Submitted by Bernadette Vespa and photos by Brenda Moody, Rita Jones , Kathy Downer, Mary Ann Gifford. Videos Betmar Video Club
July 28, 2026
BERNADETTE’S MESSAGE
In a world that seems to move faster every day, we often feel pressure to keep up, to do more, accomplish more, and fill every moment with activity. Yet some of life’s greatest blessings are found when we simply slow down.
When we pause, we notice things we might otherwise miss: a friendly smile, a beautiful sunrise, or in my case, the threshold on the front door! Slowing down gives us the opportunity to be present, to appreciate the people around us, and to find gratitude in ordinary moments.
This week, I invite you to take a breath and give yourself permission to slow down. Sit on the sofa a little longer. Call a friend. Watch the birds. Enjoy your morning coffee without rushing to the next task. Life is not measured by how much we accomplish, but by how deeply we experience the moments we’re given.
FUN FACT
July 28 is World Nature Conservation Day, a day dedicated to protecting natural resources and the environment.
SHOUT OUT
Thank you to the following July Coffee Hour volunteers.
Julie Miller, Nancy Kraft, Robin Hahn, Sharon O’Hara, Juanita Kukhahn, Judy Hall, Sue Sereti, Gerrie Heyl, Joanne Lavere, Randy Lavere, Ron Send, Janet Send and Maxine Bailey
ACTIVITIES
*Ice Cream Social
Our Next Ice Cream Social is scheduled on August 8th in CH2. Your choice of ice cream with toppings or a Root Beer float just $5.00 with Bingo following for fun prizes!
Tickets can be purchased at Coffee Hour, in the Betmar Office, or at the door.
Ice cream is served from 1pm – 2pm and Bingo played from 2pm – 3pm.
*Get ready to Dance
Join us for our next Sunbird Dance on Friday, August 14, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM!
We’re excited to welcome DJ Kim back for a fun-filled Decades Mashup, featuring your favorite hits from the 1950s through the 1980s. Whether you love rock ‘n’ roll, Motown, disco, or classic dance tunes, there will be something for everyone!
Tickets: $5.00 per person at the door
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Feel free to bring snacks and your beverage of choice.
Come out for a great evening of music, dancing, and friends. We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!
*Luau at the Pool
Aloha! Join Us for a Luau at the pool area!
We’re teaming up with the Pool Club to host a fun-filled Luau at the Pool on August 20th from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
The pool will be open to all Betmar residents attending the luau and to their guests, even if they are not Pool Club members.
Come enjoy a delicious Hawaiian-themed lunch featuring:
- Hawaiian cheese skewers
- Chicken and pineapple skewers
- Pasta Salad
- Pineapple shortcake skewers for dessert
Water and iced tea will be provided. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage as well.
Tickets are $10.00 and are available for purchase at Coffee Hour and the Main Office.
Don’t miss this tropical afternoon of great food, fun, and friendship.
*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.
*Pictionary Game Night
Join us Wednesdays at 5pm in the Annex after Teenie Weenie.
Remember you don’t need to be an artist, just the desire to have some fun! You can play or watch, everyone is welcome.
DANCE CLUB
Monday classes will continue throughout the summer in CH3, from 10:30-12:00 noon. This class is a mix of beginner and improver dances, so come give it a try!
What-Not-Barn
The What-Not-Barn hours will be 8:00am – 11:00am for the months of August and September.
BINGO BISTRO
August 3rd Bingo Bistro is Loaded Baked Potatoes. Service starts at 3:00pm
TEENIE WEENIE
Teenie Weenie runs every Wednesday in July and August at 4:30PM. Come to CH2 and enjoy food, fun, and fellowship. Bring a dish to share and you eat for free (only $4.00 if nothing to share). Hot dogs, both jumbo and regular, are always only $1.00. Tea and water are provided. Just bring a table setting for yourself. See you there!
LIBRARY
Sweet moments are everywhere, but you must be careful as you enjoy them.
A little bit of trouble is just part of the deal when you are having a great time.
Good day! We hope you have a smile for the day.
Our library is located at 5034 Betmar Drive.
The building is white with blue trim.
Inside we have a clip board where you can write titles of books and authors you would like us to consider buying. Put your name down and if we purchase the book you will be the first one to read it. Please no books over 10 years old.
The art on our walls is not commercial or purchased. Please know that for art to be on our walls it must be completed by a Betmar artist!
Toni
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
BETMAR FRONT OFFICE SPIRIT WEEK
Another Spirit week is in the books and this month’s winner is Cora Hicks! The resident winner is Mary Jo Smith on Jo Street. Congratulations to both!
JOKE OF THE DAY
Maria asks her friend for some advice on bringing some excitement back to her marriage. Her friend suggested that she surprise her husband with a sudden, romantic gesture when he least expects it, just go for it she says. A few days later, Maria calls her friend and says It was a total disaster! Her friend was confused and asked her what happened. Maria says, well I followed your advice and totally swept him off his feet then and there. It was the most romantic moment we’ve had in 20 years! The friend says well that sounds doesn’t sound like a disaster, it sounds amazing! Maria groans and says well the romance was great but now we’re banned for life from Starbucks!
COMMUNITY CARE & CELEBRATIONS
Birthdays
Kathy Downer’s birthday is August 3rd and is celebrating in Ireland with Irish twin sister and families!
Tom Kelly is celebrating his 82nd birthday, today July 28th!
Arthur Ash will be 87 years young on August 2.
To Submit a Guest Announcement, Click HERE
To Submit a Birthday Announcement, Click HERE
To Submit an Anniversary Announcement, Click HERE
