Americana Cove

Sunbirds or Snowbirds You Are Welcome

Dec 01, 2004

PRAYER FOR DECEMBER
Heavenly Father, as we think of gifts and giving this month, let us not lose sight of the greatest gift ever given, Your Son our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. He in turn gave His Life for us all for the forgiveness of sin. A tradition of giving has permeated the whole world. Yet it seems that the giving oftentimes comes from worldly desires rather than selfless or Spiritual natures. We have countless opportunities, yet we pass them by. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we matched dollar for dollar on gifts we give family and friends with gifts to the needy, hungry and homeless? That's a tall order but something toward which we could strive. Let's put the Christ back in Christmas.
We thank You for the gifts given out of Your bounty so freely and graciously. Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.

May the trail of the wind leave its song in your path;
May the sun light the sky where you stand;
May the pleasure of friendship be yours through the days,
With the clasp of a caring hand.
*Virginia Covey Boswell

VESPERS
By Gerri Bassett
The Vespers season has started. The service starts at 4:50 PM on Sunday nights with an informal hymn sing. Everyone is welcomed. They need your support, so invite a friend and come. If you like to sing, the choir still needs more singers so just come to practice on Friday morning 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.

VESPERS PASTORS for DECEMBER:

5th Rev. Rick Thompson --Riviera Methodist Church
12th Rick Robie (Associate Pastor) --Northeast
Christian
19th Rev. Randy Weekly --Grace Brethren Church
26th Rex Eaton (Retired) --Church Of Nazarene

Nancy Payne gave a Memorial to the Music Fund in honor of Hertha Yagel.
God is Great, God is Good, All The Time!
Merry Christmas to everyone and remember: Jesus Is the Reason for The Season.
Come and worship with us.

?“Let your conscience be your guide.?”
- Jiminy Cricket


OUR OPEN WINDOW
By John Layner
Journalism, it has been said, is the first rough draft of history. A very special something to our community is the Forecaster. The vital measure of a newspaper is not its size but its spirit. It is our window to Americana Cove. A most interesting and informative publication, it is a means of introducing a new idea or thought. The interest of the reader is a gauge as to just how successful a paper will be. The consensus of opinion here? We love it! John Bassett has been the driver of the vehicle for some time. As Editor, he has always devoted much time and effort to our Forecaster. Last year, he decided to share that burden with our very special Linda Lou Fairbanks. Maybe he has his eyes on early retirement. Whatever, we, the recipients of this fine paper, appreciate what John has done for us. The fine staff you have chosen to work with you says much. More than anything, your editorial type of comments on important issues, be they for, or against, any actions considered, you always spoke from the heart. With that, you had your very own ABC?’s for editing; ACCURACY, BREVITY and CLARITY. Just wanted to thank you for a job well done!


FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By Bill Stanford
Thanksgiving is an appropriate time for the Board to thank all of you for your patience and understanding as this difficult summer turns into our winter activity season. It has been a struggle working through delays and hurricanes but the accomplishments are visible. The Woodrow Wilson area fence is complete. The south side road project is complete. The front entrance is complete. Palm trees have been moved enhancing Americana Drive and MT Piney Road with more to be done. The tie-down program is complete. The investment program is in place and producing. We believe the 2005 budget is complete. It is apparent that this is a vibrant, active, healthy, well-cared for, financially secure community.
Many new homes are in all parts of the community. The long awaited ?“Bungalow Model?” is in place on Mt. Georgetown. This is the model that has been advertised in the paper for the last 6 months. Nick Ferraro?’s new dealership on Ulmerton Rd is open. We expect these developments will accelerate home sales in an already good year.
Americana Cove is blessed with residents who are proud of our community. Many are willing to work to improve the life style and amenities for the betterment of all. Evidence of that is everywhere. One example is the new Veteran?’s Monument. Now is the time for a few good men and women to step forward and join us on the Board to help guide the Cove. A great satisfaction can be found in sharing your expertise to improve the community you live in. Enlist now! Resumes please!


FROM THE MANAGER
By Dawn Simmons
DISASTER COMMITTEE REPORT:
We are scouting for Block captains to help in calling residents in any type of emergency. If you are willing to participate in making a few calls to your neighbors and are a year round resident, please call Dot Nemi at 528-1166. We need all the help we can get.
STORM READINESS:
We are also working on guidelines on what all residents will be responsible for prior to departure from your home and returning up North or leaving home to evacuate.
1. Make sure water is shut off from outside.
2. All storm awnings should be down and
locked into place.
3. Check all carport posts to insure they
are firmly buried in concrete or attached
with new bolts to the concrete (having
them buried in blacktop or the ground is
not secure enough, 3 x 3 posts are now
code.
4. All patio and outdoor furniture must be
placed in shed or inside the home.
5. All hanging ornaments, flowerpots, lawn
decorations must be taken down and
stored. Birdbaths, sundials, flags and
wind socks also.
6. BBQ grills should be placed in the shed.
7. Anyone with latticework (wood or vinyl)
should check to see it is secure.
8. Strip fruit trees and prune branches.

