Americana Cove

See Santa Midst The Palms

Nov 30, 2003

PRAYER FOR DECEMBER

Most Gracious and Powerful God, we come before You with hearts full of unworthiness.
This month we celebrate the greatest gift ever given, the birth of Your Son, Our Lord and Savior.
The commercial Christmas has been bombarding us for weeks.
Yet we see little of the reality of it.
As we go through the Advent Time help us to understand that we are preparing ourselves to worship anew as did the shepherds and the Wise Men of old. We have seen the signs but have neglected to follow them.
May we realize just why we give gifts and why we light up our homes. It is because the sky was lit with a myriad of stars that night with angels singing the announcement of His birth.
Be born again in us Little Jesus.
Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.


MAROA NEWS
Paul Mattina, President

It?’s hard to believe that this is the final edition of the Forecaster for the year 2003. I believe the Board has accomplished a lot this year, and on behalf of the Directors, I would like to thank everyone for their support. It goes without saying that all we do does not please every resident, but hopefully most will be happy with the progress we have made this past year.
As a reminder, as per the schedule proposed at the May meeting, we will have no Town Hall meeting in December, but will have the Board Meeting on the second Wednesday, December 10 th. This meeting is the final opportunity for shareholders to submit a resume and declare candidacy for a seat on the Board at the election to be held at the January meeting. Candidates will also make a presentation at the December meeting, addressing shareholders with their resume and reasons for wishing to become a member of the Board. There will be three positions to be filled.
As is customary at this time of year, a number of residents are preparing to leave the park to be with relatives or friends for the Thanksgiving and / or Christmas holidays. We would like to wish all of you a safe trip and Happy Holidays. We look forward to your return, that we may begin the New Year with a fresh resolve to make and keep our community the best of its kind.


MAROA NEWS
by Ed Mosakowski

On November 5th Board members attended a CAI(Community Associations Institute) sponsored course entitled "Conflict Resolution", held at the St. Petersburg Main Library. The course included a legal definition of cooperative associations, good communication, and dispute resolution. It was presented by an attorney.
Author's note: Community Associations Institute(CAI) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, responsive, competent community associations, and helping them promote harmony, community, and responsible leadership. CAI has provided resources and education to condominium, cooperative, and homeowner associations for 30 years.
(CAI Bookstore 2003)
CAI day is March 4, 2004 at the Pinellas Expo Center.
November 14th Board members attended a ROC(Resident Owned Communities)Forum at Sunset Palms MHP on Gandy Blvd. The meeting featured lawyers from the law firm of Abel and Band. Topics included recent changes to Florida Statutes affecting communities, how to amend rules and regulations, what we should know about employment law, and to be wary of pet rules problems. Meetings are held monthly from November to May. Each month, a different Park hosts the meeting. These meetings provide an educational opportunity for Boards of Directors, as well as a forum in which to share, ideas, experiences, and establish a network of communication for information. Your Board will continue its effort toward becoming an effective, informed Board of Directors. These meetings are just one part of this effort.


FROM THE MANAGER: - Dawn Simmons

After reading Ken Hopkins?’ article in the Nov. Issue about unattended fishing lines, I realized this was something I never paid attention to before.

We have a few residents living on the water doing this. I observed one place yesterday while welcoming a new resident. A line had a fish on it, bending the pole and trying to break free. I went to the home (car was in the driveway), knocked on the door and hollered -- Anyone Home? No one answered. I came back to the office, made a call to the home thinking I could leave a message on the answering machine. No answering machine. So I wrote a letter.

I am wondering how long the fish was attached to the line? My suggestion would be if you are going to fish --- fish?—if not please do not put the line in the water and just leave it there.

Thanks.


HAPPY HOLIDAYS:

Wishing all our Residents a Very Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

Staff of Americana Cove


MAA NEWS

BOB LARSEN, PRESIDENT
A happy holiday season to all our friends and neighbors in Americana Cove! We hope to see you at the special events we have planned for you in December.
The decorating committee would like your help on Monday Dec. 1, at 1:00pm. There are trees to be trimmed and set-up. Of course, there will be a few refreshments!
MAA Council Meeting is Tuesday Dec.2 at 10:00am in the Atrium. Everyone is invited to attend but voting rights are for the designee of each sanctioned club.
MAA Luncheon Meeting will be Wed. Dec. 3 at 12:00 noon. Tickets for the Board Appreciation Night will be sold before the luncheon.
On Thursday, Dec. 11 we have Board Appreciation Night. At 5:00pm the candidates running for vacant board seats will be introduced and asked to provide a brief campaign speech. At 5:30 we will serve hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans and dessert. From 6:00 to 7:00pm there will be country bluegrass music. Then following there will be a showing of the history of the park. Beer is served from 4:30 until gone! All this for only $5.00! Board members and their "date" and candidates and their "date" are free! Lets have an "Ole Fashion Campaigning Night!"!
You can buy your Christmas Dinner tickets on Monday Dec. 15 at 9:00am.
On Mon. Dec. 22 tickets for New Years Eve will be sold for $15.00 per person.
Don't forget the annual Christmas Eve open house. Refreshments are served and this is paid for by Old Timers and MAA. Dec. 24th at 7:00pm -8:00pm.
Christmas Dinner is $7.00 and the menu is undecided at this time.
Please watch the bulletin board for more details.
As per requested the "Rispolis?” will entertain for New Year's Eve.
Everyone seemed to enjoy them when they played for Halloween! So come out and ring in the new and say farewell to the old!!


