Americana Cove

The Snowbirds Are Returning To Their Nests

Oct 31, 2003

PRAYER FOR NOVEMBER
Gracious God You taught Your Apostles how to pray giving them what we call the "Lord's Prayer" or some say the " Our Father".
This was a basic prayer form, which we should use in our own personal prayers.
There are seven ingredients to a prayer. They are:
1. Salutation
2. Praise/Adoration
3. Thanksgiving
4. Petition
5. Confession
6. Repentance
7. Listen (prayer is a dialog between you and God)
I challenge each one reading this to construct their own prayer to use this month at least. It will be a good exercise and be of immeasurable worth to you.
God Bless you this Thanksgiving Month. Amen
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain


FROM THE MANAGER: Dawn Simmons
In November when the Forecaster is delivered there will be an insert, we are asking each resident to fill it out and return it to the Business Office.
This is to update your Resident File with current information in case of an emergency. If you do not feel comfortable leaving a key to your house with a neighbor, leave one here at the office and it will be kept in your file. This is also a big help if you were to lock yourself out of your home.
Most Important:- Please register with us your Lawn Maintenance Person if you are a seasonal resident or unable to take care of your yard. This must be filled out with current information and returned to us.
This past summer when doing Park Inspections we would call the number that was left at the office only to find the number disconnected or the person no longer doing the work.
Rule 12 Yard Maintenance-Page 8:
Each resident must arrange for the care of their own yard. Anyone not living in Park on a twelve month basis must assign a caretaker to weed the planter and trim shrubs in their absence. Failure to do so will result in Management hiring someone to do the work and the resident will be billed for such work by applying such charges to the resident's account.
This will be put in effect starting May 2004. Anyone not having a caretaker on file when they depart for the summer can expect the service to be rendered and billed while they are gone.
My suggestion would be not to pay your yard maintenance person before leaving. Let them bill you each time they render the service, and then call the office and ask the yard be checked before you send the money.
GARBAGE:
Garbage MUST BE OUT by 8:00 am or it will be left until next trash day.
RV COMPOUND:
When using the compound please make sure it is locked when you leave at all times. It was reported to me an RV had some damage done to it and the owner said he had found the gate unlocked.
MAINTENANCE COMPOUND:
Also at the Maintenance Building Compound -the trash collection area, large amounts of motor oil have been left there. We hope no one in here is in the oil changing business. The maintenance men state they have never seen that large an accumulation before. Remember Folks, this has to be delivered by us to a recycle station.
Anyone changing their oil needs to take it to a gas station. We cannot leave hazardous waste laying around. It costs you money to have the maintenance men do it.
SWIMMING POOL:
Please remember, diapered babies or non toilet trained children are not allowed in the pool. It seems that this is still an ongoing problem. If you are grandparents to small children that fall into this category and you allow them to use the facility in diapers or not toilet trained you are ultimately responsible for the consequences.
Beer cans and food wrappers are often found in the trash barrels at the pool. Please remember No food or alcohol permitted.
PARK INSPECTIONS.
Park inspections will be done again in November the week of the 17th. There are a lot of homes that need power washing and plant beds weeded. PLEASE make arrangements to have this done prior to Nov.17th. to alleviate getting a notice.


SUNSHINE REPORT ?–November, Peggy Hubrich
Deaths
Iona Holt
Rosalie Williams
Bob Evans

Nursing Homes
Claire Mueller Grace Health Center
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Bob Ortel Carrington Place

Birthdays
01 Lorraine Hoey
02 Margie Slaugenhaupt
03 Peggy Pippenger
05 Mary Kelm
Jo Ducey
06 Ruth Rosebush
07 Frank Wright
08 Ginger Phillips
09 Doris Dion
15 Lou Lauzier
16 Hugh Roberts
Ed Mosakowski
21 Bonnie Parr,
Hubert Dorsett
23 Emma Hubartt
24 Sandy Wilkinson
Connie Mattina
26 Curt Sigourney
27 Bob Paige
John Wadsworth
28 Evelyn Dusza

Anniversaries
09 Carol and Ed Slade 52 years
19 Beverly and Donald Parks 26 years
23 Virginia and Don Lederman 01 years
25 Peggy and Ed Church 21 years