If Park Maintenance is required to do any storm ready work on a home, a minimum fee of $50.00 will be charged. After four storms this season, we cannot stress enough how important it is for each homeowner to prepare their home properly. We ask in advance for your cooperation.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION JAR:
Don?’t forget the Employee Christmas Jar is at the Business Office. The money will be distributed to the maintenance men, guardhouse employees and the office staff. The staff always appreciates your generous contribution. HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and yours from the Board of Directors, The Manager and the Entire Staff at Americana Cove.


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
By Frances McVay

BRIGGS, Stephen & Paula
6848 Mt. Quincy Drive
Previously Schuh

LaPOINTE, Leo F. & Kathleen M. (NH)
625 Mt. Piney Avenue
Previously Wilcox

POULIN, Angenard & Solange (CT)
7119 Mt. DeLeon Road
New Home

SCHIAVONE, Peter & Catherine
6831 Mt. Pleasant Road
Previously Thomas

WALTER, Edward (CT)
Mother Helen Walter
461 Mt. Piney Avenue
New Home


GREETINGS FROM YOUR WINTER EDITOR
By Linda Lou Fairbanks
It is wonderful to be back here at Americana Cove. We were anxious to escape the chilly north and feel the warmth of sunshine once again, and were grateful to find our home still intact from the hurricanes when we arrived. Now, it?’s time to jump feet-first into my role as Editor and while I am always interested in a challenge, I can now appreciate the tremendous time, patience and energy that goes into the Forecaster. I consider myself very fortunate to have John Bassett as my mentor- he has tirelessly listened and helped me along the way. As have Gerri Bassett, Nora Adell Andrews and Jo Waldron. I hope I can carry the torch half the distance as my predecessor and I will be content. I do not plan or expect to make drastic changes and will strive to uphold the integrity and consistency we have all come to expect from our Forecaster. I am always open and willing to listen and if you have something that needs saying, or you want to submit something, by all means, let me know. I?’m not able to include everything I receive, for a variety of reasons, but mainly right now due to space. As you can see, we are an active community with lots of news to report. So, until next time, I extend my sincere and heart-felt wishes to all for a wonderful, joyous Holiday Season.


CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
?“Christmas.?” For many of us, no other word evokes more memories of childhood.
Perhaps that's why Christmas traditions are so important to so many families. Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, Santa Claus, and the inevitable mad scramble of last minute gift shopping: they're all part of one of the most enjoyable-and stressful!-holidays of the year. There's a sense of continuity in celebrating in the same special ways year after year.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Most of our important Christmas traditions aren't as old as we often think. Take gift giving for instance. It's hard to imagine Christmas without presents under the tree, but the practice of buying large fancy gifts for Christmas Day didn't really get rolling until the 1860s!
In 1867, Macy's, the major department store in New York City, stayed open until midnight Christmas Eve. Seven years later, in 1874, they were the first to design their window displays around a Christmas theme. That was the start of the gift-giving craze (so if you, like many people, feel that Christmas has become too commercial, now you know who to blame!).
Before Macy's, and their brilliant marketing move, gifts were given, but they weren't as important a part of Christmas as they are now. The tradition goes back all the way to the Three Wise Men, who brought gifts of gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the infant Jesus.
BOXING DAY
Christmas traditions also include giving to the poor; the British tradition of Boxing Day-the day after Christmas-dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Churches would open the alms box the day after Christmas and distribute the money to the poor. Boxing Day hasn't escaped the commercial blitz either-now it's best known for department store Boxing Day Sales!


