Americana Cove

A Fresh New Year Of Opportunity

Dec 31, 2003

PRAYER FOR JANUARY
Holy God, we pray that peace may once again be found throughout the world.
Let the greed, selfishness and desire for power subside in all people everywhere in all walks of life.
Your Son showed us the way. Help us to follow His example.
We live in a beautiful world of Your creation yet through history there has been war and strife.
In our own homes and community we find unrest.
Guide the Board to listen to the residents. As the song goes "--let it begin with me".
Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain


MAROA NEWS
Paul Mattina, President
This is the first article for the New Year, and we hope all our residents had a wonderful and fulfilling holiday season. For those that are returning from ?“up North?”, we hope that you will quickly shake the cold from your bones and begin to enjoy the warmth and comfort of our friendly and caring community here in sunny Florida. Welcome home.
The last Board meeting in December concluded with the submission of six applications for the election this month for the three available seats. This shows an interest by the shareholders in participating in the governance of our community. The resumes have been mailed out to shareholders, and it is assumed all have received them by now. We look forward to the election, which will be held at the Shareholders meeting on the 21st of January.
As you know, George Milner was appointed to the Board to fill a vacancy of one year, and will be running to retain his seat. Ted Jackson was also appointed to fill a one-year vacancy, but has chosen not to run. We wish Ted well, and want him to know that we appreciate his service and will miss him. Jerry Spetz has also chosen not to run for re-election due to health concerns. Jerry has been on the Board for more than one term, and has been a great asset to the Board. We will miss his presence and participation, but look forward to seeing him around the park and at our various activities. We want to thank those that are departing, and want to welcome those members that will be elected this month.
On behalf of the Board, past, present and candidates for future seats, I would like to thank all those that arranged and participated in putting on a wonderful ?“Board Appreciation Night?” on December 11th. The food was great; the Bluegrass Band was even greater. But the best gift to all residents of the park, one that will be appreciated for years to come, was that of the history of the founding of our community, ?“Mobel Americana, Yesterday and Today?”. One year in the making, this was a labor of love, and there is no way we can thank Russ Steele and Gene Seawell enough for all their hard work. And thanks, too, for the excellent narration by Tom Solomon.
We look forward to much positive activity in 2004. Our dealer is bringing in a number of new homes and is beginning to fill some of the many empty lots. As each new home is sold, it reduces our liability and increases our income. There are also a number of new replacement homes ordered, and more in negotiation. The Planning Committee is looking into areas that need attention on a priority basis, and the Finance Committee is also making progress on recommendations that will improve our financial condition. All told, this promises to be a very progressive year for our park.


BOARD ACTIVITIES - submitted by Ed Mosakowski, Secretary, Board of Directors
Friday, Dec 12th, four Board members and several shareholders attended the ROC (Resident Owned Communities) meeting at Majestic Park, Seminole Blvd, Seminole. This month's topic was "Preparing for the Annual Meeting", presented by Ellen Hersch de Haan, J.D. Throughout the presentation, Ellen responded to questions from the attendees. She was informative as well as entertaining. Some of the points covered were: process of setting up the meeting as to required time periods; process to be followed in setting up the election of board members; proxies -- their meaning and use; when to close the polls; how to count the ballots; validity of ballots; and when election is not necessary.
Americana Cove will be the site of the January 2004 meeting. The topic and speaker will be announced at a later date.


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
by Frances McVay

CLARK, Ken & Joyce
336 Mt. Saxon Avenue
Previously Fitzgibbons/Welch
Moved from 6726 Americana Drive

DIKOVICS, Richard (VA)
7135 Mt. Essex Drive
Previously Sanzone

JAKIEL, Stanley B.
6713 Americana Drive
Previously Martin

MORELOCK, Frankie
7020 Mt. DeLeon Road
Previously White

RAPP, Ronald R.
7010 Mt. Georgetown Drive
Previously McCarter

WETHERELL, Richard B.
636 Mt. Piney Avenue
Previously Harmon


SUNSHINE REPORT - January 2004
By Gerri Bassett

Deaths
Genevieve Greene

Nursing Homes
Bill Krich Carrington Place
Bob Ortel Carrington Place
Jack Moersdorf Gracewood
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Claire Mueller Grace Health Center
Pauline Newman Bon Secours Maria Manor

Hospitals
As of this writing none known.

