Americana Cove

A New Year a fresh start!

Apr 02, 2002

Prayer for January
Creator God, Sustainer of Life we thank you for guiding us to a New Year. Last year we succumbed even more to earthly desires and sinful ways. We beg your forgiveness for our transgressions
We forgot one of the prime tenets on which this earth was created.
"To love our neighbors as ourselves."
Our neighbors are not just those who live near us or those who think like we do, or those who believe as we do. They are all people everywhere all around the world you created. Help us to remember the slogan on which this Country was founded.
"In God We Trust."
We have trusted in power, possessions and prosperity.
Help us to renew our energy to serve you during the next twelve months.
Your Son has said, "In as much as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me."
May we call on your Holy Spirit to strengthen our willingness to change from our weakened efforts of the year past?
Thank You God. Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.

Welcome New Residents
By Frances McVay

HARMON, Stanley & Edith (ME)
636 Mt. Piney Avenue 522-1528
Previously: Wendling

JOHNS, Arlie & Dorothy
689 Mt. Lancaster Avenue 520-8334
Previously: Dilday

LANE, Leon (KY)
4125 Mt. Piney Avenue 527-0813
Previously: MAROA

SCHIAVONE, Peter N. & Catherine
232 Mt. Curve Avenue
Previously: Mottinger

SEBEK, George (IL)
161 Americana Court
Previously: DesRoches

THOMAS, Robert & Joyce (IN)
220 Mt. Piney Avenue
NEW HOME

SUNSHINE REPORT JANUARY 2002
Peggy Hubrich, Sunshine Lady

NURSING HOMES
Jane Bryant Maria Manor
Bob Evans Carrington Place
Erna Wring Carrington Place
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Milton Johnson Shore Acres
Anita Perrault Fountain Senior Properties
Carl Rosenquist Westminster Shores

BIRTHDAYS

01 Helen Bzowski
Mae Linstad
02 Bert Zanaglio
Ed Johnson
Don Berg
03 Dotte Farren
Lillian Harris
07 Carl Watts
Tom Solomon
09 Chuck Moon
13 Jean Iacono
14 Billie Beach
Helen Riggs
15 Virginia Blanken
Keith McCall
16 Helen Gibson
20 Louise Pickett
22 Anita Perrault
26 Elmer Blanken
Al Scribner
30 Gloria Shultes

ANNIVERSARIES
01 Lila and Jerry Mussman 23 years
03 Andrea and Ron Simmons 32 years
07 Gerri and John Bassett 07 years
11 Claire and Bill Hart 61 years
15 Simonne and Gerald LaChapelle 58 years
18 Pat and Frank Wright 10 years
25 Gene and Tony Rybka 61 years
26 Mitzi and Don Delzell 45 years
29 Shirley and John Wadsworth 55 years
31 Shirley and Leo Laforce 53 years

Renters Association (RAMA)
By Cleve Ballentine
We are very disappointed that there were not meaningful negotiations with the five member negotiating committee of MAROA in 2001
The lot rents for 2002 were set arbitrarily by MAROA at 2.7% in accordance with the Consumers Price Index (CPI). We believe the CPI should be only a benchmark from which the parties can negotiate up or down. That was the case in 1998. We submitted a proposal that the lot rent (increase?) be established at 2.2%, which was the CPI rate at that time. This was returned to us at 2.5%, averaging monthly increases of $10 for a three-year lease. Our members accepted it, through a democratic vote.
Mobel Americana made history when the agreement of 1998 was obtained through good faith bargaining and was settled in the month of April before we 'Snowbirds' went north. We believe that agreement served the park well, both financially and in goodwill. The lot rents from about 240 homeowners produces over $1 .5 million cash flow a year towards park maintenance.
At the Nov. 5 mandatory meeting with the negotiating committee of MAROA (which we as a Homeowners Association are entitled to 30 days after the notice to increase lot rents has been received under Chapter 723 Florida Statutes), we put forth our concerns that RAMA's future as an association representing the lot renter homeowners in Mobel Americana could be in jeopardy if the lot rents are automatically increased in accordance with the CPI.
If we don't obtain negotiated settlements, then RAMA becomes irrelevant and will go out of existence. We really don't think that is what MAROA wants.
We Have Hope. At the November MAROA meeting, President Edward Kelly gave us a commitment that we will have negotiating meetings in 2002 and figures will be reached by the end of April as it was in 1998.
The annual meeting of RAMA will be held on Jan. 2, 2002 in the main clubhouse. At that meeting we will establish what the membership dues will be for the year.
Lot Renters --please attend if you can. That will give our board encouragement to carry on.

