Chardonnay Grapevine
July, 2006
MY WAR EXPERIENCES
Army Infantry 1942-1945
Vernon D. (Dave) Clem
I served in Europe (England, France, Belgium and Germany). We landed at Omaha Beach when the water was extremely rough. The 29th Division had taken the beach and lost a great number of men and landing crafts in the process. We walked up the hill and started pushing toward Cherbourg. We cut Cherbourg peninsula into two fronts so General Patton could land his tanks in Cherbourg. We fought in hedgerows that were heavily guarded by German troops. We lost a great number of our men, including my sergeant and captain. After leaving the hedgerows, we pulled back and started toward St. Lo. We got pinned down by the Germans and lost many more of our men. I carried my lieutenant, and other wounded soldiers out on my back. As we pushed forward we found many paratroopers hanging in the trees where they had been killed. One paratrooper was sitting up against the trunk of a tree with the entire top of his head blown off.
We laid on the ground until nighttime pretending to be dead. This however did not work. The Gerries walked up to where we lay and started kicking us to see if we really were dead or just pretending. They pointed burp guns at us while indicating for us to get up. I didn’t have any gloves on and my hands and feet felt frozen. One German motioned for me to remove my gun belt. I couldn’t unbuckle it because my hands were so cold and stiff, so he took a knife and cut my belt off of me.
He led the two of us over the hill to the pillbox. We saw numerous dead Germans laying there. I don’t know which ones from our squad (or even I) killed them. We were lined up and I thought, “This is it!” Suffering from anxiety, cold, and seeing so much death, at this point I really didn’t care. However, they didn’t shoot us. By this time most all of our clothes were already torn off us, but the Gerries proceeded to take our socks, leaving us with only shoes on our feet. We were led farther back in their lines and lined up. I again thought this was the end. Instead, this time they took most of what was left of our clothes and carted us off to a little prison (I don’t know the name of it) where GI’s from other divisions were being held. I shall never forget the Air Force guys I saw that had been burned and beaten. We had no heat, slept on straw, and had no windows (only barbed wire). The guy next to me died and the Gerries claimed he had diphtheria – I don’t know.
When they took us from there, they headed us toward the Rhine River
and the only bridge left standing. Our designation – Limburg, Germany.
We were lucky to have any food. When we did eat, we had sugar beets.
Over 12,000 of us were in Stalag XII-A Prison Camp, all weak from lack
of food and the severe cold weather. Again in this prison camp, there
were no windows and the men all slept on straw. The camp was infested
with lice. We would hang our ragged clothes on the fence to try and rid
our bodies from this pestilence.
We were sent to Belgium where a great number of our men were either wounded or killed (again, including my sergeant). The captain instructed me to take over the 2nd squad as sergeant (this was never recorded on paper). We started toward Moose River in Belgium where the Germans threw mortar and artillery shells at us. I told my men to take cover in a ditch someplace. By that time a mortar shell hit in the middle of the road and a piece of the shrapnel went all the way through my right arm. I lost a lot of blood before I was taken to the field hospital. I was sent back to England where I was confined to the hospital for a couple of months. My arm wasn’t completely healed, but I was sent back to Germany anyway since the Germans were pushing. I was caught up in the midst of the Battle of the Bulge, knee deep in snow, freezing and completely surrounded by the Germans. I dug a foxhole beneath the snow to help me keep a little warmer.
My captain came to me with instructions to take the 2nd squad and go help the 3rd platoon out that was over to the right of us. We cut across a wide open field in deep snow wearing white capes. In the middle of the field, Germans came up on the hill from a pillbox. We thought they were the 3rd platoon since they, like us, were also wearing white capes. They opened fire on us. We fought back until we completely ran out of ammunition. By this time there were only two of us still left alive.
