Published by On Trac Publishing, P.O. Box 985, Bradenton, FL 34206 (941) 723-5003 Tropic Isles • 1503 28th Ave. West • Palmetto, Florida 34221 • (941) 721-8888 • Website: www.TropicIsles.net Home of the Month Meet Your New Neighbors By Cindy Shaw The Tropic Isles I’d like to introduce you to our new, part-time neighbors, Paul September and Miriam Grossi. They live in their new home at 128 Capri Dr. Paul is originally from New York City, NY, but both he and Miriam now reside part-time in Millersburg, Ohio. Paul is a retired hospital administrator in Ohio and Okla- homa where he worked for 35 years. Miriam is a retired RN of 17 years and has foster parented newborns for many years. Paul and Miriam also ran a B & B in Millersburg for 13 years. They have been coming down to this area for 14 years and have been vacationing on Anna Maria Island. While on vacation, they 2017 would often ride out to Emerson Point. They would also do an exchange system with their B & B allowing interested people to September’s “Home of the Month” belongs to Tommy and stay in their B & B in exchange for staying in other peoples’ homes. Charlene Barlow at 1312 29th Ave. W. Lots of work and loving When they became interested in putting down roots, they touches, both inside and out, went into the creation of this cute began looking at vacant lots in the area where they could build little “tropical cottage”. Congratulations! a house. They went to Jacobson Homes who sent them to Tropic Isles. After looking at empty lots, they decided to skip the lengthy building process and buy an existing home where they live today. Paul and Miriam have 3 children—Kelly, Kim, and Bree. They also ~~ Thought For The Day~~ have 7 grandchildren—Micah, Noah, Jadon, Mira, Gabe, Quinn, Our days are happier when we give people a bit of our and Rowan ranging in ages from 18-6. Miriam enjoys quilting, hearts, rather than a piece of our mind. biking, reading, antiquing, and spending time with the kids and grandkids. Paul admits that he loves to work out and go biking. Please welcome Paul and Miriam to Tropic Isles.

Please welcome Linda Rogers at 182 Bimini Dr. to Tropic Isles. Linda is originally Breezesfrom Seneca Falls, NY, but has lived in Flor- ida since 1981. She is a full-time resident ~Coming Events~ and works for Gaunt, Inc. in Holmes Beach September where she has been doing bookkeeping 4 ...... Labor Day and accounting for the past 11 years. Linda 5 ...... ARC meeting also has her real estate license. 6 ...... Red Hat meeting She was living in Dover, FL and vacationing on Anna Maria Island 10 ...... Grandparents’ Day when she began looking for an affordable place on the water and 11 ...... Patriot Day made a connection with our real estate agent, Barbara Curtis, to Red Hat Game Day buy in Tropic Isles. Linda has two sons-- Jesse (Krystal) and Jerry 12 ...... Writer’s Group (Jodi). She has 7 grandchildren—Ethan, Wyatt, Austin, Amelia, 14 ...... LTSP meeting Tryson, Jesse V., and Colt. 15 ...... All Timers Pot Luck Linda enjoys photography, interior decorating, wood crafts, and 19 ...... ARC meeting nature walks. Please give Linda a warm Tropic Isles’ welcome. 22 ...... First Day of Autumn 25 ...... Writer’s Group Oh, The Places You’ll Go… (Thanks to everyone for sending in their pictures!)

Mark and Jan Krueger visited Jan and Dale Burbie in Minocqua, Wisconsin this summer as they trav- eled across the Midwest on a 9-week camping trip. In their travels, they vis- ited the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minne- sota and walked across the mighty Mississippi.

Kruegers walking across the Mississippi Burbies and Kruegers together

Jim Gorton and his two fishing friends set out from Petersburg, Alas- ka in a 16-ft. boat on a self-guided fishing trip in July. Jim landed a 110-lb. halibut that was 61 inches long. Great Elaine and Jim catch, Jim! Schipper are seen here at a sky bar in Bangkok, Thailand. They were there for two weeks in June Jim Gorton and fish visiting their son. Schippers in Bangkok

Nancy and Eric Gates returned from a fabulous month’s vacation, beginning in Cincinnati where they attended the 55th National Square Dance Convention for 5 days and visited family in Mason and Kettering, Ohio. They went on to Michigan to visit family, camp- ing at Eric’s sister’s house on St. Helen’s Lake. They followed that up visiting with Tom and Jan Vern and Shirley and Jack Rolff at the Vern’s residence in Adrian, Michigan. A great time was had by all.

