Americana Cove

"Passover" Gratitude Shared By All

Sep 30, 2004

THE AMERICAN FLAG John Layner

This summer must go on record for having the most wind, rain, lightning storms, tornados and hurricanes in some time.
Seemed like the month of August had rain on a daily basis. It was after Hurricane Charley that I noticed something unusual in different parts of town. Many of the American flags were losing some of their beauty mainly because of the weather.
Shreds, torn or missing pieces were prevalent. I am confident that the near future will provide a new flag. Has the bad weather marred the beauty of your flag?
"A THOUGHTFUL MIND. WHEN IT SEES A NATION?’S FLAG, SEES NOT THE FLAG ONLY, BUT THE NATION ITSELF; AND WHATEVER MAY BE ITS SYMBOLS, ITS INSIGNIA, HE READS CHIEFLY IN THE FLAG THE GOVERNMENT, THE PRINCIPLES, THE TRUTHS, THE HISTORY WHICH BELONGS
TO THE NATION THAT SETS IT FORTH."
Henry Ward Beecher


ONE, TWO, THREE: HURRICANES
by Richard H. "Dick" Fay

I've lived in Florida,
Since nineteen seventy four;
But if one more wild storm threatens,
I'll be looki' for the door.
That is, if it hasn't blown away,
Along with my shingled roof;
T'wouldsn't take much to make,
Me leave town now; Punta Gorda,
And Port Charlotte are proof!
Proof that anyone with sense,
Should get out right now;
Not wait 'till a trailer goes flying by
Or a pig or a horse or a cow.
But I live in Americana Cove,
Where neighbors are caring and kind;
It's like a little town within a town,
And causes a calming frame of mind.
We have our club luncheons,
Where volunteers cook and serve;
And our officers (who are not paid),
Control problems with quiet verve.
I guess I'll have to be blown away,
To get me to leave here;
So...No, I'm not going,
Can't leave people that are so dear.

(After Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan)


FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Bill Hart, President

At the Board Meeting September 20th your Board voted to continue the investment program that we started in July. We shall use the range of investments according to the policy adopted in May. Our intention is to increase the yield by laddering CD?’s and Federal Notes so that a 6-month rotation of 3 year notes keeps money invested while at the same time giving accessibility if the funds should be needed. Our goal is one million dollars in the reserve account to be invested this way. The income will stay in the reserve fund increasing those reserves. Our CPA and attorney have approved the policy.

Treasurer Dorsett presented the 2005 budget to the Board. The Board will evaluate the proposed budget and be prepared to recommend the finished product to the shareholders at the Town Hall Meeting October 6th. The proposed budget maintains assessments at the same level and provides funds for year 2 of the 3-year plan for road and fence repair. It also provides for $50,000 to be returned to the invested reserve account to replenish funds drawn down by the current year?’s road repairs. The Board encourages shareholders to examine, discuss and ask questions about the proposed 2005 budget. Please remember that this budget, like any, is just a plan and has many variables.

The front entrance project has been mired in red tape, delays and bids totaling more than double the allocated costs. Attempts to reduce cost meet more red tape and additional costs. The last straw: Late Wednesday, September 22nd, we were told by the contractor that he had misquoted the "final" quote for the widening of the front entrance Almost $8,000 more was needed This brought the total to over $44,000 for that portion of the project. The City needed additional engineering drawings, permits, etc. We gave up. The six additional feet of driveway opening was now going to cost nearly $50,000 for only the road and sidewalk changes. We said no, enough. Therefore your Board has decided to forgo the widening of the road portion of the project for now. We will do the new signs, landscaping and low wall removal. We will make an attractive entrance using the existing roadway and sidewalk. We know it will be a great improvement to the appearance of our entrance when finished. Work will start immediately.

The Board is losing one of its most productive members in the loss of Hubert Dorsett as our Treasurer. Hubert has been an outstanding member of our community and our Board of Directors. His many innovations in the office of Treasurer laid the groundwork for the continued success of the community in the handling of our financial matters. He was instrumental in our new financial software program, investment policy, financial committee and new budget process. We wish him success in his future associations. May he be blessed with happiness and health.

Rita Ferguson has been selected to be Treasurer. Nelson French will chair the finance committee. All of the selections are in effect until the new board is elected in January, 2005.

Resumes are being accepted to replace Hubert on the Board with a deadline of Oct 4th. We expect to accept Hubert?’s resignation on October 6th at the Town Hall Meeting and announce his replacement.


FROM THE MANAGER - Dawn Simmons

VOTING DAY
When the Clubhouse is OPEN to voters no one else is permitted in the polling place, unless you are there to vote.

So mark your calendars for November 2nd as voting day and please go in the Clubhouse just to vote.
The only authorized persons permitted in the polling rooms are the assigned Poll Workers and Supervisor of Elections.

STORM READINESS
Let me begin by saying to date we have been very fortunate during the busy storm season. With the recent activity of evacuation and preparing your homes for a storm, we have discovered many homes are left unprepared for a storm.

Before ?“Charley?” our maintenance crew went through the entire community battening down the hatches in preparation for the storm.

Our readiness procedure involves a lot. Flags, pool furniture, all common areas, brush pick up etc. So the men do not have the time to pick up individual lots.

A policy will be put in place prior to our northerners leaving in the spring, to have their home and property storm ready.

Remember the time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens.

HURRICANE RELIEF:
The Front Gate collected $300 toward the Hurricane Relief Fund.
Thank you to all who donated. The Cue Club, The Golf Seekers, Garden Club and residents driving up to the gate donated. Thanks Carolyn and Richard.

