Americana Cove

A New Year........and a New Publisher

Dec 29, 2004

EDITOR'S NOTE ?– This is not a good way to start the New Year, but our publisher, Monarch Publishing has gone out of business. For those of you on the listbot, this is the original version of the January, 2005 issue. It will be produced in a very abbreviated printed edition, in a small quantity, for those on the home delivery list. However, there will be no home delivery. The short version will be available in the laundries and the main hall. Please do not take one, if you have received one via the listbot.
We are working to find an alternative publisher, however, even if we do so, there will probably be a price to pay. In the meantime, with Conrad Weiser?’s cooperation, we will continue to publish the original versions via the listbot.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. And we hope the New Year will be a better one for us all, as it concerns the Forecaster, and naturally for all of you as well.

PRAYER FOR JANUARY
Heavenly Father we greet the New Year with all of its promises of new beginnings.
Christmas is over. Or is it? We remember the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas".
What is the significance of the twelve days? Certainly it?’s not all the birds and animals. Christmas is not over until January 6th. That is when the Three Wise Men arrived according to Biblical history. This makes us think that we should not give up our desire to be generous all year.
What do we give? Our hearts, our minds and our treasure. You gave them all to us. We are just the vehicles for giving them back for Your Glory and Honor. Thank You for lending them to us for us to use and share. Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.

?“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.?” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Burdens
The Professor raised a glass of water and asked the audience, "How
heavy do you think this glass of water is?"
The students' answers ranged from 20g to 500g.
"It doesn't matter on the absolute weight. It depends on how long you
hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's OK. If I hold it for an hour, I?’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
It's the exact same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it
becomes. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, we'll not be
able to carry on; the burden becomes increasingly heavier. What you have to do is to put the glass down and rest for a while before holding it up again."
We have to put down the burden periodically, so that we can be
refreshed and are able to carry on. So before you return home from work tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it back home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you are having now on your shoulders, let them down for a moment if you can. Pick them up again later when you have rested...
Rest and relax. Life is short, enjoy it!!

VESPERS for January 2005
By Gerri Bassett
It?’s unfortunate that Rex Eaton had to resign due to business obligations but we thank him for the time he gave. We are fortunate to welcome Martha Pratt in his place. The Welcome Home dinner was well attended with 125 people, 50% more than last year. Don Delzell arranged for the 2 ladies who sang, and told some stories that made us all laugh. It was a wonderful evening and if you missed it, be sure to attend the next one! Also in attendance was Harriett Gilbert who played the organ and led the choir for many years for Vespers. She is 95 years old and does not get out too often.
Remember Vespers starts at 4:50 P M on Sunday nights with an informal hymn sing. Everyone is welcome! We need your support so come and bring a friend. And, if you like to sing, the choir still needs more singers so just come to practice on Friday mornings at 8:45 AM in the main hall. If anyone would like flowers in memory of a loved one, please give Faith Brundage a call at 527-6925.
The night of December 18, 2004 the Vespers choir and anyone who wanted to join them went to the shut-ins and sang Christmas carols to them. They also left some home made cookies. So a big thank you to all. I?’m sure it lifted some of their spirits.

VESPERS PASTORS for JANUARY 2005
Jan. 2 Wally Rumel, (Westminster Presbyterian)

Jan. 9 Curt Hess, ( Central Christian)

Jan. 16 Tom Norton, (Christ United Methodist)

Jan. 23 Bill Bellingar, (Northeast Presbyterian)

Jan. 30 Father John (Holy Family)


SUNSHINE REPORT JANUARY 2005
By Gerri Bassett

DEATHS
Marie E. Minton

NURSING HOMES
Kay Brownsey Intergrated Health Service
Bob Ortel Carrington Place
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Dorothy Goldsworthy Fountains Of Boca Ciego
Bay
Doris Bolesta Freedom Inn At Bay Pines
Cameron Shults Abbey
C.J. Tietema (Cappy) Shore Acres
Pauline Newman Maria Manor
Sunny Knutson Beacon Point, Tampa

HOSPITALS
None Known At This Time

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
1 Mae Linstad
2 Ed Johnson
Don Berg
3 Dotte Farren
Lillian Harris
7 Tom Solomon
9 Chuck Moon
11 Irene Kmieciak
13 Margie Trimm
14 Helen Riggs
15 Virginia Blanken
19 Ginny Staples
20 Louise Pickett
23 Eiko Nos
26 Al Scribner
30 Gloria Shultes
Cathy Thomas

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES

01 Lila and Jerry Mussman 26 years
Joe and Marsha Gray 14 years
03 Andrea and Ron Simmons 35 years
07 Gerri and John Bassett 10 years
11 Claire and Bill Hart 64 years
13 J.R. and Margie Trimm 22 years
18 Pat and Frank Wright 13 years
25 Gene and Tony Rybka 64 years
26 Mitzi and Don Delzell 48 years
29 Shirley and John Wadsworth 58 years
31 Shirley and Leo LaForce 56 years

Would you like your Birthday or Anniversary in the Forecaster? Let me know. E-mail me at lyonsbassett@juno.com or see me at one of the many functions I attend!


