Americana Cove

WE WELCOME PEACE.

May 01, 2003

MAY PRAYER
We magnify You, 0 Lord, and exalt Your Holy Name. By Your great power, You created the Heavens, the Earth, and all things living.
We thank You for the gifts You have given so graciously and generously to each of us. May we use them to bring honor and glory to You in whatever we say, do or think.
We especially thank You for the gift of Your Son, our Lord and Savior. His Resurrection, which we celebrated on Easter, gives us a promise of Life Eternal.
As we look toward Memorial Day, we pray that those who sacrificed their lives had faith in Your Son, that they may live eternally with Him.
We thank You God for this opportunity and pray that all will know Your Son as Lord and Savior.
Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.


MAROA NEWS-
Paul Mattina, President
From the new Board?’s first meeting in January of this year, it has been my goal to spread the management of our community among more of our talented shareholders. To this end, a number of new committees have been formed, with more to come in the future. We first started with a Home Placement Committee, soon to be renamed the Architectural Committee, co-chaired by Bill Hart and Jerry Spetz. The second was the Streets and Roads Committee, chaired by Ted Jackson, working with Board member Bill Hart and shareholder Ken Colby. Both these committees have given reports at Board meetings, and are known to the community.
Recognizing the importance of developing greater control of our Park finances, a Finance Committee was appointed with Board members Nette Novotka and Pat Ruedy as co-chairs, and Annette Solomon. Shareholders working with this committee are John Mello, Pete Lambert, Mike Regan, Tom Solomon, Harry Attwater and Loretta Berg. At the Board meeting of April 16th, George Milner was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Bert Zanaglio, who has moved from the Park. George was then appointed chair of the newly formed Planning Committee. George asked for volunteers to staff his committee, and immediately signed up Board members Nette Novotka (who will be a liaison with the Finance Committee) and Ed Mosakowski. Shareholder volunteers are Beverly Hamel, Katherine MacDonald, Linda Myers, Carl Slaugenhaupt and David Turner. I have asked this committee to investigate and prioritize the needs of our Park?’s infrastructure, and make recommendations for a plan to implement these findings over a projected period of 5 to 7 years. The Planning Committee is directed to work closely with the Finance Committee and the Park Manager in order to maintain control with checks and balances.
It is expected that with these committees, and the participation of our shareholders, we will be able to benefit from the expertise and experience of a broader spectrum of our community. Mobel Americana has a great number of residents who have much to offer in guiding our Park and making it a better place to live. In the near future I plan to appoint a Rules Committee, which will be directed to study the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations, and to make recommendations as to appropriate additions, deletions or changes. Other committees may be appointed as the need arises. It is my hope that the appointment of these committees will allow more shareholder input in the governance of our community. The nine members of our Board cannot efficiently oversee all the needs of our Park. The use of committees will allow each group to concentrate on one segment of need. Unless needs require immediate or emergency action, the Board, together with these committees, will take no action during the time the majority of residents are absent during the summer.


FROM THE MANAGER
Dawn Simmons

TELEPHONE BOOKS:
Once again, the telephone directories will be delivered after our Northern Residents have departed. The scheduled date is the 12th of May. We are asking neighbors, friends and caretakers to put the books inside the homes for these folks. Thanks.

MOBEL AMERICANA TRANSPORTATION SERVICE:
As of May 29, 2003, the weekly run of the van will be discontinued. The Financial Committee made this decision at a workshop. It was costing in access of $7,000 per year for insurance and wages - this did not include gas, oil and wear and tear. The Committee is working hard to crunch dollars to keep the anticipated Co-op fees as low as possible.
From April 10th to the end of May we will be running the van only on Thursdays.

RAMA:
At a regular meeting of RAMA on April 2nd at the Clubhouse, the matter of displaying yellow ribbons for the war effort was discussed.
Anyone wanting to display a yellow ribbon in support of our troops is asked to put the ribbon around a palm tree on your property. We ask they be tied and not nailed.
Thank you for supporting our troops. Let us all pray it will be over real soon.

SPRINKLERS:
For any of our residents who have not yet reset their timers, we ask you to do so after reading this publication. The schedule was published in the April issue of the Forecaster.
We have had two paving companies in to give us bid on patching and seal coating our streets. Both contractors have shared with me the major cause of the black top deterioration, which is sprinkler systems run off. When water seeps thru the black top the ground underneath stays wet, and the moisture breaks down the black top.
Please make sure all sprinklers are turned off by 9:00 am. Often I find sprinklers running after 10:00 am.

TRASH COLLECTION:
We have some residents placing paint cans and motor oil at curbside. These articles are to be brought by the resident to the maintenance compound area on Mt. Piney Ave. NE. Please do not put hazardous waste out for our maintenance personnel to pick up. It is your responsibility to sort your trash.


