Submitted by Bernadette Vespa and photos by Brenda Moody, Rita Jones , Kathy Downer, Mary Ann Gifford. Videos Betmar Video Club
NOVEMBER 10, 2026
BERNADETTE’S MESSAGE
As we enter this season of gratitude, I’ve placed two Gratitude Trees in Clubhouse 2, one on each side of the stage. You’ll also find baskets of leaves on the stage where you can write down someone or something you are thankful for.
I hope you’ll take a moment to share your gratitude and hang your leaf on one of the trees. With all the wonderful people, friendships, and blessings we have here in Betmar, I’m sure these trees will be bursting with color by the end of the year.
Please stop by, add your leaf, and help our Gratitude Trees bloom with thankfulness!
NEW RESIDENT
FUN FACT
On November 10, 1969, the beloved children’s television show Sesame Street first aired, introducing generations of children to characters like Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch.
VOLUNTEER SHOUT OUT
Did you know that Joanne Lavere, Robin Hahn, and Nancy Kraft dedicate every Monday of the year to making Bingo Bistro a success? Week after week, they plan, prepare, cook, and serve the delicious food that so many of us enjoy. We are very fortunate to have them!
ACTIVITIES
*Chair Yoga
Reminder: There is no Chair Yoga this week due to the conflict with the Veteran’s Day festivities. We resume class next week.
Class 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.
*Casino Night!
On November 15, we’re bringing a brand-new event to Betmar… Casino Night!
Don’t forget to get your tickets in the Main Office, they are going fast! No tickets will be sold at the Door.
Event Schedule
- 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Dinner served in the Annex (during this hour only)
- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Casino tables open in Clubhouse 2
Tickets: $25 per person
Your admission includes:
- Dinner featuring 2 warm turkey & cheese sliders, pasta salad, and dessert
- Live music by John Perry
- $500 in casino chips to get you started
We’ll have professional casino tables and dealers, with all tables featuring a $5 minimum bet:
- 3 Blackjack Tables
- 2 Roulette Tables
- 1 Texas Hold’em Poker Table
- 1 Three-Card Poker Table
Need More Chips? Rebuys are available until 7:30 PM.
- $10 = an additional $500 in casino chips
How to Win While there will be no cash prizes, you’ll still have a chance to go home a winner! At the end of play, you’ll receive one raffle ticket for every $50 in chips remaining. The raffle prizes will be displayed in the Annex before gaming begins, so be sure to check them out. The more chips you have at the end of the night, the more raffle tickets you’ll earn and the better your chances of taking home a prize.
*Betmar Bandstand
Bandstand had a successful first night for the 2026/27 season last Wednesday. The Jam Bandits helped us celebrate our opening night for the 4th season. Thank you all who came out to support Bandstand, the music and our team. It was a fun night, and we are all excited about the coming Wednesday evenings at CH 2. We start at 6:00 pm and we sincerely hope you will join us.
Tomorrow, November 11 is Veteran’s Day. Bandstand wants to honor all our veterans and we invite you to be our guests that evening as we welcome the band Driftin’ South to the stage. Please inform Janet or Anne as you enter CH 2 that you have served our country and we cordially invite you to enjoy the evening and the music at no charge. It’s just a small token of our appreciation for what you have done for us and the sacrifices you have made. Thank you to all our service men and women, past and present.
*Creative Writers
WANTED!
OLD FOLKS WITH GREAT STORIES
If you’ve called our community home for 20 years or more, you’ve watched it grow, change, and evolve.
You remember the places that aren’t there anymore, the storms we weathered together, and the moments that shaped this neighborhood.
We are putting together a collection of short, bite-sized snippets celebrating the people who make up the heart and soul of our history.
If interested in being a part of this experience, call or text Debbie Archibald 216.337.8985
It takes an awful lot of time to not write a book.” — Douglas Adams
Creative Writers meets on Mondays in Clubhouse 4 (Apache) in the White Room at 9AM.
