Americana Cove

April showers

Mar 29, 2001

Prayer for April 2001 FORECASTER
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain

Next to Christmas, Easter, the 15th of April this year, is the most important celebration for Christians worldwide.

The triumphal entry on Palm Sunday is followed by the first celebration of Holy Communion or Holy Eucharist on Thursday.

The trial and Crucifixion of Jesus reminds us again of His suffering for us.

The victorious Resurrection on Easter gives the promise of Life Eternal for all that believe.

I pray this will be a month of REFLECTION, REPENTANCE and RECONCILIATION.

May we listen to God?’s Holy Spirit speak to us especially during these days.

God bless you all.

BOARD BITS
By Dick Nemi, Board Member
A few months ago in this column I praised Bert Zanaglio for saving our park money. Now it is time to recognize others for the same accomplishment. That would be Betty Chase and her complete kitchen crew. They have, through hard work, made enough to replace the stove, put in a new range hood, bought refrigerators, freezer, new food mixer, ovens, and many other commercial grade items. Not only that, they have purchased new tables, and in the process of replacing the chairs with the help of many of the other organizations. This is an accomplishment that all of us reap the benefits. Again, thanks to all that have worked so hard, we may not tell you to your face, but you are appreciated. The ice machine in the kitchen has been moved to the hallway between the kitchen and atrium. Those of you who need ice are welcome to use it, but remember when there is a function, leave enough for the kitchen crew to operate with. Also, when there is a function going on, and the kitchen is in use, please go thru the atrium to retrieve the ice. The kitchen is small enough, without the kitchen crew having to step around people needing ice.

Last months article requested that you do not pile trash so close to the entrance to the dumpster! Guess very few people read that, as this week it was piled right up to the entrance again. Not only that, but brush was also on the pile along with old auto batteries. If one would read the sign on the wall of the building, you would see it states what you can and cannot place there.

On March 14th we held our first Open Forum for all park residents to ask questions or give suggestions to both the renters Board of Directors and the shareholders board. Surprisingly, the longest subject to be talked about was speeding in the park. It is up to all residents to enforce the speed limit, and to report all speeders to the office. If you do not know the speeder, please furnish their plate number. Forms to report these speeders are located in both the office and gate shack. Shortly, many of the snowbirds will be departing for the North Country. Please plan on removing all the fruit from you trees. Every year people are reminded, but some seem not to get the message.

One of the sad things I personally will miss when the snowbirds depart is the stone duck located at 7258 Mt. Jupiter. Bryan and Linda Hamilton dress this duck in a different outfit every day; if it?’s going to rain it has a raincoat or life preserver on; nice days it?’s some adorable outfit including sunglasses. Every day I can?’t wait to see what it has on. If you have not seen this, check it out next year, or if the Hamilton?’s are still here1make a point to pass by, it?’s a great way to start your day!

Renters Association (RAMA)
By Cleve Ballentine, chairman

At the March 7 meeting we had a guest speaker from the Federation of Manufactured Home Owners of FL (FMO). Don Hazleton, a director at large for FMO, gave a very interesting and informative speech in regard to the service FMO provides for mobile home owners in Florida.

He was impressed that four board members from the MAROA board attended and stated ?“There appears to be a good relationship between shareholders and lot renters in this park; that isn?’t the same in all resident owned parks.?”

Don was well received by the good turn out. Twelve homeowners signed up for membership. Anyone wishing information about FMO and who may be considering joining, please give me a call at 527-3296.

On March 7 our five-member board met with the negotiating committee of MAROA, consisting of five board members. We presented a proposal for a three-year lease starting in 2002, which we believe, is in the best interest of the park. They agreed to give our proposal serious consideration. Hopefully, we will have a reply to report at our monthly meeting April 4.

From the Editor
Thank you to Laurie Schuh whose last regular feature appears in this issue. She has contributed so many articles over the years to the Forecaster. Dedication and hard work are a normal part of this nice lady?’s work ethic and we all wish her the best as she moves on to other things. Hopefully she will favor us with a special every so often. Thanks again Laurie for your contributions over the years.

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY
By Rosann DeCola

CAPPELLO, Anthony & Rita
641 Mt. Lancaster Ave. (527-2416)
(Previously Landosky Property)


HOLT Iona C.
7001 Mt. Arlington Dr. (525-2032)
(New Home)

KEENE Clement & Barbara Jo (NC)
302 Mt. Piney Ave.
(Previously Henderson Property)

LINNEMAN Robert & Sara
316 Mt. Piney Ave
(New Home)

NAGY James (Pa)
303 Mt. Piney Ave. (520-1671)
(Previously Fisher Property)