MAA NEWS FOR JANUARY
Betty Chase, President
MAA Council will meet on Tues. Jan. 1, at 10:00 am.
On Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 12:00 noon there will be MAA Luncheon meeting
preceding the Old Timers Luncheon Meeting on Wed. Jan. 9 at 11:30 am.
A representative from Life-line Screening will explain the procedure to follow for services they will be providing for us in the Atrium on Thursday, Jan. 24. from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. If there are any group activities planned for the Atrium that day would you please use the Club House instead?
On Sat., Jan. 19 at 6:00 pm there will be a Soup/Sandwich/Dessert and dinner followed by a performance of special music by the Gulfport Harmonica Club at 7:00 pm. Tickets go on sale Mon., Jan. 14th at 9:00 am for $5.00.

Opinion - by the Editor
Proposals have been made recently to dissolve the Old - Timers Club, and let the MAA have the full responsibility for the social activities in the park. I know the statement is to merge the two organizations, but as the Old - Timers operates semi-independently under the MAA, it is really a dissolution and not a merger. The response has been, I would say, neutral.
That is to say most people don't seem to have a firm conviction one-way or the other. There are several pros and cons.
Well, what are some of them? Some positive points are the need for fewer volunteers to run things. Volunteers are hard to get. And purchasing arrangements and storage facilities could be consolidated. On the other hand, one group could do a consolidated purchasing for the two groups if there was no change. But, would it be harder to find volunteers, even for a smaller organization when the workload would be greater?
Some cons are the concentration of all the activities in the hands of a few people. I remember when this idea was first floated a few years ago, my initial reaction was ok. Then I thought, but two groups keeps more residents involved in the daily activities of the park, with a consequence of feeling more needed, and of having something to do. The other advantage is the split workload.
Another con, and one that is really an abstract, is the loss of an idea. There is amongst us all a feeling of loss when a heritage is lost. When a name with meaning is gone forever. Old -Timers has a ring to it, as if there are bodies, real people, involved. Maybe it's time for a change.
I guess I'm ambivalent on the subject. But the bottom line is, it is difficult to get volunteers, and so it is up to you, the Park residents to make up your minds. One thing is certain; apathy will kill it, as they say in the commercials - DEAD.

Thank you's
Vesper Services - A special thank you for the set up crew for the Sunday evening Vesper Service from the Congregation.
Paul Beauregard
Dick Jones
Bob Boone
Ed Boyd
Phil Tarpley
And to all the other part time helpers

From Wanda and Jerry Spetz. We wish to thank everyone for all the cards and kindness. Also for your prayers during the passing of Wanda's sister.

A Special Thank You
By Rosemary Kegebein
I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to all the many Friends that sent cards, visited, called and sent the special Cream puffs. It really has made my recovery so much more pleasant. It is especially nice to know that people care.
Bless all of you.

NOTICES
There is, at the maintenance shed on Mt. Piney Avenue, an air pump, which you may use 24 hours a day to pump up your bicycle tires. Please replace the air hose on the hanger.
Forecaster
All items and other information for the Forecaster may be placed in the box just inside the entry doors to the Atrium. All items to be in BLACK INK. Deadline for February (now 5 PM) for general articles is the 19th of January and for last minute items, the 20th. Please note that the minimum font size is number eleven.
Old Phone Books - Place old phone books in the aluminum can shed at the Americana Drive storage area, not in the newspaper or magazine bins.
Canada Day - January 26, 2002
Tickets, at $ 5.00 each, go on sale January 14th at 9.00 am in the hall. Only four tickets per person. If there are to be eight at the table then another person must buy the other four tickets. Reserve your table at ticket purchasing time. Pick your own table. No need for early set-up. We supply plates. You bring your own cutlery and liquid refreshments.
Monthly Bridge - It will be on January 16th at noon as usual, with tickets to be sold for lunch for $5.00. Hostesses are Anne Kocher, Elaine Laberge, Shirley Beauchamp and Joan Dell' Angelo. Everyone that plays bridge is invited and prizes will be given.