The Board of Directors are adding $100 to the gate collection fund and sending it to a family in Brooksville whose home was flooded out in Charley and demolished when a tree from Frances went through the home. Another $500 is being donated to the Hurricane Relief Fund in Tallahassee, $150 to the Salvation Army and $150 to the Red Cross.

PAVING:
Driveway maintenance has started to mark the south side of the community with yellow and pink paint. Yellow signifies overlay- pink is for saw cuttings and removal.

The Association is only responsible up to your carport. If you want Driveway Maintenance to do the portion of your driveway/carport while they are here, I have a sign up sheet in the office. Please fill it out and a representative will give you a quote on how much it will be.

The Front Entrance drawings are in the final stages of being approved by the city. Some members of the Board and myself took a field trip to Venice, Fla. to see some signage. We were impressed with the signs. Two other companies have been given the sizes and composition. Field trips to look at them are being organized.

The utility company has been notified to do a location of underground utilities.

THE $2,000 QUESTION:
A few years ago residents were permitted to bring in their title and keys and give their homes back to the Association. It was costing the Association thousands of dollars each year to pick up the cost of removal. It was decided early in 2002 that MAROA would stop this procedure.

Since then residents leaving the Community for an assortment of reasons are told when they asked if we would take their home back, that ?“we no longer do that?”. The financial responsibility is up to each individual homeowner, renter or shareholder. The cost to remove a singlewide is approximately $2000. More if there are room additions or raised porches on a concrete base.

The vendor we use is Gary Lehman. He always comes in to price out a home before the office gives a quote to the homeowner.

This notice is to inform our residents we do not take homes back and it is up to each homeowner to make provisions for the removal of a home they can no longer live in, for whatever reason. MAROA cannot assume the financial burden of any more homes.

We have asked residents, renters and shareholders alike, to sign a statement that we put in their resident file to reflect that we have discussed it.

APPLICATIONS For The BOARD
The MAROA Board of Directors is accepting applications in the form of resumes for a position opening on the Board.
All resumes must be turned into the Business office by October 4th at 4:00 pm. The position will be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors.
A year round resident would help.


MAA NEWS FOR OCTOBER
Ken Hopkins, President

The pulse of our community quickens as our northern friends slowly start to trickle back to the sunny south. ?“Are the hurricanes over??” they ask. Let?’s hope so. Enough is enough. As our sleeping giant awakens there are several activities during October you should be aware of.
The October MAA Council meeting will be held at 10:00 A.M. in the Atrium on Tuesday, October 5th, followed the next day by the monthly MAA luncheon.
Oktoberfest will be on Sunday, October 3rd. Festivities will start at 4:00 P.M. with suitable music and beer. The Kitchen Krewe will do their usual best, and snacks and a German dinner will be available.
October 9th, Saturday, will feature our monthly card party at 6:30 P.M. in the Club House. Probably plenty of chances to win before the wily Canadians get back in town!
On Saturday, October 16th there will be a surprise birthday party in the Atrium at 4:00 P.M. Come and join the fun for a piece of birthday cake and see who the mystery guest is.
On Saturday, October 30th, we will celebrate Halloween with Jack Atkin?’s entertainment and the usual blend of tricks and treats. The parade starts at 6:00 P.M. See Betty Chase?’s Kitchen Krewe column for more details on this fun event.
Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, October, 31st. Remember, ?“Spring forward, Fall back?” so set your clocks back one hour before retiring that Saturday evening.
A parting thought, next month will feature our annual Holiday Craft Bazaar. This is an important fundraiser for MAA. Hope all you crafters are busy whipping out those goodies for the sale and thinking of new crafts to entice the buyers.
A reminder from the MAA Council. All new activities and events have to be submitted in writing to the Council for approval. We love new stuff; just get it approved so that it gets on the calendar and does not conflict with any existing events.

Happy Halloween from MAA!


OLD TIMERS CLUB by Dorothy Kolb

To some of you reading this article it will be boring but to others I hope it will be informative, "What is the Old Timers? Old Timers is a social club and its purpose is to promote fellowship and goodwill among the residents of the park and to further these relationships, and to use any of the revenues of the club exclusively for the benefit of its members.
The club meets on the second and fourth Wednesday each month, at twelve noon, except the fourth Wednesday in June, and the months of July and August. There is a luncheon followed by a business meeting. Dessert is provided by the members and sold for thirty-five cents each (usually a delicious piece of home made cake).
The main menu is prepared and served by the Kitchen Krewe and members.
The luncheon is paid for by our current treasurer.
Where does our money come from in our checking account? Our membership is open to all residents of the park who pay an annual fee of $3.50 per person at time of enrollment. Renewals are due the first meeting in October of each year. All non-members or guests are asked to pay one dollar for the meal. The total achieved not only from membership, but also from the sale of desserts and from the aluminum collected, along with 1/2 of the 50/50 tickets and the one-dollar from guests.
Hope to see you there. We play Bingo after with no cost to you?….