STAMPS
A woman goes to the post office to buy stamps. She says to the clerk,
"May I have 50 stamps please?" The clerk says, ?“ Certainly, what denomination?"
The woman says "God help us. Has it come to this? OK?…give me 6 Catholic, 12 Presbyterian, 10 Lutheran and 22 Baptists."


NEW YEAR'S DAY
Submitted by Lucy LaBerge
New Year's Day is the first day of the calendar year. People in almost every country celebrate this day as a holiday. The celebrations are both festive and serious. Many people make New Year's resolutions to break bad habits or to start good ones. Some think about how they have lived during the past year and look forward to the next 12 months.

EARLY CUSTOMS: Many ancient peoples started the New Year at harvest time. They performed rituals to do away with the past and purify themselves. For example, some people put out the fires they were using and started new ones.
VINTAGE NEW YEAR POST CARD: In early times, the ancient Romans gave each other New Year's gifts of branches from sacred trees. In later years, they gave gold-covered nuts or coins imprinted with pictures of Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. January was named after Janus, who had two faces--one looking forward and the other looking backward. The Romans also brought gifts to the Emperor. The Emperors eventually began to demand such gifts. But the Christian church outlawed this custom and certain other pagan New Year's practices in A.D. 567. The ancient Persians gave New Year's gifts of eggs, which symbolized productiveness. The Celtic priests of what is now England gave the people branches of mistletoe, which was considered sacred. The Celts took over many New Year's customs from the Romans, who invaded the British Isles in A.D. 43. By the 1200's, English rulers had revived the Roman custom of asking their subjects for New Year's presents. Common presents included jewelry and gold. Queen Elizabeth I acquired a large collection of richly embroidered and jeweled gloves through this custom. English husbands gave their wives money on New Year's Day to buy pins and other articles. This custom disappeared in the 1800's. However, the term ?“pin money?” still means small amounts of spending money. Many American colonists in New England celebrated the New Year by firing guns into the air and shouting. They also visited taverns and houses to ask for drinks. Other colonists attended church services. Some people held open house, welcoming all visitors and feeding them generously. Another old custom involved using the Bible to predict what would happen in the New Year. People chose a passage of the Bible at random. They then applied the passage to the coming months of the New Year.
Modern customs on New Year's Day include visiting friends and relatives; giving gifts; attending religious services; and making noise with guns, horns, bells, and other devices. Children in Belgium write their parents New Year's messages on decorated paper. The children read the messages to their families on New Year's Day. The Chinese New Year begins between January 21 and February 19. The celebration lasts four days. On the last night, people dress as dragons to frighten and delight the children. In Japan, many people worship on New Year's Day.
Auld Lang Syne (pronounced AWLD lang SYN) is the title of a traditional song of friendship in the English-speaking world. The words mean old long since, or days gone by, in Scottish dialect. The famous Scottish poet Robert Burns is usually given credit for the words of the song, but he probably based them on a folk song. The melody is a version of an old Scottish tune. "Auld Lang Syne" is a traditional New Year's Eve song in the United States.

THE DATE OF NEW YEAR?’S: The early Roman calendar used March 1 as New Year's Day. Later, the ancient Romans made January 1 the beginning of the year. During the Middle Ages, most European countries used March 25; a Christian holiday called Annunciation Day, to start the year. By 1600, many Western nations had adopted a revised calendar called the Gregorian calendar. This calendar, the one used today, restored January 1 as New Year's Day. Great Britain and its colonies in America adopted it in 1752.
Many people celebrate the New Year on dates established by their religion. For example, the Jewish New Year, a solemn occasion called Rosh Ha-Shanah, is observed during September or early October. Hindus in different parts of India celebrate the New Year on various dates. Muslims use a calendar that has 354 days in most years. As a result, the Muslim New Year falls on different dates from year to year on the Gregorian calendar.


FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Submitted by Bill Stanford
Please consider the candidates for the Americana Cove Board of Directors carefully and be sure to vote. This is your opportunity to express yourself. Do so by voting for the people you believe will do the best job for Americana Cove. With your help 2005 will be even better than 2004.
The question of a rule change from a minimum of 18 to 45 was raised at the December Board Meeting. The shareholders supported the change by a show of hands that appeared almost unanimous. Under HUD rules we could become a family park if we violate the required 80% of residents over 55. Management would retain the right to make special exemptions. Everyone living here full time presently could continue to do so. After final wording is worked out the Board will act on it.
The offer of a company called ?“Operation Ground Control?” to maintain landscaping on an individual basis was presented. Their proposal to take care of flowerbeds, shrubs, trim small trees, mulch and examine sprinklers at a cost of $11 per home per month was discussed. Handouts are being prepared and sign up sheets will be available. The company?’s owners will come to the Cove in January to meet the residents and answer questions. Ken Colby and David Turner were acknowledged for the time, work and initiative in developing this opportunity.
We received a wonderful letter recently from the Shuffleboard Club thanking us for our financial assistance in upgrading and purchasing new curtains for the courts. The Shuffle area is currently being used by 80 shuffle members who host up to 350 players over the course of the season! The facility is a common area in our community and any resident or visitor may enjoy it as well. We are indeed proud and pleased we were able to help.
Happy New Year from all members of your Board of Directors.


