Landlovers News

Landlovers was established in 1974 and is the oldest organization on the island. Its purpose is to promote fellowship through social and cultural activities while working toward the continued improvement of community life in The Landings through its philanthropic efforts. The proceeds from the group’s six major fundraisers are given in grants to worthwhile projects and programs sponsored by on-island organizations. It also includes scholarships for Landings Association and Landings Company employees, their spouses, and dependent children to assist with expenses for post-high school education and community service merit awards for high school seniors.

Since its inception, Landlovers has given away $1.3 million. In celebrating our 45th year, please consider joining, becoming a sponsor, or supporting our fundraising efforts! Landlovers is open to all Landings residents. To learn more about our activities and fundraisers, visit Landingslandlovers.com/happenings. Our newsletter comes out on the 20th of every month and lists all the upcoming activities. To participate in any Landlovers activity, you must be a Landlovers member. For all activities held in a Landings Club, you must follow The Landings Club’s non-member usage policy

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It’s time to pass the gavel to the new Landlovers president, Bonnie Kelly. I have loved every minute of my term, from being blessed with a great Board, to living in this wonderful, generous community where so many respond readily to the call for help with our events. Thank you all, or as one should say in Savannah, “Thanks, y’all”! I wish Bonnie as much joy in this position as I have had. Your organization is in good hands with her at the leadership helm.

On May 4, we had a wonderful Tour of Homes that sold out. There were six beautiful houses, as well as time at The Marshes, which always is informative. Thanks to Kathi Siegel and Susan Arraiz for their able leadership of a great team and The Marshes for their generous sponsorship. The successful fundraiser added significantly to our coffers for next year.

Speaking of funds raised for Landlovers, on May 13 I had the pleasure of presenting this year’s grants, merit awards, and scholarships. It is, without a doubt, the most rewarding activity of my job! We were able to give away $114,000. After careful review of the requests, the committee awarded Landlovers grants to 20 island (and nearby) entities and organizations that benefit Skidaway Island residents. See the following list of those to whom we responded. The merit awards were given to six deserving and very accomplished high school seniors who have exhibited dedication to the community and their schools and achieved academic excellence. Frankly, after reading their bios, we all wanted them on our Board! They are to be congratulated. We are fortunate to have them at The Landings. The same accolades can be applied to the eight scholarship recipients. They are amazing students, and Landlovers is honored to be able to support them in their academic endeavors. We couldn’t do it without the efforts of this terrific community and the help you give us for all our fundraising.

The day after the ceremony, we had a fun and successful closing event at Plantation. A brief annual meeting to elect the new Board and share the news on our donations was followed by great dance and party. Thanks to Debbie Stark and Nancy Snyder and their committee for a delightful evening. It was a wonderful way to go out!! I wish you all a fabulous summer! Come back well rested and ready to partake of all that Landlovers has to offer! Some activities will continue through the summer, and the rest will begin again in the fall, so watch for all your favorites in the September newsletter. And plan to attend the September opening reception to sign up.

In closing, as Bob Hope always said, “Thanks for the memories.” (Although, I do wonder if the Merit award winners would even know who he was, they are so young!!) It’s been a wonderful year, and I leave with a grateful heart.

Ever,

Wyndie Eberle
2018-2019 President

2019 GRANT RECIPIENTS

Bethesda Academy

Bethesda Barnbuilders

Boy Scout Troup 57

Bright Eye-deas Low Vision Group

Coastal Conservation Association (CCA)

Coastal Heritage Society (Pinpoint Museum)

Friends of Skidaway Audubon

Hesse School

The Landings Association (Communications & Community Outreach)

Landings Military Family Relief Fund (LMFRF)

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Committee

Safe Shelter for Domestic Violence Services

Savannah Science Museum/Caretta Research Project

Skidaway Audubon

Skidaway Farms

Skidaway Island Division of Chatham Emergency Services

Skidaway Island First Responders

Sparrow Field Pollinator Garden

Toys for Tots

MERIT AWARD WINNERS

Ally Best

Madison Hudgins

Kathryn Ollenburg

Elizabeth Reed

Jenna Rehman

Emma West

 

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Katelyn Cook

Lataka Jamal Grant

Hannah Henderson

Chelsea Jose

Donovan Terrell Lewis, Jr.

Hunter McDowell

Amanda Peetoom

Terry Eugene Sledge

 

GRANDKIDS EQUIPMENT

Landlovers members have cribs, highchairs, toys, car seats, etc., and are willing to lend these items. If you need supplies, visit the Landlovers’ website (landingslandlovers.com/happenings). Click on Grandkids Equipment and follow the instructions to see the list. Please Note: To keep our list current, please let Cathy Lynn know of any additions, deletions, or changes. For more information, contact Cathy Lynn (cobrienlynn@yahoo.com or 598-0745).

 

SOCIAL SINGLES

Are you a Landlovers member who is widowed, divorced, or single? Come join us for a new social life, where you can come alone and feel comfortable and welcomed each time we get together. We always have fun, good food, and meet great friends! Whether at a member’s home or a downtown bistro, we take our laughter and good spirits along for the ride. Don’t be lonely; we’ve all been there. If you are interested, but not on our membership list yet, please contact Barbara Meyer (912-355-4673 or bpmeyer63@yahoo.com) to be added.

MAGPIES LADIES: JUNE 6

Magpies Ladies meets all year long on the first Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. The next meeting will be on Thursday, June 6. Bring an interesting MAGazine or newspaper article on ANYTOPIC (politics is ok, but nonpartisan is a rule) to share/possibly present, to a very interested and interesting group of women. PIES and coffee will be served. You don’t have to eat any of the PIES, but the MAGazine articles are always informative and spark lots of great discussions. Meetings will be held at members’ homes. New members are always welcomed, but participants must be members of Landlovers. The location of the June meeting has not been set. When set, we will email those who have RSVP’d. For information and/or to RSVPIE, contact Rebecca Walling (908-229-1835 or lldaymagpies@gmail.com).

COLLECTION DATES: JULY 1-7

Share your vacation with those in need. Are you traveling this summer and staying at a hotel? If you have any unused personal-sized soaps, shampoos, or lotions, please bring them back to Savannah. (No mouthwash, please.) We will take them to various charities in Savannah. This month, we will be taking them to Social Apostolate. The organization works with poor, homeless, disabled, and at-risk people in many ways, including providing showers for those in need. Our next collection dates are July 1-7. Dropoff will be at The Landings Company’s Welcome Center (1 Landings Way North). If you have any questions, email llcommservice@gmail.com or call Carol Stiles (349-9977) or Sue Souls (713-502-6094).

SKIDAWAY SERVERS

A group of Landings residents called the Skidaway Servers has taken on the responsibility of providing a meal for 30 people. Their goal is to provide meals for The Ronald McDonald House every Friday during the year. Usually, three couples per week provide the meal and often go out to dinner afterwards. If you are interested in participating, please partner with two other couples to help with this cause, and email Suzanne Thomas (rkssthomas@aol.com).