SPECIAL COVID-19 ONLINE EDITION #10 SPECIAL ONLINE ISSUE! Learn from yesterday, live for CLUBHOUSE VIDEO today, hope for tomorrow. page 10 ~ALBERT EINSTEIN FLASH BACK! page 12

VOLUME SIXTEEN, ISSUE ONE JANUARY 1, 2021

Wishing THE VILLAS AT FIVE PONDS a happy, healthy & safe 2021 The Villa's Voice Publisher & Staff

THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 | 1 otes from the Board of The Villas at Five Ponds Nn The Villas at Five Ponds Executive Board

SNOW DETAILS In most cases, not all, our driveways are cleared as follows: In big storms our roads are plowed after each 6 inches of accumula- • A pickup truck with a plow pushes the snow from the tion, ”give or take,“ this is to keep our roads passable for emergen- beginning of the driveway at the street to the “back-up area.” cies. That is just one reason you can get fined $100 for leaving a • Then sometime after that, and it can be quite a while, so please vehicle out on the street or driveways, during the storm; the other do not call and say; “they only did half my driveway,“ a tractor will reason is your vehicle will be “buried.” go behind each garage door area and pull the snow toward the center. If you have an emergency call 911 • The pickup truck then returns and pushes that snow toward the DRIVEWAYS back up area. As a reminder and as information to our newer residents, be aware of the following: • At some point 2 or 4 people arrive to snow blow and/or shovel your homes walk way. • The Builder and The Township did us no favor when they allowed the builder to decrease the average width of our driveways, from • Do they always do it that way?No, but that is the basic plan. his other similar developments—from 16 feet to 13 feet wide. This Under no circumstance should anyone come out of their homes allowed more homes to be built on less land. But, it left us with while their driveways are being plowed, it is extremely unsafe. If driveways that are more difficult to clear of snow, especially behind they cause damage you will report it to the property manager and the garage doors. it will be taken care of. FYI; they are not responsible for damage to • This past Saturday (the Saturday before the storm), the builder pathway lighting or snow sticks. dropped off three tractors and a storage van full of snow blowers Finally, during snow removal after a big storm, you cannot get and shovels on our clubhouse lot. out of your driveway until the plows and tractors clear your drive- ways. Time wise there is big difference between when the first home • In a large storm, we should have 3 crews working our develop- is cleared and the 280th home is cleared. Therefore, patience will ment. Keep your fingers crossed and let's hope the vendor will be be needed. able to hire "temporary" workers to complete each crew.

IMPORTANT NOTICE! Please be aware that during to the Corona Virus crisis (COVID-19) all Clubhouse activities are on “hold” until further notice.

Please take that into consideration when planning for “in-house” activities, private rentals and events. We will notify you of actual dates & times as they become available. Your understanding and cooperation is needed and appreciated by the entire community.

The Villa’s Voice Publisher/Owner: Ron Dorfman The Villa’s Voice newspaper Design, Graphics, Advertising is an independently owned 97 Villa Drive, 215.328.9255 and operated enterprise providing information as a [email protected] public service. www.RonaldDorfmanDesign.com All views expressed in credited columns are those The Villa’s Voice Staff: of the individual writer(s). They are not necessarily Ronda S. Dorfman the opinions of The Villa’s Editor & Special Assignments Voice staff, The Villas at Five Ponds management Al Wiesner, Editorial Cartoonist company, Board or of the All staff can be reached via email at: VFP Association. [email protected] As our community members, your comments Introducing my and remarks are invited on any shared topic new associate— ©2021 Ronald Dorfman, of interest. Mary Pearce, Realtor® Warminster, PA 18974 ~The Villa’s Voice Staff 215-355-5100 ext. 2945 All rights reserved.

