Americana Cove

The Hopes Of A New Year

Dec 31, 2002

PRAYER FOR JANUARY

Father in Heaven we praise and thank You for Your provision, protection and presence with us in the year just past. As we look ahead to the New Year, we pray that our people in the Armed Forces will be able to quell the fear of evil and the threat of terrorism.
We also pray that peace might once more be realized in the entire world. For those suffering from the ravages of war, hunger and without homes we pray for their relief.
Open our hearts and our pocketbooks to help wherever we can. May the giving spirit of Christmas continue.
Let us not forget those who live in our midst who yearn for friendship and love. May our speech and actions reflect warmth of feelings. We think of those who are on our board and those who will be elected, or re-elected, and pray that they will look to you for guidance as they make decisions for us.
Finally, God, as we pray may we be aware of your presence and be led by the guidance of Your Holy Spirit.
May all that we do, say or think bring honor and glory to our Savior, Jesus the Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS by Frances McVay

DORSETT, Hubert G.
7009 Mt. Georgetown Drive
Previously Giolito

FORD, Shirley (NH)
6830 Mt. Pleasant Road
Previously Langer Estate

HOULE, Dermis
SABIN, Janis
7151 Mt. Georgetown Drive
Previously Feeley

VANGELOFF, Alexander & Helen
7160 Mt. Hawthorne Road
Previously Calabrese/LaPointe


DEATHS:
Mimi Edwards
Henry Lins
Joseph Qualiana


NURSING HOMES:
Jane Bryant Maria Manor
George Campbell ISH
Bob Evans Carrington Place
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Carl Rosenquist Westminister Shores
Tony Rybka Abbey
Margie Slaugenhaupt ISH
Hilda Tschopp Northside Hospital


BIRTHDAYS:
1 Helen Bzowski,
Mae Linstad
2 Bert Zanaglio,
Ed Roberts
Don Berg
3 Dotte Farren
Lillian Harris
7 Carl Watts
Tom Solomon
9 Chuck Moon
11 Irene Kmieciak
13 Jean Iacono
14 Helen Riggs
15 Virginia Blanken
Keith McCall
20 Louise Pickett
24 Edith Harmon
26 Elmer Blanken
Al Scribner
30 Gloria Shultes


ANNIVERSARIES:
01 Lila and Jerry Mussman 24 years
03 Andrea and Ron Simmons 33 years
07 Gerri and John Bassett 08 years
11 Claire and Bill Hart 62 years
18 Pat and Frank Wright 11 years
25 Gene and Tony Rybka 62 years
26 Mitzi and Don Delzell 46 years
29 Shirley and John Wadsworth 56 years
31 Shirley and Leo LaForce 54 years


FROM THE MANAGER:
Dawn Simmons

LIFELINE:
It has been brought to our attention that the Office Phone Number has been given to ?“Lifeline?” by several of our Residents to call in case of emergency at their home. For example if they have fallen and cannot get up.
We cannot ask our employees to take that responsibility.

CALLING OFFICE TO CHECK ON RESIDENTS:
If a relative or neighbor is concerned about a resident, you need to call the police to enter the home. Due to insurance reasons, our employees should not be entering the home.

FROM THE OFFICE:
We have adjusted eight (8) Rent Structures in the Community to five (5) categories ?—Regular, Corner, Waterfront Quad, Quad and Waterfront.
A letter was mailed Nov. 26th notifying all renters of the negotiated rents. Since everyone from now on will be in one of the above categories, the rent increase will be based on this structure and the CPI (Consumer Price Index). Rent negotiations will become much easier for the elected RAMA Board in the years to come.
I would like to thank the Current Board and John Dunn for all their help in achieving this goal. Remember the only time it is important to sign a lease is when you move in, they are no longer renewable. This keeps it simple for everyone.
Thanks again to all who participated.

PARK STANDARDS MEETINGS:
Starting in January, we will no longer be holding a Park Standards meeting. I have an open door policy and any questions or concerns you might have could be discussed with me in my office.

FROM THE OFFICE:
Please refrain from putting your monthly check in envelopes when bringing them to the office or putting them in the drop box. Thanks.

DID YOU KNOW?
1. When a Maintenance Person is called in on the weekend or after hours to shut someone?’s sprinkler off or check a false report like someone has left trash cans on their lawn, this is costing you money.
Each time we receive an after hour call it is $20 plus time and 1/2 overtime. We are going to have to start a policy that if our after hours person is called out on anything other than an ?“Emergency?” we will have to bill back to the Resident for the call.
2. We only pick up appliances if the Resident themselves is replacing the item. If you have purchased an appliance from a Dealer, they must haul away the used appliance. The same goes for carpeting ?— when the installer comes to replace your carpet have them haul away the old carpet.
3. We do not want BBQ LP Gas Tanks left at the Maintenance Compound any longer. Take them to where you are purchasing a new LP Gas Tank. They cost us too much money to dispose of.
4. Starting January 6th we will only be doing brush pickup once a week.
5. There is a $50.00 deposit if you want to take chairs or tables from the clubhouse. Make deposit at the office and when you return chairs or tables, you will receive your money back.
6. There is a $50.00 Security deposit if you use the Atrium or Clubhouse for any function by a resident and remember that it has to be open to the Community.

