Americana Cove

May it be a merry month of May for all-

May 01, 2002

PRAYER FOR MAY
Father God, as we begin this month we see that the Orthodox Church has their Holy Week with Good Friday on the 3rd and Easter on the 5th Although the Christian Holy Week has passed, the Easter Season does not end until the 12th.
We have had our high point but let us never forget what Your Son did for us.
Many of our friends have already left for northern climes and many more will be leaving this month. We wish all a safe journey, a wonderful summer and a quick and easy return.
In the meantime we wish those who are here most of the summer good fellowship.
We also pray for weather that will keep our lawns and the beauty of the flowers, you have given us, flourishing.
We give sincere thanks for those who continue to provide activities for those who live here year round.
Also Father, bless those who work so hard to keep these lovely park grounds so beautiful.
We praise You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

TRASH, BUSH & RECYLE
Dawn Simmons, Community Manager
There seems to be a problem with residents dumping their own trash. All aluminum cans are to be placed in the utility building on Americana Drive. There is also a newspaper and magazine recycle bin at this location. Several residents are still throwing tree branches, yard clippings, lawn furniture and household furniture in the bins for the compactor.
We have a large roll-off located on Mt. Piney for lawn furniture or household furniture. Please use the open container for such articles.
Yard clippings and tree branches are hauled off to the City Landfill, and are not permitted to be thrown in the compactor.
We understand people like to do these chores themselves and we appreciate the fact "if you haul it, we won't have to", but in the end it causes more work for our maintenance staff as they then have to re-sort the trash, which takes longer than if they were to pick it up curbside on Tuesday & Friday.
We ask - PLEASE - if you are not sure where it goes, leave it at your curb and we will dispose of it properly.

DOCKS
Page 17 - Rules and Regulations:
G: Permitting:
All proposed docks or intended improvements to existing structures should have written management approval prior to application for permit by the city. The adjoining Residents must have prior notification either by personal signature or via Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested, prior to approval of Management.

RULE REFRESHER
Rule 6- Page 5
Dawn Simmons - Community Manager Selling Mobile Homes in Park/Acceptance.
A. Owners of Mobile Homes may not sell their mobile home nor transfer title without first notifying Management in writing that their mobile home is being sold in place.
We will no longer accept after the fact deals. Each person must make application at the Business Office, whether you are a prospective new buyer or an established resident.
Application for purchase still must be done.
We ask cooperation from everyone

Welcome New Residents
By Frances McVay

BERUBE, Alcena L. (ME)
7282 Americana Drive
Previously Alix

DURFREY, Ronald & Carol (NH)
7147 Mt. DeLeon Road
520-8010
Previously Myers

FIEDLER, Vonda
437 Mt. Piney Road
527-9458
Previously MAROA Used

GOBLE, Bartlet & Christina (NJ)
7168 Mt. Jupiter Drive
526-7158
Previously Gagnon-Germain

HORNIS, Alexander & Rita
684 Mt. Lancaster Avenue
Previously Johnson Estate

MULLI, Michael
7044 Mt. Bristol Road
Previously MAROA Used

PRUSAK, June C. (CT)
7111 Mt. Hawthorne Road
Previously Allaire

STONER, Eleanor (PA)
642 Mt. Madison Avenue
Previously LaChapelle


SUNSHINE REPORT MAY 2002
PEGGY HUBRICH

DEATHS
Betty Williams

NURSING HOMES
Jane Bryan Maria Manor
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Erna Wring Carrington Place
Carl Rosenquist Westminster Shores
Bob Evans Carrington Place

BIRTHDAYS
01 Edith Unverzagt
Fern Eppers
02 Charlie Smith
03 Teresa Cresse
Claudette LeBrun
Dorcie Langer
07 Jerry Spetz
Pete Lambert
Mickie Volbert
Pete Lambert
08 Andrea Simmon
09 Gene Latreille
11 Nancy Hill
Rudy Ferrara
12 Wilma Jones
Carol Slade
Bob Breen
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
29 Kay Jones
Jean Hughes
Cal St. Sauver
Dottie Kirby
30 Jane Swartout
31 Gail Jones

