Americana Cove

Spring is bustin out all over!

Apr 02, 2002

Prayer for March
Gracious Holy God, we bow before you in humble adoration for your over-flowing grace to us, your sinful people.
This is a peak month of 2002, beginning with World Day of Prayer on the first.
We may not be able to pray like the Apostle Peter. However, whatever we pray are sweet words to you through the Holy Spirit's interpretation. So let us never shrink from praying regularly.
On the 28th our Jewish brethren begin their celebration of The Passover That time was when the Angel of Death, at Your instructions, passed by the homes on which the sacrificial blood of a lamb had been smeared on the door posts.
Jesus celebrated this same Holy Day with His disciples the night on which the first Holy Communion or Eucharist was held, as prophesized. Within twenty-four hours Your Son, Jesus Christ, shed His blood for our sins.
May we remember all the events of Holy Week as we remember His Resurrection on Easter when he overcame death. He promised that we, too, could live forever with Him if we just believed.
May God bless you with that knowledge. Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.

BOARD BITS
By Dick Nemi
Another month has come and time for a new column. I have been racking my small brain to come up with something to write about. Prior to January 1st board members got together everyday at the office, to try to resolve any problems that might have arose during the previous few days. Since January 1st, that duty has been taken away from us, and I for one could not be happier. I went to my usual sources to find if there was anything they wanted me to try to explain or to put in print. Since the Manager, and Ken Hopkins are now writing columns, there is little left for me.
I have had many people compliment me on this column and rest assured I will be heard from if and when I feel it necessary! Until than, Enjoy our Community!!!

FROM THE PARK MANAGER
We have installed a two-wheel bike rack in the parking lot outside the main clubhouse. It holds 18 bikes. Three wheel bikes will also have room to park in the same area.
The purpose is to eliminate the congestion at the sidewalk entrance to the shuffleboard, the sales office and the overhang. Please let us all cooperate and use them!
We are working on a location to park golf carts as this also creates a parking problem with one golf cart taking up one parking place.
1st Street Landscape Maintenance: Our landscape crew is busy cleaning up the fence line along the south side of 1st Street, removing dead jasmine vines, and cleaning out weeds, pruning and fertilizing. After the entire stretch is done both north and south of the main entrance, they will be caulking the cracks in the cinder block wall and painting it. We will then be planting some annuals for color. Lawns and Services was hired to trim and top all the orchid trees and remove the dead branches. Looking Good!
The fishing area on Mt. Piney Rd. is next on the list. There they will be removing the dead ground cover and replacing it with some heather and annuals as well. We have a surprise in store for the fishing area and the entrance, and hope all will be pleased.
Before long we will also be re-doing the landscaping at the entrance to the business office. Stay tuned!

Welcome New Residents
By Frances McVay

MOTHER-GLOMBOSKI, Rose
NOVOTKA, Henry & Annette (PA)
7012 Americana Drive
(Previously: Winfrey)

COKE, David & Marsha (FL)
663 Mt. Key Avenue
(Previously: Ferrier)

SUNSHINE REPORT
MARCH 2002
Peggy Hubrich Sunshine Lady

NURSING HOMES;
Jane Bryant Maria Manor
Bob Evans Carrington Place
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Erna Wring Carrington Place
Carl Rosenquist Westminster Shores

BIRTHDAYS;
01 Bob Lescarbeau
02 Jerry Mussman
04 Ray Macumber
06 Kay Brownsey
Dick Linville
Marjorie Dodd
07 Cecile Lescarbeau
08 Lou Ayotte
09 Bill Moss
Susanne Darowski
11 John Hill
Donald Park
Pat Wright
12 Anne Kocher
14 Gladys Dunn
Bill Kocher
15 Bill Gamble
17 Pat Porretto
18 Doc. Jones
19 Norine Fisher
20 Bill Fullerton
21 Ed Slade
Rosemary Kegebein
22 Dick Nemi
Mary Ann Fairlie
Barbara Strehl
23 Shirley Wadsworth
Drew Fairlie
24 Norma McPherson
25 Bob Larson
26 John Mello
30 Mia Booth
Irene Young
Irene Goulet
31 Shirley Dunn

ANNIVERSARIES
07 Jan and Rene Renaud 59 years
18 Vivian and Dick Linville 63 years
25 Betty and Jim Chase 48 years
28 Nora and Ed Clifford 51 years