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
by Frances McVay

MULLENDORE, James R. & Marie
210 Mt. Piney Avenue
New Home

SAWYER, Eric & Raisa (ONT)
663 Mt. Key Avenue
Previously Coke

SLEPIN, William R. & Joy
6843 Mt. Quincy Drive 522-9726
Previously Hunter


EDITORIAL - BUDGET 2004 ?–by John Bassett
By now I assume most shareholders have seen the news about the large increases in monthly maintenance costs proposed by the current Board.
I can understand the reasons behind this budget, and I know we have very conscientious Board members. Boards always have the difficult task of budgeting for ?‘needs?’ and ?‘wants?’. In this budget both ?‘needs?’ and ?‘wants?’ appear to be addressed. The question for us as shareholders is whether or not we can afford to pay for all our ?‘wants?’ now, given the size of the increase, or whether or not some can be deferred for a year or two, or maybe even left for future residents to take care of. As Paul Mattina, our President, has often said, there is a fiduciary requirement to ensure the ongoing viability of this enterprise. The question is, if the Board does not budget for all the ?‘wants?’ is the board shirking any of its responsibilities? A difficult decision for anyone to make.
Boards act in response to real needs and what they consider the membership will accept and understand. In preparing a budget however, while we should use the past as a guide, we should not use the past as an excuse or reason for the present difficulties. A budget stands on its merits or it doesn?’t.
One thought I had was that, yes, when I was in my ?‘20s and ?‘30s, I did what I had to for the family, and to raise my children, so I paid all current costs and those of my children. But now most of us are in an age range from 60 to 90 and more, and all we want to pay are the costs that apply to us. Our children are on their own. So again we come down to ?‘needs?’ and ?‘wants?’.
This budget, the way I read it, says we must not only pay for what we need now,(needs) but start to pay for residents and shareholders 20 to 30 years from now(wants?). This is where deciding the fiduciary responsibility becomes difficult. I don?’t envy the Board in having to make these difficult decisions. However I can recall at least one previous Board member expressing the opinion that we should concern ourselves with the present, and let future residents look after their own problems. The question is, and always will be, if by only paying for the present, are we neglecting, or exacerbating current problems, and making more difficulties than would exist, if we covered more of the bases now? Previous Boards, for the most part, based their budgets on what was needed now, with provisions to ensure a good state of repair of our facilities.
One also has to consider that the gap now between the economics of leasing the lot versus buying a share have closed considerably, if this increase as proposed goes through. One hopes that this doesn?’t have a detrimental effect on future sales of shares.
There is a need for a fuller explanation of each major item that supposedly has to be funded. Shareholders need to be given options. What are some of the possibilities? Let?’s say we don?’t fund a reserve for the seawall. What is the alternative? Refinancing down the road, as we did last year? Why shouldn?’t the residents of 2019 pay their own shot? Is this their problem, or are we responsible as well? Again this is where the ?‘fiduciary?’ responsibility comes into play. Remember, the mortgage will be well paid down by then, if not completely paid off, and that released cash would be available for many items of concern that future residents might face.
I don?’t envy the present Board. There are obviously some very real ?‘needs?’, but setting up replacement reserves for items such as the seawall and the clubhouse may not be real ?‘needs?’ at this time. Some real ?‘needs?’ are obviously the roads and sewers, facilities that are under constant wear and tear and inspections have proved so. There are undoubtedly some other items that are clearly needed.
Could I suggest to the Board that prior to the next Board meeting to discuss the budget, that they develop a question and answer sheet, as many companies do, when having to explain extraordinary actions. And mail it to the shareholders prior to the meeting.
This sheet should include all the questions the Board could expect to be asked at the budget meeting along with the answers. Maybe if that were done we would all have a clearer idea of why this large increase is necessary, because simply saying, ?“we need it?” doesn?’t really explain why we need it.
Incidentally, when all is said and done, if in fact this large increase is proven necessary at this time, I want to remind you that only a few short years ago a decrease of $5.00 a month was approved by you, the shareholders. There were many of us who voted against this $5.00 reduction, so in fact the bottom line is, and always will be, that the shareholders really influence the way the Board operates. So don?’t lay blame on the Board. We are all in this together.
You know, when accounting guidelines are issued they are based on the ideal, and the ideal is a population that remains constant in the work force. And that is true for profit making companies, but accounting guidelines, unfortunately do not take into consideration that senior living not for profit communities do not wish to pay for the future. At least, not until the ?‘needs?’ have been satisfied, and the ?‘wants?’ are affordable. As far as most seniors are concerned they have paid for the future and it is now, and it is up to future seniors to pay their costs when needs arise. This budget appears on the surface to ask us to pay, not only for our costs,(needs) but to start paying for costs of the future.(wants) But the bottom line for the Board, and for any Board, is what are our financial responsibilities for the future?