Vespers - Visiting Ministers January 2002
January 6th - Dr. Gene Crawley - NE Park Baptist Church
January 13th - Rev. Georgia Gaston - Trinity United Methodist Church
January 20th - Tom Hartman - NE Christian Church, Minister of Music
January 27th - Pastor Harry Parrott - Retired from Baptist Church of the Beatitudes

Decking the Halls, Walls & Ceilings!
By the Lamberts & Hopkins/Decorating Committee
We had a terrific turnout for the tree-trimming party! Over 25 of you popped in and got the job done quickly and beautifully. With four teams of tree trimmers (say that fast three times), each tree had it's own unique personality. Of course, we were all well rewarded! Add tables full of homemade cookies to bowls of holiday punch and the "kick" of Betty Chases's eggnog and you get one jolly Holiday crowd! By the way, Gene Latreille made a magical "cherry-coconut delight" cookie that was absolutely fabulous!

Dear Needlecrafters,
By Annette Solomon
The Craft Fair is over; Christmas & New Year have come and gone. Now, we will resume classes in BASIC crochet, embroidery, plastic canvas, and counted cross-stitch. Knitting & Chicken Scratching also will be offered.
Don't sit home alone
Join us & learn a technique or join us & SHARE a technique.
Every Monday 6 to 8 P. M. and every Thursday 9 to 11 A. M.
P.S. Lessons & most supplies are FREE.
See you there

Neighborhood Crime Watch
Update
By Barbara Magada

Our next Crime Prevention/Crime Watch/Crime Patrol meeting will be held on Friday, January 11th, 2002 at 1:30 PM in the Clubhouse.
The Speaker will be John Barr, Regional 2 Director of "SENIORS VS CRIME from the Florida State Attorney Generals Office.
Subject will be "CRIMES AGAINST THE ELDERLY" and "SENIOR SLEUTHS"
This new project of Seniors vs. Crimes is off to a successful start.
You may have seen it shown on 48 HOURS on TV recently
Please plan on attending and bring a friend or a new Neighbor. I promise that this will be a very interesting program
REFRESHMENTS OF COURSE!
Coordinators:
Barb Magada, Esther Louzon and Jim Chase

SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB NEWS
By Jo Waldron
Our season is in full swing again. Too few league games have been played to give a report on the standings, so look for them in next months Forecaster.
Sil Oliveira announced that Glen Peltier is offering Tournament Director classes, free of charge. This can be a fun and lucrative experience. There will be 4 sessions, the dates are 1/12, 1/19, 1/26 & 2/9, all Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The locations will alternate between the St Pete Shuffleboard club at Mirror Lake and Clearwater. Mr. Peltier requests that you sign up only if you can commit to all 4 sessions. If you are interested, give Sil a call for more information.
The Fun games were played following our December meeting; the top score went to newcomer, Brian Hamilton. Welcome aboard Brian and congratulations.
1st place: Doreen McGrath & Doug Reid
2nd place: Sil Oliveira & Frank Pereira
3rd place: Lenore Helson & Ed McGrath
Booby: Ruth Healy & Laurie Mello
Lenore Helson announced the dates of the in-park tournaments. The Doubles will be held on Monday 1/14 and Wednesday 1/16 at 8:30 AM These doubles pair a Nova player with an "A" player, it's done by chance, you never know who your partner will be and that's the fun of it. All Nova players are urged to sign up. In the past, two of the "A" players have been forced to pair up and this spoils the spirit of the game. With equal participation, Novas will compete against Novas and "A" players will have "A" opponents. So even if you are a first year player, join in, you may or may not win but you will have fun!
Lenore will have the sign-up sheets posted at the courts by January 1st so don't forget to sign up and then show up, 8:30 a.m. January 14th.
Just a reminder of our other tournaments, so you can mark your calendar, Feb. 11th & 13th is the in-park singles and March 4th at 12:30 p.m. is the Red & Black game play-offs.
Also in March, on the 14th & 15th Blue Sky host the league tournaments. This is a whole shuffleboard club effort, those not playing will be asked to help with baked goods or time (or both!).
In the Canadian Tournament, held on December 5th, Doreen McGrath placed 3rd and Ed McGrath placed 4th in the Main Event. Congratulations.
And one last note, mark your calendar for January 12th, our pancake breakfast, see you there.
Happy Shuffling

