Crystal Lake Monthly Newsletter by tharakanconsulting

MANAGER’S MESSAGE

DEAR RESIDENTS AND GUESTS:

THIS SEASON HAS BROUGHT MANY NEW RESIDENTS AND GUESTS, AND IT’S BEEN WONDERFUL TO SEE ALL THE ENERGY AND EXCITEMENT THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.

SPRING ALWAYS BRINGS A RENEWED SENSE OF LIFE—FLOWERS BLOOMING, DAYS GROWING LONGER, AND NEIGHBORS SPENDING MORE TIME OUTDOORS. IT’S A PERFECT TIME TO APPRECIATE BOTH THE BEAUTY AROUND US AND THE STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY WE SHARE.

I’D ALSO LIKE TO OFFER A SPECIAL NOTE TO OUR SNOWBIRDS RETURNING HOME FOR THE SUMMER SEASON. WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR WINTER WITH US AND WISH YOU SAFE TRAVELS AND A RELAXING SUMMER AHEAD. YOUR PRESENCE ADDS A FAMILIAR VIBRANCY TO OUR COMMUNITY, AND WE’RE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HAVE YOU HERE.

AS WE MOVE INTO THIS NEW SEASON, PLEASE REMEMBER THAT OUR TEAM IS HERE TO SUPPORT YOU. WHETHER YOU’RE SETTLING BACK IN OR SIMPLY ENJOYING THE CHANGE IN WEATHER, DON’T HESITATE TO REACH OUT IF YOU NEED ANYTHING. WISHING EACH OF YOU A BRIGHT, SAFE, AND REFRESHING SPRING.

REGARDS,

LISA MIGLIORE AND STAFF

COMMUNITY REMINDERS

TRASH - THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP WITH KEEPING THE TRASH AREA CLEAN. A FEW ITEMS TO BE AWARE OFDO NOT OPEN THE COMPACTOR WHEN IT’S RUNNING. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL THE MOTOR HAS STOPPED TO OPEN THE DOOR. BREAK DOWN ALL BOXES BEFORE THROWING THEM IN THE DUMP TRUCK. THIS WILL ALLOW FOR MORE TRASH TO BE DISPOSED OF. THE DUMP TRUCK IS AVAILABLE MONDAY - FRIDAY FOR BULK TRASH. ANY BULK TRASH PLACED IN THE DUMP TRUCK IS SUBJECT TO A $25 FEE CHARGED TO YOUR ACCOUNT LEDGER. PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE BEFORE PLACING BULK TRASH IN THE TRUCK. IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN AS TO WHAT IS CONSIDERED BULK, IT IS ANYTHING BESIDES BOXES AND YARD DEBRIS - TRASH LEFT ON THE GROUND IS SUBJECT TO A $100 FEE TO YOUR ACCOUNT.

OUTSIDE GUESTS - WHILE WE WELCOME OUTSIDE GUESTS TO VISIT OUR COMMUNITY, GUESTS ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RESIDENT THEY ARE VISITING. PLEASE REGISTER ALL OVERNIGHT GUESTS AT THE OFFICE, AND RESIDENTS MUST ACCOMPANY THEIR GUESTS AT ALL AMENITIES AND EVENTS

SLOW DOWN - CRYSTAL LAKE VILLAGE IS A BUZZ WITH FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS IN GOLF CARTS, ON BICYCLES, AND WALKING. THE SPEED LIMIT IS 15MPH FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY, SO SLOW DOWN. ALL VEHICLES, GOLF CARTS, AND BICYCLES MUST OBEY STOP SIGNS.

MARCH DATES TO REMEMBER

IN LIKE A LION, OUT LIKE A LAMB, MARCH IS A MONTH PACKED WITH SPECIAL DAYS.

MARCH 3: BLOOD MOON - FULL LUNAR ECLIPSE

MARCH 8: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS DON’T FORGET TO “SPRING FORWARD”

MARCH 15: IDES OF MARCH

MARCH 17: ST. PATRICK’S DAY

MARCH 20: SPRING EQUINOX - 1 DAY OF SPRING ST

MARCH 17 TO APRIL 6, 2026: MARCH MADNESS

MARCH FUN FACTS

WEAR A SPRIG OF ROSEMARY IN YOUR HAIR TO IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY!