SUNSHINE REPORT APRIL 2001
BY PEGGY HUBRICH

HOSPITALS;
Roland Ayotte Bayfront
Louise McElhose Vencor

DEATHS:
Eleanor Rothoff
Chuck Lavezzi
Bill Lachnickt
Jack Hubartt

NURSING HOMES:
Jane Bryant Maria Manor
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Mary Ping Suncoast Manor
Erna Wring Carrington Place
Ida Franson Carrington Place
Vaughn Anis Rocky Hill, Ct.
Anita Perreault Fountain Senior Properties
Lana Evans Carrington Place
Milton Johnson Shore Acres
Carl Rosenquist Westminster Shores
Alice Connors Carrington Place

BIRTHDAYS;
01 R Lane Whitley
02 Annette Solomon
03 Loretta Berg
04 Sil Oliveira
07 Audrey Covello
Helen Smith
08 Dick Stannard
10 Eva Pratt
Don Harris
11 Eunice Roe
12 Mary Polonis
Richard Norcross
18 Winnie LeFand
19 Peggy Hubrich
Terry Loscalzo
21 Muriel Sirois
Barbara Magada
23 Nicole Baxter Juanita Smouse
24 Pauline Macumber
25 Gilbert LeBrun
Morris Van Patten
26 Howard Brown
27 Ralph Rogers
28 Lana Cote
29 Paul Ghezzi

ANNIVERSARIES;
06 Leni and Pete Lambert 33 years
07 Eleanor and Earl French 59 years
09 Marilyn and Bob Breen 29 years
10 Nancy and John Hill 53 years
12 Ruth and Paul Beauregard 57 years
14 Mary and Bill Krich 56 years
17 Virginia and Bert Zanaglio 47 years
20 Billie and Cleve Ballentine 55 years
If you wish to have your birthdays or anniversaries printed in the Forecaster please give me a call.

MOBEL AMERICANA VESPERS
By Lorraine Brown
VISITING CLERGY FOR APRIL, 2001
Reverend Warren Thomas, Retired Episcopal Minister
Palm Sunday
8th Reverend Frank Reynolds, Riviera United Methodist Church
EASTER ?— Sunrise Service, 7:00 AM
15th Reverend Chet Larson, Faith Covenant Church
Thank you for making Vespers so loving a worship service. We hope you will return in November.

VESPERS
By Gus Covello
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
The following memorial donations were made in

March:

Giver In Memory Of:
Ann Adler -- Jennie Senk
Morris Fink -- Daleene Fink
John & Nancy Hill Bill Bearley, Daleene Fink
Dick & Gail Jones--Bill Bearley
Esther Louzon -- Bill Bearley
Harold Mallory-- Bill Bearley
Howard & Dorothy Roush Bill Bearley

VESPERS PURCHASES CHAIRS
FOR USE ON CLUBHOUSE STAGE
Members of Vespers have purchased 24 new chairs for use on the stage of the clubhouse.

The chairs are primarily for the use of the Vespers choir during Vespers services and rehearsals; however, other groups using the stage for performances may use the chairs and rehearsals, according to John Hill, choir spokesman.

MAA News for April Betty Chase, Pres.
Tickets are being sold for the Hoe down Dinner and Entertainment to be Sat. April 7 at 5:00 pm. PLEASE, PLEASE, get your tickets now! Menu is Prairie Ribs, Stage Stop Beans, Pony Express Taters, shotgun Slaw and Rustlers Riches for dessert!
The entertainer is Donna Cutting of ?“Whimsical Notions?” doing a show she calls ?“Annie?’s
Western Hoe Down Show?”.

The MAA Council Meeting will be Tuesday April 3 at 10:00 in the main clubhouse. Everyone is welcome to come but only the designated representative of each organization has voting rights. On Wed. April 4 is the MAA Luncheon meeting at 12:00 noon.

Officers elected for the coming year are Betty Chase, Pres.; Leonard Berg, Vice Pres.; Treasurer, Nancy Hubartt; Gail Jones, Secretary. I wish to thank Annette Solomon for her assistance as Vice President last year. Also to Dot Nemi for the past two years as Treasurer. Great job gals! We hope to see you back in an office soon! We need people willing to step forward and do their share. Most times you find you get a lot more than you give!

A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE to all that worked on the White Elephant this year. It was a fun day for everyone and we had a good crowd of buyers and browsers. There were so many volunteers we could not mention each and all so just accept my greatest thanks. Isn?’t it amazing how well the people of Mobel Americana work together? At One time, the count of those sorting and pricing was 49! Start getting ready for next year?’s Bazaar and White Elephant.

NOTICES
There is located at the maintenance shed on Mt. Piney Avenue an air pump, which you may use 24 hours a day to pump up your bicycle tires. Please replace the air hose on the hanger.

Forecaster
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. Deadline for May (now 5 pm) for general articles, the 19th of April; for event announcements, the 21st. Please note that effective immediately the minimum size font is number eleven (11).

Those of you who live in the pet section and who walk your dogs, please have the courtesy to pick up after them.

The office has forms for those of you who use medications on with you can record all such medicines. The St. Petersburg Fire Department who will then have the necessary information in the event that you have a medical emergency keeps these records.

