Americana Cove

Fare thee well snowbirds---

Mar 31, 2003

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 very early 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 make the effort to segregate the cans from the regular trash.

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. It is not a dump for contractors who have been doing renovations or repairs to your property. These contractors have to remove any such materials from the community and dispose of it at their cost. All such material in our dumpster adds to the Community?’s cost of removal, and there is no valid reason why your neighbors should pay part of the cost for your renovations.

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.

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. Additionally traffic through the kitchen area creates sanitary problems, which is unnecessary given that ice is readily available at the laundry. Betty Chase -Kitchen Manager


PRAYER FOR APRIL
Heavenly God, Jehovah we come before you with thanks because Your people all celebrate this month in their own way.
Our Jewish Brethren have their Passover on the 24th
The Orthodox constituents celebrate Holy Week from the 20th to the 27th
For the Christians, the last week of Lent begins with Palm Sunday. It includes Monday Thursday and Good Friday.
Many of us may not be aware that Maundy Thursday recalls the time Jesus washed the Apostles?’ feet, showing His true Servant-hood to all. The second great day in the Christian Calendar is Easter when Christ rose from the dead and promised us Life Eternal as a free gift for us to accept. Let us all remember that to be a leader we must first be servants.
God help us to demonstrate true humility in serving you so that we can be more worthy leaders in witnessing for you in all we do, say and think. Help us we pray!
Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.


THANK YOU'S
The Board of Directors of MAROA thanks Bob Larsen for his efforts as a Board member and as President. The Board also extends its best wishes for his success as President of MAA.

Thank you also to Bert Zanaglio for his efforts in obtaining some tax relief for our Park. May your stay up north be a pleasant one. You will be missed Bert.
Submitted for the Board by Ed Mosakowski


FROM THE MANAGER
Dawn Simmons
Anyone owning a golf cart please come to the office for a MAROA sticker. We have no way of identifying the vehicles, as they do not require a license plate.

TIE DOWN PROGRAM.
The Tie-Down Program has been cancelled for this year. Governor Jeb Bush issued a statement that the Tie Down and Relocation projects are on hold due to the State deficit.
We will reapply next year.
Before our Northern Residents leave us for the summer here is a list of things you need to do prior to leaving.
1. Register your caretaker with the office.
2. Make sure all your bushes are trimmed and
flower planters weeded.
3. Store outside articles inside the home
that could be blown away or damage your
neighbor?’s property in a storm.
4. Secure window awnings either by lowering
them or making sure they are securely
fastened.
5. Have your home washed and if it needs
painting arrange now to have it done in
the fall.
6. Most important: Shut the water off in
your home.
7. Set up sprinkler timer to go on one day a
week for 20 mm. per zone and set it for
the 5:00 am schedule as we often get late
afternoon showers. Watering once a week
in the summer is sufficient.
8. If your address or phone number up north
has changed please inform the office.

REFUSE AREA
Construction material has been found on several occasions in our grey garbage haulers. We are not sure where the material is coming from.
The grey carts were designed to hook up to hydraulic lifts and the compactor cannot compact or contain building materials.

TOWN HALL MEETING
One discussion at the Town Hall Meeting on Friday, March 7, was the articles being left at the trash collection sites at both Americana Dr. and Mt. Piney.
Residents stuff articles in the Compactor that do not belong there. The compactor is for raw trash only. Not furniture, wood, sinks or building parts.
We would appreciate if people would sort their trash. In addition, a lot of resident are throwing out aluminum cans in the raw garbage bags. Please put the cans in a separate bag for recycling. (See recycling notice).
Furniture needs to be brought to the Mt. Piney Ave. collection area. Goodwill and the Salvation Army are also a good solution.

FORECASTER MAIL OUTS
Any Resident wanting a copy of the Forecaster sent to them each month must do the following:
Purchase envelopes and put your northern address on them and the required postage. Bring them to the office and Barbara will put the Forecaster in the envelope and send it to you.
Postage for US Resident .60 cents. - Canadian Resident .85 cents.

CANADA NIGHT DONATION
We would like to thank the Committee from Canada Night for donating $400 towards the new lounge chairs at the pool.
Everyone who uses the pool says ?“THANK YOU VERY MUCH?” and MAROA also says thank you.

VALLEY CREST LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE
We know many residents are unhappy with the weed killing around the homes, and we deeply apologize for any inconvenience it has caused. We will not be spraying around homes anymore. They will mow two times in April and four times in May.
I learned something today from John Amarosa, the Superintendent from Valley Crest. He told me the yard treatment his Company does includes broad leaf weed killer, which is something not offered with the Company we employ (ABC) to do our common areas and the three times a year service to each home.
Dollar weeds can be controlled with Scott?’s Bonus S if you do your own yard.
If you are interested in Valley Crest Landscaping doing your yard, please come to the office for an application.

WATERING SCHEDULE
To better preserve our well systems that have been on the blink all winter we need to take the following action for several reasons. The demand for well water increases dramatically during the dry season, particularly during drought conditions like those that we have experienced the last few years. This has sometimes resulted in the system not being able to sustain significant operating pressure or demand exceeding supply.
Water conservation must be one of our goals. To help us with this we are asking everyone to re-set their sprinkler system to one day a week only. We can do this by using the last number of your house address, Odd or Even.
ZONE 1: Odd Numbers will water two times a day on Monday Even Number will water two times a day on Friday.
ZONE 2: Odd Numbers will water two times a day on Tuesday Even Numbers will water two times a day on Saturday
ZONE 3: Odd Numbers will water two times a day on Wednesday Even Numbers will water two times a day on Sunday
Please water only from 5 am to 9 am and 7 pm to 11 pm 20 Minutes per Zone

ZONE 1: NORTH: - Mt Oak, Mt. Piney Road, Mt Piney Ave. (East of Maint. Shop) Mt.
Key, Mt. Lancaster, Mt. Madison, Mt. Newcastle.
SOUTH: Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Curve
ZONE 2: NORTH: Americana Ct., Mt. Piney Ave. (West of Maint. Shop) Americana Lane, Americana Place, SOUTH: Mt. Isle, Americana Drive.
ZONE 3: NORTH: Mt. Arlington, Mt. Bristol, Mt. Deleon, Mt. Essex, Mt. Fairfield, Mt.
Georgetown, Mt. Hawthorne, Mt. Jupiter
SOUTH: Mt. Quincy, Mt. Orange, Mt. Richmond, Mt. Saxon.