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS by Frances McVay

BROWN, Deborah
7069 Mt. Piney Road 321-4142
Previously Kovac Estate
Moved from 116 Americana Court

HOUSE, Charlene H.
6813 Americana Drive
New Home

PERRONE, Robert V.
166 Americana Court
New Home

SELLERS, Ronald & Marie (MI)
448 Mt. Oak Avenue
Previously Burns


SUNSHINE REPORT OCTOBER 2004 By Gerri Bassett

Deaths
Roger Lafleur

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

October Birthdays
02 Paul Mattina
04 Bill Hart
Ed Clifford
Sunny Knutson
07 Rene Renaud
Don Delzell
08 Mary Krich
11 Doris Hodge
Irene Racette
Nicol Lapointe
14 Phyllis Jackwin
15 Arlene Harmon
20 Bernie Ruedy
22 June Best
23 Ed Higgins
25 Russ Steele
27 Gene Rybka
29 Jim Chase

October Anniversaries
04 Joan and Jim Mitchell 7 Years
08 Gen and Morris Van Patten 66 Years
11 Lillian and Don Harris 52 Years
12 Ellie and Sil Oliveira 45 Years
15 Delores and Rudy Ferrara 55 Years
23 Diana and Ralph Rogers 56 Years

Would you like your Birthday or Anniversary in the Forecaster? Let me know Gerri Bassett 525-6806 or E-mail me at Lyonsbassett @ Juno.com. Thank You!


The following article is reprinted by permission of Bob Gorman, Managing Editor, Watertown Daily Times, from the May 21st, 2004 edition.

CARTHAGE -In 1905, Albert Einstein was working on the law of the photoelectric effect, which would result in his winning the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921, Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt had just been married and Franklin's distant cousin, Theodore, had just given his inaugural address to begin his second term as President of the United States.
It was also a year marked by the founding of Las Vegas, Nev., the first automobile to reach 100 mph and the birth of Earl B. French, the man who would be responsible for shaping the education of thousands of north country children.
Mr. French began his teaching career in a one-room school in the Adirondacks in 1929. He ended his career when he retired as district superintendent of Carthage Central Schools in 1972, a district he helped centralize from 32 separate schools, changing the way thousands of children have been educated in the greater Carthage area.
Saturday, the district celebrates its 50th anniversary of centralization, and Mr. French, now 98, will be there to serve as grand marshal of the parade.
"At the time we centralized, there were over 8,000 school districts in New York State," Mr. French said in a phone interview while on a travel break. Nelson V., Mr. French's son, was driving him and his wife, Eleanor A, 90, to Carthage from Florida, where Mr. French and his wife retired.
Though he suffered a small stroke two years ago, and his hearing makes it difficult for him to ta1k on the phone, Mr. French's memory is sharp as he recalls the changes to the area's education system 50 years ago.
"The state tried w get the schools to reorganize, but you couldn't get them to do it, " he said.
Mr. French said it was only after the state put on financial pressure that school officials began to think about reorganization.
At the time, shortly after World War II, many Small villages and hamlets had their own elementary schools, but sent the older students to larger districts.
Nelson French said his mother, as a high school student living in Great Bend, would take the train every day to Carthage High School.
The larger schools would then be reimbursed by the state for students attending the school from other areas. In the early 1950s, the state changed its policy; larger schools would no longer be reimbursed for educating students from outside the school district and would be forced to bill the smaller districts for the students.
"He knew they would never get the money from the smaller districts," Nelson French said.
The elder French then went on the campaign trail, making his rounds through the other districts, which were under his care as superintendent of the First Supervisory District of Jefferson County, a larger area than what Carthage Central now encompasses.
Mr. French's commitment to local education would have him hitting the campaign trail one more time after the district was centralized - to convince people to vote for the establishment of Jefferson Community College.
By 1953, the 32 separate school districts had been centralized into one, which changed the makeup of many of the towns and villages. Students had more resources available to them after the centralization, but in some cases, were no longer going to their neighborhood school.
"Small schools like Black River, didn?’t have the numbers to make a band or a chorus before we centralized," Mr. French said, adding that the centralization also made financial sense for the smaller schools, through gaining the monetary clout that came with the larger schools. Centralization didn't come without a cost, however.
"A lot of the villages identified with their high schools," Nelson French said. "It was what made Carthage, Carthage and West Carthage. Those were the rivalries and the high schools were a point of pride for those communities.
Today, however, none of the students in the district are old enough to remember what it was like before the centralization, nor are any of the teachers.
"Most of the people who were involved are dead," Mr. French said. 'Tm the only one left."


COVE CORNER
By Ken Hopkins

SECURITY ?– Someone has raised an issue that I think is worth discussing. During this year?’s busy hurricane season the Cove has been evacuated twice. During these evacuations, our gate guard post has been abandoned to provide for the personal safety of the gate guard personnel. Combine that with the general evacuation in effect and the Cove becomes an abandoned ghost town, ripe for plundering by the bad guys. Clearly we become a target for looting in that case. It is generally acknowledged that the major reason people refuse evacuation orders is the fear of looting, sometimes to their great personal detriment. All of my instincts are to urge proper evacuation when ordered by the authorities yet I understand the desire to protect your possessions. So, is there an answer? Can we provide some level of security during an evacuation? Should we arm the remaining residents with assault weapons? I don?’t know the answer but I suggest this is a topic worth discussion for future events.

THANKS ?– I can speak for all the ?“Northeners?” when I thank Conrad Weiser, Dick Nemi, John Bassett and others who provided us post storm photos and information about the condition of our homes. It was very comforting to learn from first hand observation that our homes survived all hurricanes with a minimum or even no damage. Thank you all for your caring and concern. We will all be back to thank you in person.

ADIOS, HUMBERTO ?– When Hubert Dorsett signed up for my Spanish class I puzzled over what to call him. I could find no equivalent to Hubert in Spanish. I finally decided on Humberto and that?’s what I have called him ever since. Unfortunately Humberto could not finish the class due to his Board obligations but I did get to know him and had a further chance to work with him during the troubled period around the ?“vote for the budget?” controversy. I found Humberto a voice of calm and reason. I was delighted to see him accept the position of Treasurer and found his many explanations of our complicated budget to be clear and rational. Thus I was particularly disappointed to learn that he has decided to move on and will no longer be a resident of Americana Cove. I wish him the best and thank him for his caring and concern. Adios, Humberto.