MAROA NEWS- Paul Mattina, President
I am grateful that editor John Bassett sent me an early copy of his editorial, which is included in this issue of the Forecaster. It was most fair of him to provide me with the opportunity to respond and, if necessary, offer a rebuttal to his views.
Please let me make it clear that I am not blaming past Boards for the financial dilemma we now face. A careful reading of my letter sent with the budget packet reveals that there is no mention of past Boards or any actions they may or may not have taken. My letter simply states fact: except for two small temporary increases, which will disappear this fall, there has never been a significant and permanent increase in maintenance fees designed to supplement and build up our reserves for future emergencies.
The editorial makes some strong assumptions. The first is that we (management) are asking current shareholders to pay for the needs of future shareholders. This is not unlike the vast majority of us who find ways to set aside funds for future emergencies. Who knows when our roof will leak, the air conditioner give up the ghost, the transmission in the car fail or a host of other sudden and unexpected expenses will occur? This is what our reserves are designed to cover, and our community must do the same as the individual. We cannot, as the editorial suggests, worry about paying for the needs of the here-and-now and let the future take care of itself. First, let me repeat that the primary responsibility of any association?’s Board is that of fiscal responsibility. That means doing what is necessary to preserve the integrity and well being of the entire community, people as well as the physical structure. The need to bolster reserve funding has been addressed and increases have been included in the proposed budget. Be aware also that one of the things for which Board members can be held legally liable is the failure to do their fiduciary duty for the Association. The increase in reserve funding was not done on a whim. First, state statutes mandate it. Second, we hired Monteki, a professional engineering firm specializing in such projects, to come in and do an up-to-date study of our infrastructure. This study analyzes the projected lifespan of every structure in our park, the anticipated replacement costs and the amount of funding that should go into the reserves each year to cover the cost, when it occurs, to replace that structure. The idea that seniors should only be obligated to pay for current needs is irresponsible. If we defer saving for future needs (building reserves), we could be faced with catastrophic expenses when we least expect them. If we don?’t have the reserves to pay those expenses, the only choice would be to levy an assessment to cover the cost. Building reserves means a gradual accumulation of funds, while a future assessment could very well be a large amount that would require payment over a very short time span. Which is preferable?
The idea that future needs should be paid by future residents is flawed. Most of us who own shares, regardless of the equity accumulated so far, consider those shares as an asset that, if we don?’t make use of that asset ourselves in our lifetime, would leave those assets to our heirs. We want to protect the value of that share. The last thing we need to do is to under fund our expenses and allow the park to deteriorate, and thereby diminish the value of our homes and shares. We either move forward in a positive way, or we move backward. Which is preferable?
And even if, as was suggested, the gap between the cost of renting and the cost of owning a share (maintenance + taxes + interest, if any, on financing the share) becomes closer, it must be remembered that any money put into ownership of a share becomes equity for future use. We all know that rental payments do not put any money into our bank accounts. And that does not even consider the fact that shareholders have voting privileges and a say in running our corporation, as well as pride of ownership.
In order to sell the park nine years ago, accommodation was made to those who could not afford outright purchase, and many purchased shares with $100 down and $100 per month financing. Some might think that shareholders would have relinquished the interest that would otherwise be earned on the $27,500 share price if it had been invested instead of used to purchase a share, and this interest used to offset the cost of renting. This is misleading, since very few made that investment in one lump sum.
Finally, other than making a case for reserves, we must contend with current operating costs. An examination of the proposed budget will reveal increases in ordinary expenses, such as payroll, maintenance and repairs, and waste disposal. Insurance premiums have doubled (a $38,000 increase) and our water bill has increased by $18,000. These items will be described in detail at the Board?’s budget meeting on November 12 th. The bottom line is that we are being hit with inflationary increases all across the board, and we must cope with them. Granted, we are all concerned with our current situations, but we cannot ignore and neglect the future of our community. I urge all shareholders to attend the Board meeting on November 12th. with an open mind.


ED. NOTE ?– I hope that with this exchange of views residents will have a much better understanding of the current situation. I want to thank Paul for the time and effort put into this response as well as his work as the President of this association.


MAA NEWS - Bob Larsen. President
We are getting into the Winter Season and our social events are in full swing!
Keep your eyes on the bulletin board and watch the Forecaster for events. A
lot of interesting programs are planned.
The MAA Council is Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 10:00am. All residents are invited to attend. It will be in the Atrium.
On Wednesday Nov. 5 at 12:00 noon the MAA Luncheon Meeting takes place. Any resident of Americana Cove is welcome and are automatically members. We charge no dues as the Craft Bazaar and White Elephant proceeds cover the expenses. So don't forget to help support these annual events!!
There is a Memorial Service honoring Esther Louzon who passed away this Summer. She was a devoted worker in many of our social clubs. She is greatly missed by all. Service will be in the Atrium on Saturday Nov. 8 at 2:00pm.
It is time for a very special Craft Bazaar. Set-up will be on Friday Nov. 14 at 10:30am.
The advertising is going out to a lot of people and we are hoping for a big turn-out.
There will be free hot dogs served to the workers on Friday and free coffee and donuts for the workers on Sat. from 8:00 -10:00am. There are sign-up sheets on the bulletin board. If your name isn?’t there please get on somewhere! We always need people to set-up tables and stay after to restore the hall. There is always a good luncheon at a reasonable price served from 11 :00am till 1:00pm.
Monday,Nov.17, at 9.:00am tickets will be on sale for Thanksgiving Dinner.
There will be turkey and dressing, potatoes and gravy, cranberry chutney, vegetable and dessert. Of course a salad table, soda, coffee and all this for $7.00. Thanksgiving is Thursday Nov. 27 and we will begin at 3:00pm with dinner at 4:00pm. Fun time is the ticket drawing for the turkey carcasses!!
A special Birthday Party is being planned by Nancy Hubartt for her mother on Sunday Nov.23 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm in the Atrium. Everyone come say "Happy Birthday" to Emma. A wonderful lady.