COVE CORNER
By Ken Hopkins
FEMA As I write this I am sitting in a hotel room in Mobile, AL. I have been out for 5 weeks in Minnesota (brrr) and now they have transferred me to Mobile. A balmy 75 today (yeah!) Being away from the Cove it is particularly difficult to write about happenings there. My only reality at the moment is FEMA. In that vein, with some pride, allow me to share a story with you. A Mexican lady came to our disaster recovery center yesterday. She spoke no English and so they called for me to help her. She somewhat sheepishly confessed to me that she was an undocumented alien and had lost all of her possessions in her apartment that had been completely flooded. She was a single mother, now living in another apartment, almost penniless with her brain damaged 4-year-old daughter who could neither speak nor walk. She had lost everything she owned in the flood. Everything. I asked if her daughter was born here and she said that she was and had an U.S. social security card. I told her that we could get her some help and would register her daughter as our applicant. I also had to reassure her that FEMA does not share our information with the INS and we did not care at all about her legal status. She then further confessed to me that when she rented the apartment she had lied to the landlady and given her the name of a friend who did have papers. I explained to Maria that when our inspector came to check the damages to her apartment there would be a problem because she could not prove that she was the actual occupant of the apartment due to the name discrepancy. The only solution would be for her to confess to the landlady and explain the name confusion and who she really was. Although scared to death of deportation she agreed to do that. She went home, had the conversation with the landlady and returned a couple of hours later with a letter from the landlady stating that she was indeed the rightful occupant of the damaged apartment. I then went ahead and registered her 4-year-old daughter in our system and the mother as part of the household.
The next day she called in a panic. The FEMA inspector had called to arrange an appointment to go and inspect the destroyed apartment and contents. He spoke no Spanish; she spoke no English. They couldn?’t get the job done. So I called my office and they asked me to go out on the inspection appointment and interpret for Maria. After many phone calls, we managed to coordinate Maria, the inspector, the landlady, and me for an inspection visit at the apartment. Clearly the apartment had been virtually submerged by six feet of water and everything that Maria owned had been destroyed. The inspector did his inspection, Maria answered his questions through me, and we all went away. I checked our system the next day and FEMA awarded Maria and her daughter $740 in rental assistance to help with her temporary apartment until she can move back into a new apartment her landlady is preparing for her. FEMA also awarded her $10,000 to help replace her lost possessions! And I got it done. I am very proud.

TIE DOWNS Just thought I would comment on the tie down program. I think it?’s great that our manager, Dawn Simmons, was able to extend the program for an additional 20 residents anywhere in the Park. I think it spectacular that Board member, Bill Stanford, not only helped, but actually took money out of his own pocket to advance payment for some who were away and couldn?’t get the job done any other way. Way to go guys! I?’m sure everyone affected is very appreciative.

LOGOS I understand that the Board has explored some novelty items for the Cove including our new logo. Such items as shirts, caps, and similar will soon be available. The Board will make these available for sale to the various clubs in our community, probably through MAA. We will soon have samples to show and start taking your orders.

ANNUAL WILMA JONES HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE-Everyone loves a parade! If you're a boat owner, dress your craft in lights and come down to the bay behind the Clubhouse on Tuesday, December 14 at 6:45 PM. From there we'll sail up and down the Cove Canals spreading Holiday Cheer and Light! If you're a landlubber, enjoy the shimmering lights of our festive parade. Or, better yet, hitch a ride with one of the boaters and join in the fun. For details, contact Beck Hopkins, 525-8411.

B-I-B-L-E
A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?" The son replied, "I do know!" "Okay, said his father. "So, son, what does the Bible mean?" "That's easy, Daddy. It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'"


SUNSHINE REPORT for DECEMBER 2004
By Gerri Bassett

DEATHS
Keith McCall
Ken Chalker
Dorothy Robinson

NURSING HOMES
Bob Ortel Carrington Place
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Kay Brownsey Integrated Health Service
Dorothy Goldsworthy Fountains of Boca Ciego Bay
Doris Bolesta Freedom Inn at Bay Pines
Cameron Shults Abbey

HOSPITALS
Pauline Newman Kindred Hospital
CJ Tietema (Cappy) Northside
Sonny Knutson St Anthony?’s

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
01 Jerry Miller
04 Jack Roe
Robert Fuchs
07 Barbara Fuchs
09 Ed Sebek
11 Dolly Couture
Sharon Miller
Peggy McCall
12 Tom Wallace
14 Grace Roberts
Beverly Johnson
Maurie Fink
16 Faith Brundage
18 Bernadette Holmer
19 Gen Van Patten
23 Bob Stevens
25 Cleo Janiak
28 Laurie Mello
Peg Stannard
29 Jackie Lessard
30 Virginia Curtis
Bert Couture
Earl French
Rita Lewis

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
02 Linda & Crailey Gillies 11 years
08 Jeanette and Edward Imbrogulio 43 years
19 Ginger and Tee Philips 53 years
28 Harriet and Curt Sigourney 58 years

Would you like your Birthday or Anniversary in the Forecaster? Let me know-Gerri Bassett 525-6806 Thank You!