UNWANTED DIRECT MAIL ?– There is still not much we can do about ?“spam?”, unwanted email messages offering to sell us Viagara, et. al. However, there IS something you can do about unwanted direct mail advertising that comes to you via the U.S. Postal Office. I recently complained to them about all the unwanted mail I was receiving at my seasonal campground in Wisconsin and was told by their customer service people that I could write to the following address and they would put a ?“block?” on my address, preventing many if not all direct mail. Mail Preference Service, Attn: Dept. 7488547,
Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 282, Carmel, NY 10512-0282. The lady who gave me this information swears that a letter to them is very effective in removing the plague of direct mail. You can reach the United States Post Office Customer Service department at 1-800-275-8777.

WELCOME BACK ?– October is the month when our ?“sunbirds?” start to return from their increasingly colder northern climes. Count us in that group. We are delighted to be back HOME after our summer vacation. We had a great time in Wisconsin and even more fun in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We?’re looking forward to swapping stories of our travels with our friends so hurry home and let?’s get together. Hope my boat motor starts! Just a personal note. Beck and I plan to be around just long enough to get the house in shape, attend the MAA meetings and then we will both go to work for FEMA for a while to help where we can with Hurricane relief. We?’ll be back as quick as we can.


VETERAN?’S MEMORIAL By John Layner

The drive for a new veteran?’s memorial is well under way and our committee is proud to say that YOU, the people of Americana Cove are helping us reach our goal. We shall continue to have a table setup to advertise our goal at the luncheon and party programs.
Our plans include making Veteran?’s Day, November 11th, that very special day. At approximately 11 a.m., we shall unveil the special memorial to all veterans. And yes, you too will be proud.
Changes have been made in reference to sending your donations by check.
Please make checks out to ?“Kitchen Krewe Klub?”. Send your contribution to:
John Layner, 301 Mt. Piney Av. NE or place it in a container at one of our functions. Many thanks to all!!!!
Someone once said, ?“Whatever is won in war, it is the loss veterans remember.?” Truer words were never spoken


POTPOURRI ?– compiled at the Editor?’s desk with additional contributions from many, including Lucy LaBerge, Conrad Weiser, Marilyn Waltz, Kay Sebek et al)

Thought ?– If there?’s an exception to every rule, is there an exception to that rule?
Word Definitions ?– Atom Bomb ?– An invention to end all inventions.
Words to Live By ?– It is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life-threatening situation.
Things to Think About ?– A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours. ~~Milton Berle
Truths ?– To ignore the facts does not change the facts.
Groaners ?– I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn?’t suited for it, mainly because it was a so-so job; My best job was being a musician, but eventually I found I wasn?’t noteworthy.


DUPLICATE BRIDGE Gerri Bassett

Howell Movement
Sunday August 22, 2004
1) Gerri & John Bassett
2) Betty Davis & Esther Israel


THIS HAS TO STOP!!! Submitted by Lucy LaBerge

Have you ever noticed that when you're of a certain age, everything seems uphill from where you are? Stairs are steeper. Groceries are heavier. And, everything is farther away. Yesterday I walked to the corner and I was dumbfounded to discover how long our street had become!
And, you know, people are less considerate now, especially the young ones. They speak in whispers all the time! If you ask them to speak up they just keep repeating themselves, endlessly mouthing the same silent message until they're red in the face! What do they think I am, a lip reader?
I also think they are much younger than I was at the same age. On the other hand, people my own age are so much older than I am. I ran into an old friend the other day and she has aged so much that she didn't even recognize me.
I got to thinking about the poor dear while I was combing my hair this morning, and in doing so, I glanced at my own reflection........Well, REALLY NOW -- even mirrors are not made the way they used to be!

Another thing, everyone drives so fast today! You're risking life and limb if you just happen to pull onto the freeway in front of them. All I can say is, their brakes must wear out awfully fast, the way I see them screech and swerve in my rear view mirror.

Clothing manufacturers are less civilized these days. Why else would they suddenly start labeling a size 10 or 12 dress as 18 or 20? Do they think no one notices that these things no longer fit around the waist, hips, thighs, and bosom?

The people who make bathroom scales are pulling the same prank, but in reverse. Do they think I actually "believe" the number I see on that dial? HA! I would never let myself weigh that much! Just whom do these people think they're fooling?

I'd like to call up someone in authority to report what's going on -- but the telephone company is in on the conspiracy too: they've printed the phone books in such small type that no one could ever find a number in here!

All I can do is pass along this warning: Maturity is under attack! Unless something drastic happens, pretty soon "everyone" will have to suffer these awful indignities.


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 November for all articles, the 19th of October. Font size is number twelve.
Forecaster Submissions ?– If you can send me your items by email, either by attachment, or just as part of the email, you will save yourselves money. (ink and paper) Thank you for cooperating.
Emails to the Editor ?– If you are sending me an email for the first time please let me know by phone what your email name is. I get so much spam that I simply delete all unknown senders and have lost a couple of items this way. It is unfortunate, but once I know your sign on I will have a reference for the future. My apologies to the senders.
Calendar ?– Deadline for entries will be the 17th of each month. Please note that all calendar events must come from, or be approved by the MAA.
Monthly Bridge Lunch - It will be on October 20th. All Bridge players are welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship with their friends and neighbors.