Par Seekers Golf
By Russ Steele
Pete Lambert announced winners for the two-person scramble on Nov. 29 at the regular Dec.3 meeting of the Par Seekers.
The first place team was Bill Hart and John Taylor with a score of 62. In second place with a 64 were John Dunn and Carol Slade, while Ed Higgins and John Pendino were third with a 67 and Cleve Ballentine and Carol Dunn were fourth with a score of 68.
Carol Dunn was also the winner of the closest to the pin on the 10th hole. Don Harris won a similar award for the 5th hole.
New members introduced at the monthly meeting were John Pendino and John Taylor.
The rules for tournament play at Mainlands were discussed and Pete Lambert recorded a summary for the membership.
January events outlined by Mike Regan include a blind draw tournament on Jan. 17 and the Canadian Open on Jan. 31. Open play will be held on Jan. 3, 10, and 24.

Cue Club News
By Brian Birch
Our regular Cue Club meeting was held on December 3rd, and the following officers were elected for the coming 2001-2002 season:
President- BRIAN BIRCH
Vice-President- EVA STAHL
Secretary-IRENE GOULET
Treasurer- ROGER LaBerge
Captains for the League were also selected, with Roger LaBerge leading the men on Monday evenings, Leni Lambert leading the women on Wednesday evenings, and Jerry Spetz leading the men on Thursday evenings. We invite anyone interested in joining the League to stop by the poolroom or see one of the officers/captains. Dues are $3/yr or $30 for a lifetime membership. We also offer 2 other activities as a Club:
1) Our mixed doubles Fun Night on Sunday evenings at 7:00 pm. You do not need to have a partner- just a desire to play 8-ball and have fun doing it!!! Please come join us.
2) We also offer Free Instruction by Brian Birch for 8-ball on Thursdays, 5-6:30 PM. Join him to perfect your skills or to learn how to play the game.
We are pleased to welcome back our members, old and new, and hope to see many of you in the "games" to come! We post our Cue Club activities calendar on the bulletin board just inside the poolroom for all to see... Have a great month, and HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Nora Adell Andrews
"It is with books as with men: a very small number play a great part."
Voltaire (1 694-1778)
The Friends of the Library welcome all who love books and reading to come and join in our monthly meeting. The meetings are held in the clubhouse once a month, on the second Thursday, at 1:00 p.m. We have a large selection of books, magazines, and puzzles, and we are getting more videos and more large print books. Our library works on the honor system: please feel free to take out items for your use, and return them to the cart when you are finished. The workers that keep the shelves and books organized deserve special thanks from all of us. Thank you for the wonderful job you did this summer while many of our workers were gone! We especially miss Shirley LaForce, who has been unable to come down this year.
This month the book, Friendship Cake by Lynne Hinton, was reviewed by Susie Doyle, who described the book as containing a warm poignant story of five very different women who embark on writing a recipe book. These five churchgoing women from Hope Strings, North Carolina illustrate good humor, tender moments, and life lessons and provide the readers with some delectable Southern recipes. The author is the pastor of the First Congregational United Church of Christian in Asheboro, North Carolina and has written her second novel, Things I Know Best.
Next month on January 10th, Nora Adell Andrews will review the book, A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, by Bill Bryson. We meet at 1:00 in the Library Corner, and we would like you to come and join us. For more information please call Rita Lewis, our Head Librarian.

