Americana Cove

Are those 90s here to stay?

May 31, 2004

PRAYER FOR JUNE

Gracious God, Creator and Sustainer, we praise Your Holy Name and thank You for the gift of the five senses which allow us to enjoy all of Your
Creation: in the sky, in the air, on the earth and under the sea. We too often take it all for granted. Help us always to be aware of these blessings.
This month we honor fathers everywhere. Some of us are grandfathers or uncles. As we look back I'm sure we wish we had done better; it is too
late now. But we can pray that what we left out may be aided by others who are influential in our children's lives. As we pray for fathers
everywhere we think of those serving in the Armed Services.
Be with them, Father, and keep them as safe as possible. May we, fathers, grandfathers and uncles be examples to all others with whom we come in contact during the rest of our days. We pray for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, God. Help us to be aware of It's guidance.
John Whittredge Hill ~Chaplain

?“The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and have the two as close together as possible.?” ~ George Burns


FROM THE MANAGER
By Dawn Simmons

PALM TREES: To date 20 palm trees have been transplanted on Americana Drive and Mt. Piney Ave. Sixteen new palms have been planted along Americana Drive. They really look great! Many residents have asked why the transplanting? All the trees that were behind homes and were difficult to trim are the ones being used to put along the street for easier maintenance. We have many more to relocate and will be doing the perimeter of the Community next, which will include Mt. Piney Road and Mt. Oak Avenue.

SALES PROMOTION: Don?’t forget! A $500 bonus (rent credit) will be awarded to any resident who brings in a New Home Buyer on an empty lot. PLUS- A $1200 (Rent or Maintenance Fee credit) will be awarded to a New Home Buyer on a vacant lot. It will be applied at $100 a month for a year.

SUGGESTION BOX: We have a Suggestion Box located in the business office. A resident asked why we do not have one at the main clubhouse. Good Question. Would anyone at the wood shop be willing to make us one?


WELCOME YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS
By Gail Jones

Felix and Gerda Buffa
Gerda has an interesting story to tell. She comes from Wisconsin and more recently
Orland Park, Illinois. She was here four years ago and thought the park was a nice place to be. Her husband of 25 years now has trouble breathing during cold weather. This year when they came for a visit--- 4 days later they owned their place at 6711 Americana Drive. It helps with a quick decision when you have relatives already in the community. Philip Buffa, their son lives at 6701 Americana Dr. and Joe Golf, a cousin lives at 6815 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Gerda says they are very pleased with the care her husband has received here in St. Pete with his health problems. She enjoys the pool and plans to enter into more Americana Cove activities.

Gary and Joanne Ebert
Gary and Joanne purchased their home at 661 Mt Piney Ave. Harriet Haring owned it previously. They come from Harsen's Island, Michigan and will now be "snowbirds"! Gary retired from Ingersoll Cutting Tools and Joanne retired from Henry Ford Community College. They have a daughter Mary Beth and a son Tony, as well as two grandsons named Jason and Evan. They became acquainted with this community through good friends and neighbors in Michigan, Helen Barta and the late Herb Steele. You are apt to see Gary near Founder?’s Park, as he loves fishing and enjoys nice weather. Joanne loves to swim and certainly enjoys being in and around the pool.

Valdis and Joan Judovics
When Joan and Valdis moved into their new home at 7144 Bristol Rd. they brought
along with them their showy blue front, red tailed parrot named Johnson. He has several words and even knows some tricks. They come from Quakertown, Pa. Valdis is Lappian and retired from the Liquor Control Board. One of the reasons that they came here is to assist in the small community of people from his background and he attends them on a regular basis. He loves meeting people and socializing. Joan has many interests and she comes and goes with bingo, lunches, and our white elephant sale. She's made friends with all the neighbors up and down Bristol Rd. The crafters could enjoy her skill and talent with stained glass windows. She has some nice examples in her home. Another strong
interest is flowers and gardening. Already she has made some nice changes and
has many ideas about making her yard more attractive.


WELCOME TO OUR NEW RESIDENTS
By Frances McVay

BUFFA, Philip and Gerda (WI)
6711 Americana Drive
Previously Murray

DODELL, Rose M. (MD)
7037 Mt. Georgetown Drive
Previously Lynch

GAUGLER, Howard (PA)
322 Mt. Richmond Avenue
Previously Knapp/Howland

HODGSON, David & Jane
366 Mt. Saxon Avenue
Previously Wooley

JOHNSON, Harvey (MA)
JOHNSON, Stephen
570 Mt. Oak Avenue
Previously Dorsett
New Home


SUNSHINE REPORT for JUNE 2004
By Gerri Bassett

Deaths
Herthal Yagel (Former Resident)
Bill Kirk (Former Resident)
Kay Kovacs

Nursing Homes
Bob Ortel Carrington Place
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Kay Brownsey Integrated Health Service
Dorothy Goldsworthy Fountains of Boca Ciego Bay
Doris Bolesta Freedom Inn at Bay Pines
Bob Waltz Palm Gardens of Largo