2 | THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021

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On this New Years Day, we wanted to take a moment to thank the majority of you for being supportive members of our Association. We are grateful that you have trusted us to serve our community trying our best to keep you safe as possible, while in our community during this extraordinary period. While many things this past Holiday season were different this year, there are a few things we can promise you that have not changed; the Boards determination to insure that The Villas at Five Ponds Homeowner Association, is one of the best and most admired 55+ H.O.A.s in the Bucks and Montgomery County area and that we will always make the safety and well being of our residents our top priority. The Villas at Five Ponds Executive Board wishes all of you a safe New Year, we look forward to serving you in 2021! —The Villas at Five Ponds Executive Board— Rick Rodgers Joel Mickelberg Paul Luff Mark Schwartz Tina Talansky

THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 | 3 Entertainment Theater • Exhibitions • Reviews FLIPPING THE CHANNELS: "STRUGGLE: THE LIFE AND LOST ART OF SZUKALSKI" n Ron Dorfman

“FROM PRODUCER Leonardo DiCaprio comes a Netflix original documentary film about Stanislaw Szukalski, an eccentric artist and self proclaimed genius from Poland. After gaining fame leading up to WW2 he fell into obscurity only to be re-discovered late in life. He’s one of the greatest artists you’ve never heard of.“

THIS IS a beautifully produced documentary film about an amazing illustrator/sculptor I'm sure you've never heard about. Stanislav Szukal- ski was an egaging, down to earth, delusional megalomaniac. He should easily be held in the same regard as Picasso, Matisse, Dali, and old masters, but due to bad luck and his own questionable racial biases he was forgotten about. His story is one of the most engrossing biographies possibly maniac— because he is— but you will end up dearly missing a man ever. His art is described as being inspired by another dimension, a you never met. “His art, story, and words, will touch your soul in a dimension where the gods reside. He was even called “the Polish way you didn't know you need and your expectation of what the Michelangelo.” best art humanity can produce will be forever elevated.” Anyone interested in creativity must watch this movie. The man Check out the video trailer at https://youtu.be/sPkoW4cmqT8 was an absolute artistic genius. You will think he’s a crazed ego Available FREE with a NETFLIX / COMCAST subscription.

4 | THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 | 5 Join us for… HELP IS AVAILABLE! n Mary Langdon Your Special IF YOU ARE RECOVERING from an illness or are home-bound Celebration! we would like to help. Would you like a visit? Need errands run? Reserve NOW for family Please consider using Helping Hands. & group events. We have “Hands” ready to assist the needs of our residents. Contact Mary Langdon, 30 Villa Drive, 215-441-8093, HOURS [email protected]. Lunch Everyday— Except Mondays: 11AM–3 PM CLOSED MONDAYS Dinner— Tuesday–Thursday: 4 PM–9ALSO PM OPEN HELPING HANDS Friday: 4 PM–9:30FOR PM n mary Langdon, Chair Saturday: 4 PM–9:30 PM CLUB Sunday: 3TAKE-OUT PM–9 PM TO OUR NEIGHBORS who are celebrating a birthday or anniversary & DELIVERY during the month of January, the Helping Hands Club of The Catering & Special Events Villas at Five Ponds wish you a happy day. • Private Room • Rehersal Dinners • Club Dinners • Get well wishes to those who are ill.

• Baby/Bridal Showers • Special Banquet Menus Available • Our condolences to Debbie Klein & family on the passing of $ $ our dear friend & neighbor, Phil Klein. 10 off 15 off any 2 entrees party of 5 or more Please tell us if you know of anyone who is ill/ ——Dinner Only—— ——Dinner Only—— hospitalized, lost a loved one, or just needs a “helping Order over $40. Holidays & Saturdays Order over $50. Holidays & Saturdays excluded. Not to be combined with any other excluded. Not to be combined with any other hand.” You may contact any of the following residents: offer. One coupon per table. Expires 01-31-21 offer. One coupon per table. Expires 01-31-21 Lana Skwer 215-328-6227 Reba Grossman 215-675-5883 Bev Kelly 215-672-6348 Cheryle Goldberg 215-682-7733 Joyce Van Ness 215-441-4691 Bill Van Ness 215-441-4691 Lorraine Incollingo 215-674-0817

