Good Karma Café Grand Opening Ceremonies Feb. 3

February 2014 Published Since November 1968 Only Good News For 46 Years VOLUME 46 NO. 2 Good Karma Café grand opening ceremonies Feb. 3 By Doug Kates How many times have you sat at the East Activity Center swimming pool and thought, “I wish there was somewhere I could go to get a cold water?” Or how many times have you finished a set of tennis and wished there was somewhere you could go in the community for a snack? Starting Feb. 3, both of these wishes will come true, along with even more possibilities. The Good Karma Café will of- ficially open for business at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 3. The entrance will be located in the lower level of the EAC, where the library used to be located. The café will be a source for hot and cold beverages, lunch items, pre- packaged dinners, and fresh and healthy snacks, seven days a week. “I have received many positive comments,” said SCA Manager Dessa Barabba. “People are excited. They can’t wait for the café to open. There is a lot of interest in the take-home items.” For the first five days the café is open, anyone making a purchase will be given a raffle ticket for daily draw- Last month, On Top of the World announced a new café coming to the community. On Feb. 3, resi- ings. You need not be present to win, dents are invited to the East Activity Center to see the new café. Pictured above are the temporary but must stop by the café and make a walls put up during construction. On Feb. 3 these walls will be removed and the community will get purchase to enter. its first look at the finished product. (OTOW News artwork by Doug Kates) “Now, you’ll be able to play golf and then come down to the café and get a sandwich,” Dessa said. “We want is in your account. You will choose a of items are prepared and prepack- are asked not to eat meals elsewhere this to be a popular destination.” username and password to access your aged and made fresh for sale. Proceeds in the EAC. Please also remember to Residents will be able to browse account from the kiosk. Also, coming from every purchase will go to a vari- be considerate to other residents who the café, select items and then proceed soon you will have the opportunity to ety of charities currently supported by wish to use the café by disposing of to a self-service kiosk, where they can purchase pre-paid cards at the Com- the Good Karma franchise. your trash and leaving the tables neat pay for their items with a Visa, Master- munity Service Office. The café will be open 10 a.m. to 6 and clean when your dining experience Card or a bank debit card. Residents The Good Karma Café is not a p.m., seven days a week. Hours were is complete. can also set up a Good Karma Café ac- fast-food restaurant and you cannot specifically picked as to not interfere The café is open to OTOW resi- count through the Community Service place orders for such items as burg- with Coffee Corner. There will be lim- dents and employees, and will be un- Office. You control how much money ers and pizza. However, these types ited seating in the café, but residents der 24-hour video surveillance. Page 2 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 3 Time to think about your property, insurance

Much of the December Annual Insurance coverage is inexpensive walkway on the south side of building Meeting was spent discussing loss pre- and there is no good excuse to not 26 is anticipated to begin in February, vention. have your personal contents insured too. A specialty concrete restoration Items discussed involved steps for at least $25,000. Remember, the company has been contracted to reme- that a resident can take to protect Association only insures the structure. diate a portion of the southwest wing. themselves, their property, and the Contents are your responsibility These repairs will involve the exposing neighboring property. Damage within the interior area of and cleaning of the steel of any scale, If an event occurs, the Associa- your home can become quite costly, treating it with a retardant, and then tion will attempt to notify the owner especially if a leaking air conditioner closing the area with a specialty con- promptly. It is critical that the Associa- or water heater causes damage in ad- crete product that is stronger than the tion have updated owner emergency joining units. Costs of repair can really existing concrete encasing the steel. contact information. Please help your be large. It is the owner’s obligation to Notices will be posted in the Association by updating your emer- maintain or replace these components, building regarding the exact start date gency contact information.You may a flood, or worse, intervention by your and their liability when they don’t. as soon as permitting from Pinellas do this through the community Web- Association. Proper insurance coverage will help County has been issued. site or at the Community Service Of- The Community Service Office save you large out-of-pocket expense The interiors of the elevators in fice. All information is held confiden- does sell, at cost, a warning device that if that happens. buildings 6, 11, 16, 17, 60 and 61 were tial and only used in an emergency. senses dampness and alarms loudly. The HO6 rider covers the insured scheduled to undergo a laminate up- Considerable damage happens This same unit may also be extended owner for a portion of the deductible grade in late-January and throughout each and every year as a result of im- to the pan in the HVAC unit, thereby the Association maintains. Currently, the month of February. The process is properly maintained heating/cooling giving you a two-for-one benefit. If your Association maintains a deduct- estimated to take the contractor three units (HVAC). It is absolutely critical you can change a 9-volt battery, you ible of $10,000 per occurrence to to five days. Please be aware that the that you have your HVAC unit ser- can also install this simple device. It property damage from any peril other elevator will not be available during viced annually. Failing to do so puts makes good sense to install this device. than wind (such as fire). Speak with these upgrades, so residents will want you (and your neighbors) at risk from If you have any questions on any- your insurance agent to make sure you to plan accordingly. Bulletins will be damage from flooding if the conden- thing I’ve written about so far, please have coverage in place and that it is posted in the affected buildings in ad- sate drain line backs up. go to www.OTOWClearwaterInfo. adequate. And don’t forget about bid- vance of the work. Additionally, if your HVAC unit com/service or visit the Community ding competitively through Challenge- has heat strips to provide heat, and the Service Office for details. The Web- MyRate.com. Construction projects unit is not serviced, the heat strips may site has a great deal of information Curb lines will continue to be re- malfunction, overheat and cause a fire. on practical maintenance you can do Work Progress Outlook stored during the month of February. As to the washer/dryer, unless you to protect and maintain the interior of Painting/Waterproofing: Buildings Please exercise caution and slowdown live in building 62 through 79, 85, or your home. 51 and 34 will have new waterproofing in areas where workers are making 90 through 97, all on the west side of membranes applied to the backs and these improvements. Flagmen may Belcher Road, and you have a washer/ Property Insurance sides in February. Remember, all start temporarily stop traffic if the situation dryer, it was installed without approval It’s not often that your Board gets dates are approximate and inclement warrants. Sidewalk panel replacements or guidance from the Condominium to see the benefits of its work, however, weather may affect scheduling. will continue throughout the year, as Association. during the first week of January, we re- Flooring replacements in the cen- will header and window sill repairs. More to the point, it would have ceived a letter from a resident who saved ter cores are continuing on schedule. A project to restore the decorative been installed without the benefit of over $300 by bidding their property cov- Building 86 will have the first floor stucco on the front façade of Build- using a licensed plumber, electrician, erage on www.ChallengeMyRate.com. improved and building 4 will have the ing 31 will continue in February. This or appliance specialist. This really does work and can save you second floor improved in February. project is anticipated to be completed This leaves you, the owner, open money on your HO6 coverage. Utility contractors will continue in late February or early March. Crews to significant liability in the event of Any uninsured resident takes on replacing the potable water lines that will be utilizing scaffolding and high- an overflow or fire. Simply put, a dryer the risk of large dollar losses in the service individual units during a two- reach equipment. Residents may be may result in an overload at the electri- event of fire or water damage. I can- stage improvement project that be- asked to temporarily relocate their ve- cal panel because it is drawing exces- not stress the point loud enough or gan in October. Once again, these hicles while this work is underway. sive power. In some cases, we have long enough that it is the responsibility improvements will affect buildings 1 Asphalt paving and resurfacing found that unauthorized dryer installa- of each individual owner to make sure through 10, and the project is sched- projects will commence in May. tions have used the same circuit break- they have adequate insurance on their uled for completion sometime near The structural inspections and cor- er as the stove and HVAC. This is an personal property and on that portion early February. Buildings 8, 9, and 10 rection program (an inspection pro- open invitation for trouble. of your condo not insured by the As- are scheduled in late February and ear- cess by the management’s construc- Now really, is an in-home conve- sociation’s master policy. ly March. tion department that affects repairs nience worth your property or your Generally, owner property cover- Railing improvements will contin- on headers, tower elements, walkways, life? If you have this situation, please age policies are written on the interior ue in February with buildings 4 and 15. sidewalks, parapets, columns, railings, call a licensed specialist and have it components of the condo and on your Licensed contractors will be replacing center core doors, etc.) will continue corrected immediately. personal property Your Association’s or adding aluminum components to in February. Residents may notice an If your water heater is over 10 coverage ends at the interior finish on the walkway guardrails and stairwell increase in the patching and painting years old, it needs careful monitoring your walls. In other words, everything handrails, so please exercise caution in of center core areas as this will be the for possible leaks. If it is over 12 years from the paint in is yours. the areas where these improvements main focus in the spring. As build- old, you’d be money ahead to replace The tile, carpet, cabinetry, appli- are being made. The majority of these ing’s age, more detailed inspection it altogether. ances, plumbing above the finish floor, railing projects are estimated to last and assessments are required. Timely Strangely, a leak never seems to air conditioning, and other compo- 2-5 weeks, depending on the scope of reporting of maintenance matters by occur when you are home. Leave for nents are also all the responsibility of the work and the size of the structure. residents is helpful to the continuing a week and you may just come back to the individual owner to insure. A project affecting the third floor success of this program. Page 4 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

Kenneth Colen, Publisher • Doug Kates, Editor • Dave Hart, Asst. Editor Press Association Officers Yvonne Courtney, President Jackie Dooley, Vice President • Arlene Bergen, Secretary Gloria Walz, Reporters Coordinator To advertise in our March edition, checks must be received by Feb. 15* * Be aware, we may sell out all our ad space before the deadline! NEXT DELIVERY DATE March newspapers will be delivered on Feb. 28

ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ADVERTISING POLICY On Top of the World News is a community organization for the benefit of the residents of On Top of the World. This month’s volunteers: On Top of the World News does not accept advertisers solely for commercial purposes or income. This newspaper will be published on its regular schedule Dawn Rubio whether there are advertisers or not. Barb Sundberg On Top of the World News reserves the right to reject any advertiser within its sole, absolute, and unfettered discretion. Not every advertiser is acceptable. If you, the resident of On Top of the World, have had a justifiably bad experience with an advertiser and if we have had previous complaints that are justified, we will not Arlene Bergen accept future advertising from them. Cele Radeloff The News endeavors to keep the standards of this paper at a high level. We do not, however, endorse advertisers or knowingly accept objectionable or fraudulent Esta-Lee Schwartz advertising. On Top of the World endeavors to publish only good, informative and worthwhile happenings of life. This newspaper will leave the daily news of life with all its strife, struggle and turmoil to commercial publications. On Top of the World News does not strive to be a profit-making entity. We take pride in the fact that the On Theresa Kawalec Top of the World News staff is entirely made up of volunteers except for two professionals to coordinate the operation of this paper. Gloria Clifford On Top of the World News does not accept an advertiser solely because it is willing to pay to advertise. Trades and services regulated by the State or County must Lil Cervinka all be licensed in order to advertise. In some cases, background checks are required. All advertisements must contain a local address or a local telephone number. Jim Harrington The submission to OTOW NEWS of any photo, artwork or other form of copyrighted material authorizes OTOW News to use and/or print the image at later dates and in other forms in such ways as OTOW News, in its sole, absolute and unfettered discretion deems appropriate. The OTOW News may not be reproduced in any way, in any other media, except in print and on the official OTOW Website. Newsroom Hours On Top of the World News Inc., 2069 World Parkway Blvd. E., Clearwater, FL 33763. Phone Number: 727-799-3216. Online newspapers and advertising rate information are available at www.ontopoftheworldnews.com/clearwater/news.html. 9:30-6 Mon-Thur, 9-2 Fri *The normal deadline for purchasing ads is the 15th of each month, but our color ad space will likely sell out before the 15th. Black and white ad space could also sell out before the 15th. Around The World COLUMNISTS 20 ...... Stamp Club 55 ...... Valencia 1 ...... Good Karma Cafe preview 27 ...... Travel Club 56 ...... Mandarin 3 ...... Ken Colen 28 ...... Morning Exercise Party 56 ...... Orizaba 5 ...... Dessa Barabba 28 ...... Pennsylvania Club 57 ...... Roman Byzantine 6 ...... Inspection Services 29 ...... Lapidary Club 57 ...... Southern Colonial 7 ...... Sharon Licata 30 ...... Lambda 57 ...... The Way We Were 8 ...... Brrr Cold 31 ...... Getting To Know You 58 ...... Poetry Page 10 ...... Art Guild 32-33 ...... Theater Season Preview 58 ...... Writers Ink 11 ...... Press Association 35 ...... Family History 59 ...... Espana 11 ...... Jack & Jill Committee 37 ...... Hoosier Club 59 ...... Bible Study 12 ...... Is It Legal? 37 ...... Philosophy Club 60 ...... Virginia Mucci Feature 13 ...... Inside Showbiz 37 ...... Vendors List 62 ...... Viennese Villa 14 ...... Doug Kates 38-39 ...... Entertainment 65 ...... Melbourne 40-44 ...... Sports 65 ...... Paradise Reserve CLUB NEWS 45 ...... Winston’s World 66-67 ...... Calendars 17 ...... Snowbirds Club 45 ...... Marge’s Humor 68 ...... American Gothic 19 ...... Canadian Club 46 ...... Bulletin Board 68 ...... Flamenco 19 ...... New York/New Jersey Club 48 ...... Pet of the Month 68 ...... Saratoga 20 ...... Baby Boomers 69 ...... Rila Renaissance 21 ...... Greyhound Club BUILDING NEWS 69 ...... Rural French 21 ...... Singles Club 49 ...... Pet of the Year 70 ...... Change Of Address Form 22 ...... Good Neighbors 51 ...... Mandalay 70 ...... Bus Schedule 23 ...... Library 51 ...... Americana 71 ...... Azores 23 ...... New Jesters 52 ...... Fujiwara 71 ...... Loch Lomond 23 ...... Computer Club 52 ...... Austrian Alpine 72 ...... New World French 24 ...... Line Dancing 52 ...... Siboney 72 ...... Capistrano 25 ...... Fixers Club 53 ...... Nagoya 72 ...... Modernage 25 ...... Chorus Club 54 ...... Dorado 73 ...... Royal Chateau 26 ...... Theater Workshop 54 ...... AAA Driving Form 73 ...... Granada 26 ...... Italian-American Club 55 ...... Swiss Alps Chalet 73 ...... English Tudor 26 ...... Irish Club 55 ...... Englander 74 ...... Classifieds ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 5 West Activity Center pool will close March 3 The West Activity Center pool will drop it off at the Community Service is payable the first day of class. Addi- be resurfaced and new drainage and Office. Let us know so we can share tional classes may be offered in May, pavers will be installed. your good comments with the staff. but will be based on need and those Work will commence March 3 and The “Grand Opening” of the dates will be announced. will continue for six to seven weeks. Good Karma Café is set for Monday, A registration form can be found Please note, the pool area will be Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., so be sure to to stop on page 54 of this newspaper and closed during these renovations. It is by the Community Service Office and needs to be submitted to the newspa- important to observe safety rules dur- set up your Good Karma Café ac- per office no later than March 13. ing the construction period, so please count. The Florida Licensing on Wheels do not try to enter the work area at any Someone is also available to an- bus (FLOW) will be at the East Activ- time. swer any questions you may have. ity Center north parking lot on Thurs- Once again I would like to thank The AAA Senior Defensive Driver day, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. our residents for their patience during Program will be held at the East Activ- If you need to renew your license, or our many improvement projects. maintaining our beautiful facilities. We ity Center Starlite Room on Thursday, change your address, this is an easy, I want to thank the SCA staff think they do a great job and if you March 20, and Friday, March 21, from quick way to do it without leaving the for their hard work and assistance in think so, too, please write a note and 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $15 and community. Inspection services will be looking at cores, awnings By Ken Colen, Chairman or landscaping is installed without the Association and may actually violate the the structure. Compliance inspections by the In- advance approval of the association, life safety code for building access. The management company con- spection Services division of the man- which results in the removal and dis- Awning inspections continue to tinues to report the older style awnings agement company are ongoing. posal of the items at the residents cost. take place by the Inspection services in disrepair or with weak attachment Inspection services will be ad- Clutter enforcement is another division of the management com- points. As noted in prior articles, the dressing overplanted or unmaintained item which requires constant monitor- pany. The Clearwater area has seen “clam-shell” awnings do not meet landscape around all building common ing by the management company. This an increase in storms and rainfall the building code for wind resistance. For- areas. includes the tagging and removal of ex- last few years, and as a result, many tunately there are new products that do. Please keep in mind that the con- cessive furnishings placed in the center of the awning attachment points have If you have an awning, please ar- dominium association requires a mod- core, walkways, and end stairwells ar- been weakened to the point where the range for its inspection through the ification request for any landscape al- eas. Remember, much of the material “clam-shell” style awning must be re- Community Service Office at the East terations. Many times, decorative rocks placed there was unapproved by your moved to halt any further damage to Activity Center. Page 6 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 7 This is a busy time for service requests - we ask for your patience this season Service Requests The holidays have come and gone, but our winter “Snowbird” season is in full force. We not only feel the impact on our roads and in local retail establishments, but the influx also has an impact within our community The volume of additional requests for service and inspection services increases. A question presented at the Annual Association Meeting in December pertained to the length of care for the tree to be productive and time it appears to take to complete a produce edible, sweet fruit. service request, in particular during Unfortunately the novelty soon the months from November-April. wears off, the resident cannot reach The management company sched- the fruit on the upper branches, or the ules large projects throughout the year, resident moves and the fruit falls to prioritizing work based on safety con- the ground and is left to decay attract- cerns, weather conditions, and equip- ing fruit rats and fruit bats. ment and vendor schedules, as well as I am sure you agree these animal minimizing disruption to the residents. species are not the type we want to in- The first step is to make the im- clude as neighbors. pacted area safe. The management company re- After that step, the remedial work moves dead/dying or unmaintained is evaluated and scheduled based on fruit trees in accordance with tree the prioritization it receives. permit guidelines issued by Pinellas Larger in-house projects are also County. based on coordinating the upcoming As a reminder, all plantings in a work schedule with projects already common area of the property must scheduled on the calendar. have approval by the Association pri- You can rest assured, if you have or to installation. Any fruit on a tree submitted a service request, and the in a common area is available for all requested service is the responsibility residents in the community to harvest, of the management company, the item unless the tree has a placard by the As- will be prioritized as described above. sociation. Day to day routine maintenance is ongoing and most requests are re- West Side Pool Renovations solved within several business days. The West Activity Center pool and If the service item is unit owner re- pool deck are currently scheduled to Fruit trees can be full of sweet goodies, like the one above, but sponsibility, you will be notified by the begin renovations in early March. fruit which has fallen on the ground can rot and attract unwelcome management company. The interior pool finish will be re- pests. Read this column for more on fruit trees. placed and a new pool deck and fenc- Fruit Trees ing will be installed. The care and maintenance of fruit While the weather in March can be trees located in the common areas has temperamental, the vendor will make also been brought to my attention. every effort to complete this project Fruit trees are not approved plant- on time. ings in the On Top of the World Com- The scope of work will require the munity. Fruit trees are typically planted closure of the west side pool for ap- by new residents that are excited about proximately five (5) weeks. the novelty of having an orange or We acknowledge that there is no grapefruit tree planted in their back good time to do this type of work and yard. apologize for the inconvenience. Visions of picking this delicious Rest assured, the end result will fruit to send to family and friends are be well worth it. We encourage you usually the motivation. What most to use the heated East Activity Center people don’t realize is that fruit trees pool or visit our beautiful local beach- are temperamental and need a lot of es during this time. Page 8 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Is this really Florida?

