The Boca Grande Grande Club heads into the ripest part of its season as it prepares for the exclusive annual Christmas Luncheon Dec. 7 at the Gasparilla Inn & Club.
A shadow has been cast over activities, however, as club President Nora Lea Reefe struggles to overcome a severe asthmatic attack. She has been hospitalized twice int he past three days and her latest stay is labeled "indefinite" by physicians.
In the meantime, the first full week in December reflects a whirlwind of activity with three events in 24 hours.
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Nora Lea Reefe
The whimsical theme of the Boca Grande Garden Club annual Christmas Table Display and Luncheon is "It's Not Easy Being Green." Cost is $48 for members, $55 guests. RSVP Marjorie Moore at 964-1264 or Judy Thomas at 964-2951.
Later the same day, an information session will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the Community Center Auditorium on the Boca Grande Garden Club's major trip to England's Chelsea Flower Show in May. Jen Hanna is in charge.
At 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec, 8, Georgia McGurl will demonstrate "Arranging Flowers Under Water" at the Johann Fust Library Loggia. Cost is $20 members, $30 Boca Grande Garden Club guests. RSVP Christian Scott-Hansen at 964-4430.
Fact Box
TUESDAY Letter from the Garden Club president:
My asthma has worsened dramatically with the red tide lingering around Sanibel Lighthouse in medium concentrations, and I was forced to leave the island the day after Thanksgiving after having a severe attack.
I am on breathing machine every four hours with heart-rate monitoring needed to control dosages so it is not any fun. I was admitted to hospital early this Monday morning, having oxygen and iv, lots of tests, etc., but getting some relief after a terrible few days.
I am not sure when I will be returning but hopefully before Christmas when my whole family always comes to Florida for the holiday. I am in Linville, N.C., at my doctor daughter's home while my husband is tending to duties he has in Boca Grande with the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Board, the Yacht Club and church - at least for now.
THURSDAY letter from Nora Lea Reefe:
I am in the hospital, much worse, unable to talk or move, with oxygen and multiple IV meds around the clock, don't have my laptop, just this ipad, and won't be able to anything for awhile..so sorry.
I am very ill and off island indefinitely. I am truly having a difficult time...and am sufficiently scared now that my daughters have insisted (husband) Ed come up here. He is driving up Friday, so I feel certain I am going to be in the hospital a while.
The planter boxes downtown have been decorated for the holidays, said club President Nora Lea Reefe, who is recuperating from a major asthma attack. She can be reached at (828) 898-8498 or 941-661-4089.