TO ALL MOBEL AMERICANA
RESIDENTS FROM MASSACHUSETTS
Submitted by Annette Solomon
You are invited to attend our third annual "Massachusetts Night" On Friday, January 11, 2002, at 4: 30 P. M., at Shells on 4th street.
We must make reservation by January 7, 2002, so please call:
Ellie Oliveira 522- 4626
Diana Rogers 526- 4361
Laurie Mello 522- 2356
Peg Truex 526-0517
Or
Annette Solomon 527- 5151 for more information
Come meet your Massachusetts friends for Cocktails, Dinner, Entertainment, & Prizes.

Duplicate Bridge
Gerri Bassett, Director

Sunday November 25, 2001
North & South
1. Helen & Walter Smith
2. Jo Waldron & Joan Dell'Angelo

East & West
1. Elizabeth Copeland & Maretta Dimke
2. Tie.... MaryJane Hill & Don Delzell
Gerri & John Bassett

Sunday December 2, 2001
North & South
1. Helen & Walter Smith
2. Esther Louzon & Shirley Beauchamp
3. Eleanor & Earl French

East & West
1. Agnes & Jerry Howland
2. Elizabeth Copeland & Maretta Dimke
3. Lucy & Roger LaBerge

Sunday December 9, 2001
North & South
1. Helen & Walter Smith
2. Tie - Elizabeth Copeland & Maretta Dimke
Esther Louzon & Shirley Beauchamp

East & West
1. Jo Waldron & Joan Dell'Angelo
2. Anne Kocher & Anne LaFlamme
3. Agnes & Jerry Howland
There will be no duplicate bridge until January 6th,2002. It's nice to see some of our winter visitors back. We wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Cars Reveal Much About Their Owners
By Gerri Bassett
Every car reflects something about its owners. My fun comes in trying to determine what something is. The easiest clues come from bumper stickers. People offer their political opinions about which candidate they hoped would win. What I don't understand is why they keep announcing they supported a loser years after the election has passed. I think I would like to get that sticker off my car as quickly as possible. The bumper stickers I enjoy most are the ones that tell something more personal about the car owner. If you take the time to read them some of them are clever. Bumper stickers are not the only thing I notice on cars. I notice the things people use to decorate the inside of their cars. Women drivers seem to do more than men. One of the most common decorations is a variation of fluffy stuffed cats that lie in the back windows and gaze at the driver behind. Another is anything with a bobble-head. Back windows aren't the only things people decorate in their cars. Many drivers hang things from their rear view mirror. Then there are people who drive without hooking up their seat belts even if it is the law. People hang air fresheners; fake flowers, leis, parking lot passes and women's garters. People like to decorate the outside of their cars too. Flags and ribbons seem to be the most popular. I was told by a person that sporting a red ribbon on the antenna means that person doesn't drink and drive. People also insert flags in their back windows to represent a local football team or a pizza delivery. Some people patch their cars with duct tape and red cellophane seems to be the materials of choice. Windows are fun to decorate; another thing I noticed is cracked windshields. The last thing I noticed about cars is their wheels. With all the hoopla about tires these days I have begun looking down more. Cars are missing hubcaps or wheel covers. You don't see many white wall tires anymore either. I don't see mud flaps either. They were an essential part of keeping mud off the car. Curb feelers, I don't know when they lost favor with car owners. There you have it. This is my observation and you can make up your own mind what this reveals about car owners? Test your own observation skills next time you're stuck in traffic, its fun.