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
by Frances McVay

BRANDMARK, Irene (MA)
207 Mt. Piney Avenue
Previously Bzowski Estate

COUNSELMAN, Charles L.
6836 Americana Drive
Previously Day

FEDUS, Stephen (CT)
664 Mt. Lancaster Avenue
Previously Andrews

FOLEY, William & Mary Ann (NY)
313 Mt. Richmond Avenue
Previously Rosenquist

LYNCH, Jeremiah (MA)
7037 Mt. Georgetown Drive
Previously Dallas

MacDONALD, William & Joyce
7278 Mt. Jupiter Drive 520-0048
Previously Evans Estate

MORELOCK, Frankie
7020 Mt. DeLeon Road
Previously White

NAUTA, Bert G., Jr. & Sandra M.
134 Americana Court
Previously LaBerge

TITUS, Jennie
698 Mt. Madison Avenue 520-9448
Previously Tschoff Estate


SUNSHINE REPORT - Peggy Hubrich

DEATHS:
Gertrude Loeber

HOSPITAL:
Pauline Newman Bay Front

NURSING HOMES:
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Claire Mueller Grace Health Care
Bob Ortel Carrington Place

BIRTHDAYS:
01 Janice Whitley
Jerry Miller
04 Jack Roe
Robert Fuchs
07 Barbara Fuchs
09 Ed Sebek
10 Arlie Johns
11 Dolly Couture
Sharon Miller
Peggy McCaII
Tom WaIIace
14 Grace Roberts
Beverly Johnson
Maurie Fink
16 Faith Brundage
17 Muriel Lapointe
18 Bernadette Holmer
Gerry Barbush
19 Gen Van Patten
Christine Kelly
23 Bob Stevens
25 Cleo Janiak
26 Edwin Holmer
28 Laurie Mello
Peg Stannard
30 Virginia Curtis
31 Bert Couture
Earl French
Rita Lewis

ANNIVERSARlES:
08 Jeanette and Edward Imbrogulio 42years
19 Ginger and Tee Phillips 52 years
28 Harriet and Curt Sigourney 57 years
Bobbie and Randy Rogers 30 years


OLD TIMERS
By Marcia Fay
Christmas is coming fast and we on the Old Timers Board wish everyone a healthy, happy and safe holiday.
MAA and Old Timers join together and hope everyone will join us for Open House in the clubhouse on December 24th, Christmas Eve, at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
There will not be an Old Timers luncheon at noon on December 24th, the only luncheon for December will be on the 10th. For this luncheon we will have a speaker from United Way at 11 a.m. This will be followed by a 15-minute question and answer period. Hope to see many of you there.
Well, I have counted the ballots for a possible name change for our club. The results weren?’t that overwhelming. We had 117 ?“no?” votes and only 50 ?“yes?” votes. The preferred name of the ?“yes?” voters was ?“Prime Timers?”. Many newcomers to the park were under the assumption that it was only for people who have lived here for a long time.
I would like everyone to know that our dues are $3.50 per year and we have luncheons every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, unless cancelled because of a holiday.


COVE CORNER
By Ken Hopkins

SUPPOSE THERE WAS NO LIGHT ?– Did you ever live in a town where they had a newspaper strike? I did. People turned to TV, radio, and the Internet to keep informed. Suppose that we had no Forecaster. Where would you turn to get information about the community? Think you could find the community calendar on channel 9? Not likely. In point of fact, we?’re nearing a crisis. The current editor of the Forecaster, John Bassett, has done a marvelous job. He?’s done it for five years and, yes, he?’s tired. John plans to step down as editor. You know the thing about, ?“let someone else do it??” Well there is no someone else. In spite of hints and appeals in the Forecaster, nobody has stepped up to the plate and said, ?“I?’ll give it a try.?” Without an editor there will be no monthly Forecaster. Sure, if you like the ads you can go to another community served by Monarch Publishing and see the same ads but you won?’t see anything about Americana Cove. It occurs to me that maybe nobody really knows what being editor is all about so here is the job description. 1. Maintain good relations with Monarch Publishing. 2. Get calendar from calendar person. 3. Get Sunshine report, Columnist report, Manager?’s report and similar. 4. Assemble Forecaster electronically; scan in typewritten submissions. 5. Insert filler and club notices to fit available space. 6. Submit Forecaster electronically as email to publisher. 7. Manage distribution through neighborhood captains. That?’s it and there are many people around willing to help. What we need now is someone to come forward and take over as leader. If you would have even the slightest interest just get in touch with John Bassett or myself for further information. If you wake up some morning and there is no more Forecaster, remember this discussion.

CRAZED BOAT ESCAPES! The email from Beck was succinct. ?“Got up this morning. Looked out the window. The boat was gone.?” Wow, and with my brand new 60 HP motor on top of it. Resourceful as ever, Beck walked down the seawall and found the boat gently lodged against a neighbor?’s dock just a few doors down. Seems that the combination of high tide and heavy winds gently nudged the boat clear of our boatlift and on its way. The call for help went out and our neighbor, Tom Fielhauer, responded. Together he and Beck corralled the feisty 24-foot pontoon boat and urged it back to its home none the worse for wear. Thanks to Tom for his help and thanks to Beck for not telling me about the episode until it was over and the boat was safely home. Warning to boat owners. Keep an eye on your pets. They like to stray.

