Americana Cove

Welcome Back Neighbor, Welcome Home

Sep 30, 2003

PRAYER FOR OCTOBER

Our God, Creator and Sustainer of all that we see, hear, feel and smell; we stand in awe of Your Omnipotence.
The Heavens declare Your handiwork. We have thrilled at the sight of Mars and the Moon in close proximity. The trees and bushes, particularly in the northern climes, show a brilliance of color that is always newly painted in our memory.
The fresh, clean smell of the air after a heavy rain. The lovely odor of flowering plants, shrubs and trees wafts through the air when we pass by or stop to smell. The calls and cries of the birds, the sound of the wind rustling through the trees or whistling at the masts of sailboats. The velvet of a rose petal or the roughness of tree bark, all remind us of Your Creation.
May we never lose the joy of the child's first discovery of the wonders of this world.
Thank You, God. Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.


MAROA NEWS
Paul Mattina, President
The season opened with the first of the Town Hall meetings on September 5th, followed by the first Board of Directors meeting September 17th, which was fairly well attended. It was good to see many familiar faces; we are beginning to see the return of our ?“snowbird?” friends and neighbors. Welcome back.
It may be redundant to some who attended one or both of the above meetings, but for those who missed them, there are some developments worth repeating. First, the Board was sorry to hear that Annette Solomon felt the need to resign for health reasons. We circulated the resume of Hubert Dorsett among the Board members, and it was agreed to appoint him to fill the balance of Annette?’s term, which will be a little more than two years. The vote was taken and Hubert was sworn in at the Board meeting. He brings to us a wealth of education and experience that will be of great value to the Board and thus to the community. Welcome aboard, Hubert.
As you all know, Verizon?’s work at our front entrance has been an ongoing nightmare that has taken significantly longer to complete than anticipated. While it has been a major inconvenience to us, the residents, it has also been a setback for Verizon, as their costs to complete the work have at least doubled. Blame the weather, as each time it rained, the excavation was flooded and had to be pumped out. This does, however, give us the opportunity to make significant changes to our entrance when the work is done and it?’s time to restore the area. A rendering of the restoration was presented at the Board meeting that shows the improvements. Major safety improvements will be the widening of the entrance by about 12 feet, as well as new sidewalks from Americana drive alongside the driveway, meeting the city sidewalk on First Street. Also, a low divider will be installed separating the in-and-out lanes, and the planters, which now obscure a driver?’s vision, will be lowered to street level. For beautification, the signs on either side of the entrance will be replaced with new and far more attractive ones. The signs will be set back a little further than they are now (to improve visibility) and will incorporate a light fixture at each end. We need to wait for Verizon to complete their work before any actual construction can begin, but we will be using the interim time to secure bids and permits. The rendering, made by Copley Design Associates, will be made available for residents to see as soon as we can determine a suitable location.
The community has, for many years, considered changing the name of the park to eliminate the trailer-park sounding part of our name, ?“Mobel?”. The major obstacle to changing the name was the enormous cost of changing all legal documents. We found that for the price of $90 we could purchase the use of a fictitious name, common practice in business circles. The Board then made the purchase of the name ?“Americana Cove?”, which retains ?“Americana?”, the most visible part of our name. This change was discussed at the Town Hall meeting and was voted on and approved at the Board meeting, with no dissension from residents in attendance. What this means is that all legal documents and records will retain the name ?“Mobel Americana?”, but our signage, letterheads and advertising will use the d/b/a (doing business as) ?“Americana Cove?”. Not only does this name more accurately describe our waterfront community, it is a great asset to our sales, marketing and promotion plans. It will also move our name closer to the top of the alphabetical listings in the phone book and advertising indexes, making us much easier to find.

Another important action taken was the formation of a Rules Review Committee, with Ed Mosakowski as chair and George Milner as Vice-chair, with five shareholders to assist. This committee will review our By-Laws and our Rules and Regulations, and will make suggestions as to the need for revisions, deletions or additions in order to bring them up to date. This is a formidable task, and we wish them well, recognizing that this will take some time to do properly.
One last reminder: We have revised our schedule for this month, and remind you that there will be the usual Board meeting, but there will be no Town Hall meeting. The next Town Hall will be the first Friday of next month, November 7th, at 10:30 AM in the Clubhouse.


