Americana Cove

Let's Share The Sounds of Summer

Apr 30, 2004

PRAYER FOR MAY

Heavenly Father and Gracious God we magnify and praise Your Holy Name.
We have heard it said, "March winds and April showers bring forth May's flowers". We have experienced Your power in the wind and gloried in the rain in April. We look forward to the spring?’s burst of blossoms in the trees and the flowers. May we too experience a burst of new beginnings in our own life. We pray for our family, friends and loved ones who are house- bound in nursing homes or in hospitals, that they may know the feel of the Holy Spirit's strength, power and encouragement. May we not forget to pray for them daily for we have seen miracles as an answer to prayer. Jesus said to put our burdens on Him. Try it! Finally I pray that all offspring will remember their mothers in a special way on Mothers Day, May 9th. And husbands too!
Amen,
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.


?“ I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.?”
-William Allen White



FROM THE MANAGER
By Dawn Simmons

RENTAL PAYMENTS
Starting May 1st cash will no longer be accepted for rental payments. In April we received a counterfeit $20 bill. Money orders or bank drafts will be acceptable from residents not having checking accounts. We apologize if this is an inconvenience to anyone but the Corporation cannot afford to make up the difference. Your understanding is appreciated.
THE SWIMMING POOL
A REMINDER to all Residents and Guests: Please remember BEFORE going into the pool a shower is required, even upon arrival to swim. Most importantly after suntan lotion and oil is applied to sit in the sun, another shower is required, otherwise, it could clog the pool filters. Thank you for your cooperation!
CABLE TV
Much ?“to do?” about Cable TV. Please be reminded it is in the investigation stages. Thank you for all your letters of concern. We are taking into consideration your points of interest. Bright House has once again been approached to come up with a competitive offer.
UPDATE ON MARCH INSPECTIONS
Over 175 letters were mailed out during the two-week inspection period. I would like to thank you all for your cooperation in washing and painting your homes. Some residents even chose vinyl siding. I am sure as you ride through the Community you will notice a world of difference ?– BEAUTIFUL!!!
PALM TREES
The palm trees have been planted along Americana Drive and Mt. Piney Ave. We have calls coming in everyday on how great they look.
FIRST STREET CONSTRUCTION
By the time you read this, construction will probably have already started near our entrance. A ?“Make Shift?” guardhouse has been installed on Americana Place in the mean time. We have been told after the street in front of the Clubhouse is done, one lane will be open at the main entrance, which will be used for incoming traffic only. To exit please use the crash gate Exit on Americana Place. The situation will probably change on a daily basis. We ask for everyone?’s patience and understanding during the construction.
BOARD DECISION
The Board has made a resolution to permit seasonal rentals on trailer slips behind the maintenance building. A six month rental will be $100. By the way we have 14 vacant spaces if anyone is interested.


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
by Frances McVay

BRIAND, David & Noreen (MA)
7038 Mt. Hawthorne Road
Previously Wring Estate

BUFFA, Felix & Gerda (IL)
6711 Americana Drive
Previously Ryan

CONNOLLY, Hubert & Judi
6713 Mt. Pleasant Road
Previously Campbell Estate

GILZOW, Archie
514 Mt. Oak Avenue 526-0394
Previously Richardson Estate

JOHNSON, William D. & Linda J. (NY)
7278 Mt. Jupiter Drive 521-4774
Previously MacDonald

KALINOWSKI, William & Elizabeth (MI)
7029 Mt. Arlington Drive
Previously Whittier

LaROCHELLE, John & Anita (NH)
351 Mt. Isle Avenue
Previously Lindsey

LUCAS, James C.
118 Americana Court 215-1381
Previously Kroll

NYGARD, William & Carol (NY)
7001 Mt. Arlington Drive 525-6881
Previously Holt Estate

PASKOVICH, Hilde (GER)
DeLONG, Carl (NH)
214 Mt. Curve Avenue
Previously Luepkes

SAYENS, Calvin & Mary Lou (NY)
341 Mt. Isle Avenue
Previously Gray

SCHOETKER, Russell & Irene
664 Mt. Lancaster Avenue
Previously Fedus

STAPLES, Robert & Virginia (MA)
639 Mt. Key Avenue
Previously Simmons

TAYLOR, Robert & Carol
153 Americana Court 521-3837
Previously Richert


WELCOME YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS
By Gail Jones

Robert and Virginia Staples have found a home they are beginning to enjoy at
639 Mt Key. They lived in Plymouth, MA for a good many years while Bob was employed as an engineer at IBM and was in computer repair servicing. During those years Ginny was employed by the school department and worked with children. They retired to Apopka, FL in 1987. Their son David is a pastor and missionary. Daughter Shirley is a nurse. Bob has found his way to the hobby shop and is pleased with the equipment and is enjoying the fellowship he finds there. Ginny plans to join the Vespers choir as an alto. She will be most welcomed! Bob likes recreational chess and would welcome partners who might be willing to share a game or two.


