Americana Cove

Join this season of carols and toyland-

Nov 30, 2002

DECEMBER PRAYER

Father God, Creator, Sustainer we praise you for your graciousness.
But more than that for your gifts to us sinners who are unworthy and too often ungrateful.
You gave us the greatest gift ever given, Your Son, our Savior.
Because of this gift and the gifts given to Him at His birth we give gifts this Christmas.
Everyone is affected this time of year-most with Joy but some with sadness. This will be the first without a loved one. It is sad but we must remember that there is joy in Heaven for those who have left us.
We can substitute for those we miss by our generosity to those who are in need of friendship or the basics for living.
May Your Holy Spirit open our hearts and pocket books for those less fortunate than us.
May we honor you by our actions this year.
We praise and give you thanks.
Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.


MOBEL AMERICANA'S "GOLDEN GATE"
By A J. Kelleher

They come from near and they come from far.
Just to be where we are.
They come alone or with a mate.
To Mobel Americana's "Golden Gate".
Fun in the sun just for one,
Or maybe two before you're through.
With all of the activities you can't go wrong,
Live the Golden Years with a Song.
The friendly, smiling guards at the Gate,
Take care of our safety and our fate.
They are there morning, noon and night,
Making sure everything is all-right.
The exercising girls enhance the pool,
A wiggle here and a wiggle there, that's cool.
Maybe a little gossip is discussed too,
It's all in the game of each one's view.
The new clubhouse is magnificent to see,
And it's all there for you and for me.
Play some cards and some bingo too,
Good--luck in whatever you do.
The seasons come and the seasons go,
They fade away like the melting snow.
We still get orders and rules from everywhere.
But it is good to get us out of our chair.
The trips, the rides and the cruises,
Eclipses many but not all of our bruises,
The lifestyle in the park helps us sup,
The grandeur of our over flowing cup.
Outside, in the land of milk and honey,
Its full of crime, greed and funny money.
But there is no crime, greed or hate,
Once you're inside, Mobel Americana's "Golden Gate!


SUNSHINE REPORT DECEMBER 2002
Peggy Hubrich

DEATHS:
Wilma Jones
Mary Polonis

NURSING HOMES:
Jane Bryant Maria Manor
Bob Evans Carrington Place
Erna Wring Carrington Place
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Carl Rosenquist Westminister Shores
Mimi Edwards Maria Manor

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

ANNIVERSARIES:
08 Jeanette and Edward Imbrogulio 41 years
19 Ginger and Tee Philips 51 years
28 Harriet and Curt Sigourney 56 years


A TRIBUTE TO EVERYONE'S FRIEND
By John Layner

Words cannot express the sorrow in the hearts of so many since our dear Wilma left us. Her perpetual smile, a beauty that was only excelled by her inner beauty...always a friend to all.
Someone once said, "There is a strong shadow where there is much light." Wilma reflected that light of confidence, and aura of encouragement.... always, in all ways, giving concern for others top priority. With Wilma, like the tides that continue to each shore, her many qualities (love, caring, understanding and much more) touched all who came in contact with her.
Yes, Wilma was always involved in doing something good for others. It was the likes of her that gave a new meaning to the word "VOLUNTEER"(a work of heart).
It is said that, "The truly extraordinary man is truly an ordinary man." Yes, Wilma was a truly extraordinary person, a truly ordinary gal.
Our loss is Heaven's gain, may her example be a reflection for all of us to follow.
To her loved ones, our deepest sympathy, remembering that you are not alone. The thoughts and love of others who care are with you always.
THE KITCHEN CREW


MEMORIES OF MARY POLONIS
By Her Friends

Goodbye Mary. Thank you for being a true friend, someone we could confide in and never worry that our words would be repeated. We shared our inner selves with you and were never judged.
Our memories of you are sharing a love of books, enjoying treats after attending church together, our cheese and wine tasting fests. Remembering how at 72 you undertook an extensive course to become a Travel Agent, hearing you say, "Retirement is not an ending, but the beginning of a new life". You were terrified of public speaking so you joined the Toast Masters and soon engrossed many of us in the tales of your travels.
When asked about you, Mary, our first words are "quiet" "gentle", beyond that there was the fun-loving, intellectual, cultured lady, who loved art galleries and concerts and most of all, Mary, when we were with you, you made us feel important. We will miss you.