FROM THE MANAGER: Dawn Simmons
Gate House Duties: More and more residents are requesting non-admittance to their homes by certain individuals. Please be advised there is no way the guards should be asked to perform this service.
With ten different employees working a variety of hours and the responsibilities they have, we cannot ask that they become policemen.
If you have someone you do not want to come visit you, you need to tell the person that, or file a trespass notice through the St. Petersburg Police Department


SEPTEMBER TOWN HALL/BOARD MEETINGS
By Jo Waldron
Even though the board members were not all present, they were all accounted for, Ed Mosakowski, board secretary, reported that they had been keeping in touch with the absent board members by phone and email.
A synopsis of the two meetings follows:
Two new spec homes are currently being placed on empty lots and three replacement homes are in the works. There have been six home sales in the last three months. Also, in the last three months, nine homes have been removed. Residents paid the $2000 removal fee on five of them.
Nick Ferraro has been retained as broker for home sales; he will retain the present sales office staff. His company will match our $20,000 advertising fund.
It?’s official now, we will be DBA (doing business as) Americana Cove. I like it, how about you? Paul Mattina, board president, explained that it would be too costly to change the legal name of Mobel Americana but this works fine. One perk he mentioned, besides the obvious one of removing the ?“mobile?” connotation, was that in the advertising magazines we will now be close to the top of the listings.
Paul explained the third party rental charges; the first year there is a $75 fee to do the background check (financial-criminal, etc.) on renters, if they rent a second year that fee is waived.
There is a new ice machine in the hall behind the kitchen for kitchen use and club events only.
They are making room to store additional boat trailers adjacent to the maintenance shed on Mt. Piney.
The snowbirds will return to a completely refurbished Atrium, including new carpeting, paint and decorations, it?’s beautiful. And by the way, the Kitchen Krewe paid for the new carpet. Betty Chase said there will be supplies in the closet to immediately clean any spills that occur. We must all take responsibility to see that no stain is left untreated. The exercise and billiard rooms and sales office have also received a new paint job.
Many residents have been dissatisfied with the present lawn service; Dawn and the Board are looking into the problem.
The transport van was sold for $4000.00, the red truck is also for sale. A used truck was purchased for $7000.00.
Ed Mosakowski reported that members of the planning committee have been in touch with each other by phone and email. They have engaged an architect to design a new park entrance. He presented the design to the Board for consideration. He explained that this is an opportune time to remodel. Verizon has the entrance torn up and they must restore it when the repairs are completed. The proposed new entrance will be much wider, with a concrete island separating the entrance and exit lanes. There will be a sidewalk from Americana Drive to 1st street and a new, shorter, sign wall will give a better view of the entrance. Ed was quick to point out that the planning committee has no power to accept or reject any designs. This decision is left to the Board.
Addressing the Verizon repairs, Dawn said that a Verizon representative told her that they are shooting for a November 1st completion date, but she said,?“ Don?’t count on it.?”
Paul wished our long-time employee, Fred Dunkman, our best wishes on his retirement. I saw him the other day, riding his bike, he looked a little out of place without his John Deere.
Sorry to say Paul read a letter of resignation from Annette Solomon, we will miss her on the Board, but we know any time the word ?“craft?” comes up?…there she?’ll be. Hubert Dorsett was unanimously chosen by the board to complete her term. He was sworn in by Jerry Spetz.
Hubert was asked and accepted the task of watching over the tax assessments. John Bassett will work with him; they will make sure we are not taxed for empty lots.
Along this line, the board voted to return four lots to common ground, they are not suitable for home placement. These lots will be taken off the tax rolls.
Paul announced that he is appointing Ed Mosakowski as Chairman and George Milner as Vice Chairman to a Rules Review committee. He said we have many rules and regulations still on the books that should be reviewed and possibly amended or eliminated. He stressed that the integrity of the park precepts will be maintained. Ed asked for five volunteers to assist with this project. His words, ?“Be prepared to work!?” The committee still needs a couple of volunteers. Now is your chance to help the community by volunteering for this important task.
I got really good vibes from these two meetings, it?’s no longer ?“us?” and ?“them?”, the Board has kept us informed on issues as they come up and I get the feeling we are all in this together.


SUNSHINE REPORT OCTOBER 2003
Peggy Hubrich, Sunshine Lady

DEATHS
Mary Jane Hill
Don Bievenour (recent resident)
Lou Giolito

NURSING HOMES:
Bob Evans Carrington Place
Bob Ortel Carrington Place
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Margaret Hungerford Maria Manor
Claire Mueller Grace Health Center

BIRTHDAYS:
02 Paul Mattina
04 Bill Hart
Ed Clifford
Sunny Knutson
05 Bill Krich
07 Rene Renaud
Don Delzell
08 Mary Krich
11 Doris Hodge
Irene Racette
Nicol Lapointe
14 Phyllis Jackwin
15 Arlene Elwell
20 Bernie Ruedy
22 June Best
23 Ed Higgins
25 Russ Steele
27 Gene Rybka
29 Jim Chase

ANNIVERSARIES:
04 Joan and Jim Mitchell 6 Years
08 Gen and Morris Van Patten 65 Years
11 Lillian and Don Harris 51 Years
12 Ellie and Sil Oliveira 44 Years
15 Delores and Rudy Ferrara 54 Years
23 Diana and Ralph Rogers 55 years