Birthdays
1 Mae Linstad
2 Ed Roberts
Don Berg
3 Dotte Farren
Lillian Harris
7 Tom Solomon
9 Chuck Moon
11 Irene Kmieciak
13 Jean Iacono
14 Helen Riggs
15 Virginia Blanken
Keith McCall
20 Louise Pickett
26 Al Scribner
30 Gloria Shultes

Anniversaries
01 Lila and Jerry Mussman 25 years
03 Andrea and Ron Simmons 34 years
07 Gerri and John Bassett 09 years
11 Claire and Bill Hart 63 years
18 Pat and Frank Wright 12 years
25 Gene and Tony Rybka 63 years
26 Mitzi and Don Delzell 47 years
29 Shirley and John Wadsworth 57 years
31 Shirley and Leo LaForce 55 years

Would you like your Birthday or Anniversary in the Forecaster? Let me know. Call Gerri at 525-6806


MAA NEWS BOB LARSEN, PRESIDENT
Please join us on Tuesday Jan. 6th at 10:00am for the MAA Council Meeting in the Atrium. On Wednesday at 12 noon is the FREE Luncheon Meeting. All residents of Americana Cove are automatically members of the MAA and are welcome.
Saturday, Jan. 10th there will be a "Magic Show", followed by a dessert table. Tickets will be sold Wednesday Jan. 7th at 11:l5am for $3.00.
We wish everyone a prosperous and happy New Year!!


OLD TIMERS
By Marcia Fay
Happy New Year to everyone, and we hope your year is a healthy and happy one. Our meetings this month will be January 14th and 28th at noon, and we welcome all old members, new members, and guests. The membership dues are $3.50 for the year, and we give you a name badge to wear showing you as a member.
We will again have a chair raffle, with Marcia donating a chair she has woven. Tickets may be purchased at the luncheons.
The aluminum can collectors are doing a great job! They collect those items of aluminum that are put out early Tuesday morning. Of course, you are encouraged to take cans and other items to the sheds on Americana Drive and Mt. Piney. Volunteers crush the cans every week, usually on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. We would like to get more helpers so if you are interested please come on Tuesdays. For more information call Paul Beauregard, 526-6495. Thank you!


COVE CORNER
By Ken Hopkins
LET US VOTE ?– The November Board of Directors meeting was an interesting exercise in representative democracy. The Board called the meeting for the express purpose of adopting the annual budget in accordance with our by-laws and state statutes. Ballots were printed, proxies were mailed out to those not yet back from their summer hiatus, a town hall meeting was held where we discussed the vote, and so forth. Then, at the ninth hour, the Board announced through their attorney that the Board had the option of letting the shareholders vote on the budget or not, and so the Board decided that they alone would vote and make the decision for us. Note that the lawyer did not say the shareholders could not vote, but rather it was the Board?’s option as to whether we voted or not. The Board chose to deny the shareholders the right to vote. And then commented how we should not have an ?“us vs. them?” attitude. Only the Board knows why they didn?’t say, ?“Well the ballots are printed, the proxies have been received, and all these people came here to vote; let?’s go ahead with the vote as planned.?” Although the attorney said the Shareholders could vote, the Board said, ?“no, we will make the decision for you.?” Now, don?’t misunderstand. I support the Board. But just as you didn?’t always like what your kids did even though you always loved them, I think the Board?’s actions in this matter were mistaken. What?’s done is done and it?’s time to move on. But do we want to do this again next year? Far more important than the dollars or the new entrance, is the shareholder?’s right to have a say in their community. The shareholders were disenfranchised by the Board simply because our by-laws allowed it. That says to me that it?’s time to take a look at the by-laws with respect to voting on the annual budget. Our by-laws state that the Board MUST gain shareholders approval to buy or sell land, recall a member of the Board, or amend the Master Occupancy Agreement. I contend that it would be good to add to that list ?“approve the annual budget.?” Our by-laws are our constitution. Just as the constitution may be amended, so may our by-laws. I call upon the Board to work with interested shareholders to explore this issue. That would be a good demonstration of ?“us and us.?”

WELCOME COMMITTEE ?– I remember when we first came here, newly retired and looking forward to our new life at Mobel Americana. We made our choice, we paid our money, and here we were. We were pretty green as to the ways of community living. We didn?’t understand anything about life here. We bought our share after building the house just because we would get lesser maintenance fees. I remember being nice to Russ Steele because he was with the Par Seekers and I thought you had to know somebody to get invited to play! Over time, we became acclimated and learned how things work here in the community. We even learned some of the gossip! We have a shortcut for that learning curve. It?’s called the Welcome Committee with its chair, Gail Jones. We?’d like your help in welcoming newcomers to our lovely community. As Nick does his job and sells new homes, we will have an ever-increasing number of newcomers. Let?’s all be good neighbors. Go out of your way to invite a newcomer to Bingo, the Boat Club, Par Seekers, or Shufflers. Let Gail know that your neighbor is a newcomer and would welcome a visit from her. We are all ambassadors of good will for our community. Let?’s make sure that our newcomers know they made the right choice in choosing Americana Cove. Oh, and I am still nice to Russ Steele.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR NEIGHBOR ?– Peter Aucoin turned 100 years old last month! Wow, that says it all. Well, not quite. How about Doctor Peter Aucoin? Yes, Peter is a physician and surgeon. He was born in 1903 in Maine. He did his medical education at Laval University in Quebec (in French) and practiced medicine in Maine until his retirement in 1979. He and his wife Esther bought a home in Mobel Americana the following year. Dr. Aucoin still returns to Maine for the summer and has been asked by his former medical school to give the commencement address next May. Dr. Aucoin?’s wife, Esther, passed on last year but he is still active and has started playing cribbage with our cribbage group. A nice replacement for the baseball and basketball that Dr. Aucoin excelled at in his younger days. Dr. Aucoin lives about a block away from me and my first meeting with him was for this interview. He is bright and a delightful person and I am proud to call him neighbor. I?’m sure he would love for you to stop by and say hello.

