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NEWS:

Cornhole Tournament to benefit Relay for Life 5/23

Fourth of July Float 2008

Entrance Clean up 2008

Lake Clean Up Day 2008

RECYCLING AT THE LAKE!!! This year we will have 3 recycling cans at the lake. These will be for aluminum cans only. Please put all aluminum cans in these containers. It would be greatly appreciated if you can empty the cans before putting them in the recycling container as we will be responsible for emptying them. We are trying to do our part in recycling as well as cut our expenses on trash pickup. Also, please remember that no glass bottles are allowed at the lake. This is for the safety of our children and residents. If you bring guests to the lake, please make sure they know that we do not allow bottles. Anyone with bottles at the lake will be asked to remove them. Again, this is for everyone's safety. Thank you for your cooperation. Becky Nedelka, Area 5 trustee

Bees in the sand at the lake - we have been made aware of a massive amount of bees burrowing in the sand at the lake near the sidewalk and garbage can. After speaking to Scott Friedler of Friedler Pest Management, we have decided to let the bees run their course for the safety of our residents. The bees have been identified as "golden digger wasps" and are not aggressive. If we leave them alone, they will leave us alone. They are just as afraid of us as we are of them. Due to the location of the bees, it is more harmful to treat them with a pesticide than to leave them alone. Although they can sting, it is unlikely if they are left alone. If someone who is allergic to them gets stung, they can use an epipen to relieve the sting. However, treating the bees with a pesticide that will remain wet due to its location on the beach can cause long term effects that are uncertain. We have decided that all residents would be better off if we didn't not pose the risk of pesticides on our beach. These bees should only stick around for a few weeks, however will most likely return for an additional few weeks towards the end of summer. If you have any questions, please contact your trustee. Becky Nedelka, Area 5 trustee

June 2008 Newsletter

Four Seasons Annual Family Picnic 2008

Tossed Salad: Cornhole tourney No. 1 was fun-filled evening

January 24, 2007 by Brent Hovey

When the residents of Four Seasons say they are going to throw a party, one can rest assured it will be an awesome affair. Centerville Mills Park on Crackel Road was jamming Saturday night thanks to some of the fun-loving residents of Four Seasons, who sponsored their first indoor cornhole tournament. If the turnout for the first year is any indication, the event will be around for quite some time. Fifty-four teams (108 people) participated in the double-elimination competition.

When I heard about the event, I had to be a part of it. After all, my nickname around the office is "Cornhole," thanks to the creative mind of the King of Nicknames Ken (Duke) Lahmers. He came up with that name because of my fondness for the game, which is played by throwing small "bean bags" at a slanted board with a hole in the middle. From spending time with the same group of neighbors during one of its Friday night bocce games last summer, I knew I should expect a good time. What I didn't expect was how much fun, laughs, food and beverages there would be.

From the moment I walk-ed into the shelter I was greeted by friendly faces. I knew a handful of people, but others came up and made me feel welcome. Getting the night going. Each team was randomly drawn from a jar full of names; one male and one female made up each team. Cindy Baldwin was my partner. I mingled, checked out the competition and help-ed myself to more beverages. There were six courts going at once, leaving little room for people standing on the side. The most crowded area was around a huge cardboard poster with the brackets on it.

I was getting impatient waiting for my game until two sheet pizzas from Gionino's arrived. I helped myself to two pieces and then heard the announcement that my team was up on court 4. That court used boards with the University of Michigan logo on them. Perfect for a fan of the Maize and Blue. I thought playing on that court was an omen. After a quick pep talk with Baldwin we took our spots at opposite ends of the floor. Things were looking good; I was on my game and Cindy did enough to help us out to an 8-2 lead. Then the tide turned as quickly as the pizza was devoured. It became 8-6, then 8-8, then 8-10 and soon we lost 15-8.

We lost to Mike Monaste-ro and Kelli Palcisco. Their names will come up later. Our team was moved over to the losers' bracket. One thing got me over the loss -- more pizza and drink. We had to wait about two hours to play our next game. Meanwhile, tray after tray of hot dogs, hamburgers, fried chicken and salad were served, and there was more fierce competition to get to the front of the food line than there was at the boards. Finally, it was time for game No. 2. We needed a strong run to contend for the championship.

Game 2 was exactly the way I like to play, as we cruised to a 15-4 victory. Cindy hit the winning shot. Afterward, I learned Cindy was a fellow Ohio University grad. No wonder we were getting along so well. I knew we were in for a run at the title -- two OU grads playing a southern Ohio game; it was meant to be. Game 3 was much like Game 2, an easy victory. The competition didn't stand a chance.

One of the unfortunate people who played against us was Jon Stratton, but even the loss couldn't ruin his good time. "I'm absolutely having a good time," he said. "I lost, but I love these one-handed sports." In Game 4, Team OU ran into a bump in the road. It was a back and forth game, but our Cinderella run came up short 15-11.

After a few minutes of crying in the corner, I regrouped and joined the party. Still feeling a little defeated, I took comfort in talking to Stratton. "I didn't lose, I let you win," he claimed. Summing up the night The whole tournament was an overwhelming success. To see a neighborhood come together like that is something special. Although this was its first cornhole tourney, it was by no means its only get-together. The residents play Friday night bocce in the summer, and on Feb. 10 will host a reverse raffle.

Bob Messner, Don Fariello and Jim McKenzie were the ringleaders of the event. "We wanted to do something that would bring people out in the wintertime," said Messner. "We don't see each other very often and wanted to change that." Messner came up with the idea of a cornhole tournament two months ago and discussed it with Fariello and McKenzie. They wanted to see what the turnout would be.