ANNIVERSARIES;
10 Annette and Tom Solomon 49 years
25 Margie and Carl Slaugenhaupt 39 Years
28 Peggy and Keith Mc Call 43 Years
29 Norine and Richard Fisher 48 Years
30 Claudette and Gil Le Brun 49 Years
31 Barbara and Ed Higgins 49 Years

MAA NEWS
Paul Mattina, President

Now that May is upon us, we see some of our friends and neighbors leave and can feel the Park activities winding down. So it is with MAA, with only two major events taking place this month.

But first, a huge Thank You to Betty and Jim Chase, and to all the kitchen staff and servers, for a wonderful prime rib dinner and entertainment. It is a testament to the quality of the event that it was a sell-out crowd. There was, however, one fly in the ointment. Some attendees arrived for the dinner after having set up their places earlier in the day, only to find their place settings moved elsewhere. In one case, a couple's place settings were removed altogether. We live in a community that thrives on cooperation among residents, and perhaps this word to the guilty might serve as a reminder that we should live with, and abide by the Golden Rule.

This month's MAA luncheon meeting will be held Wednesday, May 1st at 12:00 noon. All residents of Mobel Americana are welcome to join us.
On Saturday, May 18th at 5:30 PM, we are having a "This and That" dinner, with Charlie Ragan performing at 6:30 PM. Tickets for this event will be $5, and will be sold on May 1st at the MAA luncheon and again on May 8th at the Old Timers luncheon. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th, we will have two events. At 10 AM we will gather in the Clubhouse for a service and tribute to our veterans. Coffee and donuts will be served. At 5:30 PM we will have a dinner. The menu has not been finalized, but it will be posted. At 6:30 PM, Donna Cutting of "Whimsical Notions" will perform. Many of you will remember her hilarious "Hoe Down" show of a year or so ago. This year she will do a totally new show, and it is truly a "don't miss" performance. Tickets for the Memorial Day dinner and entertainment are $7, and will be available at Bingo on Friday night, May 17th, and again at the Old Timers luncheon on May 22nd.

MAA welcomes a new club, the MA Computer Club. This group had been meeting on Saturday mornings, but will now be placed on the calendar at 10 AM the third Tuesday of the month, starting May 21st. The club has knowledgeable guest speakers, and members share helpful information. One does not need to be a "computer geek" to enjoy these meetings.
We look forward to seeing you all at this month's events, for fun and companionship.

OLD TIMERS SOCIAL CLUB MAY 2002
This is to announce the following elected officers for the Old Timers Club for the coming year.
Marcia Fay Chairman
Kay Sebek Vice Chairman
Mary Jane Hill Secretary
Patricia Ruedy Treasurer
We thank everyone for all of their help this past year, and look forward to a happy year for 2002/03.
Betty Chase does a remarkable job for us all. We are looking forward to another season, God Bless You All, and have a safe trip north and back in October. Many thanks for all of the home baked goods, the servers, the participants (members). See you then!

MOBEL NOTES
By Ken Hopkins
A TIP OF THE RAT - to Dawn Simmons and her crew of eager warriors for the recent upgrades to our landscaping. The new lighthouses look great and we particularly love the "shipwrecked" boat (thanks, Morrie Fink) panorama across from the Fishing Area. Progress walks with small steps.

WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING - Wasn't it a lovely night? Who was it that said, "On St. Patrick's Day we're all Irish?" Thanks as always to Betty Chase and her Leprechauns for a fine corned beef dinner but the highlight was surely the Irish review produced by Shirley Posson' s son, Jeff. Aided by a cast of thousands (well, maybe only a hundred), Jeff's play told the story of The Pot of Gold pub on St. Patty's night. As each actor or musician stood up to do their part, we marveled at the pool of talent demonstrated by our friends and neighbors. Thanks to all for a fine evening of entertainment.