RULES REVIEW COMMITTEE ?– The Board has formed a new committee to review our current Rules and Regulations with an eye to making sure that they are equitable and fair for all residents. The seven-member committee is chaired by Board member Ed Mosakowski with support from six other residents. In order to ensure that the committee has the pulse of the community, they would like to have your input. Your suggestions, comments, and criticism of the current rules (dated August 2001) are solicited. Please put your comments in writing, address them to ?“Rules Committee?” and place them in the suggestions box located in the office. If you would like to e-mail me your suggestions, that would be OK too but we need them in writing. I?’m on the committee and we would love to hear from you. Yes, we will be talking about visiting pets! The next meeting of the Rules Review Committee will be at 4:30 on Thursday, January 8th in the Clubhouse. We will be discussing ?“definitions?” specifically and all residents are welcome to attend.

RATS ?– We don?’t have fruit rats in Chicago where I come from. We have the big, ugly, chew on your fingers Norwegian Gray Rat. Yuck. So when I came here and heard people talking about fruit rats I thought they were kidding. Sort of an ?“urban legend.?” They weren?’t kidding. Rattus rattus is the scientific name for what we call ?“fruit rats?” or ?“citrus rats?” or ?“roof rats?”. We have all seen the signs of fruit rats. An orange lying on the ground completely hollowed out. Sometimes also hanging from the tree. I don?’t have any fruit trees so I figured I wouldn?’t have a rat problem but out of curiosity I bought a rat trap. ?“Use peanut butter for bait,?” the clerk told me. So I baited the trap and put it out after dark in my back yard. Bam! I caught my first rat. Then six more. One even carried the trap away. I was convinced. We have a rat problem here. I am continuing my nighttime trapping program and will continue to do so until I eliminate my local population. I have also called the St. Petersburg Sanitation Dept. (893-7360) to take advantage of their free baiting program. They will come out and place a poisoned bait container in your trees or yard to help eliminate this scourge. This is a free service. Just call them and they will send you an application to have a technician come out. Some facts about Rattus rattus you might find of interest. They are similar to squirrels in their ability to climb, live in trees, eat nuts, and similar. They typically nest in trees or higher places. Rarely on the ground. They are nocturnal so you won?’t see them during the daytime. Their gestation period is 21 to 23 days and they have a litter of up to 8 pups at a time. Mathematically, that means one female can produce about 40 offspring a year. Unless she tries some of my peanut butter. Best control is by means of poisoned baits or, even better, rat traps. With traps there is no chance of the rat crawling inside of your wall and dying. To avoid having rats enter your home, eliminate any opening bigger than ?½?” in diameter and remember that they are sometimes called ?“roof rats?” because they favor attics and higher elevations. They LOVE dog food, birdseed, and similar. My purpose in writing this brief article is to assure you that even if you have no fruit trees, you DO have fruit rats running around your backyard (and maybe your house). If we all work together we can put a serious dent in the population of our not so welcome furry neighbors.

Mobel Americana, Yesterday and Today - Congratulations to Gene Seawell, Russ Steele, and Tom Solomon for their fine video history of our community. Production is finished and the video is now available for sale. Not only does this make an excellent record of events and activities in your community, but this is an ideal gift for your children and grand children to help them understand why you have chosen Americana Cove as your home. The video is available in VHS or DVD format at the following prices: VHS Videotape @ $10.95 each or 2 for $20. DVD @ $14.95 each or 2 for $25. To place your order, please contact Gene Seawell, 526-3243, gvideo@tampabay.rr.com or Russ Steele, 527-8026, jrsteel@ilstu.edu. You may also leave a note for either in the business office to place your order. Your order will be hand delivered to your home with payment due at time of delivery. Please note all profits will go to MAA!


