women’s Bible Study. Every Monday at 10am in The Maple Room of Apache Clubhouse. Call Lisa Peters if you’d like more information. 615-824-8025
EVENTS
*Clubhouse 2 Annual Cleaning
Before the snowbirds return, we like to put a little shine on the old clubhouse. Dusting, scrubbing, window cleaning, and carpets all will get done. The more help we get, the quicker we’re out of there. Show up at 8:00am on Wed. Sept. 30th. Bring your own cleaning supplies if possible or we will provide for your needs.
For more info call Bernie Novak at 813-715-7399.
*ONSPOT Mobile Dermatology Unit
Back by popular demand, The ONSPOT Mobile Dermatology Unit is returning to Betmar, October 6th, 8am-3:30pm. They will be parked by CH2. ONSPOT is a full service, mobile dermatology practice bringing a state-of-the-art medical clinic right to our backyard.
Can’t make the October 6th date, you can also schedule from the following upcoming dates:
- December 29, 2026
- January 26, 2027
- March 23, 2027
Call 941-444-0011or go to onspotdermatology.com/Betmar Acres to make an appointment.
*Betmar Pictorial Photos
Update on the pictorial:
October is filling up and we want to make sure that you get an appointment for your pictures. Denise Rader will be able to help you sign up for a pictorial appointment on Wednesday morning, September 30, in the Communication Office between 8 and 12.
Pictures will be taken in the Annex for the months of October and November. In December and January the pictures will be taken in Apache Clubhouse.
Thank you to all who have signed up and I am looking forward to seeing your beautiful faces in the Betmar Pictorial.
Holly Hefner
CLUBS
*Dance
Line dancing is every Monday in CH3 from 10:30-12:00. It’s a mix of beginner and improver dances.
*Golf
Due to limited interest, the October Breakfast will be rescheduled for November 14. We hope you’ll join us then! Anyone who has already purchased a ticket may use it for the November breakfast or contact Gail Williamson for a refund.
Swim Club
Please note that due to the morning temperatures, Water Aerobics class will start at 10:30am beginning October 1st.
DEPARTMENTS
*Bingo Bistro
October 5th Bingo Bistro is serving Hot Open Faced Turkey Sandwich with Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce!
*Communications
The Communications Office will be closed October 6 through October 13, 2026, and will reopen on October 14, 2026.
During this time:
- Webmaster Training will take place October 6 through October 8.
- I will be on vacation October 9 through October 13.
If you have any materials that need to be processed by Communications and would like them completed before the end of October, please submit them no later than October 6.
Upon my return, preparation of the Calendar and Bulletin will require my immediate attention for several days. To help ensure your information is included in our communications, please remember to submit announcements, notices, and event information by the 15th of each month.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. I hope to see many of you at Webmaster Training!
Denise Rader
Communications Director
*Library
“Progress begins with brave conversations.”
Great news! Our Library Bingo cards will be available beginning Thursday, October 1st.
Library Bingo is easy and fun. Simply choose a square on your Bingo card, check out a book or puzzle that matches the description in that square, and complete the activity. When you’re finished, return the book or bring in a photo of your completed puzzle, and a library volunteer will initial that square. Then choose another square and continue until you get Bingo!
A few things to remember:
- Books read or puzzles completed before the start of the game do not count.
- You must have a library patron card to participate. If you don’t have one yet, stop by the library and we’ll be happy to get you set up.
- Most importantly, have fun! We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think of the program.
We’re also excited to announce that six new books are being added to our collection this week. We still have several ongoing projects in progress, so thank you for your patience as we continue to improve the library.
Starting October 5, we’ll be open for our first full day of the season, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Our October Library Meeting will be held on October 8 at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
We look forward to seeing you at the library!
Toni
JOKE OF THE DAY
Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with those expensive double-pane, energy-efficient kind. Today, I got a call from Home Depot, who installed them. The man complained that the work had been completed a year ago and I still haven’t paid for them. Well, just because I’m blonde doesn’t mean that I am automatically stupid! So, I told him just what his fast-talking sales guy had told me last year, that these windows would pay for themselves in a year. Hello!!, it’s been a year, so they’re paid for I told him. There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally hung up. He never called back, I bet he felt like an idiot!
COMMUNITY CARE & CELEBRATIONS
*Birthdays
Suzanne Curcuru celebrates her 74th birthday on September 29th.
*Visitors
Ron and Diane Rogers have their daughter, Kathy, visiting from Laingsburg, Michigan
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT CONTENT FOR COFFEE NEWS