MOBEL NOTES
By Ken Hopkins
ARE WE A COMMUNITY OR A PARK? - When my wife and I moved here last February, we were somewhat confused by the interchangeable use of the terms "Park" and "Community" used to refer to Mobel Americana. We quickly surmised that "Park" must mean "Trailer Park or Mobile Home Park". Here at Mobel Americana we alternately refer to ourselves as a "Mobile Home Park" and a "Resident Owned Community".
Frankly, we chose Mobel Americana not only for its physical beauty but the strong sense of community evidenced by its residents. We feel strongly that the term "Park" in no way expresses that sense of community. Nor do we feel that we live in a "trailer park"; we live in a community. Here are a couple of definitions quoted from the Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary.
Community - 1: a unified body of individuals; as a: STATE, COMMONWEALTH b: the people with common interests living in a particular area.
Trailer Park - an area equipped to accommodate mobile homes called also trailer camp, trailer court.
In point of fact, we don't even feel that we live in a "mobile home". Our 1200 square foot manufactured home is no longer referred to as a "mobile home" even by HUD, per the Housing Act of 1980.
We find it interesting that while there are two large signs at the entrance to our community proclaiming, "Mobel Americana, a resident owned adult community", the van that we use to transport residents around town has "mobile home park" emblazoned on the rear.
We submit there is a further, more practical aspect to this issue. Consider a new prospect thinking of possibly buying into Mobel Americana and comparing us against the many other real estate choices available in the area. Wouldn't the term "Community" with all that it implies be a much stronger inducement to decide in our favor versus the term "Park"?
We urge our residents to use the term "Community" rather than "Park" wherever and whenever referring to Mobel Americana.

RAMA NEWS - Congratulations to Conrad Weiser who has accepted the position of 2nd Vice President of RAMA. The previous 2nd VP, Mel Fisher, resigned after purchasing a Mobel Americana share and becoming ineligible to serve on the RAMA Board. RAMA board president, Cleve Ballentine has announced completion of the RAMA position regarding a possible rent increase and will shortly be meeting with Management to negotiate that increase.

A REQUEST AND REMINDER - Management would like to remind all residents of the policy regarding outside repair services and resultant waste disposable. It is the responsibility of the outside service to remove all waste products as a result of their work rather than placing them in the community dumpsters. For example, a flooring contractor installs new carpeting. Disposal of the old carpeting is up to the contractor but must be outside the community. Since we pay for garbage removal based on weight, the additive cost of this type of waste affects us all. Please note this policy is specifically for outside contractors. Residents should feel free to use the community dumpster as needed. Please remind your service people of this policy.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS - The recent election for Board members reinforces what you have always heard. Your vote counts. We all have been guilty of saying, "Why should I bother to vote? I'm only one person." Mobel Americana has 437 shareholders entitled to vote. 330 of those people actually voted in the January election. That means 107 shareholders either didn't care who served on the Board to represent their interests or they were just plain lazy. 107 people. Paul Mattina, running for the Board lost by one vote! How's that for impact?

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - Do all of you shareholders know that you have a legal right to review the minutes of the meetings of our Board of Directors? Dick Nemi, Board Secretary, does an excellent job of keeping minutes of the monthly meetings. These printed minutes are then placed in a secure binder kept in the business office. You are entitled to peruse those minutes but you may not remove the binder from the office. Minutes are maintained for a period of seven years to comply with State of Florida statutes.

A SAFETY REMINDER (OR TWO) - Just a reminder that operation of a golf cart on Mobel Americana grounds requires that the operator possess a valid driver's license. There are no exceptions to this rule and it precludes operation of a golf cart by grandchildren below legal driving age. Also, please make sure that your operation of a bicycle after sunset complies with the safety requirement of proper lighting on the bike. This includes a headlight and taillight or reflector. This is a State of Florida requirement and will be in effect as well if you ride your bike outside of Mobel Americana grounds.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR NEIGHBOR - Barbara Magada has been a resident of Mobel Americana for 21 years! Originally from Massachusetts, Barb retired from a career in both telecommunications and textiles and has found a new career as our Crime Watch Coordinator. Not only is Barb active with our crime watch effort but she also volunteers with the St. Pete police department as office manager of the police Resource Center. Barbara was chosen as "Police Volunteer of the Year" by the St. Petersburg police department for 2001. Barb is particularly proud that we have won a grant from the St. Pete police department for new radio equipment for our crime watch patrols.
When not working on police matters, Barb has been active in MAA, The Garden Club, and similar activities here at Mobel. When asked what she has observed as the biggest change at Mobel, Barb responded, "Improved appearance, more attractive, and people taking better care of their property."

MOBEL AMERICANA WEBSITE - Mobel Americana has an excellent website designed to "market" our lovely community to the outside world. Snowbirds from all over the U.S. and Canada can visually inspect our community over the Internet and, hopefully, make a decision to visit and ultimately purchase a home here. Please note that there is a cost to the community for additions to this website. For that reason, all additions to the website should be directed to Pat Ruedy who administers the website program. To check out the website yourself, go to www.mobelamericana.com.