Remember Jan. 7? Morning temperatures in Clearwater were 32-35 degrees. Pictured above are Walt and Chris Savoldi of Indiana, who were visiting friends at On Top of the World. The Savoldis, dressed in winter jackets, hoods, gloves and toting a spare jacket, thought the weather was balmy enough for a walk on World Parkway Boulevard. Meanwhile, very few residents were anywhere in site. They, apparently, considered the conditions too cold to venture outside. ‘This isn’t cold!’ Walt said. It was reported, there were only three people on the golf courses, on a morning when rain was not even in the forecast. (OTOW News photo by Doug Kates) ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 9 Page 10 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Art Guild membership soars and competition picks up for Artist of the Month honors By Cheryl J. Reese Our biggest news this month is actually to recommend you attend the Art Show and Sale on Feb. 23, from 1-4 p.m., at the East Activity Center. There will be many artists display- ing and selling their work. Several live demonstrations of different art medi- ums will be taking place. Please support our group, vote for your favorite picture, and enjoy the free refreshments. taining. Our hope is to inspire others and The members were in awe with to provide a variety of art forms. each step of her presentation and pas- Our last Art Guild meeting took tel painting. place on Jan. 10. Eighteen new mem- Thursday’s drawing lessons, in- bers joined our group for a total of 52 structed by John Fier, concentrated on current members. A big welcome back drawing different facial components, to the remainder of returning Snow- including eyes, ears, nose, chin, hair birds! -- and a lesson with drawing the entire At the Art Guild meeting, all mem- face. These were great lessons. bers had an opportunity to judge for A live model was at each of the Artist of the Month. Bob Hammond Jan. 16 and 23 lessons, using the earlier won with his pen and ink drawing with classes to fruition. watercolor wash. It is being displayed At the Feb. 14 Art Guild meeting, in the front lobby showcase of the East Bob Hammond receives the Artist of the Month ribbon from Taylor Ikin will demonstrate watercol- Activity Center until February’s winner Audrey Lerigo, who won the award in December. or on yupo paper. She introduced the is selected. Do stop by and take a look. form of art through Cheap Joes and is Bob is a very accomplished artist, and A pastel demonstration by Lor- the Dunedin Fine Arts Center and an a faculty member at the Dunedin Art his picture won over a huge number of raine Potachi was also held at the guild award-winning artist in many art so- Center. Her class is entitled, “Dancing entries this month. meeting. She is a faculty member at cieties. She is very talented and enter- with Yupo.” ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 11 Improvements already under consideration for next season’s Holiday Lights Contest The annual Holiday Lights contest Lastly, upon counting all the votes, in December was tagged successful On Top of the World inspected each and the Press Association spent a ma- winning condo to make sure they all jority of its January meeting discussing complied with building decoration ways to make the next one even better. rules. Management reported there “We had online voters from nine were some minor violations, but they different states, 94 people in all, and were not critical enough to disqualify we had 31 condos enter the contest,” any winners. editor Doug Kates told the newspaper Management would like to remind staff. “Compared to the previous two all residents that their holiday lights years, this year’s contest was very suc- must be protected with a ground fault cessful.” Press Association interrupter (GFI), which will pro- This was the first time residents tect against abnormal electric flow were allowed to enter their own con- and prevent individuals from getting dos in the contest, rather than build- of comments. Some residents com- shocked. Management said GFIs can ings competing against buildings. In plained they didn’t have computers be purchased at any home improve- 2012, only five buildings entered, so it and could not go online to vote. Some ment store for under $20. was decided a change had to be made. voters said the Web site did not allow Also, residents are reminded next This time around, voting was done them to vote. Others said they placed season to make sure they do not cov- online and pictures of each entry were one vote and were not allowed to place er up condo unit numbers with their online for everyone to see. Everyone their other four votes. holiday decorations. Emergency per- was allowed to vote for their top five “There were a lot of people who sonnel must be able to see your unit favorite condos. You didn’t even have voted successfully,” Doug said, “but I numbers, even if the emergency is not to be an OTOW resident. will take a more in-depth look at the GFI at your condo. The winners were Merlyn and Ray- voting site and see what changes can one for ground floor units and one for The next Press Association meet- mond Cooper from the Casa Verde be made to make sure everyone gets a second and third floor units. ing is 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6 in the Building. They received a two-day, chance to vote for the next contest.” In an attempt to make the play- East Activity Center large card room. one-night pass to the Safety Harbor One change, already made, cen- ing field even for this past December’s At this meeting, Doug may make a spe- Resort and Spa, plus use of basic ame- tered around voting for five different contest, Doug asked online voters to cial announcement about the March nities and a free breakfast. condos. In some cases, voters may have concentrate on lights and exterior wall meeting, which has been rescheduled Second place was Richard Matti- voted five times for one condo instead decorations, and not give consider- for 5 p.m. in the West Activity Center ace of Hawaiian Towers; Third place of picking five different entries. This ation to lawn decorations. Sunrise Room. was Anne Renaud of Mediterranean; problem has already been corrected It appears, the voters listened. Fourth place was Pat Stephens of Mel- for next time. Voters will be unable to The Press Association asked Doug Editor’s note: If you experienced bourne and fifth place was Marge Ja- pick the same condo five times. if photographs of each entry could be a problem voting during the Holiday cobs of Swedish Traditional. All four Doug said it was also perfectly posted on OTOW-TV and then people Lights Contest, please mail Doug a received certificates from the Sunset clear that ground-floor condos had a without computers, and unable to vote brief note detailing what happened. Grill. huge decoration advantage than sec- online, could fill out a form to vote. You can mail your information to During the contest, Doug told the ond and third floor condos, so next Doug said this would be possible once OTOW Newsroom, 2069 World Park- Press Association he received a lot season there will be two divisions – the registration deadline has passed. way Blvd E, Clearwater, Fl., 33763.

More golf news on pages 40, 41, 42 Page 12 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Think twice before you click one of those mysterious links that appear in your emails Scam alert No. 1 not like the way they are frequently Q. What is the very best way for I make it an ABSOLUTE policy to marketed to senior citizens. a husband and wife, who have no chil- never click on a link, or open one, that Basically, an annuity is a life insur- dren and no close relatives, to hold the has been sent to me, no matter who ance product. The difference is that in title to their homestead? sends it, unless the person sending me a life insurance product, you usually the link has first emailed me to tell me pay a quarterly, or semi-annual or an- A. The best way is to hold the ti- that he or she is sending me a link. nual, premium payment throughout tle in the names of both the husband Then that person has to wait until much of your life. and wife, as tenants by the entireties. I respond that it’s OK. With an annuity, you almost always Then have Wills that direct what will Does that sound harsh, particular- pay the entire premium in advance. happen to that property when both are ly when the link is to something about In either situation, the money you deceased. our grandchildren? pay — that is, the premium payment The fact that you do not have any Of course it’s harsh. But you know — is used for a life insurance portion children or close relatives is irrelevant what’s worse? It’s opening a link from that there’s nothing left to probate with the balance used by the insurance to how you should hold the title to someone we believe is a child, relative anyway. However, if by chance, you company in an investment program. your homestead. or friend, only to find that it’s a scam want some other way to avoid probate You, or who you’ve named, is the link with a virus or worm. that does not require a trust, and is just beneficiary. In my opinion, annuities ---- We must be extremely careful of as effective, and much less expensive, are marketed to seniors as an invest- Internet frauds and scams, and the here’s my favorite: Try setting up pay ment plan — sometimes, even as a Gerald R. Colen is an attorney best way to do that is not to open links. on death accounts. They work at your place to hold one’s IRA. who is a member of both the National I get lots of emails from friends bank, credit union or brokerage firm. However, annuities almost always Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and who think such and such is cute so have, what are in my opinion, excessive the Academy of Florida Elder Law At- here’s a link to it. I just say “I can’t Q. Our daughter’s husband - who costs and fees associated with them. torneys. He concentrates his practice open it.” we tolerate, but have never liked - Additionally, there are frequently of law in the areas of real estate, elder Think about it! keeps asking us what we are going to very extreme penalty periods for early law, wills, trusts, probate, business law leave him in our Wills. He probably withdrawal. and simple and complex estate plan- Scam alert No. 2 doesn’t mean it, and he just thinks he’s I think one can do much better by ning. He welcomes your questions and The IRS is warning folks that funny. To us, though, it’s annoying. purchasing a no-load annuity that pro- comments. This column is not intend- there’s a scam going around where a What should we do? vides tax deferment or tax avoidance. ed to provide legal advice, but is only caller claims to be with the IRS and I guess this doesn’t quite answer intended to provide limited informa- demands that you send in a pre-paid A. Try telling him that you shall your question because you want to tion on the specific matters raised in credit card. remember him in your Will. Then have know what investments I like. I can’t the questions and answers. You should The IRS never places a call like a paragraph in your Will that says: “To answer that. I’m not an investment ad- always consult your own attorney for that. You must NOT speak with such our son-in-law, Harry, who always visor and I don’t sell investment ser- specific advice. Mr. Colen is avail- a caller. They get very abusive anyway. wanted us to remember him in our vices. I sell my legal services. able for conferences at his law office You must simply hang up the phone Wills: Hiya Harry!” What I think folks should do is at 7243 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo, Fl., immediately. Seriously: We cannot allow our study the many, many options that are 33777. His phone number is (727) children or children-in-law to intimi- “out there.” Go online to some of the 545-8114. He is also pleased to re- Q. I went to a seminar and one of date us. Tell him to stop it! large brokerage firms, such as Van- spond to email at his email address of the speakers said that the best way to guard and others, and just read what [email protected] or through avoid probate is to have a living trust. Q. If you don’t like annuities, what they have to say about annuities. his Web page at www.gcolen.com. In What do you say? investments do you like? And yes, I do not feel that annui- Ocala, Fl., Mr. Colen is available by ties are a worthwhile investment for appointment for legal conferences at A. I say that the best way to avoid A. I’ve never said that I don’t like seniors. the On Top of the World sales office, probate is to spend your money so annuities. What I have said is that I do which is located near Sid’s Cafe.