Hilde Paskovich and Carl DeLong have purchased the home at 214 Mt Curve Ave. They have been very busy making new improvements on their home and haven?’t had time to join in many activities, but they are enjoying their new neighbors Russ and Norma Steele and Frank and Joan Geiger. Carl lived in Mobel Americana in 1990 and used to spend time helping and fishing with Frank Hill. Carl owned Carlton?’s Painting Service in Lincoln, NH and retired to Redington Beach. Hilde is a graduate of Fordham University and was employed by IBM for 30 years. She speaks German, Spanish and English. Along with her new home here, she also owns properties in CT and Snell Isle. They both are looking forward to becoming involved in our different clubs and activities.


?“ I would not live without the love of my friends.?”
?– John Keats



SUNSHINE REPORT for May 2004
By Gerri Bassett

DEATHS
Darlene Kapkowski
Peg Fancher ( Former Resident)
John Stewart
Ruth Horncastle
Paul Ghezzi
Edwin Holmer

NURSING HOMES
Bob Ortel- Carrington Place
Mitzi Delzell- Shore Acres
Kay Brownsey-Pinellas Park Care Rehab. Center
Dorothy Goldsworthy ?–Fountains at Boca Ciego Bay
HOSPITALS
Muriel Lapointe St. Pete General

BIRTHDAYS
May
01 Edith Unverzagt
Ferne Eppers
Mike Regan
02 Charlie Smith
03 Teresa Cresse
Claudette LeBrun
04 Marj Logan
06 Dorothy Johns
07 Jerry Spetz
Pete Lambert
Mickie Volbelt
Ed Boshek
Rex Eaton
08 Andrea Simmon
09 Gene Latreille
11 Nancy Hill
Mike Moschetti
Rudy Ferrara
Dottie Love
12 Carol Slade
14 Ken Garret
Olga Bates
Ed Church
Joanne Wallace
Linda Gillies
16 Carol Undieme
Lorraine Brown
19 Jane Archambault
24 Rita Salter
26 Jack Moersdorf
28 Jean Hughes
29 Kay Jones
Jean Hughes
Cal St Sauver
Dottie Kirby
30 Jane Swartout
31 Gail Jones

ANNIVERSARIES---MAY
10 Pat and Bernie Ruedy 46 years
Annette and Tom Solomon 51 years
15 Lorraine and Ed Boshek 51 years
Nancy and Jim Werner 50 years
18 Cathy and Bob Thomas 47 years
Nancy and Jerry Keen 47 years
25 Margie and Carl Slaugenhaupt 41 years
28 Peggy and Keith McCall 45 years
29 Norine and Richard Fisher 50 years
30 Claudette and Gil LeBrun 51 years
31 Barbara and Ed Higgins 51 years

Would you like your Birthday or Anniversary in the Forecaster? Please call me at: 525-6806.


?“Brows may wrinkle, hair may gray- but friendship never knows decay.?”


FROM THE DESK OF:

EDITORIAL
By John Bassett

The events of April 2nd, 2004 did no one credit in this community. The resignation of a President and Vice-President are unprecedented in our short history. There were some differences of opinion on how the community was to be run, with respect to the approval process of the annual budget, but nothing to me suggested a loss of faith in our Board members. To me it was simply an affirmation that the shareholders wanted a formal say in our annual spending plans. What really disturbed me was the jeering and cheering of some of the audience at the President?’s resignation speech. As far as I am concerned our President had accomplished a great deal in this community. We had progressed. Many things good for the community had been carried out. The minimum that should have been allowed is a resignation with dignity, and respect for what had been done. And respect for the individual and the office.
It is not an easy thing to run a community like this, and whether you agreed or disagreed with the policies is not the question. It is an acknowledgment that being a board member takes a lot of sacrifice of one?’s time, and a lot of effort. It is a strain for the family and the person. Let us remember that in the future, and at least if you can?’t agree, give credit to those who do act and try to act in our best interests. I thought that for the most part the residents of this community had consciences, and I still do. So I hope that those who took part in that disgraceful exhibition will feel ashamed, and say to themselves, as people with consciences, that they are truly sorry for their actions.
And finally, congratulations to the new Board members, and as a first order of business, hiring a competent attorney.
(To my supporters, I withdrew from the Board due to personal reasons. I may come back in the fall)

NEW EDITOR
I am happy to announce that Linda Lou Fairbanks has agreed to assume the responsibilities of Editor during the winter months. This will give you a welcome change from my ramblings the last few years, although you will still be stuck with me during the summer months. Linda Lou has shown herself to be interested in all aspects of the community and I am confident she will be an asset to this publication. Linda Lou will do the May issue as a way of breaking the ground, so to speak, so please wish her well in this endeavor. In the Fall we will give you Linda Lou?’s email address for your submissions. In the meantime continue to send all submissions to me, or drop them in the Forecaster box in the Atrium. Thank you.