Hospitals
Dick Fay St. Anthony

June Birthdays
02 George Cantos
03 Theresa Volk
06 Lillian LaRochelle
08 Leo LaForce
15 Eileen Latendresse
Linda Myers
16 Edna Bolin
Marcia Fay
17 Gerri Bassett
20 Jerry Keen
26 John Layner
27 Leni Lambert
29 Ellie Oliveira
Joan Dell?’Angelo

June ANNIVERSARIES
01 Connie and Paul Mattina 46 years
08 Grace and Hugh Roberts 69 years
12 Eiko and Edwin Nos 46 years
13 Millie and Jim Dye 47 Years
14 Mary Ann and Drew Fairlie 52 years
Evelyn and John Dusza 57 years
15 Mary and Bill Gilfillan 57 years
17 Anne and Bill Kocher 54 years
19 Mary and Cal St. Sauver 11 years
20 Midge and Orrie Bull 56 years
21 Dotty and Gerry Kirby 46 years

Would you like your Birthday or Anniversary in the Forecaster? Let me know: Gerri Bassett 525-6806.

FROM THE DESK OF:
APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET
By Tom Fielhauer

Amending the Bylaws is not an action that should be taken lightly ...and, it wasn't. It is not easy to do ...nor should it be. Therefore, we are thankful for the overwhelming support from the shareholders and all the efforts of the volunteers, without whose help this action would not have been possible. We also want to express our appreciation to the
Board of Directors for taking the necessary final steps to formalize this amendment and for taking the action that so many shareholders agreed was important.

BYLAWS AMENDED: SHAREHOLDERS TO VOTE ON BUDGET!
As many of you know, there has been a grass roots effort the past several weeks to require shareholder participation in approving the Annual Budget. In order to establish our right to vote during the budget process, the Bylaws had to be amended. On March 31, 2004, in accordance with our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as well as the Florida Statutes, a written consent agreement, with 321 shareholder signatures was sent to the Corporate Office. This represented over 70% of the voting interests in MAROA and was 94 more signatures than required to amend the Bylaws. On April 19th, 2004 the Board of Directors called a special meeting to address this important issue. During this meeting the Board recognized the validity of the consent agreement and indicated that they intend to take all necessary legal steps to finalize the adoption of this amendment. This includes recording the action in the shareholders minutes; notifying those shareholders that did not sign the consent agreement and, filing the required certificate with Pinellas County. Again, we are grateful to the Board for their action(s) during the April 19th meeting and are especially grateful to those Board Members whose diligence helped bring this matter to an amicable conclusion.

FROM THE TREASURER'S DESK:
TREASURER?’S REPORT for AMERICANA COVE
( as of 30 April 2004 )
By Hubert Dorsett

Revenues:
For the 4 months ending 30 April 2004, our revenues were $825,198 -- $15,622 less than our budgeted $840,820. These shortfalls were due primarily to: A) Owned rentals down by $4,616 caused by our having pulled out or sold some of the rentals; B) Coop note income down $3,819 due to some of the shares having been paid off; C) Rental Income down $3,928 due to renters becoming shareholders; D) Unrealized Investment Income of $3,160.
Expenses:
On the expense side, we budgeted the same $840,820 and have spent only $837,788 for a slight savings (under spend) of $3,032 for the same four months. Some of the factors for our expenses not being less are: A) Waste disposal and utilities are $17,980 higher than budgeted for, but that hopefully will somewhat even out as the year progresses, although energy costs are up this year; B) Bad debts of $6,482- that has only gone up about $1,300 since I reported to you at the end of February but again, we budgeted $8,000 for the year; C) Landscaping was $6,038 over budget due to the Palm Tree replacement program. Please keep in mind that we have a not actually spent the $837,788 reported above because that amount also includes the monies that have gone into the reserve account ($44,484) and capital improvement account ($27,674) and of those two amounts, some has been spent as directed by the budget for a net of $46,829 still in those accounts. Actual spent amount was $25,329 over the four months, the largest single expenditure being the solar pool heater.

Recent Actions:
Several recent actions will see an improvement on the expense side in the coming months. First, the sweep accounts were turned off and reverted to regular business accounts, which should save us approx. $600/month. When and if interest rates go up again, these accounts can be returned to sweep status with just a notice to Bank of America. Second, we caused a re-amortization of note payment with the Bank which saves us approx. $800/month for the life of the note. Also, we budgeted $316,000 in regular payments on the principal and interest on our note but have only had to pay $307,904 in principal and interest to date for a net savings of $8,096. These savings will continue adding up throughout the year. Of note also is the fact that we have reduced the principal of our note to the bank by approximately $302,000 since the first of the year. These one- time payments are outside the normal amortization payments mentioned above and represent new shares sold as well as coop notes being paid off in advance.