?‘WHITE GOODS?’ TRASH
By Pete Lambert
This is used refrigerators, stoves, furnaces; air conditioners (anything large and metal) first of all, have the dealer remove the old one when the new one is delivered.
If you bought privately, when you load the old unit in your vehicle, take it to the Refuse Centre on 62nd Ave. NE across from Mangrove Bay Golf Course - they will help unload it.
If you don?’t have any way to remove a metal appliance OR old furniture, CALL 893-7398 and the City will help you!
Please do your part, as this type of refuse is costing our community a large amount of money yearly.


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
By Frances McVay

DULLAGHAN, Timothy & Patricia (KY)
102 Americana Court
Previously Zanaglio

FARMER, Earl & Margaret (TX)
7155 Mt. Pitney Road
Previously Howell

LANGMAID, Corrine
COREY, Pauline (VT)
7148 Mt. Essex Drive
Previously Brunton

MARTIN, Ronald & Donna (NY)
630 Mt. Madison Avenue
Previously Smith

RADLOFF, Raymond & Norma
7204 Mt. Fairfield Road
Previously Dion/Nadeau


SUNSHINE REPORT MAY 2003
PEGGY HUBRICH

DEATHS
Hazel Misciagna
Carolyn and Carl Wafts
Geraldine Berg
Arthur Davies
Herbert Steele

HOSPITAL
Phyllis Jackwin St. Anthony

NURSING HOMES
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Bob Evans Carrington Place
George Campbell Park Place
Hilda Tschopp Carrington Place
Bob Ortel Carrington Place

BIRTHDAYS
01 Edith Unverzagt
Fern Eppers
Mike Regan
02 Charlie Smith
03 Teresa Cresse
Claudette LeBrun
07 Jerry Spetz
Pete Lambert
Mickie Volbelt
08 Andrea Simmon
09 Gene Latreille
11 Nancy Hill
Mike Moschetti
Rudy Ferrara
12 Carol Slade
14 Ken Garret
Olga Bates
Ed Church
Joanne Wallace
16 Carol Undieme
Lorraine Brown
17 Genevieve Greene
19 Jane Archambault
24 Rita Salter
26 Jack Moersdorf
27 Vernon Helson
29 Kay Jones
Jean Hughes
Cal St Sauver
Dottie Kirby
30 Jane Swartout
31 Gail Jones

ANNIVERSARIES
10 Pat and Bernie Ruedy 45 years
Annette and Tom Solomon 50 years
18 Cathy and Bob Thomas 46 years
25 Margie and Carl Slaugenhaupt 40 years
28 Peggy and Keith McCall 44 years
29 Norine and Richard Fisher 49 years
30 Claudette and Gil LeBrun 50 years
31 Barbara and Ed Higgins 50 years


ST. PETERSBURG SPRING
By Richard H. Fay

It?’s Spring in St. Petersburg,
And the mocking birds are joyously singing;
So resonant and so cheerful,
Life?’s renewal celebration bringing.

Bringing to us once again,
The purple Jacaranda blooms;
And then the bougainvillea,
Adorning God?’s house of many rooms,

Sing Springs brightest notes, little birds,
Praising God?’s world of wondrous things;
And once again remind us,
Of the hopefulness of Spring


MAA NEWS FOR MAY
Bob Larson, President
May 6, Tues. at 10:00 am, will be our last council meeting till Sept. and the last luncheon will be on Wed., May 7 at 12 noon. All residents of the park are automatically members of MAA and are invited to attend. Our heartfelt thanks to all that attend and so willingly give of their aid and assistance to make Mobel Americana a caring and fun place to live.
On Sunday, May 11 from 11:00 am till 2:00 pm, join us at a Mother?’s Day Brunch! Bonnie and Jim Parr will cook up your favorite omelets. There will be biscuits, gravy, fruit, coffee and soda. Tickets will be sold at the MAA Luncheon on May 7 for $6.00.
We are planning a full day of celebrating for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. The fun will begin with a golf cart, trike or bike parade decorated in a patriotic theme. Please line up at the Hobby Shop and the parade will start at 9:00 am promptly. We?’ll end at the Club House where a team of non-resident judges will award prizes as follows: $25.00 for the most attractive, $25.00 for the most original, $25.00 for the best over-all. Next will be our annual Veterans Memorial Service in the Club House beginning at 10:00 am. All veterans are asked to sign in and be introduced. We will need volunteers for color guards. Please sign-up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board. Coffee and donuts will follow.
Then at 4:00 pm at the dock behind the Atrium, our newly formed Boat Club will give tours of the park canals.
Beginning at 5:00 there will be salads, snacks, and dinner of ribs and corn on the cob at 6:00 pm. The Mellodears with Ferne Eppers will lead us in a sing-a-long. Tickets will be sold on Wed. May 14 at the Old Timers Luncheon for $7.00. PLEASE BUY ON TIME. The meat must be ordered ahead of time.