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
By Frances McVay

FITZPATRICK, Thomas C.
605 Mt. Lancaster Avenue
Previously Boone

GUIRQUESS, Waquin
213 Mt. Piney Avenue
Previously M/A Used

LA BERGE, Gertrude
134 Americana Court 525-6831
Previously Dolmont

SANDERS, Kenneth & Cathy
7306 Americana Drive 525-1960
New Home


SUNSHINE REPORT
APRIL 2003
BY PEGGY HUBRICH

DEATHS
Carolyn Watts
Carl Rosenquist
Bill Jones

NURSING HOMES
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Bob Evans Carrington Place
George Campbell Park Place
Hilda Tschopp Carrington Place
Bob Oertel Carrington Place
Geraldine Berg Woodside

BIRTHDAY:
01 E. Lane Whitley
02 Annette Solomon
03 Loretta Berg
04 Sil Oliveira
07 Helen Smith
08 Dick Stannard
09 Bob Hoey
10 Eva Pratt
Don Harris
11 Eunice Roe
12 Richard Norcross
13 Ted Kwiakpowski
18 Winnie LeFand
19 Peggy Hubrich
21 Marie Sirois
22 Barbara Magada
23 Nicole Baxter
23 Juanita Smouse
24 Pauline Macomber
25 Gilbert LeBrun
Morris Van Patten
Jerry Regan
26 Howard Brown
Linda Ward
27 Ralph Rogers
29 Paul Ghezzi
Pauline Newman

ANNIVERSARIES;
06 Leni and Pete Lambert 35 years
Bonnie and Jim Parr 06 years
07 Eleanor and Earl French 61 years
10 Nancy and John Hill 55 years
12 Ruth and Paul Beauregard 59 years
14 Mary and Bill Krich 58 years
17 Virginia and Bert Zanaglio 49 years
20 Billie and Cleve Ballentine 57 years
30 Linda and George Meyers 31 Years
If you wish to have your birthdays or anniversaries printed in the Forecaster, please give me a call.


MOBEL NOTES
By Ken Hopkins
MAKE A DIFFERENCE - The rules we live by are straightforward. We live in a representative democracy. That means you and I don?’t get to vote on which company to use to fix the swimming pool or what size dog we should allow in the pet side. It means we get to vote for a Board of Directors and THEY make those decisions for us. Hope that is not a surprise to anyone. Now, the question is, suppose you feel strongly about the weight limit of dogs here at Mobel. What can you do about it? How can you make a difference? How can you make an impact? Well, here are some suggestions. The first is obvious. Run for and get elected to the Board. Now you CAN make those kinds of decisions. But, if not, here are some other thoughts. Get to know your Board members. Stop and chat with them on the street, invite them over for coffee, sit next to them at a dinner. Jaw Bone. Works for politicians the world over. Put your views on the email listbot. Write a letter to the Board (9 copies). Get an article in the Forecaster. Attend the Town Hall meetings. Keep trying. Let me also tell you what not to do. Don?’t go stomping out of a Board meeting, mumbling under your breath. Your friends will think you are a hero but you will not accomplish a thing.

BOAT CLUB - Well, it looks like it is a ?“go?” for the Boat Club (or yacht club). We have not decided on the name yet but 26 community boaters came out for the inaugural meeting and welcomed the idea of a boat club with enthusiasm. We will meet on March 26th to discuss the future direction of the club, meeting dates, and so forth. Look for future announcements in the Forecaster and monthly calendar for our meeting announcements. Subject to MAA approval, our next meeting will be at 7:00 P.M. in the Atrium on Wednesday, April 23rd. Remember, you don?’t have to have a boat to participate; just an interest in boating.

MAA - The White Elephant sale held in March is one of two fundraisers that help provide for many of the activities and improvements at Mobel. All clubs listed on the inside front cover of the Forecaster are members of MAA. This year?’s White Elephant sale netted $3,375.03. Thanks to all who contributed either by donating items or their time as volunteers.
The new officers of MAA are:
President - Bob Larsen
V.P. - Dick Fay
Secretary - Conrad Weiser
Treasurer - Rita Ferguson
Thanks to all for your dedication and willingness to serve so the rest of us can have fun!

BEAUTIFY THE PARK - Dawn and her crew do a great job of maintaining the beauty of our community. The lawns are trimmed, the hedges are just right, even our palm trees get a haircut. We residents do our part by weeding, keeping clutter down, and making sure that no garbage flies around our property. All of this so that we can live in a beautiful, neat community that we can be proud of and that will attract others to want to live here with us. Then, here comes a 240-pound man naked from the waist up, riding his tricycle down the avenue! Beautiful? Hardly. Ask a hundred women in the community what they think of this practice and they will all give you the same answer. ?“Yuck!?” C?’mon guys, show some respect for yourself and the rest of us. Slip on a T-shirt when you are out in public. Keep our community beautiful.

SNAKES ALIVE - Yes, that was a dead rattlesnake found at the intersection of Mt. Newcastle and Mt. Piney Rd. True enough he was only about 2 feet long. True enough he only had one rattle. Wonder where his Mom and Dad are? Fruit rats, beware! There is danger in the bush.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR NEIGHBOR - What would a Board meeting be without Bill Hart leading us in a rousing rendition of God Bless America? Bill comes by his love of singing naturally and participates in the Mobel Vespers choir. Bill has served on the Mobel Board of Directors since 1995 although he and his wife Claire have been coming here since 1979. Originally, from the South side of Chicago, Bill and his family moved to western Michigan where he spent 30 years with Standard Oil in Sales and Training. It was Dick Linville, Bill?’s brother-in-law who first introduced Bill and Claire to Mobel as well as encouraging Bill to serve on the Board. We all know what a good golfer Bill is. Wonder if you knew that he used to play semi-pro football in Chicago? Pretty cool, eh? Bill is a strong believer in volunteerism and currently volunteers with a local hospice. In addition to his service on the Board, Bill has been chair of Par Seekers and MAA. Bill is currently a member of the Board?’s executive committee and serves on the newly formed ?“streets?” committee. Bill and that committee have already surveyed our street situation and submitted a report with recommendations to the Board. Bill?’s favorite admonition is to remember that, ?“We are a 24 million dollar business, not just a place to live.?”