Nancy and Eric Gates

Page 2 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 From The Editor Tropic Isles What do you know about hurricanes? 1503 28th Ave. West, Palmetto, Florida 34221 What months spawn the most hurricanes? Employees are on duty from 8:00AM to 4:30PM Monday thru Hurricanes form from June through November. September Friday. Regular office business is conducted between 9:00 usually has the most hurricanes because the temperature is AM and 4:00 PM only. Other than office hours, your call will starting to cool and the sea surface temperature is still warm in be forwarded to an (live) answering service. You may call areas where hurricanes form. June and July’s water temperatures the regular office phone number at any hour of the day or are still warming up from the winter, so there are not a lot of hur- night for urgent matters. For emergencies, dial 911. ricanes in June and July. In August, the water temperatures are Paul Smith, Co-Op Manager warm enough to spawn a hurricane, so there are a fair number of Barbara Welch, Office Coordinator hurricanes. In September, the water temperatures are at the peak Jodie Lawman, Office Assistant temperatures they will get to. In October, the water starts to cool Chris Vincent, Maintenance Team Leader down and there are not as many hurricanes. November is when Al Harris, Maintenance the hurricane season finishes because the water gets under 80°F, Office (941) 721-8888 • Fax 941-729-0687 so hurricanes are less likely to spawn. Marina 941-729-8128 Why do hurricanes have names? www.TropicIsles.net Until the early 1950s, tropical storms and hurricanes were Tropic Isles Co‑op tracked by year and the order in which they occurred during that Board of Directors 2017/2018 year. Over time, it was learned that the use of short, easily remem- President ...... Clyde Martin bered names, in written as well as spoken communications, is Vice President ...... Milly Sumler quicker and reduces confusion when two or more tropical storms Secretary ...... Mark Krueger occur at the same time. Treasurer ...... Jeff Wallace In 1953, the United States began using female names for storms Director ...... Butch Minick and, by 1978, both male and female names were used to identify Director ...... Gary Rease Northern Pacific storms. This was then adopted in 1979 for storms Director ...... Hank Vitan in the Atlantic basin. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center does not control the naming TIHOA of tropical storms. Instead, there is a strict procedure established Tropic Isles Homeowners Association by the World Meteorological Organization. For Atlantic hurricanes, 2017/2018 there is a list of male and female names which are used on a six- President ...... Jim Nitti Vice President ...... Nadine Kelly year rotation. The only time that there is a change is if a storm is Secretary ...... Peggy Kuehn so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different Treasurer ...... Judy Reed storm would be inappropriate. During 2005, Director ...... Linda Diesing caused severe damage so the name Charley was retired. In Director ...... Deane Cornell 2016, and Hurricane Otto caused sig- nificant damages and fatalities. For this reason, the names TIPOA (Property Owners) “Matthew” and “Otto” were retired and will not be used again 2017/2018 Board for tropical storms. If more than twenty-one named tropical President ...... Rene Belanger cyclones occur in a season, any additional storms will take names Vice Pres...... Lance Linke from the Greek alphabet. Treasurer ...... Rita Collins Recording Secretary ...... Jackie Adinollfe Idea To Ponder…. Corresponding Secretary/City Liaison . . . Vicki Massaro The best things in life are on the other Director ...... John Bailey side of your maximum fear - Will Smith Director ...... Karol Frystak Director ...... Wayne Randle Director ...... Bob Stokes

Tropic Isles Breezes Published monthly and delivered to all residents Editor: Cindy Shaw Contributing Writer: Sharon Schumann Send photos and articles to [email protected] Deadline the 10th of each month. The inclusion of advertising contained in this newsletter supports the publication costs, but does not constitute an endorsement by the Tropic Isles Co-Op, nor does the content of articles submitted by individual residents and those representing clubs and activities.

September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 3 Page 4 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 “Coffee Talk” Summer Saturday Coffee This feature will be run throughout the year, sharing the names Come to Saturday Coffee held in the Auditorium. of those people who have received “We Care” cards from their Cost is $1 per person. Doors open at 7:30 AM and coffee is served friends and neighbors here in Tropic Isles. at 7:45. Please bring your favorite cup and plate for a sweet Get Well cards were sent to roll. If you prefer decaffeinated coffee or tea they are available. Mary Pike of Montego Dr. (back surgery), This is a great time to spend with friends and neighbors. There Linda Lage of 14th St. (surgery), are many informational announcements about folks and events Dave Oliver of Aloha Dr. (treatment for Lyme’s disease), and in our community. Hope to see you there. Patricia Spangler of 14th St. (hip replacement). Joan Richey Sympathy cards were sent to Coffee Committee Lois Watson and family of Bahia Dr. on the loss of her husband, Jim, to Barbara Martin of Terra Ceia Dr. on the passing of her mother, Cook’s Corner and to Nancy Barango of Edessa Dr. on the passing of John HOT CHICKEN DIP Kadlick. Ingredients: If you know of someone who needs a “Get Well” card or a family 2 – 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese who has lost a loved one in need of a “Sympathy Card”, please 1 cup Ranch dressing contact Anne Nitti at 508-873-6205. Tabasco sauce (3 or 4 squirts) 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese 2 – 13 oz. cans of chicken breast meat Bacon bits Save The Date Directions: Welcome Back Dance—November 10 1. Preheat oven to 365 degrees. You asked for them and we got them!!! The very 2. Soften cream cheese and mix everything, except the chicken, popular local band “SoulRcoaster” is signed up to until smooth. headline our Welcome Back Dance on November 10, so be sure 3. Fold in chicken. you are back! You know how hectic it is this time of year, so mark 4. Lightly spray a pie plate with olive oil to avoid sticking. it on your calendar now. This very popular and charismatic band 5. Bake for 30 minutes or until dip has a nice baked look. will be a great start for our party season next year. You won’t 6. Serve with your favorite chips or crackers. want to miss it! We will be here and we hope you will be too! Tropic Isles’ Entertainment Committee Summer Office Hours NEWCOMER’S PARTY – NEW DATE! Summer office hours occur May through Septem- It’s time for the semi-annual “Newcomers Party.” All ber 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The office is closed for lunch groups and organizations please note, the party has from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Door codes were changed been scheduled for Saturday, February 3rd from 7 - 9 for the summer on June 1. Contact the office for the new codes. pm. We’re hoping every activity will have a table at this event. Remember that the doors to the Yacht Club and Auditorium To all people new to the park in the last 2 years - this event is for are kept locked at all times during the summer months so you you! More information will be available in future editions of the will need to use your code. Breezes. NOTE: New door codes and Office Hours will change October 1 for the season. Don’t forget to pick them up when you sign in at the Office when you return to Tropic Isles.