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
by Frances McVay

CASTOR, Henry J.
6901 Americana Drive
Previously MAROA Used

GROVES, Martha I. (PA)
201 Mt. Piney Avenue
Previously Baker

JACKSON, Jay (WI)
6721 Mt. Pleasant Road
Previously Nosek

RYAN, James T. (Owner)
WRIGHT, Jerry & LINKS, Theresa (Residents)
6711 Americana Drive
Previously Johnson

TARZIERS, Jan & Patricia
303 Mt. Richmond Avenue
Previously Elsing


MOBEL NOTES
By Ken Hopkins
CARELESS FRIENDS ?– Bob was a ham radio operator, his wife was a Spanish teacher. Two of my life long interests. It didn?’t take long for us to meet and become friends. Almost every Friday night we would call them and suggest one Mexican restaurant or another. We would get together for a pleasant chat and a taco or two. This was pretty much routine for a year or two. We enjoyed it and I am sure they did too. Then I started to wonder. It was always us who called them to suggest dinner. It started to irk me a bit that it was always us who initiated the social contact, never them. Seemed to me that at least once in a while it would be nice for them to call us and suggest something. Kind of like when somebody invites you over for dinner and you later reciprocate with a similar invitation. I?’m embarrassed to admit that it started to bother me. Maybe petty but it really did bother me. Why did they never invite us to anything? Finally I suggested a test to Beck. Let?’s not call them for a while and see what happens. Never heard from them again We accepted the loss of these two friends as fate and went on with our other friends but we wondered at the circumstances. We finally coined the phrase, ?“careless friends.?” We?’re sure Bob and Linda really enjoyed our outings and our company. However, it became so convenient to just wait for our call that they never really questioned if they should be the ones to invite us. I guess they just took us for granted they way you take an old girl friend or boy friend for granted. I submit to you that friendship, like marriage, requires thought and effort. Treasure your friends; don?’t get careless with them.

VIDEO HISTORY OF MOBEL AMERICANA ?– It?’s coming! Brought to you by a cast of thousands (well, maybe just a few) the video and DVD history of Mobel Americana is in final production. Gene Seawell and Russ Steele with Tom Solomon?’s voice have been laboring over the definitive story of Mobel Americana from its inception, through the resident buy-out, to today. The fascinating history of our lovely community will not only educate you, but your children and grand children will be absorbed by the story of Mobel. Did you know that there were once children at Mobel? No, they didn?’t grow up and become homeowners. The community changed to 55+ status. The video history is full of interesting facts about Mobel and how it evolved. The completed history will have a public showing in early December in the clubhouse. Specific date will be announced later. Please come down to see this excellent production. Hmmm. Maybe we can get somebody to make popcorn!

CLEVE ?– It?’s always nice to hear from an old friend. Most of you know Cleve as the former president of RAMA, our renters association. Cleve wrote me recently concerning a marvelous coincidence. Cleve and his wife Billie were at the racetrack when Billie noticed that the number nine horse in the next race was owned by John Mello. John is not only a Mobel resident but those of you who golf, will remember John as having the same daring putting style adopted by Roger LaBerge. Of course Cleve and Billie bet on John?’s horse, number 9, JM VANGOGH. Wouldn?’t it make a perfect story if the horse won? Well, he didn?’t. Came in second and Cleve lost $8.00. Cleve called John to tell him of his loss and John countered that he had tried to contact Cleve without success prior to the visit to the track. John and Cleve plan to hook up again at the track and I?’m hoping they both win.

LISTBOT RULES ?– Many of you know and use the Mobel Americana Listbot as a medium of communications. We send notes back and forth about our community, our friends, current happenings and the like. The listbot represents an ideal method for us to keep in touch with each other through group emails and is particularly useful for those of us who leave the community for a summer hiatus outside of Florida. Every so often, someone takes objection to something they have seen on the listbot and questions if the offending statement is ?“against the rules.?” The listbot has been designed to encourage dialogue and conversation among Mobel Americana residents. Its purpose is clearly to facilitate, not prevent discussion. For that reason, there are no explicit rules regarding what is said on the listbot. Sure, common sense prevails. We don?’t swear, we don?’t make personal attacks against another resident, and we don?’t much care for sexual innuendo. Outside of that, pretty much anything goes. If you have an opinion about politics, religion, or the Mobel Board of Directors you are welcome to post your comments on the ?‘bot for all to see. If someone strongly disagrees with you, they?’ll probably let you know. That?’s OK too. What we don?’t want to see are self-appointed censors telling us what we can and cannot say on the listbot.

ABC BOAT CLUB ?– With the coming of fall and the return of our snowbirds, the Americana Boat Club will swing back into full session. The Boat Club meets the 4th Wednesday of the month in the Atrium. Boat ownership is not a requirement, just an interest in boating. Included in the Boat Club?’s charter is a commitment of service to our community. If you would like to get out on the waters around Mobel, just talk to any Boat Club member. We?’ll make sure you get a ride.