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
By Frances McVay

BOWLING, James A. & Frances L.
357 Mt. Saxon Avenue
Previously Steinberg

DEATHERAGE, Jack & Carol (PA)
302 Mt. Piney Avenue
Previously Keene

EISEL, Mildred
6720 Mt. Pleasant Road 526-1950
Previously O'Riley

HANSEN, Linda (NY)
7283 Mt. Essex Drive 520-0546
Previously Mobel Americana

LETTERMAN, Donald E.
NOVAK, Virginia M.
7185 Mt. Essex Drive
Previously Barton

MOWRY, Robert (NH)
162 Americana Court
Previously Nault

SAINT, Don & Barbara (KS)
6710 Americana Drive
Previously Marsh

VAZQUEZ, Martha (FL)
616 Mt. Lancaster Avenue
Previously Conner


DON'T QUIT
Submitted by Hazel Misciagna

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit!
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won, had he stuck it out,
Don't give up though the pace is slow,
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you can never tell just how close you are,
It might be near, when it seems so far
So stick to the fight, when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worse,
That you must not quit!


FROM THE MANAGER:
Dawn Simmons

HI!
Familiar faces arriving everyday-WELCOME HOME. Hope everyone had a safe trip back and all are in good health.
I need to remind everyone of some safety factors. Please keep your speed at 15 mph as we have a lot of walkers. To people walking, dress in light colors. When riding bikes stay on the right hand side of the road and ride in single file.
We want our Community to look extra crisp for the holidays - so get those bushes trimmed and your flowerbeds weeded.
Our monthly mowing in December will be on Wed. the 11th so do your yard decorations accordingly.
The office will be closed on Dec. 25th and 26th and for the Christmas holiday. We will return on Friday, Dec. 27th and trash will be picked up that day.
The Staff of Mobel Americana wish you all A Very Merry Christmas.

REMINDER:
When doing any alterations to the outside of your home, whether it be lattice work, space to house a golf cart or an addition to your utility shed, room addition, a screen room, vinyl windows to enclose a screen room a drawing must be submitted to the office for approval. If approved the drawing will be signed by the manager, and placed in your resident file.
A room addition and a screen room or utility shed must have a city building permit even if you choose to do it yourself. If done by a contractor, proof of license and insurance must be on file at the office.
The City of St. Petersburg requires this. If this is not done you could be subject to a fine and may result in the dismantling of the structure.
The 2003 Park directories are now available.


MAA NEWS
Paul Mattina, President

Get out your highlighters and get ready to mark up your calendar with all the upcoming events this month. You won't want to miss a single one.
On Monday, Dec. 2nd, tickets will go on sale, priced at $5 each, at 9 AM for the "Board Appreciation Day" event. More on this later.
MAA meetings will be held as usual, with the Council meeting on Dec. 3rd at 10 AM, and the free luncheon meeting at noon on Dec. 4th followed by Bingo. Remember that these meetings are open to all residents.
On Saturday, Dec. 7th, "Board Appreciation Day" will begin at 5:30 PM. There will be burgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, as well as beverages. A Bluegrass band will perform for your listening pleasure. This event is to honor our current Board members and to meet the candidates that will enter the race for the next election.
On Saturday, Dec. 14th, your friends and neighbors will present the annual Christmas show extravaganza, starting at 7 PM. A $2 donation at the door is requested, and light refreshments will be served.
Tickets will be sold, for $7, on Monday, Dec. 16th at 9 AM for the Christmas dinner. On Christmas Day there will be no Old Timers lunch. At 3 PM, appetizers and salad bar will be offered, with a turkey dinner, with all the trimmings, served at 4 PM. On Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24th, there will be an Open House sponsored by the Old Timers and MAA. Everyone is invited to come and wish your friends and neighbors a Happy Holiday Season. This is free, and begins at 7 PM.
On Saturday, Dec. 21st, we will have the annual Boat Parade, which will be headed up this year by Pete Lambert. The flotilla will assemble behind the clubhouse at 5:45, with the parade starting at 6 PM. Refreshments available at the clubhouse afterwards. Let's make this the biggest and best ever!
Tickets for our New Year's Eve party will go on sale Monday, Dec. 23rd at 9 AM. Music will be from 8:30 PM till 12:30 AM. provided by "Unforgettable Classics", a group you will definitely not want to miss. Tickets are priced at $10. Bring your friends and neighbors, and let's ring in the New Year as a Mobel Americana community. Remember, New Year's Eve falls on December 31st this year.
Under the heading "Early Warning", let me notify you of a change in the January calendar. Since the first Wednesday falls on New Year's Day, we will move the MAA meetings one week later. The Council Meeting will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, January 7th and the Luncheon Meeting will be held at noon on Wednesday, January 8th, with Bingo following. The two Old Timers lunches will also be held one week later. These changes will be reflected on the calendar in the January issue of the Forecaster.