Whatever your writing level skill, you are always welcome to share. We are a friendly, fun and NONJUDMENTAL group.
*Table and Chair Setup
Block assignments for Table & Chair volunteers are published in each month’s Betmar Bulletin. Blocks are mapped out in the Betmar phone book. The block assignment for the first half of November is Block W (east side of Apache and Lakota) Schedule for this period follows. For questions, contact Tom Brown.
- Wed 11/11- 8 am, Bandstand
- Thu 11/14- 8 am, Breakfast
- Sat 11/14- 11 am, Dance
- Sun 11/15- Noon, Casino Night
- Mon 11/16- 8 am, Bingo/Darts/Chorus
*Travel
Missing someone? Eighty people from Betmar arrive today in New Orleans, Louisiana! Watch Facebook for pictures!
Our next day trip is a night trip to Dolly Parton tribute. This is Friday night, November 20, Bus leaves at 5:00 p.m.
Please note, the Clydesdale trip has been rescheduled to February.
*TOPS
The box of chocolates said two pounds. So why did I gain ten?
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) meets on Wednesday morning. Voluntary weigh-in at 8am, meeting at 8:30. Your first meeting is FREE. Come check us out!
EVENTS
* OneBlood Blood Drive
Today is Betmar’s blood drive from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM. OneBlood has parked their Big Red Bus in the parking lot by the pond (near the shuffle courts). Our goal is 10 units so please come out and give today! Remember we help 3 people with every unit we donate!
PLUS:
A mini wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening!
November Gifts- $20 eGift Card /Oneblood Cozy Sweatshirt
Online Donor Appointment Link:
https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1753493
*Veteran’s Day Parade and Luncheon
Betmar’s annual Veterans Day Parade and Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 11
Parade Information
- Golf cart lineup begins at 10:30 a.m. in the shuffleboard parking lot near Clubhouse 2.
- The parade will depart at 11:00 a.m. we will follow the traditional parade route and return to the CH2 parking lot.
Luncheon Information
At 12:00 (noon), all veterans and their spouses are invited to enjoy lunch inside Clubhouse 2.
The menu includes:
- Hamburgers
- Pasta Salad
- Chips
- Water or Iced Tea
- Dessert
Laurie Black will be delivering golf cart name tags to veterans’ homes. If you do not receive your golf cart tag, please stop by her home at 36911 Grace Ave to pick it up.
If you are new to Betmar and have served in any branch of the military, we would be honored to have you join both the parade and luncheon. Please contact Laurie as soon as possible so a name tag can be prepared for your golf cart.
If you are a veteran and would like to participate but need transportation, please reach out to Laurie at 989-619-6034
Important: All golf cart name tags should be returned to Laurie inside CH2 immediately following the parade and before lunch.
Photos of veterans grouped by military branch will be taken after lunch.
Golf carts are encouraged to be decorated in red, white, and blue to help celebrate the occasion. Decorations are not required, but they certainly add to the festive spirit of the day!
Following lunch, a Veterans Day Golf Outing. The outing is open to veterans, spouses, friends, and golf club members. A sign-up sheet is available at the Golf Clubhouse. Please sign up so we can estimate participation.
Let’s show our support! Whether you’re participating in the parade or cheering from the sidelines, let’s line the parade route, wave our flags, and show our appreciation for the veterans who have served our nation.
Thank you for helping make this a memorable Veterans Day celebration ~ Laurie Black
*Betmar Pictorial
This is the weeks pictures, Nov 10, 11 & 12 will be taken in the Annex. We filled all the days with appointments, so pat yourself on the back and give a cheer for Betmar residents.
Let’s work to fill the appointments for November 30, December 1, December 2, December 3, and December 4, as the photographer is going to eliminate some days if we do not get them filled. I know every day more snowbirds are coming in so again I am asking for you kind people to knock on your neighbors’ doors, welcome them back and tell them about the pictorial.
For those who need help, there will be someone available before Coffee Hour every Tuesday.
