Cari and Joyce at Monkey Islands' Giveth and Receiveth

Saturday evening Monkey Islanders’ and others gathered at The Shebang and Big Shots to donate food and money for those in need. Of course the “Islanders” always seem to manage to have a good time as they open their hearts and wallets. This was the annual “Giveth & Receiveth” get together started by Dwain Richardson. The evening started with Luigi entertaing diners with his singing of favorite songs such as those by Frank Sinatra.  After this, everyone migrated to Big Shots to continue with fun, singing and laughter. Islanders got on stage to sing to the crowd and WOW!…are they good. Jim Lee, Crystal and Cari are unbelievable. Monkey Island must be the Rosetta Stone for Talent. Be sure to watch for these affairs as the happen all year long. Grand Lake and Monkey Island is the place to be!

For more information about Grand Lake Check out www.OfficialGrandLake.com

Monkey Island Special.. For a Good Time Call 918-257-5569

There are so many things going on around Grand Lake. Here are a few. The guest chef night at The Shebang on Monkey Island continues to be a success every Wed. evening at 7 PM. On Nov. 12th, the next guest chef will be Grand Laker “Charlie Mitchell”. This is a special treat as not only is Charlie well known for his outstanding soccer career, but did you know he also had fine restaurants in Tulsa for many years? I personally enjoyed both watching  Charlie when he was involved with soccer and I also enjoyed fine meals (and drinks) at his establishments.  Make Your reservations early. Check The Shebang Bulletin Board to stay up on happenings there.  On the 15th at Big Shots is the annual “Giveth & Receiveth” gathering (7 PM to 2 AM). You give non perishable food or cash and what you receive is a great party and a good time. Proceeds are donated to the Christian help center in Grove, OK. Then on Nov. 16th starting at 1 PM We have a cancer benefit for Carol Crowe at the Road Hog Saloon. Monkey Islanders and Grand Lakers have big hearts and share some of the blessings they have and have a little fun doing it.

More things coming up include:

Nov. 15th … YMCA Pelican Power 5K Race …. Grove, OK, The Ultimate Elvis Tribubute at 7 PM…  in Grove at Civic Center. November 22.. Grove Lights on and Evening Celebration.

Check out the Chronicle of Grand Lake as well to try and stay up with all the happenings.

This has been about some of the  special things which go on here at Grand Lake OK and Monkey Island. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community, visit Dave & Debbie’s web site www.SurfGrandLake.com or call 918-257-8381

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK.

Lakefront A-Frame on Monkey Island at Grand Lake

Waterfront Home For Sale

How would you like a lake home which feels like a lake home? Here is your chance to own a Waterfront A-Frame on Monkey Island at the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. This is Oklahoma’s favorite lake for fishing and fun. The home sets on a quiet, peaceful treed lot and has lots of space with over 2,700 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and two living areas, a patio and two decks. It has been tastefully remodeled. It comes with your own private dock which has a storage closet and a sitting area. What a wonderful family retreat this could be for you. The home is in a gated area called Port Duncan.

Other areas on Monkey Island are:  Brighton Bay , Newport Village, St.James Club, Beacon Hill, Mainstay, Heritage Point, Hi-Point, Shangri-la Chateaus, White Chapel, and others. 

For more information about Grand Lake OK Real Estate, please contact Dave and Debbie Wagenblatt at 918.257.8381 or email them directly at davewagenblatt@remax.net.

Monkey Island Oklahoma real estate has some of the best waterfront values in the country.

Brighton Bay waterfront home at Grand Lake on Monkey Island, OK

Actually all Grand Lake OK real estate fits into that category. This article touches on the Brighton Bay subdivision located on Monkey Island along the shores of East Bay at Grand Lake. Brighton Bay is a very nice gated community with about 50 homes. Most come with a boat slip. Here is something people from other parts of the country may not realize. These are all free standing homes, however, they are organized under condo by-laws. What this does is provide for the shared cost of keeping the grounds manicured, upkeep on the swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds and community boat slips. Lots of people love this kind of set up because they can come to the lake and play. No worries about the other things which go along with home ownership. Brighton Bay homes have a very nice setting.

Eagle watch over Brighton Bay

Once you drive throught the gate there is a long tree lined black top road which winds to the homes, and it is not uncommon to see deer close by. There are wood carved statues of bears, a dolphin and eagle mixed in among the homes. There are currently 2 waterfront homes for sale at Brighton Bay. One has a Virtual Tour. Other Gated communities on Monkey Island OK include Newport Village, Silver Key, St. Andrews, White Chapel, Beacon Hill, Mainstay, Shangri-la Estates, Shangri-la Chateaus and more.