OLD TIMERS ?– by Marcia Fay
Gee, it?’s good to be back. I hope all of you had a good summer. I am sure ready to have a good time with everyone.
The day of the November 12th Old Timers lunch, there will be flu shots at $20.00 and pneumonia shots at $25.00 offered, starting at 10.00am in the Atrium, as well as blood pressure checks for those who want them.
Since Dick Jones passed away this summer we are in need of people to carry on his good works, especially during the summer, when everyone who helps during the winter is gone. Just remember we received over $2000.00 from the Aluminum collections last year.
Tuesday morning early, or Monday night, is when you put out your aluminum pop cans in plastic bags, separate and apart from the trash. Someone will pick them up. This is just a small part to the job. The cans must then be crushed and when we have enough of them, we have a trailer to take them to the recycling depot and we receive cash for them. If someone has a trailer hitch and would be willing to do this, please let me know.
We are no longer taking window frames because of lack of space for the broken glass.
If you have old lawn chairs to dispose of, I am always ready to restore them with Macram?©. I will be donating another chair to raffle off again this year. Just call me at 525-5970 or drop them off at 167 Americana Court.
There has been some discussion about a new name for the ?“Old Timers?” club. Some suggestions are;
Prime Timers
55 and Older Ones
Happy Times
Good Times
Fun Ones
Young at Heart
The Young and the Rest of Us
If you have any more ideas or if you don?’t want it changed we will be deciding in November. I will have two ballot boxes ready for your decision. One for yes or no change of name, and one for new names. The decision will be yours.
Mary Ann Fairlie is my new secretary and John Hill will say the prayer at future luncheons.
We will all miss Mary Jane Hill very much.


MOBEL NOTES - By Ken Hopkins
UNATTENDED FISHING LINES ?– The Americana Boat Club (ABC) would like to remind all residents that it is a violation of Florida fishing regulations to leave a fishing rod unattended while the line is in the water. Specifically, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission states, ?“Hook-and-line anglers must tend their gear at all times to prevent people, marine life, and shore life from becoming entangled in the line or injured by the hook.?” Sportsmen avoid this practice since it often leads to injury or death of the fish without recovery by the fisherman. One of our boaters recently returning from an outing ran afoul of a fishing line about 8 feet above the water left there by one of our residents. The line wrapped around his neck, fortunately without harming him but certainly a scare. Please fisherman, fish to your hearts content but when you are done, bring in your lines until you have the time to attend them.
ISABEL STRIKES THE CORLIS?’ ?– Although Hurricane Isabel missed Florida, she did catch up with my golfing friends Reg and Sally Corliss at their home in Norfolk, VA. They dropped me a note to let us know that an 8 ton tree had fallen on their house as a result of the storm. Fortunately, FEMA was able to help them out and they now are in the process of repairing their roof. With luck, by the time you read this, they?’ll have a new roof and be playing golf again in Florida.
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME ?– A while back, I suggested that possibly the club name, ?“Old Timers?” did not adequately convey the spirit and enthusiasm of this fine group. I understand that others feel the same way and that, in fact, the club will meet and vote on a possible name change in November. Just for fun, I went online and looked up the term ?“old timer?” to see what current English usage might have to say on the subject. The Columbia Guide to Standard American English says, ?“Limit both these nouns mainly to conversational or informal or semiformal use; old-timer is a synonym for oldster and also has overtones oldster lacks, particularly in the sense of being old-fashioned, not just old.?” The American Heritage?® Book of English Usage states, ?“Most synonyms for ?“an older person,?” such as oldster, old-timer, and golden ager, are far more condescending or offensive?…?” Several new names have been proposed and there?’s still time to suggest others before the November meeting.
THE LATEST VIRUS ?– If you don?’t have a computer or don?’t do email, you don?’t have to read this. Otherwise, pay attention. I am currently receiving about 80 messages a day, most disguised as a message from Microsoft Security or similar advising me to upgrade my security by using the attached patch. Guess what happens if you use that patch?! Or, I get messages from ?“Mailer?” advising me that my last email failed. In this case, there might be no attachment but the virus code is built right into the message. This latest virus is called W32.Swen.A@mm. It?’s actually a ?“worm?”; that is, once it has your email address it attempts to use your own mailbox to send itself to everyone on your mail list. Although I am not actually infected (confirmed with Norton Anti-virus), my email address is on the Internet and so infected people keep trying to send me messages with the virus. Of course, they don?’t know they are doing that. It?’s not malicious, it?’s just the action of the virus/worm. How did my email address get on the Internet? Well, I posted a couple of messages on Usenet groups and, bam, I started get phony messages right away. What can you do to protect yourself from this difficulty? First of all, make sure that you have a virus checker and that its virus definitions are up to date. Then, don?’t post your real email address on any bulletin boards or similar on the Internet. It?’s OK to send your friends regular emails. Just be very careful about Usenet groups. If you don?’t know what that means, don?’t worry. You?’re not likely to publish your email address publicly. Finally, check with your Internet service provider to see if they have any ?“spam?” protection at your mailbox level. I currently am checking all incoming emails and very nicely get rid of all of the phony messages with no danger to my computer. Hope this little discussion will help you avoid some problems. Incidentally, this particular virus does not really seem to harm your computer. It just is a nuisance.
CELL PHONE VOICE MAIL ?– For those of you who travel and have cell phone voice mail, here?’s a little tip I learned while still in Wisconsin. We had been expecting a phone call from FEMA after Hurricane Isabel and had been dutifully checking our cell phone every day to see if we had received any voice mail messages. Nope, nothing. However, when Beck went to Chicago up popped a message from FEMA dated 8 days ago. We were incensed with Verizon and called them angrily to ask why it took 8 days for our message to show up in our inbox. The customer service guy patiently explained that the message itself had been there for those 8 days; however, the digital icon telling us that we had mail in our mailbox could not get through because we summer in a small town in Wisconsin where there is no digital service and so there was no way for this particular bit of information to show up in our phone. As soon as Beck went to Chicago, where they do have digital service, the icon showed up saying in effect, ?“you?’ve got mail.?” Now we know that when we are out here in the boondocks, it?’s not enough to just look at our phone. We actually have to call our voice mailbox and check for messages.
VIDEO HISTORY OF MOBEL AMERICANA ?– Just a reminder. The completed history will have a public showing on Thursday, December 11th at 7:30 P.M. in the ClubHouse. Please come down to see this excellent production from Gene Seawell, Russ Steele, and Tom Solomon. This is an excellent record of the history of Mobel Americana (before we became Americana Cove). Copies of the completed video are available for sale and would make an ideal gift for your children and grand children.
COMMUNITY PROPERTY? ?– When Beck and I retired, we made a conscious decision to become part of a community rather than just buying a house on a street corner somewhere. Mobel (oops) Americana Cove seemed to be an ideal community to fill our desire for activities and social contact. One aspect of community living that has been a surprise is the apparent confusion in some people?’s minds of the difference between community and private property. It seems that some of our residents feel that since they live in a community, everything in the community belongs to them. For example, my friend Bob just mentioned to me that someone had ?“borrowed?” his bicycle, safely stored in his back yard, and helped themselves to a day or two of riding around and then abandoned the bike in front of the clubhouse. Fortunately, the bike was retrieved with little damage. Or, there was the email message I received from Dawn asking why I left my boat in the middle of the storage compound. ?“But I didn?’t,?” I protested. ?“I left it tucked away in site number 9 which I rented.?” After some detective work, Dawn discovered that somebody ?“thought?” that my boat was in the wrong spot and took it upon themselves to move it out to the middle of the compound. Didn?’t bother to ask anyone. They just moved my 24 foot boat out of its rented spot. It?’s a simple situation, folks. If it?’s community property (like the books in the library) help yourself. Otherwise, if it?’s not yours, keep your hands off and respect other people?’s rights. If you?’re not sure if something is yours, it probably isn?’t.
SUGGESTIONS WELCOME ?– Have some news from your club or group? Have an idea that you?’d like to express in this column? Want your chance to be heard? Call me or email me at hopken@mindspring.com.