6 | THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 Sports News • Trips • Events • Special Presentations 2020–2021 : Kentucky with an incredible work ethic should fit right in. Keep an What’s new, who’s back, eye on too, a sharpshooter out of Arkansas. and predictions. WHO’S BACK n Jake Samson, The Villa’s Voice guest sports reporter & : The cornerstones of the franchise are back for their fourth season playing together. This could be their MY FAVORITE TEAM is back and I am here to last shot as a duo if things do not go well, but under a new coach, preview the roster, make some predictions and hopefully can find something that clicks. There is too give some insight on the team in red, white Jake Samson much talent between these two to not make or win a championship and blue. The Philadelphia 76ers begin their 72 in their careers. game regular season on December 23rd in a season with no fans and a lot of roster/front office change. : The highest paid Sixer is back for his second year on his new contract. After a really down 2019–2020, he needs to make WHAT’S NEW some quicker decisions on both the offensive and defensive ends. Doc Rivers (Head Coach) and Daryl Morey (President of Him, along with the two cornerstones above are locks for the starting Basketball Ops): As I mentioned in the previous article, Doc and lineup. Daryl are changing the culture around the Philly front office. These : If Shake can make a leap like he did last year, the two worked together in the draft and offseason to build a roster to league is in trouble. Milton is entering his second full year on the fit their coaching and managing styles. They also hired prominent Sixers (he played 20 games in 2018–2019) and he filled it up. His assistant coaches (former HC of Sacramento/Memphis), 39-point game against the Clippers in March put him on the na- and Dan Burke to help with individual player tional scene. Many people are predicting a breakout season for him development. and may crack into the starting lineup. (SG, Los Angeles Lakers): Danny has won two straight : High energy defender, low scorer and great NBA finals with the Raptors and Lakers respectively. He will look to dude. Sixers fans hope he can take a second-year jump. make it three as most likely the starting shooting guard for this team in the upcoming season. : Valuable bench forward who adds toughness and grit, but that’s about it. (PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks): The brother of NBA star Stephen Curry, Seth isn’t too bad himself. A knockdown shooter for PREDICTIONS the stars on this team to pass out to. He will be a borderline starter, I do think the 76ers have improved their roster and chemistry after or a very productive bench guy. their relatively disappointing 2020 campaign, but by how much? It’s good news that teams like the Boston Celtics and (C, Los Angeles Lakers): Former all-star center in seemingly took steps back this offseason. However, the Milwaukee the twilight stages of his career. Should be the backup center and Bucks got stronger, and the Brooklyn Nets did as well. This team provide good energy. should finish in the top 4 in the Eastern Conference and hopefully The Rookies: was the #21 pick in the NBA draft, and have home court advantage in the playoffs. Perhaps, there will even should make the rotation for this team. A speedster guard out of be fans by then.

2021 MAH JONGG CARDS TO BE AVAILABLE SOON! The Winter 2021 Edition TOBY KOLMAN is selling 2021 Mah Jongg cards—Standard of The Villas at Five Ponds Cards $9; Large Print $10. All proceeds will go to the Marlyn Fein Cancer Chapter (please have all checks made out to the Resident’s Directory Chapter), Fox Chase Cancer Center. Toby will be will soon be available! collecting up until January 10, 2021. Printable online (for residents only) at If interested, Please drop off money to her at 158 www.TheVillasatFivePonds.org Fairway Drive. Phone: 267-872-3597, tobykolman233@ gmail.com.

THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 | 7 Thank You Notes • Celebrations • Family News & Events

(Right) Harriet Soltoff checks the candle glow on husband Bert’s well-crafted menorah display.

(Below) Harriet & Bert celebrate safely at home together Harriet's 85th birthday on December 17th, and on December 19th, their 66th Wedding Anniversay. Congratulations! Keep them coming!!!

THIS SECTION features personal community messages, joyous extended family notes, and special events. Your free listing is welcomed. Please provide information and/or photo via email by the 15th of the month preceding publication. Send to: [email protected]

NEIGHBOR BERT SOLTOFF constructed a 5' tall outdoor menorah for the Hanukkah season using PVC tubing from Home Depot. He wired it to accept the same blue bulbs used in smaller menorahs and mounted it on his front steps. “It gave us a nice way to celebrate… not quite as impressive as the one in Times Square, but we are enjoying it.” Always great to see something festive this time of year. Thanks for sharing it!