REAL ESTATE OFFICE
There has recently been some discussion regarding our on-site real estate office and the space it occupies. The discussion goes, "wouldn't it be nice if the real estate office would move into a model home and free up some recreational space?" The Board would like you to know that part of our two-year contractual agreement with our real estate agent and dealer includes the space they now occupy. Although the Board is sensitive to the need for more space, it cannot come from this source due to this contractual agreement. Of course, there is always hope for a later date.

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME - As the nature of our community continues to grow and evolve, some of our residents have questioned whether the "Mobel" in Mobel Americana is still relevant and if possibly the time has come to consider a name change. Many corporations in the past years have found that their original name no longer reflects their nature and have chosen a new name that more appropriately describes what they are all about. In order to start our residents thinking about this issue, here are some possible suggestions that people have submitted to this column. AMERICANA SHORES, AMERICANA ESTATES, PALMS OF AMERICANA, AMERICANA VILLAGE, LIGHTHOUSE POINT, and AMERI-CANA (for obvious reasons). We'd love to hear what you think. And, no, a name change would not compromise our legal status.

RAMA MEETING
Dawn Simmons, Community Manager, and the MAROA Board have proposed that rental increases be based on the average CPI value from September to August. This average will be determined after the value for August is published. That average will then be applied to the average of the eight categories of lot rents now in effect. As an example, if the average CPI for the year would be 1.8%, that would yield an average monthly increase of $7.67 equally applied to all lot renters. The calculated lot rental increase will go into effect January 2003. Please note the next RAMA meeting will be held in November.

Lot Taxes. During a recent RAMA meeting, a renter voiced a concern that while lot renters were faced with a modest increase in their rent, shareholders were not facing the same increase. Board Member, Wilma Jones pointed out that possibly not all of the renters were aware that MAROA pays taxes on each of the renter's lots while shareholders pay their own taxes without any cost to the community. MAROA paid $122,000 in 2001 for taxes on the rental lots. This works out to over $500 per rental lot per year. Thought you should know....

A NEW LOOK FOR THE LIBRARY
The MAA Council has voted to replace the old carpeting in the library area with new floor tile. A special thanks goes to the New Englanders who contributed $1,200 towards this project. To further the improvement, the old, broken down sofas in the library will be replaced with some of the used furniture MAROA currently holds.

BULLETIN BOARDS. You may have noticed some of the new headers on the community bulletin boards. Beck Hopkins has been asked to be the guardian of the boards and is working hard to get them all in order. Part of the effort is to make sure that everybody has their fair share of space to tell their story. This may result in some groups being asked to give up a little room.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR NEIGHBOR - Once you know that Paul Mattina comes from an Italian family in New York (Manhattan), you know a lot about him. Paul and his wife Connie have been at Mobel Americana for five years and so believe in the community. They have sold their property in North Carolina and now make Mobel their year round home. What you might not know is that Paul was a professor at Philadelphia University before retiring. What did he teach? Textile Science. Wow, how many people do you know who teach that?

Paul is an avid boater and fisherman although currently sans boat. He and Connie were both heavily involved with their church's Marriage Encounter program before coming to Mobel. Now he has directed those same energies to serve our community. Paul has just accepted the position of President of MAA and is looking forward to working with all our various groups and clubs. Although he'll be pretty busy with MAA, Paul plans to continue his participation with the Garden Club, Crime Watch group, and Wood Working Shop. Paul told me that the biggest change he's seen here at Mobel is the "rejuvenation and the number of new homes."

Paul recently ran for the MAROA Board and lost the election by a mere vote. I'm sure we'll see him run again in the future.

A WARNING FROM CONRAD WEISER - I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service technician who was conducting a test on telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine (9), zero (0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused. Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number. I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons. I have also verified this information with UCB Telecom, Pacific Bell, MCI, Bell Atlantic and GTE. Please beware. DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?
Here's a little ditty to keep in mind. He who has a thing to sell and goes and whispers in a well is not as apt to get the dollars, as he who climbs a tree and hollers.