Potpourri - from the Editor's desk (additional contributions from Gerri Bassett, Lucy Laberge and Nancy Hubartt)
Thought - Some folks wear their halos too tight.
Fun definitions - toothache: the pain that drives you to extraction.
Remember when - (from John Stewart) Going downtown seemed like going somewhere.
Translations - "You know I could never love anyone else." Translated: I am used to the way you yell at me and realize it could be worse.
Simple Signs - At a towing company. We don't charge an arm and a leg, we want tows.
Random Thoughts - I was thinking that women should put pictures of missing husbands on beer cans.
Integrity - If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you, be honest and frank anyway.
You're getting marvelously mature when; it takes longer to rest than it did to get tired.
Submitted by Dotty Kirby: Two women waiting at the Pearly Gates struck up a conversation. "How'd you die?" said the first. "I froze to death," said the second. "That's awful," said the first. "How does it feel to freeze to death?" The second woman replied "It's very uncomfortable, you get the shakes, pains in all your fingers and toes, but eventually it's a very calm way to go. But how about you, how did you die?" The first lady replied, "I had a heart attack. You see I knew my husband was cheating on me, so one day I showed up unexpectedly at home, ran up to the bedroom but he was all alone watching TV. I checked the basement, the second floor and up to the attic. But the strain of running upstairs was too much and I had a massive heart attack and died". The second woman shook her head, "How ironic" she said. "What do you mean?" said the first woman. Said the second, "If you'd only stopped to look in the freezer, we'd both still be alive".
Truths: A truly wise man never plays leapfrog with a unicorn.
Life: I don't mind the rat race, but I could do with a little more cheese.
Friends: You are such a good friend that if we were on a sinking ship and there was only one life jacket, I'd miss you heaps and think of you often.
I've learned: that when you receive an apology you should accept it. You only have one life and holding a grudge takes away from the quality of that life.
Words to live by: Anger is a condition in which the tongue runs faster than the mind.
The RAMA article by Cleve Ballentine is interesting, but I noted something else. If the Lessee (renters) homeowners contribute $1.5 million in cash flow each year, then this equates to an average monthly lot rent of $520.00 for each lessee. Now if these lessees bought a share, let's say $5000.00 down, and financed the balance of $24,000.00 at 6.5% over 15years, the monthly loan payment would be $209.00. Add to this a maximum lot maintenance fee of $195.00, plus an average monthly property tax bill of $80.00; you get a total monthly payment of $484.00. And if you qualify for the homestead exemption, your property tax/monthly payment is reduced by at least $50.00 a month. So I guess I wonder why more residents don't buy, when buying increases your cash flow, you get a vote and you have a direct say in how the park is run.

APPRECIATION
By John Layner
(The lubricant in life)
While the Holiday Season is still in progress and smiles are all aglow, we need to be reminded of the efforts of many who make Mobel Americana the beautiful place that it is. All of us, in one way or another take part in making this a great community.
Take for example, the "Eager Beaver" crew. This fine body of men is better known as the maintenance department. Their never-ending chores are always handled efficiently and we should be most proud of them.
Then are the ones I call "The Angels". Two lovely ladies in the office like chaplains of a military unit who lend an ear to everyone's problem. And you can rest assured that the final result will find you leaving the office with a smile. Surely, they must gather enough material to write a best seller. Lovely ladies.
Yes, there are many people who deserve appreciation. The folks at the gate, all of our officers, members of committees, whomever, Thank You for all that you do. Thank you for making Mobel Americana so very special.