WINTER EDITOR
By Linda Lou Fairbanks

I wanted to introduce myself to you, in anticipation of my new role in November as your Winter Editor of the Forecaster. First I must say a huge ?“thank you?” to my mentor and friend John Bassett who has helped guide me through this, my first trial run of the newsletter. He was exceedingly helpful and patient with me and I am extremely grateful for his bountiful wisdom and guidance. I have been a resident here in Americana Cove for three years, live on 120 Mt Curve Ave with my partner and significant other, Brian Birch, and to this date, I am just beginning to venture out into the community. I would encourage anyone else that may be ?“new?” here, to do the same. There are wonderful, gracious people just waiting to welcome you and treat you to their friendship and outstanding hospitality. I was born, educated and raised in Maine, in a tiny rural community- East Wilton (ever heard of BASS shoes?) where I return each summer/fall to live, work and play. I have 2 children- a son Troy and a daughter Tricia. After completing my B.A. in English/ Psychology at the University of Maine I entered the social services field, advancing to administrative positions in the Dept of Labor. I worked in this field for 20 years before a succession of life events lead me to Ft Myers, FL five years ago. It would take too long and too many precious pages to explain it all, but just suffice it to say, I feel like an ?“old soul?” and am blessed to be growing where I?’m ?“planted?”. I look forward to this next step in my journey and hope you will enjoy the future issues of the Forecaster later this year. And, to one and all, near and far, that read our news, I wish you all a wonderful summer season! SEE YOU IN NOVEMBER!


COVE CORNER By Ken Hopkins

A SAD DAY ?– I was at the Town Hall meeting when Paul Mattina and George Milner resigned. It was sad that they had worked so hard to do the right thing and yet it turned out wrong. I was embarrassed when people applauded their decision to resign. People applauded who had not set one foot forward to help, but were quick to criticize. It was sad that some on the Board accepted the responsibility to make decisions on behalf of the people that elected them, yet forgot to ask those same people what THEY wanted. It was sad that someone resorted to hate mail on the Listbot to express their odious viewpoint. It was sad that in spite of many overtures to get together with the Board and try to resolve the differences over the budget vote issues, the Board could not find the means to sit down with ?“concerned citizens?” and work out a compromise. It was sad that the finance committee was suspended. It was sad that the Board never responded to the petition against the front entrance because it was not sent by certified mail. It was sad that we will lose Paul?’s leadership and positive changes such as the town hall meetings, advisory committees, and similar. It was sad that our newly elected Board members, just getting their feet wet, are now faced with an even more difficult challenge. Nobody won; everybody lost. Many things to be sad about and yet, as my Mother would say, ?“this too shall pass.?” We will find new Board members and continue to progress as a community. But we still have to find a way for the Board and the residents to talk to each other or we?’ll all be back here again.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR NEIGHBOR ?– ?“Unity in the community.?” No, Muhammad Ali did not say that. It was Rita Ferguson, our latest Board member when I asked her what improvements she would suggest for Americana Cove. Rita has only been here for three years but she has already been super busy and involved. Until her election to the Board, she was treasurer of MAA. She has also just accepted a position on the board of ROC. Her background in data processing as well as work as a legal secretary have given her the skills to succeed in her work on both boards. Rita claims Shaker Heights, OH and Columbia, MD as home. She is learning the trails around Weedon Island in her new kayak when she isn?’t working in her garden or volunteering with her church. Rita?’s son lives in Spain motivating her to attend my Spanish class. Although not yet fluent, she is looking forward to her second trip to Spain to see her son. Not only is it nice to see more women on the Board but women as talented and capable as Rita will help keep us on the right path.

KNOLOGY ?– I am opposed to the Knology proposal. My main objection is that those who have chosen to do without cable TV would now have $13.28 added to their monthly assessment just so those who do have cable would save about $16.00/mos. In essence, those currently without cable would be forced to subsidize those who have it. Many of our residents have chosen not to subscribe to cable TV either as a personal choice or as a cost savings effort. To saddle them with the $13.28/mos just so other residents could save some money seems to me grossly unfair. I currently have basic cable and premium channels. In addition, a phone call to Knology told me that comparing services against what I currently have, I would actually pay more for Knology. I hope that everyone has taken the time to write a letter to the Board expressing their opinions on the Knology proposal.