STATE HEALTH INSPECTOR:
The Dept. of Health has cited us for having fruit on the ground. Residents owning fruit trees, please keep your fruit off the ground. There is an over abundance of fruit this year so it will take an extra effort on all our parts.
Thanking you in advance.


MAA NEWS
Paul Mattina, President

It is hard to believe that, as I write this, Christmas is right around the corner and this is the first issue for the year 2003. How did the time fly by so quickly?
First and foremost, let me take this opportunity to thank all those wonderful people who worked so hard for the success of the bazaar last November 30th. One cannot single out one or two people for extra praise, since so many did so much. There was so much to do to prepare ahead, as well as the work the day of the event. The cake sales and money solicitation was highly successful, as well as the profits from the many beautiful items sold by the Crafters. The sale of omelets and pizzas was also very profitable, as attested to by the constant line of people waiting to be served. Overall, it was a very successful bazaar, and everyone who participated is to be thanked and appreciated for their contribution to the funding of MAA programs.
As was mentioned at previous meetings, our regular events in January are being moved one week later since New Years Day falls on the first Wednesday of the month. The MAA Council meeting will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, January 7th, and the MAA luncheon meeting will be at noon the next day, Wednesday, January 8th.
On Friday, January 10th, Mobel Americana will host, from 9 AM until noon, the Council of Resident Owned Communities (ROC) meeting in the Clubhouse. Please look for an article giving more details on this meeting. Planned for Friday, January 24th, is the FMO Storm Ready Seminar. Please look for details in Ken Hopkins?’ column.
As we begin the New Year, let us give thanks for our wonderful and caring community and all our friends and neighbors who make Mobel Americana such a great place to live. May we all have a healthy and happy New Year.


FYI
Submitted by Board Member, Pat Ruedy

Are you wondering about borrowing chairs or a table for your use?
Policy on lending table and chairs from Mobel Americana.
The rules of loaning equipment are as follows:
1 . First make your request in writing and state the length of time you need the items.
2. Submit the written request to the business office.
3. Then pay your $50.00 deposit at the business office. They then have a maintenance person give you the chairs or table for you to transport to your home. They are not to leave the Community.

Returning them works the same only in reverse.
1. Call the office to schedule a maintenance person to meet you at the clubhouse so that those items can be placed back into inventory.
2. Get your request slip signed that all items were returned in clean undamaged condition and then take this slip to the business office to get your deposit back. If there is damage, you will be charged.

Inventory for loan:
1. There is only one (1) table for loan. No white top tables are to leave the Clubhouse!
2. There are not a lot of chairs to loan. They are in the storage area marked as loaners.
No borrowed/loaned equipment can leave the Community/Park.


MOBEL NOTES
By Ken Hopkins

GOODBYE WILMA ?— Because I was only home for a few days from our summer sojourn before being called to Louisiana by FEMA, I did not have a chance to say goodbye to Wilma. I did have a brief chat in the guardhouse about our summer and ?“how were her eyes??” Because we are still new to Mobel, I cannot sing Wilma?’s praises. There are many who know far more than I what a significant contribution Wilma made to our community and what a wonderful person she truly was. However, I do recall with fondness the first time we met Wilma. She was the Board member chosen to interview us when we bought our home. As we sat in the office, she fixed me with a steely stare and said, ?“You look like a fast driver to me; we have a 15 mph limit here!?” ?“Yes ma?’am, ?“I replied. ?“I?’ll be careful.?” We were friends ever since. My only regret is that I did not have a chance to say goodbye before I left but I know that we are all better for having known Wilma and we will miss her. Goodbye, Wilma.

STORM READY SEMINAR ?— FMO has offered a seminar on storm preparedness, which will occur in the clubhouse at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, January 24th This will be a presentation on what you can do to protect yourself from the next hurricane, tornado, or similar. Guest speakers will represent Insurance, Office of Emergency Preparedness, and Construction. A light lunch will be served after the seminar. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to me at 525-8411 or email at hopken@mindspring.com so that we will know how many lunches to prepare. This will be an informative and entertaining seminar. Hope you can make it.

INSURANCE ?— Every time I come back from a FEMA assignment, I pledge to review my insurance coverage with a fine-toothed comb. My work with FEMA includes explaining to folks how much help we can give them after their insurance settlement has paid off and that is the moral of my story. You cannot believe how many ways insurance companies find to slide out of a claim. Repeatedly I see documents telling people why the insurance they thought would protect them will offer them nothing but a ?“we?’re sorry?”. Let?’s face it; we live in a Zone A flood plain. Odds are that at some point we will all need to open up our insurance policies and take a good close look. NOW is a better time than when you have a foot of water in your living room. Some facts for you to consider... Your homeowner?’s policy does NOT cover flooding. That means any water that comes into the house without external damage to the house. In short, if your roof has not blown off or your windows are not broken, it probably is flooding. FEMA?’s National Flood Insurance Program provides flood insurance. Any licensed insurance agency can write a flood insurance policy. Not only does flood insurance cover loss to your home and contents but should you need to elevate your home, flood insurance may also provide up to $20,000 for that purpose. The waiting period for flood insurance to go into effect is usually 30 days. Even if you currently have flood insurance, take some time to review the details of both your homeowner?’s and flood policies. Sit down with your agent and have him or her explain any questionable areas with you. Keep in mind that the Florida Dept. of Insurance is there to protect you. They have all sorts of information on Insurance Fraud, licensed insurance agents, and similar. Reach them on the Internet or call 1-800-342- 2762. While we are on the subject of insurance, keep in mind your homeowner?’s policy should cover wind and rain damage that is not flood related. You should have coverage on both the structure and contents of your home but would need to demonstrate exterior damage to justify a wind/rain claim. In addition, you may well have coverage for debris removal (the tree that fell in your yard) and additional living expense if you are forced to move from your damaged home to an apartment or hotel. Another catch is depreciation. If you do not have a ?“replacement cost?” policy, any claim you make will be depreciated. Would you believe 50%? Believe it; I saw several cases like that. Check on all of this as soon as you can. Tell your insurance agent your FEMA man sent you.