TOWN HALL MEETING - Arlene Elwell
Excellent format:
Felt energized after leaving meeting.
The board listened intently. Promised to look into concerns of residents.
There were no easy answers to hard questions
Also felt good that so many offered solutions about wheel chair ramps into the individual units. Felt compassion from several who had worthwhile ideas about contacting organizations. Learned the value of electric lifts and wooden constructed ramps. One of the best features, they can be recycled.
Happiness is living in a community where people care about each other.
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff", and it's all small stuff. (Dr. Richard Carlson) "wrote about single things taking over your life".
I highly recommend attending Town Meetings


VESPERS - Don Delzell
Vespers Services begin Sunday November 2 at 4:50 PM for an informal singalong followed by the service. We welcome a different minister each week through Easter. We conclude at 6:00 PM followed by yummy finger sandwiches, desserts and tea/coffee. So come and join us, we hope to see you there.
Vespers Welcome Home Dinner
Will be on November 22 at 5:00 PM. Betty Chase will cook her usual great meal. Tickets will be $7.00 and be available at the Wednesday luncheons. Tickets will be sold Wed Nov. 12 at 11:15am. Be sure to bring your own table service. The dinner and service is open to all park residents and guests. The entertainment will be gospel singers. Come and greet your neighbor and have some good fellowship and good food.
Menu to feature roasted chicken and all the sides. Proceeds of this dinner go to the Vespers!!

Vesper Pastors for November, 2003

11/2 Rev. Bill Martin - NE Presb.

11/9 Rev. Johnson (Retired) - Lutheran

11/16 Rev. Glen Guam (Retired) - Riviera United Methodist

11/23 Rev. Baugham - St. James United Methodist

11/30 Rex Eaton (Retired) - Church of the Nazarene.


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 December for all articles, the 14th of November. Font size is number eleven.
Calendar ?– Deadline for entries will be the 14th December only. Please note that effective immediately all calendar submissions must come from the MAA. There are now so many groups operating that I have to be sure that the MAA has approved the event date and time.
Monthly Bridge Lunch - It will be on November 19th. All Bridge players are welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship with their friends and neighbors.
Forecaster Submissions ?– If you can send me your items by email, either by attachment, or just as part of the email, you will save yourselves money. (ink and paper) Thank you for cooperating. Please be sure to read the guidelines in the October issue for sending in submissions electronically. There are some major changes.

EXERCIZE ROOM ?– A reminder that all residents using the exercise room must sign a liability waiver form before using the exercise equipment. These forms are available in the exercise room. Also please sign in when using the equipment. This gives us a count and justifies the purchase and repair of the equipment. If the number of residents using the equipment is not recorded then there is the possibility that repair or replacement, or the purchase of new equipment will be difficult to justify.