Summary:
In summary, after 4 months of 2004, we have a small savings (under spend) in the Operating Fund of $3,032 which mitigates somewhat the small revenue deficit ($15,622) for a net revenue deficit of $12,590. The savings due to the re-amortization ($800/mos) will further mitigate this revenue deficit, in future months, and bank charges ($600/mos). All in all, we remain fairly on track with our budgeted position.

Cash Position:
Our cash position as of this report date is: Operating Account : $552,057
Capital Account : $ 24,000
Reserve Account : $286,873
CD: (Up for Renewal $275,000
in Jun/Jul 2004)
__________________________________
Total Cash Position : $1,137,930

HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY
By Linda Lou Fairbanks, Winter Editor

I wanted to honor all the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and best ?“friends?” living here in our community as we near Father?’s Day. I am particularly thinking of those fathers far away from their ?“fatherland?” and their families, as they continue to fight for our right to freedom. Not just those fighting in Iraq, but ALL of our brave men around the world. Let us all bow our heads, place a hand over our hearts on Sunday June 20th, and say a special ?“thank you?” to these heroes. And, at the same time, let us not forget those that are near and dear to us- our own fathers. Observe a moment in your day to give thanks for His presence and influence in your life, and if you are a father, embrace your value in the lives of those who love you. This is your day- ENJOY IT!

The United States is one of the few countries in the world that has an official day on which their children honor fathers. On the third Sunday in June, fathers all across the United States are given presents, treated to dinner or otherwise made to feel special. The origin of Father's Day is not clear. Some say that it began with a church service in West Virginia in 1908. Others say the first Father's Day ceremony was held in Vancouver, Washington. Regardless of when the first true Father's Day occurred, the strongest promoter of the holiday was Mrs. Bruce John (Sonora) Dodd of Spokane, Washington. She thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909.

Sonora wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. Smart, who was a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. After Sonora became an adult she realized the selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. In 1909, Mrs. Dodd approached her own minister and others in Spokane about having a church service dedicated to fathers on June 5, her father's birthday. That date was too soon for her minister to prepare the service, so he spoke a few weeks later on June 19th. From then on, the state of Washington celebrated the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Children made special desserts, or visited their fathers if they lived apart. In early times, wearing flowers was a traditional way of celebrating Father's Day. Mrs. Dodd favored the red rose to honor a father still living, while a white flower honored a deceased dad. J.H. Berringer, who also held Father's Day celebrations in Washington State as early as 1912, chose a white lilac as the Father's Day Flower. States and organizations began lobbying Congress to declare an annual Father's Day. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson approved of this idea, but it was not until 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge made it a national event to "establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations." Since then, fathers have been honored and recognized by their families throughout the country on the third Sunday in June. In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day and put the official stamp on a celebration that was going on for almost half a century.


AN AMAZING STORY or ("YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE IT TO BELIEVE IT!")
By John Bassett

On April 19th, without warning or any kind of notice, Verizon discontinued my phone service. I won?’t go into the details of my conversations with Verizon ?– yes, I could reach Verizon, but that is all, and, yes, my phone bills were up to date, and you can use your imagination about the stormy weather that erupted. Anyway, to make a long story short Verizon agreed to restore my service by the 22nd of April. And this, after only trying to get me to phone another phone company to expedite matters. I guess the fact I didn?’t have a working phone wasn?’t a reasonable enough excuse not to try. So?…guess what? On the 22nd?… that?’s correct! No service! (More stormy weather.) And, I was told, finally, I had to settle for service resumption on the 29th of April! I did get my service restored on the 29th, but guess what? I also got a letter from Verizon saying they had to cancel the restore order on the 22nd because they couldn?’t contact me! I wonder why???!!! Now, all?’s well that ends well, but I also learned that this can happen to anyone, and has, and will in the future. And do you want to know why? Because the phone companies have protected themselves, but for us poor consumers, there is no protection. None. They can do what they want, when they want, and there?’s little, if anything we can do. I can only suggest that if you have problems with your phone company, complain to the Florida Consumer Affairs, the FCC, and even your local Representative. Just don?’t accept it passively!

COVE CORNER
By Ken Hopkins

A WIN FOR DEMOCRACY! ?– My congratulations to Tom Fielhauer and his committee of ?“concerned citizens?” who saw a need for change and did something about it. Clearly there were many residents angry and disappointed last November when the Board made the conscious decision to deny our shareholders the right to vote on the substantial increases in the 2004 budget. We all know how divisive that action was and how much pain has been suffered by many because of it. Tom and his committee worked long and hard to reach an accommodation with the Board, and when that failed, it ultimately produced a petition that over 70% of our shareholders signed. My congratulations also to Bill Hart and our current Board for their grace in accepting the will of the people and proceeding with the bylaw change that will allow shareholders to approve future budgets. Of course, not everyone agreed with this change. Unanimity is hard to achieve in our community. Allow me a note of caution. Pandora?’s Box has been opened. When next November rolls around and we have to vote on the budget, how many of us are savvy enough to understand what we will be voting on? Do we really understand the nuances of capital reserves, balloon interest payments, and debt service? How can we vote on them if we don?’t understand them? So it becomes incumbent upon Tom and others who DO have the financial smarts to educate the rest of us so when we vote, we do so intelligently. I personally do not have sufficient financial training to make decisions involving thousands, if not millions of our community?’s dollars. I rely on the guidance of people like Tom, Wayne, Nelson, and others on our Financial Committee. When the Board prepares our next budget, I hope they will see fit to utilize the resources contained in the Financial Committee and others in the community to help them make the right decisions.