AMERICANA COVE E-MAIL LISTBOT ?– Here is a reminder from our ListBot guru, Conrad Weiser. Do you know what the Listbot is? Could you explain to a neighbor how it works? Here are the facts: The Americana Cove Listbot is a free, private e-mail system only available to residents of our park. Any member?’s message sent to maa2001@yahoogroups.com is immediately retransmitted to all of the 90+ subscribers. There is no ?“Spam?”, only the wisdom and wit of your neighbors. Send your preferred e-mail address to Conrad Weiser, (our Doorkeeper), at maoa1999@aol.com or phone him at 522-5008. You are able to cancel this free subscription at any time. The recent discussion of the annual budget demonstrates the utility of the ListBot and what a convenient medium for the exchange of ideas it offers.

BOARD OPENINGS ?– As was discussed at the November Board meeting, we have vacancies on our Board and fresh talent is needed to keep us progressing. We live in a representative democracy and the best way you can implement YOUR ideas is to become part of the Board of Directors. Elections will be held at the annual shareholders meeting on January 21st. To be eligible for election you must submit a letter to the Secretary of the Board (Ed Mosakowski) by December 10th indicating your candidacy. If you can?’t be the Forecaster editor, you can still serve by running for the Board.

Ted Latreille - Ted and Jean are among our favorite people. Never saw either one of them without a smile (even when he missed that 2 foot putt). Ted dropped me a line to let me know that they would not be able to come down to Florida this year. Ted has had a stroke, and although nicely recovered, the Ontario medical insurance people don?’t want to risk a costly re-occurrence while out of the country so they will not insure him. As most of you know, Canadians enjoy very reasonably priced to free medical insurance when at home. However, when they travel out of the country they need to purchase supplemental insurance to cover the increased costs of US medical care. Any pre-existing condition makes this supplemental coverage very expensive or even impossible to obtain, depending on the condition. The private insurer will judge the risk of re-occurrence and if they are not comfortable, will deny supplemental insurance, which would leave the Canadian without medical insurance while in the U.S. Hope things work out better next year and we will once again see their smiling faces.

CUE CLUB VANDALS ?– Imagine how awful it would be if our pool tables were damaged by vandals. Fortunately, this has not happened. However, the billiard room has an ?“open door?” policy meaning that any resident is welcome to stop in and use the equipment. There is no lock on the door. The only requirement to use the pool tables and cues is to be a resident of Americana Cove. A concern has been raised that on multiple occasions, teen-agers (and younger) have been in the billiard room without adult supervision. Worse, when challenged, the youngsters refused to give their identity or whom they were staying with. Please grandparents, it is your responsibility to make sure that your grandchildren follow the rules. Any visitor 18 years or older should obtain a red pool pass from the office. They will be charged a refundable $2.00 fee, which is returned when the badge is returned. This pass should be carried on the person of the visitor. The visitor is then welcome to use the facilities of the billiard room or the swimming pool. In the case of a visitor under 18 years, they must be accompanied by an adult resident. Thank you for your cooperation.

EASY ON THOSE TABLES ?– Just a request from MAA. When moving the tables in the Atrium, please get a couple of people and LIFT them rather than sliding them across the floor. Sliding causes wear and eventual failure of the legs, which is easily avoided by simply lifting them to wherever you want them. The dragging also stresses the carpet. Thanks for your cooperation from MAA.


VESPERS - Gerri Bassett

The Vespers season has started. The service starts at 4:50 P M on Sunday nights with an informal hymn sing. Everyone is welcome.
If you like to sing, the choir still needs more singers, so just come to practice on Friday mornings at 8:45 AM in the main hall.
If anyone would like flowers in Memory of a loved one please give Faith Brundage a call at 527-6925,the cost is $20.00.

Vespers Pastors for December
The 7th Rev. Warren Thomas
Retired Episcopal Minister
14th Jerry Straeheim
Garden of Peace Lutheran Church
21st Rev. Rick Thompson
Riviera United Methodist Church
28th Rev. Randy Weekly
Grace Brethren Church
Merry Christmas to everyone and remember ?“Jesus Is The Reason For The Season?”.


PAR SEEKERS GOLF
By Ken Hopkins

Welcome back everyone. Golf season is upon us and we?’re looking forward to a wonderful year of golf and good fellowship. Our first meeting of the season was held on November 6th and reaffirmed some of our procedures from last year. Golf tee times will again be Thursdays at Mainlands at 11:00 A.M. but in no case can we tee off any earlier than 10:50. We ask everyone to come to the clubhouse at 10:00 A.M. in order to make sure what team your are on, any last minute changes, arrange transportation, etc. Please do not just show up at the course; come to the clubhouse first. The sign up sheet for golf is on our bulletin board. Please sign in sometime between Thursday and Sunday at 7:00 P.M. Some rules of play from last year are worth repeating. If there is any doubt about your tee shot being out of bounds or lost, play a provisional ball to eliminate the need to return to the tee ground. Team captains please note. The maximum allowable score is double par. That means a player who has six shots on a par 3 or eight shots on a par 4 is done. He or she should pick up their ball at that point and record a score of double par. Of course during tournaments you are welcome to play as many strokes as you need to get the ball in the hole. There will be no ?“winter rules?”. That means no rolling your ball out of a divot on the fairway or moving it out from underneath a tree. Move the ball if you must, but please record a penalty stroke for that action. In other words, USGA golf rules. You may move your ball away from an unnatural obstruction such as a sprinkler head without penalty. Also, where the course allows (such as hole #11) or as declared by our executive committee before play. ?“Gimmes?” on the green also will not be allowed. The dates of our tournaments for this year are not set as of yet. You will be advised when they are determined. Pete Lambert would like to hear from all that would like to play on New Year?’s Day, which falls on Thursday this year. Your first three rounds this year will be used to determine handicaps for use in tournaments. Keep your head down, your eye on the ball, and have a great year!