"We never thought we'd have this many people," Messner said. "We had to cut off registration so we could play the whole thing in one night. "This just shows how strong of a neighborhood Four Seasons is. We do a lot together and this is something special. I'm just happy to be here and be a part of this." I asked Baldwin whether she was happy to be paired up with an "outsider." "Absolutely," she said with a laugh, but I wasn't sure if she was joking or a little giddy. "I can be shy sometimes, but these group activities make me feel comfortable. There's a lot of camaraderie."

Whether it was playing cornhole, eating the delicious food or sharing a beverage and story with an acquaintance, there was no doubt everyone was having a good time. Jackie Angermeier took advantage of the time to make an extra $10. She was dared to run through all six games at once. She did not get hit by a bag and made herself some extra cash. The tournament was eventually won by Monastero and Palcisco -- the very team who beat Team OU in the first round. I don't know if I should be happy we lost to the champions or more upset. We had them beat, only to pull a New England Patriots like in Sunday's AFC championship game and let them win. Who knows what would have happened if we'd have won that game?

Monastero and Palcisco won $150 for their effort. Second place went to Brian Byard and Jenn Ticer ($100) and third were Rick Shina and Micky Haley ($50). The event raised $1,540 for the Four Seasons Home Owners Association. I want to thank the residents of Four Seasons, and especially Fariello, for inviting me, and Baldwin for playing with me. If there is -- and there should be -- a second cornhole tournament, count me in.

On summer Fridays, bocce reigns in Four Seasons

by Brent Hovey Reporter from The Aurora Advocate

Aurora - Like clockwork, it happens every Friday evening, weather permitting. People come out of their homes, stroll down the street and throw some big and little balls.

Many residents of the Four Seasons subdivision gather and play bocce to start off the weekends.

They begin assembling at the lake off Greenbriar Drive near Timber Lane shortly before 6 p.m., and games get under way soon after.

The bocce league started five years ago with roughly 15 couples. The residents decided to start the ball rolling sport after years of playing mushball, which is basically softball, but with a bigger and softer ball.

Chris Tuma founded the league and still runs the games on Fridays. He has developed a reputation as being “a real stickler for the rules” and therefore was given the nickname “Bocce Nazi” as a takeoff on “Seinfeld’s” classic character “The Soup Nazi.”

Over the last five years, the bocce league has turned into a big neighborhood party, with 53 couples participating this year.

Along with the games, everyone takes a dish to share potluck-style. There also are plenty of beverages and laughs.

There are as many as eight games going on at the same time - on three gravel courts, four make-shift ones in the grass and another permanent one in the grass.

The latter is the “championship” court, for which people fight to play.

The three gravel courts were built with private donations from Four Seasons residents. The project was spearheaded and built by Ward 6 Councilman Tom Dreher.

While those who aren’t playing in a game mingle, giggle and generally have a good time with their neighbors, it’s strictly business for those involved in the games.

Teams are made up of two people, usually a married couple. Other teams include siblings, cousins and friends. Four teams make up an eight-person game, with each team having its own won-loss record.

The season ends with a banquet and tournament, when participants enjoy food, drink and entertainment on a bigger scale than the regular Friday nights.

Year-end awards are given, most to recognize something funny or to make fun of someone. Among the categories are “worst play” and “worst wardrobe.”

The ages of players ranges between 15 and 53.

What competitors think

“Bottom line is, it’s great for all ages,” said Jim McKenzie, who has been playing in the league for five years with his wife, Maureen.

“It’s a nice group of people,” added Maureen. “Newcomers can come here, join the league and get to meet people.

“It’s a nice family event. You can bring the kids and not have to worry about a baby-sitter. The kids can go swimming, play basketball or anything else."

Mary Beth Tuma, who was filling in for husband, Chris, during the last round of games July 7, loves every minute of the bocce league.

“It’s so much fun,” she said. “Visitors are always welcome. Out-of-town guests show up frequently. Old neighbors come back just to play again.”

The action on this July 7 night kicked off on the “championship” court, where the McKenzies were teamed up with Larry and Elaine Schimdt. The foursome took on Larry and Kathy Pawlak and Brian and Diana Miller.

The team of Schimdt and McKenzie pulled out the win, but that wasn’t going to ruin the night for the team on the short end of the score.

“However the games go, it’s always a lot of fun,” Larry Pawlak said, noting he and his wife, who were losing the game at the time, have played in the bocce league for three years.

The Millers have also been playing for three years.

“It’s always a good time,” Brian said. “It’s a great way to kick off the weekend and wind down with friends after a hectic week at work. It’s the best kept secret in Aurora.”

Larry Schmidt said it is a great way to get to know the other neighbors.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Schmidt, who has been playing since the league’s first year. “You get to meet so many people. Lots of people have moved in recently and are already joining.”

Don and Louis Mudrey have lived in Four Seasons for 14 years, but this is their first summer playing bocce.

“Oh absolutely, we’re enjoying ourselves,” said Don. “If I knew it was this much fun I’d have joined a long time ago.”

Close-knit neighborhood

The bocce league is one of many things the residents of Four Seasons do together.

This year was the first time in 15 some residents known as the North Park Marching Society did not participate in the city’s parade. Instead, they played a reunion game of mushball.

They also have a golf tournament on Labor Day weekend, as well as other smaller neighborhood functions. Youths in the neighborhood have fun in the summer competing with on swim team.

For Mickey Haley, it is truly something special to see. She grew up in Four Seasons, moved to Twinsburg, but then came back in 1998 with her own family.

In total, she has lived there for more than 32 years and has been playing bocce since the switch from mushball.

“Four Seasons is definitely one of the cornerstones of Aurora,” she said. “I remember my parents having neighborhood parties in the backyard and participating in the July 4 parade.

“Four Seasons is truly one of the closest-knit and neighborly neighborhoods.”