PARK PICNIC ?– Could we have had any better weather? No way. Not only did Betty Chase and Friends arrange a lovely picnic, they even took care of the weather! Hundreds of people came down to Founder?’s Park to help celebrate our 10 year anniversary as a resident-owned community and to honor the original ?“Founding Fathers?” who had the foresight and courage to lead us into self management. A special thanks to Dave Vogle and Bill Stanford who helped provide boat rides, and to Dave?’s wife, Lois who helped load and unload passengers at the Hopkins boat dock. Everyone enjoyed the boat rides and we brought them all back alive.

SAFETY LADDERS ?– As you were walking along the seawall did you ever wonder, ?“Gee, if I fall in here, how will I get out??” Well, the Americana Boat Club wondered the same thing and, with the support of Management, has installed two new safety ladders. One has been placed in the middle of the marina and the other at Founders Park. Not that we encourage you to fall into the water, but at least if you do, now you will have a convenient way to climb back out. So if you?’re going to fall in, make sure you do it at the marina or Founders Park!

ICE ?– On various occasions people have been observed coming out of the laundry with giant coolers full of ice to the extent that they empty out the ice machine. Come on folks. How about a little courtesy? Help yourself to some ice but make sure you leave some for the next guy. The ice machine is a nice convenience for all of us but only if we share. We all know the inevitable result if abuse continues. We?’ll end up with a lock on the ice machine and then nobody gets to use it. Thanks for your cooperation.

A NICE LETTER ?– I received a very nice letter the other day. Stanley Harmon, Arlene Elwell, and Phyllis Jackwin wrote a very nice letter in support of the two Board members who recently resigned and then took the time to deliver them to everybody in the park. You no doubt have seen the letter so I won?’t repeat it, but I thought it was very gracious of this group to write in support of Paul and George. I salute the committee of three for their courtesy and activism. We need more people willing to ?“put their money where their mouth is.?”

HAVE A NICE SUMMER ?– We?’re outta here! Beck and I will be leaving for our summer home in Milton, WI the day after the MAA luncheon. Like so many of our friends and neighbors we are blessed with the ability to escape Florida?’s summer heat by heading north. We summer at a seasonal campground about 40 miles south of Madison in a lovely park model trailer. If you find yourself anywhere near us we would love to have company. Stop by for a cold one and a hot dog roasted over our firepit. We can be reached on our cell phone (727-804-5496) or drop us an email. But don?’t come in September. We?’ll be on our way to Nova Scotia. Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe summer. See you in October.


FORECASTER INFORMATION
Forecaster Deadline: All items and other information for the Americana Cove Forecaster may be placed in the box just inside the entry doors to the Atrium, or sent electronically. All items are to be in the original type, no photocopies please, in BLACK INK on full size paper- 8 ?½?” by 11?”. Deadline for June for all articles is the 19th of May. Font size is number twelve (12).
Forecaster Submissions- If you can send me your items by email, either by attachment, or just as part of the email, you will save yourselves money. (ink and paper) Thank you for cooperating.
Emails to the Editor ?– If you are sending me an email for the first time please let me know by phone what your email name is. I get so much spam mail that I simply delete all unknown senders and have lost a couple of items this way. It is unfortunate, but once I know your screen name I will have a reference for the future. My apologies to the senders.
Forecaster Calendar ?– Deadline for entries will be the 17th of each month. Please note that all calendar submissions must come from, or be approved by the MAA. .



THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
A big ?“THANK YOU?” to all of Americana Cove for all the cards, wishes, and prayers offered in my behalf over the past several weeks following my recent surgery and recovery. What a great community we have! It is in times like these that one realizes and appreciates the love and concern for others that continues to be a hallmark of our little community. Our heartfelt thanks for all your kind thoughts and concerns.
From the Hart Family: Bill & Claire; Bill Jr. & Char; Pat & Steve


?“Thank you?” to each of you for the lovely cards and kind words as we celebrated 70 years of wedded bliss. We will always remember your kind thoughtfulness. God?’s blessing to each of you.
By Mary & Ed Boyd

A big ?“thank you?” for all your prayers, cards and telephone calls. And, a special thanks to John Hill for the flowers and visits. It really means so much to know we live in a caring community.
By Howard Roush