MULLET FISHERMAN - From time to time we see commercial or private fisherman back in our canals fishing for mullet with cast nets. I've heard a variety of opinions on the legality of this practice so I have checked around with several experts, including our own police expert, Barbara Magada. The answer seems to be that it is indeed legal for them to be in the canals fishing with cast nets (not gill nets) as long as they remain in their boats. Of course, any incursion onto the land would be trespassing and illegal.

SUGGESTIONS WELCOME - Have some news from your club or group? Have an idea that you'd like to express in this column? Want your chance to be heard? Give us a call at 525-8411 or email hopken@mindspring.com

MAA NEWS FOR MARCH
By Betty Chase, Pres.
Friday, March 1, at 12:00 noon we will be setting-up for the White Elephant Sale. We need people to price items, strong backs to pick-up items from storage, and rearranging tables. Hot dogs will be given to those with nametags, so get signed in when you arrive. Also, you must be registered on the list at the bulletin board at the back of the hall.
The annual White Elephant Sale will be Sat., March 2, from 10:00 am till 2:00 pm. There will be a bakery table, small appliances, jewelry, small furniture, miscellaneous treasures, liquor raffle, jewelry raffle, linens and a lunch served from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. This event is one of the "money makers" that MAA must have to be able to provide coffee, paper products, entertainment, free lunches and many other behind the scenes expenses. So come "one and all" and support your MAA.
On Tues., March 5, there will be MAA Council meeting. Any resident is invited to come but only the representative of sanctioned clubs is awarded voting rights.
There is a wonderful Variety Show being planned for St. Patrick's Day celebration Saturday, March 16. Dinner will be served at 5:30 and the show will follow. Tickets go on sale preceding the MAA luncheon on Wed., March 6, at 11:00am. Also, on Friday, March 8, at 6:00pm preceding bingo. Tickets are $7.00.
Tickets are being sold for the Suncoast Barbershoppers Chorus. They will be here on Sat., March 9, at 7:00 pm. Cost is $2.00. Anyone that heard them last year knows what an outstanding performance they give. Don't miss them!!
Wed., March 13, at 9:00 pm - 12:00 noon there will be a health fair in the Atrium. This is preceding the Old Timers luncheon. The vendors are giving door prizes and conducting various tests. Be sure to take advantage of this free service provided by MD To You. If you will notice our nurses now have new blood pressure cuffs donated by MD To You, Thank you!!
The annual celebration of ownership of our park will be Sat., March 30, from 2:00 pm till 5:00 pm at the fishing pond. The Sundowners will be providing the music. Of course, Anne Kocher will do fortune telling, there are boat rides, bean bag toss, and singing and dancing. Charcoal grills, ice, porta potties, awning tents for those that can't be in the sun. Bring your own meat to cook table service, drinks, a dish to pass and a folding chair. It's a PICNIC, so come and enjoy. In case of inclement weather we will move to the clubhouse.

USE OF RECREATIONAL BUILDINGS
From Ken Hopkins
There continues to be some confusion over this issue. The two main recreational buildings in our community are commonly referred to as "The Atrium" and "The Club House". The use of these two facilities is spelled out in the latest version of the MAROA Rules and Regulations published August 1st 2001. In general, these facilities are open to all residents of the community. Specifically, "at no time will any Park facility be closed to any resident as result of any private function." Although "private" functions are allowed within the scope of community rules, subject to prior Management approval, this does NOT imply exclusive use of the facility. If a group of six or eight people has gained permission to hold a meeting in the Atrium that does not mean that nobody else can use the Atrium during that time period. Rather, it means that both groups, as good neighbors, find a way to move around a little and accommodate each other. Furthermore, regularly scheduled events always have priority over any individual requests for use of these facilities. Finally, MAA has been designated as the coordinating body to designate dates of usage of these facilities. Requests for use of the Recreational Buildings should be directed to MAA officers, not the Community Manager nor Board of Directors.

NOTICES
Forecaster Deadlines
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 on full size 8 1/2 by 11 paper. Deadline for April (now 5:00 PM) for general articles, the 19th of March, for last minute items, the 21st. 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.
From the Editor - It may seem early to be saying this, but if I wait for April many of you will be gone back north. So my thanks to all the contributors who make this publication a success. At least from what I hear it is a success. And I hope that I, with the continued assistance of the contributors, can continue to please the community. A sincere thanks to all the deliverers who make sure you receive a copy each month. Yes, there are occasional slipups and we apologize for that. And a special thanks to the columnist, Ken Hopkins who has brought a new perspective to the Forecaster, and to Ruth Brown for faithfully doing the calendar each month. And to my wife Gerri, thank you for keeping me focused when I occasionally try to stray.
Monthly Bridge Luncheon will be held on March 20th at noon. Tickets will be sold for $5.00 each and prizes will be given. Hosts and Hostesses, who will be announced at the lunch and other meetings, will sell the tickets.
Needlecrafters by Annette Solomon
On Wednesday at 11 00 AM prior to the MAA lunch, the Crafters and the braided rug makers will exhibit their creations. Please come and see their work. This is not a sale, just a lovely exhibit. See you there.