I want to thank all of you for working so hard on this pictorial project no one could ever do this alone. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” (Helen Keller).
Sign up instructions: betmar.org – Betmar Pictorial or call Holly Hefner 937-844-9458.
Thank you from Ohio,
Holly
*Music at the Pavilion with John Perry
Hello Betmar music lovers John Perry’s new season of “Music at the Pavilion” will be starting a new season this Friday the 13th at 2 o’clock! John will be performing great music from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s!
All FREE to enjoy!
So, stop by and say hello!
Thanks John
*What-Not Barn Christmas Sale
What-Not Sale Holidays will be upon us before you know it. The What-Not Christmas Sale will be held Saturday, November 21st from 9 to noon. Now is a great time to clean out your unused decorations and bring them to the What-Not Barn.
HELP WANTED: The Christmas Tree team could use 2 or 3 elves to help in assembling trees on setup day, Friday 11/20 from 9 to 11 a.m. Please contact Robin Burkhead or Dee Brown if you can help.
*Christmas Decorating for the Park
Christmas decorating for the park is on November 28, 2026. Carol and Victor Sambol are looking for volunteers to help. There are sign-up sheets on the tables, or you can call them at (978) 500-5625.
*Thomas Promise
The Thomas Promise Toy Drive Box is now available between CH#2 and the Annex next to the gray Thomas Promise bins. You can place your toys, books, puzzles, etc in the box or bins. Sports items, jewelry and gift cards make good gifts for the children ages 8 to 16. If you get gift cards as gifts, please give to Connie Simoneau directly.
Bring your toys to Our Toy Drive Night with the Betmar Bandstand Concert on Wednesday, December 2nd from 6 PM to 8 PM with the Jam Bandits playing. For each toy donated that night you will receive a door prize ticket with the drawing happening at 8 PM — You must be present to win a door prize!! Help brighten this Christmas for the Thomas Promise Weekend Food Backpack Program!!
CLUBS
*Carport Concerts
Welcome back, Snowbirds!!!
Carport concerts are every SECOND Thursday afternoon starting this week through April!!
This month, big Thanks to Bob and Diana Engler for their open-door hospitality and exquisite view of the greens with lots and lots of room for golf cart overflow!
- Who: SnakeFarm with Josh Nelms and Perry Murphee
- Where: 37111 LAKOTA CT
- When: Thursday, November 12th
- Time: Music 3pm til 6pm!
- Raffles drawn @ 4:20pm
Bring a cooler, chair, and happy feet! Come on out and make some new friends, meet your neighbors, grab a hot dog and try your hand at one of the raffles!
Raindate: following week
*Computer
Today (Tuesday) at 1:00 come to class to learn tips to help you keep you safe on your computer, phone or tablet and also tips to help you navigate these devices more efficiently.
At 2:00 we help you to solve problems on your computer, tablet or phone. You don’t have to be a member to attend.
*Darts
Team Darts is every Wednesday at 6:30 pm
Fun Darts is every Tuesday at 6 pm
Remember $10.00 memberships are due!
*Dance
The general meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 11/10, is canceled. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact any one of the officers directly.
Line Dance — It’s time to pay your $20.00 line dance dues. Your dues allow you to attend as many line dance classes as you want November through October.
*Game
We will be playing Military Whist on Saturday, November 14 in Clubhouse 3 at 6:15pm. It is an easy game to learn and fun to play so come join us.
*Golf
Golf Activities for week of 11/9
contact: Connor Brown: golfactivities@betmar.org
November 11
- 11am Veterans Day Parade CH2
- 12 noon Veterans Day Luncheon CH2
- 1:30 Sign up for Veterans Day Golf (starts around 2pm)
November 14
- 8am to 9:15 Golf Breakfast CH2
- 1:30 pm Member Resident Golf outing
Sign-up sheets on Bulletin Board at Clubhouse
Golf Communications for week of 11/9
Contact: Kelly Lloyd: golfcommunications@betmar.org
Handicap Flags are now available from Terri Williams (269-501-4752) for those who qualify by filling out an application and agree to follow the Betmar Golf Club Handicap Flag Policy.