FROM: Kay Sebek, Nancy Werner and Lucille LaBerge
We wanted to extend our sincere ?“thank you?” to everyone who helped us with the Chase?’s 50th Anniversary celebration. It takes many hands to set up an entertaining evening. Our thanks to the following people who worked so diligently to honor Betty and Jim:
Emcee - Randy Rogers
Stage - Diana Rogers
Flowers - Ruth Healy
Computers ?– Peg Hubrich
Linda Fairbanks
Tickets - Barbara Magada
Music - Ferne Eppers
Sonny Knutson
Kitchen - Nancy Hubartt and the Kitchen
Krewe
Director - Dorothy Kolb
Thank you again for doing such an outstanding job! We sure do appreciate it.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU
Americana Cove!! "What a Country!!". What began a year ago as a casual conversation soon turned into reality. Under the leadership and expertise of Kay Sebek and Nancy Werner, around a hundred people "dove -in" and presented us with the most unforgettable celebration for our "50th Anniversary" ever dreamed possible.
There are no words to express our love and gratitude to all that worked so hard. We received hundreds of cards and gifts!! It was a complete and utter surprise when we entered the hall and were met by so many happy faces. And the beautifully decorated room!! All the flowers and decorations made a dreamland setting. And who can ever forget the show that followed? We are sure the 350 guests that attended did not go home disappointed!
There will never be words powerful enough to tell you all the love that is in our hearts. We did not have to be in the kitchen for you to receive a delicious dinner! What a marvelous group of loved ones! There were well-organized reservations and seating arrangements, plus advertisements. And let's not forget all those photos being taken. We have a video already that most of you have seen by now. And, Gene Seawell is in the process of making a full-scale production of our whole life together!! Fifty years from now we are planning another grand affair in Heaven with God as our Program Chairman!! Each and every one of you is invited, and please bring along a friend!!!
With all our love,
Betty and Jim Chase



SPECIAL EVENTS, NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS

PARKINSON?’S WALK-A-THON March 27th, 2004
By Harry Atkinson
The SunCoast Parkinson?’s Chapter sends a very big ?“thank you?” to Americana Cove for the $2174.00 raised this year. A special thank you goes to the following people who went out and obtained sponsors: Nora Adell Andrews; Doris Gibson; Joan Mitchell; Shirley LaForce; Annette Solomon; Tom Solomon; Faith Brundage; Ed Mosakowski; Claire Mosakowski; Gloria Shultes; Phil Tarpley; Pat Ruedy; Arlene Elwell; Phyllis Conlisk; Gail Jones; Ray Macomber; Pauline Macomber; Marcia Fay; and Harry Attwater. And last and most importantly, thank you to all those who so generously donated to the walkers. All the money will go to research. Thank you again.


NEW YORK NIGHT ?“2005?” COMMITTEE
By Jean Cruz

The New York Night Committee extends an invitation to all those residents originating from New York City and upstate New York, to attend our next planning meeting to be held Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at 7:00pm in the Atrium. We really need your participation in planning for a most fun and festive night in 2005! All ideas and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. There?’s much camaraderie and fun when a group such as this comes together for a common goal, so mark your calendars NEW YORKERS!!!

MONTHLY BRIDGE LUNCHEON
The monthly bridge luncheon will be on May 19th. All players are welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship with their friends and neighbors!

CLARIFICATION from the editor ?– At the Town Hall meeting on April 2nd, I gave sole credit to Paul Mattina for starting this type of meeting. In actual fact this was started by a couple of previous boards led by Ed Kelly and Bob Larsen, assisted by Dick Nemi. Paul formalized and expanded this type of meeting with minutes and also introduced the committee system in its current form.

OUR 50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
By Annette Solomon
(Editor?’s Note: This was received too late for 2003, so we wish Annette & Tom a Happy 51st!)
Our wedding anniversary was on May 10, 2003. We arrived home a few days earlier. Our oldest grandchild Jennifer graduated from Nichols College on the same date so ?… we attended the graduation. On July 5, Tom and I, our 5 children, their spouses, and our 12 grandchildren attended a special Mass at Star of the Sea Chapel on Salisbury Beach. We received a papal blessing, corsage, and a written tribute was recited by Jennifer. We have been so blessed with fifty years of love and a wonderful family with whom to share our love. Tom and I thought our friends at Americana Cove would like to read this special poem:

The Fifty Year Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, way back in the day,
Lived a beautiful princess, it?’s Annette by the way.
She lived with her parents, her two sisters and her bro,
But something was missing. But what? She did not know.
That is ?‘til the day, her prince would appear,
A strapping young lad, ?“The name?’s Thomas, my dear.?”
At that moment she knew, it was her true love to be,
?“Forever and ever, it will be Thomas and me.?”
Some years went by, the amount unknown,
But one thing?’s for sure, their love had grown.
Off to church they went, to find an answer you see,
A reading said something about a wedding, and that was it ?…
They had decided ?… it was meant to be.
All the plans were set, all systems were a go,
They were off to the church, to unite their two souls.
A few years later, well ?… a year and three months to be exact,
They had a baby named Joanne, she was the leader of the pack.
Michael came next, third up was John,
David followed in the four spot, then the baby Eileen was born.
After all the children were here, the Prince and Princess titles went away,
For Thomas and Annette were crowned King and Queen, on that fateful day.
What love they had for each other, and now it could be spread,
To their five beautiful children, who would eventually all wed.
Some years had passed, Thomas and Annette were again alone,
For their five children all had families of their own.
Fifty years have passed, and everyone is grown,
King Thomas and Queen Annette were blessed with twelve wonderful grandchildren,
Of their very own.
And now ?… Happily ever after the King and Queen will surely be,
They?’ve made it fifty years,
Why not go for cool century?!