Parkinson's Walk-a-Thon by Harry Atwater
Once again, as we have for the last 12 years, we are planning to participate in the local chapter's walk. You have been most generous in the past, and we know you will be once again.
Because of a health problem Ray Macumber cannot chair the event this year, but is prepared to help. Harry has guests from England, so he cannot chair the event, but can offer limited help.
The walk is scheduled for March 23rd If you can help Ray and Harry, please call Harry at 522-2257. It would be a shame for us not to be able to assist in this very worthwhile event.

ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE
By Tom Priestly, Chairman
The annual blood drive will be held on March 9th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the Mobel Americana parking lot. Let's all turn out! And thank you to everyone who participates in this drive.

COMPUTER GROUP GUESTS
By Russ Steele
Two guests will make presentations and lead discussions at the Computer Interest Group meeting Saturday, March 16. The session will be held as usual at 9 a.m. in the clubhouse atrium.
Dale Wiley of Computer Help, the company that designed and operates the new Mobel American web site, will be aided by Al Allen, the photographer that took many of the pictures for the web site.
The company teaches clients how to use software and hardware, usually on a one-to-one basis at their home or office. They also design web sites, with a goal of being creative and cost effective.
MA residents are encouraged to view the site at Mobelamericana.com prior to the meeting in order to be better-informed and ready to direct questions to Mr. Wiley.
The computer group has been asked if it wishes to become a club under the umbrella of the MAA. This may be done in the future if the membership grows and there is more interest in becoming an official MA club.

SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB NEWS
By Jo Waldron
Thanks to Annette Solomon and her planning crew, bartenders, Don Harris and Chick, pianist John Wadsworth, and all the super shuffleboard club cooks, we had a great time at our annual cocktail party.
The winners in our park tournaments are:
DOUBLES MAIN EVENT
1st Ruth Healy & Sil Oliveira
2nd Eva Stahl & Nick Misciagna
3rd Irene Goulet & Tom Solomon
4th Bob Buckland & Roger Lafleur
DOUBLES CONSOLATION
1st Linda Hamilton & Shirley Penrod
2nd Billie Ballentine & Jerry Spetz
3rd Gene Latreille & Bert Zanaglio
4th Brian Hamilton & Pat McCarthy
SINGLES MAIN EVENT
1st Nick Misciagna
2nd Tom Solomon
3rd Ed McGrath
4th Carol Slade
SINGLES CONSOLATION
1st Shirley Wadsworth
2nd Lillian Harris
3rd Doreen McGrath
4th Theresia Volk
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
The mid-February league standings are Nova Red 1st place, Nova Blue 7th place, Friendship 1-5th place, Friendship 2-2nd place and Blue Sky is in 2nd place.
The Nova tournament is being held at Silver Lake on 2/28 & 3/1, I will announce our winners next month.
The Carl Agerholm trophy tournament is being held on March 4th at 12:30 p.m. If your name is on the Red & Black games winner list you are eligible to play in this event.
The Friendship league Doubles are being held at Silver Lake on March 11th & 13th The Singles will be played at Crystal Lake on March 18th & 20th.
In case of rain the above games will be played at Down Yonder.
The Blue Sky team is hosting their league tournament this month, March 14th & 15th. Eva Stahl is in charge of desserts and invites all the park bakers to donate their specialties. Please call her at 522-4818, or just bring your dessert to the clubhouse early Thursday morning. This event not only helps the shuffleboard club but also brings in visitors from all over the county so let's show them our Mobel Americana hospitality. If you'd like to assist or donate other than desserts, please call Sil Oliveira at 522-4626.
I can't believe it! Our banquet is being held this month! Of course there are many events being held this month but the banquet on Saturday, March 23rd, officially ends our season. Attend the Shuffleboard club meeting on Saturday, March 2nd to get the details.
What a wonderful season it's been. Before it's over and everyone scatters, I'd like to say (again!), this is a great group of people, like family, we snap at each other from time to time, but we forgive or at least bury our "stuff" for the sake of the group.... just like family.
It is a group effort, but two, in my opinion, have made an outstanding effort this year. Lenore Helson who puts so much time and effort into running our tournaments - we thank you. And, of course, Tom Solomon. There is no need to list the new innovations and improvements that Tom has initiated this year, he had lots of help but he was the spark plug that got us going. Thank you Tom.
YES! There will be a pancake breakfast this month, On March 9th, please come, the pancakes are great and we need the money. (To pay for Tom's ideas, l0l.) Speaking of money, Gloria Smolick won $102 at our February breakfast. Congratulations Gloria.
Happy Shuffling

