Citrus Park: Get your love and groove on at the Sweetheart Dance

There is a hustle and a bustle around Citrus Park these days. The place is jumpin' and jivin', movin' and groovin', and at times even rockin' and rollin'.

Anywhere you look, people are enjoying the activities going on all over the park. On any given morning, you may see the Half-fast walkers as they rack up the miles, step by step, enjoying the beautiful blue sky, talking about what the day may bring.

At the Rec Hall pool, you can see the synchronized swimmers practicing the routines and preparing for their ever-popular spring show. From the tennis courts to the shuffleboard courts and the bocce ball courts, to the aerobics class in the clubhouse — there is a flurry of activity! This is what we come for — every bit as much as the warm, sub-tropical breezes and the swaying palm trees!

And it just keeps getting better — why, you ask? Well, because every activity we participate in is social — to some degree — and we are making wonderful friendships because of our participation! So, if you are enjoying your morning coffee and reading this article — what are you going to be doing today? I think the United States Marines put it best (even though it is Latin): Carpe Diem (seize the day)!

The next big event, is just around the corner — Mardi Gras! The biggest, best party in Citrus Park — and everyone makes the cut to this one! Almost every activity you can imagine is busy planning their contribution to the Fat Tuesday parade.

So, as we wind our way through this bustling retirement community, pull up your golf cart, your beach chair or your lawn chair; fill up the cooler with your favorite beverage and enjoy the beads, the antics, the laughs — this is just not to be missed! The Mardi Gras Committee would like to remind everyone to have their entry forms and tapes or CDs for Carnival and the Parade at the Activities Office by Monday, Feb. 13.

Tickets for Carnival participants go on sale from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, on the porch at the Activities Office. Non-performer tickets go on sale Thursday, Feb. 16 — same time, same place. And don't forget the Royalty Dinner Dance Saturday, Feb. 25! Dine and dance to the tunes of Night Train! The lucky winner of the big Gift Card raffle ($250 value) will be drawn that night, so buy lots of tickets from the committee members. You can't win if you're not in!

Calling all visiting kids, grandkids and young people! Be sure to catch the Clown Show at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Rec Hall. Joey's Clowns will entertain and thrill the kids while you get a break!

Valentine's day is just around the corner, and the Sweetheart Weekend is a great time to start becoming amorous. Put your "honey do" list away and make plans for the Sweetheart Weekend Dinner Dance, Saturday night. Dine and dance to the sounds of Sorelle Entertainment.

Wouldn't it be special to honor your soulmate or significant other that we've found to share life with, maybe even a second time around?

At 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, resident couples who have been together 50 years or more are encouraged to attend a special anniversary party. The last day to be included in the printed program is Thursday, Feb. 9!

So make a date with your one and only to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration. You will be wined and dined and dance to the music of the George Ward Duo. Come celebrate your good fortune, together!