VERMONTERS NEED HELP - Here is an appeal to any Vermonters or residents planning to travel to Vermont this summer. Vermont is being featured in February 2004 for New England Night. We need your help in our quest for Vermont items such as posters, T-shirts, food samples, and similar. Please keep your eyes open or contact Reg and Sally Corliss at 525-5652 (corliresa@aol.com) for additional details.

COMPUTER CLUB MENTORS - Need help with your computer or software? The people listed below have offered to help anyone in the community when computer problems strike. Give them a call when you need help!
Russ Steele 527-8026
Conrad Weiser 522-5008
Barbara Magada 526-7027
Mark Nixon 528-0071
Nancy Hubartt 525-0571
Calvin St. Sauver 522-2211
Ken Hopkins 525-8411
Lillian Garrett 527-6453

PATIENT UPDATES - Here is a very convenient online service. Suppose your Aunt Mimi has gone into the hospital for gall bladder surgery. Instead of endlessly explaining what happened and that she is OK, you can set up an informative bulletin at a website fully describing Aunt Mimi?’s circumstances with frequent updates as to her progress. Then send an email to all your family and friends directing them to the Patient Update website. There is no fee for this service and it is easy to set up. For more info and a demonstration, go to www.patientupdates.com and try it. A very useful service.

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.


HOW DO YOU SPELL RELIEF?
By Jo Waldron
Many of my friends already know this story. They were as shocked as I was, so I thought I would repeat it for the friends I have not met yet.
A month or so ago the doctor said the pain, that I thought was just heartburn, was due to a bacteria that causes ulcer-like symptoms in the stomach. She said she would call in a prescription, what pharmacy did I prefer? I told her Kash & Karry?’, it was the closest and most convenient.
Later that afternoon the pharmacist called and said they did not keep that medicine on hand and would have to order it. She wanted to inform me that it was a combination of three antibiotics and should be taken, as prescribed, for one month. The bad news, my insurance, which only covers generics, would not pay for it. The other bad news, it cost $600. You know those shocks that hit your brain and you feel it in your whole body? That was my reaction. When I got my voice back, I said, ?“Unless this is life threatening, do not order it!?”
Two weeks later, I had a scheduled appointment with the doctor. She asked me, among other things, ?“Are you taking that prescription I ordered for you??” I told her I was not going to pay $600 for a prescription. I asked her if she had any samples but, of course, none were available for this. I am sure she thought she was being very helpful when she said to try the Target Pharmacy, she thought I could get it for around $300 there. I just gave her a blank stare and said I would check it out. I did, Targets price was just under $300. I thanked them for the quote and decided to do a little research.
Of course, during this period I was complaining to all my friends about the outrageous cost of prescriptions. One of my friends happens to be a retired pharmacist and one who also knows his way around cyber space. He checked the web and explained to me how a drug company was able to charge this exorbitant price. They took three existing antibiotics and packaged them together under the name of ?“Triple Pac?”. They had to be taken for one month, the first two weeks there was about 15 pills a day and the last two weeks just four a day.
The best information my friend and the Web gave me was that there were about eight combinations of antibiotics that had been used to clear up this condition. I was very happy to hear this but not at all sure that my doctor would allow me to write my own prescription. I had him print out the combinations, which were conveniently all laid out on one page.
I did a lot of talking to myself on the way to deliver my prescription preferences to the doctor?’s office. I had written across the top of the page, ?“These formulas have been found to work for my condition. Would you please consider ordering one of them??”
When I gave my request to the nurse, I imagined that she and the office staff were looking at me in amazement, thinking ?“What audacity!?” However, I held my head high and looked right back! The nurse said,?” These different antibiotics will probably cost as much as the prepackaged version.?” ?“But?” I said, ?“If they are generic antibiotics, my insurance will cover them.?” She said ?“Well, (you know, that ?“Well?” that means ?“fat chance?”) I?’ll put it on the doctors desk.?” Trying not to slink, I left the office.
The next day, the Target pharmacy called and said, ?“Your prescriptions are ready.?” My first words ?“How much??” Answer ?“$45?”. What a relief! The other good news is, I got the prescription and it cleared up my problem.
I know at one time the saying was ?“Better living through chemistry?” (correct me if I am wrong) but we have gone far beyond that and I am happy to add another nail to the drug company coffin.
I would like to give some credit to the Target Pharmacist, Portia. After speaking to her, I believe that the list of combinations was faxed to her and she chose the one that had all generic antibiotics. If that is true, she is another one I will add to my list of ?“Thank You?’s?”.
This approach to medical care will only work in a few situations, but I think we all have to stay informed and be a participant, not a bystander, in our healing.


OLDTIMERS CLUB
By Marcia Fay
I really believe Spring is about here with so many flowers blooming and the fruit trees smell so strong with their special fragrance. The spring -breakers have been, and mostly gone. It seems good to hear children?’s voices and laughter from them at the pool. I was surprised one night after coming out of the clubhouse and seeing them in the pool but didn?’t see any residents in with them. Shouldn?’t there have been someone? Maybe I?’m an old ?“fuddy-duddy?” but I believe rules are rules, especially for safety.
With so many new people in our park, I think it would be a good idea if everyone would use their swimming tags. It has happened before I?’m told that we had outsiders in the pool. Let?’s introduce ourselves to people we don?’t know and welcome them to our park! Residents have green tags, visitors red.
Also, when the pool is very crowded, let?’s be reasonable with our use of chairs and loungers.
I?’m very happy to be a resident here now and will be proud to show it by obeying the park rules. I often have to refresh my memory of them and will welcome any comments or questions. I?’ve read them but my senior moments come and go like everyone.