DOMINOS ?– by Kay Jones and Adele Thomas
Something new. Dominos are being played in the Atrium on Thursdays at 1.00pm. Come on up and bring your sets to play with. The more the merrier.


THANK YOU ?– Thank you for all the prayers, cards and thoughtfulness you extended to me on the death of my Mother. You are truly a beautiful community of friends and neighbors. Sincerely Connie Mattina.


THANK YOU from John and Shirley Wadsworth. We want to thank all our friends and neighbours in Mobel Americana for their kind get well cards and messages to both of us. Also the phone calls were very much appreciated.


KOFFEE KLATCH ?– Shirley Wadsworth & Gail Jones. Back in business to be held on the second Thursday of each month commencing in November from 9.00am to 10.00 am. Free coffee and donuts. Come and meet your friends and neighbors at this social hour.


CELEBRATE CELEBRATE CELEBRATE
It's going to be an outstanding occasion. You all come!
We're celebrating Kay Jones' 80th BIRTHDAY.
When: Saturday, November 29th from 2PM to 4PM.
Where: Atrium
Who: All Residents Invited
Kay's accomplishments have touched so many residents lives.
Those who have been involved with her have great respect for her.


PAR SEEKERS ?– from Mike Regan.
Welcome all golfers. Our first meeting of the year will be held on Monday, November 3rd at 10.00am in the Atrium. Our first golf outing will be on Thursday, November 6th.
We?’re looking forward to seeing all of you and having a fun season.


CALENDAR ?– Please note that all calendar items must be renewed each April and November, otherwise your event may be dropped from the calendar.
Thank you from the Editor ?– to all who have sent kind notes about the Forecaster and to all who have given me the names of potential advertisers.


SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB NEWS - By Jo Waldron
Our first meeting of the season is probably already history by the time you read this. We meet the first Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. in the Atrium. Everyone is welcome.
The officers are: Tee Phillips, Pres. Jo Waldron, V.Pres. Barbara Young, Treas. and Lorraine Boshek, Sec.
Team captains are: Ruth Healy, Nova League. Carol Slade, Friendship I. Jerry Spetz, Friendship 2. Chick Kageyama, Blue Sky. Captain of the new class ?“A?” Jubilee team, playing on Wednesdays, is Tom Solomon.
Be sure to check out the new cupboard and speaker shelf built by Leo Laberge-what a guy! Also check out the new, desperately needed, disc waxer. Notice too, that the shuffler elves have been busy cleaning, waxing and painting the courts for your arrival.
Chick Kageyama is the instructor for those new to shuffling; there is a sign-up sheet in the clubhouse. On Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Sil Oliveira is teaching Nova players who have been on the team for at least one year. He is also instructing an advanced class for the more experienced Friendship league players on Mondays at 9 a.m.
Sil is the Chairman of the American League tournament being held here November 19th to the 21st. Eva Pratt is in charge of the food and decorations for the event. The donation of pies is always welcomed, so if you are a shuffler or the friend of a shuffler, give her a call.
Happy Shuffling


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY - By Nora Adell Andrews
Our first meeting for this season is November 7th at 1:00 pm in the Clubhouse. We will be discussing the book Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani. This is the author's first book about family scandals that befall 35-year-old Ave Mulligan. Ave lives in a small town where suddenly all the ancient emotional elements of greed, lust, and envy manifest themselves to her. This story is full of small everyday details and colloquial revelations.
The hostess leading the discussion about the book and author is Jerry Regan.
We would like to extend an invitation to all those interested in books and reading, and welcome the 'Snowbirds' back! For more information about the group, the book, and our library please contact Rita Lewis, Librarian, at 527 -0693.


BOWLING LEAGUE - By Diane E. Turner
Get yourself out of the Florida heat, cool down and join us every Tuesday morning for a friendly game of 10-pin bowling. Bring a guest and double your fun. We play three games in a congenial/fun atmosphere. Each game is played solely for the enjoyment of individual player. Join us for the time of your life.
We invite you to be part of our league for exercise, camaraderie and fun. The games take place at Sunrise Bowling Lanes located at 6393 MLK Street North (9th St.). If you would like to join our group and you have no transportation, carpools can be arranged. For further information please call 521-4317.
Hope to see you there and bring a friend.


TUESDAY CARD NIGHT - Gerri Bassett
In the Atrium at 6:30 PM is card night and we know there are some new residents here in the park that might like to play cards but need some help in finding people to play the game they play. Maybe we can help you. Give me a call and I will see what I can do for you. Gerri Bassett 525-6806


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

WAS THE WHITE HOUSE ALWAYS WHITE? - Gerri Bassett
No, not always. Back when it was called the ?‘Presidential Palace", it was made of Brownstone. However, in 1814 the British captured Washington D.C. and burned many government buildings, including the Palace and the Capitol. So much of its shell was charred that painting the building became necessary. White covered the burn marks well and brightened the place up.
It had never looked like a palace anyway, and even less so with bright white paint, so people stopped calling it the palace and started calling it the White House. Teddy Roosevelt made the name popular and official when he had "Theodore Roosevelt, The White House" printed on his presidential stationery.
Source used " Just Curious "

