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Thank you for taking the time to read the Patriots Press. This quarterly newspaper is written and published by the residents of Patriots Colony to inform and entertain current and future residents.
We invite you to visit Patriots Colony in person and live all the excitement, camaraderie and fun that happens on our property everyday. Call us at 757-585-7006 or 1-800-716-9000 to schedule your visit today! You can also check out our website to learn more about our community... PatriotsColony.org
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Fife and Drums at Patriots Colony
On a sunny Sunday morning, what can be more invigorating for Patriots Colony's residents than watching the talented and skilled young people marching and playing instruments in the famous Plymouth, Michigan, Fife and Drum Corps? Of course it was a unique treat for all of us, but even more so for the residents of the Berkley Assisted Living and Convalescent centers. The amazing performance took place right outside their front door. READ MORE
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Our New Chaplain
My husband Hal and I met in Tallahassee while attending Florida State University. I wish I could say we met during a mission trip or something, but truth is, we met at a bar where he was bartending. We've often thought we should come up with another story when we are at clergy/spouse gatherings! See, I thought if I flirted with him I could get a free beer. I never got that free beer. I fell head over heels in love, and we married my sophomore year. I finished my Bachelors Degree at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville just 7 days before our first son was born. READ MORE
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The Wood Carver
Joe Coleman is a busy man. An average week will find him on the tennis court two mornings, then in the billiards room learning 8-ball from the "pros". This has paid off as his and Joe Agee's names can be found on the plaque in Archie's Tavern as couples winners in 2012. This year, he teamed with Hank O'Neil to win the spring putting contest. Joe and his wife, Sylvia, play duplicate bridge, as well. READ MORE
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Prohibition & Homebrew
The eighteenth amendment to the U.S. constitution, ratified in 1919, prohibited the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation into, or the exportation from the United States and all territories. Later that year, Congress passed the National Prohibition Act which provided enabling legislation to implement the Eighteenth amendment. It had many debilitating consequences. READ MORE
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Nonnie - My Brother, My Friend, My Coach
My brother was known by many names: John; Johnny; Simpie; Mr. Simpson; Daddy; and Grandpa John. To me however, my dear, big brother was always Nonnie, and to him, I was always Nudie.
My Brother -- Nonnie entered this world four whole years before I did, so of course, I immediately appreciated the fact he was knowledgeable and wise in all things. From the very beginning, we were close, and one day when I was about five, he explained why. He said, Nudie we are close and will always be close because you were made from one of my ribs! Well, that certainly got my attention! Continuing, he explained what happened. One day, when I was about three, I was playing in the sandbox. Suddenly, I felt a rib just leave my body. First I was kind of surprised, but then I realized that I was going to get a little sister. Sure enough, you were born a few months later! As he told me this whopper, he put both hands on his chest. Then he put them together, raised them high in the air, and then released them as if he were freeing a bird. READ MORE
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The Alexandria Harmonizers Visit Normandy - June 2014
The Alexandria Harmonizers, an International award winning a cappella men's chorus, was invited to participate in the 70th anniversary D-Day ceremonies in Normandy, France in June. Thus began a never -to-be-forgotten experience for Tom and me.
We flew from Dulles to Paris and boarded four buses which would be like home before the week was over. We began our tour at Arromanches where we were captivated by a 360 degree Cyclorama which depicted the sights and sounds of D-Day, a fitting way to begin our journey.
The Chorus sang at several American cemeteries beginning in Brittany. The sun was shining brightly over row upon row of white crosses. Imagine the chorus singing "Deep River" in this setting. Then we moved to the American cemetery at Normandy. The strains of "Let There Be Peace on Earth" will ring in our ears for years to come. One of our choristers found his grandfather's grave and the name on the Memorial; he was the first of his family to be in Normandy since his Grandfather died here, seventy years ago. READ MORE
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Vanity Plates
Virginia leads the nation in the number of vanity plates on the road - over a million. This trend carries on here at Patriots Colony, with many folks using their initials, their colleges, their service affiliation, etc. to identify themselves. Two retired Air Force residents have decided to take it a step farther. Jim Steinmiller and Harry Vreeland, both former fighter pilots, wanted to make sure that we knew about their history, so they invested in the Virginia vanity plate program with the results you see below. READ MORE
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A Dangerous Convergence: Golf Thoughts and Driving Within Our Thirteen Miles per Hour Speed Limit
Driving out of the Williamsburg National Golf Club (WNGC) after a round of golf, the mind still has to focus on driving ones car the short distance it takes to return to Patriots Colony. The trip is so short (maybe seven minutes in all) and the road so rural, there is little time to let your mind wander about the round just completed until you're past the front gate back home. Once inside Patriots Colony crawling along at the posted speed limit of 13 mph, there is plenty of time to think about your recent round. Why did I play so poorly today? How on earth did I hit my second shot fat and into the drink on the seventh hole of the Yorktown Course? Perhaps, I need to change putters, my grip, ball position, increase my stretching exercises, et-cetera - are all thoughts, which came to mind. READ MORE
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PCGA Golf Shootout.....A Winner!
On Wednesday, August 27th 2014 twenty-three players (21 residents plus Brian Tenney and Scott Hay) were paired into six balanced teams and teed off on the Jamestown course at Williamsburg National Golf Club (WNGC).
The format was Captain's Choice, total net score for 18 holes similar to the format of the Spring Fling held on April 14, 2014. The next four hours were jam-packed with hoots and howls. The competition was tough as evidenced by the stories exchanged at the awards ceremony and lunch that followed at Archie's Tavern, all of which made for a day of good, wholesome fun. READ MORE
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