VESPERS by Gerri Bassett
I?’m sure everyone that went to the Vespers welcome home dinner not only enjoyed a good meal but also enjoyed the Gospel group that entertained us. They started off with ?“When The Saints Go Marching In?” that got us all clapping. The lead singer Garry White had his 28 month old son there and with Daddy?’s help he sang three songs, starting off with ?“Jesus Loves Me?”. I?’m sure they will be invited back, so hope to see you there next year.
Vespers starts at 4:50 P M on Sunday nights with an informal hymn sing. Everyone is welcome, they need your support, so come and bring a friend.
If you like to sing the choir still needs more singers so just come to practice on Friday mornings at 8:45 AM in the main hall.
If anyone would like flowers in Memory of a loved one please give Faith Brundage a call at 527-6925,the cost is $20.00 .
The night of December 20th the Vesper choir and anyone who wanted to join them went to the shut-ins and sang Christmas Carols to them. They also left some home made cookies. So a big thank you to all. I?’m sure it lifted some of their spirits.
Vespers Pastors
The 4th Pastor J R Carrell
Northeast Christian Church
11th Rev. R. Carson
St. Bedes Episcopal Church
18th Rev. David Keister
Westminster Presbyterian Church
25th Rev. Curtis Hess Retired
Central Christian Church


YOU CAN DO IT - by Sharon S. Miller
Early in 2000 a friend invited me to join him in preparing for a triathlon, a three-phase event including swimming, biking, and running. He knew I enjoyed biking and swimming. My response was ?“I don?’t run.?” My friend?’s response was ?“You don?’t need to run. You can walk the run. You can do it.?” This was the genesis of my participating in triathlons. Finishing just one event made me a believer in this way of keeping fit. I had discovered a bit of the ?“fountain of youth?” secret. A special euphoria of simply feeling good accompanies my keeping physically fit. I am truly blessed. The theme of the AARP Triathlon held recently in St. Petersburg was ?“You can do it.?” I did it in about two hours! (Approximate times: ?¼ mile swim ?– 15 minutes; 12 mile bike ride ?– 55 minutes; 3 mile run ?– 47 minutes. Total for all three events was 2 hours, 3 minutes). I dream others here at American Cove might join me and share in this triathlon experience in November of 2004. Not ready for all three events? A team of people may participate. Each person does his/her favorite event. AARP even provides training. Winning is not the challenge. Finishing is.


SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB NEWS
By Jo Waldron
At our December meeting Sil Oliveira thanked all that helped with the USA tournament. We came out very well, winning three of the four top Main event spots. Jerry Spetz came in 2nd, Shirley Penrod 3rd and Tom Solomon 4th. Congratulations to all.
Team Standings:
Jubilee League 1st Place
Blue Sky 1st Place
Friendship 1 2nd Place
Friendship 2 1st Place
Nova Blue 7th Place
Nova Red 2nd Place
Chick Kageyama wanted me to mention that Lillian Harris is the new co-captain of the Blue Sky team.
Sorry I didn?’t report on the upcoming Canadian tournament in the December Forecaster. It was held December 10-13th at Silver Lake and was it cold, even the Canadians were shivering.
Doug Reid was in the consolation finals to play for 3rd or 4th place but because of a team commitment (Blue Sky) decided to forfeit and take the 4th place. Congrats, Doug.
Discussed at the December meeting were future improvement to the shuffleboard courts, new curtains and a cover for the stands.
Don?’t forget the pancake breakfast on January 10th serving from 8-11 a.m. All you can eat pancakes, 3 sausages, orange juice and coffee for just $3. Hope to see you there.
For all new comers, Chick is giving lessons every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. on the court, everyone is welcome, for the time of your life?…..learn to shuffle.
Happy Shuffling


NOTICES
Forecaster Deadlines
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 to be in the original type, no photocopies please, in BLACK INK on full size 8 1/2 by 11 paper. Deadline for February for all articles, the 19th of January. Font size is number eleven.
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. We have so many groups operating that I have to be sure that the MAA has approved the event date.
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.
Calendar Items ?– There is a failure on the part of Clubs and organizations to notify us when the dates for regularly scheduled events are changed. Such was the case for this past Christmas season. It is not enough to bury these changes in your monthly reports. You must report the change to Nora Adell Andrews directly in writing, as she is responsible for preparing the calendar. We need to be alerted that there is a change, or there is going to be a change. There are simply too many details and clubs to check on individually within the time constraints to do a one on one verification. Remember the onus is on you, the clubs, to report any changes. It is not up to the Forecaster volunteers to chase down what we suspect might be changed. This does not alter the need to have all event dates for the Hall and Atrium being approved by the M A A.
I am suggesting once more that each club designate one person as the liaison person to the Forecaster.
Having said this I need to say that the M A A itself, not the individual clubs, does an excellent job of keeping us informed about M A A events. Also I will acknowledge that a couple of minor errors are our responsibility, but nothing that effects event dates. So, let?’s all try to do a better job in 2004. Thank you.
The Editor.

Monthly Bridge Lunch - It will be on January 21st. All Bridge players are welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship with their friends and neighbors.

Saturday Night Cards ?– Please note that this will take place on the first Saturday in January, the 3rd. Please watch the calendar for future Saturday night card nights. It is not always the second Saturday of the month.

