February 2008 Newsletter
FEBRUARY NEWS NOTE
Here we are starting February and the annual meeting is set for the 14th and the winter season is passing much too fast.
For our shareholders, their maintenance fees are going down for the 2008/2009 year as a result of the work done by the Board of Directors and our employees to control costs and utilize the interest from our CD's. This will amount to a $12.00 per month lowering of the maintenance fee from $194.00 per month to $182.00 per month. We have high hopes that we will be able to continue this in the future.
We will be reviewing our interest income in March and hope to use some of the 07/08 interest to improve our roads and around the pool. We also plan to place $21,000.00 in our reserve account to maintain our facilities. We have NO intention to use any of our CD's or reserve funds and plan to call that our permanent funds, where we use only the interest to improve the park facilities in the future.
We are working very hard to improve our overall appearance and hope that our shareholders and residents will do the same. Please feel free to submit your Lot Modification Plans for curbing, planting, etc. This will make our park a more pleasing place to be.
We will be installing new lights on the main boulevard and this with future road and curb work should make the park more appealing to new people who want to live here.
We are not going to get all of our dreams completed during this season, but I want to take a moment to thank all the people who have worked at the lake property to cut and trim and open up the shore area. It really looks great!!!!
THANKS PETE, JACK, RED, SUE & DAVE CARNAHAN AND ALL THEIR CREWS.
Special thanks go out to Ron Schnulle for all his help in fixing our electric needs. It is really making a difference.
Thanks to Louis Papp for all his work putting up the chair rail, helping to fix the chicken cooker and the bingo board. We also thank Dale, Paul, Sam B., Glen, Robbie and many, many more people that I should mention.
It is very rewarding for me to see how much help the people in this park are willing to do to make our lives more enjoyable. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all live in the same place year round-- Think about it - we could replace what we call "governments-town, cities, etc. Because we could do all of these things without bureaucratic BS.
Again, it is a great pleasure and privilege to be your president and I want you all to know how much I appreciate your support and willingness to get involved.
THANK YOU, BOB FOGG.
From the Health Corner:
Leatha Deane has left the Medical Center and is with her daughter Judy Schmittling. If you would like to contact her, and the address is PO Box 112, Buckley, MI 49620. She will be there while she undergoes re-hab.
Mae Robinson was taken to the hospital this past week, but is back home in Alligator Park.
Ben Digironomo is in the hospital, but is hoping to be home by the time this gets to print. .
Evelyn Drake's Brother-in-law, Leo Furton is hospitalized with congestive heart failure.
Mary and Vic Oesterling should remain in or prayers
Bill Moorman is awaiting test results to determine when he can join us here in the park.
Our deepest condolences go to Kenny Page and Family on the passing of his brother Don, on January 28th.
APA NEWS
The Park is in full force with the Snowbirds back. Weather has been exceptional
for this time of year.
Ladies luncheon had 130 ladies enjoy the great salads and Style Show by
Bondworth Clothing. GREAT JOB LADIES!
The pancake breakfast and River rats were very well attended. The steak roast
was attended by 117 people, who had delicious filet mignon, salad, baked potato,
corn, roll and beverage. I would like to THANK ALL the chefs & volunteers who
helped make this event a success. THANKS to Paul Steffen, Glen Money and Louie
Papp for fixing the grill.
Dessert was celebrated with a 100th birthday cake and ice cream for Dick
McMahan. CONGRATULATIONS DICK, keep up the good life style for many more
years.
If you wanted to hear some great music, that lasted for four hours with only a
15 minute break, you needed to see the Gaithers. It is an excellent show.
THANKS to Lynda Borg for setting this up.
There will be 60 some going on the Cruise this year, which leaves Feb. 2 and
returns on Feb. 7. Everyone is going have a great cruise.
FEBRUARY will bring:
13 Steve Jerries 21 Ladies Luncheon & 50th
Anniversary Party
14 Patty Waczak 23 Craft Fair
16 Pancake Breakfast 26 Ohio
Breakfast
17 Spaghetti Dinner & Dance with the Duo Whoops 28 International
Dinner
Always check the Club House Bulletin Board for sign up sheets, dates, times and
for other breakfasts or luncheons.
Sharon Page, APA President
WERE NOT THE SAME
February is now upon us and within a couple of short months a lot of the snow birds will have left for the season. But before you drag out those suit cases and fill up the gas tank I would like to go over again the differences between the A.P.A. board and the H.O.A.P. board. Although information regarding the two has been discussed in a recent newsletter, it is still obvious that a lot of residents don't know the differences between the two and what their responsibilities are.