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're in Wisconsin for the summer so email us at hopken@mindspring.com. Since we are away, we're particularly anxious to receive news items from those of you who spend the summer at Mobel!

A FEW MISCONCEPTIONS
By Conrad Weiser
Speaking with a community resident who I know has a computer but has not decided to join our "Listbot', (our private e-mail system), he explained that he already gets too much junk mail and didn't want to receive any more advertising. Let me assure you as I did him, that the only messages posted on our listbot are the wit and wisdom of our community residents, there are no sales pitches or spam.
Another resident, asking to be added to our listbot subscribers, (yes, of course its free), commented on how glad she was that she will be able to read our Forecaster there while up North. Yes, we too are glad to be posting the monthly Forecaster again, problem is the Forecaster is NOT on the listbot, its on our Neighborhoodlink Home Page that is available to everybody, not only listbot readers. The Forecaster will not appear on the Web until the print version is distributed here in the community. Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions.
Conrad

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 BLACK INK on full size 81/2 by 11 paper. Deadline for June (5:00 pm); for general articles, the 19th of May, for last minute items, the 21st. Please note that the minimum font size is number eleven.

Monthly Bridge will be held May 15th at noon. It will be a brown bag luncheon. Dessert will be furnished, so bring a dollar. Prizes will be given. We need you to come or we will have to cancel for the summer.

Laundry Rooms - If you notice a problem with the machines, don't ignore it. Inform the office please.

Thank You - To my fellow Shufflers, what a nice surprise when Wanda brought me the pretty plant from all of you. Believe me I am enjoying it a lot, and I am planning to take it north with us so we can enjoy it this summer. Thanks so very much, see you on the courts. Mary Wright

Thank you to my dear friend, Hans Dekker, for organizing the memorial to my husband, Robert Boone. And, thanks to all the friends who shared their music, poetry, refreshments, cards, prayers and fond memories. Even though he will be missed, our peace comes from knowing Bob is in a better place. I will always be grateful to all of you for caring.
Bernice Boone and daughters

Thank you - Please accept my sincere thanks to all my friends and neighbors for your prayers, cards, visits, flowers, goodies and phone calls. I appreciated John and Esther's visits in the hospital. Love you all. Peg Sozanski.

Aluminum - I guess it can't be said often enough, but please put your aluminum, cans or whatever, out for collection so it can be picked up early Tuesday morning. Or, better yet, take it to the aluminum storage shed on Americana Drive. But please do not put it in with the regular garbage. This adds to the garbage bill, and we lose the money from selling the aluminum. Recycling is important and we should all do our part.

Drug Plans - In recent announcements two drug companies stated that they now have subsidy assistance plans for seniors with no prescription drug insurance coverage, so that drugs may be purchased at very affordable prices. Seniors can apply to one of these companies at 1-877-795-4559. Joan Geiger at 522-7596 can fill you in on more details.

NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME WATCH UPDATE
BY Barbara Magada
The next meeting of the Crime Prevention Crime watch/Patrol will be held at the Clubhouse on Friday May 10th. 2002 at 1:30 P.M. Program not confirmed yet but I will announce it at the Wednesday MAA & Old Timers Luncheons or feel free to call me.
Every year I announce to you all if you have a new bicycle or trike that you want to license, please call me and make a convenient date and time to do it at my home, in the carport. Must be a new or old one that has never been repainted and shows serial number clear enough to be read & valid. NO CHARGE. We also do this service at the Sunrise Community Resource Center at 6393 - 9th. St. N located in the Sunrise Bowling Lanes Plaza.
Please mark your calendars and feel free to bring a new resident or friend with you. REFRESHNENTS as usual.
Coordinators: - Barb Magada, Esther Louzon & Jim Chase