MARCH BRINGS RAIN AND MUD! SPRINKLE SALT ON CARPETS TO DRY OUT MUDDY FOOTPRINTS BEFORE VACUUMING.

A WET SPRING, A DRY HARVEST.

MARCH COMES IN WITH ADDERS’ HEADS AND GOES OUT WITH PEACOCKS’ TAILS.

THUNDER IN SPRING, COLD WILL BRING.

SO MANY MISTS IN MARCH YOU SEE, SO MANY FROSTS IN MAY WILL BE.

MARCH’S BIRTH FLOWER IS THE DAFFODIL OR JONQUIL. THE DAFFODIL SIGNIFIES REGARD OR UNREQUITED LOVE.

MARCH’S BIRTHSTONE IS THE AQUAMARINE.

MARCH’S ZODIAC SIGNS ARE PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20) AND ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20).

THEATER SCHEDULE FOR MARCH

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FANTASTIC, COSTEFFECTIVE SHOWS, THE THEATER SCHEDULE IS LISTED BELOW. SEE MARILYN CATLIN FOR MORE DETAILS, AND SIGN UP FOR TICKETS IN THE CLUBHOUSE.

MARCH 6: GARY PUCKET AND THE UNION GAP TICKETS $29

MARCH 10: THE LETTERMEN, FEATURING “THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT” TICKETS $18.50

MARCH 13: CHANGES IN LATITUDE, A JIMMY BUFFET TRIBUTE TICKETS $13.50

MARCH 26: THE LOVIN’ SPOONFULS TICKETS $25.50

STAY TUNED FOR MORE EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE FOR UP

COMING EVENTS

CRYSTAL LAKE IS PLANNING THESE

UPCOMING EVENTS. MARK YOUR CALENDAR.

MARCH 8TH, 4-7 PM

ROCK & ROLL WITH WHISKEY COUNTY BAND

WEAR YOUR COWBOY BOOTS AND PEARLS AND COME ON OUT FOR A GOOD OLE COUNTRY PARTY

ONLY THE 1 200 PEOPLE WILL RECEIVE TICKETS ST

MARCH 31ST - FAREWELL MARDI GRAS CARNIVAL

MORE EVENTS AND DETAILS WILL BE ADDED, SO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR UPDATES

WEEKLY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Craft Club Mondays at 1:00 pm

Bingo Mondays & Fridays at 6:45 pm

Billiards Wednesdays at 7:00 pm

Music Jam Thursdays at 2:00 pm

Movie Night Thursdays at 6:30 pm

Ice Cream Social - March 1st

Cost $5/per person, please bring your own bowl/plate and silverware. Cake, ice cream, and entertainment are included.

MARCH GARDENING TIPS

HERE ARE SOME SPRING GARDENING TIPS FOR MARCH:

CLEAN UP GARDEN BEDS: REMOVE FALLEN LEAVES, DEAD BRANCHES, AND ANY WINTER DEBRIS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY PLANT GROWTH.

PRUNE SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS: PRUNE DEAD OR DAMAGED BRANCHES TO ENCOURAGE NEW GROWTH, BUT AVOID HEAVY PRUNING ON SPRING-FLOWERING PLANTS UNTIL AFTER THEY BLOOM.

SOIL TESTING: CONDUCT A SOIL TEST TO DETERMINE PH AND NUTRIENT LEVELS, AND AMEND THE SOIL ACCORDINGLY WITH COMPOST OR ORGANIC MATTER.

START SEEDS INDOORS: BEGIN SEED-STARTING FOR COOL-SEASON CROPS LIKE BROCCOLI AND LETTUCE BEFORE TRANSPLANTING OUTDOORS.

CONSTRUCT NEW BEDS: BUILD NEW GARDEN BEDS IN SPRING OR FALL, CONSIDERING SUN EXPOSURE AND SOIL TYPE.

THESE TASKS WILL HELP SET A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR A THRIVING GARDEN AS THE SEASON PROGRESSES.

REMINDER!!!!