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 TABS
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 top tabs can be placed in the jar provided in the clubhouse.
Yard Brush and Tree Trimmings
Pick up days is Tuesday and Friday. Place all brush and tree trimmings at the side of the road separate from the garbage. It must be contained in trash bags, plastic containers or bundled.
Dumpster
The dumpster at the Mount Piney location is for the use of residents who have scrap materials from work that they themselves have done. Contractors doing renovations or repairs to your property are to remove any such materials from the community and dispose of it at their cost.


KITCHEN KREWE Ice Machines -To all residents and guests: Do not use ice from the kitchen supply for your personal home use or for your coolers. Ice in the kitchen is required for activities in the Hall and Atrium. Traffic through the kitchen area creates sanitary problems. Thank you! Betty Chase -Kitchen Manager


GIVING!
Give to the world all that you have,
And the best will come back to you.
-Mary Ainge De Vere


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 may be sent electronically to our Winter Editor- Linda Lou Fairbanks at: mspiglover@aol.com. All items are to be in the original type- no photocopies, please, in BLACK INK, on full-size paper (8 ?½ by 11). The DEADLINE for JANUARY 2005 for all articles is DECEMBER 13TH. The font size is number twelve (12).
FORECASTER SUBMISSIONS
If you can send me your items by email, either by attachment, or as part of your email text, you will save yourself money and perhaps a little time as well. Thank you for your cooperation.
FORECASTER EMAILS TO THE EDITOR
If you are sending me an email for the first time, please let me know by phone what your email name is. I get so much spam in my mailbox and if I don?’t recognize a name I may inadvertently delete your item(s). It would also be very helpful if you could identify Forecaster in your subject line.
FORECASTER CALENDAR
The deadline for the calendar is different from the articles, so please make note of this. Deadline for entries will be the 17th of each month, except for December and January. These months require submission two (2) days prior to the Forecaster entry deadline. AND PLEASE NOTE: ALL calendar submissions must come from, and be approved by the MAA!!!


THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE
By Jo Waldron
You believe in Santa Claus
You don?’t believe in Santa Claus
You are Santa Claus
You look like Santa Claus


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GIRLS AGED:8, 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, & 78?
At 8: You take her to bed and tell her a story.
At 18: You tell her a story and take her to bed.
At 28: You don?’t need to tell her a story to take her to bed.
At 38: She tells you a story and takes you to bed.
At 48: You tell her a story to avoid going to bed.
At 58: You stay in bed to avoid her story.
At 68: If you take her to bed, that?’ll be a story!!!
At 78: What story??? What bed??? Who are you???


COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST

MAA NEWS FOR DECEMBER
By Ken Hopkins, President
Ho! Ho! Ho! everybody. Can it really be that time again? I?’d like to thank my fellow members of the executive committee for running things in my absence and in particular to Joan Mitchell who has been a wonderful backup. I?’m going to vote for her as President! Our next luncheon meeting will be Wednesday, December 1st, preceded the day before by our Council meeting on 11/30. This year?’s Christmas show will take place on December 11th at 7:00 P.M. For a mere $2.00 donation at the door you will enjoy an evening of entertainment by Just Us and Company (our in-house entertainment group extraordinaire.) Come enjoy the show and fellowship as well as some yummy refreshments (as if we need more cookies!) For more details of the busy holiday season, please see Betty Chase?’s column elsewhere in this month?’s Forecaster. For you boaters, remember the annual Wilma Jones Annual Boat Parade on Tuesday, December 14th at 6:45. We will race our brightly decorated boats up and down the canals for the pleasure of those unfortunate residents who do not have a boat. Hope everyone gets what he or she wants for Christmas and still have a couple of bucks left after buying all those presents for his or her grandchildren.


FREEDOM
If I have freedom in my love,
And in my soul am free,
Angels alone that soar above
Enjoy such liberty.
-Richard Lovelace


A DREAM COME TRUE
By John Layner
The Veterans Memorial Committee would like to thank YOU, the beautiful people of Americana Cove who made Veteran?’s Day so special. The new memorial was your way of saying thank you to those who gave their lives for America and to those who have served in the armed forces. There are so many to thank- the Melodears, Ferne Eppers, Betty Chase and her Kitchen Krewe, members of the Honor Guard, Master of Ceremonies Bill Hart, inspiring and heart-touching prayers by Rex Eaton, Peggy Church for her beautiful rendition of taps, all the Americana Cove clubs/activities who?’ve helped with the costs, and to Dawn our manager, along with her staff for all their help along the way, and the MAA for providing us sustenance of coffee and donuts. And a special thank you goes out to two ladies who knelt on hands and knees to put the finishing touches on the memorial- one was Eiko Nos and the other was my wife Louisa (I call her Sunshine!). THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU- to all of you.