SHUFFLEBOARD NEWS
By Jo Waldron
The December 6th meeting will begin at 8 a.m. to accommodate our members who are going on the bus trip to Hudson.
The news this month is about the great bunch of guys we have in our club. They have worked their tails off to get our courts in shape. There are too many to begin naming them, I can only say that everyone pitched in where needed. We thank you
Another item in the category of good news; three of our players, Nick Misciagna, Sil Oliveira and Tom Solomon have achieved state recognition, they are now State Amateur Pros. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor.
I?’m happy to report that we again have two Nova teams. Annette Solomon will be captain of the new Nova Red team and Irene Goulet, co-captain. Ruth Healy is captain of the Nova Blue team.
You probably know by now that the format for the Red & Black games has been changed. It is no longer necessary to win three games, just show up and play the three games for eight weeks and you are eligible to play in the tournament.
I can?’t be sure, but I think Chick Kageyama has taught the basics to about 90% of our shufflers. He?’s at it again this year. All newcomers are invited to his class at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays. Sil Oliveira is teaching an advanced class of Nova?’s who have shuffled for at least one year and want to learn more strategy. He is there also at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays.
Tee wanted me to remind everyone that notices should be posted both courtside and in the clubhouse.
Our shufflers continue to play and win in outside tournaments; Sil Oliveira and Nick Misciagna took first place in the Main Event in the St. Pete, No Two Pro match. Doug Reid and his partner came in second. Ed McGrath and Tom Solomon took first in Consolation. Tom and Ed also came in first in Consolation in a Clearwater tournament.
I don?’t want to jinx us, but our shufflers are in a zone, another bragging bonus; Captain Tom and his team won their first match in the amateur/pro, Class ?“A?” Jubilee League. WAY TO GO!!
Don?’t forget the first pancake breakfast of the season is December 13th from 8-11 a.m. It?’s a bargain at $3 for all the pancakes you can eat, sausage, orange juice and coffee. Come and enjoy the food and the company of a few hundred of your friends.
Happy Shuffling


POTPOURRI ?– compiled at the Editor?’s desk with additional contributions from many, including Lucy LaBerge, Conrad Weiser, Marilyn Waltz, Kay Sebek et al)
Thought ?– To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom. Bertrand Russell
Word Definitions ?– Classic ?– A book that people praise but do not read.
Words to Live By ?– Success is getting up one more time.
Things to think About ?– Experience: The name people give to their mistakes.
Truths ?– To some people, driving is transportation. To others it?’s a contact sport.
Old Times ?– Did you hear that the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?
Humor ?– A group of chess enthusiasts were standing in their hotel lobby commenting on their recent victories. After an hour the Manager came out of his office and asked them to leave. ?“But why?”, they asked? ?“Because?”, he said, ?“I can?’t stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer?”.
Courtrooms?– 1)Q. Mr. Slattery, you went on a rather elaborate honeymoon, didn?’t you? A. I went to Europe sir. Q. And you took your new wife? 2)Q. Can you describe this individual? A. He was medium height and had a beard. Q. Was this a female or a male? Groaners ?– My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned. Couldn?’t concentrate. I tried to be a chef. I figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn?’t have the thyme. Then I got a job in a workout center, but they said I wasn?’t fit for the job.
Tuesday Night Cards at Americana Cove ?– One of the first activities. It started in 1962.
Credit Card Companies ?– Learned a trick that the credit card companies use when they want to get you off one of their very low introductory interest or finance charge rates, and back to the regular high rates. It goes like this. You sign up for the special, get the low rate and then you charge something. Now if you read the wording on the billing statement you would think that if you pay off their purchases that the low rate continues. Sorry, it doesn?’t. Only if you pay off the full balance, and then you?’re back to the regular rate anyway. Well, if that doesn?’t work, they have another gimmick up their sleeve. Offer you a free gift with a shipping and handling charge that can only be paid by charging it to your credit card. Whoops, triggered the pay in full balance requirement again, and out the window goes the special low finance rate. Read your agreements carefully. You?’ll find I?’m probably right. The Editor.


CRIME WATCH UPDATE

Our next Crime Prevention meeting will be held on Friday, December 12, 2003 in the Clubhouse at 1.30pm. The speaker is not confirmed yet, but will be announced at the Wednesday lunch meeting. Refreshments as usual. Bring a friend or neighbor with you. See you there.
Coordinators: Barbara Magada, Jim Chase & Conrad Weiser.