DINNER AFLOAT ?– The Americana Boat Club recently sponsored a potluck supper on the water. Twenty-one of our folks met down by the marina, jumped on a boat, and we all caravaned out to ?“Beck?’s Bay?”. Once the boats were lashed together, the feast began. Food was everywhere! People wandered at will between the boats, choosing the best delicacies on each boat. In spite of our best efforts, we could not eat enough to sink the boats! After a couple of hours, the stiff breeze had blown our little flotilla half way across the bay and we undid our lashings, lifted anchor, and headed back to the marina. A fine time was had by all and we?’re already looking forward to our next outing in the fall.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR NEIGHBOR ?– Nelson French?’s parents came to Mobel Americana in 1972. Nelson joined them in 2002 after retirement. Guess his parents must have spoken well of the community for Nelson to want to make his home here. Nelson remembers coming here when there were still children running around. Nelson comes from upstate NY, ?“the Thousand Islands area,?” he told me. Nelson is our newest Board member and I am delighted to see him join the Board. Nelson has a Masters degree in accounting, and is also a CPA (certified public accountant). Clearly we have a need for these kinds of people around here. Nelson served in the Navy as a communications officer during the Viet Nam conflict and then worked in various phases of accounting for United Technologies for 20 years. Nelson enjoys lap swimming and also enjoys railroading as a hobby (I?’m sure John Bassett has already spoken to him about that). Although they love it here, the French?’s still go north to the State of New York and spend their summers in Point Vivian. Nelson says they can sit on their front porch and watch the boats go along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Although only here for a couple of years, Nelson has been quite active in the community. He has served on the Finance Committee and now sits as a Director on our Board. He is looking forward to the challenge of his new responsibility. Nelson feels our first priority continues to be the filling of our empty lots. He would like to see a strong marketing program in place and feels that the steps we are taking to make the community more attractive will help in the process. Next time you have a chance, stop and chat with Nelson a bit- you?’ll find him enjoyable to talk to.

NEW BOARD ?– Conrad Weiser reported the following on the Listbot. I thought I would repeat it for those of you who are away and do not have access to the Listbot. ?“At a Special Board Meeting held on Saturday, 24 April 2004, the MAROA Board of Directors appointed Virginia Curtis and Nelson French to the two vacancies on the Board. Virginia Curtis will complete the term that expires in January 2005, and Nelson French will complete the term that expires in January 2007. Bill Hart was unanimously acknowledged as President of the Board. Bill Stanford was elected by the Board to be 1st Vice President. The office of 2nd Vice President will remain open until January 2005.
Treasurer and Secretary will remain the same for the remainder of this term.?” Thanks to Conrad for his report and congratulations to our latest Board members.

VIDEO HISTORY ?– Hope you have all had a chance to view and enjoy Gene Seawell?’s and Russ Steele?’s production of the Video History of Americana Cove. I am pleased and grateful to report that Gene and Russ have contributed $425 to MAA so far, as the profits from sales of the video. A very nice donation and much appreciated. Thank you Gene and Russ for your sense of community and your willingness to share.

ATRIUM PIANO ?–Just a friendly note that the piano in the Atrium has recently been tuned. That means when you sing off key, it?’s you- not the piano! Please take note: The piano includes a dehumidifier to prevent the pitch from switching during humid weather. That dehumidifier only works when it is plugged in. PLEASE DO NOT UNPLUG THE DEHUMIDIFIER when using the piano. (Just a gentle reminder from Gail Jones.)


AN INVITATION FROM YOUR NEIGHBOR
By Conrad Weiser

Three years after its?’ inception, Cove residents still ask me- ?“What is the Listbot??” Over 100 of your neighbors who use their computers to connect to e-mail share a private network exclusively for residents of Americana Cove. Our Listbot, (technically a listserver robot), provides a free forum for all neighbors who wish to participate. You are welcome to join. A phone or e-mail message to me, our Moderator is all that you need to be a subscriber. Contact me at maoa1999@aol.com, or by telephone at: (727) 522-5008. And, the best part is- ?“Yes, it?’s free?”.
Messages posted to our ?“Bot?”, (maa2001@yahoogroups.com), are immediately re-sent to all of our subscribers. Averaging 4 to 6 daily, they include no ?“Spam?”. They are the wisdom & wit of your park neighbors. You may post a reply to any message, responding to the author privately, or addressing the entire Listbot subscription. Your messages may include text, photos or ?“attachments?”. You may write anonymously if you wish, (the subscriber list is private), but your e-mail address cannot be hidden. You may elect to: a) receive all mail when posted b) only one daily digest/index of the previous days mailings, or c)?“No E-mail?” which frees your inbox, but still allows access to our Archive, Chat Room, etc. And as well, you still retain the privilege to post your comments, at any time, from any computer. Please join us. We?’d love to share our on-line community with you.