September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 5 As a man pulled into a crowded parking lot, he asked the cop Laughter Is The Best Medicine! standing there, “Is it all right to park here?” I was hospitalized with an awful sinus infection that “No!” the cop said. “Can’t you see the ‘No Parking’ sign?” caused the entire left side of my face to swell. On the “What about all those other cars parking in there?” the man third day, the nurse led me to believe that I was finally asked. recovering when the nurse announced excitedly, “Look your The cop shrugged, “They didn’t ask!” wrinkles are coming back.” ------Three sisters ages 92, 94, and 96 live in a house together. One Hospital regulations require a wheelchair for patients being night the 96-year old draws a bath. She puts her foot in and discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found pauses. She yells down the stairs, “Was I getting in or out of the one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed bath?” with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted that he didn’t need my The 94-year old yells back, “I don’t know. I’ll come up and see.” help to leave the hospital. After a chat about rules being rules, he She starts up the stairs and pauses. Then she yells, “Was I going reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator. On the way down, up the stairs or down?” I asked if his wife was meeting him. The 92-year old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea listening “I don’t know,” he said. “She’s still upstairs in the bathroom to her sisters. She shakes her head and says, “I sure hope I never changing out of her hospital gown.” get that forgetful.” She knocks on wood for good measure. She ---- then yells, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s The irate customer called the newspaper offices loudly de- at the door.” manding to know where her Sunday edition was. “Ma’am,” the editor interrupted, “today is Saturday. The Sunday paper is not delivered until Sunday.” There was a pause at the other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition. “So that’s why no one was in church today,” the irate customer answered.

Page 6 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 Tropical Red Hatters The meeting went on as scheduled in August and they will continue as scheduled during the coming months. We are attended the All Timers Pot Luck on 08/16/2017 at 5:00 pm. It was held Calling All Fishermen and Women! in the Yacht Club. RED HAT DRESS. Would you like to share a picture of your “catch of the day” from On 08/30/2017 we had a Red Hat Comedy event. We brought the nearby waters around Tropic Isles? Send it to tibreezes1@ jokes to read or pass around. It was from 11 AM-3:00 PM in the aol.com and it can be published in the next issue of the Breezes. Yacht Club. RED HAT DRESS. We brought a dish to pass and Please include a sentence or two about where it was caught, copies of some of our recipes to exchange with our sisters. On a what species it is, and its size. Any fish pictures will do—large or future date, each sister will bring a dish (to pass) of her exchanged small---fish, that is! recipe. After the 09/06/2017 meeting, we will be going to lunch at Der Dutchman. RED HAT DRESS. On 09/11/2017 we will begin a monthly Red Hat Games event for the 2nd Monday of each month. Bring a dish to pass for lunch and any games that you wish to play. There is always Red Hat bingo and Pokeno. RED HAT DRESS. Don’t forget that we traditionally decorate the Christmas Tree in the Auditorium on the day after Thanksgiving. Volunteers will be needed. Our Queen has booked the Auditorium for the Christmas Party on 12/12/2017 from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. RED HAT DRESS. Volunteers will be needed for set up and clean up. We have also booked the Auditorium for our annual Ice Cream Social. That will be on 03/11/2018 from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. RED HAT DRESS. Volunteers will be needed for set up and clean up. At our last meeting, we discussed going out to lunch once a September 10, 2017 month. We also discussed, for future outings, going to Mote Ma- rine, Bunker Hill Winery, to see the Lipizzan Stallions, and going to the dog track in Sarasota. These events are not coming up right away and can be discussed more at future meetings. The ideas and input from EVERYONE of us is important and we look forward to your input during our meetings. Thank you.

Bingo News

Welcome to Bingo every Tuesday evening. We start promptly at 7 PM. You can get 4 hard cards for $1 and 2 “speedies” for $1. The Jackpot paper cards are $1 each and the bingo daubers are $1. Refreshments are also sold. Come join us. Joy and Elaine

September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 7 Page 8 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 Safety Tip of the Month--- ~~Special Thanks~~ I would like to thank all the wonderful people of Tropic Isles School Zones for their cards, food, phone calls, and prayers after the loss of my School zones are put in place to ensure the husband, Jim. It was very much appreciated. safety of children in and around schools. While Lois Watson class is in session, drivers are responsible for maintaining safety and awareness on the streets surrounding schools. All children Thank you to all the park friends who asked about John Kadlick should be able to walk or bike to and from class without fear of during his long illness. He passed away on August 5th. His chil- being hit by passing vehicles. As drivers, we must not be careless dren will have a memorial in Natick, Mass. Thanks again. around school zones. We must understand the traffic laws for Nancy Barango these locations and follow them at all times. Here’s a reference to those that may question when stopping A special “thanks” goes out to all the summer coffee volunteers for a school bus in the opposite direction is optional. Please watch who helped to keep it going throughout the summer months. out for children walking or riding bikes everywhere as well. Thanks to Nancy Grant for hosting the August All Timers Pot Luck. There was another great turn-out and good food was shared by all. Thanks to all the Block Captains who so willingly delivered the Breezes over the summer in the heat. Also thanks to those people who helped in a time of need while some of the Block Captains were on vacation. Cindy Shaw