MOBEL NOTES
By Ken Hopkins

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ?— Here he goes again. About a year ago, I put a suggestion on our Listbot that maybe we could consider putting some ?“Park Models?” on some of our empty lots as a means of generating some income. Some of the respondents were animatedly against my proposal. ?“They?’re nothing more than trailers?” went the cry. Of course, I don?’t have any power to make anything happen. I?’m just a writer. The issue died. We still have those empty lots. Now, I?’m proposing again. Why don?’t we consider allowing a few, well-selected RV?’s (Motor Homes) the privilege of renting a seasonal site from us for the winter? Say a maximum of three months. Put them on an empty site and charge them $700/month. Let them stay for only two seasons and hope that they then decide to buy in the community. Maybe even limit them to people who have references within the park. For those of you who look down your noses at RV?’s, I?’d like to point out that the average price for a new, 38-foot motor home today is around $180,000. Hardly trailer trash and more than every home in Mobel. Only five RV?’s, renting for 3 months would yield us additional revenue of $10,500 on land that is yielding us nothing at all now. An RV resort like Sun ?‘n Fun in Sarasota rents spaces like that to between 50 and 100 RV?’s for the winter at comparable prices. They have a swimming pool. So do we. Clearly, we need some extra revenue and anything that comes from outside sources is less that we residents have to shell out. What do you think?

CITIZENS ON PATROL ?— Through Barbara Magada?’s hard work and diligence, our Crime Watch group has received grants enabling us to acquire both a golf cart and several hand held radios. These new acquisitions give us additional tools in our crime watch efforts. Unfortunately, like any tools, they are just metal until put in the hands of a willing user. In short, we need volunteers to help with this important program. The periodic reports you hear of bicycles being stolen, not to mention my neighbors landscaping bricks disappearing, should convince you of the importance of our crime watch effort. The COP (Citizens on Patrol - cute, eh?) is sponsored by the St. Petersburg police department and is an effort to reduce crime by active patrols that are visible within the community. Volunteers operate in pairs; one to drive the golf cart, one to observe. The patrol team is equipped with a hand held radio monitored both by Barbara Magada and the front gate and 911 can be called quickly when required. Volunteer teams are needed both during the day and in the evening on whatever time slot your schedule allows. Unfortunately, our nice new golf cart does no good without a driver. Barbara Magada is the coordinator of our Crime Watch effort. I?’m sure she would love to discuss further details with you and take the golf cart out for a spin. How about giving her a call and see how you can make a significant contribution to our community.

GATOR ?— Every time my friends or family visit, they see the lovely mangrove area and pond behind our house and immediately ask, ?“don?’t you have alligators??” ?“Silly,?” I always answer. ?“Alligators don?’t live in salt water.?” The six foot long ?‘gator spotted in the canal just south of Americana Court and Americana Drive proves how wrong you can be. Wow, that was a surprise. Watch your dogs. I understand that alligators are partial to white poodles.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR NEIGHBOR ?— Three thousand miles is the approximate distance from Boston to San Diego. Sharon Miller, one of our swim aerobics instructors, has ridden that distance on a bicycle. Took her 54 days to do it. That?’s the kind of gal Sharon is. Water aerobics, fitness class, and bike riding. Sounds like she could do a Triathlon. Actually, she has. Sharon and her husband Jerry have lived here at Mobel since 1996 although they moved to St. Pete in 1975, moving from their hometown of Bluffton, Indiana. Sharon was a Physical Education instructor and later found herself teaching computer education to adults. (C?‘Mon Sharon, join the computer club). In addition to her strong commitment to fitness and exercise, Sharon has been active in Girl Scouting and currently serves as an adult volunteer. When she?’s not swimming or biking, she enjoys cruising our waterways in her kayak (while keeping an eye open for alligators). When asked about possible improvements to our community, Sharon said she would like to see our board meetings follow a little more decorum with closer adherence to Robert?’s Rules of Order.

AMERICANA BOAT CLUB ?— Yes, that is the name of our newly formed boat club. The club will meet the 4th Wednesday of every month at 7:00 P.M. in the Atrium. Boat ownership is NOT a requirement; only an interest in boating and we?’d love to meet you. Come down to the next meeting and learn a little about the wonderful world of boating. Officers for the newly formed club are Roger LaRochelle, Treasurer, Conrad Weiser, Secretary, Bill Stanford, Vice President, and Ken Hopkins, President. The ABC (Americana Boat Club) will continue to meet through the summer. If you?’ve always wanted a chance to get out on the waters surrounding our community, contact any boat club member and we?’ll make sure you get a ride.