When our troops were crossing the Rhine River, they took all 12,000 of us out of the prison camp and locked us in boxcars. We were so crowded it was impossible for us to lie down to sleep. We had no toilet facilities and used tin cans that we’d dump through holes in the doors of the boxcars. We were locked in the boxcars over nine days and had only three meals, which were made out of potato peelings. We were extremely weak. The Germans moved the train we were in along side an ammunition train and our US planes would come in, bomb and scrape, accidentally killing our own men. All of us American GI’s broke out of our boxcars, forming the letters PW with our bare backs. When our planes came in again they saw the PW we’d formed and tipped their wings and flew on. They didn’t know before that we were in the boxcars and were only trying to destroy the ammunitions train.
When the train we were in couldn’t go any farther (the tracks were torn up), they took us off of it and headed us toward Hanover, Germany. In route, some of the men weren’t able to walk, and again the only thing we had to eat was sugar beets. Finally the Gerries did give us some kind of dark, corroded cheese once or twice. This was every bit of nourishment we had. They kept us on the road until the 7th Army liberated us before we reached Hanover, Germany.
The 7th Army gave us K-Rations and C-Rations. I shouldn’t have eaten so much at one time because it caused me to pass out. From my vivid combat and POW experiences, I ended up back in the hospital in England, suffering from serious nerve problems and stomach ulcers. The doctors at the hospital also told me I had an offbeat heart. I was in the hospital for quite some time before being discharged and sent to Cambridge, Ohio.
I received the Purple Heart w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Rifleman Badge, Good Conduct Metal, European-African Middle-Eastern Campaign Metal w/3 Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Belgian Fourragere, Honorable Service Lapel Button, WWII and POW Medal for my part in helping to defend our glorious country.
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DAVE & ELEANOR CLEM
MOVED FROM ACROSS THE RIVER
Like many of us, we are in our golden years, empty nesters and retired. We have been married for twenty five years (the second time around for both of us) and have a total of five sons and two daughters.
Eleanor began life in Bloomington, Indiana as the youngest of six children. Back in our rural community during those years, it was unheard of to have electricity and inside plumbing in our homes. We did our studying by kerosene lamps, often huddled close to our old coal stove trying to keep warm. We heated old fashioned irons and wrapped them in blankets, which we then placed under the covers at the foot of our bed to “heat it up” a bit before we crashed for the night.
David was born in Cincinnati, but grew up in Clay County, Kentucky. He came from a large family – fifteen siblings. He is quite proud of his Indian heritage as his grandmother was 100% Cherokee. David’s grandfather was an old fashioned minister in a small country Baptist church.
During the war, at the tender age of seventeen, David signed up for military duty in the US Army Infantry. He served our country proudly, was wounded twice and captured by the enemy during the Battle of The Bulge.
Several years after the death of my first husband, a mutual friend of ours decided to play cupid and introduced David and I to each other. It was shortly after when we pledged to spend the rest of our lives together.
Recently we tossed around an idea to more fully enjoy our “Senior Years” and move into a condo, ridding ourselves of all that leaf raking, mowing, snow removal, etc. That idea became a reality a short while ago. Now we faced the decision of where we wanted to move. Since our youngest son lives close to here, he encouraged us to move “across the river” and closer to him. That is how we came to find this lovely spot – Chardonnay, our home.
MEET ANOTHER NEW NEIGHBOR
ANN HEMINGWAY moved to Chardonnay on March 17, 2006 from Ft. Thomas, Kentucky.
She was married to Pete Walerius and he passed away in 1978. They had 3 sons and 1 daughter and 6 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.
In 1999, she married her late husband, Jack Hemingway.
She works at St. Luke Hospital in Medical Records part time and has been there for 27 years.
She says, “I am so happy here at Chardonnay. Everyone is so friendly and nice. I feel like I have known them all my life. I love all the social gatherings. It is a great place to live.”
LOST PARAKEET
Diane Harmeling reports that there is a yellow and green parakeet living in our neighborhood. It has been around the gazebo and feeds from a millet-filled birdfeeder in a nearby tree.