For the latest in schedule information visit the Box Office. ontopoftheworldnews.com click the Box Office link ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 13 Nat King Cole succeeded in a tough time period Nat King Cole, a singer and jazz the civil rights movement. He encoun- geles. He was only 45 years old. pianist, was the first black American to tered, first hand, much racism when Nat’s music remained popular, host a television variety show. Walter touring the south. Even though he was finding its way onto countless movie It was during the time when racial accused of being an activist, he always and TV soundtracks. bias was still looming in the south. The Balderson insisted he was an entertainer, not an His daughter, Natalie, carried on show could not attract sponsors and activist. the family profession, becoming suc- some stations did not carry it at all. By the early 1950s, Nat King Cole cessful in her own right. In 1991, she Consequently, the show was canceled Inside Showbiz emerged as a popular solo artist. By helped her father to achieve a posthu- after 13 weeks. the late ‘50s, his career had begun to mous hit. Through the magic of tape Nat’s father was a Baptist minister dwindle. But it did not decline for long. and modern technology, she recorded and his mother was the choir director. jazz clubs. The group really hit the big Nat’s career returned to the top his hit “Unforgettable” and added her In his early teens, Nat was playing clas- time with their recording of “Straight- with his country-influenced hit, “Ram- voice to make the song a duet. sical music. He eventually abandoned en Up and Fly Right,” a song inspired blin’ Rose.” For a version of this song, classical for jazz – his other passion. by one of his father’s sermons. Nat died in 1965. Hundreds go to http://www.youtube.com/ Nat formed the Nat King Cole trio As an African-American perform- showed up to say goodbye to the leg- watch?v=PdBKXdc4dgw and toured the country plaza playing at er, Nat struggled to find his place in endary singer at his funeral in Los An- Reminder OTOW-TV Channels 96 & 720

Laundry Room Hours 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Page 14 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS OTOW News will begin accepting auto and home insurance ads Advertising changes start in March On Top of the World residents are simply offering local businesses an but still must be licensed and insured. will notice a new page in the March opportunity to promote themselves or Another change coming to this edition of this newspaper. promote certain products. newspaper is allowing insurance com- The page will feature advertise- As always, anyone operating their panies to advertise auto and home pol- ments from individuals who own or own personal business, who plans on icy coverages. In the past, this news- operate their own personal businesses. entering someone’s condo, must pass paper has not accepted insurance ads. These ads will include healthcare, a background check with On Top of There is a growing concern that handyman services, cleaners, errand the World before placing their first ad many residents are failing to properly people, grocery shoppers, massage in this newspaper. insure their vehicles and homes, and therapists, in-home nurses, in-home This policy will not change. OTOW wants to allow these providers hair care, in-home pet care, and more. We do recommend you conduct the opportunity to offer competitive The ads will all be the same size your own background check and re- coverage and rates for our unit own- and displayed on this one page. Ads quest references prior to allowing un- ers. will be sold on a first come, first serve various pages. The purpose of this known persons or entities into your OTOW will not endorse any insur- basis, until the ad space is full. Addi- change is to show residents which ad- home. ance carrier - simply provide a space tional ads will not be accepted for that vertisers are working on their own. Corporate businesses, providing for them to advertise. month. Keep in mind, On Top of the personal services in condos, are not re- This newspaper will not sell adver- In past newspaper editions, these World does not recommend or endorse quired to complete the OTOW back- tising for other insurance coverages, ads were scattered at the bottom of any advertisers in this newspaper. We ground check on all of its employees, such as health or life.

The Florida Licensing on Wheels bus (FLOW) will be at the East Activity Center north parking lot on Thursday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you need to renew your license, or change your address, this is an easy, quick way to do it without leaving the community. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 15 Page 16 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 17

Join the Snowbirds Club for a spectacular view on March 22 By John Koning As earth-bound creatures, we marvel at the aerial maneuvers of the shore birds on Clearwater Beach. We seem equally impressed by the sights and sounds of multi-million dollar flying machines that defy all physical laws of the universe, craning our necks at airshows to watch in awe as they play high risk games of chicken at break-neck speeds. The trouble with airshows is that the aerial acrobatics are always so far away. What if you could watch the Air Force Thunderbirds scream by terrifying- ly close, aboard a private yacht in Tampa Bay? What if you had a 360 degree view of the death-defying aerial acrobatics? What if you could enjoy a delicious buffet before watching the action? You could do all these things if you were one of the wealthy Tampa Bay Lightning hockey players whose man- sions line the bay, but you don’t have to score 50 goals in a season to have all this. Join the Snowbirds on March 22 as we cruise Tampa Bay aboard the Yacht Starship. We’ll fill our bellies and watch the MacDill Airshow from the best van- tage point available, outside of a Thun- derbird cockpit. So why am I telling you this now when the show seems so far away? It’s because there are only a finite number of seats remaining and they are going fast. Don’t snooze on this one or you’ll lose! Another hot item on our March itin- erary is the Strawberry Festival. Stop by the Snowbirds sales desk or visit our Web- site to decide whether you want to enjoy the festival for the day or combine events and watch the legendary Oak Ridge Boys in concert as they celebrate their 40th anniversary of making American musical history. This spectacular picture was shot by Ed Foland Either way, it’s a Florida tradition that is sure to please. of the Snowbirds Club from the Yacht Starship As always, and from anywhere in during a previous Thunderbirds Air Show. the world, visit www.snowbirdsotow for complete information and easy to use order forms. Page 18 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 19 Golfers and baseball fans wanted! Club to host presentation on Canadian-related issues By Rick McLauchlan The Canadian Club’s annual Presi- dent’s Ball was held Jan. 29 and members and guests enjoyed the formal event with an excellent dinner/dance hosted by our President René Careau and his spouse Nicole Doucet. The event continued the practice of honoring those who have served Canadian Club as Canadian Club President over the years. Thanks go out to the volunteers Tom McKee has a block of tickets who made it possible. available for the Blue Jays versus the Please note that Canadian Club Phillies game, 1:05 p.m. on Monday, membership registration will no longer March 24. Please contact him at 727- be available on Mondays and Thurs- 470-9161. days in the East Activity Center. If you The Canadian Club is sponsoring wish to join the club, please contact a Canadian Snowbirds Association Linda McKee at 727-470-9161. (CSA) presentation on Friday, March The Canadian Club Golf Tourna- 21, from 2-4 p.m. in the East Activity ment, scheduled for Feb. 16 at 8 a.m. Center auditorium. Karen Huestis, a (shotgun start), is not sold out. Please CSA Director, will be sharing interest- contact Bruce Mills at 727-559-1458 ing information, including the allow- if you want to participate. If you are able number of days out of country, a renter, remember to purchase your cross-border issues, as well as retired- green fees ticket before tournament persons visas. day. The presentation is open to all Ca- Pictured here is last year’s winning team from the annual Cana- dian Club Golf Tournament. From left to right are Bryan Myers, Becky West, Marie Lamothe and Rick McLauchlan. This month we will crown the 2014 champions.

nadians at OTOW, not just Canadian The event cost remains $10 for mem- Club members. bers and $13 for guests. Spring Fling will be Friday, March Keep informed regarding happen- 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the EAC auditorium. ings at your club by going to our Web- Tickets will be available on a special page http://otowcanadianclub.com/ date, Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m.- as well as the On Top of the World noon in the EAC auditorium and regu- Box Office Website http://www.onto- lar sales Mondays and Thursdays from poftheworldnews.com. Click the Box 8:30-10:30 a.m. commencing Feb. 20. Office link.

ontopoftheworldnews.com Page 20 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Louie Bravo will be featured at Valentine’s Dance By Rita Kress With a sultry singing style, Louie Bravo will perform at the Baby Boom- ers Valentine’s Dance on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 5-9 p.m. in the West Activity Center Sunrise Room. The dance is open to all On Top of the World residents. Louie will be performing hits from the 1950s through the 2000s, mostly oldies, plus classic rock and roll. His concert will also be seasoned with a steamy Latin flair, including a repertoire of Latin, Cumbia, Bolero, day and third Thursday of every Salsa, Meregue and more. month, at the East Activity Center Louie will heat up the room and Starlite Room, 5:30 p.m. make everyone want to dance and sing Meetings for February will be on out loud. This is an out-of-the-box Feb. 5 and Feb. 20. Anyone interested change-of-pace night. in joining the Baby Boomers group are Anyone attending is asked to bring welcome to the meetings and should a potluck dinner item. bring their current On Top of the A limited amount of tickets are World Recreation Card. There is no still available and can be purchased for Louie Bravo recently performed at Madeira Beach. membership fee. $10 each at our meeting Feb. 5 or by Our meetings usually consist of contacting Rita at 727-600-8529. to the wonderful world of golf. A big group participating in many fun-filled everyone participating in creating The Baby Boomers are proud to thanks goes out to the both of them. activities, including biking, kayaking, weekly or monthly social activities. Af- announce another new activity to our One of our members, Mike Alba- sailing, golfing, deep sea fishing, cruis- ter the meeting, we usually continue growing list of many adventures. no, found a great price, for our single ing, dining out, dancing, potluck din- with a fun-filled activity, such as dining We are going to start golfing! Two members, to take a five-day Carnival ners, holiday parties and picnics. out, dancing, or visiting a local club for of our talented members, Bill and Gil- Cruise and at the end of January. This We also do outings to the theater, additional socializing. da, are being gracious enough to train was the second time in two months museums, festivals, concerts and local For more information, watch our us as beginner golfers. The training is that we had a planned a cruising event. day trips. ads on OTOW-TV and visit our Web free and will introduce many members Baby Boomers is a very active Our meetings are the first Wednes- page on the Box Office. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 21 Three greyhounds ready for adoption on Valentine’s Day By Bill Sharpsteen Happy Valentine’s Day Did you know approximately 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second most popular card- sending holiday after Christmas? We have a lot of greyhounds who would love to be someone’s Valentine. Greyhound Club We also need foster homes to help these retired racers on their way to Harbor. their forever home. We will have about 80 greyhounds Another class of three greyhounds and 150 two-legged handlers in atten- graduates Feb. 14, which is Valentine’s dance - no barking! Day, from the Hardee Correctional Fa- Please save the date and let Bill near the corner of Second Avenue and Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. cility. These graduates actually live in know if you are interested in attend- Main Street to show off greyhounds Call Bill today at 727-797-7977 to the cells with the prisoners. ing. More details in upcoming articles. for adoption. help foster or babysit a greyhound for A “greyt” fun event is sched- We will also participate in the St. We also continue to visit several a day to a week, or adopt a greyhound, uled on Sunday, April 6, from noon Patrick’s Day Parade sponsored by ALFs in the county each month to donate, or volunteer with this group. to 4 p.m.. This is our combined 11th our On Top of the World Irish Club. bring cheer to their residents with our You can also like Gold Coast semi-annual Greyhound Picnic and Walkers are always welcome. “Gentle Giants!” Greyhounds on Facebook to keep up- Greyhound reunion. It will be with Remember, Greyhound Club Please add our OTOW Grey- to-date on events! Gold Coast Greyhounds and Bay Area members meet every third Friday at hound Club meetings to your calendar You will be richly rewarded for Greyhounds held again at Philippe Third Friday in downtown Safety Har- for the third Thursday of each month. your time spent. These gentle giants Park, 2525 Philippe Parkway in Safety bor. We set up next on Friday, Feb. 21 Our next meeting will be Thursday will leave paw prints on your heart! Suggestions wanted for improving club By Mary Widman At our Singles Club meeting in January, our new club president, Nan- cy McMullan, was installed. Outgoing president, Dorothy Carpenito, thanked her board members for all their help during her four years in office. Singles Club Nancy passed out suggestion slips asking members what kind of activities they would like to do during this ed on our club activities. coming year. Many suggested a day I want to thank Sally Shevlin for trip such as John’s Pass in April or May. her hospitality in serving the wonder- Our meeting in February will be ful coffee and pastries that we all en- our annual “strawberry fling.” Hope joyed. everyone will be there. If you know of any member who The March meeting will feature the needs a word of cheer, please call Sun- Premier Dancers. This dance troupe shine Lady Mary at 796-1184. She will always puts on a very professional send a card from all of us. show. March may also bring us a fash- Please bring your suggestions for ion show. Ladies, please remember, we new activities to Nancy at our Febru- need models for the show, all ages, all ary meeting on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 6:15 sizes. p.m. at the East Activity Center Veran- Please watch On Top of the World da Room. If you have any questions, cable channels 96/720 to keep updat- call Dorothy at 796-4460.