COMPUTER CLUB ?— The Mobel Americana computer club is rapidly moving toward official club status. Russ Steele has been appointed official representative to MAA and an election of officers will be held shortly. Plans for the future include the possibility of setting up a computer lab on-site at Mobel. This would be accomplished by allocating one of the Mobel rental units as a computer lab and then equipping it with free computers that Conrad Weiser can negotiate. Finally, Internet access would be provided through a Police or Neighborhood grant. Keep an eye on the Mobel Listbot for further developments. Better yet, stop down to the next computer club meeting. They are held the third Tuesday of the month at 10:00 A.M.

FLORIDA INTERSTATE EXIT NUMBERS - You probably have noticed by now that Florida (and Georgia) has converted its consecutive exit numbers to milepost numbers. The new exit numbers now match the mile marker numbers along the highway. Exit signs will carry both the consecutive numbers and the milepost numbers for the next two years. Much safer if you need to call in an accident report or similar.

STORAGE COMPOUND - One of the benefits of life at Mobel is our on-site storage compound. For those of us who are RVer?’s, it is certainly convenient to have our RV safely tucked away and yet immediately available for any of our outings. The same goes for our boating friends who keep their boats in the compound. However, the compound is starting to get over crowded, there are ?“turf?’ disputes (yes, I was the cause of one of them), and similar. We are starting to work on a program to reorganize the compound for everyone?’s betterment. In particular, we will need help in identifying some of the ?“mystery?” vehicles in the compound. Currently there are some boats and other vehicles stored in the compound, which are not in the office records. We need to know who belongs to what. If you have any suspicion at all that the office may not know that you have a vehicle stored there, please step forward and let the office know so that we can arrange a suitable spot for your vehicle. Thanks to all for your help and cooperation.

SUGGESTIONS WELCOME ?— Have some news from your club or group? Have an idea that you would like to express in this column? Want your chance to be heard? Call 525-8411 or email me at hopken@mindspring.com.

IMPORTANT! TWO NEW PROPOSALS
Submitted by Ken Hopkins
During the December Board meeting, the following items were presented for follow up vote at the January meeting. The Board has proposed to increase the current share price to $35,000. The Board feels that this will both help retire the mortgage debt sooner as well as make it easier for existing shareholders to sell their shares when required. There is also the possibility of a two-tiered share price with waterfront lots carrying a higher share price. The Board did point out that there are only twelve waterfront lots that do not already carry a share.
Our manager, Dawn Simmons, has proposed modifying the current maintenance fee structure into five uniform categories. The new structure and monthly rates would be:
Regular Lot $150
Waterfront Lot $185
Quad Lot $131
Waterfront Quad $175
Corner Lot $158
Both of these items will be voted on at the January Board meeting. All shareholders are invited to attend and vote on these important items.


OLD TIMERS CLUB
By Marcia Fay

Happy New Year to one and all. A big bowl of gratitude to everyone who has made this past year a very memorable one for all of us.
I have to say, I, myself would be a full time resident if my children would let me, but they can?’t come visit Florida as much as they would like to or I would like them to. I remember how I had to budget just to go up north where my home is, 230 miles from Detroit. It was not just money but time off from work that had to be saved even to get a long weekend.
One early reminder for those who did not mark their calendars when we announced the changes for Old Timers meetings, in January only MAA will be January 8th and Old Timers will be the 15th and 29th.
I will be absent from the meeting of January 15th, but will have the Macram?© chair ready for raffle that day. I feel we should do the raffle the whole month then draw the winner after the 50/50 on January 29th. I suggest we sell the tickets one for $1.00 or six for $5.00. We sell them up north for $35 to 45 dollars a chair and would like to make at least no less than $75.00 profit for our club.
I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Years. I want to thank Vivian Linville and Esther Louzon for their help with the Christmas Eve get-together and any others that helped them.
I also want to let all you who baked cakes for our luncheons know how much you are appreciated. It is so nice to have everyone?’s participation. Also, a big ?“Thanks?” to Jan Renaud for always being there as cashier.
Seeing as how I am a new ?“Child bride?” and a new resident, no longer a renter, and as Chairman of the Old Timers, I want everyone to know how much I appreciate their help with doing my job correctly.