A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe, now that school is back in session: • Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you. This could put them in the path of moving traffic. • In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection. • Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign. • Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas. • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians. • If you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children. • Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children. • If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is ex- tended, traffic must stop. • The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus. • Be alert! Children often are unpredictable and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 9 Kayak-ity-Yak Neighbors Helping Neighbors Kayak Launch Use Reminders What we do – We are here to help and If you are using the Tropic Isles’ kayak launch, assist those who may have challenges please make sure to do the following: performing basic maintenance issues. We 1. Read the directions if you are not sure how to use the launch. can help identify needs while assisting to 2. Make sure you sign out and erase your name when you return. improve our properties. We are hoping, 3. When you lower the ramp, do not undo both ends of the rope. with everyone’s help, to create a positive environment where all Undo one side, lower the ramp, and then cleat it off. homes will be kept in a good state of repair so that they conform 4. If no one else is signed out when you return, please lift the ramp to the standards of the Park, maintain a desirable place to live, out of the water. and at the same time preserve the value of our homes and our 5. If the ramp has debris on it, please hose it off. Your help in taking neighbor’s investment. We are asking that you walk around your good care of our launch is appreciated. home and inspect the premises for any of the following: • Mold • Weeds • Rusty awnings and/or storage facilities • Cluttered carports and driveways • Items in the yard that may be considered an eyesore • Visibly ripped window treatments • Torn screens Reading Material for Vets • Broken windows We will continue to collect reading materials for Vets through- • Poorly kept landscaping out the year. Magazines are great (for men or women), as are If you need assistance with any items listed or not listed above, books. The Library at Tropic Isles will be donating any books that we have a wealth of resources available to assist you with your are duplicates and those books that are too old to shelve. There specific needs. We are here to assist residents in working to im- will be a collection box in our library and Don Stotts will take all prove their “curb appeal”. Call Jan Krueger at 262-617-0710 or donated reading items to Bay Pines over the summer. It may Pam Hennessy at 941-447-6228 for assistance. seem like a small thing to do, but it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks to Rod Adkins for volunteering to take our donated reading items to the vets at Bay Pines VA when Don Stotts isn’t available. It is greatly appreciated by all!

Page 10 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 Summer Fun-- Tropic Isles’ Marina Send in your pictures! Your Marina survived Tropical Storm Emily. Winds Please send in a picture from your travels or up to 50 MPH, 5 or more inches of rain, and a power fun activities from this summer. Please include the outage totally closed the Marina. As you know, names of the people in the picture, location, and live shrimp need air forced into the water in the bait tank to stay date. Email your pictures to [email protected]. Thanks to all alive. Jerry stayed at the marina through the storm and placed those people who sent in pictures to include in the Breezes over battery-operated bubblers in the tank to help keep the shrimp the summer. I am looking forward to receiving more pictures for alive. Thanks to Jerry Quesenberry and emergency procedures, the Breezes in the months to come. most of the shrimp were saved. It is very hard to keep our shrimp alive. Many factors go into keeping the shrimp alive. Our current system does not seem to be working well. Some days the mortality rate can be 50%. That’s 50% we do not sell! The increase in demand, coupled with the ~~~Mark Your Calendar~~~ size, location, and water temperature of the bait tank are current issues that are being reviewed by staff. If you have any input or experience in this area, please feel free to contact Jim Kelly at the Marina. Now that the weather has calmed down, it is time to fish for spotted sea trout. Trout seem to be the fish of choice this month. The Last All Timers Summer Pot Luck They are running on grassy areas and are being caught with CAL hosted by Mark and Jan Krueger, is jigs. In the same area, before TS Emily, the Snook were aggressive Friday, September 15 at 5:00 PM in the Yacht Club. and plentiful on shallow flats. Any trout over 15 inches you can Bring your own place setting, beverage, and a dish to share. keep. However, it is catch and release for the Snook. Your Marina A sign-up sheet can be found in the Auditorium and the Yacht has everything you need to catch the big one. Stop by where the Club. Thanks to everyone who has attended the summer pot prices are low and the conversation is free. lucks and helped to make them such a great success. Jim Kelly II, Marina staff Tropic Isles’ Holiday Craft Fair

When: Saturday, December 16 Where: Tropic Isles Yacht Club Time: 1:00-4:00 PM Call Cyndi Belle at 941-981-3616 for information and to reserve a table for $10. This gives you three months to get creative!