NEW YORK NIGHT COMMITTEE by Jean Cruz

Greetings again to all our friends. We are definitely blessed that we have not incurred severe damage due to the hurricanes.
We have new dates for our future meetings. We will meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Clubhouse. The next meeting will be October 7, 2004. Thereafter, October 21, November 4, November 18, and so forth. Please contact NANCY KEEN at 525-1833 for further information.

To those on their way back home, be careful and stay safe...



KITCHEN KREWE NEWS FOR OCTOBER Betty Chase
Sunday, October 3, will be our annual OKTOBERFEST!! Tickets will be sold preceding the Old Timer's Luncheon on Wed. Sept 22 for $7.00. NO TICKETS will be sold after Sept. 30th. The "Lorelie Band" plays from 4:00pm until 7:00pm and the salads and snacks start at 4:30pm with dinner served at 5:30 pm. There will be beer, soda and coffee. Dinner is sauerbraten {marinated beef roast}, ham and noodle casserole, sauerkraut, and apple pudding.
Halloween is coming!! Get out those costumes and come have some fun. Or if you don't wish to dress-up, just come to see all the ghosts and goblins!!
The judging will begin at 6:00 pm with prizes awarded for the scariest, funniest, and the best all around ($20 each). Food will be served at 6:30pm with music for your dancing and listening pleasure. Tickets will be sold preceding the Old Timer's Luncheon on Wed. October 13th. Cut-off date for all sales will be Wednesday Oct. 27th.
The Kitchen Krewe wish to extend a big "thank you" to everyone who is now obeying our plea to purchase your tickets on time! Also to everyone that did such a nice job of cleaning up their tables after the Luau. We really appreciate the help.


RED HAT CHILIES Marilyn Waltz, QM

Well, my sisters, we are starting a new season of fun after fifty. I hope you all had a good summer and are ready to party the Red Hatter's way.

An outing is planned for October 23rd at the Bill Irle Early Bird Dinner Theater in Clearwater. The play is "The Amorous Ambassador" and the tickets for this event are $18.00, which includes a buffet dinner, show, tax and gratuity. Please see sign up sheet on the Chilies bulletin board.

We had so much fun at our Bunco Party last March that it was decided to do it again in November. Will advise as soon as we get our date on the calendar.

Please plan on Wednesday, December 15th at 6:30 p.m. for the Christmas Party in the Atrium.

Can you believe it, we are about to get our committees together for the January 22, 2005, Red Hatter's Fashion Show. We expect about 250 guests and members. Remember how much fun it was last year? When the tickets go on sale in November, please do not wait 'til the last minute -- we do not want to turn anyone away. Looking forward to a wonderful Red Hat season.

Under every Red Hat is a woman of beauty.
Sincerely, Marilyn Waltz


AMERICANA COVE COMPUTER CLUB
Conrad Weiser, Secretary

Starting our new Fall season. Come out and join us at the Atrium, 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.
Our guest speaker on September 21st was Officer Chip Wells, of the Crime Prevention Unit of our St. Petersburg Police Department. Many of you have met Chip before as he spoke at the Cove several times to various park groups. Chip is the designer and Webmaster of the Home Page for our S.P.P.D. www.stpete.org/police.
Plan to be with us at the next meeting on October 19th, 2004.


VESPERS Gerri Bassett
The countdown for Vespers choir practice begins Friday, October 29th and November 5th, at 8:45 A.M. on the clubhouse stage. All new singers are welcome. As we need more singers, this is a good time to join.
Prepare our hearts and minds to attend our Vespers services beginning Sunday, November 7 at 4:50 PM with an informal sing, followed by the service. We welcome a different minister each week through Easter. We conclude at 6:00 PM: followed by yummy finger sandwiches, desserts and tea/coffee. So come and join us. We hope to see you there.
A big thank you to Vice Chairman Faith Brundage, who last season resumed the duty of securing guest pastors when Joan Mitchell?’s work schedule interfered. Faith now has passed getting the guest pastors on to Jennie Lee Titus. A retired missionary whose eagerness and caring spirit promises great pastors. If you would like your pastor to come as a guest speaker contact Jennie Lee at 520-9448.
Vespers Pastors for November
November 7 Bill Martin
Northeast Presbyterian
November 14 Wayne Vaughn
St. James United Methodist
November 21 Gene Crawley
Northeast Park Baptist
November 28 Rick Robie (Associate Pastor)
Northeast Christian
Please let?’s think about bringing friends to Vespers. Sometimes people are reluctant to come alone or because they go to their own church. Vespers is a good place to start the week as Bill Hart, our MAROA President and choir member for many years says.?” Try it, you?’ll like it.?”

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the Welcome home dinner on November 20th at 5:00 P.M. More about this in the November Forecaster.


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 Oct. 8, 2004 at 1:30 P.M.
Speaker TBA
Various Subjects of our choice
Refreshments will be available
Be sure to bring friends and/or neighbors
Coordinators: Barb Magada, Jim Chase And Conrad Weiser

Barbara Magada has pointed out that in last month?’s issue of the Forecaster, credit was not given to the work done by Officer John Harris, assisted by a photographer from one of our local TV stations, in compiling the video of the eight veteran coordinators of the Crime Watch Program, including our own Barbara.
Ed note: It takes many hands to do important work, and we are all grateful to Barbara and the other coordinators, and to the St. Petersburg Police Department for operating this program.