Does it belong to anyone in the community?
FROM THE BOARD
As we enter into the hot summer months, I would like to take this opportunity to thank, not only the committee chairpersons, but all of those who volunteer their time and effort toward maintaining and keeping Chardonnay a beautiful community and a nice place to live. A special thanks to Chuck Gerhardstein. Chuck continues to do many minor and major maintenance jobs around our community. Having said that, we can always use more people.
As you know, on the back of each issue of the Grapevine, you will see a list of board members and committee chairpersons. If you would like to volunteer in any capacity, please feel free to let one of these people know of your interest.
We can be very proud of our Chardonnay home and its beautiful appearance. For it to remain that way, we need to remember that it represents each and every one of us, every inch of the landscaping, our streets, common areas and our individual homes. We should all strive to be good neighbors and respectful of our Chardonnay neighborhood.
By the time you read this, exterior painting on buildings 1, 2, 3, and 17 will have begun. Also, new flooring in the clubhouse will be installed and door latch covers for security on all terrace buildings should be completed before the end of July. Outdoor electrical outlets have been installed in the gazebo area.
Here’s wishing you a very happy, fun filled and productive summer.
Jim Remley, Board Member
EXERCISE ROOM DESTRUCTION
We are sorry to report to the community that malicious destruction was done to a wall in the exercise room... This occurred sometime between 6 PM on Saturday, June 3rd and 7 AM on Sunday, June 4th. The only people who have keys to the exercise room are the owners/residents of Chardonnay. If guests of owners/residents use the exercise room, they are to be accompanied at all times by the owner/resident.
The damage that was done to the wall must be repaired. That expense will be incurred by the Chardonnay community. This is not money that is budgeted for as this is not something that should ever happen with responsible owners/residents. If anyone at Chardonnay knows anything about this destructive act, please call Dave Munro at Towne Properties (291-5858) to give a report.
Recently, on several occasions, the exercise room door has been left open and unlocked. When you use the exercise room, the door is to be closed and locked when you leave.
The Chardonnay Board
Mr. Chardy,
Can you explain the difference of living in a condo versus a house?
In a house, you are free to do about anything you wish as long as it does not disturb your neighbors or break a city ordinance.
In a condo, you are very limited to what you can do. A condo community
has rules and you MUST obey them.
Some rules most often broken are:
Obey all traffic rules.
Be considerate of your neighbors – no loud noises
especially late at night.
Terrace homes must keep front door closed at all
times.
Garage doors should be kept closed when not in
use.
Remove garbage to dumpster regularly. Do not
accumulate in condo or garage.
There is no solicitation in our community. If you
wish to talk to them, please do it outside so
they will not disturb the other condo
occupants.
FIRE SAFETY RULE:
Before leaving your condo, be sure to extinguish
all candles and cigarettes and turn off appliances, such as, washers,
dryers, fans, etc.
ALL DOG OWNERS:
Must keep dog on leash when outside.
Must never take your dog to another’s yard to do
Its business.
Must clean up after your dog.
Must find a way to keep dog quiet so as not to
disturb your neighbors.
Every resident should have a Homeowners’ Manual. Please refer to it if you are in doubt.
**************
Do you encourage Chardonnay residents to report their neighbors when they see someone breaking community rules?
Definitely yes!! Every resident should become familiar with the rules,
and then they need to obey them. Unfortunately it is sometimes necessary
to report offenses, because it is unfair to those who do obey the rules.
By making a report to our management company you could be saving costly
repairs or replacements which would affect everyone. We also need to
be concerned about keeping our community a beautiful and desirable place
to live.
ANYONE FOR PINOCHLE?
We have set aside the first Wednesday of each month, starting July 5th at 7 PM, for a pinochle night. We hope we can get enough people to come to get this started.
KEEP JULY 14TH AT 7 PM OPEN!!