MR. ROGERS ?– by Richard H. Fay
Mr. Rogers has left our neighborhood, God,
And now he?’s coming to yours;
For ordinary people and their kids, He kept open many doors.
His program was a warm, safe place,
One could turn to, far from strife;
He lived as Jesus taught us to,
A very exemplary life.
Perhaps he wasn?’t perfect,
Only One of us ever was;
And may that One take his hand, To help him in Heaven?’s cause.


RAMA Meeting - Conrad Weiser, Secretary
All park residents are invited to attend the April 2nd meeting of the Renter?’s Association of Mobel Americana, (RAMA), at 7 p.m. in the Clubhouse. The program will include information on a program offering dramatic savings for prescription drug users. Come out and join us for coffee, donuts and some important ideas to save money.


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 May for all articles, the 19th of April. Please note that the minimum font size is number eleven.

MONTHLY BRIDGE LUNCH - It will be on April 16th. All Bridge players are welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship with their friends and neighbors.

VISITING PASTORS for April
6th - Rev. Georgia Gaston. Trinity United
Methodist Church.
13th - Rev. Bob Schneider. Holy Family Catholic
Church.
20th - Rev. Paul Springer. Community Covenant
Church. (Easter Sunrise)

KOFFEE KLATCH - by Shirley Wadsworth
One donut and coffee free, and seconds too for coffee. Every second Thursday of each month until April.
Come out and enjoy meeting new people and the regulars, for a social hour.

VISITORS - It?’s that time of year again when Spring break visitors are arriving. Please remind all of them, the younger ones particularly, that skateboarding, inline skates, riding two to a trike or bike etc. is not allowed on our streets.

BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES - please give this information to the Sunshine Lady as early as possible. By the time I open the Forecaster box it may be too late to be included in her report for the appropriate month.

CLAIRE BATOR has a new phone number, 527-2551.
Forecaster Submissions - from the Editor. For those of you who are new to the community and wish to place articles in the Forecaster, other than thank you notes, there are standard rules for making submissions, which I publish in two parts, each October and November. Briefly, all articles need to come with a title, AND the name of the submitter next to the title. The exceptions are restricted to thank you notes and items of that nature. Some other guidelines are printed at the top of this column.

Any item that looks like it might be copyrighted has to come with an explanation as to whether it is or not. That is a ?‘publisher?’ requirement. And that includes any poetry or prose without an author?’s name. Priority in the Forecaster is given to the social organizations listed on the inside cover of the Forecaster. I include other items, as fillers, that I feel are appropriate. I like to have a mix of social news, news about the community, general interest, personal stories and some humor. Submissions from an unrecognized group or a new or unknown person or persons have to take their turn at the end of the line. I always give priority to residents that are known to me.
Even then, space limitations have to be considered. If a new group wants recognition, my name and phone number are in the book. Talk to me first. I?’m very approachable. Just remember, when visiting my home for the first time, it is polite to knock on the door and introduce yourself.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - (information supplied by Ann Berdeen) For those of you who are interested in the environment, and that really should include us all, there is located at the Pinellas County incinerator site a drop off place for all kinds of waste, some of it recyclable that is in everyday use, but should not be put in with the regular garbage.
Some of this material is;
1) Batteries, particularly hearing aids
(contains mercury), and rechargeable.
2) Paint, regular, spray etc.
3) Chemicals.
4) Electronics.
The site is located at 2990 110th Avenue North, off 28th Street. You can reach it by going along Roosevelt Blvd and turning left just past the HSN building onto 28th Street. There is a sign on 28th Street for the incinerator site, which is on the right side heading south. The service is free.
The hours are;
Monday, Tuesday, Friday -6:30 am -4:30 pm
Thursday, 8 am-6 pm

A BIG THANK YOU
To all the contributors as this winter season comes to an end. In particular, to those who help with the production of the Forecaster, Ken Hopkins for his Mobel Notes, Jo Waldron for her articles and proofreading, and as my back up, to Nora Addell Andrews for doing the calendar, and not forgetting Ruth Brown who did it so faithfully for so many years. And to the deliverers who help get it out to you the readers. And I can?’t forget my wife, Gerri, who also helps in knowing Park history, and keeping me from getting too carried away.

Of course I would be remiss if I didn?’t on behalf of all the readers thank John Hill for his monthly prayer, Peggy Hubrich for her Sunshine messages, and Frances McVay for the new residents column. Thanks to Dawn Simmons, the Park manager for keeping us updated on what is going on in park maintenance and other official management activities. It?’s nice to be updated on a regular basis. Finally, to Debbie and the others at Monarch for getting it all together and getting it produced. John Bassett - Editor


TRUISMS OF GOLF - submitted by Leni Lambert
Golf is an honorable game, with the vast majority of players being honest people who don?’t need referees.
Golfers don?’t have some of their players in jail every week.
Golfers don?’t scratch themselves on prime TV in private places.
In golf, you cannot fail 70% of the time and make $9 million a season, like the best baseball hitters.
Golf doesn?’t change its rules to attract fans.
Golfers don?’t hold out for more money, or demand new contracts, because of another player?’s deal.
And for a slice of golf history - Why are there 18 holes in golf and not 10 or 12 or 20?
During a discussion among the St. Andrew?’s golf members in 1858 one of the members pointed out that it takes exactly 18 shots to polish off a fifth of scotch. By limiting himself to only one shot of Scotch per hole, the Scot figured a round of golf was finished when the bottle ran dry. Now you know.


Warm Thoughts from Arlene Elwell
HAPPINESS IS LIVING IN SUCH A WONDERFUL PLACE
Thank you for all the different ways you made me feel good...