A GREAT THANK YOU!!!
As the Mobel Americana Welcome Lady, I tackled the Mobel Americana Pictorial Directory project with enthusiasm. To me it was a LABOR OF LOVE. In the last three months many people played a part in canvassing the park, phone committee work, making an effort to keep appointments, several layout and proofing sessions, those who circulated the completed editions. Each of you know the part you played so well. Even with careful planning there were some unfortunate glitches for which I am truly sorry. Over-all however it was a wonderful happening,
ALL THE STARS---those who participated are to be congratulated.
Gail Jones


I would like to thank everybody for their kind words, cards and prayers. I really appreciated the soups and meals that I received. I am almost ready to resume my many activities because of your caring. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Peggy Hubrich


PAR SEEKERS GOLF
By Ken Hopkins
Let me start my new career as Par Seeker's correspondent by thanking Russ Steele for his many years of service. I sure can't do this nearly as well as Russ but I'll do my best.
Par Seekers has ended the season with their annual banquet. Thanks to Betty Chase and her crew for another fine gastronomic event. The chicken and stuffed pork chops were fabulous! Awards were given out for the many tournaments held during the year and here are the lucky winners. Congratulations to all:
Four Club Event - 1st, Ed Higgins; 2nd, John Pendino; 3rd, Bill Ervin
Canada Open - 1st, Jean Dion; 2nd, Ed Slade; 3rd, Leni Lambert; Low Gross, Norm Begin
U.S. Open - 1st, Ed McGrath; 2nd, Conrad Weisner; 3rd, Bill Ervin; Low Gross, Al Wingrove
Club Championship A flight - 1st, Bill Ervin; 2nd, Roy Young; 3rd, Ken Hopkins
Club Championship B flight - 1st, Ed Higgins; 2nd, Syd Todd; 3rd, Jean Dion
Club Championship C flight - 1st, John Mello; 2nd Bob Hoey; 3rd, Ed Slade
Club Championship Women - 1st, Reeda Ervin; 2nd, Carol Slade; 3rd, Maria Girdlestone
Club Championship Low Gross - Al Wingrove
John Mello also received a special trophy for his hole-in-one although he gave most of the credit to Leni Lambert. Rumor has it that John used a putter on the 120 yard 17th hole!
Officers for next year are:
Mike Regan - Chair
Leni Lambert - Vice Chair
Marcia Fay - Secretary
Roger LaBerge - Treasurer
Pete Lambert - Events Coordinator
And now, the best news of all. After months of negotiations, Pete Lambert has successfully won us a new, earlier starting time. Next season we will tee off at 11:00 A.M. Way to go, Pete!
Everyone play a lot, practice, and we'll see you in the fall

Friends of the Library
By Nora Adell Andrews
"...But he that destroys a good book kills reason itself." John Milton, Areopagitica.

Our last meeting of our current year is now over. We will reconvene in November with new books to read and discuss!
The candy sales are over and Rita Lewis reported that we made $400 instead of the $300 that was reported and estimated last month! Thanks to all of you for your support and kindness in buying our goodies to help out the library.
We also would like to thank all of those that helped mark, sort and put away books. We need to thank all of you who contributed books to our shelves this year. We are always looking for books, both hardback and paper, large print books, audios, and videos. All of us using the library appreciate getting in "new" materials. Thanks, everyone!

Mary Polonis reviewed this month's book, Dear Exile: The True Story of Two Friends Separated by an Ocean by Kate Montgomery and Hillary Liftin. It was their first book and comprised of letters to each other from the States to Africa, where Kate was in the Peace Corp.
Our next meeting on November 7th will be at 1:00 in the Library corner. The book to be discussed will be Things I Know Best by Lynne Hinton.
We hope you save this date and join us. For more information call Rita Lewis at 527-0693.