West Activity Center pool will close March 3 for renovations Page 22 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

Alessandra ‘Sandy’ Feliciano, a soprano, is a student at the Uni- versity of South Florida. She will be attending a study pro- Jessica Best, a mezzo, is a graduate of the Florida program and recently moved back north. Both gram this summer. singers performed with ‘VOICExperience’ in January. (OTOW News photos by Doug Kates) Good Neighbors’ Thursday crowd enjoys morning of opera voices and more is to come in March Well, here we are in February al- unteer luncheon. It was held at Chop- Opera Tampa on stage for Good ready. sticks and about 60 people attended. Neighbors’ Thursday. You don’t want We had a good turnout on Good Good We are going to have a flea mar- to miss that show. Opera Tampa was Neighbors’ Thursday in January. ket in March, so starting in February originally scheduled for February, but The entertainment was provided by we will be renting tables. If you want we had to make a switch. “VOICExperience” and was wonder- Neighbors to rent a table, there will be a Good If you want to have an Easter Sun- ful. Neighbors representative in front rise Service, someone has to step up to It was the first time, I think, ev- of the Gift Shoppe on Mondays and contact the Salvation Army and make erybody stayed till the end of the per- President Doris Paino Thursdays from 9-10 a.m. Table lo- the arrangements. Good Neighbors formance. I hope to get “VOICEx- cations will be given away on a first will provide refreshments, and the perience” back before the end of the as soon as possible as we have so many come, first serve basis. Tables are $15. Entertainment Committee will pro- year. I am sorry we ran out of coffee things to cover -- the vendors and Entertainment for the Good vide flowers. But neither group will be and donuts - all the more reason to get clubs need to make announcements, Neighbor’s Thursday in February will handling the arrangements. If no one there early. and there are raffles and entertain- be provided by the Jesters, so come on steps up, the service will not take place! Remember, we start serving at 9 ment. out. It is going to be a lot of fun. Have a great month. I will see you a.m. We need to get the show started Also in January, we had our vol- In March, we are going to have at the East Activity Center.

Opera Tampa coming to OTOW in March On Top of the World News reported in January that Opera Tampa would be performing for Good Neighbors during the Thursday morning “meet your neighbors” program. However, due to a scheduling conflict, Opera Tampa was moved to a new date in March. Music fans who attended the January program, did get to see “VOICExperience” in its place. See the March newspaper for more details. Building reps needed Good Neighbors is looking for building representatives from every On Top of the World building. If your building does not already have a representative, and you would like to volunteer, please call Debbie at 946-3968. There will be a meeting of all building representatives at 10 a.m., Fri- day, Feb. 7 in the East Activity Center Starlite Room. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 23 Rehearsals winding down for February show, so now is time to purchase advanced tickets By Marvin Flam mances. bors will provide free coffee and do- It’s finally showtime! And there is also a murder mys- nuts, and a drawing will take place to After six months of dedicated tery! Who done it? give away free prizes. work, the Jesters are wrapping up the As events unfold, watch our lead So come and enjoy the morning final rehearsals for their 35th annual detective, first sargeant and famous and be treated to all of this. It all starts musical variety show, “Fifty Shades- movie detective solve the case. at 9:30 a.m. The Musical Mystery.” The show is a fast-paced musical “Fifty Shades - The Musical Mys- The show’s performances are Fri- and murder mystery that will leave ev- tery” general admission tickets are day and Saturday Feb. 14 and 15 at eryone excited and upbeat. $5. Tickets for all three shows can be 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. port for the show. On Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Good purchased from Jester members or by The audience will be treated to This year’s show will showcase Neighbors get-acquainted meeting, the visiting the East Activity Center au- singing, dancing and comedy per- great moments and familiar music Jesters will be represented by several ditorium on Monday and Thursday formed by their friends and neighbors produced in movies over the past 100 cast members performing numbers mornings, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Don’t miss who are On Top of the World resi- years. The audience will relive these from previous Jester shows. this fun weekend of OTOW talent. dents. The Jesters do not bring in out- moments, recognize the music, and This meeting is free to all OTOW Let’s get together: siders to perform in, or provide sup- enjoy the terrific Jester cast perfor- residents. In addition, Good Neigh- “JEST FOR FUN” New large-print and regular-print books By Katy Gerritt The new year has brought many of our Snowbirds back, and we are so happy to welcome them to the new library! We started the month with our First Friday Sale and had a great response. Not only did we sell many OPEN HOURS books, but we have also received lots of donations! Mondays 9 am-noon Thanks to all of you as your dona- Wednesdays & Fridays tions and our book sales have helped support the purchase of new books. Noon-3 p.m. We have also separated out large- print hardbound sale books and placed them together on the top shelf. Library News We also have several biographies on the top shelf for sale. • “The Longest Ride” by Nicholas Membership renewal time is here. Sparks. Please see us about your new 2014 In regular print we have card which is still only $2 a year. What • “The Invention of Wings” by a deal! Sue Monk Kidd We have several new books arriv- • “The Book Thief ” by Markus ing in large print. They are: Zusak • “Dark Witch” by Nora Roberts • “The Valley of Amazement” by • “Gods of Guilt” by Michael Amy Tan Connelly • “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt • “Hunted” by Karen Robards, We welcome the opening of the • “Big Sky Secrets” by Linda Lael Good Karma Cafe in the old library Miller space. This will give our readers a place • “Robert B. Parker’s Bull River” to relax, read and have a snack. by Robert Knott Feb. 7 will be the next First Friday • “Standup Guy” by Stuart Woods Sale so come in and visit with us.

Don’t miss the Theater Season Preview on pages 32 and 33 Page 24 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Line dance icon Ira Weisburd coming to On Top of the World for special event Life can take some unexpected turns. Dreams shatter and certainties vanish. What really defines us is how we adapt to those changes. FEB. 18 Ira Weisburd, one of the world’s most prolific line dance choreogra- lovers as well, and it was their dogs phers, was an introverted 19-year-old that originally brought them together pre-med student at the University of when Diane dog sat for Ira. Miami when a pretty face changed his Now that Ira’s dances enjoy world- life and his future forever. wide popularity, travel opportunities It was a full-heart crush that Ira abound. had for one of his fellow students in Diane is faced with the agonizing 1972 that pulled his nose out of his decision of accompanying her hus- medical books and launched him on a band or enjoying life with their dog collision course with the dance world, and all the community amenities and first locally and then internationally. activities in the community where they The young lady, who was the sub- are building their new home. ject of Ira’s affection, asked him to ac- On Feb 18, the On Top of the company her to an Israeli Folk dance. World Line Dancers have opened their He sat and watched, feeling awkward Tuesday afternoon class in the East and clumsy, but feminine persuasion Activity Center to accommodate the finally coaxed him out onto the floor large number of folks Ira attracts. where he discovered that, not only did The dance floor, which has reso- he love the music, but he could actu- nated with so much great music and ally dance. dancing over the years, will once again Ira joined the club and a few reverberate with beautiful tunes and months later was thrust into the posi- tapping toes. tion of president of the University of Many of the people who have Miami International Folk Dance Club signed up for Ira’s workshop will meet when the current leader moved away. him for the first time, but Snowbirds The romance that triggered Ira’s Line dance instructors Ira Weisburd and Dolly Foland. Club line dance instructor Dolly Fo- change of direction ultimately faded, (Photo by Ed Foland) land is not one of those people. Not but his love for dance flourished. only has she met Ira before, but she That was more than 40 years ago, may, dropped his masters degree to From the days of jotting choreog- has also done a flash mob dance with and now, at 60, Ira and his lovely wife, teach Israeli folk and line dancing. raphy on paper napkins to the wonder him to his blockbuster line dance, Diane, live the dream of making a liv- Dance-starved communities in the that is YouTube, Ira has basked in the S.B.S. Shuffle Boogie Soul. ing while brightening lives, traveling Miami area begged him to come and joy that his line dances have brought Dolly, and the rest of the Snow- the world and enjoying great music teach dances to their stir crazy resi- to thousands of dancers around the birds Club line dancers, are thrilled to and dance. dents. Some offered him a whopping world. join with the OTOW Line Dancers in The 1970s in Florida was a boom- fee of $1 per class. Single for most of his life, Ira un- hosting Ira and Diane. ing era with exponential growth and Ira resisted, because his one hour derstands how singles feel and sees If you like to line dance or to real estate opportunities galore. commute would eat up most of the line dancing as an ideal dance form for watch line dancing, join us on Feb 18 The huge influx of retirees and massive profits. But, as we know,- se them. from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are only $15, in seniors, bent on escaping the snow, niors are not easily dissuaded, and Ira As line dancing grew in popular- part, because of Ira’s generosity and created a market for what Ira calls the was soon the instructor for communi- ity, the competition for space on the also his proximity to OTOW. birth of active adult lifestyle commu- ties like Century Village in Deerfield dance floor between the ballroom cou- This could be a once in a lifetime nities, like our own. Beach, Fl., where he has been teaching ples and the single line dancers caused opportunity for residents to watch and Opportunists built thousands of since 1974. a few, shall we say, hiccups. Ultimately learn from one of the world’s leading apartments and homes, selling some Word spread like wild fire and soon line dancers were given equal space, choreographers. for as little as $8,000. Ira was a full-time instructor teaching much to the chagrin of the couples. You can buy tickets at line dancing Ira discovered that he had found in many similar communities all over Ira and his wife of two years, Di- events on Tuesday afternoons, Thurs- his true calling and, to his father’s dis- South Florida. ane, are not only dance lovers, but dog day mornings and Saturday mornings.