ONE-LINERS. Submitted by Conrad Weiser
Protons have mass? I didn't even know they were Catholic.
A beggar asked me for 50cents for a sandwich. I said, "First let me see the
sandwich."
They told me I was gullible... and I believed them.
Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home and, when he grows up,he'll never be able to edge his car onto a freeway.
Experience is the thing you have left when everything else is gone.
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
One nice thing about egotists: They don't talk about other people.
When the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to look like a nail.
My weight is perfect for my height - which varies.
I used to be indecisive. Now, I'm not sure.
The cost of living hasn't affected its popularity.
How can there be self-help "groups"?
Is there another word for synonym?
The speed of time is one-second per second.
Is it possible to be totally partial?
Is Marx's tomb a communist plot?
It's not an optical illusion. It just looks like one.


SUMMER BROWN BAG LUNCH 2004
by Virginia Curtis

Vivian Linville and Virginia Curtis co-chairman wish to thank the people who helped them.

In June and July we had Brown Bag lunches and in August we enjoyed Arby's Roast Beef sandwiches. Birthday cake and ice cream was provided.

Dick Fay favored us with a poem in keeping with each month.

Gerri Bassett called bingo and Nancy Hubartt and Wanda Spetz sold 50/50 tickets. John Layner made coffee and tea. Our average attendance was 50 residents.


SENIOR MOMENTS....submitted by Roger Cathcart

"Senior" personal ads

Some "Senior" personal ads seen in Florida newspapers:
(Who says seniors don't have a sense of humor?)

FOXY LADY: Sexy, fashion-conscious blue-haired beauty, 80's, slim, 5'4" (used to be 5'6"), searching for sharp-looking, sharp-dressing companion. Matching white shoes and belt a plus.

LONG-TERM COMMITMENT: Recent widow who has just buried fourth husband, and am looking for someone to round out a six-unit plot. Dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath not a problem.

SERENITY NOW: I am into solitude, long walks, sunrises, the ocean, yoga and meditation. If you are the silent type, let's get together, take our hearing aids out and enjoy quiet times.

WINNING SMILE: Active grandmother with original teeth seeking a dedicated flosser to share rare steaks, corn on the cob and caramel candy.

BEATLES OR STONES? I still like to rock, still like to cruise in my Camaro on Saturday nights and still like to play the guitar. If you were a groovy chick, or are now a groovy hen, let's get together and listen to my eight-track tapes.

MEMORIES: I can usually remember Monday through Thursday. If you can remember Friday, Saturday and Sunday, let's put our two heads together.

MINT CONDITION: Male, 1932, high mileage, good condition, some hair, many new parts including hip, knee, cornea, valves. Isn't in running condition, but walks well.


AN ODE TO CUSTOMER SERVICE by Jim Stearns ?– submitted by Conrad Weiser

I have a little problem, so I call you on the phone
I'm given numbered options - to punch them each by tone.
After hitting number 7, then 2, 8, 6 and pound
A short recording tells me that no operators can be found.
They're busy helping others and would I hold this once?
Because my call is SO important. What am I? A dunce?
My call's not so important that I'll spend an hour on hold,
While my shoulder aches, my patience bakes and my coffee grows green mold.
Nothing your recording says can cause me to believe
That my call will be taken in the order it was received.
So down I put the telephone and up I pick the modem
To find solutions on your site, and once found, download 'em.
I calmly wait while DNS looks up your URL
Until your server answers your home page front door bell.
I wait for frames to paint themselves, my solution to begin.
And then I wait for plug-ins so I can see your logo spin.
I wait to get an audio file - greetings from your CEO
He doesn't get the Internet, but he loves the radio.
I wait until a picture of your building is on my screen
And I realize there are things that should not be heard nor seen.
Finally, there's a menu and I poise my mouse to click...
But first, a Java applet! "Starting Java." I know that won't be quick.
The menu choices indicate you know yourselves full well.
You know all about your company and that's what you want to tell.
But where's the button I can push, that takes me to the page
That solves my problem? Feels my pain? And soothes my mounting rage?
There, in the lower corner, down by the copyright
There's a little tiny icon that looks as if it might
Be a link to customer service. My troubles soon will quit!
I click upon it and I get... a 404... Oh, sugar.
And when I finally reach that page that promises relief.
I'm staring at a document that's far beyond belief.
For where there should be answers to frequently asked questions
And online help and knowledge-bases, is naught but indigestion.
For there in type italics, underlined and bold
Is the number for your help desk phone.
I should have stayed on hold


