Image Up Advertising & Design

24 | OHCC LIVING | FEBRUARY 2026 | We hope you had the opportunity to join or renew your Sewing Etc. Club membership at Do Dues Day or by leaving a check for $7 at the Clubhouse front desk. If you are a new member or have corrections to your information, please make sure you fill out a membership form (available at the front desk) with your check. The next member meeting is Thurs., Feb. 5 at 9:30 am in the Mykonos Room. This meeting will be a Meet and Greet for all members, new and "old." Come share refreshments and activities planned by the social committee. This month's article features our knitters, crocheters and "loomers." There are several casual groups (no invitations needed) that meet regularly on Tuesdays, 3 to 4:30 pm, Tuesdays, 6 to 8 pm, and Fridays 12 to 3 pm in the Sewing Room, to work on individual projects. Someone is always willing to help or offer instruction for those wanting to learn either skill. Your interest may generate an opportunity for a class or activity. Remember "Etc." in our club's name means we're about handcrafting activities including knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidery, sewing, etc. The Sewing Room has a calendar of scheduled activities, along with various clipboards for signing up to take a class or join an activity. If you are interested in participating in any activities or need information on any classes, contact Marylu Belisle, Sewing Etc. Club co-president, at (952) 454- 1931 or Jacqueline Ettinger, the project activities scheduler at (302) 540-2027. For additional information about these groups, visit the OHCC resident website and click on the Sewing Club. We hope to see you at the February meeting or at any of the various group activities. We are a fun group offering lots of opportunities to practice or learn new skills or volunteer to make something for the many organizations we regularly support. Submitted by Diana Homan Sewing Etc. Club Knit, Crochet, Etc. Tuesday Group "Loom" Hat Crocheted Purse Village Vets We've just wrapped up another outstanding month with the Village Vets — and if momentum were jet fuel producing engine thrust, we'd be well past afterburner. Between a hugely successful Do Dues Day and a fantastic Mission Debrief, the room was packed, the camaraderie was strong, and — yes — the sea stories may have picked up a little extra airspeed as the afternoon went on. Our featured debrief came courtesy of Darrell "Condor" Gary, former F-4 Phantom pilot and Top Gun instructor, who gave us a vivid reminder of what air combat was like in the Vietnam era. It's hard to say what was more entertaining: watching our newest members confidently roll out their own "war stories," or listening to Condor describe life at Mach speeds — where decisions are made in seconds, consequences are real, and the coffee is always terrible. Much like the presentations from Greg Coffey and Susz Clark late last year, Condor's brief was so immersive that many of us left feeling as though we'd logged f light time ourselves. For a moment, I'm certain half the room believed they were the RIO — sharing the cockpit, calling contacts, and silently praying they didn't miss a switch. Speaking of switching things up, the next part of this article touches on a question I — and many other veterans — are often asked: Why did you serve? I believe the answer is captured in the three photos above. They were taken at our annual December holiday party, where we were honored to be joined by Coast Guard families — spouses, children, and loved ones — who understand service just as deeply as anyone who's worn the uniform. For most of us, the answer goes beyond a paycheck or even patriotism. We served because we are family. We served to protect our families. And we served so that our families — and this nation — could, and can, continue to thrive. Submitted by Cap'n Bob Bechill

• Cover