SUNBIRDS ?— Most people call them snowbirds. Beck and I never understood that term since we never see snow due to our lifestyle. We spend our winters with you here in beautiful St. Pete. Sure, it gets cold once in a while. 45 degrees. Brrr. But snow? Never. Then we go north to Wisconsin for the summer. 45 degrees sometimes on Memorial Day but never snow. So, where does this ?“snowbird?” come from? Well, you get the point. So call us ?“sunbirds?” please. And by the way, we will be leaving for our Wisconsin home on May 12th. Please keep in touch via email and we?’ll see you next October.

FLORIDA TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY ?— This is a free service for Florida residents who are hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or speech impaired. FTRI offers specialized telephones and services as part of a state mandated program. They offer amplified telephone equipment, ring signaling devices, and similar if you qualify. Contact them at 800-222-3448 or their website at www.ftri.org.

WEB SITE REMINDER - Our local web site, Mobel Americana Neighborhood Link, carries an electronic version of the Forecaster as well as the monthly calendar of activities. Conrad Weiser maintains this system and would like to remind you that changes to the electronic calendar and upgrades to this information can be made during the middle of the month if needed just be contacting him. Please note this applies ONLY to the web site info and has no effect on the printed Forecaster.

SUGGESTIONS WELCOME ?— Have some news from your club or group? Have an idea that you?’d like to express in this column? Want your chance to be heard? We are in Wisconsin for our summer vacation so call our cell phone at 727-804-5496 or email me at hopken@mindspring.com.


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 June for all articles, the 19th of May.
Please note that the minimum font size is number eleven.
Monthly Bridge Lunch - It will be on May 21st. All Bridge players are welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship with their friends and neighbors.

CALENDAR ?— As no one willingly volunteered to do the calendar during the summer, the calendar will be generic in nature only until September. If there are any special events organizations will have to make the own announcements, or include in their reports so that I can add the event into the calendar. The deadline for any such entries will be the 17th of each month.

ERRATA APRIL 2003 ?— In the Prayer for April, the reference should have been to ?‘Maundy Thursday?’, not ?‘Monday Thursday?’. I just don?’t know how some of these errors creep in, as the spelling in the original document was correct.


THANK YOU ?— from the families of Carl and Carolyn Watts.
We wish to thank everyone for the strong outpouring of support during our time of bereavement. It is difficult enough to lose one parent but two within a week is devastating. Everyone of you made it that much easier. Your support system within your community cannot be equaled. We are really happy that our parents had the opportunity to be a part of it. I know their lives were that much better for the experience. Thank you again and please know that you are all very special people.
Best regards, Carol Uhle and family/Patricia Watts.


GRASS CUTTING- I (JB) was recently given a University of Florida fact sheet, number ENH-73 regarding the yearly calendar for St. Augustine Grass, Care and Culture. The following is an excerpt from that paper with respect to mowing practices during the period from February to May. ?“Over time, impact of the rotary blade with St. Augustine grass will dull the mower blades. Mowing with dull blades will shred leaf blades, extend the recovery period of the grass, and lower the aesthetic quality of the lawn. Use only a sharp, balanced mower blade and return clippings on the lawn unless the amount is excessive (e.g. clumping occurs). If clippings are excessive, allow them to dry in the sun and then scatter them by re-mowing, blowing, or raking.?”
So, we the residents, must take note as to whether the grass is cut cleanly, and if not the problem should be reported to the office, as cutting with dull blades has a detrimental effect on the maintenance of the lawn, its recovery time and on its appearance. Additionally, if you note clumping you should rake the grass out so that it can dry properly. Leaving it in clumps can create problems with your lawns care and survival. If the grass were cut on a weekly basis, the danger of clumping would be drastically reduced and the extra care and attention required would not be necessary. But given that the contract is probably limited on what is to be done under the contract, and the state of our finances, it is imperative that we all pitch in and help with lawn maintenance.


AMENDED BUDGET - At the Board meeting on April 16th the Board amended the budget to cover an under budget of $172,000.00 for this fiscal year so that the seawall project can be completed. This was done under Article X, sections 10.2 and/or 10.4 of the bylaws.
I attended the meeting and the need is urgent. Why the shortfall was not foreseen is not clear, but I am satisfied that the current Board is doing all in its power to rectify the situation. Shareholders will be receiving the details of how this will affect them in the mail, but it will involve an increased assessment from June through December of this year.


FROM NICK MISCIAGNA AND FAMILY-
Thank you to all for your expressions of sympathy, the cards, flowers, food and especially your prayers.
A special thanks to those who helped in arranging the memorial at the church, and the food and memorial in the atrium. Thank you too, to all that attended, Hazel had many wonderful friends.