Stone Brook Winery from Camp Springs, Ky. will be conducting a wine tasting at the clubhouse. We will have six different wines to taste and the committee will serve several cheeses, crackers and fruit. The cost will be $5.00 per person. This will be a fun night and a chance to taste some new wines.
AUCTION! AUCTION! AUCTION!!!
Last month I mentioned the upcoming auction we are planning for August. This will be your chance to donate those slightly used or new items that you never use and are just taking up space. The proceeds will go to the Social Committee, which in turn goes back to our residents in the way of food and supplies that are bought for our dinners and monthly events throughout the year. Someone from your Social Committee will be calling you to see if you have anything you would like to donate. We will also make arrangements to come pick it up, or you can call Pat Rummel at 441-1088.
I would like to personally thank everyone that came and made the Memorial
Pool Opening a fun filled day. I was very glad to see so many new faces
(to me) at our dinner that evening. I hope that more and more of our
residents will start attending the functions. This is a great way to
meet all your neighbors, make new friends and become part of the Chardonnay
Family.
AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
Pat Rummel, Chairperson
NEW FLAG
All of the residents of Chardonnay would like to thank Daryl Moore for supplying the community with a new American Flag. Everyone appreciates seeing it as they proceed up Chardonnay Drive.
Again, THANKS DARYL!
CLUBHOUSE COORDINATOR
Due to her health, Nancy Trowbridge has resigned as Asst. Clubhouse
Coordinator. Therefore, we are in need of someone to fill the position
which curtails 4-5 winter months each year. If interested, please call
Bill Frambes at 781-8852. Thanks to Nancy for a job well done.
Please make the following changes in your telephone book.
ADD: Bill & Robbie Winslet 202-304 Sonoma 442-7055
REMOVE: Michael & Helen Bastian 202-304 Sonoma
781-4733
PUZZLE
The little girl in last month’s puzzle was Lisa Barnes Lape whose Father is NED BARNES.
It seems I have missed some of the previous winners so I will list all of the 2006 winners:
JAN – Bill Frambes, Jerry Lehkamp, & Bob Wheeler
FEB – Jack Bowman & Clara Raleigh
MAR – Bill Frambes & Bob Wheeler
APR – Bob Wheeler
MAY – Marge Rauch
JUN – Jerry Lehkamp
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER
If you are interested in visiting the Underground Railroad Freedom Center, please contact Paul or Carolyn Ford for a pass that will admit two persons for the price of one.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
WEB SITE – www.chardonnayhome.com
BOARD
Bill Frambes, President 781-8852 wframbes1@insightbb.com
Marge Rauch, VP mrauch41@netzero.com
Gerrie Kortekamp, Secy 442-5116 gkortekamp@insightbb.com
Alan Hahn, Treas 781-6329 ralanhahn@insightbb.com
Jim Remley, Member at Large 441-7441 sukyjnr@fuse.net
FOR PROBLEMS, COMPLAINTS & VIOLATIONS, CALL
Dave Munro, Towne Properties 291-5858 DaveM@tp1.com
Pat Kerner, Towne Properties 291-5858 PatK@tp1.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Architect Maintenance – Dave Trowbridge 442-0244
Nanctr1400@aol.com
Co-Architect Maintenance – Ron Culp 781-8852 rculp2@insightbb.com
Finance – Bill Frambes 781-8852 wframbes1@insightbb.com
Landscape – Beth Maggard 781-9138 childbeth3@fuse.net
Pool – Barb Culp 781-6910 rculp2@insightbb.com
Social – Pat Rummel 441-1088 rprummel@peoplepe.com
Co-Social – Marilyn Jenner 441-9099 majic@fuse.net
Welcome – Judi Hahn 781-6329 judihahn@insightbb.com
Clubhouse Coordinator – Rhoda Wheeler 441-6185
whlrwheeler@aol.com
Editor – Adelene Mullins 441-8287 amullins1@insightbb.com
POOL OPENING PARTY
Saturday, May 27, 2006
The Pool Opening Party was a huge success thanks to the combined efforts of the Ladies Auxiliary (Chain Gang) and the Social Committee.