TO ALL MOBEL AMERICANA MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS
By Annette Solomon

You are cordially invited to attend our 5th Massachusetts Get-Together on Wednesday, January 21,2004. If you ever resided in Massachusetts or went to school in Massachusetts, you may join us. Park renters are also welcome.
We have made reservations on the Starlight Princess 3 hour luncheon cruise.
We must make reservations by January 4,2004.
The committee will call you, or you may notify them.
LaurieMello 522-2356
Ellie Oliveira 522-4626
Diana Rogers 526-4361
Peg Truex 526-0517
Annette Solomon 527-5151
Come meet your Massachusetts friends for a great afternoon!


WORDS TO LIVE BY
Submitted by Jo Waldron

Accept that some days you?’re the pigeon, and some days you?’re the statue.
Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
Drive carefully. It?’s not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
If you can?’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
If you lend someone $20, and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
Never buy a car you can?’t push.
Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you don?’t have a leg to stand on.
When everything?’s coming your way, you?’re in the wrong lane.
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
Don?’t cry because it?’s over; smile because it happened.
We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors but they all have to learn to live in the same box.
Happiness comes through doors you didn?’t even know you left open.


HOBBY SHOP NEWS
-Beck Hopkins

Brian Birch will be presenting a program on "Shop Safety" at the next Hobby Shop meeting on Monday, December 1?—9:00 a.m.
We?’re in the process of putting together a membership roster. We found that even though members sign a waiver at the time of their key purchase, over the years (and we?’re talking a lot of years!) many of these waivers have been misplaced. We are asking each Hobby Shop member to resign the waiver, adding an address and phone number. This information is being put into a roster database. Leo Laberge and Ruth Healy have copies of the membership roster.
Hobby Shop Safety Tip: Keep a Clean Shop?—A cluttered shop is an accident waiting to happen. Keeping the shop clean will protect you and the shop?’s tools.
The Hobby Shop is located next to the laundry on Mt. Piney Avenue. Current hours are: Monday ?– Saturday/ 7:30 a.m. ?– 5:30 p.m.


DUPLICATE BRIDGE
Directors Gerri Bassett, Shirley Beauchamp

Howell Movement
Sunday October26,2003
1. Joy and Bill Slepin
2. Shirley Wadsworth and Stan Harmon
Sunday November 2, 2003
1.Joy and Bill Slepin
2. Lucy and Roger LaBerge
3. Tie
Joan Dell?’Angelo and Don Delzell
Gerri and John Bassett
Sunday November 9, 2003
1.Joy and Bill Slepin
2. Gerri and John Bassett
3. Joan Dell?’Angelo and Don Delzell
Have a Happy Holiday Season.


UNITED WAY SPEAKER
By Ed Slade
A presentation will be made at the ?“Old Timer?’s?” luncheon on December 10th. I hope you will all be able to attend. There is a lot of help that can be obtained through the United Way assistance program.


NOTICES
Forecaster Deadlines 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 to be in the original type, no photocopies please, in BLACK INK on full size 8 1/2 by 11 paper. Deadline for January for all articles, the 14th of December. Font size is number eleven. Commercial messages are not acceptable and must be given directly to the Publisher, who will let you know the cost of the advertisement.
Forecaster ?– I note that many of you are not following the instructions issued in the October Forecaster for electronic submissions. It is no longer necessary to use 1.5 spacing. Single spacing is ok as there is no need for me to use a scanner. Those sending me hard copy still need to use 1.5 spacing. And I would prefer that everyone use Times New Roman, font size11. Thank you. The Editor
Calendar ?– Deadline for entries will be the 17th of each month.(14th this month) Please note that all calendar submissions must come from, or be approved by the MAA. We have so many groups operating that I have to be sure that the MAA has approved the event date.
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 in the October issue for sending in submissions electronically. There are some major changes.
Calendar Items ?– Effective with the January 2004 issue, non park events not sponsored by a specific MAA club, will no longer be listed on the calendar.

MONTHLY BRIDGE LUNCH - It will be on December 17th. All Bridge players are welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship with their friends and neighbors.

CHRISTMAS SHOW ?– On Saturday, December 13, at 7.00pm Just Us and Company will be having their annual show. The cost is $2.00 at the door. The show is in two acts, the Nativity Scene and the Christmas scene. Ed. Note: this is a very good show and well worth going to see.

THANK YOU - Dick Fay would like to thank everyone for their gifts, cards, prayers and concerns. He is doing well and should be up and around in a few weeks. Thanks come from me too. Marcia & Dick

THANK YOU - from Patsy Neoushoff
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful people at Mobel Americana (Americana Cove) who have been such good friends of my mother, Esther Louzon. At the memorial service and the week prior to that I met so many of you. My Mom loved living here because of the caring friends who always look out for each other. I have also benefited from the kindness of so many of you and although there are too many who have helped me to mention individually I did want to publicly thank Barbara Magada. She kept in touch with me in NJ over these many months to keep me updated and her good advice helped me immeasurably.
Needless to say, without Betty Chase there would not have been such a beautiful memorial.
Thank you all for the many kind words and cards.
Thank You from Arlene Elwell. ?– I wish to thank all my friends and neighbors for their get well cards, visits to the hospital, phone calls and prayers. We are fortunate to have so many caring friends in the community.