Please do not park on the grass verges, or any other grass areas for that matter. Water and sprinkler lines run just under the surface in many grassed areas and parking on the grass is guaranteed to break the lines, creating an inconvenience for everyone.

From Elsie Cantos ?— Thank you. I wish to thank everyone for your cards, phone calls and flowers. I had triple by-pass heart surgery and am now doing fine.

Pat and Bernie Ruedy of 383 Mt. Richmond Ave. invite all park residents to an open house on April 21st from 2.00 to 4.OOpm. No pets please.

Re Conrad Weiser?’s article on the email service, the system address is ?“MAA 2001 @ listbot.com?” (no spaces). Conrad?’s email address is ?“M A 0 A 1999 ?© A 0 L.C 0 M (no spaces)

Free smoke alarms are available from the St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue. Julie Rivard is the home SAFE coordinator and the phone number is 893 ?— 7218.

Koffee Klatch ?— By Shirley Wadsworth; Don?’t miss the last Koffee klatch for the season. See you all Thursday April 5 at 9.OOam. Only 35 cents for do ?— nuts and coffee. Will resume in November.

From John and Shirley Wadsworth ?— Thank you very much. We appreciated all the calls, cards, messages, prayers and prayer lines in Canada and the U.S., after John?’s surgery. So happy to make it to our Florida home.

Watering Hours ?— Effective March 2001 watering hours are between 6.00 PM and 8.00 AM Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Mobel Americana. Fines from $35.00 to $500.00 can be incurred for watering on unscheduled days.

COMPUTER GROUP MEETING
Conrad Weiser & Russ Steele
The regular computer group meeting will be held at 9 am. on Saturday, April 14, in the club house atrium. A guest resource person is being sought to follow the interesting presentation by Police Officer Chip Wells at the March meeting.

The group will not meet again until Saturday, Nov. 17, unless special meetings are called during the summer months.

Neighborhood Crime Watch
UPDATE
The next meeting of the Crime Prevention/Crime Watch/Crime Patrol will be held at the clubhouse on Friday April 13th. 2001 1:30 P.M.

Refreshments as usual. Program not confirmed as yet but I will announce it at the Wednesday Luncheons as soon as possible.

Our CPR class went very well at our March meeting. Everyone learned the correct way to perform CPR. You never know when one of us will be called on to help in an emergency situation until Paramedics arrive.

Don?’t forget; bring a friend or a new resident with you to our April meeting. See You There!

MONTHLY BRIDGE LUNCHEON Gerri Bassett
Betty Chase for April will be at noon on the 18th lunch will cater the Bridge luncheon, Tickets will be $5.00 and can be purchased from the Host and Hostess:

Anne Kocher
Joan DellAngelo
Esther Louzon
Shirley Beauchamp
You All Come Now, we have a good time, prizes will be given.

Scrabble Club by Nancy Hubartt
If you are looking for something to fill an evening with, try the game of Scrabble. We meet on Mondays at 6:30 P.M. year round. Bring yourself, a Scrabble Dictionary and game board if you have one. Rules are simple. You can use the dictionary and once the blank has been played you can exchange the blank with the letter it has been used as. Some of us still like to use the Scrabble dictionary (I know I do because I hate to spell and I am still learning the different two letter words (82 of them) that can be used). We don?’t time your play. It?’s all for fun.

LIBRARY CLUB NEWS
By Nora Adell Andrews
"Good books are the warehouses of ideas.?” H. G. Wells (1866-1946)

At our February meeting, Rita Lewis announced that our money making project, selling candy bars, netted $247. We are awaiting word from the MAROA board members, and upon approval, we will begin the additional 15 feet of shelving, so badly needed for our books. Also we have new classification labels for the existing bookshelves, and they will be in place shortly.

We have decided that next year we will be meeting in the Library on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. In addition, we have selected our book reading selections for the next season as follows:

November: Are You Somebody? By Nuala O?’Faolain
December: Friendship Cake by Lynne Hinton
January: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
February: Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Stout
March: Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher
April: Dear Exile by Kate Montgomery & Hilary Liften Please feel welcome to come and join us in some lively discussions.

Our book this month was Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. Joan Belanger led the discussion on this book that won the PEN/Faulkner Award. It is a graphic story of life during World War 11: of internment of the Japanese-Americans; of pride and prejudices in a small community; all woven into the background of a small island north of Puget Sound. We enjoyed sharing our thoughts on this book with each other.

The next meeting will be April 12, in the library section of the clubhouse, and the book is Tara Road by Maeve Binchy, Joan Mitchell will lead the discussion. We invite all those interested to come and join us.

"I took a speed-reading course and read War and Peace in twenty minutes. It?’s about Russia.?” -Woody Allen

SHUFFLEBOARD NEWS
By Jo Waldron
President Bert Zanaglio opened his last regular meeting as president of the Shuffleboard club; Ed McGrath thanked him for the excellent job he has done as president. He has initiated many improvements in the courts during his tenure and he was given a round of applause for his time and efforts.