DO WE HAVE TERRORISTS IN THE COMMUNITY?
By Pat Ruedy

I as a board member and a full time resident in Mobel Americana cannot for the life of me understand why people living here try to hide whoever is living with them in their homes.
During the process of getting requested information from future renters and owners they do not hesitate to tell us about themselves and others who will be staying with them. So why would anyone who already lives in the community not tell the office who else is living with them?
Example:
Years ago, a woman bought a home and lived there for awhile. Then her brother came to live with her, (He was not registered) Lady moves out of the community but lets her brother stay in the home. Years pass, rent always paid, brother continues to live there. Time passes, everyone gets older. No one really knows the brother?’s name, but calls him by nickname. One day the brother dies. He lies there for 4 days before anyone knows he is missing from his normal routine. A friend outside the community calls and reports this man?’s absence and questions if anyone in the community knows his whereabouts. The friend too did not know the brother?’s name, only that he lived in Mobel Americana. The friend called 911 to report the problem. 911 came to the reported address they were told he lived at. No house number is on the home he lay dead in. Therefore 911 could not find the body. Thus, the man lay there dead and now decomposing in a house without air conditioning during our late summer heat.
All the years the sister was questioned on whom else lived in her house, she stood mum. Now she has lost him forever. He was no problem to the community but I ask why she never told the park he was living there.
We have others living in the community as renters but are not registered with the park office or alternatively, reside with someone and they are not registered. Image the gatehouse getting an emergency call to locate a person of this caliber. How are we to find them? As a member of the board of directors of this fine community, I feel it is the responsibility of every one in the community to get their total household population. In addition, are your house numbers readable from the road? Can 911 find your house number in the daylight, or nighttime darkness? Is your house number hiding behind some bushes or flowerbeds that grew out of hand and are in need trimming?
PLEASE THINK OF YOUR SAFETY AS WELL AS THOSE WHO NEED TO FIND YOU. HELP THEM BY DOING THE RIGHT THING - FIND AND LOOK, AT YOUR HOUSE NUMBER. IS IT VISIBLE?
ARE ALL OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS REGISTERED? IF NOT, WHY NOT?


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 February for general articles, the 19th of January (at 5 pm), for last minute items, the 21st Please note that the minimum font size is number eleven.

Monthly Bridge Lunch - It will be on January 22nd All Bridge players are welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship with their friends and neighbors. Go to the meetings to find out more details or watch the bulletin boards.

From the Editor:
A number of you have commented that you have seen items in the Forecaster on the Internet. The community residents who do not have computers do not have this opportunity, so you who have computers should consider yourselves fortunate. Residents submit all the items that are from the internet for the most part. I try to encourage residents to submit items. Obviously original material is preferred, but in the absence of a lot of such material, and to keep the Forecaster interesting for most residents, I publish selected material.

Bridge Lessons:
A short meeting for the residents interested in taking the lessons will be held on January 8th at 1:30 p.m. in the Atrium after the MAA luncheon to decide which day would be best. Remember beginners only. - Gerri Bassett 525-6806.

Visiting Pastors for January
5th-Rev. Wallace Rummel; Retired Westminster Presbyterian Church.
12th-Pastor Lisa Degrenia; Allendale Methodist.
19th-Pastor Tom Hartman; North East Christian Church.
26th-Rev. Paul Morgan; Retired Army Chaplain.


BAZAAR JEWELRY SALE
Kay Sebek

Thanks to everyone who generously contributed to the success of the jewelry table at the bazaar. We exceeded our expectations. ?“The Girls from Jewelry?”
A big thank you to Ruth Brown for having done the Forecaster calendar so conscientiously these past years. It?’s people like Ruth who help make life more pleasant for us all. And to Nora Adell Andrews for stepping in to take over. Nora however is only here for the winter season and I would certainly appreciate someone else doing it in the summer. Many hands make light work, and in fact, it would be an asset if there were more than one person capable of filling in. So please think about it and see if you could help. Give me a call.


FREE KOFFEE KLATCH
By Shirley Wadsworth

One do-nut and coffee free, and seconds too for coffee. Every second Thursday of each month.
Come out and enjoy meeting new people and the regulars, for a social hour.


CANADA NIGHT-January 25, 2003
Submitted by Roger Cathcart

The annual ?“Hands across the Border?” CANADA NIGHT, during which Mobel Americana?’s Canadians host their American friends and neighbors in the Park, will take place this year on:
Saturday, January 25, 2003, Reception at 5:00 pm, Dinner at 6:00 pm
Good food, Fun, Prizes, Dancing, Special Guests.
Tickets @ $7.00 each, available at the Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 14/03 10:00 am - noon (Maximum of 4 tickets per HOUSEHOLD)
ONLY 325 TICKETS TO BE SOLD!
BYOB Table setups on Sat. Jan. 25/03 at 1:00 pm.