A SCAM REMINDER ?– I received an email today from my Internet service provider (Earthlink) telling me that my credit card information had expired and I had 5 days to update my profile or lose my Internet connection. ?“Click here to renew your credit card information,?” the email said and I did. I was presented with a very official form asking for my name, email address and current credit card information. It occurred to me that this might be a scam of some sort and I better check my account profile at Earthlink. Sure enough, my credit card info was just fine and nowhere close to expiration so I called customer service. Yes, the email I received was a scam that they were aware of. Of course it raises the issue of why they didn?’t alert their customers to this issue. More importantly it reinforces how careful you have to be when giving any of your vital information such as credit card, social security number, etc. over the Internet. Just a reminder.

SATURDAY MARKET RETURNS: After a summer vacation, St. Petersburg's "Saturday Morning Market" returns October 4 to its new home on Central Avenue between First and Second Streets, each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May. Bringing a European flair to downtown, shoppers may browse for gourmet baked foods, rustic loaves of bread, home-made crafts, candles and soaps, organic produce, flowers, plants, herbs and much more. Organized by a grass roots group of volunteers, last year's market began with a handful of vendors and grew to one of the state's largest fresh markets, attracting more than 45 vendors a week and nearly 1,000 shoppers enjoying a bustling street ambience and live entertainment. For more information: www.saturdaymorningmarket.com. (Thanks to Conrad Weiser for this info.)

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? Call me or email me at hopken@mindspring.com.


EDITOR'S COMMENT ?– The Columnist is given a fairly free hand in what he writes and I rarely say anything, even if I sometimes don?’t fully agree with him. However in this instance I must say that I can?’t really agree with Ken when he states ?“if you have an opinion about the Mobel Board of Directors, you are free to post your comment on the listbot?”. I don?’t think anyone should be posting comments about the Board or any individual Director without first approaching the Director, or the President, and obtaining the facts or their side of the story. Comments on community policies or rules and regulations seem to me to be fair game, although again I think the direct approach is better. This is not a matter of censorship, but a matter of courtesy. Once a statement is made, it is so much harder to refute any erroneous impressions that might have been generated by the comments on the listbot, or elsewhere. Yes, we have a right to express our opinions, but with that right goes a responsibility to make as sure as possible that what we are commenting on, has some degree of accuracy.


OLD TIMERS CLUB
By Marcia Fay
To some of you reading this article it will be boring but to others I hope it will be informative, I have been asked, "What is the Old Timers?" So...Old Timers is a social club and its purpose is to promote fellowship and goodwill among the residents of the park and to further these relationships, and to use any of the revenues of the club exclusively for the benefit of its members.
The club meets on the second and fourth Wednesday each month, at twelve noon, except the fourth Wednesday in June and the months of July and August. There is a luncheon followed by a business meeting. Dessert is provided by the members and sold for thirty-five cents each (usually a delicious piece of home made cake).
The main menu is prepared and served by the Kitchen Krewe and members.
The luncheon is paid for by our current treasurer, Shirley Wadsworth, out of our checking account.
Where does our money come from in our checking account? Our membership is open to all residents of the park who pay an annual fee of $3.50 per person at time of enrollment. Renewals are due the first meeting in October of each year. All non-members or guests are asked to pay one dollar for the meal.
The balance in our account with South Trust Bank as of May 31, 1903 was $3,597.04. That total achieved not only from membership, but also from the sale of desserts and from the aluminum collected, along with 1/2 of the 50/50 tickets and the one-dollar from guests.
Now you ask, what have we done with the revenues? Each month we pay MAA $130.00 for paper supplies and condiments, as our share. Betty Chase, Chairman of the Kitchen Krewe, presents us with a bill each luncheon that varies according to how many people were served. We had 864 people served from September through December 2002, and it increases each month until April, when our Canadians start to go home.
We have donated to the purchase of the new treadmill--$1000. Also, we gave $150 -for the new golf cart for Crime Watch and helped the Cue Club with recovering of the tables with $150-
We buy and present poinsettias to those who baked cakes throughout the year for our desserts.
At Christmas we give certificates to the Main office staff and others.
After the meetings we play "free" bingo for an hour or so. To that we give $20- in prizes.
This past year we paid for a saw, bits and other tools for the aluminum collectors to prepare the aluminum for resale. Also, a license was needed for the trailer to haul the aluminum to the work shed or recycling depot. That is the least we can do when the ?“Aluminum Collectors" have given us $2,388.11 over a year or so.
Our officers, Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Chaplain are elected for one year and as a board, we can donate or use $300 - without membership approval.
As Chairperson, I attend The MAA Council, the first Tuesday of every month. It is held to keep abreast of the overall plans for the park.
I hope this explains the Old Timers Social Club. We would like everyone to support us in our endeavors to make this a great place to live and enjoy life.
Your new membership cards will be available at the meeting on October 8th, 2003.
From Mary Jane Hill, acting secretary; many thanks to Bob Larsen and crew for collecting all the aluminum this past summer. He has done a big job, and the Old Timers have received two checks as a result of his efforts. I also want to thank Nancy Hubartt for acting as the Treasurer during the month of June. And thanks to Bob Larsen and Pat Ruedy for doing this job in September.
Marcia Fay will return in October. Again, our sincere thanks to all. (Ed. Note- as you probably all know Mary Jane passed away in mid September. A very fine lady, helpful to all. She will be missed)


