Newsletter

FROM HOAP PRESIDENT

Here we are at the 24th of September and getting ready to head for Florida. Our trip will take us west to Michigan and then on to Missouri to visit, and then on to St. Louis and Lexington, Kentucky and finally on to our home in Alligator Park.

I am having a real problem with the aspect that summer in the Northeast is coming to a close, and we are on our way back to warmer fall and winter temperatures. Where did it go?

I am happy to report that Marv Cogan is doing well and back at his job as treasurer with great zeal. Talked with Bill Ward and he reports that he is doing well with chemo treatments - He is in very high spirits. I have not yet spoken with Paul Plum, but understand that he is doing well after many issues this summer. Everyone else seems to be good and ready to get back to Alligator Park to handle the issues that affect each of us.

Our First regular board meeting will be in November and I am hoping many of our issues will be resolved and we can look forward to dealing with pleasurable issues affecting the park and its security.

Don't forget, we still want to do name the lakes property and set up activities for the fall and winter, so get your suggestions in to Ken Martin at the office.

Last but not least, we have the best park in Southwest Florida, so let’s enjoy it. Come back with a positive attitude to improve our RV-MH physical appearance and more daily activities to make our lives more enjoyable (if possible).

See you all very soon. Please travel safely.

Bob Fogg

Our Thoughts and Prayers

Mario (Tom) Sgriccia, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 26. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marie and her family.

Fran Kuhn has undergone a full new knee replacement.

Emma Pulit asks that anyone that would like to call her should get in touch with Mae Robinson for her current phone number.

According to her family, Edna Penny is recovering from a heart attack she suffered last month.

Anita Schetter is doing well with double knee replacement. She thanks everyone for the cards and letters. Anita expects to drive down from Indy in November or December.

Marv Cogan is doing well, recovering from removal of a kidney. Feeling better with more energy every day.

NEWS FROM APA

   October has arrived and the fall weather and colors are upon us. Those Snow Birds traveling to their winter homes should see some beautiful fall colors.
   Just a reminder to keep our Alligator Friends who have been hospitalized, sick, in rehab and those who need a little more uplift in our prayers on a daily bases. We hope to see all of them this season.
Mark your calendar for a Halloween get together on Oct. 31. Don't forget to bring your recipes for the cookbook.
   We have a Craft Fair & Bake Sale coming up on Dec. 8 and we need some volunteers to help. If you know of any vendors who would like to come please let me know.
   Lynda Borg has tickets for the Gaither's on Jan. 24, 2008, so get in touch with her. She will be back in the park Oct. 10th. Lynda will also be giving classes on CPR/AED at reduced cost of $20/person (normally this would cost $45-65/person). A certificate from American Heart Association will be given at the completion of the 4 hour class. I will be teaching in my home on various days and also providing free refresher classes for those already certified.
   Those taking side trips on their way to Florida have a safe journey. See everyone soon.

Sharon Page
APA President

MESSAGE FROM APA VICE PRESIDENT

The summer of 2007 is now in the history books. With each passing day we are seeing diminishing daylight and the beginning of the onset of cooler weather. The leaves with their traditional colors of green are now giving way to colors of autumn. The red and gold are visible everywhere but the best is yet to come. The shades of autumn, are a colorful splendor and a reminder that the long cold days of winter are not to far off. Most of the songbirds have begun their annual migration to warmer climates. Bird feeders that are usually a hub of activity are now mostly quiet and

Jack Frost has already arrived on the scene in some of our low-lying areas. Yes folks, winter is on its way and for a lot of us it's time to either get underway for the warm south or to start going over our list of things to do before we leave. Arriving at Alligator Park, we will notice the accomplishments that took place over the summer months. We still have more to do and that will take time, money and continuous efforts from all of us to ensure that we have a state of the art park. By continuing to volunteer our time and talents we can accomplish much. None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something. When the call goes out for volunteers will you step up to the plate or will you remain on the side
lines? Getting involved is a great opportunity to meet your fellow snow birds and our full time residents, but mostly a chance to stay ahead of the rumor mill and to get first hand information on what is being done in the park. Hurricane Charley intended a death blow to Alligator Park, but little did she know that through the talents and hard work of those who served on the front line that our park would be what it is today.
If our park is to be a place of fellowship and relaxation for our residents and for those who will come after us, it will be because we added our name to the list of those who will help.

A Pot Luck dinner is planned for October 13^th. Look for sign up sheets posted around the Park

The Ladies Luncheon was held September 19^th at the new Tea Room on Marion. 14 ladies attended. They all thought the Tea Room was very elegant.

Using your hazard lights is appropriate when your car breaks down and you're on the side of the road. But it is illegal to drive around with them flashing. Officials with the Sheriff's Office say there are only a handful of reasons you can legally use your hazard lights. You can use them to:

Any other case is considered a non-moving violation and you can be ticketed. Deputies say the fine for the infraction is $69.50. Drive safely and have a good trip back.

Season quickly approaches, and many of our residents prepare to head south to their vacation homes. We have made some improvements since you were last here, some of which will be immediately apparent, others that you may never see at all. But be assured, we still have many projects in the works.

Don’t forget, we are still collecting suggestions for a name for the lake. We are looking for something a little more fitting than “the hole in the ground that Herman Excavating dug”, so send in your suggestions by mail, email or drop them off at the office. I don’t know if any prize was promised for the winner, but don’t let that get in your way.

The Taylor Center and Wal-Mart projects are coming along quickly. At the Taylor Center, the first building slab is planned for the third week in October. At last count, more than 3,400 truckloads of fill have been brought in, with an estimated 5,000 needed for completion. Wal-Mart has paved their parking area, and looks like the exterior is ready for stucco. It won’t be long before they are stocking the shelves.

The first Board of Directors Workshop for the season is scheduled for November 1^st, and the first Board Meeting is set for November 8^th. All residents are invited to attend.

Just a reminder for those that have a balance on your RV Tie Down it is due by November 1, 2007. If you are not sure of the amount, please call me. Wishing everyone a safe trip here and looking forward to seeing all. Are you here yet?

We have a new check in procedure for all residents returning to Alligator Park. We have a very short form so that we can better collect needed information. It will help us keep better track of who is here and who is not. Also, very important is the ICE (in case of emergency) information. Truly, this is necessary information that should be updated every year, as contact information often changes.

We continue to try to improve our methods in our efforts to serve you better. So please stop by the office and check in, or call and I'll take the information over the phone.

That’s all I have for you, except I LOVE MY JOB! And no matter what you hear, you’re stuck with me. I'm not going back to Wal-Mart!