DEAR FRIENDS-
By Cecile Lescarbeau
I would like to thank Annette Solomon for her story about my family?’s recent visit on the occasion of my 80th birthday. I would also like to thank all my friends who were so kind to us when they were here.
Imagine my surprise when I got a call at 10 o?’clock Thursday evening from my youngest so, John. ?“Hi Mom! I?’m in Tampa and I need directions to get to you!?” Then at 11 pm, another call came from my son Paul and daughters Gina, Joanne, Corinne and granddaughter Christa. They were spending the night in Atlanta due to the postponement of their flight because of another New England snowstorm.
On Friday, daughter Annette arrived with her husband Ed from Maryland. They surprised us at the Colonnade Restaurant, along with Gina?’s husband George and grandchildren Holly and Christopher. Even our good friends Methuen?’s fire Chief Ken Bourassa and his wife Gloria came!
The next few days were super, combining family and our best friends here at the park.
All in all, Bob and I agree, it was the greatest birthday ever and I?’m looking forward to many, many more!
Sincere Thanks


THANK YOU
To all my friends at Mobel Americana: I regret that I couldn?’t see you all again before I left for the summer.
I am blessed to live in this Park. The get-well cards started pouring in and soon there were four cards a day for 41 days!
I will be in Connecticut and Maine for four months and then will be looking forward to seeing you all again in September.
Many thanks to all,
Phyllis Jackwin


THE RED HAT CHILIES
By Marilyn Waltz
Yes! We?’re official! The Red Hat Chilies of Mobel Americana registered with and was accepted by the Red Hat Society as an official chapter. We?’re even listed on the ?“Society?” web page! On April 4, 2003 a group of ?“exceptional?” gals got together and not only voted to become a registered Red Hat Society chapter, but also came up with a snazzy name (The Red Hat Chilies), and planned the first outing. Not a member yet? We?’d love you to join us. We?’re a sociable group of ladies dedicated to greeting life with humor and a wink. We?’ll be getting together on a regular basis, decked out in official regalia (red hat and purple outfit). Give the Queen Mother, Marilyn Waltz (528-2731) or her Vice Mother, Jerry Regan (522-9950) a call for further information.


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
By Nora Adell Andrews
?“A novel is balanced between a few true impressions and the multitude of false ones that make up most of what we call life.?” Saul Bellow, Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech (1976)

Our April meeting of the Library Club welcomed newcomers, and a member that has just made it back to Mobel Americana this year: Shirley LaForce! Glad to see all of you here!
The Library has helpers for the summer months to take care of the books and shelving. Thank you Volunteers, for your help!
The candy sale for this year netted $230, and it helps toward our goal of building cabinets for the puzzles. Have you noticed how many puzzles are on the shelves? The Library also purchases large print books and audios as needed. There have been donations of paper and ink for the computer this month. Thank You!
As a surprise this month, we received handmade bookmarks for everyone from Linda Fairbanks. Thank Linda!
Our book for this month was RISE TO REBELLION by Jeff Shaara presented by Jerry Regan. The author tells about the beginning of the American Revolution from the viewpoints of well-known characters from history. Some of our Library members grew up near the places that were described in this book.
Our next meeting of the Library Club will be November 6th, at 1:00 p.m. in the Library section. The book to be reviewed will be Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani. We look forward to seeing all those interested in books to attend. For more information contact Rita Lewis.
Nora Adell Andrews


SUNCOAST PARKINSON'S WALK-A-THON
By Arlene Elwell
It was a bright, beautiful day for the Walk-a-thon and it was wonderful to see the great turnout!
The following persons want to thank all who pledged: Nora Adell Andrews, Doris Gibson, Joan Mitchell, Shirley LaForce, Faith Brundage, Claire and Ed Mosakowski, Marcia Fay, Gloria Schultes, Phil Tarpley, Annette Solomon, Pat Ruedy, Arlene Elwell, and Carol and Ed Slade.
The Co-chairmen were: Pauline and Ray Macomber, and Harry and Gertrude Attwater.
Many other residents joined in. It was a nice feeling to have all the support for the cause. The final total collected was over $2000.
Thank you!
We all gathered at the fishing area for refreshments after the walk.
Gertrude was the chief cook.