NEW ENGLAND NIGHT ?– By Reg and Sally Corliss, Chairpersons

New England Night featuring Vermont was celebrated on the 28th of February and what a delightful occasion it was. What occurred might best be described within the title of the stage play "The Mouse That Roared". Vermont is a very small state and representation in Americana Cove reflects that fact. There are nine part-time and no full-time residents in the area.
The theme for the party was Vermont and its products. In preparation for this endeavor the Corliss?’s crisscrossed the state for three days in July of 2003 and made personal contact with over forty enterprises, including retailers, wholesalers, museums, quarries and just about any place that didn't look like a private residence. The response from them was truly remarkable and put to rest that old saw about those cold and indifferent Yankees. While hard to accurately quantify, over two thousand dollars in merchandise was obtained.
The abundance of goods allowed the committee to have two raffles and twelve door prizes. The highlight of the activity was the raffling of an Ethan Allen end table that retailed for three hundred and eighty nine dollars, donated by the Beecher Falls Manufacturing Company, Sally C's old employer. There also was a very spirited cattle auction of three quality wooden Holsteins; it was a pleasure to note that our Cove has a goodly number of retired farmers in the ranks. A certain teddy bear also generated a great deal of interest, so it was necessary to take extra precautions to insure that the bear made it to the end of the raffle. There is also a rumor going around that Bernie the Bear just may surface again and do some more travelling.
A good party has to have good food and entertainment. Mrs. Chase, as usual, provided a great meal, old fashioned chicken pie, and Lee the Travelling Troubadour provided the music for listening and dancing. He even wrote a special song high-lighting the antics of that rogue and founding father of Vermont statehood, Ethan Allen.
There was a great deal of help received from all sides in the development of the program and this assistance was duly noted at the Vermont celebration, however, thanks again! We also want to thank each and everyone on the Vermont committee for their contribution as well. You were just great. Based upon this "Vermont Experience", and on behalf of all of the Vermonters, we sincerely want to thank the New England committee for an opportunity to do our part for the best community in Florida- Americana Cove.


TO ALL AMERICANA COVE RESIDENTSo
By Annette Solomon

You are invited to meet at Rockingham Park in Salem, N.H. on Wednesday,
August 25, 2004. We will enjoy harness racing and lunch will be available. If
you are from the New England area or visiting in New England in August, please
join us. More information in the next forecaster. Hope to see you there.


CLUBS and ACTIVITIES

MAA NEWS FOR MAY
By Ken Hopkins, President

May flowers are what it?’s all about. Many of our residents have left or are leaving to see their favorite May flowers up north. Safe journeys and a happy summer to all our sunbirds (a sunbird is a snowbird that never sees snow.)
This year we will combine our Memorial Day celebration with an Armed Forces celebration on May 31st honoring our Veterans, past and present. Festivities start with a golf cart and bike/trike parade beginning at 9:00 A.M. in front of the hobby shop. $20 prizes will be awarded for the most original, the most patriotic, and the best all around decoration. At 10:00 am we will have a memorial service at the clubhouse honoring all of our veterans, followed by coffee and donuts. Veterans, please see the sign up sheets in the clubhouse. At 3:30pm, refreshments (beer, soda, snacks) will be served at the Atrium and then at 4:00pm the pool exercise group will entertain at the pool with a water show. BBQ ribs and all the trimmings will be served at 5:00pm, followed by entertainment.
$7.00 dinner tickets go on sale May 12th preceding the Old Timers luncheon. Boy, wish I could be there. We?’ll probably be freezing in Wisconsin!
Our last Council meeting of the season will be Tuesday, May 4th in the Atrium at 10:00 A.M., followed with the monthly MAA luncheon on Wednesday, May 5th. Those of you who took my Spanish class know that May 5th is Cinco de Mayo in Spanish and a very important Mexican fiesta day. Betty Chase tells me that our luncheon will reflect that theme! This month?’s luncheon will also feature a joint Mothers Day/Fathers Day celebration hosted by Virginia Curtis and Kay Jones. If you have a memorable Mother or Fathers Day to share with the group or perhaps a funny gift or a special day to share, call Virginia 525-5022 or Kay 521-1065. Prizes will be awarded both mothers and fathers for the best story.
MAA meetings will be suspended until September. However, just so nobody goes hungry, Virginia Curtis and Vivian Linville have offered to coordinate a Brown Bag luncheon series for June, July, and August to be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each of those months. Bring your brown bag lunch to the clubhouse at 12:00 noon. Dessert, tea, and coffee will be served followed by Bingo.