BRAIN POWER
?“The human brain forgets ninety percent of what goes on.?”
-Jan Milner


HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR
By Annette Solomon
Great Craft Bazaar! As Chairman, I must thank all the CHEERFUL VOLUNTEERS, the ENTHUSIASTIC DONORS, and the GENEROUS RESIDENTS who made this event such a huge success! There are too many to name each one of you. We needed new Chairmen and Committee members this year and you came through for us. We thank you and may God Bless You!


CHRISTMAS CAROLLING IN THE PARK
By John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain
As I mentioned in last month?’s Forecaster, the date for CAROLLING this year will be SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18th at 6 PM. All who would like to join us spread some holiday cheer are cordially invited to join us. No experience is necessary- just the desire to bring a smile to someone else. We will car pool and meet at the clubhouse. If you know of someone who could use some cheering up, or if you too would like to volunteer us to visit you, PLEASE CALL ME AT 522-2412. We don?’t want to leave anyone out. Homemade cookies for distribution will be received at Nancy Hill?’s home on December 11th, to be packaged and given to those we sing to. This has always been an inspirational time for everyone who participates. We look forward to seeing you.


LET?’S DANCE!
By Richard Norcross
If your feet are itching to move and you love music, there?’s a wonderful place you can go! Come to the DANCES AT THE PIER. They are held the first four (4) Wednesdays of every month, from 12:00-3:00 PM. And the best part is they are FREE! If you have any questions, please give me a call.


NEW YORK NITE 2005 COMMITTEE
By Jean Cruz
Welcome back New Yorkers! It is getting close to January 15, 2005, and preparations for our big night are still under way. We have accomplished putting together quite a treat but we still want to have more of you volunteering. NEW YORK NEEDS YOU! That means on the Committee. So, give us a call, either at 528-9553 or 525-1833. The next meetings will be DECEMBER 2nd, DECEMBER 16th, and DECEMBER 30th, 2004 in the clubhouse- at 7:00 PM. Here are more profiles of some of our members:
MARGE LEDERHOUSE: Born in Lockport, NY, she resided there most of her life. She is married to Michael Lederhouse, who is also a Committee member. She attended Ascension Elementary, North Tonawanda H.S. and is retired from General Motors. Her favorite N.Y. restaurant is De Filippo?’s Italian Restaurant.
NELSON FRENCH: Born in Watertown, N.Y., he has resided in Watertown, Syracuse, and NYC He attended Great Bend Elementary, Carthage Central H.S. and is an accountant. His favorite pastime is the Broadway stage and his favorite NY restaurant is Carnegie Deli. His most memorable NY event is the World Series at Yankee Stadium.
JEAN PERRONE and HAROLD WENDLING: Both were born in NYC Jean resided in Brooklyn and Queens, attending PS 158 and Franklin K Lane H.S. She is employed as a secretary. Harold resided in Long Island, attended PS 3 and Roosevelt H.S. He was a cab driver and an U.P.S. driver. Jean loves dancing, bowling and bingo- and her most memorable NY event was the renovation of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Harold enjoys horses and his memorable event is the Easter Parade. Their favorite NY eateries are Villa Russo and Dempsey?’s.


ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE
By Tom Priestley, Chairman
Americana Cove?’s ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE will be held on DECEMBER 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Let?’s all turn out and support the blood drive! And-don?’t forget to bring your identification.


When I can look Life in the eyes,
Grown calm and very coldly wise,
Life will have given me the Truth,
And taken in exchange---my youth.
* Sara Teasdale


LINE DANCING UPDATE
By Norine Fisher
If you would like to relieve a little stress, have a lot of fun, and get some exercise, plan to attend my line dance classes. We will be starting on MONDAY, JANUARY 3rd at 1:00 PM in the Clubhouse. This will be my fourth year teaching and I am looking forward to seeing all my old friends, along with some new friends too! We?’ll be doing all our favorite dances, and of course, I?’ll have some new ones to tax your mind and body for all to enjoy. See you soon!


My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue,
An everlasting vision of the ever-changing view,
A wondrous woven magic in bits of blue and gold,
A tapestry to feel and see, impossible to hold.
- Carole King


A FEW GOOD TRUISMS
Submitted by Lucy LaBerge
*A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.
*Anyone who thinks old age is golden must not have had a very exciting youth.
*How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?
*Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?
*Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job.
*No one has more driving ambition than the boy who wants to buy a car does.
*There are no new sins.... The old ones just get more publicity.
*If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all.
*You know you're old when you reach down to get the wrinkles out of your panty hose and realize you aren't wearing any.
*I've reached the age where the happy hour is a nap.