THANK YOU from Emma Hubartt
I wish to thank all my friends and neighbors for their lovely birthday cards and for coming to my 90th birthday party. For those who could not come, for whatever reason, you are forgiven. I was very pleased all my family could attend to meet the nice folks of Americana Cove. Thank you Ferne Eppers for playing the piano. To Betty Chase a special thank you for baking the delicious cakes and emceeing the party along with my daughter Nancy. Thank you everyone who helped, served, setup and cleaned up.

THANK YOU from Wanda and Jerry Spetz ?– Wanda and Jerry want to thank all of you for the cards, phone calls and visits to Wanda on the occasion of her recent illness and hospitalization. We are a caring community.

THANK YOU FROM JO WALDRON
Thank you all for the prayers, concern and comfort you gave me before and after my surgery. I?’ve said it before and I?’ll say it again; it?’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket when you are freezing. There is a band of Angels living here in Americana Cove and I know them all by name. Thank you for the love.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU by Kay Jones
I would like to thank my friends for giving me a wonderful 80th Birthday Party.
Would like to thank everyone that help put it together. Would like to thank all of you that entertained us so beautifully. Would like to thank everyone that said all those kind words about me. It is usually after you're no longer here that people say such nice things. How great to hear them while I am still here. Thank you for coming. My dear family loved meeting you, and I was thrilled beyond words.

RUG BRAIDING CLASSES
The first session of rug braiding begins on January 8th at 7:00pm in the Clubhouse. We meet each Thursday for three months. Claudette LeBrun will be teaching the class, and helping with hands-on instruction.
We welcome all those that are new and would like to learn, as well as looking forward to seeing all those that have attended previously.
In the spring, the rugs are displayed at a luncheon. If you are interested about the class and would like more information please call Claudette at 525 0276.

It?’s 2004 ?– So remember that when you write checks, or date anything else, maybe Forecaster articles!!

Trash or not? It has been noticed that far too many of our residents, either through ignorance or irresponsibility, are dumping newspapers and aluminum cans in with the regular garbage. Many of us are unhappy with the recent increases in monthly maintenance fees, but in continuing to dump all these items in with the regular garbage you are not helping yourselves. This applies equally to residents who lease their lots.
The Old Timers benefit from the aluminum cans being collected separately and our community benefits from newspapers being thrown in the newspaper bins. Money is received for both these items, and equally important, the amount of garbage we must pay to have hauled away is reduced, thus reducing our annual garbage bill. What is so difficult about helping yourself? Or do you who continue to do this want to see an increase every year in maintenance fees? Please read the guidelines printed in the Community
Notices section of the Forecaster.
If you have trouble getting to the dump areas to do this, then surely there is a neighbor who will help. In 2004 let?’s improve our handling of trash. And please remember to remind your guests of the need to be attentive to these requirements.


FUN FACTS ABOUT FLORIDA submitted by Gerri Lyons
Dr. John Gorrie of Apalachicola patented the process of making ice artificially in 1851.
Florida State College for Women became Florida State University in 1947.
During the same year, the University of Florida began admitting women.
Frozen concentrates of citrus juices became a major industry in 1950.
The first commercial airline between two U.S. cities was established at St. Petersburg in 1914. In 1937, Amelia Earhart took off from Miami for an around-the-world flight and was never seen again.
Explorer I, the free world's first earth satellite, was sent into the air from Cape Canaveral in 1958.
Snow fell in Dade County on January 20, 1977.
The first semi-permanent settlements appeared in Florida around 5000 B.C.
Juan Ponce de Leon arrived in our state on March 27, 1513. He named it
"Pascua Florida" because he arrived during the time of the Feast of Flowers.
St. Augustine is Florida's oldest city dating back to August 28, 1565.
Florida's first Legislative Council which was supposed to meet in Pensacola on June 10, 1822 did not meet until 44 days later due to hazardous and time-consuming travel. When Florida was granted statehood on March 3, 1845, its population was 57, 921.
Tallahassee was named the state capital in 1824 by Florida's first territorial governor, William P. DuVal. The 1868 Constitution provided that the Seminole Tribe was entitled to have a member in the House and the Senate.


CONGRATULATIONS submitted by Paul and Suzanne Line
To longtime St. Petersburg Americana Cove resident George Kissell who won Baseball America's very prestigious Roland Hemond Award, recognizing long-term contributions in scouting and player development. Kissell, 83, had been with St. Louis Cardinals for 64 years. George resides at 658 Mt. Oak Avenue.


BOWLING LEAGUE
By Diane E. Turner
It is nice to see so many of our regular players back in the league. For those who are interested in joining our group on Tuesday mornings and give bowling a try! It is a great pastime. We can supply transportation if needed. We look forward to the New Year and wish everyone a safe, happy and blessed holiday season. See you at bowling in 2004 and bring a friend!