Also leaving office this year is Gen Van Patten, who has been secretary for longer than anyone can remember. She leaves some big shoes to fill, her notes has always been the final word on who said what, and when they said it. Thank you, Gen.

Lucille Laberge has finished her term as treasurer also; she brought us into the computer age with the books. Thank you Lucille, for the many hours you devoted to this task.

The new officers are: Shirley Penrod, president; Tom Solomon, vice president; Jo Waldron, secretary; Hazel Misciagna, treasurer.

Team reports: Blue Skies in 2nd place, Friendship 1 and Friendship 2 had a good season, Nova Blue had fun and Nova Red finished in 1st Place YES!

TOURNAMENT WINNERS:
Nova Singles
Main Event: 3rd place: Jo Waldron
Consolation: 3rd place: Don Sackfield
4th place: Norma Lafleur

Friendship Doubles
Main Event: 1st place: Nick Misciagna & Sil Oliveira
2nd place: Doreen & Ed McGrath
Consolation: 1st place: Roger Beauchamp & Roger Laberge

CARL AGERHOLM TROPHY WINNER:
Doreen McGrath

PIN GAME CHAMPS
Hazel & Nick Misciagna

BLUE SKY TOURNAMENT
?“A?” Division
Main Event: 1st place: Nick Misciagna
Consolation: 4th place: Sil Oliveira
?“B?” Division
Main Event: 3rd place: Tom Solomon Congratulations to all.
Happy Shuffling

GARDEN CLUB
By Shirley LaForce
The April 10th meeting of the Garden Club will be the Annual Picnic at Bay Pines Memorial Park. There will be a sign-up sheet in the clubhouse on the bulletin board.

Everyone planning to attend is asked to bring their own table settings and a dish to share. Please bring a grill if you have one, and a favorite game to play. The Garden Club will supply hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments and sodas.

We will be carpooling and plan to leave the parking lot at 10:00 a.m. Please check the sign-up sheet, and come and enjoy.

For the Garden Club meeting on April 24th, there will be a workday in the garden. Please bring gloves and tools.

To our members who are leaving for the north, have a safe trip; a good summer and we look forward to seeing you again in the fall.

PAR SEEK RS GOLF
By Russ Steele

The awarding of trophies and prize money for the club championship were highlights of the annual Par Seekers banquet March 26 in the club house.

Michelle Willett was the winner of first place in women?’s competition with a net score of 58 (88-30). Defending champion Reeda Ervin was second with a net 59 and Trish Conner was third. Former champion Sally Corliss had the best gross score with an 8 1.

Rene Renaud was C division winner with a net 60 (87-27). Larry Whittier was second with a net 64, while Claude Ste Marie was third with a 66. Ray Sieben won the B division with a net 57 (75-18). Ken Hopkins was second with a 59 while Bill Hart had a 62 for third.

A highlight of A division play was a hole in one on hole 10 by Ed Higgins, his first ever. Al Dion was the A winner with a net 59 (74-15) while John Dunn was second with 61, followed by Ed McGrath in third.

Fourteen women participated. There were 12 players in the C division, II in division B and 13 in the A division. John Dunn had the best gross score of the day with a 70.

Ray Sieben was the winner of a 3-club handicap event Feb. 22, while Sally Corliss was second and Bob Hoey third. The best gross score with three clubs was by Norm Begin who carded a gross 67 for the event

Two foursome of Par Seekers were among the leading teams in the second annual ROC Golf Invitational Feb. 20 at imperial Lakewoods Golf Club, Palmetto, sponsored by Nick Ferraro.

Finishing third in the scramble event was the team of Ed McGrath, Jack Young, Jean Dion and Norm begin with a score of 66. In fourth place with a 67 were John Dunn, Bill Ervin, Roy Young and Ed Higgins.

Play will continue in April at Mainlands as long as enough players are available for a group. The 2002 season will start the first week in November.

Dear Needlecrafters
By Annette Solomon
Classes in basic counted cross-stitch, embroidery, crochet and plastic canvas is going on in full swing. To learn the basics at any class, new corners are always welcome. All classes and supplies are provided free for beginners. You work at your own speed.

If you are working on a project alone at home, come and join us. Monthly lunches are enjoyed by all.

Plans for the Annual Fall Bazaar are being considered. So before you Snowbirds fly north, homework may be assigned. Those fingers must be kept busy and happy.

P.S. Monday at 6pm and Thursday at 9am
See you there.

ST. PATRICK DAY CELEBRATION
By Arlene Elwell
Our clubhouse was beautifully decorated ?‘by Renata and Will Hoess. It was a perfect setting for a social hour, followed by a delicious dinner. At traditional St Patrick day dinner) corned beef and cabbage. Betty Chase and her faithful crew, prepared, served and cleaned up. Unbelievable

Just Us & Company entertained us with a joyous show. Dorothy Kolb was the director with the able assistance of Shirley Wadsworth. Fern Eppers played the piano, it was great to have her playing again.

