JULY NEWS NOTE

 

Here we are at the first of July; where is the time going?

 

The reports are great from the Park.  Many things are getting done and improvements will be obvious when we get back in the Fall.

 

Ken tells me that we still have vandalism.  Some is believed to be kids in the neighborhood, and some from within the Park itself.  We all need to be Park Security and call the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office and the Park Office if you see something that should not be happening.   THIS IS COSTING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US MONEY AND TRUST.

 

We wish everyone traveling to Decatur for the Alligator reunion to be safe and have a wonderful time.  I hope to be able to attend some day.

 

The audit is finished for 2006/2007 and this is the first time since Hurricane Charlie that it is done on time and $4200.00 under budget.  Thanks to

Donna Mohn and Marv and Ken – a very special thanks to all of you.

 

I want to make a special note to all those who are not in the best of health out there.  We are all concerned for you and only wish the very best for each of you.  Please let us know how you are doing and if there is anything we can do to make your life easier.  We all keep you in our thoughts and prayers always.

 

Thanks,   Have a great 4^th of July and stay safe.

 

Bob Fogg

 

APA NEWS

 

July has arrived and the weather has been great so far.  We could use a little rain in this area.  It’s 94 degrees in Ohio today.

 

Here are a few reminders of upcoming events:  ­­July 26 – Alligator Park Reunion at the Back Forty Restaurant in Decatur, Indiana, at 12 noon.  Those camping at Amishville need to get their deposit in,   

 

$20.95 for 30 amp hookup or $30.95 for 50 amp, as soon as possible.  August 9^th is the Alligator Park Reunion in Hamburg, New York for anyone who wants to attend.  Lynn Weller is in charge of that one.  Call her at (716) 997-3552 for more details and time.

 

Ladies, don’t forget to either bring your recipes down when you come or send them to me.  We are going to start working on the Alligator Park Cookbook in November.  If anyone is interested in helping with this project, let me know.

 

We have quite a few on the sick list that need our prayers:  Bill Moorman, Virgil Zuspan, Fran Kuhn, Paul and Shirley Plum, and Linda Thomer.  A little good news – Marge Herring and Dee Royer are getting married on August 11.  Congratulations and good wishes!!

 

I was informed by Ken Martin that the flower beds need weeding.  If anyone can help us out and weed, I would appreciate it.  Let Ken know you are available to do it.  Thanks.

 

Looking forward to seeing you at the Back Forty.

 

Sharon Page,  APA President

 

 

THE SUMMER SOCIAL SCENE

 

Although summertime in Alligator Park is hot and quiet, the residents braved the heat and turned out for two social events in June.  The Fathers’ Day Potluck was held on Saturday, June 16 in the Clubhouse.  True to form, Alligator Park cooks once again filled

 

the buffet table with a variety of delicious dishes. On June 21, the Ladies’ Luncheon was held at Elena’s Restaurant in Punta Gorda.  Esther Rook is busy making arrangements for the July Ladies’ Luncheon, to be at the Golden Corral on July 26.  Watch for the signup sheets in the mail room.

 

At both gatherings, we reminded each other of the “Pool Party” that is planned for July 4. It was decided that proper attire would be a bathing suit for dipping, and a cover-up for dripping.  The party hours are from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, and John Zanellis promises that the food on the grill will be ready by 3:00 PM.  Don’t forget to bring your own table service and whatever you like to drink.  See you there!!

 

Bumper Sticker Poetry:  The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.

 

DISASTER PLANS

 

On Tuesday morning, July 26, the Disaster Planning Committee met with park residents in the mini-hall over coffee and donuts.  The purpose of the meeting was to talk about what we need to do to prepare ourselves and the Park for a bad storm, and what the Park has already done in the way of preparations for a “disaster.” 

 

In May, the committee attended a disaster seminar given by Charlotte County at the Cultural Center.  At that time, it was impressed upon the crowd that as bad as “Charlie” was, we were spared the most disastrous phase of a hurricane, the storm surge.  We might not be so lucky another time.  What was emphasized was the need for plans to survive flooding.  With that in mind, we went home and took stock of our facilities. 

 

At the Park meeting, Ken Martin, CAM, made a clear, concise and detailed presentation of what Park residents need to do in the way of personal preparations, and what the Park will have available for those who cannot evacuate in the event of a storm. 

 

He described the facilities that will be available at the clubhouse, including electricity and water because of our two generators, and what supplies we need to bring with us if we need shelter in the clubhouse.  He especially emphasized the fact that the office needs to know the plans of the residents in order to make adequate preparation. 

 

Pets will be allowed in the clubhouse.  The storeroom in the northwest corner of the clubhouse will be made available for crated pets during a storm.  Owners may stay there with their pets if they need comforting.  Be sure to bring adequate food, water and any medicine necessary for your pet.  In the meantime, be sure that your pet’s papers are in order. 

 

Ken and Marv Cogan, chairman of the committee, followed up a few days after the meeting with a house-to-house delivery of the instructions and lists, so that all Park residents can make a good plan for themselves. 

 

In addition to the information contained in the Park list, it is important that we put together a “survival kit” for our homes that will carry us through the period immediately following the emergency.  Following is a partial list published by the County:

-- Canned or other non-perishable food

-- Manual can-opener

-- Drinking water, 1 gal. per person

-- Medications and prescriptions

-- First aid kit

-- Battery operated TV, radio or flashlight

-- Extra batteries

-- Pet food

 

A good suggestion is to put important papers (insurance policies, health records, birth certificates, financial documents etc.) in a zip lock bag and store in a safe place, preferably a safety deposit box.

 

More Bumper Sticker Poetry:  Retirement is twice as much husband and half as much money.

HEALTH WATCH

 

            We had a note from Linda Thomer saying she was to have cancer surgery on June 6.  We have since heard that her tumor was removed successfully, and she has hope for a good recovery.

            Tom Lamendola is home and recovering from triple bypass surgery. He is back on his morning alligator patrol.

            Margaret Judy has finally come home after a period in the hospital and at a rehab facility.

            Jean Metz is presently confined to her home trying to get rid of walking pneumonia.  Take care of yourself, Jean.

            We have had word that Paul and Shirley Plum are both having health problems at their northern camp residence.  We wish them the very best and hope they get well soon.

            Mickie Mullaney’s wife, Donna, passed away recently, and his friends send their sincere sympathy.

 

UPDATE FROM THE TREASURER

 

The R.O. plant has passed all inspections, and we are waiting for the permanent C.O.

 

The ditch from Manatee to Jones Loop has been cleared.  This should be a big help for water drainage during the rainy season. 

 

Punta Gorda has not had the rain the rest of Southwest Florida has been getting.  The Park looks good, and so far the boys have had no trouble keeping up with the grass cutting.

 

Ken talked to Ed Wotitzky about our concerns on the written agreement for the refinancing of the Park.  Ed is working on this and will be meeting with us shortly.

 

Again, I say Dee and I will see you guys in Decatur.

 

            Marv Cogan, HOAP, Inc. Treasurer