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
By Nora Adell Andrews
?“Books were my pass to personal freedom. I learned to read at age three, and soon discovered there was a whole world to conquer that went beyond our farm in Mississippi.?” Oprah Winfrey (1954- )
Welcome to the Library Friends this first month of 2004! You are invited to join us in the library corner of the clubhouse at 1:00 p.m. on January 8th. On that date we will have a ?‘book signing?’! The author of Once upon an Evil Time, Dieter Steiner, will be here discussing the book and his life as he grew up in Nazi Germany. Arlene Elwell will present the author.
In December, Rita Varney headed the discussion for the book Tending Roses, by Lisa Wingate. It was well received as a timely story of family values and meanings and dealing with the aging.
Our members are presently sorting, marking, and placing books alphabetically on the shelves. As you return or donate books please place them in the book cart, or the adjoining table. There have been many new books added to our shelves.
We will also have our annual candy sale at the luncheons and at bingo during the month of February. Our Library Friends will be by the doors in the clubhouse and will offer many sweet treats! The profits from the candy sale will be used for shelving, books and other expenses of the club.


POTPOURRI ?– compiled at the Editor?’s desk with additional contributions from many, including Lucy LaBerge, Conrad Weiser, Marilyn Waltz, Kay Sebek et al)
Thought ?– People only truly think when they are confronted with a problem. Without some
kind of dilemma to stimulate thought, behavior becomes habitual rather than thoughtful.
John Dewey
Word Definitions ?– Compromise ?– the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone thinks they got the biggest piece.
Words to Live By ?– The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.
Abe Lincoln
Things to think About ?– "Imagination is more important than knowledge."
Albert Einstein
Truths ?– When we leave this world, how much we have loved will be our true legacy.
It is the only thing we will leave behind and carry with us.
Anne Siloy
Old Times ?– If cigarettes keep going up in price, I?’m going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.
Groaners ?– I studied a long time to be a doctor, but I didn?’t have any patience.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE
Directors Gerri Bassett & Shirley Beauchamp
Sunday November 23,2003
North & South
1. Milene & Al Wingrove
2. Bev Hamel & Joan Dell?’ Angelo
East & West
1. Joy & Bill Slepin
2. Helen & Walter Smith
Sunday November 30, 2003
North & South
1. Bev Hamel & Shirley Beauchamp
2. Milene & Al Wingrove
East & West
1. Helen & Walter Smith
2. Joy & Bill Slepin
Sunday December 7, 2003
Howell Movement
1. Betty & Tom Davis
2. Lenore Helson & Gerri Bassett
3. Joy & Bill Slepin


LINE DANCE UPDATE Norine Fisher
January 5th will start our 2004 Line Dance program. It sure will be good to see all the dancers getting back in the groove.
For those who went to the Christmas Program, I hope you enjoyed the line dancers dancing to Jingle Bell Rock and Rockin?’ Around The Christmas Tree.
Line Dancing is not just country western. You can dance to all your favorite songs. I would like to thank the girls who danced with me for the Christmas program...Leni Lambert, Jean Birtcher, Mary Lou Priestly and Gail Jones. It was fun.
As always, let's keep dancing.


A FISH STORY - submitted by Cyndi Healy
A couple is on vacation in a fishing resort in northern Minnesota.
The husband likes to fish at the crack of dawn. The wife likes to read.
One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a short nap.
Although she isn't familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and continues to read her book. Along comes the game warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside her and says,
"Good morning Ma'am. What are you doing?"
"Reading my book," she replies, thinking "isn't that obvious?"
"You're in a restricted fishing area," he informs her.
"But officer, I'm not fishing. Can't you see that?"
"Yes, but you have all the equipment. I'll have to take you in and write you up.."
"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with rape," says the woman.
"But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden.
"That's true, but you do have all the equipment."
MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.


DEAR CRAFTERS AND FRIENDS,
By Annette Solomon
We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and we wish you all a healthy New Year.
We thank our supporters of our Crafters Corner. The 50% off one day sale was great! Our Crafters Corner is opened every Wednesday before and after the luncheons. Come visit us!
Classes in basic techniques will resume every Monday from 6 to 9pm.
Teachers will be available to teach crocheting, knitting, counted cross-stitch, Swedish weaving, plastic work, beadwork and much more. All lessons are FREE.
Most supplies are available. Teachers are ready.
If you don't need lessons and are working on a project, bring it along and join us.
See you there.


THE POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE submitted by Marilyn Waltz
Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.
How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.
Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.
Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them?
Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us.
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
People will not always remember what you said. People will not always remember what you did. But people will always remember how you made them feel.