PAR SEEKERS GOLF
By Russ Steele
Secretary Pete Lambert announced individual and team prizes for golf events at the Feb. 4 meeting. The group will meet again March 4 to finalize plans for the annual meeting and awards banquet March 25 in the clubhouse. The club championship, featuring handicap play in divisions A, B, C and W, is on the schedule for March 7.
The winning team in the scramble section of a colored ball scramble Jan. 17 was made up of Ed Higgins, Carol Dunn, Jim Morrison and Larry Whittier. Second were Bill Ervin, Hans Dekker, Mary Ann Vidumsky and Conrad Weisner, and third were Roy Young, Maurice Dion, Reeda Ervin and Pete Lambert.
First in the colored ball event were Sally Corliss, Leo Laberge, Syd Todd and Rene Renaud. Second were Norm Begin, Ruth Todd, Cleve Ballentine and Bill Hart, and third were Russ Steele, John Mello, Leni Lambert and John Vidumsky.
Overall winner of the Canadian Open Jan. 31 was Jean Dion, a B division player with a net 54 (71-17). Medallist for the day was Norm Begin with a 70, while Max MacArthur was the A division winner with a 59 net (71-12). Ed Slade was the C division winner with a 54 (90-36) and Leni Lambert was the women's winner with a net 57(83-26).
Chairperson Carol Dunn appointed a nominating committee consisting of Ray Seiben, Al Dion and Reeda Ervin.
The menu offered by Betty Chase for the banquet features a baked stuffed pork chop with a chicken breast alternate.

CUE CLUB NEWS
By Brian Birch
The tournaments have already begun, both Men's and Women's. The men play on Monday and Thursday evenings and the women on Wednesdays, beginning at 7:00 pm. If you would like to see "the best of the best" come early, since spectator space is limited. The annual Awards Banquet will be held this year on Thursday, March 28th with dining and dancing. We invite you to join us at 5.30pm for our evening. If interested, contact Irene Goulet at 527-7264 or Eva Stahl at 522-4818. Tickets may be purchased on or before March 21st for $7.00 per person... Also, we will continue to offer the mixed doubles night on Sunday evenings at 7:00 pm, and eight-ball instruction will still be available on Thursdays from 5-6:00 pm. As always, we encourage you to come join in the fun. Enjoy!!!

HORSESHOES
By Ginger Phillips
Our meeting was held on February 4th; there was much discussion on getting more players out. Would another day, other than Wednesday be better for everyone?
Please contact Jim Dye 522-9890, Richard Norcross 525-5338, Peg Truex 526-0517 or Al Nosek at 525-9591.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS
What are they? Where are they found? What are yours? How can you use them?
During the last four weeks of Lent, John Hill and Jean Stevens will co-teach classes, which will help, answer the above questions.
The classes will be held on Wednesday afternoons. March 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 2:00 PM. They will be held in the Atrium except on the 20th when it will be held in the Library because of the Bridge Luncheon that day.
Any and all are most welcome. Bring your favorite Bible translation. The variety will make it more interesting.
In order to derive the most benefit, you should plan to attend all four sessions. No homework! No test!
If you have any questions, please give me a call at 522-2412. See you there.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain

Mr. Hill
I want to thank you and the Vespers Group for the lovely flowers I received at the hospital; also at the rehab. I want to thank you and your driver for the visit and prayers. I would like also to thank everyone at Mobel Americana for all the lovely cards I received. I was delighted to read them several times. I will always cherish your thoughtfulness.
Sincerely, Mary Higgins

Dear John,
Kindly express my sincere thanks to the Vespers for their lovely flowers and many prayers while I was laid up. We all live in Mobel Americana because of the Vespers thoughtfulness and friendship to all. That's what it is all about at Mobel Americana.
Thank you, John
Most Sincerely,
Laurie Mello

Thank you
My sincere thanks to all who visited with me. Your cards, flowers, cookies, sweets and soups were very much appreciated. What a nice place to live.
Gratefully,
Elaine Laberge

My Flag
By A. J. Kelleher
Our boys fought and died and never asked why.
They hardly had time to say their good bye.
Our way of life has been preserved.
Do we appreciate? Do we deserve?
Some folks live on while others pass away,
This phenomenon goes on in every possible way.
We have nowhere to go to question why,
All we can do is to look up at the sky.
My country, my flag and me,
this is what I call my family.
Our flag flies high upon foreign lands,
Engraved with blood on foreign sands.
Our enemies will come and our enemies will go.
We have no choice but to fight the foe.
From day to day, there's just you and me,
God Bless America, "Land of the Free".