DEAR CRAFTERS:
by Annette Solomon
Please plan to attend our first monthly business meeting on Monday, October 6, 2003 in our Crafters Corner of the Clubhouse. We meet there every Monday from 6:00 - 9:00 pm and Thursday from 9:00-11:00 am. Excitement is in the air! Crafters have been creating new items all summer long for the Craft Bazaar.
Plans for the Mobel Americana?’s Annual Craft Bazaar are in full swing. (Please note: The Craft Bazaar is not the White Elephant Sale, which is held in the Spring.)
The Craft Bazaar is being held on Saturday, November 15, 2003 from 10:00 am ?– 2:00 pm in the Clubhouse. This Bazaar features sales of newly-made items, either arts or crafts made by our crafters or by any other Mobel Americana resident. If you have any newly-crafted items to donate to these MAA tables, please call me at
527-5151 for pick-up or bring your items to any meeting. (The bakery, jewelry, plant tables, etc. will be set up in their usual places, and several MAA tables will be set up for all MAA members and their donations of new items.)
Table reservation forms will be available at the October luncheons and at every meeting. Your $15.00 table rental fee is given to MAA. You display your handmade creations, sell them and keep the money. Members of the Crafters Club are not the only ones who may rent tables ?– any MAA resident who has a new craft to sell may rent a table and join us. But please contact me ASAP. Spaces are limited to first come, first served.
There are only 6 weeks until the MAA Craft Bazaar!


EXERCISE CLASS
by Sharon S. Miller
"Exercising with Sally" will begin Monday, October 13 at 8:00 AM in the Atrium. Forty-five minutes of exercise will include warm-ups, stretching, aerobics, strength and tone, use of lightweights, and a cool down time. All are encouraged to take part at their own pace. This exercise experience leaves participants applauding the expertise of the instructor as well as their own efforts! A $2 donation is suggested for each class attended.

Until Sally returns as our very experienced instructor, an informal group continues to exercise to a variety of exercise tapes on the regular days of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and starting at the new time of 8:00 AM on Wednesday, Oct 1st. If there are questions, please call Sharon Miller at 527-8150.
See you there!


RELATIONSHIPS?–
submitted by Lucy Laberge
1 No man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is, won't make you cry.
2. Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
3. A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.
4. The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them knowing you can't have them.
5. Never frown, even when you are sad, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile.
6. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
7. Don't waste your time on a man/woman, who isn't willing to waste their time on you.
8. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one, so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.
9. Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened.
10... There's always going to be people that hurt you so what you have to do is keep on trusting and just be more careful about who you trust next time around.
11. Make yourself a better person and know who you are before you try and know someone else and expect them to know you.
12. Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
By Nora Adell Andrews
The Friends of the Library are looking forward to the first meeting for the 2003-2004 year coming November 7th at 1 :00 pm in the Clubhouse.
We would like to extend an invitation to all those interested in books, magazines, and other reading materials to join us. Each month we discuss a book chosen by a member who reviews the book and the author.
Then we have a healthy conversation about our likes or dislikes!
In November we will be doing Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani.


DUPLICATE BRIDGE-
By Gerri Bassett
This is to inform all Duplicate Bridge players that as soon as we can get 3 tables we will start up Duplicate again. Until than just come up and we will play Bridge at 6:30 PM on Sunday evenings until the season starts. So anyone who likes to play Duplicate Bridge, please come and join us. We welcome all new and old players. Just get a partner and come and play and meet your neighbors.


YOU CAN DO IT*
Sharon S. Miller
"You can do it" is the theme for the 3rd Annual AARP Triathlon to take place here in downtown St. Petersburg on Sunday, November 15th at 8 AM. This event is a chance to share in the fun for people 50+. It is a swim, bike, and run for fun and fitness. It is an event that has changed people's lives.

Every year people 50+ are challenging themselves and having fun with the AARP TriUmph classic. This unique swim, bike, run event is changing how people think about themselves and fitness. You don't need to be an athlete or even be in shape. All you need is the desire. AARP will help take care of the rest from providing comprehensive materials and training information to a free local training program.