CANADA NIGHT - January 24th, 2004
Submitted by Roger Cathcart
The annual "Hands across the border?”, CANADA NIGHT, during which Americana Cove's Canadians host their American friends and neighbours in the park will take place this year on Saturday,
January 24th, 2004, with reception at 5.00 P.M. and dinner at 6.00pm.
Good food, ~ prizes, ~ dancing, ~ special guests.
Ticket at 7.00 dollars each on sale at the hall on Tuesday, January 13th, 10.00 am-noon. Only 325 tickets to be sold, with a maximum of 4 tickets per household.
B. Y .O. B. table setups on Saturday January 24th from 1.00pm-2.00pm. Need more information?
Call: Chair: Roger Cathcart, Man. 527-2398
Vice-chair: Pete Lambert, Ont. 522-1394
Past-Chair: Shirley Wadsworth, Ont. 525-9802
Secretary: Leni Lambert, Ont. 522-1394
Treasurer: Lillian Harris, N.B. 526-9728
Food Chairs: Tom Priestly Ont. 525-4128
Cathy MacDonald, Ont. 525-1720
Prize Chair: Tom Wallace, N.S. 522-0909
Area code 727 if phoning long distance.
Make plans to attend.


YOUR LISTBOT OPTIONS by Conrad Weiser
With over 100 subscribers now enjoying our private park e-mail system, [the Listbot short for Listserv robot], I wanted to remind you of two options everyone can elect. If you would rather not have the Bot messages showing up in your e-mail inbox at random times, you can request the Daily Digest status.
In this mode, all Listbot postings through the day are assembled into a single message sent early the next morning to your mailbox. It appears as an index or summary of the previous day?’s messages. You are then free to read each selected message in full, or simply delete ones of doubtful interest.
Of special interest to those who must be away from their computer for an extended period, (risking mailbox overload and mail bounced back to your friends and family), you may elect the ?“No Email?” mode, [just let me know]. In this status, you remain a subscriber, always free to post your messages to our group, but no posted messages will be sent to you. The upside: You will still have full access to our archive so that at any convenient moment to access the Web, you can visit our site, (www.groups.yahoo.com/group/maa2001), and read all that you have missed?…?…since our Bot began in July 2001!
For certain folks in certain situations I believe either of these optional modes will make our Listbot more attractive.


NOW YOU KNOW submitted by Conrad Weiser
Needless to say, personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told "mind your own bee's wax."
Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term "crack a smile."
Also, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt and therefore the expression "losing face."
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Ladies wore corsets which would lace up in the front. A tightly tied lace was worn by a proper and dignified lady, as in "straight laced."
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Common entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards but only applicable to the "ace of spades." To avoid paying the tax, people would purchase 51 cards instead. Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these people were thought
to be stupid or dumb because they weren't "playing with a full deck."
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Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what was considered important to the people. Since there were no telephones, TV's or radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs and bars who were told to "go sip some ale" and listen to people's conversations and political concerns. Many assistants were dispatched at different times. "You go sip here" and "You go sip there." The two words "go sip" were eventually combined when referring to the local opinion and thus, we have the term "gossip."
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At local taverns, pubs and bars, people drank from pint and quart sized containers. A bar maid's job was to keep an eye on the customers and keep the drinks coming. She had to pay close attention and remember who was drinking in "pints" and who was drinking in "quarts." Hence the term "minding your "'P's and Q's."
So now you know....


DUST IF YOU MUST ?– submitted by Lucy LaBerge
Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better,
To paint a picture or write a letter,
Bake a cake or plant a seed,
Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
With rivers to swim and mountains to climb,
Music to hear and books to read,
Friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go and go you must,
You, yourself, will make more dust.

Author Unknown


ROUGH LANGUAGE ?– submitted by Lucy LaBerge
Please excuse the "rough language" in the following story...
A young couple got married and went on their honeymoon. When they got back, the bride immediately called her mother. "Well," said her mother," so how was the honeymoon?"
"Oh, mama," she replied, "the honeymoon was wonderful! So romantic..."
Suddenly she burst out crying. "But, mama, as soon as we returned, Sam started using the most horrible language -- things I'd never heard before! I mean, all these awful 4-letter words! You've got to take me home..., PLEASE MAMA!"
"Sarah, Sarah," her mother said, "calm down! You need to stay with your husband and work this out. Now, tell me, what could be so awful? WHAT 4-letter words?"
"Please don't make me tell you, mama," wept the daughter, "I'm so embarrassed, they're just too awful! COME GET ME, PLEASE!!"
"Darling, baby, you must tell me what has you so upset.
Still sobbing, the bride said,
"Oh, Mama..., he used words like: dust, wash, iron, cook..."
"I'll pick you up in twenty minutes," said the mother.


FORECASTER FODDER ?– submitted by John and Rachel Stewart
From California -5th Grade -General Knowledge Test
Ed. Note: These are teasers. The answers may not be that obvious, and I?’m not giving them to you. All you need to do is read the questions carefully and then give an answer. Get three or four of you together and see how you compare.