Trivia Tidbits • We shed 40 pounds of skin in a lifetime. • Yo-Yos were once used at weapons in the Philippines. • Mexico City sinks about 10 inches a year. • Brains are more active sleeping than watching TV. • Blue is the favorite color of 80% of Americans. • When a person shakes their head from side to side, he is saying “yes” in Sri Lanka. • There are more chickens than people in the world. • The thumbnail grows the slowest, and the middle nail grows the fastest. • The average 4-year old child asks over 400 questions a day. • The average person presses the snooze button on their alarm clock three times each morning. September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 11 Please Wear Your Pool/Hot Tub Rule Of The Month This is a reminder that the 2014 Rules and Regulations are Bracelets (“Passes”) in effect and being enforced. All residents and their guests are It is IMPORTANT for Residents and Guests to expected to know and abide by these rules. Each month, I will wear their bracelets at the pool/hot tub to avoid any problems. highlight a section of the current Rules and Regulations in the The white glow-in-the-dark bracelets and the newer blue/green/ hopes of increasing awareness. If you need a copy of the 2014 yellow multicolored bracelets are both acceptable, but they Rules and Regulations, you may pick up a copy at the Office or must have the words “POOL PASS” engraved on them. You will go to www.tropicisles.net to view or print a copy online. be asked to get your pool bracelets if you come to the pool without them. If you have not yet received your pool bracelets, 3.5 Exterior please check with the Office. Before the installation of utility buildings, steps, porches, cano- Section VII of our 2014 Rules and Regulations regarding the pies, and other exterior accessories occur, items must be approved Pool and Hot Tub/Spa states: by Management, via the ARC, as to the size, material, location, color and construction, in compliance with both the current City 7.2 Pool and Hot Tub/Spa Passes Code and Association requirements. No new structures or exterior All Residents and their Guests must display Tropic Isles “pool pass- renovations or additions to existing structures will be considered es” when using the pool and hot tub/spa facilities. Each Resident will until the Resident submits drawings and specifications to Man- be issued 1 “pool pass”. Temporary “pool passes” are available at the agement and receives written approval to make said renovations office for Guests. Residents must sign for the pool passes for their or changes. Guests. A proper ID is required to obtain pool passes. A fee may be If it is determined that the Resident did not receive permission charged for the replacement of lost “pool passes”. prior to the installation or renovation, the Management has the right to demand the removal of said renovation or addition until approval is given. Please Remember To Shower Requests may be disapproved solely on the basis of aesthetic Before Entering The Pool standards established at the discretion of the Management, via the ARC. If a Resident is not doing the work themselves, the work must be completed by a licensed contractor. All work performed by either the Resident or a licensed contractor must meet current City and County Regulations, and all required permits must be Our 2014 Rules and Regulations state: obtained and displayed. Contractors must file proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance and financial responsibility with the 7.5 Shower Management. The State of Florida requires all persons using a public pool or hot tub/spa to shower immediately before entering the pool and hot tub/spa. (FS 64E- 9.008) No shampoo or soaps are permitted in the pool or hot tub/spa deck area. Our shower at the pool is tucked behind the palm tree on the west side of the pool near the boat docks. (It is disguised as a palm tree and after a minute or so gives you a nice warm shower to remove any soaps or oils on your skin which keeps the water in the pool and spa cleaner.) “Neighborhood Watch” With fewer people in the park over the summer months, the park becomes more vulnerable to vandalism and break-ins. For those of us left in the park, please be more attentive than ever! Keep your eyes on the common areas for any trespassers. Please be alert to your surroundings and any strangers in the park. If you see anyone questionable who may be living on your block, please alert the Office. If there are people in the pool, Yacht Club, or Auditorium who do not belong, please contact the Office during office hours or call the police after office hours. There is an emergency phone at the pool deck area. NEW! The sliding glass doors at the Yacht Club are now key-locked at all times to provide added security. As the saying goes, “If it looks suspicious, IT IS SUSPICIOUS! Call the Palmetto Police Department with any non-emergency information at 941-721-2000, ext. 4, OR call 911 with an EMERGENCY! Each time the police receive a report, they increase patrols in the area. Please don’t hesitate to call. You can make the difference! We ALL need to do our part to keep Tropic Isles a safe place to live! Page 12 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 Morning Coffee SATURDAY 2 9 8:00 am utumn All timers’ Pot Pot timers’ All Luck - Y Aerobics/ Exercise - Y Y - Euchre FRIDAY ay of A D ay First 5:00 pm 8:00 am 7:00 pm Aerobics/ Exercise - Y Y - Cards LTSP Mtg. - Y - Mtg. LTSP THURSDAY 8 8:00 am 1:00 pm 9:00 am 7 Aerobics/ Exercise - Y Y Bridge - Y - Pinochle Red Hat Meeting - PR WEDNESDAY 8:00 am 12:30 pm 7:00 pm 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30 10:00 am WEEKLY EVENTS ARC Mtg. - PR ARC Mtg. Writer’s Group Group Writer’s - PR ARC Mtg. - PR ARC Mtg. Writer’s Group Group Writer’s - PR Aerobics/ Exercise - Y Bingo - A TUESDAY 5 6 19 26 12 9:30 am 8:30 am 9:30 am 8:30 am 8:00 am 7:00 pm eptember 2017 eptember Red Games Hat Day - Y Aerobics/ Exercise - Y Y Cribbage - S abor D ay L Patriot D ay Patriot MONDAY 11:00 am 4 18 25 11 8:00 am 4:00 pm Mahjong - PR Bingo SUNDAY Grandparents D ay Grandparents 4:00 pm 1 3 17 24 10 6:15 PM September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 13 Page 14 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 • Turn off your electricity, water, and gas if officials tell you to do ~~~Hurricane Preparedness~~~ so. Top 10 Things To Do BEFORE The Storm • Lock your windows and doors. 1. Make your Family Disaster Plan. It’s not hard. Talk with your • Stay tuned to your local radio and television station for emer- family. If you need help, go online to www.tampabayprepares. gency broadcasts. org and www.floridadisaster.org or call your local emergency Leaving Coastal Areas management agency or local chapter of the American Red If you are leaving the area, remember to take supplies with you. Cross. Move inland away from the storm surge and inland flooding, but it 2. Refer to the Hurricane Evacuation Map inside the local Disas- is not recommended that residents try to leave the region. Roads ter Guide. Locate where you live and your evacuation zone. will be heavily congested and you run the risk of being caught Determine if and when you would have to evacuate. on the highway without a safe refuge or running into the storm reMEMBER: All mobile home residents must evacuate, if it takes a different track. regardless of location. Hotel or motel If you need help determining your zone, go online or If you plan to go to a hotel or motel, you will need to check call your local emergency management office BEFORE THE for availability and make your reservation well in advance. Some STORM THREATENS. hotels/motels have standing reservation hurricane programs and 3. Decide NOW where you would go if ordered to evacuate (a some relax their pet restrictions in an emergency. Again, make friend or relative, a hotel or motel, or as a last resort, a public sure your destination is not in an evacuation zone. shelter or out of the region). REMEMBER, if you are going to If you are at Tropic Isles when an evacuation order is issued, leave the area or go to a hotel, do not delay. Determine your you WILL be required to evacuate. Be Prepared. route, leave early, and travel the shortest distance possible. Think tens of miles, not hundreds. 4. Check your Disaster Supply Kit and obtain any items you need. 5. Make plans and purchase materials, such as storm shutters, to The 2017 Hurricane Season – NEW! protect your home before the storm. The National Hurricane Center re- 6. Keep your home in good repair. Tacking down loose roofing, leased an updated seasonal outlook securing all loose outdoor articles, trimming trees, and keeping at the end of May. The latest forecast gutters clean are good places to start. for the 2017 season 7. Purchase a battery-powered weather alert radio and a non- looks as though it will be “above normal”. electric land-line phone. Even though phone service may not NOAA predicts 11-17 named storms with average winds of 39 be disturbed, cordless phones will not work during power MPH. 5-9 of those storms are projected to be hurricanes with outages. Cell phone signals will be overburdened, so make sure average wind speeds of 74 mph and 2-4 storms are projected to your friends and relatives know where you plan to be during become major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher having wind the storm. Save them the heartache of looking for you. speeds of at least 111 mph. This is an increase from the original 8. Inventory your property and possessions (on paper) and take early predictions, but the warmer than average temperatures this a video survey of your property. Store the inventory with in- year didn’t play any factor in the prediction. Winter and spring surance and other important papers in a safe place and send conditions don’t have an impact on summer patterns. One or a copy to a relative out of the area. more of the 11-17 named storms forecast to develop this season 9. Make sure your street address number is clearly marked on could hit the U.S. or none could affect us. Therefore, residents of your home. the coastal United States should prepare each year no matter 10. Whether you rent or own your home, review your insurance what the forecast is. We cannot stop hurricanes, but we can be with your agent now. prepared for them. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November When You Must Evacuate 30. The areas covered include the North Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of If you are at Tropic Isles when an evacuation order is given, don’t Mexico, and the . The panic. Move at a steady pace and be sure you leave enough time defines a hurricane as “an intense tropical weather system with to get to where you will weather the storm. DO NOT take chances well-defined circulation and sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) with your life by staying at home or waiting until the weather turns or higher.” bad! A hurricane watch indicates the possibility that a region could • Make sure your destination is not within a zone that has been experience hurricane conditions within 48 hours. ordered to evacuate. A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of at least • Take enough supplies for your family including medications. 74 mph are expected within 36 hours. • Fill your gas tank. We have currently had 7 named storms for the 2017 season • Take your pets. Don’t forget their supplies. as of this writing. TS Emily was the last one to come and visit • Take important papers, including your driver’s license, special the Tampa Bay area July 31, 2017. With 3 more months left of medical information, insurance policies, your insurance agent’s the hurricane season and September historically being the name and number, and property inventories. busiest month, it pays to be prepared! • Take irreplaceable items, such as photos or keepsakes. • Let friends and relatives know where you are going. • Make sure your neighbors have a safe ride.