OTOW Box Office ontopoftheworld.news.com click the Box Office link ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 25 2014 board vows to make safety a priority

Fixers Club

By Doug Erickson This is the fifth installation of the Fixers, Fiddlers and Fumblers Club’s Executive Board since the reorganiza- tion of our management style. Each year the incoming president and vice-president bring new ideas and direction. By limiting leadership roles to one year, commitments are made to do the best for their term. Joe Miranda, the 2014 president, has plans to continue efforts to make the shop safer, healthier and cleaner. To this end, supervisors will be on duty for all hours of operation and will focus on those features. They also will be able to assist, or get assistance, on equipment use and maintenance. Summer hours will be reduced in order to provide supervision. Mem- bers having the skills, and who have proven their reliability, will be able to arrange for exclusive use of the Pictured above, in the front row, left to right, are Jim Calamas, Steve Stiefler and John Kon- shop. ing. In the back row are Ray Tabor, Earl Shettle, Steve Sutton, Joe Miranda and Doug Erickson. John Koning, vice-president, (Photo by Joyce Monahan) says “2014 promises to be an exciting year for the Fixers Club with the will make a positive impact on our ber will grow as more members are in- The skills our members have, and arrival of our mini lathe, for turning club.” vited to participate. are developing, along with their pride exotic pens, and the wood carving The charitable aspect of our club We will also be giving surplus in the toy shop and wood shop, as- course to be taught by carver Brian continues by making toys for Good hand tools to a new program, “Tools sures us of an on-going vibrant club. Prime. The young and active group Neighbors to distribute. Upwards of for Missions.” Come and see us if you For more information go to www. of ladies who have joined recently 2,000 are made each year. That num- would like to donate. fixersfiddlersandfumblers.com Every spring song will have a number in it By Ilene Bargerstock the On Top of the World Chorus? some of your friends and neighbors What is your lucky number? The title of our upcoming spring and join us for an evening of fun and Mine is four. concert is “Music by the Numbers.” music by the numbers on March 29 Well, actually, it’s three fours (444). Every song will have a number in and 30. In the Western Pennsylvania coal- the title. Maybe one of them will be Look for more details in the next mining town where I was born and your lucky number and bring a smile edition of On Top of the World News. raised, the company-owned houses to your face! If you enjoy singing choral music, did not have numbers. Chorus For my fellow, former, coal town please come and sit-in at one of our Finally, during my high school residents, the men will be singing “Six- rehearsals Mondays, 10-11 a.m. in the years, we moved into a borough with times I look at a digital timepiece at ex- teen Tons” and we know all about that. East Activity Center large card room, numbered houses and ours was 444. actly 4:44. It may be on my wristwatch, It’s been said that “one” is the and Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. in the EAC au- While I do not consider myself to a clock in the house, or car. loneliest number. ditorium. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to be superstitious, it’s uncanny the many What does all this have to do with So make plans to get together with join us!

You can enter your pet in our Pet of the Month contest by dropping off a colorful photo and a brief summary of why your pet deserves Pet of the Month recognition. Drop photo and summary off at the newsroom. Only one pet per household eligible each year. Page 26 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Our show is a real tribute to the USO By Lilli Scheifen and see the finished product coming We rehearse every Monday and It’s February already and St. Valen- to the fore. Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. at tine’s Day is upon us once again. Our piano player, Bob Groves, the East Activity Center. Don’t forget that special someone who was recommended by Barbara So come on down in March and – even something small could be ap- Hynson, is doing great, and it is no enjoy our tribute to the USO. Our preciated if it comes from the heart! mean feat to help us find the right shows are scheduled for Friday and Our hearts and minds are gear- pitch for our songs. We can’t thank Saturday, March 14 and 15 at 7:30 ing up for our show, “Swingin’ With him enough for his patience and good p.m., and Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. the USO.” It seems we hear more and humor. We hope to see you there, and your more about the USO lately, and that There are also some new members cheers and applause are appreciated. makes us proud to be honoring such a Theater Workshop to our cast who are a fine addition to Don’t forget to stop and visit our great organization. our club and will help make our shows table every Monday and Thursday at Our servicemen and women give even better. the East Activity Center, 8:30-10:30 of themselves so we can enjoy the Our songs, dances and skits are Then there are our regular stand- a.m. We will provide you with infor- freedom of living here in the wonder- progressing nicely. We have a fun bys without whom we couldn’t keep mation about our club and tickets for ful United States of America. group, and it is a pleasure to rehearse on keeping on. our upcoming shows. Got a box of old stamps? Parade set for March 8 The start of a newly-anticipated One fabulous concert down, season has begun to the delight of the On Top of the World stamp collec- another fabulous concert to go! tor’s group. By Mary Skaarer Our first meeting of the new year Our 2014 season got off to a great was held on Tuesday, Jan. 21. start with our first Irish concert on Great new finds and accumula- Jan. 10 by our favorite, and long-time tions were the highlights of the meet- Stamp Club performer, Cahal Dunne, “Ireland’s ing. Many items were available to fill Happy Man.” needed spaces in our albums. He gave us an outstanding perfor- We are looking forward to our next meeting. It should bring even more mance, entertaining a large audience Irish Club participation. So come join us in the West Activity Center Sunrise Room on the with his gifted music and wonderful third Tuesday of every month from 1-3 p.m. song. Please come and join us to share your Bring that box of stamps or albums so we can work on them together. He also doubles as a comedian, as ideas, because an event like this brings Upcoming meeting dates are Feb. 18, March 18, April 15 and May 20. his many jokes had the crowd breaking all our volunteers together. Your help For more information, call Jim Sundberg at 847-951-2284. their sides with laughter. is greatly appreciated. Cahal’s performance shows he is a The annual St. Patrick’s Day Pa- superb entertainer. rade will take place 10 a.m., Saturday, Please mark your calendars for an- March 8 on World Parkway Boule- February will be full of horse play upcoming concert on Thursday, Feb. vard. 13 at 7 p.m. in the East Activity Center. The annual St. Patrick’s Din- By Jerry Kaplano The concert will feature another won- ner Dance will be held at 5 p.m., on It’s hard to believe we are already deful entertainer, Ken McBride, “Ire- Wednesday, March 12, in the EAC. going into our second month of 2014! land’s Phantom of the Opera.” The dance will star “Sharon and Pat.” So enjoy yourselves - that’s what I We look forward to another great Sharon shares her wonderful voice will try to do. show and Ken has promised an out- in song while Pat plays his famous ac- There are still a limited number standing performance. You don’t want cordion. of seats available for our Feb. 14 trip to miss Ken’s concert, so purchase Guests will dine on a menu of tra- to Tampa Bay Downs with the New Italian American your tickets early for a better choice of ditional corned beef and cabbage, and York/New Jersey Club. The tickets are seats. Ticket sales have been brisk for a second entrée of chicken with all the $22 which includes admission, pro- this event. trimmings - Bon Appetite! gram and buffet luncheon. As always, by “Night at the Races.” You will have March will be a fun-filled month Purchase your tickets early to se- tickets are available at the East Activ- a choice of Italian or American sand- for our club with the following events cure a good table. ity Center on Monday and Thursday wiches. on tap: All tickets for our events are on mornings. Cost for members is $5 and non- Parade meetings are held every sale 8:30-10:30 a.m., every Monday Our next meeting will be Feb. 19 members is $6. other Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the com- and Thursday in the EAC - just look at 6 p.m. There will be coffee, followed Hope to see you there. (OTOW News photo by Mary Lou Wall) puter room at the East Activity Center. for the Irish Club! Next Press Association meeting is 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6 in the EAC Large Card ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 27 Travel Club to take in Neil Simon play this month By Pat Zorland brought back so many wonderful will visit the Biltmore Estates in Ash- December 2013 is now just an af- memories. I think I will put it on my ville, N.C. ter thought, but our trip to New Or- bucket list to return to visit the Big The Lunch Bunch has two lunches leans still lingers on the minds of all Apple again. planned. The first will be in February who went. We are now in the planning stages and the second in March. Now that all the holidays and par- for the 2014 year. Our calendar will Please come to our monthly meet- ties are behind us, the Travel Club will cover day and overnight trips, and ings to hear all about the lunch trips try to put together a date when we can Travel Club maybe even a mystery trip or two. and sign up to attend. Roxie will pres- gather as a group and view all of the So far, on Feb. 15, we will be go- ent a full description of restaurants, photos taken by our wonderful pho- events. ing for lunch at 1 p.m. and taking in a including where they are located and tographers. On Dec. 20, 2013, a few of our play written by Neil Simon called “Ru- what items are on the menu. Our January 2014 meeting started club members took a bus trip to the mors,” 2:30 p.m. at a new company Remember, our monthly meetings off with a bang. With so many mem- Straz Center for an afternoon perfor- called the “Sun Coast Star Playhouse.” are always on the first Friday of each bers in attendance, it was decided to let mance of the Radio City Rockettes in a Then on March 19 we will visit the month at 2 p.m. in the West Activity everyone come in, pay their dues, sign New York City Christmas Spectacular. Citrus Winery, followed by the Sun- Center Sunrise Room. up for trips, and visit with one another. Members arrived early enough coast Bird Sanctuary. You can always find us on Mon- Our president, Audrey Jones, to have a nice lunch before the show Hopefully, in April, there will be a days and Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m., in called the meeting to order. All the re- started. trip to New York City. the East Activity Center. Stop by, say ports, and old and new business, were I lived and worked in New York In October we are planning a trip hello, and check out what is new and taken care of, then it was on to current City for many years and this show to San Antonio, and in November we exciting with the Travel Club. ontopoftheworldnews.com Page 28 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Morning exercise party