Need more information? Call -
Chairperson: Roger Cathcart (Man.) 204-792-7621
Vice Chair: Pete Lambert (Ont.) 522-1394
Past Chair: Shirley Wadsworth (Ont.)525-9802
Secretary: Leni Lambert (Ont.) 522-1394
Treasurer: Lillian Harris (NB) 526-9728
Food Chair: Brian Hamilton (NS) 527-7584
Prize Chair: Tom Wallace (NS) 522-0909
Make plans to attend


TO ALL MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS
By Annette Solomon

You are cordially invited to attend the 4th annual Mobel Americana Massachusetts Night on Wednesday, January 29, 2003, at 4:00 P.M. at Sam Seltzer?’s Steakhouse on Tyrone Boulevard for cocktails, dinner, entertainment and prizes.
Please call Peg Truex at 526-0517
Ellie Oliveira at 522-4626
Laurie Mello at 522-2356
Diana Rogers at 526-4361
Annette Solomon at 527-5151 for reservations before January 22, 2003. They will give you all the details. We had a great time last year! Come and meet your friends from Massachusetts who live in beautiful Mobel Americana during the winter months.
Hope to see you there


NEW ENGLAND NIGHT
By Tom Solomon

The Great State of New Hampshire will sponsor New England Night on Saturday, February 22, 2003. Rita and Chuck Varney and Joan and Marcel Belanger will be the co-hosts for the event. An enthusiastic active committee has been formed and plans are on the way. Look for more information in the February Forecaster.


DUPLICATE BRIDGE
Gerri Bassett, Director
Shirley Beauchamp, Assistant

Duplicate Bridge

Howell Movement
Sunday November 24
1. Maretta Dimke & Elizabeth Copeland
2. Tie
Milene & Al Wingrove
Bev Hamel & Don Delzell
Sunday December 1
1. Gerri & John Bassett
2. Mary Jane Hill & Shirley Wadsworth
Sunday December 8
Mitchell Movement
North & South
1. Lucy & Roger LaBerge
2. Anne Kocher & Don Delzell
East & West
1. Milene & Al Wingrove
2. Esther Louzon & Shirley Beauchamp
3. Agnes & Jerry Howland

Hope everyone had a nice Holiday, good wishes for 2003.


VESPERS
By Shirley Wadsworth

Soon it will be 2003. Best Wishes and Good Health to everyone. Get started on your New Years resolutions early and mark your calendar for Vespers each Sunday, even if you go to church on Sunday mornings, you will enjoy attending Vespers.
Vespers Services begin at 4:50 PM for an informal hymn sing, followed by announcements and the main service. We welcome a different minister each week through Easter. We conclude at 6:00 PM followed by yummy finger sandwiches, desserts (provided monthly by attendees) and tea/coffee Most of our Vespers congregation attend local churches?’ Sunday morning services, but some have Vespers as their primary local spiritual congregation.
Memorial Donations: Mary Higgins by John & Shirley Wadsworth; Mary Polonis, Wilma Jones and Dorcie Langer by John & Nancy Hill. Thank you to the November and December greeters who were:
Paul & Connie Mattina; Don & Lillian Harris; Gene Latreille & Louise Pickett; John & Gerri Bassett; Doris & Phil Tarpley; Joyce Bailey & Shirley Dunn; Frank & Dolores Perry; Ed Kelly & Doris Hodges; Esther Louzon & Helen Riggs. Anyone wishing to greet at Vespers, see or call Shirley Wadsworth at 525-9802. Floral Donations: Through Faith Brundage?’s effort, beautiful floral arrangements are available at $20 which are at Riviera Methodist Church for morning services with donor name(s) and occasion listed in the bulletin; Dick & Gail Jones bring the bouquets for our Vespers service; later our Ruth Healy (a professional florist) arranges smaller bouquets which Chaplain John Hill delivers to Mobel Americana shut-ins and those in hospitals and nursing homes. For floral reservations, see or call Faith Brundage at 527-6925.


GARDEN CLUB NEWS
By Jerry Regan

The Garden Club sponsored two very enjoyable events in December. The first was a bus trip to The Show Palace, a dinner theater in Hudson. The show, a live theater performance entitled, ?“Christmas Spectacular?” was a colorful variety show with lots of singing and dancing. The cast of thirty-five performers included several children, which made the show even more delightful. The trip was very much enjoyed by all and will likely be planned for next year also. In fact, Betty Chase averred that next year we might have two buses going. Our grateful thanks to Betty and Jim Chase, without whom we would not have these wonderful trips.
The second event was the Garden Club Christmas party, which was attended by forty people. Participants brought hors d?’oeuvres to share and a contribution of soaps and cosmetics and/or nonperishable food items for CASA. CASA is an organization providing a shelter for families when there has been violence in the home. After a brief meeting, we enjoyed the good company of friends and the refreshments everyone provided. Garden Club President, Diana Rogers, so good at making our events interesting, scheduled the entertainment and the giving away of poinsettias. The party was a success due to the help of Rita Varney and her volunteers, Jane Annis, Dolores Rice, Ruth Beauregard and Claudette Lebrun. Marcia Fay was instrumental in organizing the CASA contributions.
The January activities of the Garden Club include speaker, Marion Marsh from ?“The Misting Shed?” on January 14th and a bus trip to Sarasota to visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on January 28th Don?’t miss either of these exciting events. If you have not yet joined our Garden Club, and would like to, please attend the January 14th meeting.