Pennies from Heaven
A Short Story by Ken & Beck Hopkins
A song of serenity softly whistled through the trees and the thick carpet of pine needles was soft and fragrant to the step; it was a perfect camping spot. He had wanted to go on. She was tired of the road. "Can we stay here tonight?" she asked. "Why not?" he replied, "We don't have to be back right away."
The overnight visit turned into a much longer stay. By the third day the beauty of the spot had become commonplace, the way we accept the beauty of a sunset rather than marveling at it. Their daily routine consisted primarily of cooking, eating, relaxing, and enjoying each other's company. They continuously congratulated each other on how lucky they were to find such a wonderful home, if only for a few days.
She was the first to notice the squirrel, high up in the tall pine that anchored the far end of the clothesline. "Did you see that squirrel?" she asked. "She's been hanging around up there all morning, watching us." He looked up but saw nothing but pine boughs. "How do you know it's a she? Maybe it's a he. Surely you can't see its anatomy at this distance," he laughed. His mild attempt to be clever was met with a quick disdainful glance. "No, I saw her and I'm sure she's a female," she insisted. "In fact, she looks faintly familiar." Another laugh. "Oh sure, who does she look like, my mother?" "Well, it could be your mother," she teased back at him. "Who knows what we might come back as. I always figured you would come back as a wild dog, you watch so many of those animal shows."
The rest of the day was idyllic. How could it not be? Fluffy mashed potato clouds drifted over a lake that shimmered like blue-white diamonds in the noon sun. And then the surprise. "What did you do with the change I left on the picnic table?" she asked. "What change?" he responded. "I left a bunch of pennies on the table before we went for our walk and now they're gone." "Well, some kid must have needed ice cream money," he said. "Come on, you can tell me if you took my pennies," she laughed. "No, honest, I didn't see them."
At the campfire that night she reminded him. "You remember when your mom used to throw pennies away because she said they cluttered up her purse?" "Sure I do." "Well, maybe the squirrel is your mom and she's looking for the pennies she threw away." "Naw, if mom was to come back, she wouldn't be a squirrel More than likely she'd come back as a greyhound or race horse," and they laughed together. Mom had loved going to the track. As the fire died into embers they retired for the evening to the quiet comfort of their camper.
She was up first. "Come on, let's go for a walk." "What's the hurry?" he asked. He really wanted to get in a few more minutes of snuggle time but she was insistent. "I want to do a little experiment this morning. I'm going to leave some pennies on the table, but have to go away for a while."
He finally agreed to her scheme, and off they went for a long walk under the umbrella of pines. The early morning dew was just enough to dampen their shoes as they walked. A dull, pewter sky promised a rain-filled day with inside-the-camper games of cards and crossword puzzles. When he started to grumble that he hadn't had his breakfast, she agreed it was time to go back. Neither was anxious to get caught by the rain.
"They're gone!" she excitedly exclaimed when they got back to the site. "Look, the pennies are all gone." He could hardly argue that they were still there; the pennies were indeed gone. "Wonder if the squirrel is around?" He began to agree, but there was no sound of a squirrel nor did their straining eyes reveal any movement in the trees above. "Must have been the same kid" he insisted. "No, I'm convinced it's your mom," she said.
The sudden crack of thunder came immediately on the white flash of lightning. "Uh oh, we're in for it now! But we should be safe sitting it out in the camper," he said as he shooed her inside. "OK" she replied, "I'll put on a pot of coffee and whip up a rainy day breakfast." "Ahh, breakfast" he said as he hugged her, "my favorite meal of the day."
The rain continued through most of the day. Except for the occasional loud boom and momentary lightning flash, the day was not too uncomfortable. After she cooked breakfast, he washed and put away the dishes. Then out came the cards; poker was the game of the day. She won all his peanuts; she always did. Their quiet time was interrupted periodically by a heavy gust of wind that would shake the camper but cause no damage.
About six o'clock the storm passed on to the east and the sun peeked out from behind the remaining clouds. "Let's go out," she said. "I'll bet there's going to be a wonderful sunset." "OK," he lazily responded. "Put your boots on, because it's going to be messy outside."
As they stepped out of the camper, she was the first to notice. "Look, there's a squirrel's nest or something that fell down during the storm." The mass of leaves and twigs indeed looked like it had once been a nest. He picked up a stick and began poking around. "Be careful," she said. "Mom could still be in there and she wouldn't take too kindly to your poking." "You're so silly," he started to reply. Then, he saw the glint. He poked a little harder and out of the nest fell hundreds of pennies.