HURRICANE CHARLEY AND FRANCES by the Editor

Charley spared us. Frances wasn?’t so kind. Gerri and I evacuated, as we always do in mandatory evacuations, but came home the second day, only to get kicked by the tail of Frances as it gave us a serious warning that a hurricane/tropical storm is not something to take lightly. And to make sure the storm has really passed on before going home, despite anything you might hear on the radio or TV. Weathermen are not infallible, they do their best, but sometimes even they get caught by surprise.(as we were)
As I toured around the community I noticed that the newer homes escaped without any damage that I could see, but there was some minor damage to older homes, including three collapsed carports, one landing on a parked vehicle. Three new palm trees were uprooted, which begs the question, why were they not stayed? Staying a tree of course costs more money, so it?’s probably one of those decisions, where in weighing all the factors, a certain decision is reached. However, if the tree length is such, that in falling, it could strike a home, then perhaps the cost factor should be ignored, and the tree stayed.
Several homes lost awnings, which I think illustrates the necessity for our snowbirds, of putting them down before leaving. And to year-long residents of putting them down before the storm gets here. And securing them!! If they can?’t be secured down, then leave them up secured.
Which brings up another point, leaving loose objects, chairs, tables, barbeques etc. outside is asking for trouble, as loose objects can fly around and hit other things. And leaving such objects in screened in porches is not a protection. Screens don?’t fare too well in storms. Every year the park issues warnings about this, but residents ignore the safety instructions. Perhaps what we, as a community, need to do, is change the regulations and or bylaws to provide that our President be able to declare a state of emergency, and confiscate all loose objects, within one week of an approaching major storm. Maybe that would get the message through!
As to collapsing carports, I would recommend that anyone that does not have their carport secured to the concrete floor of the carport, do so. If this is not possible, then recheck the anchoring mechanism, and make sure it has not rotted out, either partly or completely. As well, all loose siding etc. should be fastened down. A lot of loss is preventable if homes are maintained properly.
Those with TV aerials should have them removed if now on cable, as such aerials are an invitation to the winds that blow, and when they come down, invariably do damage to the home. Another bit that helps, is to close all interior doors. It adds a little more to the structural integrity of the dwelling, as well as preventing the wind blowing through if one or more windows are broken.
I do want to commend the management for the annual tree trimming program, as I saw no major tree limbs or trees down, although a number of smaller trees were blown over, mostly fruit trees. And this is where you, as the home resident, can definitely assist, by making sure the tree is regularly trimmed to ensure it does not become top heavy.
Finally, thank goodness for Betty Chase and her able crew for proceeding with the Labor Day Luau. We really needed that after a stressful weekend. And the power stayed on.


ENERGY SAVING by John Bassett

Many of you in older homes are undoubtedly trying to reduce your energy costs, which in the single pane windows is tantamount to either trying to air condition or heat the outside. There is very little insulation value in a single pane window lite.
I have changed some of my windows to more modern double paned (with argon gas between the lites) and so far my monthly savings are about 25% of my earlier electric bills.
Now, these new windows do not come cheaply, but the additional comfort, and the knowledge that the a/c is not running constantly, is a major benefit. If you can reduce the need to change the air conditioner every 10-12 years, to 15 years or more, there is a major saving there.
Obviously this improvement would not be cost effective for some, but if you are tired of making the electric company rich, then this is something to consider.
If you have any questions on this subject I would be happy to answer them.


I AM THANKFUL...submitted by Marilyn Waltz

For the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight; because she is home with me, not with someone else.

For the husband who is on the sofa who is being a couch potato; because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because that means she is at home, not on the streets.
For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I was surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too tight, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means that I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.

and finally...for too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

Editors Note: I?’m not sure about the email. There is so much spam out there that personally, I could do with a lot less.


HYMNS FOR ALL THINGS submitted by Lucy LaBerge

The Dentist's Hymn:................Crown Him with Many Crowns
The Contractor's Hymn:...........The Church's One Foundation
The Tailor's Hymn:...................Holy, Holy, Holy
The Golfer's Hymn:..................There's a Green Hill Far Away
The Politician's Hymn:..............Standing on the Promises
The Optometrist's Hymn:.........Open My Eyes That I Might See
The IRS Agent's Hymn:.............I Surrender All
The Gossip's Hymn:..................Pass It On
The Electrician's Hymn:............Send The Light
The Shopper's Hymn:................Sweet By and By

AND for those who speed on the highway - a few hymns:
-----45mph....................God Will Take Care of You
-----55mph....................Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
-----65mph....................Nearer My God To Thee
-----75mph....................Nearer Still Nearer
-----85mph....................This World Is Not My Home
-----95mph....................Lord, I'm Coming Home
-----Over 100mph.........Precious Memories


FROM THE EDITOR ?– Guidelines and Instructions for Forecaster Contributions Please follow the instructions shown here for items to be published in the Forecaster. The instructions will be updated periodically as the need arises. Content guidelines will be in the November issue. The following guidelines apply to those of you who submit hard copy. Those sending material electronically should, if possible, do it by email attachment. However if this is a problem just send it as part of the email. The instructions as to type size etc., apply for electronic material also.
Odd size type and tiny type, nor different size type on the same page, is not acceptable. All submissions must be on full size 8 1/2 by 11 paper. Nothing else but the item for publication can be on the submission page ?– no instructions, no comments, absolutely nothing. Any comments you want are to be attached as a separate item, or sent in another email, if you are using email.
The items you want published are read by computer, which must handle material of a standard size and format, so we must give the publisher material in the standardized format. Clarity is also important, so those of you, whose typewriter ribbons have seen better days, please take note. If using a computer, copy must be 12 point type, in Times New Roman, and single spaced. If you are sending the material electronically, single spacing is required. With a typewriter, double spacing is required. This means a blank line between lines of type. If you don?’t have a typewriter, try to find someone who can do it for you. However if your item is about an upcoming event, short and to the point, or is simply a calendar of events, and you can?’t find someone to type it, submit it and I?’ll see what I can do (don?’t try this too often). But please note articles of general interest must meet the guidelines. All items, except thank-you?’s, must have a title and the author?’s name at the beginning of each item or article.
Next month we?’ll give you the guidelines on what type of items, articles etc. may be submitted for publication. I will also require your address and phone number if you are not listed in the Park phone book so I can contact you if necessary. If you have an unpublished phone number please say so. Additionally, articles on upcoming events must be restricted to the following two months. Submission dates in the future are as follows;
a) for items of a general nature, the 19th of each month,
b) for birthdays, anniversaries etc. the 19th, c) calendar of events, submit to Nora Adell Andrews by the 17th.
d) any item which may be controversial in nature, e.g., opinions on park activities must be submitted by the 8th ?– no exceptions. This will give me time to review with the writer and obtain a rebuttal for publication in the same issue.
Now for the bad news, the deadlines for the December 2004 and January 2005 issues will be the 14th of the preceding month.
And to the Canadians, have a happy Thanksgiving.