FROM THE MANAGER
By Dawn Simmons
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! A park inspection was done the week of Nov. 15th. I sent out more than 170 Beautification Notices. Many were for a washing and painting of a home while many more were for yard work. Since the park itself is into major beautification projects (front entrance, clubhouse painting and flowerbeds) we ask for everyone?’s cooperation in doing some flower planting in front of their homes.
Many fruit trees received damage from the summer storms. If you have a fruit tree in your yard and it needs pruning, please ask your caretaker or if you are able to do it yourself, please do so now. I see a lot of trees that have poor looking fruit on them. If the trees no longer produce edible fruit, please have them removed.
DISASTER COMMITTEE: The Disaster Committee is well on its way to doing a mail out. It contains an information sheet that each and every homeowner MUST fill out and return to the Business Office. We are faced with a dilemma and need your help! We are asking for volunteers to make some phone calls and be a ?“check- in and check-out?” point for people leaving the Community for the season, and then contacting their ?“Captain?” when they return. We are looking for people who live here on a full time basis to provide the help we need. And, really folks, it doesn?’t cost anything. All we need is a little of your time. How about that! Couldn?’t you give up a little of your time in our ?“hour of need?”? If you would like to be a participant and help the Committee, it would be so appreciated. WE NEED YOU to help our residents in need. What a way to give back to your lovely Community. Please call Dot Nemi at 528-1166 or Drew Fairlie at 526-9956 and LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP! Thank you!!!

We have a full calendar of upgrades going on in 2005. Road work, vinyl fencing, more tree trimming and removal. We only have a couple more homes to move out.

We are sorry for the removal of the orchid trees, but they were the primary reason for the ants in the Clubhouse. The three at the exit were completely rotted out due to the ants. The clubhouse paint job really stands out with the trees gone.

The awnings at the shuffleboard courts are beautiful and even match the color of the clubhouse. I wonder how that happened? Good Job Shufflers on the installation of the frame work.


WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS:
Police in Oakland, CA spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing 10 tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting, "Please come out and give yourself up."


DID I SAY THAT???
Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a line-up. When detectives asked each man in the line-up to repeat the words: "Give me all your money or I'll shoot," the man shouted, "that's not what I said!"


WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
By Frances McVay

BAKER, THOMAS L. (NH)
6726 Americana Drive 522-4609
Previously CLARK

CUNNINGHAM, Irene C.
316 Mt. Piney Avenue
Previously LINNEMON

FIELHAUER, Gerald & Margurette (MI)
658 Mt. Oak Avenue
Previously KISSELL

LAVERDIERE, Wilfred & Leona (ME)
662 Mt. Key Avenue
Previously LaFleur

POTTER, Robert & Linda (MN)
114 Mt. Curve Avenue
New Home


KIDS WILL BE KIDS?…
A mother was telling her little girl what her own
childhood was like: "We used to skate outside on a pond.
I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front
yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in
the woods." The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this in.
At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you
sooner!"

A nursery school teacher was delivering a station wagon full of kids home one day when a fire truck zoomed past.
Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog.
The children started discussing the dog's duties. They use him
to keep crowds back," said one youngster. "No," said another,
"He?’s just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close.
"They use the dogs", she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrant."


WHAT?’S ON MY MIND?
By Linda Lou Fairbanks
As we start a New Year I am filled with hope and yearnings for the days of 2005 to filled with lots of sunshine, no bad news, great health and loads of laughter?…Ever the optimist, I recognize I will not receive all of these wishes, but I will resolve to make the best of whatever days I am given. In that spirit I want to acknowledge a few things. Yes, I am sorry if I offended anyone with my choice of jokes- I will strive to make better choices we can all appreciate. No, I am not able to publish everyone?’s information submitted and yes; I do feel badly about it. So, I thought it might be a good time to review a few general guidelines and stress a few important rules. I know John Bassett has done an excellent job educating many of you, but because I am the ?“new kid on the block?” there may be some that think the rules have changed. The Forecaster is primarily for the advance news of activities by various clubs, management, and Board activities; for original items of interest and entertainment. Any information submitted becomes the property of the Forecaster and as such can/will be edited for content, grammar and clarity. Criticisms of individuals/groups or derogatory remarks not only won?’t be accepted; they will not be tolerated. The Forecaster is not a forum for your complaints, your beliefs or your ?“cause?”.
It is not a place to publish medical or scientific research, or to preach religion. It is, however, a place for you to share your experiences, to share common ideas, to educate and enlighten all of us. If you have an original or copy of a story, a joke, a helpful hint, travel stories, family traditions, etc. please please please submit them! I?’m hoping this proves helpful and answers any questions you may have had about submissions to the Forecaster.