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
By Nora Adell Andrews

"There are many people-happy people, it usually appears- whose thought at Christmas always turn to books. The notion of a Christmas tree with no books under it is repugnant and unnatural to them." Robertson Davis, The Merry Heart (1997)
The Library Friends started out the new season with a book review of Big Stone Gap. by Adriana Trigiani. Jerry Regan led the discussion about a young woman living in a small southern town, who discovers that she is not who she thought she was. The author now has a sequel to this book, and the library has copies.
Rita Lewis, our librarian, reviewed the happenings that occurred this summer. We have more videos, more books on tape, more large print books, as well as more fiction books. The shelves are being filled and necessitate our limiting those additions to books copyrighted from 1995. The library does appreciate your generous donations. However, the shelves become filled leaving us with no choice but to eliminate duplicates and outdated books. When we have such collections we distributed them to CASA and the Salvation Army. NO books are just thrown away.
This summer our library was kept in good order by generous donations of time of some of our residents. Jean Stevens and Nancy Hubartt marked and catalogued, as well as checking shelves. Others, like Gerri Bassett, Adele Thomas, and Joan Fernandez shelved the many books circulated this past season. Thanks to them and many others our library kept its neat appearance, despite its frequent use.

Our next Friends of the Library meeting is December 11th, at 1 :00 p.m. in the library corner. We invite you to join us, and we will be discussing Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate. Rita Varney will lead the book discussion. The book is about a busy, successful young woman who has the task of convincing her grandmother that she needs to leave her home because she is no longer capable of living alone.

LIBRARY PROFILE:
(A quiet look at one of our library members)
Jean Stevens has been helping in the library since she moved to Mt. Key. She began in the spring of 2001 to shelve and catalog our books. Since she is a year-around resident, she is working every week in the library. She also distributes those books that we can no longer use to CASA and to the Salvation Army. Almost every day you can find Jean checking out the book table and cart.
Jean has two sons and had been a legal secretary for many years in Rochester, N.Y. She has lived in Florida for 16 years, and has been active in church work, serving as an Elder, and in Christian
Education, with youth work.
The library thanks Jean for the dedication that she has given to helping make our book corner the best!


LINE DANCE UPDATE by Norine Fisher

Monday, Jan. 5th will start our line dancing program.
I have many old and new dances to teach this year...a little bit of something for everyone.
We will meet at the clubhouse at 1:00PM and every Monday thereafter through March.
We hope to see new faces as well as past dancers. And as always, anyone and everyone is welcome to attend, enjoy the music and observe newcomers become pros.


DEAR CRAFTERS AND FRIENDS
By Annette Solomon

WOW! What a great Craft Bazaar! We outdid ourselves this year! We have our great Americana Cove Residents to thank for this success!
Thank you to all who donated articles for the MAA tables.
Thank you to all who set-up the tables and chairs.
Thank you to all who displayed and sold the many items.
Thank you to all who cleaned up at the end of the bazaar.
Thank you to the Kitchen Krewe.
Thank you to each and everyone who supported our effort in any way. We couldn't have done it without you.
Thank you! We love you one and all!
You have given us a "shot in the arm" to "get crafting" for next year!

CRAFTERS CORNER UPDATE
Looking forward to seeing you visit our Crafters Corner. We will display handmade items before and after each of the Wednesday luncheons. Come by and see what we have.
You may need a gift for someone or better yet, a treat for yourself. You deserve it!

FLORIDA STATE FAIR
Entries of handcrafted items must be submitted to the Florida State Fair before December 7. Anyone may enter. If interested, please contact Annette or Beck.
Our Crafters weekly meetings will resume with classes in basic crochet, knitting, weaving, embroidery, counted cross-stitch, plastic work, etc. If you want to learn one of these techniques, join us and sign up. All lessons are FREE and most supplies and pattern are provided. You may only need a refresher lesson, that?’s O.K. Our friendly teachers are ready and eager to help you. The crafters meet in the library are in the clubhouse every Monday from 6pm to 9pm. Wouldn?’t an Arts and Craft room be wonderful?
Once again thank you for your past support and we hope to see you at our meetings and especially in our Crafters Corner.
See you soon


FUN FACTS ABOUT FLORIDA
submitted by Gerri Lyons

The current Senate Chamber, first used in 1978, is the fourth chamber used since the first session of the Senate was called to order in 1839.
Florida's legislative telecasts were used as a model for a similar system installed in 1979 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Janet Reno, who became the nation's seventy-eighth Attorney General in 1993, was the Staff Director of the Florida House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee in 1971.
Computers were installed at House Chamber desks to provide Representatives with the text of amendments pending before the House.
This was the first such system installed in any state legislature. Florida has had 6 Constitutions since it became a state. The first Constitution was drafted in Saint Joseph, now known as Port St. Joe.
Presently Florida is governed by the Constitution of 1968.