CUE CLUB NEWS
By Brian Birch
I am pleased to announce by the time you read this, our billiard season for 2002-2003 will have ended and we will begin looking forward to next season already! We have one more Cue Club meeting scheduled on APRIL 7th at 11 am. This will be our season?’s wrap-up, at which time we will elect new officers for 2003-2004, review some necessary rule changes, and of course, as always, entertain suggestions for the betterment of our club. Since it is an important meeting, I really hope to see you all there.
Here are the results of the tournaments:

Men?’s League Singles
1st Place: Ed Kelly
2nd Place: Ed McGrath
3rd Place: Tom Solomon

Women?’s League Singles
1st Place: Sunny Knutson
2nd Place: Nancy Hubartt
3rd Place: Leni Lambert

Men?’s League Doubles
1st Place: Sil Oliveira/Bill Fullerton
2nd Place: Ted Latreille/Bob Larsen
3rd Place: Nick Misciagna/Marcel Belanger

Women?’s League Doubles
1st Place: Lillian Larochelle/Peggy Hubrich
2nd Place: Lee Bievenour/Carol Slade
3rd Place: Leni Lambert/Lorraine Leroy

Special HONORABLE MENTION goes to two of our league members for achieving the honor of Most Improved Player. For the men, we congratulate ARLEN LEROY, and for the women, we congratulate LILLIAN LaROCHELLE! And, we recognize the two players who attained the HIGHEST AVERAGE for the season- BRIAN BIRCH and PHYLLIS JACKWIN!
We had about 50 participants in the tournaments again this year. I would like to thank all the people who helped, especially the captains of each team- ROGER LABERGE, JERRY SPETZ, and LENI LAMBERT. They did a super job! And we certainly appreciate all the men who helped as referees during the tournaments. We couldn?’t have done it without you. And last of all, on behalf of the Cue Club I would like to extend a special thanks to those clubs/organizations that helped contribute to the recovering/refurbishing of our pool tables this year: the MAA, the OLD TIMERS, and...a special thanks to Betty and her kitchen crew for donating the St Patrick?’s Day proceeds to us, as well as all their help with the annual banquet.
It has been a fun season and we are all looking forward to the next one, beginning with our Cue Club meeting on NOVEMBER 3, 2003. See you all there!


SUNCOAST PARKINSON'S WALK-A-THON
Arlene Elwell 522-8492
When: Saturday, April 5, at 9:30 a.m.
Where: We meet at the clubhouse, Mobel Americana
Park
Why: Let?’s raise money to help find a cure for
Parkinson?’s Disease!
Who: Everyone is welcome to sponsor - or
walka-long. Walk at your own pace.
Co-Chairpersons:
Harry and Gertrude Attwater, 522-2257
Ray and Pauline Macomber, 520-8285
Whether you are able to complete the entire route or simply walk around your living room, you can make a difference in this exciting effort to raise funds for Parkinson?’s disease research.
The Suncoast Parkinsonians are a very active support group for those with Parkinsons, and their families and friends. Harry has updated information on the current state of research, and the search for a cure, for anyone interested in further details.
The annual walk-a-thon has been extremely successful at Mobel Americana for many years. All donations are greatly appreciated and all funds are used to underwrite the costs of scientific research into the cause and cure of Parkinson?’s Disease. If you want to participate in the walk or sponsor a walker, please call Harry or Ray to find out more.
After the walk, meet us at the Fishing Area to enjoy refreshments with your fellow walkers. Everyone is welcome!


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
By Nora Adell Andrews
?“It is with books as with men: a very small number play a great part.?” Voltaire (1694-1778) The Friends of the Library held a work session last month to organize the non-fiction book section. Please check out those shelves for interesting selections. New items are being donated regularly, as well as new books in the fiction section. Hopefully there will be books of significance for you.

Books to be reviewed at our meetings for the next year were also considered. In November, Jerry Regan will review Big Stone Gap.
Other books for the new season will be: Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate; Once Upon an Evil Time, by Dieter Steiner and Diane Marcou; Suzanne?’s Diary for Nicholas, by James Paterson; A Painted House by John Grisham; and Beginner?’s Luck by Laura Pedersen.
Susie Doyle reviewed the book for March, West with the Night by Beryl Markham. The author grew up in Africa and writes of the African people and the wildlife there. She was the first African bush pilot.
Next month our meeting will be held in our Library corner on April 3rd at 1:00 p.m. The hostess will be Jerry Regan reviewing Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara. This book is the first of a two-volume saga of the American Revolution, told from the perspective of a handful of characters well known from our history books. For more information, please call, Rita Lewis, Librarian.


SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB NEWS
By Jo Waldron

Where did the time go? The final curtain came down on the 2002-2003 season at our trophy banquet, held March 22nd. We all had a great time. A special thanks to Lillian Harris, Eva Pratt and Annette Solomon for doing the set-ups and Chick Kageyama for taking charge of the cocktail party.
New officers for next season are Tee Phillips, President. Jo Waldron, Vice President. Barbara Young, Treasurer and Lorraine Boshek, Secretary. Thank you to the out-going officers, it was a great season.
TOURNAMENT WINNERS

Nova Tournament held here
Main Event
1st place: Ruth Healy
4th place: Ginger Phillips
Consolation
1st place: George Luce
2nd place: Irene Goulet
4th place: Annette Solomon

Blue Sky Held at Mirror Lake
Division ?“A?”
1st place: Ed McGrath
2nd place: Tom Solomon
3rd place: Nick Misciagna
Division ?“B?”
1st place: Lillian Harris
2nd Place: Frank Pereira

Friendship Doubles held at Regency Cove
Main Event
2nd place: Carol Slade & Cleve Ballentine
Consolation
4th place Gene Latreille & Frank Pereira

Friendship Singles held here
Division ?“A?”
MAIN EVENT
1st place: Sil Oliveira
2nd place: Don Willett
3rd place: Tom Solomon
4th place: Ed McGrath
CONSOLATION
4th place: Doreen McGrath
Division ?“B?”
MAIN EVENT
1st place: Lillian Harris
CONSOLATION
1st place: Roger Lafleur
2nd Place: T Bob Buckland
Doug Reid was this year?’s winner of the Agerholm (Red & Black) Trophy.