FORECASTER INFORMATION
FORECASTER GUIDELINES: All items and other information for the Americana Cove Forecaster may be placed in the box just inside the entry doors to the Atrium, or sent electronically. All items are to be in the original type, no photocopies please, in BLACK INK on full size paper- 81/2?” by 11?”. Deadline for July for all articles is the 19th of June. Font size is number twelve (12).

SUBMISSIONS: If you can send me your items by email, either as an attachment, or as part of the email, you will save yourselves money in both ink and paper. Thank you for your cooperation.
EMAILS to the EDITOR: If you are sending me an email for the first time, it would be very helpful if you could give me a call first (526-6046) to tell me what your email address is. I tend to get a lot of spam mail and I simply delete all unknown senders. I have lost a couple of items this way. It is unfortunate, but?… once I know your screen name I will have a reference for the future. My apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

FORECASTER CALENDAR: Deadline for entries to the calendar are always the 17th of each month. Since there are multiple entries every month we must have a little more lead-time to make sure everything gets submitted on time. Please note that all submissions must come from, or be approved by the MAA.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

AIR PUMP: There is an air pump located just outside the maintenance shed on Mt Piney Avenue. It may be used to inflate and/or check pressure in your bicycle tires.

NEWSPAPERS and MAGAZINE RECYCLING: There are newspaper bins located on Americana Dr and Mt Piney Ave for your convenience. All newspapers should be placed in these bins. Please do not place brown paper or plastic bags in these containers. They are for newspapers only! If you wish to recycle your magazines, there is a storage bin on Americana Dr, clearly marked for magazines. Please deposit magazines in only this bin! And, for those pesky phone books- you are asked to please take them to the Mt Piney dumpster. Please do not put them in with your trash. Thank you for your cooperation and thank you for recycling.

ALUMINUM CANS/CAN TOPS and SCRAP METAL: We have a very active ?“aluminum?” collection program here in the community. Sales of aluminum and metal contributes to our many social activities and every little bit helps! Please put cans/metal out for collection on Tuesday mornings (early!) or you may take them to one of the Old Timers Aluminum sheds. We ask that you do not put them in the garbage compactor. This is for household garbage only. Making the effort to sort these items from your regular trash really makes a huge difference and we appreciate your cooperation. You may also place your saved can ?“tops?” in the jar on top of the wastebasket in the clubhouse.

YARD BRUSH and TREE TRIMMINGS: Pick- up days for brush and tree trimmings is on Tuesday and Friday. Please place items at the side of the roadway, away from your regular trash. It must be contained in trash bags, plastic containers or bundled/tied.

DUMPSTER: The dumpster at the Mt Piney location is for those residents who have scrap materials from work they have completed themselves. Contractors doing renovations or repairs to your property are responsible for removing their own materials from the community at their own cost.
TV AERIALS: Please check your outdoor aerial to make sure it is firmly secured. Any looseness could result in damage to your home or property if it tears away from your home and falls. And, as we are coming into our thunderstorm season, winds can be high.

ICE MACHINES in the CLUBHOUSE: This notice is for all residents and guests. Please do not use the ice machine in the kitchen area for your own personal use. You may use the ice machine located on Mt Piney Ave in the laundry room. The Kitchen Krewe reminds us for sanitary reasons, it isn?’t wise to be walking in and out of the kitchen at any time! From: Betty Chase, Kitchen Manager


?“THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU?”

A special ?“thank you?” goes out to Americana Cove for all the cards, visits and outpouring of love and concern received by me and members of our family during our recent loss of John. A memorial service was held on April 22,2004 and ?“it meant so much to have so many people there to support us. It was appreciated more than words can say?…?”
From: Rachel Stewart and Family