Duplicate Bridge
Gerri Bassett & Shirley Beauchamp

Sunday March 17
Mitchell Movement
North & South
1. Helen & Walter Smith
2. Al & Milene Wingrove
3. Joan Dell Angelo & Esther Louzon

East & West
1. Anne Kocher & Anne LaFlamme
2. Elizabeth Copeland & Maretta Dimke
3. Gerri & John Bassett

Sunday March 24
Howell Movement
1. Tie
Maretta Dimke & Jo Waldron
Esther Israel & Doris Gibson
2. Gerri & John Bassett

Easter Sunday March 3lth
No Duplicate

Sunday April 7, 2002

North & South
1. Tie
Helen & Walter Smith
Agnes & Jerry Howland
2.Tie
Esther Louzon & Shirley Beauchamp, Esther Israel & Elaine Laberge

East & West
1. Milene & Al Wingrove
2.Gerri & John Bassett
3. Jo Waldron & Linda Cook

Sunday April 14
Howell Movement
1. Esther Israel & Anne Kocher
2. Gerri & John Bassett
3. Roger & Lucy LaBerge


GARDEN CLUB NEWS
By Jerry Regan
Our April 9th Garden Club Picnic was a success; the day was beautiful, the food was outstanding, Bay Pines Park is a perfect place to hold an outing, and we all had a very good time. The entertainment was interesting; two little bandits came out of the woods and cased our area. They watched us behind their black masks until they thought the time was right, then they moved in. When they felt there was sufficient loot in the garbage cans, they stole around the perimeter, climbed up the cans, and hung by one foot each inside the cans until they could reach the rich chicken bones at the bottom. Then they ran for cover to take an accounting of their spoils. All evidence points to a repeat performance of their crimes.

The Garden Club will be officiated this next year by our new officers: President, Diana Rogers and Vice President, Dolores Perry. Returning in their former roles, Treasurer, Nancy Hubartt; and Secretary, Jerry Regan.
Have you noticed how lovely our Rose Garden is? Over the last two months the Rose Garden has taken on new beauty with the culling out of old or damaged roses and the addition of new roses. The garden is almost complete; we have only six roses left to replace. It is a beautiful addition to our community.

In the fall, the Garden Club is planning to set up a table to sell flowers at the annual bazaar in November. We are asking all of you gardeners if you would like to contribute by starting cuttings from your plants and flowers now so they will be ready for sale at the bazaar. Thank you, have a great summer and we'll see you at the next Garden Club meeting on November 12.


Getting Old
submitted by Lucy LaBerge
A group of senior citizens were sitting around talking about their ailments. "My arms are so weak I can hardly hold this cup of coffee," said one.
"Yes, I know. My cataracts are so bad I can't even see my coffee," replied another.
"It has gotten to where I cannot hear anything any more, said one in the loudest voice of the group. "I can't turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck," said a third, to which several nodded weakly in agreement.
"My blood pressure pills make me dizzy," claimed another.
"I can't even remember what I'm doing half the time; if I don't make myself a note, I forget what I am trying to do in the first place" chimed in yet another.
"I guess that's the price we pay for getting old," winced an old man as he shook his head.
There was a short moment of silence... "Well, it's not that bad," said one woman cheerfully. "Thank God we can all still drive."


Dear Crafters
By Annette Solomon
Many happy crafters attended our last breakfast and last luncheon for this season. We said our goodbyes with hugs. We are leaving with our heads and hands full of creative ideas to keep us busy during the relaxing summer months. We should have a full array of beautiful items for sale at the fall Craft Bazaar. Watch for information in future Forecasters. The date is set for the Saturday after Thanksgiving when the Christmas Season officially starts.

We are looking for "Crafters" to rent tables at the Craft Bazaar. You need not sell only the items made at our meetings. Any talent will be accepted such as woodworking, macram?©, tole painting, beadwork, shell creations, etc. Call me in October for details. You rent a table for $15.00, display and sell your handmade items (no kits or commercial items, please) and keep the money. 2001 craft fair was a great success. We rented 14 tables to residents and outside vendors. Let's make this year 2002 a bigger success.

The crafters continue to meet all year long on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Clubhouse Library area.
Hope you enjoy a happy and healthy summer in Florida or at home up north. Keep those gifted hands busy.
Love to all.