ARE YOU A BICYCLIST???
Some residents have brought to our attention that some bicyclists are not obeying the park traffic rules, and not exercising plain common sense. Some are ignoring stop signs completely, - not even slowing down at intersections, cycling on the wrong side, (you should travel with traffic, not against it) two or three abreast, no lights after dark, etc?… In particular there are some intersections that are more dangerous than others, Mt. Piney Avenue and Mt. Arlington for example where there are two intersecting roads, the parking lot for the maintenance shed, the laundry and the trash collection site. It is a busy place and caution is needed. So please, cyclists, use some common sense and slow down, or stop! The life you save may be your own!!!
The rules for bicycles are: you must observe the 15 mph speed limit, the use of lights are required at night, you must use proper signals to ensure safety for all, and no bicycles are allowed on sidewalks. And, JUST A REMINDER: skateboards, roller skates, and roller blades are prohibited from use in the community!
?“Thank you, from the Editors."


MORE BUMPER STICKERS

If You Can Read This, I've Lost My Trailer.
Horn Broken... Watch For Finger.
Honk If Anything Falls Off.
He Who Hesitates Is Not Only Lost, But Miles From The Next Exit.


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 FEBRUARY 2005 for all articles is JANUARY 19TH. The font size is number twelve (12).
FORECASTER SUBMISSIONS
If you can, please 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 522-0891 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 ACA!!!


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

"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." Melody Beattie


COVE CORNER
By Ken Hopkins
THE BUDGET VOTE ?– Remember last year when we had all the controversy over the right to vote on the budget? People were up in arms. ?“We demand the right to vote.?” A committee went around collecting signatures and the Board, to their credit, amended the by-laws to allow shareholders a vote on the annual budget. So we just had the Board meeting in order to vote on the budget. Only 153 shareholders took the time to attend. That includes those (like us) who mailed in their proxy. It took 151 shareholders to constitute a quorum. Without that requisite number of voters, we would not have been able to even have a vote and the budget process would be stymied. Nearly 300 people signed the petition demanding the right to vote. 153 people actually took the time to vote. What?’s wrong with this picture? With privilege comes responsibility!
THE GATE ?– ?“We?’re the first thing people see when they come to our community. We need to be friendly.?” That?’s Richard Norcross?’ philosophy of the role our gate guards play here in the Cove. It takes seven regular and four reserve guards to give us the 24/7 protection we want as a community. All ?‘gate keepers?” are residents of Americana Cove and report to Richard. Each guard typically works a six- hour shift, checking all visitors to confirm their residency or making note of the license and destination of all visitors. In addition to the obvious, the gate guards do several other things. Nightly they check that all the lights around the perimeter of the park are functioning, and report to the city any that are out. They shut down the Laundromats, Clubhouse, Atrium, and similar every evening. They can even issue a ticket to anyone parking illegally on our streets. Richard and his lovely bride Carolyn tour the entire park every Friday and Saturday night just to make sure that everything is OK. Wilma Jones did a count once on her shift and counted 600 cars just from residents going through the gate. Some things Richard would like you to remember: 1) when you need 911, call them directly; don?’t call the gatehouse. It will just delay things; 2) if you have a guest for more than a day, please ask them to go to the office for a guest pass. This speeds things up going through the gate; 3) the gate house can contact an on-call maintenance person for extreme emergencies. Most things can wait until the morning; 4) If a tow truck comes into the park, the gate will call you just to confirm that your requested them; and, lastly- 5) The next time you drive through the gate, give the nice people a smile and a wave. They work hard to protect us.
VETERAN?’S MEMORIAL ?– Kudos to John Layner and his committee for the lovely new memorial gracing our front lawn as you enter the Cove. It was a nice thought and a perfect demonstration of how to get things done in the community. ?“Dedicated to the men and women who served in the armed forces?” is a nice sentiment and one we should all keep in mind. I also thought the six American flags placed around the memorial were a nice touch but I?’m forced to wonder why there is no Canadian flag showing. Our community prides itself in our multi-national composition. We proudly fly the Canadian flag at our front entrance. Roughly a third of our residents are proud Canadian citizens, many of whom have also served in the Canadian armed forces. Some of the funding for the memorial came from Canadians. I think it would be a gracious touch to have a couple of Canadian flags at the memorial to acknowledge the sacrifice of the many Canadians who have lost their lives in armed combat fighting side by side with American soldiers. I hope someone on the committee will see fit to add a couple of Canadian flags to the memorial.
EL CLASE DE ESPA?‘OL ?– That?’s Spanish Class to you Gringos. Yes, the popular and entertaining Spanish Class will once again be offered for six Tuesday afternoons starting January 11th at 4:00 in the Atrium. Come to this class and you will quickly know the difference between a taco and a sombrero. There is no charge for the class. It will be a repeat of last year?’s class and all are welcome to attend. Just email Ken Hopkins, hopken@mindspring.net, or use the sign up sheet in the Clubhouse to register. Hasta Luego, Baby!
DIAL DIRECTORIES ?– This is the company that produces our Americana Cove directory. Arlene Walker from DD will attend the January 12th Old Timers luncheon specifically to get our feedback. If you have any issues with the directory she?’d like to hear about them. Also, this would be a good time to check your listing in the 2004 ?– 2005 issue (available in the office) and make sure that everything is correct. If not, bring a little slip of paper with your corrections to the luncheon.
ARE YOU MOVING? ?– Don?’t you just love how stories get started here in the Park? The day after I got back from FEMA, I was out for my morning walk and ran into some friends. After the usual greetings, we're glad you're back, etc., They said to me, "We understand you're moving." "No, no," I say. "Where did you hear that?" "Someone told us you had accepted a full time job w/ FEMA and you?’re moving!" Don't you just love community living?!