The event begins with a 400 meter (.25 mile) swim, continues with a 20K (12.4) bike ride, and finishes with a 5K (3.1mile) run. Not quite ready for all three events? You also can form a relay team and choose to do your favorite of the three. Any swim stroke is allowed for the race. Need teammates? Register to attend your local training session and meet others who are interested in forming a relay team for the event.

Sign up soon! The TriUmph Classic welcomes people at all fitness levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. AARP membership isn't required for participation. People under 50 are welcome to participate but are not eligible for awards. All top place 50+ finishers win awards. For more information please go to www.aarp.org/triumph. Or, please call one whose outlook on fitness has been changed by this event, Sharon Miller at 527-8150.


CLASSIC HOPE(ISMs):
A tribute to the late Bob Hope - submitted by Roger Cathcart, with some by Gerri Bassett

ON TURNING 70 "You still chase women, but only downhill"
ON TURNING 80 "That's the time of your life when even your birthday suit needs pressing."
ON TURNING 90 "You know you're getting old when the candles cost more than the cake."
ON TURNING 100 " I don't feel old. In fact I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap."
ON GIVING UP HIS EARLY CAREER, BOXING "I ruined my hands in the ring ... the referee kept stepping on them."
ON SAILORS "They spend the first six days of each week sowing their wild oats, then they go to church on Sunday and pray for crop failure."
ON NEVER WINNING AN OSCAR "Welcome to the Academy Awards or, as it's called at my home, 'Passover'."
ON GOLF "Golf is my profession. Show business is just to pay the green fees."
ON PRESIDENTS " I have performed for 12 presidents and entertained only six."
ON RECEIVING THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL "I feel very humble, but I think I have the strength of character to fight it."
ON HIS SIX BROTHERS "That's how I learned to dance. Waiting for the bathroom."
ON HIS EARLY FAILURES " I would not have had anything to eat if it wasn't for the stuff the audience threw at me."
ON GOING TO HEAVEN "I've done benefits for ALL religions. I'd hate to blow the hereafter on a technicality."


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, or sent electronically. All items to be in the original type, no photocopies please, in BLACK INK on full size 8 1/2 by 11 paper. Deadline for November for all articles, the 19th of October. Font size is number eleven.
Calendar ?– Deadline for entries will be the 17th of each month.

MONTHLY BRIDGE LUNCH - It will be on October 15th. All Bridge players are welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship with their friends and neighbors.

FORECASTER SUBMISSIONS ?– If you can send me your items by email, either by attachment, or just as part of the email, you will save yourselves money. (ink and paper) Thank you for cooperating. Please be sure to read the guidelines for sending in submissions electronically. There are some major changes.

ALUMINUM PICK-UP ?– Bob Larsen and Jim Perry could use some help in doing this job, which raises money for community social activities. If you can help, please contact either of these two gentlemen.

THANK YOU to the Chases, Jim and Betty for their wonderful annual open house on September 20th. A great opportunity for friends and neighbors to get together and to meet new residents. Fern Eppers entertained at the organ as a special treat. Betty and Jim do a great job each year and we thank them for this very pleasant social occasion.


HOBBY SHOP
Beck Hopkins
Do you enjoy making things, fixing things, or just hanging out with those who know how to do that sort of stuff? Stop by the Hobby Shop at 9:00 am on Monday, October 6. That?’s the date and time of the next monthly Hobby Shop meeting under the leadership of Leo Laberge. The Hobby Shop is located next to the Mt. Piney Avenue laundry. All are welcome!
Hobby Shop Safety Tip: Think before you cut?—the most powerful tool in our shop is your brain, use it! Thinking your cuts and movements through before acting can help save both fingers and scrap wood.


HOW SPECIFICATIONS LIVE FOREVER?–
submitted by Conrad Weiser
When you see a space shuttle sitting on the launch pad, there are two big booster rockets attached to the sides of the main fuel tank. These are the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs.
The SRBs are made by Morton Thiokol at a factory in Utah.

Originally, the engineers who designed the SRBs wanted to make them much fatter than they are. Unfortunately, the SRBs had to be shipped by train from the factory to the launch site in Florida and the railroad line runs through a tunnel in the mountains. The SRBs had to be made to fit through that tunnel.

Now, the width of that tunnel is just a little wider than the World (and US) Standard Railroad Gauge (distance between the rails) of 4 feet, 8.5 inches.

That's an exceedingly odd number. Did you ever wonder why that gauge was used? Because US railroads were designed and built by English expatriates, and that's the way they built them in England.

Okay, then why did the English engineers build them like that?

Because the first rail lines of the 19th century were built by the same craftsmen who built the pre-railroad tramways, and that's the gauge they used.