The A.P.A. board is responsible for the entertainment that is provided within the park, such as pancake breakfast's and steak outs. The park has activity directors that provide entertainment for all of us in the park such as the recent performance by the "River Rats." All of the shows and various dinners that are provided come under the responsibility of the A.P.A. board. The A.P.A. meetings are held twice a month with one meeting set aside as a workshop and the other a regular meeting. Every person that resides in Alligator Park is welcome to the meetings and your input is requested. All revenue that is generated through the various activities goes right back to the park. The money is used for beautification or for the purchase of table and chairs for the club house or for the interior decorations in the club house. All of this and more is done because of the support we get for the different functions that are provided. Without your support none of the purchased items would be possible.
HOAP. Board
The Home Owners of Alligator Park board (HOAP) is the governing body of the park. All decisions regarding finances, park improvement (sewer, water, electric, roads and building maintenance) come under the HOAP board. The board determines how our money should be invested so that it will give us the best return possible and is in charge of all expenditures relating to the above items. Other items that come under the board's area of responsibility are wages and benefits and employee disposition and also rules and regulations that pertain to the park. The
HOAP meetings are held twice a month with one meeting set aside as a workshop and the other as a regular meeting. The meetings are open to shareholders and renters alike and all are encouraged to submit their concerns and ideas. It should be noted that you do not have to be a shareholder to attend the HOAP meeting. Want to cut down on the rumors or get factual information regarding the park and future plans, or just has a legitimate concern, then you must attend the HOAP meeting. I hope the information provided will clear up any misunderstanding of the two board's responsibilities.
Art Hayek A.P.A. V.P
The Essence Of Change
In trying to establish a pattern of friendship and to see who would be at the top of the list it occurred to me that there could only be one from a list of many that would deserve the title of best friend. I thought of current friends and also those, which for one reason or another had fallen by the wayside and for obvious reasons could not be on the list. But after careful thought it finally occurred to me that my choice would be simple. I also realized that my choice would not offend anyone and in fact no one would ever have to know who would receive the title of best friend. By far, best friend that I have is the mirror that hangs on the wall in my bathroom. It is truly a friend in deed. It neither criticizes me nor is it judgmental. It doesn't take from me and it doesn't lie to me. The resident in the mirror has but one major task assigned to it and that is to show me and anyone else that demands its service who we really are. It shows no concern over whether those that subscribe to its service actually like what they see or don't see. The mirror being the friend that it is, is knowledgeable of the fact that many wish to see a reflection of a different type, a younger version or someone more cosmetically appealing. Unbeknown to most of us the mirror is cognate of the fact that there are those who stare into it that have but only one desire and that is to view a reflection of someone that stayed behind many years ago. The actions of many are certainly repetitive, they keep going back to the mirror with the hope that the person that exists only in the confines of the mind, will suddenly appear and thus enable them to cling in desperation to a fleeting youth. But repetition draws on the patience and soon the obvious comes to light, it's time to let go. As we progress through the aging process it becomes increasingly difficult to accept change. We all know that change is just as much a part of life as the air that we breathe. Even those in denial come to the realization that everything and everyone must go through the transition process. Our longevity in life earns us the right to hang on to our values and show resentment to those that provoke the winds of change. Like the mirror on the wall, we all want to see that person that existed so many years ago but has now faded into memory. But reality soon sets in and we gradually begin to step aside and relinquish our hold on a time in our life that no longer exists. It's probably the most difficult thing that we as adults can do and that is to simply let go. Change, an enemy to some and yet a hero to others will come, and challenge it as we may, we are powerless to stop it. Like the generations that they replace, those who are the champions of change will someday stand in defiance of attempts to change their world and thus the cycle will continue.
Art Hayek A.P.A. V.P.
A person needs only two tools. WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape.
Entertainment and Travel
February 2-7 our group of about 100 will be enjoying the sun and sights, crossing the ocean to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Georgetown at Grand Cayman Islands. We will return on Thursday, February 7.
Thursday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a movie, “Away From Her.” The story: Fiona and Grant have been married for over 40 years. Now, in the oncoming twilight of their years, they are forced to face the fact that Fiona's "forgetfulness" actually is Alzheimer's disease. In the course of time, Grant is devastated to find out that not only has she seemingly forgotten him, Fiona has transferred her affections to another man. The other man is Aubrey, a wheelchair bound mute patient at the nursing home. See poster for full details.
Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Patty Waczak Show on Thursday, February 14. Take your sweetheart to dinner and come back for the show at 7:00. Patty produces a high-energy, heart-warming variety show featuring a wide variety of music including big band favorites, polkas, 50s and 60s rock 'n' roll, country music, 70s disco, show tunes, patriotic, hits of the 80s, 90s, current hits ethnic melodies, audience participation, sing-a-long, and music trivia. She currently performs using thirty instruments. Patty is a vocalist, musician, and comedienne and has been known to dance a step or two. Patty's enthusiasm for entertainment and sincere love of her audience is evident in every performance. She says she's there to "re-charge your battery" and she does. This show is produced to the highest artistic standards possible with an emphasis on wholesome and healthy values. It is said that Patty Waszak “plays the sweetest sax this side of Heaven.” You’re in for a treat. Tickets: $6.00 from Sharon (#1223), Miriam (#159) the park office and at the door before show time.