September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 15 The Cynical Philosopher What’s New In The Neighborhood? • I read that 4,153,237-people got married last year. Not to cause any trouble, but shouldn’t that be an even number? • Today a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool. I gave him a glass of water. • I find it ironic that the colors red, white, and blue stand for free- dom until they are flashing behind you. • When wearing a bikini, women reveal 90% of their bodies. Men • Four more new homes arrived this summer. Check the picture are so polite that they only look at the covered parts. pages for the new arrivals. • A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra • The accidental passing of our beloved manatee, Snooty, at weight, live longer than the men who mention it. the South Florida Museum on July 23 was a sad day for us all. • Relationships are a lot like algebra. Have you ever looked at Snooty, the world’s oldest captive manatee and beloved mascot your X and wondered Y? of the museum, had just celebrated his 69th birthday. (See the • You know that tingly little feeling you had when you liked some- enclosed excerpt about Snooty’s life taken from the Bradenton one when you were younger? That was common sense leaving Herald.) Snooty’s memorial will be held on September 10 your body. with free admission to the South Florida Museum. • Did you know that dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks • Dog Lovers!! City residents presented a petition with 192 sig- of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of natures to the City Commission asking that the Commission the pool and throw them fish? consider having a pet park in Palmetto. There is a potential piece • My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We’ll of property at Blackstone Park that could be used, so the request see about that! was given to the County Parks director. The city has been dis- cussing the need for a dog park for some time. Call the County Parks director at 941-742-5923 or email him at charliehunsicker@ first day of mymanatee.org to have your opinion be heard. • A new model home was installed at 257 Jamaica Dr. and, when finished, will house the office of New Chapter Real Estate. September 22 • Teaser...Look for the changes in the Auditorium.