GARDEN CLUB NEWS
By Jerry Regan

We opened our new season on October 28th with a wonderful speaker, Mary Ellen Warner. Mary Ellen, a Master Gardener with the St. Petersburg Garden Club, spoke on the care of feeding of plants for both indoors and out. She gave us many new and interesting tips on gardening.
On November 11th the annual "Welcome Back Luncheon" was once more held at the Colonnade Restaurant. Garden Club President, Diana Rogers, opened the festivity with one of her delightful readings, followed by a small bit of business discussing plants needed for the Craft Bazaar. All sixty-seven attendees enjoyed their lunch and breathlessly waited for their name to be called during the drawing of a dozen beautiful and unusual plants.
The speaker for our November 25th meeting was Alan Cordell. We invited him to come to speak on Herb Gardening. Since this report predates his visit, we will speak more on growing herbs in the next issue of the Forecaster.
Mark your calendars for our Garden Club feature for December. It is time for our Christmas Party, which will be held on December 9th at 10:00 in the Atrium. Everyone, Garden Club member or not, is invited to come to share the fun, just bring a dish of finger-type food to pass. Here's hoping you may have such a good time that you will want to become official members.


BOWLING LEAGUE
By Diane E. Turner

The bowling club began its new season on November 4th. This is a great opportunity to get out of the heat and cool down for a couple of hours.
If you are new to our community or long time resident who would like to join our group, we invite you to come and join us every Tuesday mornings for a friendly game of bowling, exercise, camaraderie and fun.
We meet at 0900 A.M. at Sunrise Bowling Lanes situated at:
6393 MLK Street North (formerly 9th St.)
St. Petersburg, Florida

If you have no transportation we can arrange to pick you up and drive you back home.
For further information, please call 521-4317.
See you there and bring a friend!


UNITED WAY OF TAMPA BAY
?“The Best Way to Help the Most People?”
Submitted by Ed Slade
This is a letter I received recently:
Dear Mr. Slade:
Thank you for your participation in the United Way Referral Agent program. Your contribution to the program has been immeasurable. You can still help your neighbors by referring them to the 211 service.
If you need assistance in finding help for your neighbors you can contact 211/Tampa Bay Cares for information and referrals to human service agencies that provide a variety of services. Simply dial 211 from a landline (not a cell phone) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to access the service. The staff of 211 is available to come to your community and explain what they do and how they can access the service.
Again, thank you for your interest in helping your community through United Way.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Grunderson
Vice President, Community Impact


MY POST HOLE DIGGER by Joseph Gerhard

A long time ago in the piney woods of North Carolina on my 10 acre spread, I discovered a water seep. It was 300' away, far down a steep hill south of my hacienda. The slope was uneven with some large stones, partly chalky soil, and mostly covered with underbrush. I had dug around the meager seep and its flow increased to 1/2 gpm. My goal became clear. Make a concrete building block reservoir (with an overflow) to capture a reserve supply of about 150 gallons, put in a submersible pump, then dig an 18" deep, narrow trench from there to my basement. The trench would later contain wiring for a 220 volt supply of electricity and PVC water pipe. The brush and other obstacles prevented use of a ditch witch (a gasoline powered machine that digs ditches). Not to worry, I had a post hole digger and my years of use digging post holes during my youth on a 2,000 acre cattle ranch in deep South Texas would stand me in good stead.

My goal was to dig l0' per day (average 2-3 hours each session) for 30 days and I did that. With the goods from a rural hardware store five miles down the road and the advice of the owner, I installed a complete system for furnishing spring water to my home. A 265' drilled well supplying a mere 2.5 gpm to a pressure tank in the basement utility area was already in use, but the water had lots of iron. Potable, but yukky.

My solo act continued at turtle speed. I installed a second pressure tank in the basement, added a double breaker to the service panel, connected the wiring and laid it in the 300' trench, hooked it to the added submersible pump in the reservoir, and did the same for the PVC pipe. My 30 days of digging extended another five days to accomplish the foregoing and cover the trench. The labor of love (I use the term loosely) resulted in an adequate supply of home water that tasted good and did not leave iron stains. As far as I know, the system still functions, in use for 18 years to date.


FRIENDS
By Jean Birtcher

How would you define a friend? Well the dictionary says that a friend is a person whom one loves and trusts; close companion or comrade.
Some people might say a friend is some one who laughs at your not so funny jokes or agrees with you even when they know that you are wrong. Maybe some one that is a good listener when you really need to vent or just want to have a good cry. Still others think a friend is to go shopping with and maybe catch a movie or lunch for a fun afternoon. Friends also come in many sizes, shapes, colors, and ages.
Now let me give you my definition of a true friend. First of all a friend is the next best thing to having a sister. Yes those very special people will still listen to your jokes, let you cry on their shoulder if necessary, call you on the phone for no reason whatsoever, and is always willing to share the good times and the bad with you. But most of all, in my own opinion, a true friend is someone who won?’t get angry, throw things, jump up and down and yell and scream when they take you out for a special birthday ?“early bird lunch?” and the bill comes to a shocking $87.00. WOW Instead they just calmly brush it off with a lot of laughter and the fact that maybe their hearing isn?’t what it used to be, since the waitress was kind enough to read off the lunch specials for you ahead of time.
In fact that sounds just like the experience I had today with my four best friends, Tommie, Irene, Rosemary and Rita. It started off with a bus ride, lunch at the Pier, food that was not so good for a few of us, service that was just OK, and then the CHECK. That was a Kodak moment if I ever saw one. But once the shock wore off we strolled over to the dance floor in the middle of the Pier where Irene and Rosemary displayed their talent of the ever so popular jitterbug. Then it was back to the bus for a cool relaxing ride home. Through it all we had a great day. Personally I think the five of us created a truly exquisite memory that will last us a lifetime. Thanks for the most interesting birthday lunch I have ever had.