Thank You! MARION GITTIS and I would like to thank our wonderful caring and thoughtful Community for opening their hearts and their wallets to support the Warminster Food Bank this Holiday Season to help the less fortunate.

Because of your generosity we as a Community were able to raise the amount of $2,350. Marion will be taking the checks and cash we received over to the Food Bank this week to represent all of us.

Wishing all of you a Very Happy Healthy and Safe Holiday Season.

~Cheryle Goldberg

8 | THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 Exceptional Care in a Relaxed Setting 25 Years Serving the Community

283 Second Street Pike, Suite 140 • southampton, PA Free Consultation for Villas at Five Ponds Residents

THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 | 9 Entertainment Theater • Exhibitions • Reviews HILLBILLY ELEGY NETFLIX presents a Ron Howard Film with Amy Adams & Glenn Close

"J.D. VANCE (Gabriel Basso), a former Marine from southern Ohio and current Yale Law student, is on the verge of landing his dream job when a family crisis forces him to return to the home he’s tried to forget. J.D. must navigate the complex dynamics of his Appalachian family, including his volatile relationship with his mother Bev (Amy Adams), who’s struggling with addiction. Fueled by memories of his grandmother Mamaw (Glenn Close), the resilient and whip-smart woman who raised him, J.D. comes to embrace his family’s indelible imprint on his own personal journey. Based on J.D. Vance’s #1 New York Times Bestseller and directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard, HILLBILLY ELEGY is a pow- erful personal memoir that offers a window into one family’s personal journey of survival and triumph. By following three colorful generations through their More information and an informative trailer unique struggles, J.D.’s family story explores the highs and lows that define available at: https://youtu.be/ML5fOfgTmKU his family’s experience." Available FREE with a NETFLIX / COMCAST subscription.

Video! Clubhouse • Redecoration • NEW!

THANKS TO Ashley Check, daughter of neighbor Allen Bornstein, for producing this handsome video of our newly redecorated Clubhouse. Share it with your friends and realatives! We hope to soon be able to enjoy everything that it offers— as we have in the past— and in good health. Click the link at: https://youtu.be/tkg50GPOOMg

10 | THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 2021Committee & Club Chairs & Co-Chairs Brunch Club Men’s Club Parties Plus Co-Chairs: Co-Chairs: Co-Chairs: Maxine Dubin, 195 Fairway Drive Berny Dubin 215-674-5916, Maxine Dubin, 195 Fairway Drive 215-674-5916; [email protected] cell 215-722-2427, 215-674-5916; [email protected] [email protected]; Marion Gittis, 9 Fairway Drive Cheryle Goldberg, 120 Fairway Drive 215-672-7225; [email protected] Howard Rabinovitch, 215-682-7733; [email protected] 267-282-5018, cell 215-601-1866 Day Trips Club [email protected]; Program Club Co-Chairs: Co-Chairs: Steve Warshaw, 215-674-4894, Reba Grossman, 235 Fairway Drive Diane Polsky, 84 Villa Drive cell 215-620-6698, Social Committee 215-675-6883; [email protected] 215-441-5753; [email protected] [email protected] Chair: Barbara Kains, 114 Villa Drive Barbara Feldman, Aileen Salus, 104 Villa Drive 215-444-9908; [email protected] Movie Club 304 Clubhouse Lane; 215-343-5112 215-441-9339; [email protected] Co-Chairs: Helping Hands Club [email protected] Treasurer: Sue Gordon, 21 Five Ponds Circle Chair: Women’s Group Club Richard Gittis, 9 Fairway Drive 267-968-0705 Mary Langdon, 30 Villa Drive Co-Chairs: 215-672-7225; [email protected] [email protected] 215-441-8093; [email protected] Kathy Hitchiner, 5 Fairway Drive Recording Secretary: Anne Leskowitz, 42 Villa Drive Lunch Bunch Club 267 803-6112 Merryl Pelberg, 103 Villa Drive 215-674-8365; Co-Chairs: [email protected] 215-443-8588 [email protected] Penny Barenbaum, 160 Fairway Dr. Joyce Van Ness [email protected] 215-957-6116; [email protected] 330 Clubhouse Lane; 302-359-4764 Calendar Lorraine Incollingo, 207 Fairway Dr. [email protected] Chair: 215-674-0817 Aileen Salus, 104 Villa Drive 215-441-9339; [email protected] SOCIAL COMMITTEE NEWS n t o r e s u m e o n c e a c t i v i t e s s ta r t t o a pp e a r JOIN & ENJOY OUR CLUBS TODAY new members always wanted!

THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 | 11 Flash Back! Trips • Events • Clubhouse Parties

12 | THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 Expires: 01/31/2021

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING*

FOR SALE PUBLISHING/DESIGN HELP OUR LIVES will be back to (near) ATTENTION AUTHORS! Printed books normal soon. Think about where are a valuable sales tool and undeni- you'll want to go, do or see? Let me able legacy. If you are writing plan the details, and the insurance for a family memoir, financial self-help you. Call Harriet, at 215-957-6084, or book, children’s book, cookbook, email me at [email protected]. business journal, etc., I can help you. I can provide ghost writers, editors, MAIL BOXES and cost-effective self-publishing. Call Ron Dorfman, 215-328-9255. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. Please call Larry McKeogh 215-672-7087. NOTICE! SERVICES & MISC THE VILLAS AT *NON-COMMERCIAL CLASSIFIED AUTO DETAILING. Your car or SUV LISTINGS are FREE to Villas at Five will look great! Call Villa resident Ponds residents—space permitting. Sell Jon Utain, 267-770-9681. your item or promote your service HERE! Repeats MUST BE REQUESTED & SUPPORT FIVE PONDS NEWS! GAIL THE SHOE LADY. I can stretch CONFIRMED by email MONTHLY. shoes, make hammer toe and COLOR IMAGES may be listed at SUBSCRIBE to our FREE online & print editions! bunion pockets. $5 pair. Call Gail $10 per column inch. Send to: Wiener 215-293-0506. [email protected] DONATE ARTICLES OF INTEREST, MONTHLY! NON-CONFIRMED LISTINGS will Our features revolve around YOU! Send in observations, photos, GARDENING & WEEDING: Call not appear. and story ideas for us to persue. We're ALL interested in you, Lorrie at 215-442-9792. what you've done in your careers, and what your plans for the **NON-COMMERCIAL, non-politcal future include. Sharing your stories helps build and maintain an I CAN HELP YOU get the correct PUBLIC SERVIC MESSAGES are FREE active, interesting community. insurance. Home owners, Auto, to area organizations, churches, schools, ADVERTISE! ENCOURAGE LOCAL VENDORS Umbrella, Long Term Care & Life. and public health services—space and businesses to place ads in The Villa's Voice. Advertising pays Berny Dubin 215-722-2427. permitting. Send to: for production, printing, and distribution. And, it keeps the [email protected] monthly publication FREE to all residents. NEED A RIDE or DRIVER? 5 Ponds resident will drive your car or mine to and from PHL, NWK, JFK airports, THIS IS AN ONLINE ONLY SPECIAL I want to thank The Villas at Five Ponds cruise terminals, theater, etc. Call EDITION of The Villa’s Voice. In order community for their encouragement to adhere to government health and dedication to small businesses like Paul at 215-833-6000. NEW!!! restrictions and provide safe home mine— and to families everywhere— PHOTO communication, we have produced and for continuing to support those who Classifieds! provided this month’s issue in an easily provide essential services to them shared format that you can print and during this devastating crisis. distribute to your neighbors and family. We hope to resume hard copy Stay safe and well! * publication as soon as we get an area ~ Ron Dorfman “all-clear” public health notice. Publisher, The Villa‘s Voice THE VILLA’S VOICE | JANUARY 2021 | 13

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