"Your worth consists in what you are and not in what you have." Thomas A. Edison


VIDEO HISTORY
By Russ Steele
Copies of the 22 minute Video History, ?“Mobel Americana (Americana Cove)
Yesterday and Today?”, Co-produced by Gene Seawell and Russ Steele in 2003 are
available for newcomers and others. For information or purchases you may contact Gene at 112 Americana Court, 526-3243 or myself, at 216 Mt Curve Avenue, 527-8026.Video tapes are $11each and DVDs are $15. They make excellent gifts as well.


AMERICANA COVE ASSOCIATION (ACA) NEWS for JANUARY
By Ken Hopkins
Welcome to 2005 everyone. Seems like just yesterday we were worrying about nothing working when we hit 2000. Our world has sure changed since then, but life in the Cove roars along?… It was only a matter of time. Once the community changed its name from Mobel Americana to Americana Cove, it was clear that our social organization formerly known as MAA (Mobel Americana Association) would have to change its name to reflect the name change of the parent community. Same clubs, same entertainment, same good food but call us ACA (Americana Cove Association) now.
Hurray!!! for Gail Jones who stepped up to the bat when the Koffee Klatch group needed a new leader. The Klatch will continue to meet on the second Thursday of the month at 9:00 A.M. in the clubhouse. Come and have a cup of coffee and a snack while you meet some of your neighbors and some of our newcomers. Thanks for volunteering, Gail, and thanks to Shirley Wadsworth for keeping the group going during the past few years!!!
Our next luncheon meeting will be Wednesday January 5, 2005 and will include a brief presentation by LifeLine Screening. Our monthly Council meeting will take place on Tuesday January 4,2005 at 10:00 AM. We have several events lined up for the month of January so check these over and plan to participate: Saturday January 8, 2005 we will begin the start up of this season?’s series of Card Nights. Come and try your hand at Bridge, Euchre or whatever weird card game they play there at the Clubhouse!!! ; Tuesday, January 11, 2005 will see the start of this year?’s Spanish Class. You already know how to pronounce ?“taco;?” come and learn how to order one; Saturday, January 15, 2005 will find all the beautiful people helping our resident New Yorkers celebrate New York Nite. They have been planning the evening for months just so YOU will have a great time. C?’mon out and see what they?’ve been up to; Our Red Hat Chili?’s will have their Fashion Show on Saturday January 22, 2005. You don?’t have to be a member of the Red Hat Society to attend this delightful event. And, save the evening of Saturday January 29,2005 for the Annual Canada Night. Always one of our biggest and best extravaganzas, the Canadians promise to outdo themselves. Beck and I were so excited about Canada Night this year we traveled all the way to Nova Scotia just to buy some clothes for the evening. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!


BOARD APPRECIATION NIGHT
All residents are invited to come to the Clubhouse on Thursday, January 6, 2005 at 5:30 P.M. to help us honor our selfless Board members- past, present, and future. We all know how much time and effort our Board members devote to the good of our community. Here is a chance to say ?“thank you?” in person. A light dinner of hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixings will be served. The $5.00 tickets will go on sale Monday, January 3, 2005. We would like to treat our Board members and their guest to dinner but need a head count. If you are a Board member, past, present, or a candidate for this year?’s election, please contact Barbara Magada 526-7027 or Betty Chase 525-7481 for your tickets. We are particularly anxious to meet our candidates for this year?’s election and encourage your attendance so that all can meet you.


CANADA NIGHT
Submitted by Roger Cathcart
The annual ?‘HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER?”, or affectionately known as CANADA NIGHT, will take place this year on Saturday, January 29, 2005 in the Clubhouse. The reception will begin at 4:30 PM and dinner will be served at 5:30 PM. For those unfamiliar with this event, it is when the Americana Cove Canadians host our American friends and neighbors for an evening of fun, good food and great fellowship!
There will be door prizes, dancing and even special guests. Tickets will be $8p/p and will go on sale in the Clubhouse on MONDAY JANUARY 17, 2005, from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM (NOON). There will only be 325 tickets available for this exciting event, with a maximum of four (4) tickets sold per household. Set up for the tables will be on Saturday afternoon of the 29th, from 1:00 ?– 2:00 PM ONLY. We ask that you provide your own table ware (plates, cutlery, glasses) and it will be B.Y.O.B as usual. Tim Horton?’s coffee will be available as well. If you need additional information contact one of us on the Committee: Roger Cathcart, Chair- 521-3065; Pete or Leni Lambert, our Vice-Chair and Secretary- 522-1394; Shirley Wadsworth, past-Chair- 525-9802; Lillian Harris, Treasurer- 526-9728; Cathy Mc Donald, Food Chair- 525-1720; Isobel Colby, Desserts Chair- 522-7319; and last but not least, Dennis Stefanson, Prize Chair- 525-3438. We look forward to seeing you there!!!