SPECIAL EVENTS, NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE HISTORY OF THE STARS AND STRIPES In Honor of FLAG DAY JUNE 14
The Stars and Stripes originated as a result of a resolution adopted by the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress at Philadelphia on June 14, 1777. The resolution read: "Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation. "The resolution gave no instruction as to how many points the stars should have, nor how the stars should be arranged on the blue union. Consequently, some flags had stars scattered on the blue field without any specific design, some arranged the stars in rows, and some in a circle. The first Navy Stars and Stripes had the stars arranged in staggered formation in alternate rows of threes and twos on a blue field. Other Stars and Stripes flags had stars arranged in alternate rows of four, five and four. Some stars had six points while others had eight. Strong evidence indicates that Francis Hopkinson of New Jersey, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was responsible for the stars in the U.S. flag. At the time that the flag resolution was adopted, Hopkinson was the Chairman of the Continental Navy Board's Middle Department. Hopkinson also helped design other devices for the Government including the Great Seal of the United States. For his services, Hopkinson submitted a letter to the Continental Admiralty Board asking "whether a Quarter Cask of the public Wine will not be a proper & reasonable Reward for these Labours of Fancy and a suitable Encouragement to future Exertions of a like Nature." His request was turned down since the Congress regarded him as a public servant.
FLAG ETIQUETTE- THE STANDARDS OF RESPECT
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:
?· The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
?· The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speaker?’s desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
?· The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
?· The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
?· The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
?· The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country; it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

CARE OF YOUR FLAG
The life of your flag depends on your care. Dirt can cut fabrics, dull colors, and cause wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed in mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed. Indoor and parade flags should be dry-cleaned. Many dry cleaners offer free cleaning of U.S. flags during the months of June and July. Damaged flags can be repaired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions are not noticeably altered. American Legion Posts and local governments often have facilities to dispose of unserviceable flags. Store your flags in a well-ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or cleaning compounds. If your flag gets wet, never store it until it is completely dry. Wet folds cause permanent creases. Dampness ruins fabric and causes mildew. Pole care is also related to flag care. Rust and scale cause permanent stains and some metallic oxides actually eat holes in fabric.

The AMERICAN?’S CREED

I BELIEVE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS A GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE; WHOSE JUST POWERS ARE DERIVED FROM THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED; A DEMOCRACY IN A REPUBLIC, A SOVEREIGN NATION OF MANY SOVEREIGN STATES; A PERFECT UNION, ONE AND INSEPARABLE; ESTABLISHED UPON THOSE PRINCIPLES OF FREEDOM, EQUALITY, JUSTICE, AND HUMANITY FOR WHICH AMERICAN PATRIOTS SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES AND FORTUNES. I THEREFORE BELIEVE IT IS MY DUTY TO MY COUNTRY TO LOVE IT, TO SUPPORT ITS CONSTITUTION; TO OBEY ITS LAWS; TO RESPECT ITS FLAG; AND TO DEFEND IT AGAINST ALL ENEMIES.
William Tyler Page of Friendship Heights, Maryland, wrote the Creed in 1918 in the course of a nationwide contest on the subject. Page was a descendent of President Tyler, and Representative John Page, who served in the Congress from 1789-97.


THE HAPPY HINGES

You are cordially invited to come join us in the swimming pool for Happy Hinges, low impact water exercises for persons suffering from joint pains. Maybe you have had back, hip or knee surgery. You may have been advised to seek water exercises. The exercises in Happy Hinges are approved by the Arthritis Foundation. A Certified Water Safety Instructor/Trainer of the American Red Cross and Aerobics Instructor will teach it from the YMCA, Marj Logan who is a resident of Americana Cove. There is a sign up sheet in the Club House or just show up at the pool on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30 to 4:30pm. If sun is an issue wear a big hat. Wear your swimsuits and bring an empty clean milk jug. Depending on your strength it may be 1/2 gallon or gallon.
SEE YOU AT THE POOL!


THE HIP HOP?…
By Linda Lou Fairbanks

I recently heard that one of our residents is scheduled to undergo surgery. Richard (Dick) Fay is going to have a right hip replacement on June 1st at Northside. I wish I had an appropriate poem to offer, but we will be thinking of you, Dick, and wishing you a speedy recovery!


HOW IS MARY?
By Joan Mitchell

Dear Friends in Americana Cove,Many of you who have not seen my Mom (Mary Venturini) for a while ask about her. She is always delighted when I relay your wishes. She is doing very well. She is staying with my brother in Tennessee. On July 23rd of this year she will be celebrating her 90th birthday! I look forward to visiting her at that time. I miss her. If you would like to write to her, her address is 1972 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401. If you are in her area (outside of Nashville) and would like to visit her, please let me know. Thank you again for your caring ways, and your kindness?’.Fondly, Joan Mitchell


DEAR RESIDENTS- LET'S KNIT AND CROCHET!!!
By Annette Solomon

If you can knit & crochet and prefer working at home, GREAT! You don't have to join the crafters club. Last season, we received many items made by residents at home. Please continue to do so. A big heartfelt Thank you! Area nursing homes and Hospice are looking for handmade lap robes and men & women?’s slippers. If you can help, please do so. If you need needles and yarn, please see Rosemary Kegebein. If you need a pattern, we will be publishing samples in up- coming issues of the Forecaster. Keep those hands busy and God bless!