DUPLICATE BRIDGE
With Gerri Bassett and Shirley Beauchamp, Directors

Mitchell Movement
Sunday March 21, 2004
North & South
1.Beverly Hamel & Linda Cook
2.Milene & Al Wingrove
3.Jo Waldron & Shirley Beauchamp

East & West
1.Helen & Walter Smith
2.Betty & Tom Davis
3.Gerri & John Bassett

Sunday March 28, 2004
North & South
1. Joan Dell?”Angelo & Michelle Willett
2. Anne Kocher & Claire Bator

East & West
1.Gerri & John Bassett
2.Tie
Lenore Helson & Shirley Wadsworth
Betty & Tom Davis

Sunday April 4, 2004
North & South
1.Joy & Bill Slepin
2.Lucy & Roger LaBerge

East & West
1.Helen & Walter Smith
2.Linda Cook & Esther Israel

Sunday April 18, 2004
North & South
1.Joy & Bill Slepin
2.Shirley Beauchamp & Jo Waldron

East & West
1.Betty & Tom Davis
2.Maretta Dimke & Hubert Dorsett

I would like to thank you all for your thoughtfulness and most generous gift, it really was appreciated. God Bless You All. We will miss all our friends who will be leaving us for the summer. Have a happy and healthy summer. And come back to us in the Fall ready to play Bridge. Thank You Shirley and John for all your help week after week. And a Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers.



VESPERS
By Shirley Wadsworth, (in charge of greeters)

Many thanks to all the greeters who graciously helped from the first Sunday in November, 2003 to Easter Sunday, April 11th, 2004. Hope to see you all in the fall. Anyone wishing to be a greeter, please see me in the Fall.



FRIENDS of the LIBRARY
By Linda Lou Fairbanks

?“Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.?” ?–John Locke
We had a wonderful Library meeting. Rita handed out the finalized list of books we?’ll be reading for the next season and we reviewed them. If you are interested, the list is on the bulletin board in the Clubhouse, under the Library sign. Rita also passed out a drawing of new shelves for our puzzles, which, hopefully, will be completed this summer if all goes well. I also gave members their updated Member List. Everyone expressed an interest in having one at the last meeting. We have quite a few active members but can always use more! Nora Adell Andrews was our hostess for the month and gave an excellent, humorous and interesting report on Beginner?’s Luck by Laura Pederson. If you haven?’t read it, we recommend checking it out in our Library area. All of the books we select are placed on the shelves after we read them so ?“check it out?”. This book elicited a lot of discussion and I?’m sure you would enjoy it. And for those of you planning on visiting the library area, please take a little time and look at the black binder by John Layner and his late wife, June. Together they created a special tribute to their lives- something to pass along to their children and family members. It is truly a wonderful tribute to love. And, as a bonus, there are several delicious recipes interspersed throughout to tempt your taste buds.
We need volunteers to help with the Library until some of us snowbirds return from the north. If you have the time and inclination, please give Rita a call at 527-0693. And of course, last, but not least, we wish all those avid readers out there to have a safe, healthy and happy season until we meet again.



OLD TIMERS CLUB
By Dorothy Kolb

We intend to do things for the community during the summer months, so be sure to read the Forecaster. A list of all officers is on the inside cover of the Forecaster.



SHUFFLEBOARD NEWS
By Jo Waldron

One last bit of reporting for the year, in the Blue Sky tournament Doug Reid placed 3rd in Consolation. Sil Oliveira took first place, Main Event, in the USA tourney.
Jerry Spetz 2nd and Lois Vogle 4th in Consolation. And I offer our apologies for the mistake in the April?’s Shuffleboard News- it was Roger Beauchamp not Don Willett who took 4th place in the Main Event Park Singles. Congratulations to all.
Another shuffleboard season is now history. Sad, isn?’t it? What a busy, fun time we all had. The thrill of kitchening our opponents and the sinking feeling when he returns the favor. All history. God willing, we will all return to the courts in October, fresh and determined to improve our game. Have a safe, healthy, happy summer and hurry back.