CHRISTMAS SHOW
By Gerri Bassett
Just Us and Company had their Christmas show Saturday night December 11, 2004 in the Clubhouse. Our own Fern Eppers was at the piano providing the music, which really put one in the Christmas spirit. The show opened with Don Delzell singing ?“White Christmas?”. We thank the entire cast including: the chorus, soloists, Drew Fairlie for playing ?“Ave Maria?” on his bassoon; for Ruth Brown, who presented one of her ?“originals?”- what a clever and funny lady. Also needing recognition are the accomplished line dancers; Santa Claus (Mel Fisher), Paul Line for being such a wonderful Master of Ceremonies; and especially Nancy Hubartt, Nora Adell Andrews, Dorothy Kolb and Betty Chase. (I hope I did not miss anyone!)
The second half, the nativity story reminded us all of the real meaning of Christmas. Shirley Penrod always does a good job as narrator. Mary and Joseph were Virginia Curtis and Jim Ponder. The little drummer boy was Lenore Helson playing her little drum. The show ended with the audience joining the cast to sing "The Peace Song". Thanks again to our very special kitchen crew who made the evening complete with punch and cookies.


RUG BRAIDING CLASSES
The first session of RUG BRAIDING begins on January 13, 2005 at 7:00pm in the Clubhouse. We meet every Thursday for three months. Claudette LeBrun will be the instructor for the class, providing ?“hands-on?” instruction. Anyone interested in learning this fascinating and rewarding skill is welcome to come join the class. We also will be looking forward to seeing some of the familiar faces that have taken the class before and will continue on with their learning?…There is a sign-up sheet in the Clubhouse.
In the spring, rugs will be displayed at a luncheon. If you are interested in the class and need more information, please call Claudette at 525- 0276.


LINE DANCE UPDATE
Submitted by Norine Fisher
By the time you read this we will be dancing our first line dance lesson. It should be great! What also was great was the Christmas show, with all the Christmas songs and entertainment. Even Santa Claus was there. He brought on the five steppers?… Jean, Mary Lou, Cathy, Gale and Norine to line dance to ?“Here Comes Santa Clause?” and ?“Rocking Around the Christmas Tree?”. It sure was wonderful seeing all the folks getting into the Holiday spirit. It seems like the shows just keep getting better and better every year. A special thanks to Dorothy Kolb and Betty Chase and the Just Us and Company! Happy New Year to all and remember to keep on dancing!!!


CRIME WATCH REPORT
By Conrad Weiser
We enjoyed a return visit by Police Officer Chip Wells to our monthly Crime Watch Meeting. Familiar to many park residents, Chip provided some very interesting insights on the subject of Identity Theft. Though repeating the obvious precautions of guarding our Social Security number and our birth date, he related a variety of contemporary criminal schemes for fraudulently claiming an identity that has been ?“Stolen?”. We were reminded that statistically, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in our country with 10 million cases reported last year!
Among the defensive precautions that Chip warned are not effective are credit card theft insurance policies, and coverage that supposedly covers fraudulent use of your card. Chip also warned that his police experience has proven that fraudulent purchases by an ID thief must be reported to all three credit reporting agencies simultaneously because their daily data exchange, [often said to make only one call necessary], too often replaces new information at one agency with old data from the other two.
BTW- those reporting phone numbers of the credit check agencies are Equifax 1-800-685-1111; Experian 1-888-397-3742, TransUnion 1-800-916-8800. A few additional tips Chip offered: 1. Using the new free electronic bill paying services offered by many banks is the safest mode for paying our debts; 2. Exchanging credit card numbers with Internet merchants over a secure link, [look for the padlock icon at the bottom of the screen] is very safe for consumers; 3. Credit cards with photographs are much safer from fraudulent use. Ask for them; 4. If your cards are stolen, always report it to the Police, and ask for a copy of that report to substantiate any ensuing loss claims.
For those of you who missed this important presentation, Lakewood Community Police Officer Richard Grimberg will speak to us on the same theme at The RAMA Meeting, January 5, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. in the Clubhouse. Bring a neighbor! Don?’t miss this one!


In your heart, keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go and be sheltered so
they may thrive and grow. ?–Louise Driscoll


NEW YORK NITE "2005" COMMITTEE
Submitted by Jean Cruz
Hello everyone! This will be the last item on our member profile for the Committee
and we'd like to thank everyone who has taken part with all the preparations
for our event taking place January 15, 2005, 5:00pm, at the Clubhouse.

ANNA HURLEY: Born in NYC, resided in Manhattan and attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Cathedral H.S. She is a retired administrative assistant and loves plays, the opera and ballet.
Her favorite NY restaurant is Mario's and her most memorable NY event was the NY Yankees game.
BEN HURLEY: Born in Spring Lake, NJ, resided in Manhattan and attended P.S.102 and the Manhattan H.S. of Aviation Trades. He is a retired aircraft mechanic, enjoyed street sports, and his favorite NY restaurant is the Blue Moon. His most memorable
NY event is San Gennaro's Feast.