You may recognize some of us from our morning exercise class. We get up early every morning to start our day off with a few laughs as Carol Babini leads us in line dancing. At 8 a.m. we begin with a cardio workout, followed by Julie Narancich’sor Sheila Bonomo’s zumba class! So by the time we head home to shower, grab a bite to eat, and head out the door again, most of you are just getting out of bed! On Jan. 17 we enjoyed the fruits of our labor by inviting our husbands and friends to join us in a get together. These exercise chicks outdid themselves by bringing their favorite recipes to share. We had plenty of adult beverages. Needless to say, we had to work extra hard the next mornings. Lake cruise, dog races, theater show highlight month of February activities By Walt Copeland On March 10, at 7 a.m., we’ll de- bership meeting at 10:30 a.m. in the Our trip to Fort Myers was won- part by bus for five days in Pigeon Starlite Room. derful. Forge, Tenn. We’ll go to Dollywood, From April 7 – 11, we depart for The shows were great – and the the Dixie Stampede Show, Smokey the famous Lake Lanier Resort in food … I gained 10 pounds in just two Mountain Opry and Harrah’s Casino. Georgia for eight meals, several shows, days. Cost is $699 per person, double occu- a gold mine, and a visit to the Hofbau Our next meeting will be on Feb. 6 pency, or $859 single. House. Cost is $599 per person, dou- at 10:30 a.m. in the East Activity Cen- Pennsylvania Club On March 23, we’re going to the ble occupancy, or $749 single. ter Starlite Room. Victory Ship Casino at Port Canaveral On Easter Sunday, April 20, we’ll On Friday Feb. 7, we’ll celebrate for an afternoon gambling cruise, fea- dine at the Early Bird Dinner Theater Ground Hog Day at 5 p.m. with a ca- afternoon at the dog races by bus for a turing a buffet, free drinks while gam- for a sumptuous buffet and an enjoy- tered dinner, entertainment and door matinee buffet. The $38 cost includes bling, entertainment, and $20 free play able comedy. Cost is $35 including tax prizes. Cost is $18. admission, program, buffet, tips and - all this for $39, including the round and tip. On Monday, Feb. 3 and 4, we’ll taxes. Reservations are filling up fast. trip bus. On Friday, April 25, it will be our travel the Florida Backroads and Wa- On Friday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s You don’t want to miss this trip; end-of-the-season-party. It will be ca- terways to Lake Okeechobee. Our Day, we’ll celebrate with a visit to the it’s a steal. tered with entertainment and door cruise will include meals and an op- Early Bird Dinner Theater for a buffet, March 25 is our annual picnic at prizes. Time will be 5 p.m., and the tional trip to a Hard Rock Casino. followed by a delightful comedy. Cost Philippe Park, Shelter 2 at noon. We’ll cost is $12. (The club will subsidize On Thursday, Feb. 6, we’ll have a is $35. Transportation is not included. have a super catered meal, followed by our shortage.) membership meeting at 10:30 a.m. in On March 6, we have our mem- free bingo with prizes, and a putting Our membership is open to all res- the Starlite Room. bership meeting in the EAC at 10:30 contest. idents of On Top of the World - not On Saturday, Feb. 8, we’ll enjoy an a.m. On April 3 we’ll have our mem- just Pennsylvanians. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 29 You could be cutting a gem right now

By Penny Page A lot of folks ask me what we do in Lapidary. I looked up the definition of lapidary in the dictionary and it said “one who cuts, polishes or engraves stones.” Pretty simple explanation, but if you belong to our club, you will find it is a lot more. We invite you to stop in and find out for yourself. Charlie Fuhr, our instructor, has been teaching for the past six years. Charlie has been in the business for 45 years. He has worked as an in- dependent contractor cutting for jew- elers in Michigan and Florida. I asked Charlie why he volunteers as our instructor and he said, “because I like the joy people get when they finish their stones, have them set and see the finished product.” Students only need to have the desire to learn. Most students start out cutting Charlie Fuhr works on a project right here in the On Top of the World lapidary room. glass and progress to synthetics and natural stones. One of our students, dozen. He told me, “When I am in lap- of the Taylor-Burton Diamond! downstairs in the East Activity Center. Nielson Sabadin, has been cutting idary, I forget about everything else.” Lapidary meets on Mondays and Dues are $25 for the year. Stop by for stones for a year and has cut at least a Nielson’s last project was a replica Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, a tour of the shop.

Spring chorus concert - March 29 and March 30 Page 30 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Dress code is ‘red’ for Valentine’s party By Dave Beaven month special. Our Café Calypso so- klatches. Also, we have a group, the Can you feel the love? cial drew a good crowd and brought a Mall Walkers, which meets weekly to Well, hopefully you will this month flavor of the islands right here to On walk at Countryside Mall for an hour. as Valentine’s Day is in the middle of Top of the World. We look to expand our circle to all it! We decided against the Limbo LGBT residents in the OTOW com- This is a month for flowers, choc- Dance, though. There was no need to munity, and we also welcome partici- olates and greeting cards. And that’s throw anyone’s back out even worse! pation by other OTOW residents who what we will have at our social this Lambda Last month saw another success- would like to meet their gay neighbors. month on Friday, February 14 at 7 ful coffee klatch - some coffee, some There are people from many different p.m. in the Large Card Room of the cake, some chit-chat. It’s a great way backgrounds and areas here at OTOW. East Activity Center. be a lucky card that wins a door prize. for our members to get to know each Lambda Club is just one more reflec- It’s a Red Party! Members will be encouraged to other. tion of that fact. Dress code will be wear red, of bring in romantic treats for refresh- Lambda is a social club for lesbian, If you are interested in finding course. There will be some love songs ments. This will be the perfect place to gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) out more about the club, visit our playing in the background as you come celebrate with your significant other. residents of OTOW. We are an infor- webpage: http://lambdaclearwater. in. Head over to the bar for some Love Or, if you’re single, you might mal group that gets together for vari- blogspot.com. You can contact us by Potion Number 9. And don’t forget to meet someone new. You never know. ous activities. Regular events include e-mail at [email protected] or pick up a valentine. One of them will Thanks to all for making last monthly socials, dine-outs, and coffee call Dave at 727-410-7566.

AAA Defensive Driving Form appears on page 54 of this newspaper. The next class is March 20-21. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 31 It’s never too late for adventure Bethyl and Bob Mayer: Autumn bloomers Bethyl and Bob Mayer share a diverse past, an idylic present and a bright future There is a perceptive quote from author Susan Gayle that goes like this: “In the garden of life, late bloomers are especially beautiful.” Bethyl and Bob Mayer are a couple of late bloomers. If you read on, you’ll understand the accuracy of Susan’s words. While Bethyl and Bob had intriguing childhoods, their accomplishments seem to multiply as their lives progress. Bethyl is the great-grand-daughter of a Morman polygamist who was imprisoned during Utah’s tran- sition to statehood when he refused to give up any of his four wives. AAA Defensive Driving Form When Bethyl was in her teens in Phoenix, Ariz., she had a brief friendship with a guy who played appears on page 54 of this newspaper. music in a local bar. She was too young to get into the bar, so she sat outside in the car. Her friend would The next class is March 20-21. come outside on his breaks to chat. That friend was Marty Robbins before his rise to fame. While many young ladies would Bethyl and Bob Mayer share a diverse past, an idyllic present and a bright future. gladly give up their right arm, or their little brother, to have such a you remember Bob’s Hungarian friend, Bethyl saw it as no big deal. grandmother who cared for him as No big deal? a child? That linguistic past paid off Maybe that’s because Bethyl’s in spades! life is defined by so much more. Budapest was not the end of She has realized many accom- Bob’s teaching career by any stretch. plishments during a season of life He and Bethyl returned home and when most folks are coasting into he continued teaching at the Univer- retirement and winding down. sity of New York at Albany until he Bethyl finished a bachelor’s de- Bethyl also documents the ad- reer in New York State government was well into his 70s. gree in Classical Archeology at age ventures of her grandchildren and and immediately launched into his Bob regards himself as a per- 58. her outings with On Top of the second career teaching English as a petual student, delving into the kind She can take credit for identify- World buddies Joy and Char by second language. of intellectual reading that would ing one piece of a mummy coffin in crafting elaborate and interesting Bob got his masters degree induce a coma in most of us. How- the Albany Institute of History and photo books. around the time he retired and con- ever, the love of learning is not the Art as belonging to Ankhefenmut, Now let’s talk about Bob. vinced Bethyl to move to Barcelona, sum of the man. He is a hopeless bil- an Egyptian priest of the 21st dy- If you happen to meet Bob for Spain. It didn’t take any convincing liards addict and he brings his flam- nasty, and linking it to other parts the first time at one of his beloved really. Bethyl sold the house and her boyant line dancing style to classes of the coffin, one in London and line dancing classes, you might get antique business and joined Bob for on both sides of Belcher Road. another in Vienna. the wrong impression of this man, their European adventure. A word to the wise, keep your If you had visited the On Top whose dance technique could be After two years in Barcelona, distance from Bob’s flailing limbs of the World Craft Fair, you would described as a cross between Fred Bob told Bethyl of his desire to re- when the music starts. Bethyl got have seen some of Bethyl’s latest ac- Astaire and a baby giraffe taking it’s turn stateside to get his doctorate. too close during a folk dance and complishments. first steps. She was supportive, as usual, and paid for it with a sprained wrist. De- She is a talented photographer, In stark contrast to Bethyl’s rural just plain Bob became Dr. Bob at spite his variable style scores, Bob who loves to bring out the natural Utah childhood, Bob was raised as age 61. gets straight A’s for enthusiasm. beauty found within the gates of our Catholic in a Jewish neighborhood A prestigious Fullbright Fellow- After 44 years of marriage, community and in Pinellas county. in the Bronx, N.Y. ship followed and they were off to 85-year-old Bob and 81-year-old She has found another outlet for He was cared for by his Hungar- Slovenia for a year followed by an- Bethyl can regularly be seen walking her creativity by making thematic ian grandmother while his parents other two in Budapest, Hungary. hand in hand next to Arbor Lake shadow-boxes using her neighbor, worked. If you think language was a and talking about their next adven- Brian’s, cast off wooden cigar boxes. At age 55 he retired from a ca- problem for Bob, think again. Do ture. Page 32 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS 20142014 OTOWOTOW TheaterTheater SeasonSeason “Fifty“Fifty Shades”Shades” The Musical Mystery