Page 16 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 Canine Facts For Dog Lovers Welcome Back Early Birds Dogs don’t curl up while sleeping just to look cute, Management has worked hard these past or even to necessarily feel more comfortable. This weeks to spruce up Tropic Isles. By the time tendency is rooted in their instincts to protect their you read this, several major updates should be vital organs at night (and to stay warm, of course). completed. The Auditorium has been repaint- Some recent studies have found that dogs usually try to “go to ed with three coats of paint, covering the old the bathroom” in such a way that they’re aligned with the earth’s wood chair rail, walls, and bathrooms to give magnetic field. Both sexes defecate in the north or south direction, the Auditorium a new look and feel. Pavers have been repaired but only females prefer to urinate that way, too. (Who pays for and replaced, and the walking surfaces have all been sealed at these studies?) the pool. This should extend the life of the pavers and make the The idea that dogs only see in black and white is a total myth. pool surfaces easier to clean. All of the concrete bumpers have They can perceive a wide range of colors, although it’s more been repainted. Landscaping has been renewed in our common limited than the spectrum that humans can see. areas, entryways, and around the Auditorium. We have repaired Dogs hear sounds from just about any direction because they and replaced seawall in multiple locations. have no fewer than 18 different muscles in each of their ears. Over the past months, our compliance efforts have been dili- Theirs are much different than human ears! gent and consistent. We are making great progress, improving Most people know that dogs always have wet noses, but what the appearance of a few shareholder lots. they may not know is that this layer of moisture allows them to The maintenance team has been playing catch-up all year, absorb scent chemicals, amplifying their sense of smell. Their but they have made steady progress. Lawn mowing and tree noses are estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger! trimming work is being completed on schedule barring weather The reason why dogs run around in circles before resting is complications, which pop-up now and then. because it’s part of an instinctual “nesting” ritual passed down We all want to take pride in the appearance of our community. from their wolf ancestors. They’re just making themselves feel Thank you to everyone who has diligently worked to beautify more at home! their unit. With about 75 million dogs in the entire country, the United Sincerely, States has a higher dog population than any other nation on the Clyde Martin, President Tropic Isles Co-op face of the earth. Labrador retrievers are the most popular! The wagging of a dog’s tail can mean much more than express- ing happiness. Depending on the pattern, it can communicate different things, including curiosity, nervousness, playfulness, and even aggression. INSPIRE • ENTERTAIN • IMPACT Dogs “see” more clearly by using their whiskers. This allows them to sense the slightest changes in air pressure and even gives them a special sort of “night vision!” Dogs sense important changes in human bodies. That’s why there are a number of service dogs, such as seizure alert dogs, who can help patients during focal onset seizures. Petting your dog is great for your physical health! When you do it, your blood pressure lowers to a greater degree than it would during interactions with other humans. Dogs lick their noses because the roofs of their mouths have the ability to sense different scents. They transfer scent particles to their mouths directly from their noses! The bottom of a dog’s foot often smells a bit like a bag of corn chips. That’s because their sweat glands, which are only found on their feet, have a natural yeast-like smell because of the bacteria. (How many of you will smell your dog’s feet after reading this?) Dogs often suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave. One thing you can do to help reassure them is to leave a ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com piece of clothing with your scent on it for them to sniff. Dogs often get jealous when they see their humans showing Box Office: (941) 748-5875 too much affection for anything, or anyone, other than them- 503 Third Avenue West selves. They just love you way too much for their own good! Men are three times more likely to get a woman’s phone number if he has a dog with him. That’s adorable, of course, but that does leave open the possibility that she might just want to date him for his dog.