AMERICANA COVE CLUBS/ACTIVITIES

BOWLING LEAGUE
By Diane Turner
Bowling, bowling, bowling! Keep those balls a ?‘rolling!
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back. The 2004/2005 bowling season is officially underway. We started our season November 2nd with a few players, but since then we?’ve increased our numbers with guests and new members joining our group. I would like to invite anyone interested in 10-pin bowling to meet us on Tuesday mornings at the local bowling lanes on 9th Street. We can supply transportation if needed. For further information, feel free to call me at 521-4317. See you there and please bring along a friend!


DUPLICATE BRIDGE
Submitted by: Directors Gerri Bassett & Shirley Beauchamp

HOWELL MOVEMENT
Sunday Oct.31
Tie
Shirley Beauchamp & Jo Waldron
Joan Dell?’ Angelo & Don Delzell
2) Lucy & Roger La Berge

Sunday November 7, 2004
Tie
Shirley Beauchamp & Jo Waldron
Lenore Helson & Stan Harmon
2.) Gerri & John Bassett


MONTHLY BRIDGE
By Gerri Bassett
It will be held on December 15th at noon in the Atrium. It will be a brown Bag with dessert and beverage furnished. Bring a dollar for prizes and all bridge players are welcome.


THE SANDBOX
A little boy and girl are playing in a sandbox. The little boy has to go to take a pee and he was told by his mother to always be polite and don't talk about private matters in public. At first he holds it in for a little while because he does not know what to say to the little girl to excuse himself. Then he remembers what his Mom had said at the restaurant to excuse herself from the table. So he turns to the little girl and says... "Will you excuse me, I have to go powder my nose." And saying that he leaps out of the sandbox and runs to the washroom. When he comes back the little girl looks up at him and asks, "Did you powder your nose?" "Yes" said the little boy stepping back into the sandbox. "Well then" says the little girl; "You'd better close your purse because your lipstick is hanging out."


DEAR CRAFTERS
By Annette Solomon
We are going back to many craft basics now that the Craft Bazaar is over. FREE INSTRUCTIONS in basic crocheting, knitting, counted-cross stitch, weaving, etc. will be available at every Monday night meeting, between 6 and 9 PM. We have most materials available and they too are FREE!
If you: 1) want basic lessons to get started in any form of needlework; 2) are working alone at home; 3) have an unfinished project tucked away or need help completing it; 4) want to discover new techniques, tips and tricks; and 5) want to meet friendly crafty friends- THEN PLEASE JOIN this creative, lively group. You may also share your expertise with us. We are always looking for new ideas.
As in the past we will: 1) have interesting and inspiring guest speakers demonstrating new craft techniques; 2) continue making preemie caps and white angel blankets for area hospitals; 3) continue making slippers and lap robes for area nursing homes; 4) add Hospice to our list of recipients this year; 6) provide hand-crafted items at our Crafter?’s Corner; 7) prepare for our next CRAFT BAZAAR in 2005, and lastly but not least, 8) resume our social activities. Please check the crafters bulletin board for monthly updates of events. Hope to see you soon. HAPPY CRAFTING!


CRIME WATCH UPDATE
By Barb Magada
Our NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME WATCH/PREVENTION/PATROL meeting will be held in the Clubhouse on Friday, DECEMBER 10,2004 AT 1:30 PM. Remember to bring along a friend and get ready to discuss various topics of interest to our community. As usual, refreshments will be available! See you there!


CUE CLUB NEWS
By Brian Birch
Our first meeting of the season was held on Monday November 1st, and I was so pleased to see so many people there. The meeting was great- we had a number of new faces eagerly listening to all the exciting information about out Club and we signed several up as new members. League play is now underway, with all nights currently full. We do, however, need substitutes. If you think you might be interested, there is a sign-up sheet on the poolroom bulletin board. Put your name down and get ready for a great time! The Captains for our League have been chosen and we are so grateful to them for agreeing to lead their Teams. It?’s a voluntary position and involves a lot of extra work, so don?’t forget to thank them and tell them how much you appreciate everything they do! Monday?’s Captain is the dynamic Roger LaBerge; Wednesday?’s Captain is the fabulous Leni Lambert; and Thursday?’s Captain is the ardent newcomer Bruce Perry! Our next meeting will be on Monday December 6th in the Atrium at 11:00 AM. My other fellow officers( John Mello, VP; Irene Goulet, Sec?’y; and Nancy Hubartt, Treas?’r) and I look forward to seeing you there. Until then, HAPPY SHOOTING!!!