DEAR CRAFTERS
By Annette Solomon

Thank you to each and every one of you, for a great and productive season for the Crafters Corner and the White Elephant Sale. We are now looking forward to the Holiday Craft Bazaar. Crafters will continue to meet in the Clubhouse every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. See Rosemary and Jean. Check them out during the summer months and see what they are up to. It's never too soon to plan for the Craft Bazaar. Thank you for the baby blankets, caps and flat bears that were donated to Bay Front Medical and All Children's Hospital. Next season we will also make adult slippers, lap robes, adult caps and shawls to be donated to Hospice and Nursing homes in the area. Need a pattern? Need yarn? Need needles? Call me at 527-5151 or see me on Monday evenings in the clubhouse before May 23rd. Thank you for the donations to our Mustard Seed building fund. We would like to include all resident craftsmen to join us. As the seed grows, so does our membership. We are hoping for more space for everyone to use for their crafts.
Fertilize our mustard seed and watch us grow. We need space!!!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!! And?… HAPPY CRAFTING TO ALL!!!
P .S. The ladies going north also have homework to tend to.



CUE CLUB NEWS
By Brian Birch

We held our last meeting of the season on April 5,2004 and it was good to see so many of our members there. We had a great season, adding quite a few new players to the League. Everyone expressed their approval of the tremendous banquet we had, with the delicious food, the entertainment and the honoring of our champions. We look forward to another great season in 2004-2005. The next meeting will be on Monday, November 5th at 11am in the Atrium. Until then, I wish you all a great summer, wherever you are and whatever you are doing!!!



NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME REPORT
By Barbara Magada- with Coordinators Jim Chase and Conrad Weiser

I wanted to let everyone know we have our next Crime Watch/Patrol Meeting on Friday,
May 14, 2004- same time: 1:30pm; same place: the Clubhouse.
We have plenty of space so please be sure to attend and bring along friends and neighbors. As usual, we will provide refreshments. This month?’s speaker will be from the St Petersburg Fire Dept and will be addressing HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS. Hope to see you there!!!



NOW?….. JUST THINK ABOUT IT?…..

WHEN TEMPERS FLARE...
By John Layner

Yes, there are those moments in life when we talk before we think, forget to count to ten, whatever. What follows, is a simple guide to help avoid that type of mistake. If you only memorize one of them, it will help you be that better person.
WORDS OF WISDOM (WOW?’s)
1. Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.
2. Wisdom consists of knowing what to do with what you know.
3. There are times when nothing a man can say is nearly as powerful as saying nothing.
4. The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice you give to others.
5. To speak kindly does not hurt the tongue.
6. It?’s better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than it is to open it and prove it.
7. Discussion is an exchange of knowledge: argument is an exchange of ignorance.
8. Be sure your brain is in gear before engaging your mouth.
9. Diplomacy is to do and say the nastiest thing in the nicest way.
10. To belittle is to be little.


Question: If you could live forever, would you and why?
Answer: "I would not live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever,"
--Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest.


"Half this game is ninety percent mental."
--Philadelphia Phillies manager, Danny Ozark


"Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances."
--Department of Social Services, Greenville, South Carolina


A golfer stood over his tee shot for what seemed an eternity. He was driving his partner nuts, as he looked up, looked down, measured the
distance, figured the wind direction and speed.
Finally, his exasperated partner said, "What's taking so long? Hit the blasted ball!"
The guy answers, "My wife's up there watching me from the clubhouse. I want to make this a perfect shot."
His partner mumbled, "Forget it, man - you'll never hit her from here!"


Historical Facts About Cannonballs ?– submitted by Hubert Dorsett

In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannon, but they had to find a way to prevent them from rolling about the deck.

The best storage method devised was a square based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon

There was only one problem...how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate called a Monkey" with 16 round indentations. However, if this plate was made of iron, the iron balls quickly would rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make the monkeys out of brass.

Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far - too fast - the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannon balls would come right off the monkey.

Thus, it was quite literally, "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey". (And all this time, you probably thought that was an improper expression, didn't you?)


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

Newspapers and Magazine Recycling
All newspapers are to be placed in the newspaper bins. Please do not put brown paper or plastic bags in the newspaper bins. The bins are only for newspapers.
A magazine bin is located at the storage compound on Americana Drive. Please take all your magazines to this bin.
Phone books should be taken to the dumpster on Mt. Piney. Do not put them in with your regular trash.
Aluminum Cans/Can TOPS and Scrap Metal
Please put these out on Tuesdays only, or late Monday evening for very early Tuesday pick-up, or take to one of the Old Timers Aluminum sheds. Do not put in the garbage compactor. It is for household garbage only. As the sale of aluminum contributes money to our social activities, please take the effort to segregate the cans from the regular trash. Aluminum can tops/tabs can be placed in a container in the clubhouse.
Yard Brush and Tree Trimmings
Pick up days are Tuesday and Friday. Place all brush and tree trimmings at the side of the road separate from the garbage. It must be contained in trash bags, plastic containers or bundled.
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. Contractors doing renovations or repairs to your property are to remove any such materials from the community and dispose of it at their cost.

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. Traffic through the kitchen area creates sanitary problems.
Betty Chase -Kitchen Manager