PATTERN FOR ANGEL BLANKETS
ANGEL BLANKETS are blankets that are knitted or crocheted for families that have suffered the loss of a child. They should measure 26?” by 36?”. The style (or pattern) is up to you, but they need to be ALL WHITE.
KNITTED BLANKET: Size 8 long needles or size 8 circular needle -4 ply white yarn, about 16 ounces. Cast on 120 stitches, knit across first row, turn, and knit across each row until piece measures 36 inches. Bind off.
CROCHETED BLANKET: Size 10 crochet hook -4 ply white yam, about 16 ounces.
Ch 100 stitches loosely, ch 2, turn. Row 1: sc in 4th ch from hook, * ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch *, continue across row working from * to *, at end, ch 2, turn. Row 2: sc in ch 1 space, ch 1, * sc in ch 1 space, ch 1, work from * to * across row, at end, sc in ch 2 space of previous row, ch 2, turn. Row 3: work same as row 2 until blanket measures 36"


CLUBS and ACTIVITIES

MAA NEWS FOR JUNE
By Ken Hopkins, President

MAA activity for June is at a pretty low level. MAA meetings and luncheons have been suspended for the summer. Just a reminder, Virginia Curtis and Vivian Linville are coordinating a Brown Bag luncheon series for June, July, and August to be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each of those months. Bring your brown bag lunch to the clubhouse at 12:00 noon. Dessert, tea, and coffee will be served, followed by Bingo.
Since the calendar is so empty, I invite any of you to be creative and start up one activity or another for those residents sweating out summer here in the Cove. An impromptu gathering is always nice and the odds are pretty good that both the Atrium and the clubhouse will be available since most groups have suspended their monthly meetings for the summer as well. I encourage you to gather a few of your friends and get together for virtually any old reason. If you?’re lucky, you can grab a couple of the boat guys and do it on the water!

Allow me a word of advice: at the May Council meeting we talked about how MAA member groups can gain some financial support from MAA for their various projects. MAA has two major fund-raisers during the year, the Craft Bazaar and the White Elephant Sale. Proceeds from those two sales go into the MAA coffers and are available to help with a variety of club projects. If your group needs some help with a project, by all means, feel free to request help from MAA. Please put your request in writing and include a written estimate of costs to support your request. It makes it a lot easier for the Council to approve such requests when accompanied by suitable documentation. Of course, the group receiving funds from MAA will be expected to document their expenditures by submitting appropriate paid receipts.
Happy summer, all?….


VESPER NEWS
By Gerri Bassett

The following people made a donation to Vespers in Paul Ghezzi?’s name:
Steve Ghezzi, Stanley Harmon, Nancy & John Hill, Jeanne Pavlik, Helen Riggs, Nancy Paine, Mr. & Mrs. J Dion, Arlene Elwell, Phyllis Jackwin, Eva Pratt, Marie Sirois, Shirley Dunn, Mr. & Mrs. J. Young, Mr.& Mrs. Ray Macomber, Lillian Harris, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Spetz and Noreen Libby.

Louise Pickett made a ThankYou offering, for a kindness done by George Luce.


DUPLICATE BRIDGE
By Gerri Bassett

Howell Movement
Sunday May 2, 2004:
1) Gerri & John Bassett
2) Joy & Bill Slepin
Sunday May 9, 2004:
1)Tie: Maretta Dimke & Hubert Dorsett
Betty & Tom Davis
2) Gerri & John Bassett
Sunday May 16, 2004:
1) Bill & Joy Slepin
2) Gerri & John Bassett


DEAR CRAFTERS
By Annette Solomon

Yes! Yes! We are crafting all summer! Join Rosemary and Jean in the clubhouse on Monday evenings between 6 and 9 PM. Come see what projects they have going on. Remember, all these efforts are for the Annual Craft Bazaar in
November. Enjoy a happy & healthy summer. Happy Crafting!


NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME WATCH
By Barbara Magada

The next Crime Watch/Crime Prevention /Crime Patrol Meeting will be in the Clubhouse/Atrium on Friday JUNE 11,2004 @ 1:30PM.
The speaker will be a SURPRISE! Various subjects will be of our choice, and of course, refreshments will be available. Hope to see you there!


NOW?… SMILE FOR AWHILE

By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere. ~Unknown


TIP OF THE MONTH:

"A little lemon and seltzer will remove those pesky ink stains after you've been fingerprinted." ~Martha Stewart


ATTITUDES
submitted by: Ray Macomber

What a great attitude! The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. "I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. "Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room. Just wait."
"That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room does not depend on how the furniture is arranged...it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away... just for this time in my life." Old age is like a bank account ...you withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my memory banks. I am still depositing.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy: 1.) Free your heart from hatred. 2.) Free your mind from worries. 3.) Live simply. 4.) Give more. 5.) Expect less.


A STONE'S THROW
submitted by: John Bassett

"Did you read in the paper that they arrested a youth for throwing pebbles at a bird on the beach? ?“
?“No, what a cruel thing to do!?”
?“Yes, just proves some people can't leave a tern unstoned."