FRIENDS(?) by Conrad Weiser

I may be the one to blame for all of our misfortunes lately. See, back in August I invited a few of my friends and family to come down to WDW for a "Grand Gathering ?“. You know who I am talking about right.... their names may ring a bell.....Or raise a Flag......well make it 2 flags....both red, with one on top of the other.....I'm WARNING you to WATCH out....ok....I think you get my point.
I will give you all a reminder of how much fun they had at WDW.
ALEX; Ah...good ole' Alex....he visited us so long ago that I can't even remember him. I do seem to think that he did enjoy the Carolinas though.
BONNIE; She came to visit us with her husband, Charley. They flew in from the Gulf around the same time, but ended up in two separate parts of the state. While Bonnie went to visit her sister in Pensacola, her husband would have no part of that....
CHARLEY; How could you forget Charley? When he came we gave him the ultimate VIP treatment, we closed the parks early for him! As I remember, he really enjoyed the Animal Kingdom, so much we gave him another day. But he got a little too excited on the Jungle Cruise and we had to stay closed for a while to clean up after him.
DANIELLE and EARL; Her and her husband Earl, being great friends with Bonnie and Charley, had decided to come over from Africa and visit us the same weekend. But we were so busy with the other two we neglected them and they turned away. Danielle went to Greenland, and Earl went to Mexico.
FRANCES; Frances was the worst guest of all. She was coming on Friday at 8am...no wait....11pm.....nope Saturday morning.....wait......back to Friday night..... hold on now.... Saturday at 8pm...or will it be 8am again....no....I really don't know........ . then after all that, she takes a Cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney Wonder and goes to Castaway Cay..... AND STAYS!!!!!.....a few hours later she decides to come and use some of her DVC points at Vero Beach. Finally, she takes another 12 hours to get to WDW. We give her the VIP treatment as well. But does she appreciate the fact we close early on Friday and do not open at all on Saturday?? NO!!! She comes on Sunday instead. So ungrateful!!
GASTON; Now speaking of ungrateful, we invite Gaston down for vacation. But instead he goes to Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. But, yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus, and he left you a gift......RAIN and lots of it!!!
HERMINE; We at Disney don't discriminate. Witches and Wizards from Hogwarts are welcome too. But did Hermine come to Disney? Noooo, she went to Massachusetts instead to watch a Red Sox game and eat some chowda.
IVAN; Ivan the Great! Or Ivan the Terrible! Who will show up remains to be seen. I called the airline and he is on the same exact flight that Charley came into OIA on, so let?’s not cancel his priority seating at Hurricane Hanna's Grill at the Yacht and Beach Club.
In their honor we will be re-imagineering our newest Epcot attraction. It will be called Soarin' Over Florida (under new management)
-You will start by waiting in a 4-hour queue for Plywood.
-You then enter the pre-show. It?’s a 30-minute wait for gas, and at the end, they run out.
-You then board the Hang Glider Simulator. We turn the fans up really high and then launch small twigs and leaves at you.
-You then disembark on a flight over Orlando. Just like flying in an airplane, so look down to see all the pools. NO WAIT, those are blue tarps on the roofs of homes. Then as night hits you see something so pretty......just look at all those lights....it must be....it has to be....SPECTROMAGIC.......NOPE it?’s tail lights of 500,000 cars stuck in traffic on I-4 heading back to Tampa after they were evacuated. Then you see what has to be Wishes...Blue....Green.....Yellow......wait..no.....it?’s just transformers exploding. After the ride ends, you enter the merchandise shop that is stocked full of non-perishables and priced gouged batteries and flashlights.
So I apologize for inviting them. Good news is they won't be back for 6 more years and because Charley and Frances had so much fun in Florida, they might get to retire here in memory only and can never be used again as Hurricanes. They will all move to Sarasota and play golf all day with they elder retired friends, named Andrew, Hugo, Camille, Bob, Bertha, Gloria and Floyd.
Some good came out of all this however..... WE NOW KNOW.....
....who Tom Terry is.
....that it will always be funny when a reporter falls down in 75mph winds.
....that 5am, 11am, 5pm, 11pm are the only times that matter.
....that a 5 day forecast is only as good as the next one, 6 hours later.
....that Super Doppler 9000 can tell you to the MINUTE the time an afternoon thunderstorm will hit exactly what subdivision in Orlando
BUT can't tell you?…?… what DAY a Hurricane will hit or even tell where on the 300 mile coast of FLORIDA the eye will land.
....that something the size of Texas can just stop.
....that America may be a little more dependent on gas than we thought.
....that in a world that is 2/3 water, Ice is more valuable then gold.
....that we should all buy stock in the plywood industry.
(WDW = Walt Disney World, IOA = Orlando International Airport)


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

Newspapers and Magazine Recycling
All newspapers are to be placed in the newspaper bins. Please do not put brown paper or plastic bags in the newspaper bins. The bins are only for newspapers.
A magazine bin is located at the storage compound on Americana Drive. Please take all your magazines to this bin.
Phone books should be taken to the dumpster on Mt. Piney. Do not put them in with your regular trash.
Aluminum Cans/Can TABS 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 top tabs can be placed in the jar provided 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 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.
Betty Chase -Kitchen Manager