Final League Standings
Nova: 7th place
Friendship 1: 4th place
Friendship 2: 1st place
Blue Sky: 3rd place

Tom Solomon and Ed McGrath have bragging rights for another team they belong to, the ?“Pinellas Panthers?”, who took first place in the prestigious Associated League. Sil Oliveira and his partner took a 4th place in consolation in this same league. Reporting on Sil?’s win, Tom Solomon said, ?“This was an outstanding accomplishment. The players in this league are no question, the best.?”
Congratulations to all the teams and players. We have done an outstanding job in both league and tournament play this year and we have raised the bar for next year, I?’m sure we are up to the challenge.
Thank you to everyone who worked on the new benches, they look great and best of all we now have room to move around the scoring area. Happy Shuffling


PAR SEEKERS GOLF
By Ken Hopkins
Thanks to Pat Kimball, teaching pro, for her free clinic on February 20th. She is an excellent teacher although it seemed that some of our players were a little confused afterwards, witness their weird tee shots immediately after the clinic.
The second of our major tournaments was held on January 30th. Here are the lucky winners of the U.S. Open. Congratulations to all!
Barbara Vliek 1st Place with a net score of 55
Bob Hoey 2nd Place with a net score of 57
Ed McGrath 3rd Place with a net score of 58
John Vidumskey 4th Place with a net score of 58
Al Wingrove Low gross score of 70

February featured our always popular Colored Ball contest and scramble. Congratulations to all the following winners, especially for managing not to lose their colored ball!

Scramble Winning Teams
Jack Young, Don Harris, Conrad Weisner, Ray Sieben 1st Place
Pete Lambert, Nettie Novotna, Roger Laberge, Jean Dion 2nd Place
Norm Begin, Marcia Fay, Dick Fay, Bob Hoey 3rd Place Colored Ball Contest
John Vidumskey, Claude Ste. Marie, Ed Higgins, Carol Slade 1st Place
Ken Hopkins, Marie Girdlestone, Wil Williams, Peg Truex 2nd Place
Tom Lambert, Jim Morrison, Mary Ann Vidumskey, Barb Vliek 3rd Place

A discussion was held regarding the sequence of play for the colored ball contest and the club agreed that it would be ?“captain?’s choice?” as long as the basic requirement of everyone having the colored ball at least 4 times was met.

Our annual club championship was held in March. Congratulations to the following winners for a job well done. Scores shown are adjusted for handicap.
Al Wingrove 71 Low Gross Score (no handicap)

A Division
Don Fortin 58 1st Place
Roy Young 58 2nd Place
John Vidumskey 59 3rd Place
B Division
Ed Higgins 56 1st Place
Drew Fairlie 59 2nd Place
Reg Corliss 60 3rd Place
C Division
Ray Sieben 61 1st Place
Larry Whittier 61 2nd Place
Rene Renaud 61 3rd Place
Women?’s Division
Annette Novtka 59 1st Place
Vera Borque 61 2nd Place
Connie Gee 65 3rd Place

Formal league play will end at the end of April; however, Par Seekers are encouraged to group up and make their own reservations after that as long as there are golfers available to play.


GARDEN CLUB NEWS
By Jerry Regan
The speaker for our March 11th meeting was Freda Ward, author of six extremely funny books. She had our group in stitches telling stories she and her husband Hal have experienced, proving that not only is she a writer, she is a yet-to-be-discovered stand-up comedian. Her books are full of funny stories; some she writes are about memory. How many times a day do you go into a room and forget what you came for? And, have you put something in a safe spot, a place where you know you will be able to find it later, only to find you can?’t remember where that safe spot.
We greatly enjoyed Ms Ward and her stories. We also had the opportunity to purchase her books since she brought several of them with her.
We held elections and voted in the Garden Club officers for next year:
President, Diana Rogers;
Vice President, Lorraine Leroy;
Secretary, Jerry Regan;
Treasurer, Nancy Hubartt.
The last meeting of the Garden Club will be our annual picnic on April 8th The picnic will again be at Bay Pines, and will again feature fried chicken and beverages, furnished. Everyone is asked to bring their own eating utensils and a dish to share. A list will be posted on the bulletin board for those who may sign up for rides. We will leave at 10:00am for Bay Pines.


DUPLICATE BRIDGE
Gerri Bassett & Shirley Beauchamp
Directors

Sunday February 23
North & South
1. Joan Dell?’ Angelo
2. Helen & Walter Smith
3. Claire Bator & Anne Kocher
East & West
1. Gerri & John Bassett
2. Doris Gibson & Elaine Laberge
3. Agnes & Jerry Howland

Sunday March 2
North & South
1. Milene & Al Wingrove
2. Bev Hamel & Joan Dell?’ Angelo
3. Shirley Beauchamp & Esther Louzon
East & West
1. Agnes & Jerry Howland
2. Tie -Daphne & Dick Gunton
Gerri & John Bassett

Sunday March 9
North & South
1. Helen & Walter Smith
2. Milene & Al Wingrove
3. Esther Louzon & Shirley Beauchamp

East & West
1. Tie - Lucy & Roger LaBerge
Daphne & Dick Gunton
2. Gerri & John Bassett

Sunday March 16
North & South
1. Claire Bator & Anne Kocher
2. Bev Hamel & Joan Dell?’Angelo
3. Daphne & Dick Gunton

East & West
1. Linda Cook & Jo Waldron
2. Agnes & Jerry Howland
3. Gerri & John Bassett

No Duplicate on Easter Sunday.
We wish everyone who will be leaving us for the summer to have a safe journey home and a great summer. We will be looking forward to seeing you again when you return.