Friends of the Library
Nora Adell Andrews
"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and a few to be chewed and digested." Francis Bacon, Essays.

Thank you for supporting our candy sales! We have decided to continue the sales at Bingo and luncheons into the month of March.
We appreciate all your patronage in purchasing the goodies to benefit the library, so look for us at these functions.
Joan Mitchell has volunteered to take the old reading glasses to Vision Works. They polish them up for the Lion's Club who distribute them to the needy. We collect them all year, and the box for the glasses are in the library section of the clubhouse.
Rita Lewis and Beck Hopkins are working on a web page for the library that will be in the neighborhood links for all of us to access. There will be more on this next month.
Beck has also volunteered to be the 'magazine coordinator' and will be sorting and organizing our magazines racks. They are free for your use at any time, as are the books, puzzles, and videos. This library runs on the honor system, with no sign outs-ins. Please check out the many reading opportunities that are there.
Rita Varney and Joan Belanger led our book discussion this month. The reviewed book was Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout, about a mother and daughter's relationship in a small mill town. Ms. Strout teaches literature and writing at Manhattan Community College in New York.
Next month the book, Coming Home, by Rosamunde Pilcher will reviewed by Jeanne Pavlik. We welcome all newcomers to come and join our discussions. If you need the book to read, please call our head librarian, Rita Lewis, to obtain a copy. Our next meeting date is Thursday, March 14, at 1:00 p.m. in the library corner in the clubhouse.

YOU ARE INVITED to help John Hill celebrate his 80th birthday, Sunday, 10 March.
Our middle son, Jim, will be preaching at the Woodlawn Presbyterian Church at both the 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. services.
From 3:00-4:00 P.M. there will be a cake and ice cream social at Mobel Americana, in the Atrium.
At 4:50 P.M. the Vespers' worship service will begin in the Club House. The Reverend Douglas McMahon, John's pastor, will deliver the message; Jim will play the organ; John will sing "The Trumpet Shall Sound" from the "Messiah", accompanied by Chris Ragsdale, trumpeter and Alys Schulz, pianist. The Woodlawn Choir will join the Vesper Choir singing the anthem, "Morning Has Broken". Light refreshments will be served following this service.
No presents; just your presence will bring joy to John as we praise the Lord together.

Duplicate Bridge
Gerri Bassett and Shirley Beauchamp
Mitchell Movement
Sunday January 20
North & South
1. Milene & Al Wingrove
2. Lucy & Roger LaBerge
3. Helen & Walter Smith
East & West
1. Anne Kocher & Anne LaFlamme
2. Audrey & Hubert Purdy
3. Linda Cook & Jo Waldron
Sunday January 27
North & South
1. Helen & Walter Smith
2. Lucy & Roger LaBerge
3. Esther Louzon & Shirley Beauchamp
East & West
1. Anne Kocher & Anne LaFlamme
2. Gerri & John Bassett
3. Audrey & Hubert Purdy
Sunday February 3 Super Bowl Sunday
Howell Movement
1. Esther Louzon & Shirley Beauchamp
2. Maretta Dimke & Elizabeth Copeland
3. Anne LaFlamme & Doris Gibson
Mitchell Movement
Sunday February 10
North & South
1. Maretta Dimke & Elizabeth Copeland
2. Lucy & Roger LaBerge
East & West
1. Helen & Walter Smith
2. Jo Waldron & Linda Cook
Happy St Patrick Day To All!!

Dear Crafters:
By Annette Solomon
I want to thank Ken Hopkins for the great article written last month on behalf of the Crafters in our community. We now have space to store our supplies and we are a happy busy group. In fact, we are as busy as bees. All are working hard making all sorts of beautiful articles for our community to enjoy and purchase at the fall Craft Bazaar.
Our enthusiastic group is growing every week. Come and check us out. You may like something you see and want to join us to enjoy making a fun project.
We have all levels of crafters. The most gifted are generous with their time and will gladly help the less skilled. There is no charge, and most materials are free to get you started. One on one instruction is available. We are all friends and help each other.
Come experience the love, you will like it!
We meet every Monday evening from 6 to 8 pm and every Thursday morning from 9 to 11 am. Please bring a friend.
Hope to see you there.

LINE DANCE UPDATE
By Norine Fisher
Another month has gone by and March is here. The line dancers are really catching on. The faster, the better for some, and the waltz is a favorite for others.
We really get our bodies moving dancing to some good songs, and Fred has the clubhouse at just the right temperature for all to enjoy.