OLD TIMER'S CLUB
By Marcia Fay

I can't believe its time to write my article again. How time flies. One very special date to remember for the upcoming year is January 1st. Being the first Wednesday, it should be MAA luncheon but its been moved to the second Wednesday on the 8th, therefore the Old Timers will be the third and fifth Wednesdays, January 15th and 29th.
I want to thank all those who approved and voted on the $1000.00 we gave toward the new treadmill for the exercise room.
We will all miss Wilma Jones and Mary Polonis and, of course, Don West. Dick remembers how nice Mary was to Ruth when they first moved into Mobel Americana. I remember the many times I called Wilma from up north and down here. She was a bright smile always at the gate. May God give them safe passage to their final rewards. We saw Don West at a play at American Stage Theatre last year and he was on oxygen at that time. He will be free of his problems now. God bless them all.


NUTSHELL PHILOSOPHIES
By Jo Waldron, Asst. Editor

It touched a cord in me the first time I read it and it has been continually reaffirmed in my life over the years...
There is a destiny that makes us brothers,
None goes his way alone.
All that we send into the lives of others,
Comes back into our own.
A few years ago I discovered that the younger generation had taken away the beauty, the poetry, of my favorite adage but they kept the essence when they changed it to: "What goes around, comes around"
I thought I would love to hear and share the philosophy of other people; John gave me a free reign on this month's Potpourri column so here goes:
From Ginger Phillips, who says she keeps this one on her refrigerator:
"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself. You may give them your love, you may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams."
Paul Mattina was a teacher and he said that each year when the students evaluated the teachers, they always said of him "He is fair". His motto is: "Be Fair and have a sense of humor".
Tom Solomon, the Capricorn, says, "Persistence is Omnipotent"
From Rita Lewis: "I like to make my life a shining example of how to be happy and love life."
"The more I give, the more I receive", this from Shirley Beauchamp, who lives her adage.
And from Dick Linville: "If you're gonna do something, do it right!"
Last, but not least, from Don Delzell, who generously offered several of his favorites and allowed me to choose: "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you". "Look for the best in others and if you can't find something, look harder". "Laugh often, particularly at yourself".
Thanks to all of you that came through for me, I think I can see each of you in your proverbs. If you have enjoyed these nutshell philosophies, let us in on your favorite and we'll print it in a future Forecaster.