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
By Linda Lou Fairbanks

?“To read a writer is for me not merely to get an idea of what he says, but to go off with him and travel in his company.?”
* Andr?© Gide

We had a wonderful meeting on November 4th in our own, private little corner of the Americana Cove world. In case you are new to our community, we are located in the clubhouse, in the back, where you see all those books peeking back at you! Our fearless leader, Rita Lewis once again led our meeting. She asked for, and miraculously, received volunteers to help with sorting, marking and putting books away for the upcoming season. But, (and this is a huge but) if you should find you have some time to devote to the Library, we always need help. I know from my own experience how rewarding it can be to see all the books taken care of, just waiting for avid readers to come along and snatch them up! Think about it and then come to our next meeting. We?’d love to see new faces. We also discussed guidelines for accepting books, and it was agreed we would once again remind folks we?’ ll take books written AFTER 1998, with the exception of Classics or well-known, popular authors. Our shelves are getting full and space is a premium. We appreciate the generosity of everyone contributing reading materials-if you have books you?’d like to donate, the Salvation Army or CASA might be a good place to ?“check out?”.
We then discussed our Book- of- the- Month: THE QUILTER?’S APPRENTICE by Jennifer Chiaverini. Hostesses were Jeanne Pavlik and Phyllis Jackwin. They did such a great job! Jeanne brought in actual samples of patterns, some of them her own work; and Phyllis gave us some background information on the author. It was quite interesting to see how many common things we all shared around the subject of quilting. If you?’d walked into the clubhouse you would have heard a cacophony of voices, all talking at once! Now that?’s a good book! We invite you to join us for our next meeting when we will be discussing THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd. Jerry Regan will be our Hostess. Come join the fun!


AMERICANA COVE GARDEN CLUB
By Linda Lou Fairbanks
Our Garden Club activities are in full swing now, and as we all look ahead to a wonderful season, I wanted to take this opportunity to take a little step ?“back?”. In April 2004 we had our Annual Picnic in the Park at Bay Pines. It was a wonderful outing, one enjoyed by all that attended. It was a treat for me, especially because I got to meet and visit with so many of you. And, I was welcomed warmly once again as I presided over our Annual Luncheon at the Colonnade Restaurant on Tuesday November 9th. It was such fun to be able to socialize together away from ?“home?”! We had 62 people in attendance. What a gathering! We celebrated as each attendee won a door prize (12 plants were given out) and I especially cheered when Marcel Belanger won my President?’s award- the cute, roly-poly Pig! Congratulations to one and all! Keep the faith that you too may win a door prize, as we have drawings at our meetings every month.
The Garden Club table at the Craft Bazaar was filled to brimming with an assortment of live as well as artificial offerings to tempt buyers, and despite the weather, we had quite a few sales, along with many, many browsers. A special thanks goes out to Diana Rogers and Rita Varney for setting up, Ralph Rogers for potting and carrying plants, to the many donors of plants: Nora Adell Andrews, Diana/ Ralph Rogers, Marcia Fay, Jerry Regan, Peggy Hubrich, Rita Varney, to my ?“relief?” crew- Joan Belanger, Ginger Phillips and my co-worker Gloria Aubin. Thank you!
When you read this we will have already had our 3rd meeting this season, and will be getting ready to celebrate the Holidays. Remember this month we?’ll only have one meeting but it?’ll be a doozie. Plan to mark your calendar for December 14th at 10:00am in the Atrium. That?’s when our Christmas Party will begin. We?’ll have singing, eating, drinking (soft stuff only) and gifts!!! SEE YOU THERE!


KITCHEN KREWE NEWS
By Betty Chase
I hope everyone has his or her tickets for the CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TOUR! This has always been a fun evening and we haven?’t done it for a few years. It will be on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4TH. We will plan to leave at 6:00 PM. The cost is $11.00 and the cut-off date is Wednesday December 1st. The tickets for our CHRISTMAS DINNER will be sold on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8th, preceding the Old Timers Luncheon. The dinner will be on the 25th and is $7.00/p/p. By popular request the menu will include turkey! Then get ready to purchase your New Year?’s Eve tickets next. They will be sold on Monday, December 20th. Jumping Jack Adkins will be our one-man band for the evening, from 8:00 PM until 12:30 AM! Snacks and hot foods will be served during the evening. The cost is $15.00. Menu is still in the planning stage and will be announced soon. I don?’t know where the year has gone. It has been filled with many good times. We are thankful the hurricane season is behind us and we were spared the brunt of it! We wish everyone a happy and joyous Holiday Season.