COME HOME... IT?’S SUPPER TIME
John Layner
Every now and then, there will be something that takes me back to yesterday. Overhearing the words, ?“Come home... it?’s supper time?” did the trick. The late Jimmy Davis, former governor of Louisiana wrote a song with that title. You might better remember him for his best seller, ?“You Are My Sunshine?”.
Thought about the heart of the home (the kitchen), and just a heartbeat away was another special part of most every home (the front porch). Seeing one today is a rarity. As the years rolled by the backyard patio, pool and plants replaced it.
Yesterday?’s front porch was everyone?’s window to the world. A place where Mamas met for exchange of news, views, recipes and much more. A place where they too could reminisce while watching us kids play hop scotch, hide and seek, jump rope, May I? And the ever popular Kick the Can, or Annie-I-over.
A place where homemade toys were made by us kids. The many empty spools from the Singer Sewing machine were to become some sort of a toy. Remember the roller skates with a key? When one skate was out of commission, one of us were to make our own scooter. A two by four, an orange crate, two roller skate halves, a hammer and lots of nails. This and much more, all on the front porch.
It was at a time when automobiles were but very few. Therefore, our street was the ballpark, roller rink and playground.
Hand-me-downs (shirts, pants and shoes) were part of our wardrobe, that is, until we would turn them over to some ?‘poor?’ kid. As for the young girls, jumping rope with us boys told us that their bloomers were made of sugar and/or flour sacks
Summertime evening had a standing rule for every kid...COME HOME WHEN THE STREET LIGHTS GO ON. Every now and then, the front porch door might bear a sign ?“KEEP OUT?”, because of measles, Mumps, Chicken Pox, etc.
All kids walked to school. You knew everyone, and yes, every Mama knew you. We were well aware that our behavior was being monitored.
Yes, poverty was prevalent, and yet we were the richest kids around. It was on that front porch as well as in the home that we were given so very much. Parents taught us that character is much easier kept than recovered . . . that habit is man?’s best friend or his worst enemy.
The greatest gifts given to us were time and example... that courtesy, respect, self-esteem, values and more spelled:
LOVE . . . LOVE . . . LOVE.
Yes, I miss the front porch days. And like an echo in the distance, I can still hear Mama?’s voice when she came out on the porch with her daily, ?“COME HOME, it?’s SUPPER TIME.?”


LINE DANCE UPDATE
Norine Fisher
March was the last of the dancing this season. I really had fun being with all of you. I could feel an accomplishment when all of you danced in sync. With the cool weather, it sure kept us moving. It is just a lot of fun, exercise and brainpower. It really keeps you thinking and that is just perfect for staying young and active.
So until next January, remember to keep dancing and have a great summer.


THE TACK RAG
Beck Hopkins
One of the perks of living in Mobel Americana is being able to use the Hobby Shop. But in order to use it, you need to sign a ?“Waiver of Liability and Indemnification?”. The community doesn?’t know what your level of work expertise is, nor does it know if you practice ?“Safe Shop?”. Your signature on the waiver releases the community from the responsibility of supervising the Hobby Shop. It is agreed that you are using the facility and equipment at your own risk. Sign off, pay $2 and get your own Hobby Shop key! Need to sign a waiver? Contact Leo Laberge, Roger LaRochelle, or Ruth Healy.
A clean work area is a safe work area. Be considerate of others and clean up after yourself. Also, remember that the Hobby Shop is a stop on the ?“Why you should choose Mobel Americana for your home?” tour. The Hobby Shop is an asset many communities cannot offer. We want prospective residents to be impressed when they visit.
You probably noticed Ruth Healy?’s name in the paragraph above. Yes, Ruth is now one of the Hobby Shop officers. As Treasurer, she took over the ?“books?” at the March meeting. Congrats Ruth!
The Hobby Shop meeting is held the first Monday of the month. The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 7-9:00 am. The Hobby Shop is located next to the laundry on Mt. Piney Avenue.


80th BIRTHDAY PARTY
By Annette Solomon
Do you believe it? Cecile Lescarbeau is 80 yrs old! She told me ?“shhhh don?’t say it too loud?”. O.K. So, I won?’t tell anyone. Her family arrived early on the big day of March 7 to start celebrating this event. Daughters Corinne, Gina, Annette and Joanne, Sons Paul and John, sons-in-law Ed and George, granddaughters Holly and Christa, grandson Christopher flew down from Massachusetts. A daughter Rachelle and son Joel were unable to be here.
A fun filled weekend included breakfast on Saturday at the pancake breakfast. In the afternoon, Massachusetts friends from the park and outside friends gathered at her Florida home for a social and cookout prepared by her children. The highlight of the day was listening to Cecile, surrounded by all 6 children; sing in harmony, without musical instruments. Solos by Annette, Paul, and especially Holly had us and some golfers across the canal applauding. This was followed by a sing-a-long. This unassuming but very talented family are all accomplished musicians in voice, piano, organ, flute, guitar and have performed and delighted many at numerous social and church functions through the years. The love and respect they shared, tugged at all of us watching and listening! At the conclusion, Cecile looked at her children, smiled, lifted her eyes and hands to heaven and whispered, ?“Thank you?”. She has been blessed and we are fortunate to have this sweet shy lady living among us in Mobel Americana.
Many more Happy Birthdays to you Cecile, from all your friends.


CRAFTERS CLUB
By Annette Solomon
Dear Crafters and Our Friends
On March 3, at our monthly business meeting, our nominating committee of Isobel Colby and Phyllis Conlisk conducted our elections. The results are President, Annette Solomon; Vice President, Beck Hopkins; Secretary, Ellie Oliveira; Treasurer, Wanda Spetz; Membership Chairman, Helen Bzowski; Crafter?’s Corner Chairman and members, Diane Turner, Ann Sackfield, Teresa Cresse, Ann Collins, Eva Pratt, Lillian Harris and Gene Latreille. Installation of these officers will be held at our April 7 meeting.
Thank you to Gen Van Patten for demonstrating her talent in tatting and showing us her beautiful work. She is available to teach this craft one on one. Thank you to Beck Hopkins for conducting a class of about 30 crafters in making decoupage plates. She is a born teacher and leader.
We meet every Monday at 6 to 9 pm and every Thursday at 9 to 11 am. Join us at any time. Refreshments are available at each gathering. Free lessons are given at every meeting. Please notify Annette and a teacher will be on hand to help you. Most supplies are also free. Please check the bulletin board for up-dated information regarding breakfasts, luncheons or bus trips. You don?’t want to miss any event.
See you there.