Tee Phillips was a very capable M.C.

The entertainers were, Mary Kelm, Faith Brundage, Barbara Magada, Betty Chase, Kay Jones, Dotte Farren, Peggy Hubrich, Gene Latreille, Claire Barrett, Nary Ann and Drew Fairlie, Annette and Tom Solomon, Marie Sirois, Esther Louzon, and Ruth Brown. Also, Paul Ghezzi, Bill Hart, Rene Renaud and Leo Dwyer.

Ted was the leader of McNamaras Band. Paul was the Leprechaun tagging along after him. All the entertainers marched after Ted and Paul, playing their instruments and tossing beads to the crowd.

Faith sang Great Day for the Irish. The men?’s chorus sang Sweet Rosie O?’Grady, as Rosie waltzed down the aisle. Kay (under Rosie's hat)

Nary, Kay and Barbara sang Harrigan, with lots of spirit. Following by a duet by Mary Ann and Drew singing My Wild Irish Rose and When Irish Eyes are Smiling.

Dotte, Peggy and Esther sang a rendition of a four-leaf Clover. How about that hat trick?

Tom with Shillelagh in hand sang It?’s The Same Old Shillelagh.

On a more serious note, Faith Claire and Betty sang That?’s An Irish Lullaby. Dorothy, Shirley, Gene and Annette sang to a guest in the audience with Peggy O?’Neil.

Our lovable Ruth Brown gave a reading about her hilarious photo session.

The men?’s chorus sang The Bells of St. Mary's, very touching.

Drew gave us a rendition of Danny Boy on Bassoon, excellent.

Mary, Kay and Barbara sang Shanty Town with gusto.

Then men sang Peg of My Heart. Shirley Wadsworth recited An Irish Blessing.

The finale--May The Good Lord Bless and Keep You, sung by Shirley, Faith, Claire and Betty with the entire ensemble joining them.

Dorothy Kolb acknowledged all that helped.

Standing Ovation!

E-MAIL SERVICE
Our new, private ?“Listserv?” for residents of Mobel Americana is now available for park residents who have computer access to an e-mail service, (Juno, AOL, Hotmail, Free-Net, etc.)

The concept is simple- any e-mail message sent to that address is repeated and sent to every e-mail address on the ?“List?”. It comes as an e-mail message to every recipient (subscriber) next time they login to check their mail.

Here?’s the distinctive and important privacy factor: (1) The listbot will only accept e-mail messages sent from our subscribers, (i.e. park residents). (2) The only people who will receive these shared comments, (some may be referred to as gossip!), are those on our subscriber list, (i.e. again, park residents only). (3) When you read one of these postings, (letters), you can respond and post an answer/comment just by clicking your ?“Reply?” button. You have 2 options: (A) You can address your letter to ?“Reply To-?” sending your words to everybody on the listbot, or (B) You can address your note to ?“From-?” sending a private comment only to the author of the posting you were reading.

If you have computer access to e-mail, and would like to try ?“Listening in on our park party line?” please send me an e-mail with your name, park address, and e-mail I.D. I?’ll arrange to have Bill Gates Team send you an application to join. Just for the record: There is never any charge and the last line of each letter invites you to unsubscribe if no longer interested.

Potpourri
From the Editor?’s desk (additional contributions from Gerri Bassett, Lucy Laberge and Nancy Hubartt) Monthly Thought ?— The eyes believe themselves, the ears believe other people,

Dumb Inventions No. 186962 ?—A coffin in which there is an air tube from the coffin to the surface. ?‘Nuff said.

Bumperstickers ?— How can a cemetery raise its burial cost and blame it on the cost of living!

Advice for idiots I idiot stories (real ones) I was signing the receipt for my credit card purchase when the clerk noticed that I had not signed the reverse of my credit card. To cut a long story short she had me sign the back of my credit card, compared it to my purchase signature and as luck would have it both signatures matched.

Actual queries (and replies) to the Sydney Olympic Committee ?— Can you tell me the regions in Tasmania where the female population is smaller than the male population? Yes, gay nightclubs.

Dilbert?’ rules of order ?— I don?’t suffer from stress. I am a carrier; Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Chinese proverb ?— Growing old is inevitable. Growing up is optional.

You?’re getting marvelously mature when ?— You and your teeth don?’t sleep together; when happy hour is a nap.

Fun definitions ?— Committee: a body that keeps minutes and wastes hours; Beauty parlor: a place where women curl up and dye.