BOK TOWER
Gerri Bassett

A famous place in Florida is Bok Tower where a lot of tourists have gone including us. It is located in Lake Wales, not too far from St. Petersburg but can be seen for miles before you get where the tower is, because it is 205 feet tall and perched on Iron Mountain, making it the highest point in Florida.
A Dutch immigrant, Edward William Bok, built it as a gift to the nation. What inspired him to build it was his Dutch grandmother's advice to leave the world better than he found it. Frederick Olmsted JR designed it, with the help of his son. In 1929 it was dedicated and constructed of marble and coquina stone. At one side there is a Brass door, which tells the story of Genesis with panels. It was designed by Master Metal worker Samuel Yellin in 1928. Years ago they used to show a short movie telling about the construction of the tower. But like all good things they did not have that when John and I were there in May of 2001.
Inside multicolored tile grills, near the top of the Tower, there are 57 bronze bells ranging in weight from 17 pounds to almost 12 tons, and spanning five musical octaves. The carillon is played in a soundproof room under the lowest bells. Wooden pedals and an upright piano like keyboard with oversized keys control the clappers. Varying touches on a key can ring the corresponding bell extremely softly or loud enough to hear miles away.
There is a place there where you can get something to eat, but it closed early so we were not able to eat there. It's a place you can go and listen to the bells play at certain times of the day. It's very relaxing and they have places where you can sit and watch lots of squirrels and look at the flowers and enjoy the music. You can get near enough to get a close look at the tower and it's beautiful and tall, with a sundial on one side. On the other side I'm told Mr. Bok is buried. He died within sight of the tower on January 9,1930. There is an elevator inside leading up to the top so the bells can be played each day but it is not open to the public. When Bok died his daughter-in-law had charge of the gardens. Today a non-profit foundation operates the 130-acre sanctuary Landmark.
In 2002 the 74-year-old Bok Tower Gardens changed its name because it is more than a tower. And I might add it's a tower like you have never seen before. It is now called The Historic Bok Sanctuary. The Tower was a big enough deal for President Calvin Coolidge to preside over, at the dedication. The grounds cover the highest summit in peninsular Florida. For the first 51 years the place was called Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower. There is a small admission charge to get in, but well worth the price.
Also while you are in Lake Wales one should go to Spook Hill, this is where your car will go up a hill by itself. There is a story behind how this was discovered, but whether its true or not I do not know. I was told a farmer parked his truck at the bottom of the hill and got out. When he looked back the truck was going up the hill all by itself. Why? I don't know. Do you? Check it out the next time you get to Lake Wales....


NOTICES

Forecaster Deadlines
All items and other information for the Forecaster may be placed in the box just inside the entry doors to the Atrium. All items to be in the original type, no photocopies please, in BLACK INK on full size 8 1/2 by 11 paper. Deadline for January for general articles, the 13th of December (at 5 pm), for last minute items, no extensions this month. Please note that the minimum font size is number eleven.

Monthly Bridge Lunch - It will be on December 18th, all Bridge players are welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship with their friends and neighbors. Go to the lunch meetings to find out more details or watch the bulletin boards.

Koffee Klatch - by Shirley Wadsworth and Jackie Gerte; it will be on Thursdays as usual; at 9 am. All are welcome. Donuts and coffee 35 cents.

The family of Mary Higgins wish to thank her many friends and neighbors, for the many cards and kind words in their time of sorrow. Barbara and Edward Higgins.

Cribbage - by Carl Watts: Cribbage will be at 7 pm each Thursday until spring. Thank you.

Pete and Leni Lambert want you to know that they have a new phone number and it is 522-1394.

Pinochle Players ?– if there any in the community who are interested in playing, please contact Barbara Vliek at 522-7764.
Employee Christmas bonus jar: to make it more accessible to those who don't get into the office, Paul Mattina has offered to pick up the jar and take it to the luncheons and bingo. Let's be generous.

Old Phone Books - Please note that there is no special program for the collection of old phone books anymore. Please discard them in the dumpster at the Mount Piney Avenue location.

Advance Notice - In January 2003 the Bridge Lunch will be held on the 4th Wednesday of the month, the 22nd due to all meeting dates being pushed back one week because New Year's Day falls on a Wednesday.

Safety - Just a reminder that if you are a nighttime walker, or walk when it is dark and cloudy, then please remember to walk against traffic and wear light clothing. Also carry a flashlight, or if you walk a lot in the dark, invest in clothing and footwear with reflective strips or patches and/or flashing lights. Many shoes have such lights. After all the life you save could be yours, because experience has shown that pedestrians rarely win a battle against vehicles.

Vespers ?– Visiting Ministers in December: 1st ?– Rev. Bill Martin, NE Presb.; 8th ?–Rev. Boyd Carson, St. Bede Episc.; 15th ?–Rev. David Keister, Westminster Presb.; 22nd ?– Dr. John Johnson, retired Lutheran; 29th ?– Rev. Warren Thomas, retired Episcopal.

From the Editor:
Just to let you know that Ken Hopkins column will not appear this month. He and Beck are still busy with FEMA, after the hurricane in Louisiana. His column should be back next month, in time to wish you all a Happy New Year.

And finally, I want to thank the Publisher, all the deliverers and all the contributors to the Forecaster for their help in the last year, and to wish them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And to all the readers, have a Happy Holiday Season, and good fortune in the New Year.


ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE
By Tom Priestly, Chairman

The annual blood drive will be held on December 14th from 9 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. in the Mobel Americana parking lot. I want to thank all those who have participated in the past; lets make this another great year.


BOWLING
The bowling club began its new season on November 5th
We meet every Tuesday morning at 9:00 A.M. We play three games of 10 pin bowling in a congenial/fun atmosphere. Each game is played solely for the enjoyment of individual players.
If you are new to our community or long time residents 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.
The games take place at Sunrise Bowling Lanes situated at:
6393 9th Street North
St. Petersburg, Florida
If you would like to join our group and you have no transportation we can arrange to pick you up and drive you back home.
For further information, please contact Diane Turner at 521-4317.
See you there and bring a friend!


GARDEN CLUB NEWS
By Jerry Regan

Can you believe that it's almost the Christmas Season again? Time seems to hurry by when we are having so much fun. And, we've got some fun things planned for the Garden Club for this month. On December 5th, we're going to Hudson to be entertained at that community's dinner theater. We will be attending a production of, "A Christmas Spectacular" which should really put us in the holiday mood. The bus will leave the clubhouse at 9:30 AM, luncheon will be served at 11:30, and the show will be performed at 1:30. We will be back home by 6:00. Sound good, read on!
The single meeting we will have in December will be the Christmas Party on December 10th. Everyone attending will bring finger foods to share, so come join us for a very pleasant time, full of entertainment and camaraderie. These activities are open to all, and if you have not yet joined our Garden Club, please join us in the fun.


CUE CLUB NEWS
By Brian Birch

The 2002-2003 Cue Club season is underway!! We had our first regular meeting on November 4th. It was well attended and we accomplished a lot. The elected officers for this year are the same slate of officers with the exception of newly elected Vice-President Jerry Spetz. Jerry has been a faithful and active member in our Club for many years and he was elected unanimously. We also discussed recommended changes &/or additions to our Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules of Play. They were voted on and approved unanimously by the membership present. All in all, I was very pleased with the meeting and with our accomplishments. I look forward to a great season.
Our Men's League plays two evenings a week: on Mondays and Thursdays, at 7:00 pm; and our Women's League plays on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. In addition to this, we also offer an "open" evening of play on Sunday evenings, at 7 pm. It is our Doubles night. You don't need to have a partner to play. We get together to have fun and rotate partners throughout the evening. We'd love to have you come join us. Lastly, I will be offering lessons, (mostly on 8 ball), again this season to anyone interested, on Thursdays at 5 pm. We've already begun all our activities and so far so good! Stay tuned for more updates next month.
Just a friendly reminder: There will be no League play during the holiday season, from December 22, 2002 thru January 4, 2003. Please make a note of it, and mark your calendars!!
That's the Cue Club news for this month. If anyone has any information they'd like included for next month, just drop it by my place at 120 Mt Curve Ave or hand it to me whenever you see me around the park. Have a great month!!


PAR SEEKERS GOLF
By Russ Steele

I'm back from a short retirement to write about the MA golf group and their activities, this time as a sub for Ken Hopkins who, at this writing, was still up in the New Orleans area on emergency duty for FEMA.
The Par Seekers opened the season Nov. 7 at Mainlands, playing this year an hour earlier than last season (11 a.m. first tee time). Some 30 regulars, with a few newcomers, participated.
Club chairman Mike Regan and Pete Lambert, events chairman, announced events for the coming season. December play will include regular play on Dec. 5, a four-club event on Dec. 12, and regular play on Dec. 19 and 26.
Leni Lambert works for the group, with spouse Pete, in relation to lineups, event scoring, handicapping, and record keeping for the season. Roger LaBerge continues as group treasurer and Marcia Fay is the new secretary.
The procedure for sign up and play is much the same as last year, except for the earlier starting time. Players are asked to sign up on the bulletin board in the clubhouse by 5 p.m. Sunday evenings. A schedule of play will be posted by Wednesday and players are to report to the clubhouse by 9:45 a.m. Thursdays to check in and to pay entry fees for any tournament events. Car-pooling by foursomes is recommended. Except on a busy day at Mainlands, it is often possible for the first group to start before 11 a.m.
New residents who wish to play with the group may sign up and join the group on Thursday at 9:45am, pay $5 dues for the season, and get started. Existing handicaps are usually accepted until each person plays three rounds at Mainlands and gets a new handicap.