GLORIA SHULTES: Born in NYC, resided in Schoharic, NY, and attended Middleburgh Central and Midddleburgh H.S. She works for the US Postal Service, and her favorite past time is snowmobiles.
Her favorite NY restaurant is Mama Leone's and her most memorable NY event is Radio City Music Hall.
Honorable mention also goes to Joan and Frank Geiger, Nancy and Gerald
Keen, Mary Krisch, and Maryann and Bill Foley. THANK YOU, THANK YOU,THANK YOU!!!


SURPRISE LUNCH ANYONE?
Submitted by Annette Solomon
No time to prepare lunch during this busy season? Here?’s a quick idea for you to try:
1) Plug in your clothes iron, set to medium heat 2) make a sandwich with two slices of bread (no butter), add cheese, sliced tomato, ham, etc. 3) wrap sandwich in foil and close all sides 4) place hot iron on foil covered sandwich for about 1 minute, turn over and toast the other side (check for doneness) 5) open it up and VOILA! A toasted hot sandwich! On top of foil add chips and pickles and then ENJOY!!! 6) Wrap foil up and throw away (no clean up) 7) if you happen to be ironing, you will want to stop, sit down and enjoy your creation! 8) PS Please don?’t forget to unplug your iron!


A ROUND OF ?“THANKS?”

TO: MAROA BOARD FROM: SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB
SUBJECT: MANAGER DAWN SIMMONS
We would like to publicly thank our manager, Dawn Simmons, for her guidance and ideas in picking the color and material that will be used on our new curtains in the shuffle board area. Her professionalism showed in the way that she conducted the meetings we had with her. A special ?“Thank You?” Dawn, for a job well done! We are proud and pleased to have you as our manager.
Tom Solomon, President ACA Shuffleboard Club

A SPECIAL ?“THANK YOU?” FROM THE STAFF OF AMERICANA COVE.
The staff of Americana Cove would like to take this opportunity to thank all the residents who contributed to the Employee ?“Xmas Fund?”. It was greatly appreciated by everyone. From us to all of you: Happy New Year!!!

The Americana Boat Club would like to thank the many people who braved the 40-degree weather to come out and cheer us on! We had 6 brave captains fighting the elements and we were all very gratified to see the number of holiday revelers who shared the spirit of the season with us. Thanks also to the brave captains who risked collision with each other and floating crab traps (well, actually, we did catch one trap) and we hope next year we will have many more boats to entertain.
Ken Hopkins


A Carrot, An Egg and a Cup of Coffee
A carrot, an egg and a cup of coffee... You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again?…
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity ... boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity. Do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.


MONTHLY BRIDGE
By Gerri Bassett
It will be held on January 19, 2005 at noon in the Atrium. Tickets will be sold for $5.00, which includes lunch and prizes. If you like to play Bridge come and have a fun afternoon. Tickets will be available from Shirley Beauchamp and Pat Mc Carthy.


CUE CLUB NEWS
By Brian Birch
I hope the holidays were enjoyed by all. The 2004-2005 8-Ball Season is almost half over! It seems everyone is experiencing a wonderful time together. I?’ve had the opportunity to visit each of the League nights and I?’m pleased with everyone?’s dedication and skill level. Much excitement was generated last month when member Frederick ?“Ted?” Jackson made an ?“ 8 ON THE BREAK?” shot! It?’s a rare accomplishment during League play here at Americana Cove. Congratulations Ted!!! We will be concentrating on improving our skills this month, as we will begin our final month of play in February.
Keep up the good work everyone! And on behalf of our Cue Club, I extend Best Wishes to all in the coming year.


DEAR CRAFTERS
By Annette Solomon
This month I have a special poem I want to share with you. It is by Cecilia Phillips. It is titled A KNITTER?’S and CROCHETER?’S PRAYER. (I altered a few words)

Somewhere in Heaven, I know there?’s a place
With needles and yarn and my name in that space.
And when God wants to know ?“Did you finish your craft??”
I?’ll smile up at him and say with a laugh,
?“Which one? The afghan, the dishcloth or the hat?
Crafters are never done- you should know that!?”

And?… I also want to acknowledge this month?’s very special crafter. Our ?“HATS OFF?” to Rita Lewis. She has knitted 35 preemie hats and donated them to All Children?’s Hospital. They were graciously delivered by Jo Waldron. They were all individually wrapped with this label enclosed: HATS OF HOPE PROJECT. From the oldest to the youngest. All God?’s children are linked in a network of love and hope for a brighter future. By the GRANNIES OF AMERICANA COVE. We thank you, Rita, for your generous and kind heart. And, thank you one and all for your generous donations. We had a great year in 2004. With your support and encouragement we will continue our efforts to please you in 2005! The Crafters wish everyone in Americana Cove a Happy and Healthy New Year! See you and your smiling faces at our Crafter?’s Corner soon. Happy Crafting and God Bless you all!!!


GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the
second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.