Potpourri - from the Editor's desk (additional contributions from Gerri Bassett, Lucy Laberge and Nancy Hubartt)
Thought -The only constant in life is change.
Remember when - (from John Stewart). Pillow fights.
Translations - I can't find it. Translated: It didn't fall into my outstretched hands, so I'm completely clueless.
Random Thoughts - I wonder what you call a pocket calendar in a nudist camp!
Integrity - Give the world the best you've got. And it may never be enough. Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You're getting marvelously mature when: The pharmacist has become your new best friend.
Truths: I love to give home made gifts. Which one of my kids do you want?
Simple Signs - In a non-smoking area: If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action.
Wise Sayings (maybe) - It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill. Just add a little dirt.
Things you really need to know?? - The cost of raising a medium size dog to the age of eleven. $6400.00.
Really? - If you look like your passport photo, you probably need the trip.
More Reasons to give Blood - Tom Priestley
People who are in need of bone marrow transplants need blood transfusions on a regular basis until such time as a bone marrow transplant is available. So please consider donating.
Just a Reminder from the Editor: All submissions to the Forecaster must meet the guidelines, paper size and authors identity particularly. And by author I mean the original author or source, and yourself. No exceptions to yourself. If it is your first submission I need your phone number as well.

Credit Card Thieves
Submitted by Lucy Laberge
To protect against credit card and identity theft the following suggestions are something each of us should consider.
* Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
* A corporate attorney sent this out to the employees in his company. I pass it along, for your information.
We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed to us using our name, address, SS#, credit, etc. Unfortunately, I (the author of this piece who happened to be an attorney) had first hand knowledge, because my wallet was stolen last month and within a week the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information on line, and more.
* But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep these where you can find them easily. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
* But here's what is perhaps most important (I never ever thought to do this): Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#.
* I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done.
*There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.
* The numbers are:
Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line) 1-800-269-0271
We pass along jokes; we pass along just about everything. Do think about passing this information along. It could really help someone.

Neighborhood Crime Watch
By Barbara Magada
Our next Crime Prevention/Crime Watch/Crime Patrol will be held on Friday March 8th, 2002, at 1:30 P.M. in the Clubhouse. We have a speaker from Metro Crime Prevention to show us the latest methods available to our residents who are not familiar with these items. Please mark your calendars and bring a friend or new neighbor. They will be glad that you did. Of Course, REFRESHMENT5 will be available
Last month we had a grand total of "77" who attended. I promise you that there will be more coffee and doughnuts etc. We will not run dry.
Coordinators: - Barb Magada, Esther Louzon and Jim Chase

Crime Watch Meeting Report
February 8, 2002
Pat Ruedy
The topic of this meeting was "CITY WATCH INFORMATION SYSTEM". The intention of the meeting was to inform all 75 residents in attendance just what this system is and how it will work. Officer Chip Wells, who manages this for the St. Petersburg Police Department, told how it may be used to warn citizens of pending dangers such as; approaching storms, dangers in your neighborhood, and possibly, when the water would be shut off in the our community. He described the potential importance of the system and future uses when he gets the system totally up and running.
Our neighborhood Officer Billy Walker was proud to announce that in the last month there were no calls for Police action from Mobel Americana. He wanted to make us aware of the ongoing bank examiner scam in the area, and how it was still active and we should be aware that this is a scam. He then went on to announce, that with the help of Barbara Magada, the Crime Watch committee in our community was awarded a $1,500.00 Grant from the Neighborhood Grant Project sponsored by City of St. Petersburg. This will be used for new Crime Watch radios to be used in patrolling our community by our citizens. Barbara also mentioned the need for more volunteers for this committee. Call Barbara if you want to volunteer for this committee.