How many coins drop out of circulation every year? Coins disappear from circulation at an alarming rate, especially those worth the least. Within two years, 70% of all pennies made today have disappeared into drawers, piggy banks, or sofas. As the value rises, the disappearance rate goes down: only 14% of nickel?’s, 10% of dimes, and 8% of quarters drop out in the same period of time. Ironically, the lower the denomination, the higher the proportionate cost to replace them.
Pennies cost about half a cent to manufacture: nickels, about two and a half cents, dimes only a penny, quarters three cents, and fifty-cent pieces five cents.
Source used " Just Curious:

Are the streets on The Monopoly Game real Street Names Somewhere?
Yes, Atlantic City. Or at least they were when Charles Darrow sold the game to Parker Brothers in the 1930s.If you?’re planning a trip to see the originals, however you will be disappointed to see that many of the games upscale streets, like Pacific Avenue are now pretty seedy. That Marven Gardens misspelled in the game is way out of town. None of the railroads stop there anymore, and St. Charles Place was replaced by a casino parking lot. But there is still plenty of free parking spaces and a jail.
Source used " Just Curious "


HOBBY SHOP - Submitted by Beck Hopkins
If you're planning to attend the Hobby Shop meeting on Monday, November 3/9:00 a.m., bring your key! You will also be asked to re-sign the Club's Liability Waiver. We're in the process of putting together a club roster and your key is your proof that you are a member.
A clean shop is not only a pleasure to work in, but it's safer as well. Clean up after yourself!
Hobby Shop Safety Tip: Don't Force It - If your saw is resisting the cut, stop and see what's wrong. A misaligned rip fence or improperly seated throat plate can sometimes cause a board to get stuck in mid cut. Forcing the board in these situations may cause kickback or contact with the blade. Take a moment to evaluate the situation and determine the problem.
The Hobby Shop is located next to the Mt. Piney Avenue Laundry.


DEAR CRAFTERS AND OUR FRIENDS - Annette Solomon
ONLY 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE BIG DAY!
WHAT BIG DAY? The MM ANNUAL CRAFT BAZAAR
WHERE? The Clubhouse
WHEN? Saturday, November 15, 2003 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Great time to shop for Christmas or any occasion or just to please yourself.
Plenty of time to purchase something special and ship it in time for the Holidays.
You will warm someone's heart with a surprise from sunny Florida.
Come and see what your gifted crafters have made for you during these past few months. Our craft corner is still bustling with happy faces and busy hands.
We meet every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. and every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m.
The Crafters extend to all Mobel Americana residents a heartfelt THANK YOU for your enthusiastic support over the past years. We hope to see all of you on the 15th.
Donations of handmade items are always needed for the MAA tables.
P .S. A few tables are still available for rent at $15.00 payable to MAA. If you
have handmade crafts, you may rent a table, display and sell your items. If you
are interested, see me after each luncheon or at the Crafters Club gatherings.
Good Luck! See you soon.


GARDEN CLUB NEWS - By Diana Rogers
On November 11th we will be holding our annual ?“Welcome Back?” luncheon at the Colonnade in Tampa. We will leave from the clubhouse at 11:00 a.m. You will find the sign-up sheet for this delightful event on our bulletin board in the clubhouse. Please note if you need a ride.
On November 25th, our usual meeting will begin with donuts and coffee at 9:30 a.m. Our speaker, Alan Cordell, will join us at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome!


POTPOURRI ?– Compiled at the Editor?’s desk with additional contributions from many, including Lucy LaBerge, Conrad Weiser, Marilyn Waltz et al)
Thought ?– Never let yesterday use up today. Richard H. Nelson
Word Definitions ?– Father, a banker provided by nature.
Words to Live By ?– When things go wrong, don?’t go with them.
Things to think About ?– Love, not time, heals all wounds.
Truths ?– A person can grow only as much as his horizon allows. John Powell Old Times ?– If they think I?’ll pay 50 cents for a haircut, forget it.
For the ladies ?– An older couple was lying in bed one night. The husband was falling asleep but the wife was in a romantic mood and wanted to talk. She said, ?“You used to hold my hand when were courting.?” Wearily, he reached across, held her hand for a second and tried to get back to sleep.
A few moments later she said, ?“Then you used to kiss me.?” Mildly irritated, he reached across, gave her a peck on the cheek and settled down to sleep.
Thirty seconds later she said, ?“Then you used to bite my neck.?” Angrily, he threw back the bedclothes and got out of bed. ?“Where are you going??” she asked. ?“To get my teeth!?”
Humor ?– from the courtroom; 1)Q. You were not shot in the fracas. A. No I was shot midway between the fracas and the navel. 2) Q. Do you recall the time you examined the body? A. The autopsy started around 8.30pm. Q. And Mr. Dennington was dead at the time? A. No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy.
LIFE - submitted by Lucy Laberge
I'm afraid to look ahead
I don't know want to know what I will find
But lately I've been thinking
and a few things have come to mind
Where will I be tomorrow
when the sun begins to rise?
Where will I be in 20 years
when I look back and remember the time?
Life is just a passing thing
it was never meant to stay
We were all put here together
but could be taken back any day
Friends come and go
and relationships never last
But these are the good old days
the ones that will fill our past
Don't let these days slip away
you'll never get them back
you were put here to live
and you're never going to last
So when it's all said and done
and your time on earth is through
Don't look back and have regrets
Be happy with everything you do.
By Shelley Cramm


EXERCISE CLASS Sharon S. Miller
"Exercising with Sally" is underway again on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Please note the starting time is 8:00 AM in the Atrium. Forty-five minutes of exercise include warm-ups, stretching, aerobics, strength and tone, use of lightweights, and a cool down time. All are encouraged to take part at their own pace. This exercise experience leaves participants applauding the creative expertise of the instructor as well as their own efforts! A $2 donation is suggested for each class attended.
If there are questions, please call Sharon Miller at 527-8150.