IF YOU ARE LEAVING FOR THE SEASON, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SOMEONE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING YOUR LANDSCAPING. WEEDS FLORISH IN FLORIDA OVER THE SUMMER, AND IT’S EACH RESIDENTS RESPONSIBILTIY TO MAKE SURE THEIR YARDS AND PROPERTIES ARE MAINTAINED 12 MONTHS A YEAR.

Ingredients

(2 -6 lb) corned beef brisket

1 teaspoon peppercorn

2 dried bay leaves

1-3 head fresh cabbage

12medium red potatoes (1 lb) bag fresh carrot

fresh parsley (Dried won't do at all)

real butter

1 fresh garlic clove

1 fresh sweet onion

yellow mustard (whatever floats your boat)

1 loaf rye bread (traditional) or 1 loaf

Irish soda bread

Harp lager beer (optional)

DIRECTIONS FOR COOKING BELOW

DIRECTIONS FOR COOKING CORNED BEEF

USE A LARGE DUTCH OVEN OR STOCK POT THAT WILL HOLD EVERYTHING ALL AT ONCE. PLACE THE BRISKET (BEST SIDE UP) IN THE BOTTOM OF THE POT

THERE'S NO NEED TO RINSE IT BECAUSE NOTHING BAD WILL SURVIVE WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO DO TO IT, AND YOU WILL REMOVE THE OUTER MARINATE

ADD THE SPICE PACKET OR A TEASPOONFUL OF PEPPERCORNS AND TWO BAY LEAVES. COVER THE BRISKET GENEROUSLY WITH WATER AND A BOTTLE OF BEER (OPTIONAL) BRING TO A BOIL.

REDUCE THE HEAT, COVER, AND SIMMER FOR 2 HOURS.

DURING THE 2 HOURS:

SCRUB AND RINSE THE NEW RED POTATOES REMOVE ANY EYES AND BAD SPOTS LEAVE AS MUCH OF THE PEEL AS YOU CAN. QUARTER THEM (HALVE OR WHOLE IF TINY).

COVER WITH WATER UNTIL READY FOR THEM

REMOVE THE OUTER LEAVES FROM THE CABBAGE UNTIL THE LEAVES ARE ENTIRELY LIGHT GREEN, RINSE AND CUT THEM INTO QUARTERS THROUGH THE SPINE SO THEY STAY TOGETHER SET ASIDE PEEL ONE CARROT AND CUT IT INTO QUARTERS. SET ASIDE.

PEEL THE ONION AND CUT IT INTO EIGHTHS SET ASIDE RINSE THE BUNCH OF FRESH PARSLEY AND CHOP UP JUST THE TOPS INTO VERY TINY PIECES...

AFTER THE 2 HOURS:

ADD THE POTATOES ON TOP OF THE BRISKET ADD WATER TO COVER EVERYTHING BRING TO A BOIL.

REDUCE THE HEAT, COVER, AND SIMMER FOR 10 MINUTES ADD THE CABBAGE ON TOP OF THE POTATOES, AND ADD THE ONION AND CARROT ON TOP OF THE CABBAGE

ADD WATER TO COVER EVERYTHING. BRING TO A BOIL

REDUCE THE HEAT, COVER, AND SIMMER FOR 20 MINUTES.

CHECK THE CABBAGE TO SEE IF IT IS TENDER IF NOT, SIMMER ANOTHER 5 MINUTES. YOU SHOULDN'T UNDERCOOK IT, AND IT'S HARD TO OVERCOOK IT

WHEN DONE:

IN A LARGE SERVING BOWL WHERE YOU CAN STIR THE POTATOES, CRUSH THE GARLIC CLOVE AND RUB THE INSIDE OF THE BOWL WITH IT.

PLACE THE POTATOES IN THE BOWL WHILE STILL PIPING HOT, AND ADD (AT LEAST) A QUARTER POUND OF BUTTER, AND ADD A HANDFUL (MORE IS BETTER THAN LESS) OF CHOPPED FRESH PARSLEY. GENTLY STIR UNTIL BUTTER IS MELTED, IT COATS ALL THE POTATO PIECES, AND THE PARSLEY IS EVENLY DISTRIBUTED.

PUT THE REST OF THE PARSLEY INTO A TINY SERVING BOWL FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO ADD MORE TO THEIR POTATOES.