I'll bite, why did those craftsmen choose that gauge? Because they used the same jigs and tools that were previously used for coal mine and other mine wagons, and you guessed it, the wagons used that wheel spacing.

Now I feel like a fish on a hook! Why did the wagons use that odd wheel spacing?

Well, if the wagon makers and wheelwrights of the time tried to use any other spacing, the wheel ruts on some of the old, long distance roads would break the wagon axles. As a result, the wheel spacing of the wagons had to match the spacing of the wheel ruts worn into those ancient European roads.

So who built those ancient roads?

The first long distance roads in Europe were built by Imperial Rome for the benefit of their legions. The roads have been used ever since.

And the ruts?

Roman war chariots first made the initial ruts, which everyone else had to match for fear of destroying their wagons. And since the chariots were made by Imperial Roman chariot makers, they were all alike in the matter of wheel spacing.

Well, here we are. We now have the answer to the original question. The United States standard railroad gauge of 4 feet, 8.5 inches derives from the original specification for an Imperial Roman army war chariot.

Specs. and bureaucracies live forever.

That's nice to know, but it still doesn't answer why the Imperial Roman war chariot designers chose to spec the chariot's wheel spacing at exactly 4 feet, 8.5 inches.

Are you ready?

Because that was the width needed to accommodate the rear ends of two Imperial Roman warhorses!!!

Well, now you have it. The railroad tunnel through which the late 20th century space shuttle SRBs must pass was excavated slightly wider than two 1st-century horses' butts.

Consequently, a major design feature of what is arguably the world's most advanced transportation system was spec'd by the width of a horse's behind!

So, the next time you are handed a specification and wonder what horses' rear end came up with it, you may be exactly right.
Now you know what is "behind" it all.


THE CLOTHESLINE SAID SO MUCH-
submitted by Lucy Laberge
A clothesline was a news forecast
To neighbors passing by.
There were no secrets you could keep
When clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link
For neighbors always knew
If company had stopped on by
To spend a night or two.

For then you'd see the fancy sheets
and towels on the line;
You'd see the company table clothes
With intricate design.

The line announced a baby's birth
To folks who lived inside
As brand new infant clothes were hung
So carefully with pride.

The ages of the children could
So readily be known
By watching how the sizes changed
You'd know how much they'd grown.

It also told when illness struck,
As extra sheets were hung;
Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe, too,
Haphazardly were strung.

It said, "Gone on vacation now"
When lines hung limp and bare.
It told, "We're back!" when full lines sagged
With not an inch to spare.

New folks in town were scorned upon
If wash was dingy gray,
As neighbors raised their brows,
and looked disgustedly away.

But clotheslines now are of the past
For dryers make work less.
Now what goes on inside a home
Is anybody's guess.

I really miss that way of life.
It was a friendly sign
When neighbors knew each other best
By what hung on the line


NOW YOU KNOW?–
submitted by Conrad Weiser
In George Washington's days, there were no cameras. One's image was either
sculpted or painted. Some paintings of George Washington showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back while others showed both legs and both arms. Prices charged by painters were not based on how many people were to be painted, but by how many limbs were to be painted.
Arms and legs are "limbs" therefore painting them would cost the buyer more. Hence the expression "Okay, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg."
*****************************
As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year!
(May and October).Women kept their hair covered, while men shaved! Their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy men could afford
good wigs made from wool. The wigs couldn't be washed so to clean them, they could carve out a loaf of bread, put the wig in the shell and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy, hence the term "big wig." Today we often use the term "here comes the Big Wig" because someone appears to be or is powerful and wealthy.
*****************************
In the late 1700s many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair. Commonly, a long wide board was folded down from the wall and used
for dining. The "head of the household" always sat in the chair while everyone else ate sitting on the floor. Once in a while an invited guest
would be offered to sit in this chair during a meal (who was almost always a man). To sit in the chair meant you were important and in charge.
Sitting in the chair, one was called the "chair man." Today in business we use the expression/title "Chairman, or Chairman of the Board."
So now you know.


POTPOURI?–
compiled at the Editor?’s desk with additional contributions from many, including Lucy LaBerge, Conrad Weiser, Marilyn Waltz et al)
Thought ?– Thomas Jefferson; I?’m a great believer in luck and I find that the harder I work, the more I have of it.
Word Definitions ?– Divorce: future tense of marriage!
Words to Live By ?– A dry sense of humor beats drooling.
Things to think About ?– If life is tough, are you tougher?
Truths ?– Success stops when you do.
Old Times ?– No one can afford to be sick anymore; $35.00 a day in the hospital is too rich for my blood.