Thursday, February 21st we celebrate the 50th anniversaries of couples at the park. If you are celebrating this anniversary or know someone who is, please sign up immediately on the list on the clubhouse bulletin board so you can be included in our program. We would like to honor all eligible couples that are in the park at that time.
Thursday, February 28 is the date for the second multicultural potluck dinner. This event was a phenomenal success last year and you won’t want to miss out. You can participate in this celebration of cultural diversity! Contact Annette Morden for all the details. She’s at 115 Snook (951-575-7552) and amorden@cpinternet.com. Watch for more publicity on this special evening!
Keep watching for announcements of any additional activities for February and CHECK YOUR CALENDAR for all activities now scheduled! Stay well. Be at peace.
Miriam and Jim Besaw
Travel and Entertainment
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It frustrates the teacher and annoys the pig.
We will meet again to celebrate and to share the diversity that brings richness and interest to Alligator Park. The date this year for our Multicultural Carry-in Dinner is Thursday, February 28, at 5:00 p.m. Start locating all those wonderful ethnic recipes that provided such a great feast last year.
Again I need your help with decorating tables. I hope that all of you who did such a wonderful job with tables last year will do so again. Also, I would like to have many more of you decorate a table representing a country of your choice.
It would be nice to have a short style show this year. Please wear to the dinner any ethnic clothes that you have, and let me know if you are willing to model (walk across the stage) them.
If you are willing to “adopt” a table or will be wearing ethnic clothing, please let me know as soon as possible. Thank you.
Annette Morden 115 Snook (941-575-7552) amorden@pcinternet.com
Consider the mystery surrounding a lady who stumbles into a police station with a black eye. She claims she heard a noise in her back yard and went to investigate. The next thing she knows, she tells the desk sergeant, she is hit in the eye and knocked out cold.
The sergeant dispatches an officer to her house to investigate, and he returns an hour and a half later -- with a black eye.
"Did you get hit by the same person?" the sergeant asks.
"No," says the patrolman. "I stepped on the same rake."
MANAGERS MESSAGE
The Annual Shareholders Meeting will be held at the Clubhouse of Alligator Park on Thursday, February 14th at 9:00 am. Doors will open at 8:00 am for signing in. Votes and Proxies will be collected when you sign in. Please allow yourself time vote when signing in. There will be no election for seats on the Board, but we still have several important issues that must be voted on at the meeting.
Please watch your speed when traveling in the Park. The posted speed limit for all vehicles in the Park is 15 MPH. All vehicles, golf carts and scooters included, must obey the rules of the road. I have had several residents of the Park come to me with stories of near misses and close calls. Come to a full stop at stop signs; don’t assume you have the right of way. If you are driving a motorized vehicle in the Park, and you hit a pedestrian or bike rider, you are in the wrong.
According to Charlotte County, Sec. 3-2-214. Size and visibility of street numbers.
All one family dwelling shall be posted with street numbers not less than three (3) inches in height. All street numbers shall be posted so as to be clearly visible from any roadway or street serving such building or dwelling. Let’s make sure the numbers are there so that the Police, Fire & Rescue can find your home in case of emergency.
A special THANKS to all our volunteers! Great things can be and are accomplished by the spirit of volunteerism that exists here at Alligator Park. Currently we have a crew cleaning out the overgrown area between the Park and our lake, but lets not forget the helping hands that have done everything from the distribution of notices for meetings (saving a lot of money on postage) to cooking pancakes or steaks, and all the other efforts in between.
Our lake is a beautiful asset to the Park, and although man-made, it is a pristine body of water that we all would like to keep as healthy as possible. We have restricted boats to pedal, paddle, wind or electric power. The fish and wildlife are important to the overall health of the lake as well. Please observe our catch and release policy for fishing in the lake. You do not need a license, as a resident of Alligator Park, to fish there. Non-residents that fish our lake from the other side do need to have a valid fresh water fishing license.
Speaking of fishing… It was a cold winter day. An old man walked out onto a frozen lake, cut a hole in the ice and dropped in his fishing line. He was there for almost an hour, without even a nibble, when a young boy walked out onto the ice, cut a hole in the ice not far from him. The young boy dropped his fishing line and minutes later he hooked a Largemouth Bass.
The old man couldn't believe his eyes but chalked it up to plain luck. But, shortly thereafter, the young boy pulled in another large catch.
The young boy kept catching fish after fish. Finally, the old man couldn't take it any longer. "Son, I've been here for over an hour without even a nibble. You've been here only a few minutes and have caught a half dozen fish! How do you do it?"
The boy responded, "Roo raf roo reep ra rums rrarm."
"What was that?" the old man asked.
Again the boy responded, "Roo raf roo reep ra rums rarrm."
"Look," said the old man, "I can't understand a word you're saying."
The boy spit the contents of his mouth into his hand and said, "You have to keep the worms warm!"