AS I SAID, MORE IS BETTER SLICE THE BRISKET ACROSS THE GRAIN.

SIMPLE DESSERT IDEA

ST. PATTY’S DAY

Guinness Brownies

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the pan

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

One 11.2-ounce bottle stout beer, such as Guinness® Extra Stout

1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

5 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

2 teaspoons flaky sea salt, for garnish

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, for garnish

SEE DIRECTIONS BELOW

DIRECTIONS

PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 350 DEGREES F. SPRAY A 9-BY-9-INCH BAKING PAN WITH COOKING SPRAY AND LINE THE BOTTOM WITH PARCHMENT, LEAVING A 2-INCH OVERHANG ON 2 OF THE SIDES. SPRAY THE PARCHMENT WITH COOKING SPRAY.

WHISK THE FLOUR, COCOA POWDER, ESPRESSO POWDER AND KOSHER SALT IN A MEDIUM BOWL UNTIL COMBINED. SLOWLY POUR THE GUINNESS INTO A MEDIUM SAUCEPAN, TRYING TO MAKE AS LITTLE FOAM AS POSSIBLE. (HOLD THE POT AT AN ANGLE AND PRESS THE LIP OF THE BOTTLE TO THE SIDE OF THE POT AND SLOWLY POUR. THIS SHOULD HELP ELIMINATE FOAM.) BRING THE BEER TO A BOIL OVER HIGH HEAT, THEN REDUCE THE HEAT TO MEDIUM-LOW AND SIMMER UNTIL THICKENED AND REDUCED TO 1/3 CUP, 12 TO 13 MINUTES (YOU MAY NEED TO POUR THE BEER INTO A LIQUID MEASURING CUP A FEW TIMES TO MAKE SURE IT IS REDUCED ENOUGH). ADD THE BUTTER AND WHISK CONSTANTLY UNTIL MELTED, ABOUT 1 MINUTE. ADD THE BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE AND WHISK CONSTANTLY UNTIL MELTED AND SMOOTH, ABOUT 2 MINUTES.

REMOVE THE PAN FROM THE HEAT AND WHISK IN THE GRANULATED SUGAR UNTIL COMBINED. WHISK IN THE EGGS, 1 AT A TIME, BEATING WELL AFTER EACH ADDITION. STIR IN THE VANILLA EXTRACT UNTIL JUST COMBINED. ADD THE FLOUR MIXTURE AND STIR SLOWLY UNTIL COMBINED, TAKING CARE THAT NONE OF THE FLOUR SPILLS OUT OF THE POT. POUR THE MIXTURE INTO THE PREPARED PAN.

BAKE UNTIL SET ON TOP, THE BROWNIES HAVE SLIGHTLY PULLED AWAY FROM THE SIDES AND A TOOTHPICK INSERTED INTO THE CENTER COMES OUT WITH JUST A FEW MOIST CRUMBS, 30 TO 35 MINUTES. SPRINKLE THE FLAKY SEA SALT ON TOP.

LET COOL IN THE PAN FOR 30 MINUTES, THEN USE THE PARCHMENT OVERHANG TO REMOVE THE BROWNIES FROM THE PAN TO A CUTTING BOARD AND LET COOL COMPLETELY, ABOUT 30 MINUTES.

USE A FINE-MESH SIEVE TO SPRINKLE THE CONFECTIONERS’ SUGAR ON TOP OF THE BROWNIES AND SLICE INTO 16 SQUARES.

Monthly Recognition

Home of the Month

Diane B. 2418 Azalea Lane

Beautifully maintained home. She wins a $50 Beef O Brady’s Gift Card!