HOBBY SHOP NEWS
Beck Hopkins
The April meeting was a quiet one. Many of our members were already on their way back to family and friends.
It?’s been a productive year for the Hobby Shop. A sign-in board has been instituted. This is similar in purpose to the sign-in sheet used in the gym. Also, the Hobby Shop now has its own space on the bulletin board in the Clubhouse. Hard to believe, but there are some in our community who did not know there was a hobby shop. The bulletin board will be a reminder (along with the Hobby Shop column in the Forecaster) that the Hobby Shop is available. Finally, there?’s been talk of keeping the shop open later, one night a week. Some members can?’t get to the shop during the day, and keeping it open later, even if it?’s for one evening, would be very useful. This idea will be decided at the next meeting, which will be held in the fall?—watch the Forecaster for the date.
Want to join the Hobby Shop? It?’s easy! Contact Leo LaBerge, Roger LaRochelle or Ruth Healy. They?’ll ask you to sign a waiver and pay $2 for a key.
Shop Tip of the Month: To save buying water-based wood filler in several different colors, just buy the lightest shade, probably pine. Then, mix this with almost anything to get the shade you want. This includes other wood fillers; powder paints, sawdust, or even chalk dust.
The Hobby Shop is located next to the laundry on Mt. Piney Avenue. Current hours are:
Monday - Saturday! 7:30 am - 5:30 pm.


DEAR CRAFTERS,
By Annette Solomon
Thank you one and all for helping with the spring-cleaning of the supply closet. The fans installed by the Board and supplied by MM sure come in handy. All the groups who use the supply closet are grateful. Thank you.
The crafters monthly business meetings are over for the summer but they will resume on October 6, 2003. The resident crafters will continue meeting, May till September, as scheduled, on Monday from 6 to 9 pm and Thursday from 9 to 11 am.
Our Snowbirds are leaving the nest slowly but they all promised to keep their gifted hands busy during the summer months. We must keep our Crafters Corner exciting and full of fresh items. A heartfelt ?“Thank you?” to each and every Mobel Americana resident for supporting us so generously during the past season. It makes the Crafters very happy and keeps their creative minds active and productive.
Look for more information next month. Expect a busy fall season.
See you then.


EXERCIZE UPDATE...LAND AND WATER
Sharon S. Miller
Land exercise aka aerobics continues on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. A variety of tape exercises include warm-ups, strengthening, aerobics, stretching, and a cool down time. Each session starts promptly at 8:15 AM and ends by 9:00 AM.
Water exercises continue on all weekday mornings at 9:30 AM but one. The group will meet early (9:15-9:45) on any Town Meeting day. The M, W, F group follows the traditional tape exercises originated by Debbie Drake, ?“Feel Good, Look Great.?” The T, TH group follows the tape by Billie Jo called?” Wet and Wonderful.?”
The consensus of all participants is that of truly feeling good knowing they have done something the body needs...regular exercise! All skill levels, women and men, are encouraged to take part. There is no charge for any of the exercises. If questions, please be in touch with Sharon Miller at 527-8150


THE INFREQUENT FLYER
By Joseph M. Gerhard
At the very top of the very tall long leaf pine in the 200 Block of Mt Piney Ave NE is an osprey nest. Many of the residents in this section of the community have seen this hawk like bird. One brood has hatched and flown away. The eggs, two to four, are huffy brown-blotched. Both parents incubate the eggs for a period of 32 to 43 days. Recently two osprey birds have been rebuilding the nest. One osprey stays for long periods in the large stick eyrie which is used from year to year.
Months ago, one resident told me a bald eagle was the resident. There is some resemblance, but the osprey is smaller and marked differently. The following identification tips were gleaned from The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds and several web sites.

Length: 22 inches Wingspan: 54 inches
It is a large narrow winged hawk; Wings taper to a rounded tip; has a short hooked beak; White cap; Dark brown eye line broadening behind eyes; Dark brown nape. Weight about 3.5 pounds. The under parts of the adult male are entirely white. The adult female has a dark necklace of streaks on its throat. There is more but let?’s move on to habits and such.
Osprey are fish eaters. To catch fish they will hover over a body of water and plunge into the water feet first to catch fish. Osprey also eat rodents, birds, small vertebrates and crustaceans.
Osprey fly usually with their wings in an ?“M?” configuration. Osprey can be mistaken for gulls.
Finally, the osprey are one of about 40 hawk like birds. Included in that number are bald eagles and falcons.


DUPLICATE BRIDGE
Directors
Shirley Beauchamp
Gerri Bassett

Sunday March 30, 2003
North & South
1. Helen Smith & Hubert Dorsett
2. Bev Hamel & Joan Dell?’Angelo
3. Shirley Beauchamp & Esther Louzon
East & West
1. Milene & Al Wingrove
2. Gerri & John Bassett
3. Pat McCarthy & Don Delzell

Sunday April 6
North & South
1. Gerri & John Bassett
2. Helen & Walter Smith
3. Anne Kocher & Claire Bator
East & West
1. Pat McCarthy & Don Delzell
2. Milene & Al Wingrove
3. Esther Louzon & Maretta Dimke

Sunday April 13
North & South
1. Doris Gibson & Esther Louzon
2. Helen & Walter Smith
East & West
1. Maretta Dimke & Hubert Dorsett
2. Agnes & Jerry Howland