My Early Shuffling Years In Mobel Americana
Gerri Lyons Bassett
Curtis and I moved into this park in 1968 when there were only 350 homes and a waiting list to get in, so we waited almost a year before we bought a new home. We had a dog so it had to be in the pet section (by the way there was a children's section too). We came from Minnesota in December and it was nice to get into the warm weather. We finally got settled into our new home on Americana Drive, and got the carport and porch put on and than looked to the activities the park had to offer.
We decided we would try shuffling; we saw 16 courts, but found out later that eight of them were hardly ever used, so the condition of those courts was not very good. There were no windbreakers and only benches to sit on. We did have a shed where the stadium is now.
A man by the name of George Derby took over the pancake breakfasts because the Old Timers did not want to do it anymore. So the shufflers made some money and decided to make a stadium and the work began with George doing most of the work. It was nice to have a place to sit to watch the games.
Then Bob Reaver, who played in many tournaments out of the park, said we needed to pay dues and make this a club, so the vote was taken and that is how the club got started, we paid $1.00 or $2.00 a year.
Ben Burden started to help new people to learn, and at the end of a season put on a Beginners tournament so they could win some trophies
There was no Nova League to learn in, just the Friendship League, and trying to get a spot on the Friendship team was not easy. Our Captain was Marge Behrens and she did it all, including serving doughnuts and coffee. In those days we always used referees.
We took to the courts and went to Red and Black to try to learn what we could about the game. At first it seemed that one disk was put on the court and the next player just knocked it out, and the one with the hammer made the score. But we soon learned that that was not all there was to the game. We had to learn to put up hides and sneak behind them, learn when to play kitchen, and when to clear the board. It all took time but finally we were told we could come and play one game, so when the day came and my name was called I had butterflies in my stomach. I don't remember if I won that game or lost. But finally we got to play two games each Tuesday. We went to practice every Monday for Red and Black, and that helped.
There were bottle games at night, which was a lot of fun. But we still needed more playing with the better players so we could learn from them. We also used to go down to Mirror Lake in April to watch the Masters Tournament; Mae Hall was the star than. It was the top eight pro women and eight top pro men who played 21 games to see which pro was the best. The men played each man three games and the woman did the same. Now that was a learning experience if I ever saw one. They didn't make many mistakes, believe me.
At that time we had a New Jersey shuffler that lived in the park, Nettie Manley, and she asked me to go to some of the local tournaments and be her partner. I told her I was not good enough yet but she said that's ok, so I went with her. We never got any points but the learning experience helped, and I would encourage new players to do the same. I have met many nice people along the way.
I also remember winning my first trophy for 3rd in the park tournament and that was in 1973. What a happy day that was for me.
In the summer we got together with some parks like Hollywood and Golden Gate. We played once a week in the evening. We managed to get enough players and we had fun. Mert Glass took charge of making up the line up. At that time people were saying this would never really be a shuffle park, boy were they wrong. Eleanor George still lives in the park, was around then and she will remember Fred Reynolds being the Captain as she was the co-Captain.
At that time my husband Curtis and I found an opening in the Triangle league, which played on Mondays. I became Captain of the Sun and Fun league and we played on Fridays. They finally folded up and I got us into the Blue Sky league. I was captain for nine years before giving it up. I also played in the Associated league with Grace Adams as my partner for many years.
The Van Pattens moved here in 1974. They became pro's and were a big help to all of us, especially Gen, who would go up to the courts every morning, except weekends, to play.
In 1979, the Helson's bought a home and in 1980 they moved here, and also wanted to learn the game. I helped Lenore, and we became good partners for all the Friendship doubles, and won it two years in a row.
It's always nice to look back and remember the Days Gone By, nothing stays the same forever. So enjoy the game, enjoy the new friends you meet and remember winning isn't everything, it's how you play the game that is important.
I hope you get as much pleasure out of the game as we did over the years. So Happy Shuffling to all and have fun. March of 2002

A LETTER TO MOM AND DAD
By John Layner
Several years ago, a friend who knew that I love to write approached me with an unusual request. Her daughter, who lived in Texas, was to have a child come December. Medical reports came out negative. Her doctor informed her that the child would die at birth or sooner. The doctor did not tell her that the child would not have a full shaped head and would probably be brainless. The young lady chose to carry the child full term.
My friend asked me if I could write something that might help ease the forthcoming dilemma. Weeks went by and my mind would still go blank. Then one morning about 4 a.m. I laid in bed giving more thought to ideas. Finally thought of something. Got out of bed, went to the kitchen table to write a letter. Only this time, I would be that baby writing to Mom and Dad. The letter was hand delivered to this young lady in November, on the day after that child left this world.
My family and friends have given this letter to those who have become victims of so sad a situation.

Dear Mommy and Daddy:
God has given us little ones a special something before we are born, a something that Moms and Dads are unaware of.
Yes, when you carried me for so long, I was in the dark, and yet there was a light.
Like a ray of sunshine, you gave me warmth and nourished me with an incomparable love. Your soft hands pressed me close as you patted your tummy. Your messages of love when talking to me were music to my ears, and when Daddy hugged you, he hugged me too. All of it was beautiful love . . . all of it was sunshine.
I saw the clouds when you didn't feel just right. And when you were sad, I felt sad. . . And when you cried, your gentle teardrops touched me too.
You and Daddy prayed so very often for me because you were concerned. I must remind you that God has a special place for ones like me who have a short stay with Mom and Dad. We are called "God's Littlest Angels". I understand that He picks the very special ones for this group.
Mommy and Daddy. . . You haven't lost me. I just got to heaven before you did. One day we will be together again. I just wanted you to know just how much I love you. Please don't worry, I'm okay.
Your Littlest Angel
P.S. Someone once said, "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal".

Community Notices
There is located at the maintenance shed on Mount Piney Avenue an air pump that you may use to inflate your bicycle tires.
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 Tuesdays 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