September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 17 Out And About…Around Town Yellow Fever Cemetery - A new restaurant called The Shore Longboat is un- der construction on the former site of Moore’s Stone Palmetto Crab Restaurant at 800 Broadway St. on Longboat The Yellow Fever Cemetery, located at the corner Key. It is due to open in January of 2018. of 14th Ave. and 5th St. W., was the first cemetery One-on-One eBook and Tech Help is available at the Central in Palmetto, donated by Samuel Sparks (S.S.) Lamb, one of the Library located at 1301 1st Ave. W. Library staff can help you first settlers in Palmetto and founding father. It was established learn how to download or stream eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, in the mid-1800s and originally named the Palmetto Cemetery. and music from the library. Make a 30-minute appointment by There lay descendants of familiar family names who originally calling 941-748-5555, ext. 6309. Appointments can be made settled on the Manatee River and poured blood, sweat, and tears during the following times each week, availability permitting: into founding Palmetto and Manatee County. The cemetery Wednesday- 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm, or 3:30 pm bears the name “Yellow Fever Cemetery” because victims of the Thursday- 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am 1888 yellow fever outbreak rest within the ground. Yellow fever Friday- 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm epidemics broke out in the coastal regions of the Americas for Saturday- 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm centuries. America was only 17 years old when an epidemic hit the first nation’s capital in Philadelphia in 1793. The population was about 45,000 when the fever hit, killing 5,000 people and driving another 17,000 from the city in panic. The mass exodus of Philadelphia included George Washington and many members of Congress. Yellow fever returned with a vengeance in 1888, first breaking out in Jacksonville, FL which boasted 130,000 people. While an estimated 400 died, panic from the epidemic reduced the pop- ulation to 14,000 despite a military quarantine being placed on the city. Those escaping had to bypass armed guards at every crossroad in and out of the city. On Sept. 4, 1888, The Florida Weekly Times wrote about life in Jacksonville during the epidemic: “One road leads to Hell and the other to damnation. Whichever one you take, you’ll wish you’d taken the other.” Labor Day September 4 Many did escape and fear that the epidemic would spread was real. The mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, even offered a $100 reward to anyone capturing an escapee from Jacksonville. How the fever spread remained a mystery at the time. Many believed it was from consuming rotting vegetation, but it wasn’t until much later that the disease was tied to infected mosquitoes. In some historical documents, Mary Howze was the first known victim of yellow fever in Palmetto and is buried at the cemetery. Many believed that yellow fever was contagious, but evidence points to the contrary. Often coming in two stages, yellow fever caused typical flu-like symptoms in the first stage. The victim would often briefly recover before the second and more deadly stage began. The fever would cause a yellow tinge to the eyes and skin, leading to the “black vomit,” caused by bleeding into the stomach. For those where the second stage set in, survival rates were low. It is reported in some genealogical websites that Howze was taken care of by Mrs. Peter Harllee who was pregnant with Peter Stuart Harllee. It was believed that the young Harllee was born with yellow fever. While both now rest at Yellow Fever Cemetery, it is believed they did not die from the fever. There are 44 known markers within the cemetery, but there are likely a lot more people buried there.” The epidemic led to hasty burials, and hard financial times led to many of the early graves having wooden markers that are long lost to time. The cemetery was opened prior to the epidemic and continued to be used until 1910, the year of Lamb’s death. He is buried in Palmetto’s main cemetery at 900 14th Ave. W. The City of Palmetto recently updated the fence and installed LED lights at the Yellow Fever Cemetery. An informational kiosk was also added. The cemetery is open to the public most days. Page 18 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 ~A Blast From The Past~ Snooty: The Life of the World’s HOW THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE WAS VIEWED IN 1918 (The idea to compare the 1918 solar eclipse with the one in 2017 Longest-Living Manatee was suggested by Tommy Barlow) For most, August 2017’s eclipse might have been the first event in Captivity of its kind within their lifetime, as the last total eclipse to pass (excerpt from the Bradenton Herald) over the United States took place in June 1918— and much like July 21, 1948: Snooty is born on The Prinz Valde- those eagerly anticipating this past August eclipse, Americans in mar, a Danish warship that capsized in the Miami 1918 certainly took note of the once-in-a-lifetime event. Prior to harbor in 1926. the eclipse, newspapers emphasized that interest in seeing the 1949: “Baby Snoots” comes to Bradenton for the De Soto Heritage event would be high. Celebration. As Americans dealt with the devastation of World War I, the 1966: Snooty moves to the newly constructed South Florida excitement of the solar eclipse was reportedly a welcome respite, Museum. even if it couldn’t totally distract those on the home front from the 1979: Manatee County Commissioners declare Snooty to be the War. Indeed, the eclipse’s rarity was utilized to raise excitement county’s official mascot. about the event, with some newspapers pointing out the fact that 1982: Snooty gains even wider fame when the children’s TV it would not happen again for another 99 years — a seemingly show, Captain Kangaroo, films him as part of a documentary distant future that has now arrived. “Not until 2017 will another on manatees. total solar eclipse be visible over so large an area of this country,” 1985: A hydrophone placed in Snooty’s tank reveals for the first the Topeka State Journal wrote. “And it is rare that an eclipse track time the high-pitched squeaks as Snooty’s vocalization. anywhere in the world offers so great a choice for accessible sites 1987: Snooty begins training to aid researchers trying to deter- for observing the eclipse.” mine how well manatees hear at different frequencies. 1993: Snooty moves into his newest home, a 60,000-gallon exhibit in the newly constructed Parker Manatee Aquarium. 1998: Snooty is introduced to his first tank mate, Newton. During his life, Snooty hosted 33 rehabilitating manatees. 2008: Snooty celebrates his 60th birthday at his annual Birthday Bash and Wildlife Festival. His life history makes him one of the most renowned stewards for endangered species and the environment. 2013: More than 60,000 guests visit the South Florida Museum to celebrate Snooty’s historic 65th birthday. 2015: Snooty is officially certified as the world’s oldest captive manatee by Guinness World Book of Records. July 22, 2017: Snooty enjoys a birthday cake of fruits and vege- tables at his 69th birthday celebration. July 23, 2017: The South Florida Museum announces that Snooty died in a tragic accident. September 10, 2017: A memorial for Snooty will be held at The natural spectacle, which was declared a “special attraction” the South Florida Museum and is free to the public. in some areas, drew large crowds from coast to coast. Crowds in the hundreds to thousands gathered in such places as Ashland, Oregon; Orlando, Florida; and Danville, Virginia, according to their local newspapers. Our view here in Florida in 1918 would have been a little bit better since the path came right over Orlando that year. If you missed the eclipse this year, the next time you will be able to see a total solar eclipse will be April 8, 2024 when the path will go from Maine to Texas. However, if you can wait until August 12, 2045 the path will pass from California to Florida, covering most of the state of Florida that year.

We Remember..... 9-11-01 September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 19 Page 20 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 September Sudoku Puzzle

September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 21 September Crossword Puzzle Crossword #2RQ9T3L4

Page 22 - Tropic Isles - September 2017 Knock, Knock! Who’s there? New Homes In Tropic Isles Tropical storm Emily came to visit on July 31 with Four more new homes were completed in August. More homes continue torrents of rain and winds up to 45 miles an hour. She to go in as Tropic Isles grows and thrives. left reminders of her visit around Tropic Isles. No one Another model home was installed at 257 Jamaica Dr. and will become was injured and there was only minor damage. the new office of New Chapter Real Estate.

239 Bimini Dr. (Michael and Joan Cloutier)

315 Bahama Dr. (Paula Jordan and Gerry Wicky)

2902 13th St. W. (Chris and Jim Gorton)

2903 13th St. W. (Joyce Stover)

Model Home 257 Jamaica Dr.

September 2017 - Tropic Isles - Page 23 SUMMER FUN

The Red Hatters visited the historic Oslo Theater to see In- credibello. The performer, Bello Knoc, appeared. He is a clown/ daredevil/magic act/entertainer and an eighth-generation circus performer. It was great entertain- ment and good, clean fun.

Incredibello and Red Hats

One of the popular things to do in the summer is swim- About 40 All Timers attended the second pot luck in July. ming in the warm, azure water around Passage Key. Good food and laughter were shared by all!

All Timers Pot Luck Passage Key

Sunday brunch at Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier was enjoyed by Trish and Dave Spangler, Cindy and Bob Shaw, Vicki Denny and Brigid Vit- Massaro and Tim Matthews, and Bob and Dee Miller. ton, Tommy Barlow, and John and Niki Bai- ley went scalloping near Crystal River and Homosassa in July.

AMOB brunch

This remarkable looking spider was discovered just hanging around my shed. It was about ¼ inch long and had un- usual white markings on its back. Does anyone know the name of this spider? If you do, send an email to Cindy Shaw at [email protected] Scalloping pictures Spider Page 24 - Tropic Isles - September 2017