PAR SEEKERS GOLF
By Ken Hopkins
Congratulations to Paul Line for his outstanding Hole-In-One on the 4th hole of Cypress Links! An 8 iron with two bounces I am told by his witnesses. Way to go, Paul!
As the season winds down, I am just about out of things to report so this will be my last column until next fall. Our annual banquet was lovely as ever. Thanks to Betty Chase and her Kitchen Krewe for the usual fine job on stuffed pork chops. Actually, I felt like stuffed Ken when it was all over. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to our leaders for their time and dedication to see that we all have fun. Actually, I could have had more fun if I had won one of those beautiful trophies but that is what next year is for. I will be working on my game all summer just to see if I can beat Norm Begin, Jack Young, Al Wingrove and the other big guns.
Our final competitive event, the 2 Person Alternate Ball, was held on March 20. Rumor has it that this will be the last time for this event. Here are the lucky winners of that competition
Jack Young, Beck Vliek 1st Place
Bob Hoey, Mickey Vieria 2nd Place
Norm Begin, Marcia Fay 3rd Place
Paul Line, Barb Vliek 4th Place
Larry Whittier, Mary Ann Vidumskey 5th Place
Jake Moore, John Pendino 6th Place
Have a wonderful and safe summer everyone and we will look forward to the start of league play next November.


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 MAY 9th. 2003
Speaker will be Officer ?“CHIP?” Wells S.P.P.D. Officer Of The Year Terrorism Program Of Instruction
Please come and hear him speak at our meeting.
Refreshments will be available as usual.
Coordinators: Barb Magada, Esther Louzon &
Jim Chase


ELEVEN RULES OF LIFE REALLY:
Submitted by Lucy Laberge
1. Never give yourself a haircut after three margaritas.
2. You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn?’t move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn?’t, use the tape.
3. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship are ?“I apologize?” and ?“you are right.?”
4. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
5. If he/she says that you are too good for him/her - believe them.
6. Learn to pick your battles; ask yourself, ?“Will this matter one year from now? How about one month? One week? One day??”
7. When you make a mistake, make amends immediately. It is easier to eat crow while it is still warm.
8. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance!
9. Living well really is the best revenge. Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just might mean that the other person was right about you.
10. Work is good, but it is not that important. Money is nice, but you can?’t take it with you.
Statistics show most people don?’t live to spend all they saved; some die even before they retire. Anything we have isn?’t really ours; it was given to us by God; He just let?’s us borrow it while we?’re here..., even our kids.
11. And finally... Be really good to your family and/or friends. You never know when you are going to need them to empty your bedpan.


BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE
Submitted by Ronald Gunderman
A man sees a sign in a front yard: ?“Talking Dog for Sale.?”
He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a black mutt just sitting there. ?“You talk??” he asks.
?“Yep,?” the mutt replies.
So, what?’s your story??”
The mutt looks up and says, ?“Well, I discovered this gift pretty young and I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.
I was one of their most valuable spies?’ eight years running. The jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn?’t getting any younger and I wanted to settle down. So I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in.
I uncovered some incredible dealings there and was awarded a batch of medals. Had a wife, a mess of puppies, and now I?’m just retired.?”
The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
The owner says, ?“Ten dollars.?”
The guy says, ?“This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheap??”
The owner replies, ?“He?’s such a liar. He didn?’t do any of that stuff?”


POTPOURRI ?—from the Editor?’s desk (additional contributions from Gerri Bassett, Lucy LaBerge) Thought ?— Why are the best of intentions so frequently misunderstood?
Wise Sayings ?— Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.
Words to Live By ?— Life is what?’s coming, not what was.
Things to think About ?— The Lord didn?’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can? Truths ?— Money can buy happiness, and it sure makes misery easier to live with.
Old Age ?— An elderly gent was invited to his old friend?’s home for dinner. He was impressed by the way his buddy preceded every request to his wife with endearing terms ?— Honey, my love, darling, sweetheart, pumpkin etc. The old couple had been married almost 70 years and, clearly, they were very much in love. While the wife was in the kitchen the man leaned over and said to his host, ?“I think it?’s wonderful that after all these years you still call your wife those loving names?”. The old man hung his head, ?“I have to tell the truth, I forgot her name ten years ago?”.
For the ladies
Q. Why do little boys whine?
A. Because they?’re practicing to be men.
Q. Why does it take 100,000 sperm to fertilize one egg?
A. Because not one will stop and ask directions.
Q. Why do female black spiders kill their males after mating?
A. To stop the snoring before it starts.


TRUE GRIT
By Ion
Oh where, oh where, has my vacuum truck gone?
Oh where, oh where, can it be? All I see are the piles of grass, and they are too much for me.
The blowers are blowing, the grass and the grit, All over my lawn and me.
My house and my car, and my little cat too, Oh woe, oh woe, is me.
Oh where, oh where, has my vacuum truck gone?
Oh where, oh where, can it be?
All I know is that come the dawn, I wish my lawn were free.