Pet of the Month

Meet Bear - He is 13 years

old but still plays like a puppy. He loves his walks with his momma Sue P and enjoys rides on the golf cart.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS

WINTER OLYMPICS HELD AT THE SPORTS COURTS - OVER 100 CLV RESIDENTS AND RV GUEST PARTICIPATED IN THIS EVENT

MARCH BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARYS TO CELEBRATE

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

BIRTHDAYS

TO CELEBRATE IN MARCH

DANIEL S 3/2

LARRY K 3/2

BRENDA H 3/3

MANNY M 3/3

MARILYN R 3/5

MARTHA B 3/9

LUC B 3/11

LARRY D 3/11

DANIEL S 3/12

THOMAS O 3/18

LYSE P 3/20

WAYNE L 3/23

JOHNLYN Y 3/25

DENNIS M 3/25

WILLIAM D 3/28

VIRGINIA G 3/29

LILLY T 3/30

ANNIVERSARIES

TO CLELBRATE IN MARCH WANTED TO NOTE A MISS FEBRUARY SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY

ROBERT & MARILYN F 79 YEARS OF MARRIAGE!! 3/30

RON AND BARBARA P 54 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

NEWLY LISTED HOME FOR SALE

$14,900

MUST SEE - Fully renovated 1-bedroom/1-bath park home is fully renovated with new floors, fresh paint, new mini split AC unit, and a large shed for storage. Fully furnished, including an electric fireplace and TV. At this price, it won’t last long.

HOME FOR SALE PRICE REDUCED

Winter Retreat or year-round home

2471 Apple Blossom Lane

$17,900

Home is 1-bedroom/1bath with a Florida room. Currently, the Florida room is set up as a living room and second bedroom, but the space could be utilized however you like.

HOME FOR SALE OLD WORLD CHARM

$55,000

Home is 2-bedroom/2-bath is move-in ready with an oversized carport, fully furnished, and includes a Smith Bilt shed, with many extras. Perfect for seasonal retreat or full time living

MARCH INTO SPRING WITH A NEW HOME

$22,000

Home is 1-bedroom/1-bath is move-in ready with an oversized carport, Smith Bilt Shed, freshly painted, and new landscaping.

SPRING BRINGS NEW BEGINNINGS

$27,500

This beautiful Home centrally located to all amenities, is a 1-bedroom/ 1-bath and has a 7 x 34' add-on to offer additional living space. The kitchen is large and spacious, with a covered porch and oversized shed for additional storage.

Your home would be listed through our Mid-Florida Mobile Homes Sales LLC. The home will be listed on multiple sites. We are independent of any other realtor. We list both company-owned homes and resales. We go to trade shows around the state and advertise in different sources. Prospective buyers come to our office first for information, and we have our listings readily available for handing out.

12 Reasons to list your home with me

1. Sales office open 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MondayFriday and Saturdays by appointment.

2. Professional brochures are given to all buyers with full details of your home.

3. I can show your home today! No waiting for a realtor.

4. We charge a fixed commission rate of $2,500 regardless of the amount your home sells for. What does your realtor charge?

5. We advertise your home on twelve of the major websites.

6. We do all the in-house title transfer work for you.

7. You get paid the day your home sells.

8. We do open houses to promote your home.

9. We send you an email when we show your home, so you are always kept informed.

10. We know the rules and regulations of the community to help your buyers.

11 We show homes by appointment on Saturdays and Sundays.

12 Our listing contracts are only 90 days long.

Tips on Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

1. Deep Clean Everything

Interior: Scrub floors, walls, windows, cabinets, and fixtures. Replace any stained carpet or linoleum.

Exterior: Power wash the siding, clean windows/screens, and check for any mildew or buildup.

Skirting: Make sure it’s intact and not sagging. ��

2. Handle Repairs & Upgrades

Fix any leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or damaged flooring.

Repair or replace broken steps or railings.

Upgrade dated hardware (handles, knobs, light fixtures) for a fresh look.

Make sure HVAC, water heater, and appliances are in good working order.

�� 3. Boost Curb Appeal

Add plants, flowers, or mulch around the entrance.

Paint the front door or shutters with park-approved colors if they’re faded.

Clear out any clutter or debris from the yard.

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4. Gather All the Paperwork

Title (double-check it's in your name and free of liens)

Manuals or warranties for appliances or major upgrades

VIN number and HUD data plate (usually found inside a kitchen cabinet or bedroom closet)

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5. Stage It for Sale

Neutral decor and furniture help buyers imagine living there.

Remove personal items (family photos, personal toiletries).

Make small spaces feel bigger—declutter, use mirrors, and stick to light colors.

�� 6. Be Ready for Showings or Move-Out

Keep it tidy and available for showings.