SUBJECT: GOLF STORY
submitted by Jim Ponder

A fellow was getting ready to tee off on the first hole when a second golfer approached and asked if he could join him. The first said that he
usually played alone, but agreed to the twosome. They were even after the first few holes. The second guy said, "We're about evenly matched,
how about playing for five bucks a hole?" The first fellow said that he wasn't much for betting, but agreed to the terms. The second guy won the remaining sixteen holes with ease. As they were walking off number eighteen, and while counting his $80.00, he confessed that he was the
pro at a neighboring course and liked to pick on suckers. The first fellow revealed that he was the Parish Priest. The pro got all flustered and
apologetic, offering to return the money. The Priest said, "You won fair and square and I was foolish to bet with you. You keep your winnings." The pro said, "Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" The Priest said, "Well, you could come to Mass on Sunday and make a donation. And, if you want to bring your mother and father
along, I'll marry them."


USELESS FACT
submitted by: Gerri Bassett

Why do diesel truck drivers leave their truck engines running when parked?
Diesel truck drivers keep their engines running for two reasons, even if they're not in the truck. One is that it takes a diesel engine time to warm up. If they turned off the engine, they'd have to wait for it to warm up again before they could start driving.
The most important reason is because of their brakes. Truck brakes work on air pressure, created by a compressor that runs off the engine. If the drivers shut off the engine, air bleeds out of the compressor and the brakes lock up. Sufficient air pressure has to build up before the brakes can be released. If the engine is kept running, the compressor keeps the pressure up, and the driver can release the brakes as soon as he gets into the truck.
A typical semi truck weighs 20 to 30 times as much as an automobile. Even with the best brakes, it cannot stop as fast as an automobile. In fact, a semi has a stopping distance 20 to 40 percent longer than a passenger car. When a big rig and an automobile collide, it's no contest. In fatal crashes involving an automobile and a large truck, 98 percent of the people killed were drivers or passengers in the automobiles.

It's a good idea to remember that statistic the next time you think about swerving in front of a truck to get ahead. You might even have the right of way. But that won't help you if the truck can't stop, and being dead right isn't always a good thing.
~source: "What Makes Flamingos Pink?" by Bill McLain


FAVORITE SAYING
submitted by Marilyn Waltz

Last week I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement. ~Mark Twain

My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe. ~Jimmy Durante

Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat. ~Alex Levine

What's the use of happiness? It can't buy you money. ~Henny Youngman

It takes only one drink to get me drunk. The trouble is, I can't remember if it's the thirteenth or fourteenth. ~George Burns

Doctor to patient: I have good news and bad news. The good news is that you are not a hypochondriac. ~Unknown

The cardiologist's diet: If it tastes good -spit it out. ~Unknown


UP, UP and AWAY?….
Submitted by: Conrad Weiser

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meaning than any other two-letter word and that is "UP." It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we waken in the morning, why do we wake UP? At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers up for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends, we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, and we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car. At other times the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses. To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special. And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP. We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP. To be knowledgeable of the proper uses of UP, look UP the word in the dictionary. In a desk size dictionary, takes UP almost 1/4th the page and definitions add UP to about thirty. If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more. When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets UP the earth. When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP. One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, so I'll shut UP.


THE PLANE TRUTH
A DC-10 had come in a little hot and thus had a exceedingly long rollout after touching down. San Jose Tower Noted: "American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able, take the Guadeloupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the lights and return to the airport.
"Taxiing down the tarmac, a DC-10 abruptly stopped, turned around and returned to the gate. After an hour-long wait, it finally took off. A concerned passenger asked the flight attendant, "What, exactly, was the problem?" "The pilot was bothered by a noise he heard in the engine," explained the flight attendant. "It took us a while to find a new pilot.
"The Three Year Old Daughter A father put his three year old daughter to bed, told her a story and listened to her prayers which she ended by saying "God bless mommy, God bless daddy, God bless grandma and good-bye grandpa." The father asked, "Why did you say good-bye grandpa?" The little girl said, "I don't know daddy, it just seemed like the thing to do." The next day grandpa died. The father thought it was a strange coincidence. A few months later the father put the girl to bed and listened to her prayers, which went like this: "God bless mommy, God Bless daddy and good-bye grandma. "The next day the grandmother died. Oh my gosh, thought the father, this kid is in contact with the other side. Several weeks later when the girl was going to bed the dad heard her say "God bless mommy and good-bye daddy." He practically went into shock. He couldn't sleep all-night and got up at the crack of dawn to go to his office. He was nervous as a cat all day, had lunch sent in and watched the clock. He figured if he could get by until midnight he would be okay. He felt safe in the office, so instead of going home at the end of the day he stayed there, drinking coffee, looking at his watch and jumping at every sound. Finally midnight arrived; he breathed a sigh of relief and went home. When he got home his wife said, "I've never seen you work so late, what's the matter?" He said "I don't want to talk about it, I've just spent the worst day of my life." She said "You think you had a bad day, you'll never believe what happened to me. This morning the milkman dropped dead on our porch."
Author Unknown