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

By Dave Wagenblatt

One of the most wonderful things about living at Grand Lake, OK is our backyard. Actually our backyard is Grand Lake, OK.  From our deck, we look east from Monkey Island across the main lake toward Patricia Island. One day a light came on in my head, and I realized and appreciated all the changing beauty Debbie and I get to witness… Nature at its best! The fiery red/orange morning sunrises and the evening full moon shimmering across the lake are so tranquil. This serene setting will certainly add happy years to our lives. The changing of the seasons adds to the experience. The term, “Spring has Sprung”, takes on a new meaning and dimension with the dogwoods and redbuds blooming. Activity is all around, as there will soon be new life.  We also enjoy the privilege of viewing the wildlife up close. Birds are everywhere, but beyond the usual robins, wrens, blackbirds, cardinals, bluebirds, gold finches, and hummingbirds, there is more. We also have seen egrets, blue herons, mallards, geese, sea gulls, pelicans and even American Bald Eagles which winter here. There’s even more.  We see chipmunks, gray squirrels, rabbits, skunks, raccoons and occasionally a wild turkey, red fox or deer.

Fire in the Morning ... a Grand Lake Sunrise ....... Photo by Dave Wagenblatt

Our backyard comes complete with other entertainment. Summer brings the peak of activity.  People from all over the United States come to the lake to escape, relax and have fun. People want to enjoy a brief get-a-way from their everyday duties and responsibilities. All the water sports can be seen in our back yard: swimming, skiing, fishing, sailing, and boating. We also watch the Cherokee Queen cruise by, giving tours or dinner parties along the Grand Lake shores. The Cherokee Queen is a Mississippi style paddle boat reminiscent of the Mark Twain era, which starts from Sail Boat Bridge traveling to the tip of Monkey Island and then back again.

Fall is our favorite time of year, if we had to choose one. (We actually love each season here.)  After Labor Day, activity starts to slow down. The air will soon be turning crisp bringing a new freshness.  The leaves will turn color, and the fall migration will begin. Fall festivals are coming, such as the Grand Lake Rally, a “Taste of Grand” fund raiser, the Fall Wine Festival, and the Pelican Festival. There is always something to look forward to at Grand Lake. And there is our back yard. It’s the same backyard, but it changes with each season. Each day is different with something new to discover. How lucky can you get? It’s like winning a lottery in life.

Monkey Island Sparkles on Grand Lake OK .... Photo by Dave Wagenblatt

The winters are still fantastic as we sit in front of our fireplace and look out through our picture window at our magnificent backyard….. Of course, I mean Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. It’s like living in the middle of a picture on a Hallmark card, 365 days per year. In wishing you the best, it means that we wish you could have a “backyard” like ours.  As we say on our websites… If you’re lucky enough to live at Grand Lake, you’re lucky enough!

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

Every October about this time, a tradition of fine dining continues on Monkey Island, OK at the “Shebang” restaurant. This is the start of the “guest chef” night every Wednesday starting at 7:00 p.m., but people meet at six p.m. to partake of liquid refreshment to loosen lips for the fun evening of good food, conversation, and laughter. The brilliant idea was originated by the proprietor Joyce Duke who I have dubbed the “Mistress of Mischief”  ( she earned it) and affectionately has been called “PITA” by friends. That is an acronym. You figure it out. She has had many great ideas over time as you will see should you spend time at Monkey Island on Grand Lake, OK. You’ll hear more about these things in this blog and will be able to see some of it on the Monkey Island Picture Show. Lets see, some of the attendees were Doug Smith and his wife, Gretchen Zumwalt Smith, Mike & Carrie Wiiliams, Mike Long, Dwayne Richardson, Tammy Botts and of course myself (Dave) & Debbie Wagenblatt amongst others. The star of the evening was Mo, Joe & Julio, (also known as Kelly Whitehead), who prepared Cuban quisine.  Kelly received a standing ovation for her culinary skills. To be part of this experience reservations are required so the guest chef will know how much food to prepare.

Want more information about Grand Lake OK ?  These are ways to get it.

For more information about Grand Lake OK Real Estate?  Please contact Dave and Debbie Wagenblatt at 918.257.8381 or email them directly at davewagenblatt@remax.net.

Many people don’t realize that there are gated communities on Grand Lake,  OK which have free standing homes but are organized under condominium by-laws. Typically people think of a condo as a townhouse or an apartment type set up. So don’t let that term stop you from investigating that possibility while looking for a lakefront home on Grand Lake. In addition, there are things usually covered by the monthly or annual dues which you pay for anyway.  Things which many haven’t considered. Things like part of the insurance, water, sewer, trash, a boat slip and maintainance/upkeep on the grounds. Many have pool and tennis courts as well and some a clubhouse. By the time you add up the cost to have all this done it turns out it costs about the same anyway. Here is the thing that turns the tide. You don’t have to do it yourself, you get to come to the lake and have fun!!!. All the by-laws are a little different so be sure to check them and ask your Realtor for more information. These Gated communities such as Newport Village, Brighton Bay, St.James Club, White Chapel, Main Stay, Beacon Hill, Heritage Point, The Chateaus, Vintage, etc., are located all around the lake including Monkey Island,  Grove,  Ketchum, Duck Creek and other areas.  While some are actually condo bylaws, some are planned unit developments where only the grounds, streets, etc. are maintained for you.   Either way, a lot of folks are enjoying their amenities.