Things my kids taught me ?— The fire department in Austin has a five-minute response time; the spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

From the Editor Safety, Safety ?— On March 12, about 7:15pm along Mt. Piney Avenue, three cyclists flashed into view from Mt. Essex onto Mt. Piney with no attempt to stop or slow down to look and see if it was safe. Well at first I said to myself, these people have no wits, but then I said, well at least they have headlights and rear lights so I guess they must have some wits, you know half-wits. As I arrived home I thought to myself, maybe they?’re still at it so I walked down Mt. Oak, good guess ?‘cause there they were still flashing around so I shouted?” Hold it?” and two of the three stopped, at which point I gave them a piece of my mind. Mind you I can ill afford to give anybody a piece of my mind, I find I need it all for myself. Anyway it turned out that it was two adults and a youth, and they are park residents. Although I pointed out the possible dangerous consequences of what they were doing all I got was a ?“yeh?’. I know we all have done silly things that we were just lucky enough did not turn out badly and I?’m sure these people did not intend any harm. But there are many older drivers in this park whose reaction time is not fast, and even at night, as this was, even alert drivers might have had a problem. You know in all the years I have read or heard about bicycle and automobile collisions I have yet to see the cyclist win the battle. So people, whomever you are, remember this, it won?’t be the motorist in the hospital, or having a funeral service, it will be you. The line has to be drawn somewhere!

Duplicate Bridge Gerri Bassett
Michell Movement

Sunday February 18
North & South
1. Lois & Leo Dwyre
2. Beverly Hamel & Joan Dell Angelos
3. Maretta Dimke & Elizabeth Copeland

East & West
1. Gerri & John Bassett
2. Effie Fields & Michelle Willett
3. Doris Gibson & Bernice Dekker

Sunday February 25
North & South
1. Harriett Gilbert & Tex Batchelder
2. Lois & Leo Dwyre
3. Beverly Hamel & Joan Dell Angelo

East & West

1. Gerri & John Bassett
2. Effie Fields & Michelle Willett
3. Lucy & Roger LaBerge

North & South
1. Harriett Gilbert & Tex Batchelder
2. Beverly Hamel & Joan DellAngelo
3. Michelle Willett & Shirley Bloushine

East & West
1. Helen & Walter Smith
2. Doris Gibson & Bernice Dekker
3. Agnes & Jerry Howland

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 your 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 for all your help week after week.

Welcome New Welcome Lady
By Millie Berdeen
Due to illness, I have retired as the Welcome Lady for the non-pet section of the park. It?’s been a challenging and fun eight years. Thanks to those who let me know when new residents moved in.

Gail Jones has agreed to take my place and Dot Kolb will continue greeting newcomers in the pet section. Please let them know when a new neighbor has moved in so they can be welcomed.

NEW ENGLAND NIGHT by Thomas Solomon
THANK YOU to the 356 people who attended New England Night. W e hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we enjoyed presenting the event for you. Next year, we hope to bring the theme of this annual event from the State of Maine.
See you next year
Your New England Committee
P.S. The 92 new chairs look great, don?’t they?

TUESDAY NIGHT BRIDGE 3/6/01
1- Lenore Helson
2- Hubert Purdy

3/13/01
1- Anne Laflamme
2- Agnes Howland

The Medical Corner
Marci Sadorf R.N.
www.bayshorehomecare.com
Bayshore Health & Homemaker Services

The Dangers of Excessive Stress
The general adaptation syndrome is the way in which the body responds to stress. The three main stages to the general adaptation syndrome are:
Alarm stage,
Resistance stage
Exhaustion stage

The alarm stage gets out body ready for ?“fight or flight.?”

The second stage is the resistance stage. It occurs if the stress is severe or persists for a prolong time, causing the mind or body to perceive a loss of control.
This actually locks in a long-lasting stress response.

The resistance stage is a natural survival response placed in pestilence or us. It actually prepares the body for long-term survival. This is commonly seen in people who have been working the same job for years, feel trapped with no way for advancement, and perceive a loss of control. Someone may also enter the resistance stage when they are under considerable financial stress with no way out and no way to pay all the bills. This may occur if there is chronic illness or strife in the home, or any other situation in which they perceive a loss of control or have a ?“give-up?” attitude. During this stage, a person usually begins to overtax the adrenal cortex, as it produces excessive amounts of Cortisol. This natural substance is actually similar to the drug cortisone. Cortisol causes blood pressure to raise slowly, sex drive decreases, fats to be released into the blood, and gastric acid to increase in the stomach. The body is on high alert, unable to sleep well, and the immune system is usually compromised. If the resistance stage continues for prolonged periods of time, a person will eventually enter into the final stage of the general adaptation syndrome, which is adrenal exhaustion.

Adrenal exhaustion is the worst stage because a person is almost assured of developing disease if it continues. Probably the most common symptom of adrenal exhaustion that is seen is fatigue. A person can sleep eight to ten hours a night and still awaken fatigued. Their sleep is not restful because they usually don?’t enter into the deeper stages of sleep. During the exhaustion stage, many of the organs and systems in the body have been harmed. There is usually a significant enlargement of the adrenal cortex from excessive production of Cortisol. There is also usually a decrease in the amount of white blood cells, a rise in blood pressure, excessive stomach acid, decrease in the size of the thymus gland and spleen, and a significant comprise in the immune function. Thus a person usually becomes very susceptible to infection, allergies, candida, autoimmune disease, and even cancer. Patients in the exhaustion stage gain more body fat in the abdominal region and actually lose muscle mass because Cortisol causes muscle wasting. Additionally, they may have elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.