Potpourri - from the Editor's desk (additional contributions from Gerri Bassett, Lucy Laberge and Nancy Hubartt)
Thought - Are people who carp all the time simply prognosticators of negativism?

Remember when - (from John Stewart). When War was a card game!
Translations - "Uh huh", "Sure Honey", or "yes Dear". Translated - Absolutely nothing. It's a conditioned response.
Truths: Nothing in the universe travels faster than a bad check. Ed note: I only print these, not necessarily experience them.
Simple Signs - On 4th Street North "Hot Pressed Cubans" Boy, what did we do to them now?
Wise Sayings - Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.
Things you really need to know?? - If a statue in a park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in the battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. Ed note: yes, but what did the horse die from?
Words to Live By - If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for.
Really? - A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.

Things to think About - Don't let success go to your head, or failure go to your heart.
Random Thoughts - Don't you ever want to say, when someone says, "oh there you are". "No stupid, it's my twin. Who did you think it was" Or when you answer the phone, "oh you're home". No, I'm not home". I'm at a party and I'm throwing my voice". (Come on now, you know you've had such thoughts)

Did you know - Vespers began in 1962, and the first social activity in the Community was Bingo? Ed note, why am I not surprised?

Please, please, do not use scotch tape when you are folding Forecaster items to put in the box in the Atrium. Believe it or not, it sticks and it is difficult to open the material up without doing damage to the paper. And I really don't feel like typing your items again. Thank you. The Editor.


BOB'S TUNE By Betty Chase

We looked at the job.
The task seemed too much!
But God sent us Bob.
With just the right touch

He whistled a tune;
A song all his own
And then very soon
His wisdom to loan

The void will be tough.
The tune that he shared
Did we thank him enough?
Did he know how we cared?

God's work is demanding.
He needed Bob's tune!
All things withstanding
We'd wish not so soon!

With a whistle to share,
And the knowledge he's able.
He'll fill a chair,
At God's Holy Table!!


Helpful Household Hints submitted by Lucy Laberge

1. Are flies or bees bothering you? Spray them with hairspray and they will take a quick dive.
2. Sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.
3. Use empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords in. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
4. For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze.(ED note. Not here for sure)
5. Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is)
6. Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE) Rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
7. Whenever you purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. Now a box of S.O.S pads last indefinitely! And scissors get sharpened this way!
8. Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time!
9. Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
10. Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on. DO NOT APPLY TO A HOT BULB!
11. Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.
12. Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
13. To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!


Switching Places
Submitted by Dotty Kirby
A man was complaining: Oh Lord, please have mercy on me, I work so hard, meantime my wife stays at home, I would give anything if you would grant me one wish; "switch me into my wife," she's got it easy at home. I want to teach her a lesson of how tough a man's life is.
As God was listening, he felt sorry for this soul and granted his wish. Next morning the "new woman" woke up at dawn, made the lunch boxes, prepared breakfast, woke up the kids for school, put a load of clothes in the washer and took the kids to school. On the way back, "he" stopped at the gas station, cashed a check, paid the electricity and phone bills, picked up some clothes from the cleaners, and quickly went to the market. It was 1.00 pm already, he made the beds, took the clothes out of the washer, put in another load, vacuumed the house, made some rice, picked up the kids from school, and had an argument with the kids.
As soon as they got home, he fed the kids, washed the dirty dishes, and hung the damp clothes he had just washed on the chairs because it was raining outside. He helped the kids with their homework, watched some TV while he ironed some clothes. He prepared dinner, gave the kids a bath and put them to bed. At 9.00 pm he was so tired that he went to bed, to fall into an exhausted sleep.
The next morning he prays to God once again:
Oh Lord, what was I thinking of when I asked you to grant my wish. I can't take it any more. I beg you please; switch me back to myself, please, oh please!
Then he heard God's voice speaking to him, saying:
Dear son, of course I'll switch you back, but there's one minor detail, you will have to wait nine months, because last night you got pregnant!