Just a few Golf Membership Raffle tickets remain! Yes, under 30 tickets remain in the park! $5 each for your chance. Contact golfcommunications@betmar.org
Drawing is November 30th at the monthly Golf Board Meeting at 9am.
- 1st Prize: 2027 Golf Membership to Betmar Golf
- 2nd Prize: 2027 Golf Cart Trail Fee
- 3rd Prize: $25 Pro Shop Certificate
Terri Williams has graciously accepted the Interim Director of the Betmar Golf Clubhouse position. With Terry’s knowledge of Betmar golf, the transition has already been a smooth one. Golf members help and ideas are greatly needed and welcomed…please reach out to Terri (269)501-4752
*Shuffle
This is your friendly reminder to pay your dues which are due Oct. 1st. Membership is $25.00 for the membership year from Oct.1, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027. You can find the membership forms outside the shuffleboard office. And don’t forget to pick up the processed membership cards; they are placed in the box next to the office door.
Mark your calendars for our next meeting on Wednesday morning, November 11th, at the shuffleboard courts. The board meets at 9:00. and the general meeting is at 10:00. It is important that members attend so we can have a quorum in the event there is something that must be voted on.
Please be notified that Shuffleboard Turkey shoot has been cancelled for the month of November. It will resume on Tuesday, December 1st.
Scheduled December tournaments are as follows:
- December 14-16 – a State M/L Doubles
- December 17-18 – a central district Any Doubles No 2 Pro
- Dec 18-19 – an All-Amateur Draw Doubles.
With these games we will need volunteers to:
- wax disks
- clean the courts,
- mop the kitchen floor
We will also need bakers to make all those delicious cakes, brownies, and pies for the shuffle lunches. Everyone is welcome to come to the shuffle lunches. Lunch is served from 11:00 to 12:30 each day of the tournament.
DEPARTMENTS
*Bingo Bistro
November 16th Bingo Bistro is Goulash with Bread!
*Library
“Gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and the lives of all those around you.” — Eileen Caddy
Good morning. It’s close to Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. The library is decorated with Thanksgiving items. Come in and look around.
The following books will be entered into the library and available for check out on Tuesday afternoon:
- The Detective’s Wife – Mary Stone
- The Girl in the Lake – James Patterson
- The Family Cross – James Patterson
- Chain Reaction – Lee Child
- Fury in Death – J.D. Robb
- Miss Wilcott’s Ghost – Louise Penny
Don’t forget, we have bingo going on. Come in and pick up your card for a chance to win good prizes.
Take care of one another. Don’t forget to check up on family and friends. A kind word goes a long way.
Our library meeting is on Thursday, November 12th at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
*Video Production
Good morning, just a friendly reminder that Jan. 28,2027 is fast approaching.
What is Jan. 28 you ask?
It’s our third annual “Not So Newlywed Game”. We are looking for four adventurous couples willing to share their past with fellow Betmarians.
Anyone interested please contact any team members or call Ralph Shaffer @ 724-730-3064.
Come on people don’t be shy.
Thank you Ralph Shaffer
JOKE OF THE DAY
I was driving the other day when I saw the flash of a traffic camera. I figured that my picture had been taken for exceeding the speed limit even though I knew that I wasn’t speeding. So just to be sure, I went around the block and passed the same spot, driving even more slowly, but again the camera flashed. Now I began to think this was odd, so I drove even slower as I passed the area once more, but the traffic camera again flashed. I tried a fourth and fifth time with the same results and was now laughing as the camera flashed while I rolled past at a snail’s pace. Two weeks later, I got five tickets in the mail for driving without a seat belt.
COMMUNITY CARE & CELEBRATIONS
*Visitors
*Birthdays
Joanne Lavere celebrated her birthday yesterday, November 9th!
*Anniversaries
Jim and Linda Voss will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on November 12th!
*Sick Bay
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