CUE CLUB NEWS - By Brian Birch

I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back from his or her travels over the summer. The 2003-2004 Cue Club season is officially under way. We had our first meeting on Monday, November 3, 2003 and I was so pleased to see so many there. We welcomed some new members and even a few guests. I explained the process for signing up for League play and after our regular meeting, the lists were circulated and members had a chance to sign up for either Monday, Wednesday (Women's night) or
Thursday. We are fortunate to have the same League Captains as we did last season, which means they are very well thought of by our players and do an outstanding job! Roger LaBerge will be the captain for Men's play on Monday evenings; Leni Lambert will be the Women's captain for Wednesday evenings and Jerry Spetz will be the Men's captain for Thursday evenings. I want to thank the Captains for agreeing to lead their players, and for the extra time and effort they will be putting into the League this season.
We will be using the same rules/regulations that we used last season and if any member needs or wants to know what they are, just ask your Captain or me and we?’ll be more than happy to go over them with you.
The schedule for play for the season is as follows:
Mondays (Men's) 7:00pm;
Wednesdays (Women's) 6:45pm- unless there is a MAROA meeting then play will begin at 5:00pm; Thursdays (Men's) 7:00pm;
Sundays (Mixed Doubles) 7:00pm.
We also offer 8-BAll INSTRUCTION for anyone in the community, not just members, on Thursdays in the poolroom, from 5-6:00 PM. If interested, you should see me and I will add you to the list.
I also wanted to remind anyone using the poolroom that if you bring a guest under the age of 18 to play on the tables, you must stay with them. Thank you.
Stay tuned for regular updates as our season progresses. Good luck to everyone and I ask you to remember this is just a game. Have a great time and set the example for others by being the best sport you can possibly be!!!


FOOD FOR THOUGHT By BETTY CHASE

As a young boy our brother-in-law, Jack Roe of 7205 Mt. Fairfield Rd., attended a Father and Son Banquet where he had the pleasure of meeting the guest speaker. Lew Williams was known as "The Buckeye Poet". a columnist for the Toledo Blade for many years. Jack had recited one of his works and following the program Mr. Williams approached him with a "Oh! Stealing my thunder, eh?" He then presented Jack with an autographed copy of his published poems and sayings. An example of his poetry follows.

DIPLOMAS - By Lew Williams
You may fill the walls of your office cell,
With diplomas in green and gold;
Boast of your Harvard, your Yale or Cornell,
Until all the world has been told;
Sing of the years you spent at school;
And the studious life you led,
But the world will smile and call you a fool,
If you don't use the brains in your head.
What value the years you have given to learn,
If you run thru your day by the book;
When the answer to problems you try to discern,
Thru the rules of the school you must look;
And questions in business will have to be met,
Decisive words promptly to be said,
Your diplomas might just as well be in the barn,
Your fine education is not worth a darn,
If you don't make some use of your head.


EDITORIAL ?– 2004 Budget
At a some times noisy meeting on November 12th the Board passed the 2004 Budget. Under our bylaws the Board has the authority to do so, and exercised that right. In some past years the budget vote was passed down to the members to vote on under another section of the bylaws. However as the attorney explained, this was technically incorrect.
The Board was faced with some tough decisions and they made the tough decisions. Some of us may not agree with all that is in the budget, and it may well be that in the coming year, some of the proposed expenses may be deferred, as one board member explained. In any event it is over and we must now all pull together and get on with the job. As another Board member said, if we could fill all the vacant lots, most if not all, of our funding problems would disappear. So it is imperative that we pull together and convince everyone, particularly prospective residents, that we are one community with one purpose in life. And that is to enjoy our retirement years, and try to see that we do so in a community that is debt free and in a happy and healthy environment.
I wish all readers a pleasant Christmas, and a Happy New Year. And to the Board, may the worst be behind you.


BULLETIN BOARDS
We have many ways to communicate the various activities of our community?…the Forecaster, the Listbot, and bulletin boards located throughout the community.
The bulletin boards in the two laundry areas are general-purpose boards. Items for sale, as well as community interest items, are posted on these boards. There is no caretaker for these boards. If a resident wishes to use these boards, he is asked to sign and date the item to be placed on the board. The resident is to remove the item after 30 days, when the item has been sold, or when the event date has passed.
The bulletin boards in the Clubhouse and the Atrium are for use by Americana Cove organizations only. These boards not only serve our residents, but are also seen by visitors and potential residents when they tour our facility. It is important that we keep these boards up to date and professional looking. Each organization is responsible for maintaining their portion of the bulletin board.
The bulletin board located outside the main entrance of the Clubhouse lists a variety of activities both inside and outside of the community. This board has also been designated as the area where residents may post their opinions and thoughts concerning the community. The item posted needs to be signed and dated, and will remain on the board for 30 days.
Beck Hopkins oversees the Clubhouse and Atrium bulletin boards and is happy to work with those that have special signage needs. Questions? Contact Beck ?–525-8411

COMMUNITY NOTICE
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.
Phone books should be taken to the dumpster on Mt. Piney. Do not put them in with your regular trash.
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 Old Timers 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
Pick up days are Tuesday and Friday. Place all brush and tree trimmings at the side of the road separate from the garbage. It must be contained in trash bags, plastic containers or bundled.
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.

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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