This is the Day God Has Made
By Al Nosek - Let Us Rejoice and be Glad in It
Begin your day with a simple prayer
If you are truly in despair
Praise Him for the things undone
And praise Him for the things He's done.
And for the healing of His Son
When He unveils the morning sun
Wear a smile, don't be depressed
Know that this day has been blessed.
Remember, pray,
Each and every day,
To the Father/Son, and Holy Spirit,
And without any limit
They will do the rest
And you'll know this day's been blessed
So don't be afraid, for this is the Day that God has made.
Love God and don't be afraid.


Problem or Solution
By the Editor
Many years ago in the '60s and 70s(I'm dating myself) I was an auditor for a very large housing and mortgage company and had occasion to do many audits. One audit I recall in particular was an incident involving one of our senior staff who falsified company documents and was thus able to siphon off a considerable amount of money. It was a very simple operation, he simply made sure that the official company document was different from the real financial activity that had taken place. In other words the copies of the original document were not the same as the original. (none of the regular office staff were involved) Naturally the company took a dim view of this and prosecuted the individual in question. There were some who said, let's not bring it out into the open, but wiser minds prevailed. In life we face choices, will we be part of the problem or part of the solution? I would hope that if similar incidents were to occur that the decision-makers would always be part of the solution.


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(Monday evenings for AM pickup) or take to one of the Old-timers Aluminum sheds. Do not put in the garbage compactor. It is for household garbage only.
Yard Brush and Tree Trimmings
Place all yard brush and tree trimmings at the side of the road separate from the garbage and it will be picked up. Do not put it with the regular garbage. This only increases the amount we must pay to have hauled away.
Help the Park - There is a shed at the Americana Drive compound where you can place your old phone books. By keeping as much as possible of all these materials out of the garbage we save on garbage hauling costs as well as generating some funds, not only for us, but also for a school that turns these in for recycling to raise school funds.
Bertram Zanaglio, MAROA Board member.


Early Years in St. Petersburg
Gerri Bassett

The Pier
The first pier in St. Petersburg was built in 1889 it was known as the Railroad Pier, the Orange Belt Railroad built it. In 1896 it was called the Brantley's Pier for the use of ships and it contained a bathing pavilion. In 1906 a more elaborate Pier was built, designed for use by streetcars and for recreation. It had lights so at night created a spectacular view .It was demolished in 1914.
In 1911 a $40,000 bond was issued and approved by voters and in 1913 the first Municipal Pier was built. It was a wooden structure providing a recreation package to the people of St. Petersburg. In 1921 a hurricane destroyed the areas where the Piers had stood and the pilings were so badly damaged that they felt that total reconstruction was warranted. A fund drive was begun and when $30,000 was raised the city announced plans to build a One Million-Dollar Pier. In 1926 the Million-Dollar Pier was built and opened for business .It contained a ballroom, casino and shops. There were card parties, tourists meetings, antique shows community sings and fishing tournaments. It would also serve as the studio for WSUN-TV. Time and traffic had its toll on the building and after several remodeling efforts and repair attempts; the deteriorating structure was demolished in 1967.
Then a Pier Park was installed and it contained shelters, benches, drinking fountains and our popular palm trees. But that did not seem to go over with the public; we have so many nice beaches and parks.
In 1973, a more modern Pier was built. This Pier was the first one with an inverted triangle that we are now so familiar with as part of the downtown landscape. It contained many of the same types of activities as our current Pier, with shops, eating places, and observation points, and places for people to meet and look over Tampa Bay and watch the pelicans. There is also a bait house, outdoor vendors and boat rides and a miniature golf course. It brings lots of tourists and there are shuttle buses to take you to the entrance after you park your car. Today there is a charge but years ago it was free. It's well worth your time to visit and there is more than one floor, a great place to shop and eat and on the first floor you can get an ice cream cone, bakery items and sandwiches. Lots of fish on the upper floor, a must place to take company and buy souvenirs.