Editorial - Responsibilities
There has recently been a minor kerfuffle over the relative responsibilities of what social organizations are responsible for, and what the MAROA Board (Park) are responsible for.
In my opinion the responsibilities are very clear. The residents are responsible, under the bylaws, rules and regulations of the Park to keep their lots/residences in a clean and presentable condition. And equally the Park is responsible to do the same for the common areas.
If there is an understanding by the Clubs that the Park is to carry on with the special care of any long time project, then that specialized care must be clearly spelled out in a written document. On the other hand I do not believe that any Board should be bound to carry out such a contract in perpetuity if circumstances change. A simple vote by a Board could change the terms. Time passes, people change, opinions change and priorities change.
So let's say for argument's sake that a club agreed to do certain things forever.
Well, it seems to me that as a club is simply a group of park residents with no legal status and no incorporation, that it would be very difficult for the Park, that's you and me as shareholders, to hold anyone legally responsible for a volunteer activity. It is a moral responsibility.
All clubs are sub committees of the MAA, which is presently the recognized body responsible for social activities in the Park. If a club, for whatever reason, decides it has no further responsibility, or never had the responsibility, to do certain things in the common areas, then by default the Park is responsible. But this responsibility is in my opinion, limited to that which can be considered normal care. That is to say, in the poolroom for example, the Park is only responsible for cleaning and safety. The club is responsible to ensure that the equipment is in a good state for playing. So if there is a common landscaped area, then the Park's responsibilities are limited to what would normally be required, weeding, watering cutting etc. to keep the plants, shrubbery or grass looking presentable. The Park should not be responsible for specialized care, unless they have contracted in writing to do so.
I think the lesson learned from this is that no Board should agree to any activity or action that is going to require specialized work in perpetuity. Volunteer groups, and the people in them come and go, and by their nature, change membership frequently. What is an interest or promise by one group may not have the same priority by subsequent members. And it is not possible to enter into any legally enforceable contract.
Additionally, as each club is under the jurisdiction of the MAA, perhaps any future special projects should have their approval.
The bottom line is that we are all residents in this park, and it should be possible to work these problems out, without anyone taking hard-line positions, with the subsequent friction that develops. I am discouraged when sincere people take a position that it is them (the Board), versus the residents, us and that the bylaws are the bylaws.
By-laws are only the minimum requirements by which the park operates. There is no restriction on how much volunteering can be done. Many groups have contributed sweat and cash for the betterment of the park. I would hate to think that the by-laws take priority over the community spirit, If this were to be the norm, then it would be a dog eat dog existence, and I don't think anyone in the park wants that type of approach to what are, after all, communal concerns.
When I look at the inside cover of the Forecaster I see all kinds of volunteer groups listed. I had always been under the impression that the Club's name indicated an interest in that activity and some responsibility for that activity. I would ask that all clubs confirm that their name still reflects their area of interest. Some have been in existence for years, and maybe the name is not a current indicator of your main activity.
And now as to the seawall. I think that the Board has done an excellent job in arranging for the refinancing of the Park and getting the funds to have the work carried out. There is always second guessing on a major project, but I think all should realize that we do not have a bunch of dummies on the Board. They are very conscious of their responsibilities and as far as I can see have done all the necessary research.
You know it is not always possible to tie things down on a moments notice so that a clean report can be given to the membership. Often, most times I would think, it is an ongoing process involving negotiations and decision-making. Having been on Boards, it is very frustrating to have someone tell you that you don't know what you're doing, when you've just spent hours, weeks and months getting to a certain point. I'm sorry folks, but in the real world there are always t's to be crossed and I?’s to be dotted before any project can be finalized. Until that point one has to trust the elected representatives. Of course this is not to say that full disclosure of progress should not be made at every opportunity, but unless you have some knowledge of the subject, listen carefully, and then pass judgment. Do not second-guess.

Newspapers and Magazine Recycling
All newspapers are to be placed in the newspaper bins. Please do not put brown paper or plastic bags in the newspaper bins. The bins are only for newspapers.
A magazine bin is located at the storage compound on Americana Drive. Please take all your magazines to this bin.
Aluminum Cans and Scrap Metal
Please put these out on Monday evenings only or take to one of the Old-timers Aluminum sheds. Do not put in the garbage compactor. It is for household garbage only.
Yard Brush and Tree Trimmings
Place all yard brush and tree trimmings at the side of the road separate from the garbage and it will be picked up. Do not put it with the regular garbage. This only increases the amount we must pay to have hauled away.
Help the Park - There is a shed at the Americana Drive compound where you can place your old phone books. By keeping as much as possible of all these materials out of the garbage we save on garbage hauling costs as well as generating some funds, not only for us, but also for a school that turns these in for recycling to raise school funds.
Bertram Zanaglio, MAROA Board member.