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
By Nora Adell Andrews

"Wherever in the world the little room of literature has been closed, sooner or later the walls have come tumbling down." Salman Rushdie (1947- )
We welcomed back all our friends at our November meeting. Many books have been returned and new ones donated so our return cart is full. Thanks to all of you for the books and tapes! This summer Jean Stevens has been marking, and sorting and shelving while many of us were gone from the park. Thank you, Jean!
Rita Lewis reminded all of us that the books are now marked with stickers to designate the type of reading material. You will find fiction, biography, large print, condensed books, and reference books; in the paperback section there are adventure books, love stories, gothic romance, and mysteries.
The library welcomes your gifts of books but would remind you that because of our limited space we cannot use those with publishing dates ten years or older.
The library has also collected eyeglasses that will be repaired and given to the needy. Please continue to donate any glasses that you no longer can use.
Rita reported on our November selection, Things I Know Best, by Lynne Hinton. Ms Hinton is a minister from North Carolina. Our December book is Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. We will meet at a new time for this month only: Wednesday, December 4th at 2:00 p.m., in the library section of the clubhouse. You are invited to join in our discussion.


DEAR CRAFTERS
By Annette Solomon

As of this writing (Nov. 10) you know that the Craft Bazaar is being planned and is not over yet.... but . . . .WOW! What a wonderful event it will be on Saturday, November 30th! Hope you were there.
The Crafters and the MAA thank everyone who donated beautiful items to be displayed and sold. A big Thank you to everyone who purchased them. We are very grateful! Congratulations to all the raffle winners.
Basic techniques will resume at every Monday evening meeting from 6 to 8 pm and every Thursday morning meeting from 9 to 11 am. Classes in basic crochet, counted cross-stitch, plastic work, chicken scratching, embroidery, gift boxes and bags and hairpin lace are given. Swedish weaving, knitting and latch hooking will be new this year. Teachers are ready. All lessons are free and most supplies are free. Samples will be displayed. Come and see what you can make in one meeting. Join us!
See you there.


SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB NEWS
By Jo Waldron

A list of our officers and team captains are posted on the bulletin board in the clubhouse. If you have any questions about our group feel free to call any one of them.
Normal for the beginning of the season, all teams are a little short of players, but the captains were confident that they would be ready to play when league games began.
There are shuffleboard lessons for beginners on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Chick Kageyama is the regular instructor but if he has not returned "home" by the time you read this, Fod Wright and John Mello have volunteered to take over the classes till he arrives.
Sil Oliveira will have practice for seasoned shufflers, those who have been on a team for at least 2 years, on Monday mornings at 9 a.m.
The Red & Black games are held each Monday at 1 p.m., these games are open to all, including non-club members. Everyone is welcome to shuffle; all the equipment is in the courtside shed. Please read and follow the rules posted on the shed.
The "horse collar" games will be held again this year, but the day and time have not been determined at this writing.
The regular season is just beginning, but some of our players have been entering tournaments since October and they have done very well. In a "No Two Pro" held in Clearwater, Tom Solomon came in 2nd in the Main Event. In the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club doubles, Tom and his partner took 1st place in the Main Event and Sil Oliveira and Nick Misciagna came in 2nd, Ellie Oliveira and Jo Waldron placed 4th in Consolation in the same event. At the same location, playing in "Draw Doubles" Sil and his partner were 2nd in the Main Event, Tom placed 1st and Nick 3rd in consolation. Congratulations to all. If anyone else is interested in competing in tournaments, contact one of the above and they will tell you how to get started.
Just for fun, I thought it would be interesting to look back at some of the club meeting minutes that Gen Van Patten kept in her many years of being secretary of our club. I'll call it:
GEN'S NOTES
From 11/13/93, the DeAnza MA Shuffleboard Club. John Mello, President. Shirley Wadsworth resigned as Nova Captain and Shirley Beauchamp and Lillian Harris took over as co-captains. Doris Laberge will take charge of cakes for the Friendship team. Ethel Hyland will help. Doris asked all to watch for cake and frosting coupons. Congratulations were given to Ron Undieme, Cecile Gagnon and Don Harris who had moved up from Nova to the Blue Sky team.


NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME WATCH UPDATE
By Barbara Magada

The next Crime Watch/Crime Prevention/Crime Patrol will be held on Friday, Dec. 13th 2002 in the clubhouse at 1:30 P.M. Speaker and Program will be announced at the Wednesday Luncheons. Please mark your calendars. Refreshments as usual!
Marine Patrol Officers Les Miller and Ralph Gill will be our speakers. If you have any questions to ask about our waterways, be sure to attend this meeting.
Coordinators: Barbara Magada, Esther Louzon & Jim Chase


REPORT ON GOLF CART GRANT REQUEST
By Barbara Magada

At the Crime Prevention meeting on Friday, November 8th I reported to the residents present that we had been granted our request for monies from the Forfeiture Fund of the S.P.P.D. Isn't that great news! If all goes well, we could possibly have Our Patrol Golf Cart up and running sometime in January.


DUPLICATE BRIDGE
Gerri Bassett Director Shirley Beauchamp Assistant

Howell Movement

Sunday November 3
1. Joan Dell'Angelo & Tex Batchelder
2. Gerri & John Bassett
3. Agnes and Jerry Howland

Sunday November 10
1. Agnes & Jerry Howland
2. Gerri & John Bassett
3. Joan Dell'Angelo & Tex Batchelder

Due to the Holidays there will be no Duplicate on the 22nd and the 29th of Dec..

Nice to see some of you back and I will thank Shirley Beauchamp in advance for all her help she gives me during the season.
Be sure to celebrate God's gift of Love, and Merry Christmas to everyone from the Bassett's.


LINE DANCE CLASS ON AGAIN
By Norine Fisher

Hi snow birds and year rounders. This will be our 2nd year of line dancing. Everyone enjoyed our last one and are looking forward to having a great time again. Its great fun and exercise at the same time.
We will start again on Monday, January 6th at 1 P.M. All are welcome...check your Forecaster.


THE CAB RIDE
Submitted by Ron Gunderman

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, and then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself.
So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80s stood before me.
She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters.
In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said.
I took the suitcase to the cab, and then returned to assist the woman.
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.
It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated".
"Oh, you're such a good boy", she said.
When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"
"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.
Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry.
I'm on my way to a hospice".
I looked in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were glistening.
"I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long."
I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
"What route would you like me to take?" I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city.
She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."
We drove in silence to the address she had given me.
It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.
"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.
Nothing," I said.
"You have to make a living," she answered.
"There are other passengers," I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.
She held onto me tightly.
"You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.
Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.
What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?
What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?
On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware--beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

JUST ASK FOR IT
- By Dick Jones

The men and women of the aluminum crew pick up aluminum cans, other aluminum and other items that may be useful to residents, early on Tuesdays, starting at 7 am And, as most of you know, the aluminum is sold to raise funds for various park activities.
As an example of other items that are collected, Jim Perry and myself brought three wide shelving boards to the hobby shop on October 23rd These were left leaning against the bottom of the shop door, as we did not have a key at that time to get in. An hour later when Roger LaRochelle arrived only one board was left. Given that some of you may not be aware of how items are used and disposed of, if an item is adjacent to the hobby shop doors, it belongs to the hobby shop. Otherwise it would have been jettisoned in the dumpster. Taking such items is tantamount to stealing. So please restrain yourself, and ask at the hobby shop if you may have any such items.
The Hobby Shop has a "contribution can" in the shop, and any aluminum crewmember or myself will accept a nominal amount for any piece of scrap aluminum, or other item that we have in storage. Such contributions go towards purchase of tools for the Hobby Shop, or into the "Old-timers" coffers.

COMMUNITY NOTICES
There is located at the maintenance shed on Mount Piney Avenue an air pump which you may use to inflate your bicycle tires.

Newspapers and Magazine Recycling
All newspapers are to be placed in the newspaper bins. Please do not put brown paper or plastic bags in the newspaper bins. The bins are only for newspapers.
A magazine bin is located at the storage compound on Americana Drive. Please take all your magazines to this bin.

Aluminum Cans 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.

Yard Brush and Tree Trimmings
Place all yard brush and tree trimmings at the side of the road separate from the garbage and it will be picked up. 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.

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.
Bertram Zanaglio, MAROA Board member.