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
By Nora Adell Andrews

?“A well-composed book is a magic carpet on which we are wafted to a world that we cannot enter in any other way.?” Caroline Gordon (1895-1981)

At our December meeting, Jerry Regan reported on the book Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. The author is mainly associated with books based on his law background and this book is unlike any of his previous works. It is about a couple that decide to skip the holiday altogether, with no tree, no parties, and no outside decorations. Our group recommended it for a good read!
We are still working on getting the books in good order, and now we have two popular series: the Mitford Series, and the Big Stone Gap books. Since these are a series, each set will be kept together and if you are interested in reading them, you may obtain the entire set from Rita Lewis, our Librarian, at 527-0693.
Our next meeting will be January 9, at 1:00 in the library section of the clubhouse. Please come and join the group. The book we will be discussing is ?“The Villa?” by Nora Roberts. Nora Adell Andrews will be leading the discussion.


CUE CLUB NEWS
By Brian Birch

We held our second regular meeting on Monday, December 2nd It was nice to see so many of our players sign up for the season. League play is going well. The men are playing on Monday and Thursday evenings; and the women play on Wednesdays. I am still teaching Eight (8) ball on Thursdays at 5:00 pm. I?’ve had a fairly good turnout and am able to accept more into the class, so if you are interested please stop by the Cue Club in the Atrium and give billiards a try!!!
I also wanted to once again remind everyone there will be no League play from December 22, 2002 thru January 4, 2003, so that we may all celebrate the holidays with our families and friends. We look forward to the New Year and wish everyone a safe, happy, and blessed Holiday season. See you in 2003!


LINE DANCE UPDATE
By Norine Fisher

January 6th, at l pm will be the start of a fun filled hour at the clubhouse.
We have a variety of music for all... some fast, some slow. It is a great way to get in shape. All you have to do is follow the leader.
The class from last season cannot wait to get started. Come and join in. Spectators are always welcome.


AMERICA MOURNS DEATH OF FLOUR CHILD
Submitted by Phyllis Jackwin

An Unfortunate Obituary: The Pillsbury Doughboy died Monday of a severe yeast infection and complications from repeated pokes to the belly. He was 71.
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. His friends knew him as Brown ?‘N Serve. Dozens of celebrities turned out, including Mrs. Butterworth, the California Raisins, Hungry Jack, Aunt Jemima, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkle, and Captain Crunch.
The graveside was piled high with flours as longtime friend Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy, describing Doughboy as a man who ?“never knew how much he was kneaded.?” Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with many turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes, conned by those who buttered him up.
Despite being a little flaky at times, even as a crusty old man, he was considered a roll model for millions. Toward the end, it was thought he would rise once again, but he was no tart. His wife, Play Dough, survives doughboy. They have two children and one in the oven. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.


PAR SEEKERS GOLF
By Russ Steele

Par Seeker chairman Mike Regan announced club plans for January and Pete Lambert, events coordinator, listed the winners in the first scramble event of the season during the Dec. 4 meeting.
The group will play regular golf on January 2nd, 16th and 23rd and with most interest in the skin game organized on regular days by Conrad Weisner. Another scramble event comes Jan. 9 and the first championship event of the season is the Canadian Open on the 30th. Annette Novotka was introduced as a new member.
A scorecard playoff was needed to determine the winning team for the first scramble, with two teams scoring a net 60. The top award went to the team of Al Wingrove, Ray Sieben, Carol Slade, and Tony Darowski.
Second place went to Norm Begin, Mike Regan, Jake Moore, and Peg Truex. The third place money went to Bill Ervin, Carol Dunn, Conrad Weisner, and Fred Berg.
Golfers are asked to sign up by Sunday evening if they intend to play, to notify Pete Lambert, (ph. 522-1394), of any plan changes, to report to the clubhouse by 9:45am on game day (Thursdays), and to check out a car pool for their foursome. The first person listed for each group is responsible for keeping or arranging for the scorecard to be kept and to see that it is deposited in the box upon return to the park.


THE CRAFTERS CLUB
By Annette Solomon

Dear Crafters,
On Monday, January 6, 2003, at 6pm we will conduct our first business meeting of the New Year!
Classes for learning basic needlecraft techniques will be offered every Monday from 6 to 8 pm and every Thursday from 9-11 am. Samples of projects will be displayed for your selection. Lessons in basic crochet, counted cross-stitch, embroidery, needlepoint, plastic work, and chicken scratching and hairpin lace will be available. Teachers are ready. Swedish weaving latch hook work and knitting will be new this year. All instructions are free and most supplies are provided. Come and learn a new technique or work on your own project. All levels of talent are invited. Do not sit home alone! Join us
See you there.


BOWLING LEAGUE
By Diane E. Turner

We look forward to welcoming our many friends to join us in the New Year for bowling. You may join us at anytime as a beginner or as a pro. All level of expertise is welcomed.
Lessons are available for a nominal fee. It seems like those who do join us are having a great time bowling and the camaraderie is infectious. It is a fun time for everyone and great exercise for the body, mind, and soul. It is a great pastime and only takes up a couple of hours per week. The group meets every Tuesday morning at 0900 at the Sunrise Bowling Lanes located at 6393 9th Street North. We can supply transportation if needed. See you there and bring a friend, the more the merrier! For more information or transportation, contact Diane Turner at 521-4317.