Check out our websites www.SurfGrandLake.com and www.GetGrandResults.com for the most extensive information on the Grand Lake, OK area, Things to Do and Real Estate.

SHANGRI LA CHATEAU  / GUARDED & GATED COMMUNITY
LOCATED ON LAKEFRONT PROPERTY & CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE
GRAND LAKE O’ THE CHEROKEES, MONKEY ISLAND, OKLAHOMA

Lakeside view of Shangri-la Chateau on Monkey Island

5,146 SQUARE FEET OF GORGEOUS, LIGHT FILLED NEW  REMODEL
+++++ MOVE-IN READY +++++
OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH VIEWS FROM ALL ROOMS
DESIGNER FINISHES, COLORS & WALL TEXTURE / 3 FIREPLACES
ALL NEW KARASTAN CARPET & TUMBLED TRAVERTINE FLOORS

HUGE NEW KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS
CUSTOM SLAB GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
CUSTOM ALDER CABINETS WITH SLOW CLOSERS
NEW STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES
2 ISLANDS / WALK-IN PANTRY / DESK
48” REFRIGERATOR / COMPACTOR
2 SINKS / 2 DW / 2 OVENS / MICRO

Shangri-la Championship Golf Course out your front door.

MAIN FLOOR & UPPER MASTER SUITES5 BEDROOM SUITES WITH 2 MAIN LEVEL & 3 UPPER LEVEL
7 CUSTOM BATHS & WALK-IN CLOSETS
ALL NEW SLAB GRANITE
LOTS OF LIGHT, VIEWS, & TONS OF STORAGE

THE ULTIMATE 600 SQUARE FOOT LAKEFRONT FAMILY ROOM
    HOME THEATER W/ 50” FLAT SCREEN
 SURROUND SOUND
       WET BAR WITH FRIG, ICEMAKER

View of Grand Lake from your Monkey Island Chateau

LOVELY MATURE LANDSCAPING
SPACIOUS PATIOS WITH BUILT-IN SEATING & GAZEBO
DOCK

For pictures or a showing Contact us at 918-257-8381 and look at our other web sites

www.SurfGrandLake.com and www.GetGrandResults.com

One of Grand Lake’s most popular festivals is happening Saturday 10/11/2008 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s the Grand Wine Country Fall Festival at Royal Bay Horse Ranch and Grand Lake Vinyards on Monkey Island. There is of course wine tasting, music, and lots of food. Get Ready for some Grand Lake, Monkey Island, OK fun!!! See you there!

You can find out more about the Grand Lake OK  and Monkey Island area festivals on our web sites www.SurfGrandLake.com and www.GetGrandResults.com.  If you’re looking for a lakefront home or other real estate here, you can find that too.

Events for October 9th – 12th

Date                       Description                    Contact

10/9 RC Car and Truck Fun Race @ 6:00PM to 9:00PM ~ Grove Community Center 918-256-5077

 10/11 Grand Wine Country 3rd Annual Wine Festival @ Royal Horse Ranch on Hwy 125 918-257-1166 Music ~ Wine Tasting ~ Artisians & Crafters  on Monkey Island from 11:00 to 5:00

10/11 Annual Harvest Moon Cruise Night in Grove, OK @at the Grove Community Center 918-786-9079

10/11 Green Country Square Dance Club @ 7:30PM till 10:00PM ~ Grove Civic Center 918-786-7637 Round Dancing ~ Public Welcome

10/11 – 10/12 Fall 4 X 4 Invasion @ D-Day Adventure Park 918-666-3411

10/11 Cherokee Queen Dinner Cruise from 6:00 to 8:00PM ~ RSVP 918-786-4272

10/11 & 11/12 Coleman Theatre presents Silent Movie: Harold Llyod in “Girl Shy” 918-540-2425

10/11 Grove, OK Second Saturday’s from 6:00 to 8:00PM 918-786-7262

10/13 – 10/18 Annual Grand Lake Cruise 918-336-3086

Upcoming Events

October 18 ~ 14th Annual Strutt Your Mutt Dog Walk (Benefit for the Humane Society)

October 20 ~ Santa’s Old Broads Halloween Sippin’ & Signin’

October 25 ~ Square Dancing with the Green Country Square Dance Club

October 30 ~ RC Car and Fun Run Race

October 31 ~ Cherokee Queen Costume Cruise Party from 8:00 to 12:00

November 8 ~ Grove, OK 9th Annual Christmas Open House

Novemeber   22  ~  Grove, OK  Lights  On   &  Evening  Celebration 

See more about this and Grand Lake at www.SurfGrandLake.com