The Ladies Auxiliary started off with a pancake breakfast for thirty-seven people. Everyone enjoyed the pancakes and sausages and Helen Lehkamp’s delicious fruit salad.
At 11 AM, King Ned and Queen Helen cut the ribbon and put their tootsies in the pool. They are still trying to thaw out their toes. King Ned crowned his son, Trulin as his prince to help him carry out his duties while he is busy nursing his ANGEL, Betty.
The games ran from 11 AM to 2 PM and featured eight games:
Corn Hole --------------- Rick Eaglin
Jarts ---------------------- Ken Mueller
Darts ---------------------- Ken Allen
Frisby --------------------- Sharon Eaglin
Horseshoes --------------- Tim O’Hearn
Golf ------------------------ Jerry Lehkamp
Boom Ball ---------------- Trulin Mullins
Ball Roll ------------------ Bill Frambes
Pat Rummel, Social Committee Chairperson, tried to make the games hard so there would be no duplicate winners, but that didn’t happen. There were two who tied for first place: Bill Frambes and Jerry Lehkamp; second place went to Ken Mueller and third place winners were Kathy Frambes, Ruth Noll and Rick Rummel. There were eight games with a possible score of 24, but the first place winners had a score of three which tells us she succeeded in making them hard.
From 12 Noon to 1 PM was the Cake Walk. There were lots of good cakes, cookies, and pies that made your mouth water.
Bingo was next from 2 PM to 3:30 PM. Pat Malloy and Marge Rauch were the runners and Bob Wheeler did the calling. Several of the 28 participants were winners.
Split the Pot went to Hall of Famer, Robert Gray. In five minutes, he
became $84 richer. The raffle winners were:
Lighthouse painting – Ned Barnes
Framed picture – Rhoda Wheeler
Painted plate – Jan Grefer
Fifty people feasted on the delicious food of hamburgers and brats provided by the Social Committee and grilled by Bob Gray and his helper, Bob Wheeler, plus everyone brought a covered dish. It was every bit as good or better than the Maisonette.
Then everyone retired to the pool for a gab session until about 8 PM.
A big thank you goes to Pat Rummel and her committee for a day of fun for 63 Chardonnay residents.
QUEEN HELEN & KING NED
Cutting the ribbon to open the pool.
CHAIN GANG NEWS
The new officers of the Chain Gang for the next year are:
Barb Culp, President
Evie Smith, Vice President
Betty Kroth, Secretary/Treasurer
This happy group continues to have fun, make money for the community and tries to promote goodwill in the community. WON’T YOU JOIN IN?
On most Saturdays and Sundays, you will be able to purchase lunch at the pool from the Chain Gang. Drinks, hot dogs, and bottled water are available for $ .50 each. We hope to serve you soon!!
Rhoda Wheeler
Chain Gang Reporter
ALL OWNER/RESIDENTS-PLEASE READ
The board has had several complaints regarding swimming pool regulations being abused.
Three of the most abused rules are:
1) the number of guests visiting the pool.
The rule is 6 guests Monday – Friday;
Two guests on Saturday, Sunday &
HOLIDAYS.
2) OWNER/RESIDENTS MUST
ACCOMPANY THEIR GUESTS TO
THE POOL AND REMAIN WITH THEM AS
LONG AS they ARE THERE.
3) CANNOT GIVE YOUR KEYS TO OTHERS.
THERE SEEMS TO BE OUTSIDERS THAT ARRIVE IN CARS, USE OUR POOL (WITH KEYS)
AND LEAVE WITHOUT ANY RESIDENT IN SIGHT.
IF THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES, THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE FORCED TO SPEND MONEY
(YOUR MONEY) TO INSTALL A SYSTEM THAT WILL ONLY PERMIT OUR RESIDENTS
INSIDE THE POOL.