DUPLICATE BRIDGE
By Directors Gerri Bassett & Shirley Beauchamp

Howell Movement

Sunday November 14, 2004
1) Gerri & John Bassett
2) Maretta Dimke & Esther Israel

Mitchell Movement

Sunday November 21, 2004

North & South
1) Lucy & Roger LaBerge
2) Esther Israel & Claire Bator
East & West
1) Milene & Al Wingrove
2) Tie: Lenore Helson & Shirley Wadsworth
Gerri & John Bassett

Sunday November 28,2004
North & South
1) Al & Milene Wingrove
2) Shirley Beauchamp & Jo Waldron
East & West
1) Joy & Bill Slepin
2) Lenore Helson & Shirley Wadsworth

Sunday December 5, 2004
North & South
1) Joy & Bill Slepin
2) Lucy & Roger LaBerge
East & West
1) Gerri & John Bassett
2) Milene & Al Wingrove
Happy New Year to Everyone !


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
By Linda Lou Fairbanks
I was unable to attend our monthly library meeting last month and when I spoke with our leader Rita Lewis she relayed to me what a great meeting it was and what an outstanding job our hostess, Jerry Regan, did presenting the book by Sue Monk Kidd The Secret Life of Bees. If you haven?’t had the chance to read it yet, it?’s a great read- not too long and just suspenseful enough to keep you interested. A copy is available in the library. Our book for January will be our saga THE HARVESTER. We invite you to come sit in, even if you haven?’t read it. The discussions are always lively and full of tidbits from personal experiences. Rita also asked me if I would please offer a sincere and heart-felt ?“thank you?” to all the volunteers who help keep the library running?…there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes and we couldn?’t have the wide variety of selections, or the order of the library area if it weren?’t for everyone?’s help. Thank you one and all. You know who you are!!! If you are interested in helping out just let Rita know and she?’ll find something for you to do! And remember?… we will be having our annual Candy Sale in February. See you at the Library!!!


GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the
toy.


HOBBY SHOP NEWS
In December, the Hobby Shop elected Dan Craft as President and Rick Bircher as Vice President. Ruth Healy continues to be the Treasurer. Many thanks to Leo Laberge for his years of service as President of the Hobby Shop. You did an outstanding job for all of us, Leo, and we appreciate it! Mark your calendars! The next Hobby Shop meeting will be on Monday, January 3, 2005 at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome! For a mere $2.00, your signature on the insurance liability waiver and a commitment to respect the rules of safety (and let?’s not forget CLEAN-UP- yes, that does mean YOU!!!), you can have your own key to the Hobby Shop. See one of the officers or come to the January meeting. The Hobby Shop is located next to the Mt. Piney Avenue laundry.


PAR SEEKERS
By Mike Regan
Happy New Year Golfers! I want to welcome back all the snowbirds and friends who went home for the holidays. We have some outings planned for January so please make note of the following dates:

January 6,2005 REGULAR golf
January 13,2005 UNKNOWN Partner- $2.00 entry fee
January 20,2005 REGULAR golf
January 27,2005 CANADIEN OPEN - $2.00 entry fee
We have lots of fun events coming up this year, so sign-up!!! We?’d be glad to see you. Join your friends here at Americana Cove on Thursdays at AIRCO Golf Club.


SHUFFLERS CLUB NEWS
By Jo Waldron
Good news this month! With the help of Dawn Simmons, our Manager, and the generosity of the Americana Cove Board of Directors, we have ordered our curtains for the courts. Even though they were not present to hear it, they all got a round of applause from the members! Thank you again from the Shufflers Club.
A great deal of work has been done to prepare the courts for the curtains. Tom Solomon thanked each of the workers. Dave Vogle has worked all summer to get the courts looking good and now that many of the winter residents are back, they will be shaped-up in no time.
The Leagues are well into the playing season and everyone is enjoying the competition. Sil Oliveira has attained the rank of State Amateur Pro! A formal ceremony in the fall will make it official. It could not have happened to a more deserving guy! He?’s not only the best but he also cares enough to share his talents with others by teaching anyone who wants to improve his/her game. Also on the list of players to be recognized are Ed and Doreen McGrath. They have both won the title of State Amateurs. Congratulations!
Speaking of teaching, a guy who taught most of us the basics, Chic Kageyama, is retiring from the job. The Shufflers thank you, Chic, for all your years of dedication, and for teaching us to ?“think?” before we shoot. Burned into our brains are your words that often scared us to death: ?“What are you going to do now??”
Our NEXT MEETING will be held on Wednesday January 5,2005 at 9:00 AM. And just a reminder- our PANCAKE BREAKFAST will be held as usual on the second Saturday of the month- January 8, 2005 in the Clubhouse. If you haven?’t tried our pancakes, this is a good time to do it?… and remember: you might be as lucky as December?’s winner- Dorothy Taylor, who won $86.00!!! Congratulations Dorothy. Happy Shuffling!!!


IMAGINARY LION
An original poem by Richard H Fay

When I was a little boy,
I heard, ?“the equator is an imaginary lion?”;
Something like New Year?’s Day,
An imaginary line in time.

It?’s not like a goal line,
But sometimes a fiscal goal,
Must be reached by New Year?’s Day,
To keep a stock price whole.

Most of us use it to project change,
To improve something in our life;
Try to diet, exercise more,
Be calmer about daily strife.

So here?’s to a calmer, thinner year,
May our projects show profits;
And varmits keep out of our house,
May the termites detest our soffits.