FOREVER YOUNG
Submitted by Ron Gunderman

She had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout.
We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing as carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
Her voice was as sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in. ?“Mom, let?’s run through the rain,?” she said. ?”What??” Mom asked. ?“Let?’s run through the rain!?” She repeated. ?“No, honey. We?’ll wait until it slows down a bit,?” Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated: ?“Mom let?’s run through the rain.?” ?“We?’ll get soaked if we do,?” Mom said. ?“No, we won?’t, Mom. That?’s not what you said this morning,?” the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom?’s arm.
?“This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet??” ?“Don?’t you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, ?‘If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!?”
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you could not hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. However, this was a moment of affirmation in a young child?’s life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
?“Honey, you are absolutely right. Let?’s run through the rain. If GOD let?’s us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing,?” Mom said. Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. However, they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories... So, don?’t forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday.
To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under Heaven.


PARK LISTBOT NOTICE
By Conrad Weiser

As you may have noticed, in Ken Hopkins Forecaster article, some 15 of the subscribers to our private e-mail listbot were unsubscribed this summer. Some stopped their ISP accounts for the hiatus; others simply did not empty their inboxes for several months. In either case, Yahoo automatically removed their names from our subscriber list.
Yahoo is very insistent that we only add subscribers who genuinely want to be recipients, (we all get obnoxious amounts of unwanted ?“Spam?”), and so I am writing to ask if you wish to be included again.
As always, there is no charge. Please send me a brief e-mail if you want to be included on the listbot subscriber roll. ---- Conrad Weiser maoal999@aol.com


EXERCISE CLASS-AN AGELESS PRESCRIPTION
By Sharon Miller

Charles Lasley, a local cardiologist, octogenarian, and nationally known tri-athlete, prescribes exercise as an absolute need for all. He advocates this especially as we do the inevitable...grow older. He says that there is absolutely no pill, which can take the place of exercise. We are privileged to have Sally Anderson, a locally well-known certified fitness instructor and personal trainer, take us through 45 minutes of exercise on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:15 in the Atrium. We leave each session knowing we have had one good, daily dose of exercise.
Our ageless, exercise prescription includes 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 their own efforts as well as the expertise of the instructor! We leave knowing we have had one good, daily dose of exercise. A nominal donation is suggested for each class attended.
Please join us in the Atrium Monday, January 6, 2003 at 8:15 AM...a healthy way to start the NEW YEAR.


SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB NEWS
By Jo Waldron

The league games are well under way now and the standings as reported by their captains are: Blue Sky reported by Chick Kageyama is somewhere in the middle. Laurie Mello reports that Friendship 1 is in 3rd place and Pat McCarthy said that Friendship 2 is in 2nd place. The Nova Blue Captain was not present to report the standings. Ginger Phillips stated that due to lack of players, Nova Red has disbanded. The two teams will combine and we will be back to one Nova team.
Chick, the instructor for beginners, stated that no one has shown up for lessons, so he will no longer hold regular Wednesday classes. If anyone is interested in getting instructions, they can call him and he will arrange a meeting.
Do not forget the Red & Black games on Mondays at 1 p.m., everyone is welcome to participate. The ?“Horse Collar?” games have begun again, they are played Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m.
Our shufflers are continuing to win in outside tournaments. In the American tournament held at Silver Lake, Sil Oliveira came in 1st and Nick Misciagna 2nd in the Main Event. Jerry Spetz finished 3rd in Consolation.
In the Canadian Tourney Don Sackfield was 4th in the Main Event and in the Pinellas Amateur Doubles Sil and Jerry placed 2nd in the Main Event.
Do not forget our pancake breakfast on January 11th from 8 to 11 a.m. Our shuffleboard club meeting, always the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. will be on January 4th.


GENS NOTES
From March 27, 1982
John Mello stated that all plans for the banquet have been finalized with Jean Johnstone. Election of officers: John Mello was nominated for President, Mert Glass, Vice President and Gen Van Patten Secretary-Treasurer.
Gerri Lyons will remain captain of the Fun & Sun league. Gen Van Patten will be co-captain. Fred Reynolds was elected captain and Eleanor George co-captain of the Friendship league. The Nova league was discussed; this is a league for beginners. John Mello said he would call to see if there is an opening and put up a sign-up sheet for all interested new shufflers.
Happy Shuffling

Potpourri ?— from the Editor?’s desk (additional contributions from Gerri Bassett, Lucy LaBerge, Conrad Weiser and Howard Roush)

Thought - A new year is a chance to repeat all last year?’s mistakes. And some of us will succeed!

Wise Sayings - We rush through life so often. Take a deep breath every once in a while and just be thankful for the moment.

Things you really need to know - That if you were to spell out numbers, you would have to go to one thousand before using the letter ?‘A?’.

Words to Live By - A hug is a great gift... one size fits all. It can be given for any occasion and it is easy to exchange.

Life?’s experiences - Don?’t pass up an opportunity to do something that may not happen again, just because someone has doubts. I can remember not going to see someone when I had a chance, and the next thing you know they had passed away. Sometimes you only get one chance.

Things to think About - That I cannot choose how I feel, but I can choose what to do about it.

Truths - You will never ?“have it all together?”.

Did you ever wonder why? - They put Braille dots on the keypad of a drive-up ATM.

Random Thoughts - As I watch some of our resident drivers, I cannot help thinking that they must believe that the speed limit signs saying, ?“Speed Limit 15 mph?” mean a minimum of 15 mph. Well, this may be news to some of you who speed around, but the sign means the maximum speed is 15 mph. So pay attention. And for those of you who drive around at 5 mph, why not leave the car at home and walk! If going a little faster is a serious problem for you, then maybe you should not be driving at all. Think about it.