THE RED HAT SOCIETY ?– Marilyn Waltz
The Red Hat Chilies had a wonderful dinner meeting on October 17 with about 58 members in attendance. Special recognition for volunteerism was given to Betty Chase (Gardenia Lady), Rosemary Kegebein (Ember Rose) and Adele Seaman (Lady Wintergreen). The Queen Mum was also presented with a scepter and royal dinner service. She humbly accepted and thanked the royal ladies.
We learned from RHS Headquarters that as of September 26, 2003, there are 12,800 chapters in the U.S. and that Florida continues to lead in chapter numbers with 2,172, and most notably St. Petersburg has 29.
Some of the events in our schedule are: Tuesday, November 18 - 3:00 PM Tea in the Atrium, Thursday, December 18 - 5:30 PM Christmas Party in Clubhouse, Saturday, January 17 - 12 Noon Fashion Show by Boutique On Wheels.
We hope all our Red Hat sisters will enjoy these events that are planned and we are open to new members, so become a Red Hatter and have some fun.
Marilyn Waltz, QM
Red Hat Chilies of Mobel Americana


SUBJECT: DESCRIPTION OF NEW "VIRUS"-
submitted by Marilyn Waltz
I thought you would want to know about a growing e-mail virus. Even the most advanced programs from Norton and McAfee cannot take care of this one. It appears to mostly affect people born prior to 1950.
Symptoms:
1. Causes you to send the same e-mail twice.
2. Causes you to send a blank e-mail.
3. Causes you to send e-mail to the wrong person.
4. Causes you to send it back to the person who
sent it to you.
5. Causes you to forget to attach the attachment.
6. Causes you to hit "SEND" before you've
finished.
7. Causes you to hit "DELETE" instead of "SEND."
It is called the "C-Nile Virus."


NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME WATC UPDATE By Barbara Magada
The Next Neighborhood Crime Prevention/Citizen's Patrol will beheld on Friday November 14, 2003 at 1:30 pm in the Atrium.
Our Speaker will be Officer Johnnie Harris of S.P.P.D. Crime Awareness Division.
He will explain how our programs started and have progressed through the past "20" odd years.
Refreshments will be available as usual. Now that most of our Snowbirds or should I say Neighbors and Friends are arriving to their homes for another WINTER, Please remind them that a new SEASON has begun and invite them to attend.
Thank you ALL ---See you at the meeting in the Atrium.
[Setting-up for the bazaar will be going on in the clubhouse, therefore the reason for the change where the meeting will be held.]
Coordinators:- Barb Magada, Jim Chase & Conrad Weiser


DEAR READERS - From the Editor
The Forecaster is primarily for advance news of Park activities by the various clubs and Park management, and reports of those events as they occur. The Forecaster should also include items of human interest and entertainment. To this end I encourage you, the residents, to submit articles, short stories, poetry, jokes, pet peeves, how we met, and anything you think might be of interest. For example, I know that many of you have learned, from experience, little tricks of life, cleaning tips, how to make travel reservations, where to go, where to eat etc. With the amount of life experiences and talent that exist in this Park I should have no trouble in being inundated with your first person stories of whatever you choose. If you have ever wanted to be published, now?’s your chance. I only ask that your entries be based on your actual experiences, or at least direct knowledge of the story you submit. You can submit under a pen name and change the names in the story to protect the innocent-a la Dragnet (I will need your real name). Anyone can copy from other sources, and don?’t get me wrong, those items are welcome too, but I know there is lots of original material out there.
Based on experience to date, I have decided not to accept any more medical advice articles. I do not have the knowledge or expertise to decide which opinions are valid and which are not, and there are always differences of opinions, even among the experts. I will however accept references to medical articles and you can do your own research, if interested.
I would also like to point out that all submissions for publication become the property of the Forecaster and as such can be edited for content and clarity. If this is a problem for some then please say so when you submit your item. And as the notice says at the airport, you do not have to go through this screening, but you may give up your right to fly. Now don?’t get too excited. I?’m not planning on changing how I edit. Mostly I correct grammar and spelling and try to eliminate repetitious information and keep writers on their subject. However I do want to make it clear that criticism of individuals and/or derogatory remarks are not permitted. Major edits have been and will always be referred back to the author. So thanks to all for your contributions.
Also on a final note the Forecaster will not accept, or at least will edit out, any articles praising or criticizing announced candidates for the MAROA Board. This will ensure a level playing field and you, the shareholders, can all make up your own minds. Usually there is a meeting where all candidates explain their positions, so be sure to attend.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.


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

MobelNov03