LIFE IS WORTHWHILE!
Submitted by Lucy LaBerge
No matter how rough things can get, if you can still get pleasure from humor like this, life is worthwhile!
I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my five-year-old shout from the back seat, ?“Mom! That lady isn?’t wearing a seat belt!?”
On the first day of school, a first grader handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, ?“The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents.?”
A woman was trying hard to get the catsup to come out of the jar. During her struggle, the phone rang so she asked her four-year old daughter to answer the phone. ?“It?’s the minister, Mommy,?” the child said to her mother.
Then she added, ?“Mommy can?’t come to the phone to talk to you right now.
She?’s hitting the bottle.?”
A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women?’s locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, ?“What?’s the matter? Haven?’t you ever seen a little boy before??”
It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner, Jake, was barking, and I saw a little boy staring in at me. ?“Is that a dog you got back there??” he asked. ?“It sure is,?” I replied. Puzzled, the boy looked at me and then towards the back of the van. Finally, he said, ?“What?’d he do??”
While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my four-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, ?“The tooth fairy will never believe this!?”
A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, ?“Daddy, you shouldn?’t wear that suit.?”
?“And why not, darling??” ?“You know that it always gives you a headache next morning.?”
While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church, our minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. Apparently, his five-year-old son and his playmates had found a dead robin. Feeling that proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased.
The minister?’s son was chosen to say the appropriate prayers and with sonorous dignity intoned his version of what he thought his father always said: ?“Glory be unto the Faaaather, and unto the Sonnn and into the hole he gooooes.?”
A little girl had just finished her first week of school. ?“I?’m just wasting my time,?” she said to her mother. ?“I can?’t read, I can?’t write and they won?’t let me talk!?”
A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible.
He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. ?“Mama, look what I found?”, the boy called out. ?“What have you got there, dear?”? With astonishment in the young boy?’s voice, he answered, ?“I think its Adam?’s underwear....?”
No matter how rough things can get, if you can still get pleasure from humor like this, life is worthwhile!

NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME WATCH UPDATE
By Barbara Magada
The next Crime Watch/Crime Prevention /Crime Patrol Meeting will be in the clubhouse @ 1:30 pm on Friday APRIL 11th, 2003
Speaker will be Officer Johnny Harris S.P.P.D. He is newly appointed in charge of all 3 Crime
Watch/Prevention Districts I, II, & III of which, we are in #II, Zone 61, C.T.444
Please come and hear him speak at our meeting.
Refreshments will be available as usual.
Coordinators: Barb Magada, Esther Louzon &
Jim Chase


BOARDS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
By John Bassett
Structure
I have come to realize that there many that do not understand, or at least do not appear to understand, how Boards and Executive Committees are created and work. So I will be a little presumptuous and try to explain in a very general sense the organizational structure and powers of many companies.
Most companies, at least those with shareholders, operate with a basic structure of three management levels.
First, there is the Board of Directors, then the Executive Committee, and finally the hands on management group. Of course, there are many other departments in most companies, such as the Internal Audit, the Accounting Department, and the Sales Department etc. But the basic controlling structure is the three I have mentioned.
In the case of Mobel Americana Resident Owners Association (MAROA), the shareholders elect the Board of Directors. The Board elects the President/Chair and the other officers, and the members of the Executive Committee. Ours is strictly an in house operation. Our country however, as an example, elects the President directly (voters) and he/she (?) selects his Cabinet (Executive Committee) independently of the voters. This Cabinet is subject to Senate approval (Board of Directors). Other companies use many variations on this theme to select/elect Executive Committees and Boards but the basic procedure and structure is similar.
In addition to Boards and Executive Committees, there are Officers in each company. Most have a President/Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. These three are the basic officer positions and these positions usually hold most of the important statutory powers, authorities and responsibilities.
In our organization, these officer positions must be Board members, that is, first of all shareholders, and then secondly elected as Directors so they can sit on the Board. Once they are elected as Directors, the Board then elects the Officers. Once that is done, the Board elects the Executive Committee. Now under our laws (I am going to refer to all our bylaws and incorporation documentation simply as laws) the minimum number on the Executive Committee is three Directors. Usually this would consist of the President, Secretary and Treasurer. In our case, the Board decided way back when to have five Directors on the Executive Committee. In addition to the four statutory officer positions called for in our laws, the Board, presumably by resolution, created another officer position, that of second Vice President. Then decided to include all five-officer positions on the Executive Committee.

Powers
Only decisions made at legally called meetings have any authority and this is a basic fact of corporate life. The main point is that Executive Committees and Boards of Directors only have powers while they are in session. If they are not in an approved meeting, usually called for by the President, the Directors have no more power and authority than the regular shareholders do, unless they are also an officer. Of course, the decisions they make at those meetings effect us all, either for the long term or the short term, but both these groups only exist as legal bodies while they are in session. The actual life of a Board or an Executive Committee exists only for a few hours each month, when called into session.
One of our managerial situations is that under our laws a majority of the Board members -Directors - constitutes a quorum. As we have nine Directors, the magic number for a quorum is five. Precisely the same number of Directors as on the Executive Committee. Therefore, when our President/Chair calls for an Executive Committee meeting, he has by default called a Board meeting into session. In addition, a Board meeting requires 48 hours notice to the shareholders of the time, place and date of the meeting. For all practical purposes at Mobel Americana, the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors are one and the same.
Boards typically make policy decisions and Executive Committees interpret those policies into practical and administrative guidelines for the Manager to follow.
Now when a question arises on administrative problems, our whole Board is more often than not called into session. Would it be simpler to have a smaller executive body? I think so, but as I said in last month?’s Forecaster with a smaller Executive you, the shareholders, would not know the outcome of these decisions until a Board meeting was called. What price efficiency, what price information sharing? I guess there will never be a perfect answer to this question. But certainly, the size of the Executive Committee is something that could be thought about, in terms of streamlining the operations, and easing the workload on some Directors. On the other hand, if the Directors don?’t mind, why should we?
I hope I have helped explain how our organization works, and trust you will all realize that sitting on a Board is not an easy job.
Now for something completely different - I attended the Town hall meeting on March 7th If you haven?’t attended one of these meetings you are missing a great opportunity to express your views and hear others express theirs. This meeting was well run, there was a lot of participation from the attendees, and the Board (most of whom were there) and the Manager did an excellent job of answering concerns, updating us on current happenings and keeping their cool, particularly our Manager. Attend the next one and participate.