Humor ?– from the courtroom. ?– 1) And you were there until the time you left. Is this true? 2) How many times have you committed suicide?
3) Q. Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse? A. No. Q. Did you check for blood pressure? A. No. Q. Did you check for breathing? A. No. Q. So how can you be sure the patient was dead when you began the autopsy? A. Because his brain was sitting on my desk, in a jar. Q. But could the patient have been alive, nonetheless? A. It is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere!
Driving Tip ?– When driving on wet roads, make sure the car is not in cruise control. On wet or slick highways you can hydroplane very easily and cruise control will exacerbate this problem, causing you to lose control of your vehicle.


GONNA BE A BEAR-
submitted by Vivian Linville
In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear.
When you're a bear, you get to hibernate.
You do nothing but sleep for six months.
I can deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid.
I can deal with that.

When you are a girl bear, you birth your children( who are the size of walnuts ) while you are sleeping and wake up to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs.
I definitely can deal with that.

If you're Mama bear, everyone knows you mean business.
You swat anyone who bothers your cubs.
If your cubs get out of line you swat them.
I can deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate expects you to wake up growling.
He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs .

Yup, gonna be a Bear..


FROM THE EDITOR ?– Guidelines and Instructions for Forecaster Contributions Please follow the instructions shown here for items to be published in the Forecaster. The instructions will be updated periodically as the need arises. Content guidelines will be in the November issue. The following guidelines apply to those of you who submit hard copy. Those sending material electronically should, if possible, do it by email attachment. However if this is a problem just send it as part of the email. The instructions as to type size etc., apply for electronic material also.
Odd size type and tiny type, nor different size type on the same page, is not acceptable. All submissions must be on full size 8 1/2 by 11 paper. Nothing else but the item for publication can be on the submission page ?– no instructions, no comments, absolutely nothing. Any comments you want are to be attached as a separate item, or sent in another email, if you are using email without the attachment.
The items you want published are read by computer, which must handle material of a standard size and format, so we must give the publisher material in the standardized format. Clarity is also important, so those of you, whose typewriter ribbons have seen better days, please take note. If using a computer, copy must be 11-point type and single spaced. If you are sending the material electronically,(email at jbassett@tampabay.rr.com) single spacing is required. With a typewriter, double spacing is required. This means a blank line between lines of type. If you don?’t have a typewriter, try to find someone who can do it for you. However if your item is about an upcoming event, short and to the point, or is simply a calendar of events, and you can?’t find someone to type it, submit it and I?’ll see what I can do (don?’t try this too often). But please note articles of general interest must meet the guidelines. All items, except thank-you?’s, must have a title and the author?’s name at the beginning of each item or article. I will acknowledge all electronic submissions, but you can set your computer to get this automatically. Then if I forget, you will still know. By the way, if you do not have anti-virus protection, do not send me anything via email.

Next month I?’ll give you the guidelines on what type of items, articles etc. may be submitted for publication. I will also require your address and phone number if you are not listed in the Park phone book so I can contact you if necessary. If you have an unpublished phone number please say so. Additionally, articles on upcoming events must be restricted to the following two months.

Submission dates in the future are as follows;
a) for items of a general nature, the 19th of each month,
b) for birthdays, anniversaries etc. the 19th,
c) calendar of events, submit to Nora Adell Andrews by the 17th.
d) any item which may be controversial in nature, e.g., opinions on park activities must be submitted by the 8th ?– no exceptions. This will give me time to review with the writer and obtain a rebuttal for publication in the same issue.
Now for the bad news, the deadlines for the December 2003 and January 2004 issues will be the 14th of the preceding month.
And to the Canadians, have a happy Thanksgiving.

COMMUNITY NOTICES:
There is located at the maintenance shed on Mount Piney Avenue an air pump which 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/Can TOPS and Scrap Metal
Please put these out on Tuesdays only, or late Monday evening for very early Tuesday pick-up, or take to one of the Oldtimers Aluminum sheds. Do not put in the garbage compactor. It is for household garbage only. As the sale of aluminum contributes money to our social activities, please take the effort to segregate the cans from the regular trash. Aluminum can tops/tabs can be placed in a container in the clubhouse.
Yard Brush and Tree Trimmings
Place all yard brush and tree trimmings at the side of the road separate from the garbage for Monday morning pick-up and it will be collected. Place it in trash bags or plastic containers.
Do not put it with the regular garbage. This only increases the amount we must pay to have it hauled away.
Dumpster
The dumpster at the Mount Piney location is for the use of residents who have scrap materials from work that they themselves have done. Contractors doing renovations or repairs to your property are to remove any such materials from the community and dispose of it at their cost.
Help the Park
Place your old phone books in the dumpster at the Mount Piney location. Do not
place them in with the regular trash.


KITCHEN KREWE
Ice Machines -To all residents and guests. Do not use ice from the kitchen supply for your personal home use. Use ice from the ice machine in the Mt. Piney Avenue laundry. Ice in the kitchen is required for activities in the Hall and Atrium. Traffic through the kitchen area creates sanitary problems.
Betty Chase -Kitchen Manager