OLD TIMERS
By Gerri Bassett
Christmas is coming fast and the Officers of the Old Timers wish everyone a healthy, happy and safe Holiday. Merry Christmas to All. There will not be an Old Timers luncheon at noon on December 22nd. There will only be one luncheon for December. It will be held on Dec. 8th. MAA and Old Timers join together for Open House in the clubhouse on December 24th, Christmas Eve, at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided so come and greet your friends and neighbors. I would like to remind everyone that our dues are $3.50 per year and we have luncheons every 2nd and 4th Wednesday unless canceled because of a holiday. So come join us, after for free bingo.


WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT?
Submitted by Marilyn Waltz (taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds)
**Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of her own-they like other peoples?’.
**A grandfather is a man grandmother.
**When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.
**They don't say, "Hurry up."
**Usually grandmothers are fat, but not too fat to tie your shoes.
**They wear glasses and funny underwear.
**They can take their teeth and gums out.
**Grandparents don't have to be smart.
**They have to answer questions like "why isn't God married?" and "How come dogs chase cats?
**When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.
**Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television, because they are the only grown ups that like to spend time with us.
**They know we should have snack-time before bedtime and they say prayers with
us every time, and kiss us even when we've acted badly.


DEAR RED HATTERS
By Marilyn Waltz, QM
Come celebrate a Red Hat Christmas on Friday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m. Please check the bulletin board for the sign up sheet. Plan on bringing a covered dish and a gift of $10 value. The sign up sheet will be removed December 15 so please don't procrastinate.
Tickets for the January 22nd Fashion Show Luncheon will be available at the Wednesday luncheons on December 8 and 15. Tickets are $12/pp. Please plan to purchase your ticket as soon as you can. We do not want to tell you that we are sold out. There will be no ticket sales at the door. Happy Holidays to all.


SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB NEWS
By Jo Waldron
Just a reminder- our monthly meetings are held at 1 PM in the Atrium on the first Saturday of each month. New comers are welcome, come and see what we are all about or you can call one of the officers to see about lessons. The officers this year are Tom Solomon, President; Jo Waldron, Vice President; Lorraine Boshek, Secretary and Ginger Phillips, Treasurer. The Team Captains are: Tom Solomon, Jubilee; Shirley Penrod, Blue Sky; Laurie Mello, Friendship 1; Jo Waldron, Friendship2 and Annette Solomon, Nova.
Games open to all are Horse Collar, played on Sundays at 1 p.m. and Red & Black played at 1 p.m. on Mondays. Not much to report on Team standings yet- very few matches have been played at this point. The fellows playing in tournaments at Pinellas and Clearwater have been very busy. Ed McGrath and his partner took first place in the Main Event at a Clearwater tournament. Sil Oliveira is encouraging players to take part in the doubles tournaments at Pinellas Park. There are four (4) a year, held on Mondays. It?’s $5 to enter and very good experience. The dates are posted on the bulletin board in the clubhouse. Friendship players just have to remember that if they get lucky or play exceptionally well, they will not be able to return on Tuesday. See Sil if you are interested. Don?’t forget the Pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 11th. Happy Shuffling!!!


JESUS and SANTA CLAUS
An original Poem submitted by Richard Fay
Jesus met with Santa Claus,
Up by the Milky Way;
And thanked him for his Christian life,
Of giving things for Christmas Day.
The droll old man made Jesus laugh,
With his stories and twinkly eyes;
Especially when he told Him,
He would get a great surprise.
How could one surprise Jesus?
He and the Father know all;
Santa chucked him under the chin,
And said, you?’ll have a ball!
That Christmas Eve, St. Peter
Was greeted at the Pearly Gate;
By a rotund, red-frocked elf in a sleigh,
Let me in Pete- it?’s getting late.
As he entered Heaven,
Special music filled the air;
It emanated from the sleigh
As heavenly a sound as one would care.
The voices of thousands of children,
High pitched, musical and sweet;
Greeted Jesus as He came,
To hear his special treat.
We forget sometimes in Heaven,
That sound that?’s so delightful;
Most everyone here is older;
Has passed through times quite frightful.
Thank you Santa for your great gift,
On this my birthday eve;
All those now in Heaven have heard;
And to those voices cleave.
That?’s when Santa got
His other name- Saint Nicholas!
Jesus anointed him that Christmas Eve,
And soon made it known to us.
Now you?’ve heard other stories of Santa,
So it?’s hard to say what is true;
But most of us once believed in St. Nick,
And, perhaps, in our hearts, still do!