OPINION LETTERS ?— I have received from time to time opinion letters on various subjects, some of which have appeared in the Forecaster. As I have explained before, because the Forecaster is a monthly publication, the subject under complaint is, a month later, ancient history. Additionally it would open up a can of worms and readers would expect their letters to be published as well, making me an unwilling judge in what to accept or not accept. There is a space limitation to consider as well, so for the time being the policy stands. This is not to say that you might be able to convince the original writer to give equal time to opposing viewpoints. But that is your only recourse in the Forecaster. There is one exception, and that is that the President of MAROA is always welcome to submit articles or different viewpoints concerning community affairs.


ATTITUDE
Submitted by Lucy Laberge
The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o?’clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.
Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.
As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window.
?“I love it,?” she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
?“Mrs. Jones, you haven?’t seen the room .... just wait.?”
?“That doesn?’t have anything to do with it,?” she replied.
?“Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.
Whether I like my room or not doesn?’t depend on how the furniture is arranged...it?’s how I arrange my mind.
I already decided to love it
?“It?’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up.
I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I?’ll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I?’ve stored away just for this time in my life.
Old age is like a bank account you withdraw from what you?’ve put in
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank.
I am still depositing.


FROM THE EDITOR
John Bassett
It is no secret if you have been reading the Forecaster in recent months that there are different opinions expressed from time to time on various activities that have been undertaken by the Board and Management. At Town hail meetings and Board meetings, other opinions have been expressed. We live in a democracy and everyone should have the right to express their opinions. Sometimes I?’ll have to admit, there are more opinions than problems, or so it seems. But there is one thing we must always remember and it can?’t be repeated too often. The Directors are volunteers and are doing the best they can. They are not perfect and neither are we. The Manager is doing things the best way she knows how based on her experience. That we sometimes agree or disagree is not to me a problem.
The problem that has cropped up, at least twice in recent meetings, are the aspersions cast on either the Directors or the Manager. Comments about their impartiality, and/or the suggestion that kickbacks are being offered. I think I know enough about all these people to state that there is not one shred of evidence to support such wild accusations. Comments like these are simply not acceptable, and in addition are obviously libelous. If we have residents who act so badly I say leave. We do not need you here. We live in what I believe to be a very nice and for the most part harmonious community and such comments are completely out of order.
And now for something completely different (again). In the current Forecaster, you will see a notice from the Manager stating that the bus service will be cancelled effective May 29, 2003. And that this decision was made by the Finance Committee. The problem is that the Finance Committee does not have any decision-making authority. No committees, particularly ones with non-directors included, have this authority unless the Board has passed a resolution granting them such authority. I have no problem with the rationale for the cancellation, as explained at the March board meeting. But it is not enough to have a justifiable reason; you must also make the decision in an accountable manner.
I also agree that the Manager should not make this decision. After all this policy was established by the original Board, and has been accepted and budgeted for by every Board since day one, including I suspect, by this Board for the 2003 fiscal year.
There are two major reasons why the Board must make this decision, and not a paid staff member or a committee. One, it is a major policy decision and it is the Board that should make policy decisions. In other words, show you recognize this responsibility. The second reason is that it acknowledges that the funds are needed elsewhere for more urgent expenses. It?’s probably not a popular decision, albeit a fiscally prudent one. Whether or not it is an administrative matter is not the point. I repeat, it is a major policy change. If shareholders have a problem with this decision then they should raise it at the next meeting. The Board is faced with some tough decisions and some choices are obviously not going to be popular. But it shows that the Board is taking its responsibilities seriously.
The Board has shown itself to be very conscious of the financial problems facing the community, and I personally think we have some fine people on it, who are facing up to these problems. But please note, the shareholders expect you to make the important decisions.
And to conclude, I have received a highly critical letter of the current and past Boards. But again, I remind you, the shareholders; it is you who are responsible to ask the proper questions, to stay alert and to offer alternatives. The people who have represented the shareholders on the Boards to date have acted based on their knowledge and circumstances at that time. Have mistakes been made, undoubtedly, but would you, if you had been a Board member been any better. The grass always looks greener on the other side. But get over there and try it out. You may find a completely different situation.


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 Oldtimers Aluminum sheds. Do not put in the garbage compactor. It is for household garbage only. As the sale of aluminum contributes money to our social activities, please take the effort to segregate the cans from the regular trash.
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 improperly adds to the Community?’s cost of removal.
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.
Kitchen Krewe - Ice Machines ?— To all residents and guests. Do not use ice from the kitchen supply for your personal home use. Use ice from the ice machine in the Mt. Piney Avenue laundry. Ice in the kitchen is required for activities in the Hall and Atrium. 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