Unfortunately, when most people seek help they area already in this final stage of the general adaptation syndrome. Often they have been to numerous doctors and while some medicines and treatments have helped short-term, there has been nothing that has helped most of these patients on a long-term basis. When a person reaches adrenal exhaustion, we shouldn?’t just treat their body with vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements. We must also treat the person mentally, emotionally and most of all, spiritually. Walking in Divine Health, Dr. Don Colbert, M.D.

AS I SEE IT...Laurie Schuh
P. T. BARNUM and the Little people Because Ringling, Barnum and Bailey circus occupies a Sarasota, Florida winter home I thought it fitting to introduce some of the very first people associated with the early days of the Barnum circus. Louise Pickett helped me a great deal with old Massachusetts press clippings, particularly about the deceased "Tom Thumb?” midget, Barnum?’s prodigy. Louise also found some of Tom Thumb?’s small furniture in the attic of the home she shared with her husband Bob. It?’s detailed toward the end of the story.

P. T. Barnum was the greatest showman this country has ever known. He started with a N.Y. museum, accumulating all sorts of freaks of nature and sticking in a few hoaxes on his theory that the public loves to be ?“humbugged.?” Charles Stratton was 4 years old when Barnum made a contract with the normal size parents for custody of the midget boy, teaching him to sing, dance and recite. Because of his 3?’4?” height he was called Tom Thumb. The Bridgeport?’s native was a fast learner. Fine clothes were made to fit his perfect figure. For his first performance, dressed in a blue velvet suit he looked like a little prince. Response from the crowds was a tonic to the boy. He had entered a world of wonder so unlike his simple surroundings at home. He soon became a trouper, second only to Barnum himself, who was his traveling mate.

Together they traveled abroad. No funds were spared to advertise the little man as he and Barnum paraded the streets before a performance. Barnum and Tom were received by royalty and the story goes that when Tom Thumb was introduced to Queen Victoria as Mr. Tom Thumb, she retorted, "GENERAL" Tom Thumbs

The Duke of Wellington, Emperor Napoleon III and others were all so impressed with the little person. There was a children?’s party, the prince, princesses and their titled playmates...the next day at which Tom Thumb was a guest, he found a small uniform of a British General waiting for him.

Much later another midget, a sweet little 2-ft. girl entered the picture. Lavinia Bump grew like any other child until she was 2, and stopped growing. She was perfectly formed and very pretty. She had a sweet childlike voice and could recite. Despite her tiny size she had attended Middleboro schools making a brilliant record. At 16 she became a teacher of the primary grades. A distant relative in the Mississippi showboat business broached the subject of taking the girl with him but her parents were aghast at first. It was an affront from their Puritanical code. But there were other arguments in favor. Teaching brought very little remuneration and Lavinia was so tiny that heavy work was impossible. In time Barnum saw her and succeeded in bringing her into his company. He had already made a fortune with Tom Thumb. The little General fell in love with little Lavinia. Barnum was delighted. He planned the wedding like a regular showman, which was held in 1863 in Grace Church, N.Y., a pageant of splendor. The elite of N.Y. society was present, the Belmonts. The Astors, the Vanderbilt?’s. Rich gifts were given the couple. Mrs. Abraham Lincoln sent a set of Chinese fire screens inlaid with gold and mother?—of?—pearl. Exquisite small things such as a 12-inch chair of carved rosewood, a miniature silver tea set, a tiny sewing machine were wedding gifts. It was a spectacle of grandeur, open to the public but not lacking in its sanctity and great depths of meaning. On their wedded journey they were entertained at the White House. Their housekeeping was set up in Bridgeport. All the furniture was made especially to their scale little beds, tables and small knives, forks and utensils, suitable for little people.

With Barnum they toured the world, Africa, Australia, England and, always being entertained by Queen Victoria who was delighted with their presence. They returned to their rural Middleboro after every trip. The neighbors at that time recalled the smart span of ponies and carriage driven by Gen. Thumb on what is now Route 28. Within the carriage was his wife, Lavinia, well dressed, aristocratic, a woman of fame.

General Thumb sadly passed away leaving a grieving widow. In two years time she married another midget in the Barnum company, the noble-born Count Primo Magri from Bologna, Italy...only 37 inches tall. He was one of 13 normal children born to his normal size parents. After Lavinia?’s death in 1919, the ailing Count held an auction of their furniture, clothing, special utensils with which his wife and Gen Tom Thumb had surrounded themselves. In particular there is a life size figure of the late Countess Lavinia now on display at the museum, Over the years, Lavinia?’s nephew, Benjamin Bump, principal of Assawompsett school, Lakeville, received so many requests after his aunt?’s death, Countess Magri (Lavinia) and the Count?’s death to display their small sized artifacts, he and his wife opened a small museum in South Middleboro to exhibit the treasures of the late General and Mrs. Tom Thumb. They received many donations from other people who had some of the personal belongings of the pair, and some were purchased. There was the diminutive furniture, jewelry and household items for the museum plus a great deal of clothing, from which some of the last garments worn by Lavinia were placed on her manikin by her nephew in the museum.

