Club Hubbub 06.11.15

Senior of the Month: Irmgard Muethaler

Irmgard Muethaler was born Aug. 4, 1935, in Lamperthein, Germany, to Fritz and Toni Grieser. Her father was a carpenter, and her mother was a housewife. From ages 10 to 16, she accumulated many awards and medals; she excelled in gymnastics, tennis and soccer.

While her father was in the military, the family home was bombed and her mother and siblings had to live with relatives. She had three brothers who lived in Germany all their lives.

Irmgard married Michael Muethaler, a carpenter. In 1956, at age 20, she and her husband and two sons, Hans and Michael, moved to New York. Learning to speak English was a positive occurrence in her life and helped the transition in a new country. She answered the phone for her husband’s business. Their son Marcus and daughter, Linda, both were born in New York. 

The family moved to Orlando in 1989; five months later, the elder Michael died. Irmgard began babysitting and cared for eight children, many of whom she still keeps in touch with today.  

Two of her children live in Florida, and two live in New York. She also has nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Although she has been in the United States almost 60 years, she still remembers Germany’s beautiful mountains and fabulous food. 

Irmgard can always be seen playing bingo with the West Orange Seniors, at the group’s monthly luncheons and on many day trips. 

WINTER GARDEN

+ Culture Keepers

West Orange County Culture Keepers Inc. recognized two West Orange County families — the Browns and the Masseys — during a recent dinner at the Jessie Brock Community Center.

These families have a legacy of community and civic work and have served area youth and brought needed resources into their neighborhoods.

Joe and Rena Brown started the Joe Louis Subdivision Community Club, along with others from their neighborhood. They addressed problems such as unpaved streets, no sidewalks and ditches without proper drainage. Brown and others worked with the city of Winter Garden and Orange County to bring street lights and a sewer system into their communities.

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners presented Joe Brown a certificate of appreciation for his dedication and service to the people of Orange County. His descendants continue to work within their communities as ministers and educators.

Frank Massey, who had five sons, Curtis, David, Leonard, Grant and K.C., bought land in the Tildenville area in 1934. He assisted other families with loans so they could build futures with their families. Curtis Massey continued his father’s leadership role in his community and became one of the most successful black citrus contractors in the area. He served as mayor of Oakland in 1975 and later as town commissioner.

His brothers’ children have contributed to their communities as educators, community outreach advocates, ministers, business owners and authors. The descendants of Frank Massey maintain close ties to the south Tildenville, Oakland, Orlando and Winter Garden communities.

+ American Legion, Hugh T. Gregory Post 63

American Legion, Hugh T. Gregory Post 63, in conjunction with the Florida Blood Centers, will conduct a blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. June 18, at the post, 271 W. Plant St. The Florida Blood Centers van will be in front of the post.

Each pint of blood donated equals three lives saved. Donors receive free movie vouchers. The post will be open with sodas, coffee, tea, water, fruits and pastries available.

For more, call (321) 662-5883.

West Orange Duplicate Bridge Club

Results from June 4

N-S: 1. H. Parker – M. Lesnik 2. Y. Peabody – M. Voorhees 3. N. Fortin – S. Landis 4. S. Kmiec – J. Pozzuoli 5. J. Thompson – B. Ballenger; E-W: 1. M. Guthrie – B. Shelton 2. V. Oberaitis – J. Muzeni 3. S. and B. Binkley 4. R. Kerkhoff – N. Brockman 5. M. and J. Chilton.