1. How many two cent stamps in a dozen?
2. Do they have 4th of July in England?
3. How many birthdays does the average man have?
4. Some months have 31 days; how many have 28?
5. Is it legal for a man living in California to marry his widow's sister?
6. Divide 30 by half and add 10; what is your answer?
7. If there are two apples, and you take away two, how many do you have?
8. Two American coins when added together add up to 30 cents.
One is not a quarter. What are the two coins?
9. How far can a dog run into the woods?
10. If you have a match and you walk into a room where there is an oil burner, a kerosene lamp, and wood in the fireplace, which do you light first?
11. Why can a man living in the United States not be buried in Canada?


BEER PHILOSOPHY ?– submitted by Hubert Dorsett
When things in your life seem almost to much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar........and the beer.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things? Your family, your children, your health, your friends, your favorite passions--things that if everything else was lost and only
they remained, your life would still be full. "The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else? the small stuff.

If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house, and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers."


WHITE ELEPHANT - March 6
Yes, it?’s January and March seems a long time away, but its not too soon to do some early spring cleaning! What do you do with those wonderful treasures you no longer have room for? Donate them to the White Elephant!
This is an important "money making" event for the MAA. It helps pay for the coffee, paper products, entertainment, free lunches and many other behind the scenes expenses.
Items we?’re looking for: household items (dishes, pots ?‘n pans, glassware, etc.), small furniture (tables, chairs, small dressers), electrical goods, holiday goodies (any and all holiday items are welcome), clean linen, bedspreads, towels, artwork, games, and puzzles,
Items which need to find a home other than the White Elephant?—sofas, mattresses, over-sized furniture.
Small items can be left at back of the Clubhouse. Larger items? Contact Beck Hopkins, White Elephant Chair. She?’ll let you know where to take it, or if necessary will have someone come over to pick it up. You can reach Beck at 525-8411 or beck@mindspring.com.


HOBBY SHOP
Hot coffee, fresh donuts, the camaraderie of friends...Leo Laberge, Hobby Shop President, invites all interested in woodworking to come to the January 5 Hobby Shop meeting/9:00 a.m. It?’s also the best time to purchase your key, sign the liability waiver, and get yourself on the Hobby Shop membership roster.
Hobby Shop Safety Tip: Protect Yourself ?– Wearing the proper shop protection is an important part of safe tool operation. Goggles, Ear Protection, and Lung Protection should be used when operating tools. Use push sticks when working close to the blade and make sure the tool's safety features are in place.
The Hobby Shop is located next to the laundry on Mt. Piney Avenue.


NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME WATCH UPDATE
By Barbara Magada
AMERICANA COVE
The next Crime Watch/Crime Prevention /Crime Patrol Meeting will be in the Clubhouse/Atrium
On Friday January 9, 2004 @ 1:30 P.M.
Speaker: Gabriel Wieciec Representing the Area on Aging of Pinellas & Pasco Counties
Of course refreshments will be available. Please be sure to bring friends or neighbors.
Let's fill the clubhouse!
Coordinators: Barb Magada, Jim Chase & Conrad Weiser

It has also been brought to my attention that there are 79 Golf Carts all of which are not equipped with front and rear running lights for night driving. I have met several while on Patrol and it is a dangerous factor. All Drivers of Golf Carts must have a valid Florida Drivers License to prove age if stopped.
Don't you agree with me that we must enforce this very important rule before someone is seriously hurt? We don't want any accidents or fatalities to become a Statistic in Americana Cove.
Please be careful who drives your Golf Cart. They are a precious mode of transportation.
We also have many walkers who do not carry their flashlights or wear light colored clothes.
There are many 2 wheel & 3 wheel bicycles that are being observed riding on the wrong side of the road. Remember that bicycles are classified as a vehicle and must follow the rules of the road and have front & rear lights or strobe lights. Please be careful and cut this article from the Forecaster for everyone who visits you and is not familiar with SAFETY RULES & REGULATIONS.
We love you all and do not want any harm to come to our residents through carelessness.
Thanks!


GARDEN CLUB NEWS
By Jerry Regan
To recap our November 25th meeting, Mr. Alan Cordell, a noted herb specialist with the Extension Service, was our guest speaker. Mr. Cordell brought along several herbs and explained the uses for them. He told us that some herbs grow as high as five feet and can be used as hedges in the garden. We enjoyed learning about the herbs and how we can put them to practical uses.
The Garden Club Christmas Party was held December 9th and was again a success, with fun had by all. We enjoyed the entertainment of our own famous and talented Americana Cove duo, Sunny Knutson on the guitar and Peggy Church on the saxophone. They played and sang for us and we all joined in a sing along. There was a sumptuous display of food, and drawings for beautiful poinsettias. Again this year, members donated toiletry items for CASA.
January will be another exciting month. On January 13th we?’ll have a speaker from the Audubon Society who will tell us about Wild Life Gardening. Then on January 27th there will be a bus trip to the Edison-Ford Complex in Fort Myers. If you haven?’t signed up for the bus trip, better hurry, the seats are going fast. Looking forward to seeing you all there.


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.
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.

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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

Forecaster Jan.04