One of the thrills of childhood at the turn of the century was to be taken to a museum of the old Barnum circus to see Count and Countess Magri and shake their hands. The diminutive Countess had a soft warm dimpled hand and a charming smile as she leaned down from her platform and tiny armchair to greet a child. Medical science attributes such dwarfing in which a person is perfectly proportioned but in miniature, to a defect in the pituitary gland. Although the stature is small, the mind is often brilliant and personality attractive. Louise Pickett said that while her late husband, Bob, was alive they shared a Mass. home, the attic of which contained a tiny bed and 3 small upholstered chairs belonging to Tom Thumb. Louise was mystified at first then learned they had been the property of Bob?’s first wife. Louise sold the valuable furniture to the Bridgeport, Conn., museum. Years ago I recall quite a spread on Tom Thumb and his little wife in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle newspaper about a Tom Thumb bed and stand found Stored in another attic. If I had been aware that I would write about them some day in Florida, I would have read the article more carefully.

The information for this ?“little people?” story came from a Smithsonian magazine, a Travel Holiday magazine and a friend history teacher, recently retired and of course from my friend Louise Pickett.
Cheerio and wear your ?“green?” on the 17th
Laurie

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 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. Bertram Zanaglio, MAROA Board member.

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL PHYLLIS BURG
528-8119
621 NEW Castle, St. Pete
APRIL 2001
APRIL 5, Thurs. - BASEBALL GAME, Devil Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays, Day Game. . $30
APRIL 6, FRI - ?“S?’WONDERFUL?” at the Stage Door Dinner Theater, A tribute to the music of George Gershwin
?“Strike up the Band?”, ?“Lady be Good?” & many more, W/ meal. . $49
APRIL 7, SAT. - Passion PLAY, in Hudson with meal (matinee). . $42
APRIL 8, SUN. - GUY LOMBARDO Orchestra at Silver Springs w/buffet meal & clubhouse seating...$50
APRIL 9, MON. - MISSION INN with Lunch & boat ride, and a stop at the candy (chocolate) outlet. . $49
APRIL 10, TUES - Visit FORD/EDISON Homes in Ft. Myers, with lunch on your own at mall. . $31
APRIL 11 WED. MYSTERY TOUR, a boat tour, one we haven?’t taken in a long time...$42
APRIL 12, Thurs. - LUNCH BUNCH, Food, Fun & Friendship at the Crown Hotel in Inverness. . $29
APRIL 15, SUN. EASTER BRUNCH at Marriott Waterside in Downtown Tampa. . $49
APRIL 17, TUES - STERUNG CASINO, 5 hour Gambling Cruise from Cape Canaveral with meal, entertainment & beverage/cocktail service while gambling included. . $22
APRIL 18 WED. - ROARING 20?’S PIZZA & PIPES, come enjoy pizza & entertainment on the Giant Pipe organ. $31
APRIL 19, THURS. - RIVERSHIP ROMANCE, 4 hour cruise with Shrimp & Sticky Buns in Sanford on St Johns. $60
APRIL 20, FRI. - YBOR CITY TOUR, lunch at Spaghetti Warehouse & tour brewery. . $32
APRIL 21 SAT. - DISNEY Theme Park, transportation only, (going 1 Sat. every other month). . $25
APRIL 28 SAT. - USA FLEA MARKET in Port Richey . . .$18
MAY 2001
MAY 9, WED. - SHOPPING WITH GAIL, at Ellenton Prime Outlets Mall...$18
MAY 10, Thurs. - LUNCH BUNCH, Food, Friendship & Fun. . $TBA
MAY 10, THURS. - ?“SUGAR BABIES?” at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, matinee w/meal...$51
MAY 20, SUN. - ?“CAROUSEL?” at the Stage Door Dinner Theater, matinee w/meal . . .$49
MAY 21, MON. - CENTRO YBOR, visit this exciting new shopping, entertainment & dining attraction...$17
MAY 22, TUES. - STERUNG CASINO, 5 hour Gambling Cruise from Cape Canaveral with meal, entertainment & beverage/cocktail service while gambling included. $22
MAY 23, WED. MYSTERY TOUR...$37
MAY 24, THURS. - CHALET SUZANNE visits this exquisite resort, includes a BUFFET meal...$44
MAY 26, SAT. - FISHERMANS VILLAGE, Memorial Day Weekend ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR. . $20
MAY 29, TUES. - BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL TOUR with MEAL. . $39