Did You Know? - From Vivian Linville
One of the most popular patent medicines of the 19th century was Dr. Miles ?“Compound Extract of Tomato?”. You can still buy it, the same mixture, but not by that name. Now you just ask for KETCHUP.
Early farmers in Kentucky and Tennessee revolutionized their local economies with one simple discovery about transportation. A pack mule can carry four bushels of raw corn; or 25 bushels of corn, distilled.

And finally a few light jokes to keep you amused - ?“Doc, I can?’t stop singing ?‘The green, green grass of home?”. ?“That sounds like the Tom Jones syndrome?”. ?“Is it common??” ?“It?’s not unusual?”.
Two vultures board an airplane; each is carrying two dead raccoons. The flight attendant looks at them and says, ?“I?’m sorry gentlemen, only one carry on per passenger?”.
For the golfers - Near the end of a particularly trying round of golf, during which the golfer had hit numerous bad shots, he said in frustration to his caddy, ?“I?’d move heaven and earth to break a hundred on this course?”. ?“Try heaven,?” said the caddy, ?“You?’ve already moved most of the earth?”.


HAVE YOU TRIED THE WEB?
By Conrad Weiser

Computers For Our Community (CFOC) is a local not-for-profit organization that I helped establish nearly six years ago. You may have read that they have distributed, free of charge, over 1,000 recycled computers here in St. Petersburg. Over the last three years, 48 recycled PCs have been provided to residents of Mobel Americana. Virtually all of these units were set up to use our Suncoast FreeNet, the no-cost Internet access provided by our public library system.
Again this year, following the Christmas holidays, many of our residents received new or ?“Family used?” computers to replace their older recycled PCs. In most cases, these units are turned back to find a new home here in the community. I currently have several of these recycled machines available. If you or a neighbor have never ventured into the Internet, perhaps you would like to get your feet wet. These fully functional, older computers can satisfy that fascination of sending e-mail to family and friends all over the world, and at no cost. Many community residents are now using these recycled PCs, connected to the Web via our local FreeNet, to enjoy unlimited hours of letter exchanges with those dearest to them. Would you like to try?


SMILE
Submitted by Rosemary Kegebein

She smiled at a sorrowful stranger.
The smile seemed to make him feel better.
He remembered past kindness of a friend
And wrote him a thank-you letter.

The friend was so pleased with the thank-you
That he left a large tip after lunch.
The waitress, surprised by the size of the tip,
Bet the whole thing on a hunch.

The next day she picked up her winnings,
And gave part to a man on the street.
The man on the street was grateful;
For two days he?’d had nothing to eat.

After he finished his dinner,
He left for his small dingy room.
He didn?’t know at that moment
That he might be facing his doom.

On the way he picked up a shivering puppy
And took him home to get warm.
The puppy was very grateful
To be in out of the storm.

That night the house caught on fire.
The puppy barked the alarm.
He barked till he woke the whole household
And saved everybody from harm.

One of the boys that he rescued
Grew up to be President.
All this because of a simple smile
That hadn?’t cost a cent.


LOOKING BACK
By Conrad Weiser

Looking back, it?’s hard to believe that we?’ve lived as long as we have.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a farm truck on a warm day was a special treat.
Our baby cribs were painted with brightly colored lead based paint. We often chewed on the crib and ingested the paint. We had no bottles that couldn?’t be opened by everyone, any doors or cabinets with locks on them and, when we rode our bikes, we didn?’t wear helmets.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then rode them down a hill....only to find out that we forgot the brakes. After running into bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was worried about where we were all day long.
We played dodge ball and sometimes the ball would really hurt. We ate cupcakes, bread and butter and drank our favorite pop but we were never overweight: we were always outside playing.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn?’t had to learn how to deal with disappointment. And, some of them formed their own baseball teams that played ?“sandlot?” baseball.
Some students weren?’t as smart as the others were so they failed a grade and were held back to repeat it.
Our generation produced some of the greatest risk-takers and problem solvers. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility and . . . . we learned how to deal with it all! !


An Editor?’s Wishes for the New Year
a) That contributors read the instructions on how to make a submission before doing so. I do not/cannot accept articles without titles and the name of the author. I cannot accept lengthy articles that are not printed on full size 8 x 11 paper, and printed vertically. I know submitters mean well, but it is very time consuming to have to retype a whole article, and as a matter of policy it is not done. Very short articles can be retyped if not in an acceptable format, and frequently are. So please try to follow the simple rules for submitting material, and we will all be happier.
b) That all residents in charge of activities or who have occasion to speak about people and events, learn how to spell and of more importance, learn how to pronounce residents names correctly. There seems to be an increase in the mispronunciation of names lately, and while I would not go so far to say it shows disrespect, it seems to indicate a lack of caring about the individuals, which is probably not the intent. A persons name is their most important possession, and I think it behooves us all to try and get it right.
c) That the management seriously considers the installation of automatic doors to the main hail and Atrium to facilitate easy access to these facilities by our disabled residents. It may not be a legal requirement, but it would put all residents on an equal footing. We should not be putting anyone in the position of having to ask for help in gaining entry to our public places.


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 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.
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.