Friday Feb. 14, 7:30

Saturday Feb. 15, 7:30

Sunday Feb. 16, 2:00

Tickets for both club shows are on sale from 8:30-10:30 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays, in the East Activity Center auditorium ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 33 20142014 OTOWOTOW TheaterTheater SeasonSeason

Theater Workshop presents Swingin’ With The USO

Fri., March 14, 7:30 Sat., March 15, 7:30 Sun., March 16, 2:00 • EAC Auditorium Tickets for both club shows are on sale from 8:30-10:30 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays, in the East Activity Center auditorium Page 34 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 35 370 years of family history shared at January meeting

By Anne Watkins We had very special entertainment in January when Dolores Rollins told us of her French-Canadian background, then sang songs in French and played the spoons, all accompanied by husband James on the accordion. James even made cookies for us, so it was quite a treat from start to finish! Dolores’ family moved to Quebec about 1642, a time of constant war Family History in Europe, during the reign of Louis XIV, whose court was at Versailles. It was a time of migration to the out on their own. Sunday dinners at New World, and two brothers Chre- grandma’s included all her offspring tien came to Canada. and their offspring as well. Dolores’ line remained there until Dolores found, quite by chance, 1909, when they migrated to Maine to what happened to the other brother, work in the woolen mills and at farm- who originally came from France. ing. The women, as well as the men, When she and Jim were in New Or- worked the mills, and one female leans, they found the other brother’s member of the family became quite cotton plantation, which was still deaf from the incessant clatter of the in the family after all this time. That machinery there. Chretien brother had once owned as Jim and Dolores Rollins entertained the club with old-fashioned Family life was close in the Cath- many as 200 slaves. spoon playing and accordion music. olic French Canadian communities. By the late 1800s, the original Young newlyweds traditionally stayed house had become a barn, but has Our next meeting will be a field in March by a return to our regular with their parents for a couple of years since been restored, and is now, what trip for members to the Safety Harbor meeting time of the second Monday until they were sufficiently stable to go else, but a bed and breakfast! Museum on Tuesday, Feb. 11, followed of the month. Page 36 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 37

You don’t have to be an Indiana resident to join Hoosier Club welcomes fourth president By Nancy House All club members and guests can Two years ago, Wade Candler stat- The Hoosier Club installed new look forward to a bowling outing at ed, “The Hoosier Club facilitates in- officers for 2014-2016. AMF Bowling Alleys and dinner togeth- teraction with other members through On Tuesday, Jan. 7, Nancy House, er at Kally K’s on Wednesday, Feb. 19. fellowship and scheduled activities.” a charter club member, became the A trip to the Tampa Bay Downs is When questioned, he noted that fourth president to serve the club in the planning stages and will be pre- he still feels this to be true. membership. sented at the upcoming meeting. Since he and his wife, Phyllis, The first club president was Bon- Hoosier Club The next general meeting is sched- moved to OTOW permanently in nie Rice, followed by Cathy Faulkner uled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2012, the Hoosier Club has provided and Mary Beth Hufty. Patty Dominguez began her two- in the East Activity Center craft room. them with many activities, where they Nancy, the newly-elected presi- year term as vice president with Jerry All residents of OTOW are en- can meet new friends. dent, expressed her gratitude for the Rice continuing as treasurer. Dan couraged to join the club, but if you Everyone is encouraged to come quality leadership of former presi- Hyden will complete his term as sec- are a Snowbird from Indiana, it’s a experience some Hoosier warmth and dents. retary in the coming year. must for you to join this group. hospitality. Vendor List Windows, Awnings and Doors Interior Painting • Affordable Aluminum • Paint Services Philosophy Club • Home Exel • Midway Services • Clearwater Windows & Doors • KAS Construction • West Coast Awning Express Air Conditioning and Heating Electricians your • Air Doctor • Tardiff Electric • Bay Area Heating & Cooling • Live Wire Electric views By Bob Reis Our club is currently enjoying Flooring Dryer Vent Cleaning presentations, which are followed by • Home Depot • Dryer Vent Wizard a question and answer period. The discussions give you the op- • Midway Services portunity to express your own views. • KAS Construction Junk Removal We also have “Open Discus- sion” meetings. With this format • Joe’s Junk Removal you have the opportunity to suggest a topic of special interest to you. Plumbing • Got Junk? Join us on any Tuesday. You • Midway Services don’t have to be a member of our club to attend. You’re welcome even • Roy White Concrete Patios if you just want to listen, Tuesdays • Birges Concrete 10-11:30 AM, East Activity Center Veranda. Any questions? Call Bob Water Restoration • Paul’s Masonry Reis at 798-2443. • Paul Davis • Service Masters Cabinets & Interior Renovations • Avanta Clean • KAS Construction OTOW-TV This list does not, in any way, guarantee nor endorse the product used, or the performance of the vendor. It does Channels provide you with a list of licensed and insured vendors who This list could meet On Top of the World standards and are in compliance change monthly. 96/720 with Pinellas County codes and permitting. Page 38 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

Concerts, bands, dances arrive in February and ‘Flashback’ is already booked for New Year’s Eve ‘14 Wow! music. couple of years ago and was very well What a fabulous New Year’s party Jerry Chase, will be your Sunday- received by our residents. we had in the East Activity Center. In-The-Park entertainer on Feb. 9. Last, but not least, on Friday, Feb. The band, “Flashback,” did a won- Tony Jerry is a local man, whose father lives 28, we have a cabaret you don’t want derful job, and judging by the feedback right here at OTOW. to miss. We have Sonny LaRosa’s Jazz from people who attended, everybody Baker Your next concert will be on Feb. Band, the youngest jazz band in Amer- had a great time. 20 and will feature Vinnie Talarico. ica. These kids are great musicians, Ladies wore their beautiful dresses. This performer uses so much energy, who have played all over America, in- Men wore their suits and tuxedos. The and sings Pop and Opera. Last year he cluding Las Vegas. This event is set up fabulous attire made this such a special put on a fabulous show for our resi- with tables and it’s BYOB. Tickets are occasion. Chairperson dents. $10 apiece, so book a full table early And … in case you’re curious … On Saturday, Feb. 22, we will have for your friends. Book quickly so you we have already booked “Flashback” a dance hosted by The Travelers band can sit with friends. for New Year’s Eve 2014, so get your vis, who is a great performer. Jimmy – a very talented group of musicians Tickets for all the events listed tickets early. mixes comedy with his very talented who specialize in ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s above are available from 8:30-10:30 The On Top of the World Enter- musical skills. music, and will play special requests a.m., Monday and Thursday mornings, tainment Committee has a great lineup On Saturday, Feb. 8, we have the for your pleasure. in the East Activity Center. for you in 2014. On Feb. 6, we start off Suncoast Band, which will surely get On Feb. 23, Sunday-In-The-Park I look forward to seeing you all with our first concert, with Jimmy Tra- you up and dancing to a variety of will feature Carlo, who was here a there.

On Top of the World welcomed The Marlins to the East Activity Center auditorium in early January. The Marlins performed a variety of past favorites.

(OTOW News photo by Mary Lou Wall) ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 39

Tickets on Sale Mondays & Thursdays 8:30-10:30 a.m. EAC Auditorium Page 40 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

Be prepared before you arrive at the golf course, this includes checking the outdoor temperature By Pete Milner carts (manual or electric) or driving hat. For all those who read this ar- Our new officers for 2014 are all golf cart is to be within 30 feet of the ticle to the end, tell me what color it set to bring to you a fun season with Men’s Golf green. Please don’t let your golf privi- is when you pay your dollar for next fun play and hopefully some good leges be revoked. These are OTOW week’s play. weather for golf. the temperature is below 42 degrees, golf course rules. Our officers for 2014 are as fol- There hasn’t been a lot of activ- there will be no league on that day. Please check the scoreboard next lows: Lester Whynot - president; ity in recent weeks due to the holidays, Remember though, you must come to the 19th hole for announcements of Marcus Schell - president-elect; Russ but by the time you read this, we will to the golf course and sign up for the upcoming dates and schedules for com- Caughey - treasurer; Pete Milner - sec- have had our annual meeting and our next week before 10 a.m. ing events. Check the scoreboard either retary; Jay Schwallie - trustee three agenda will be set. On days when there is league golf, after golf or on Thursdays for next years; Ken Nield - trustee two years; There are a few things I would you must sign in at least 30 minutes week’s tee times. Our crack staff usu- and Jim O’Neil - trustee one year. like to go over at the beginning of our before your tee time. Please don’t let ally has the scheduling done shortly af- If you would like to volunteer to season. Things you should remember. your tee time go to someone else be- ter play. You can also check behind the help in the shack or as a starter, please For instance, in the future, refer to the cause you are 10 minutes too late. scoreboard on the side of the 19th hole speak to Jack Yorkery. weather report on Bay News 9 in the It was voted on last year at our for your posted handicap and winnings. Good luck on the golf course and Suncoast area for the temperature. If 2013 annual meeting that no push Check out our treasurer’s winter enjoy the time with your fellow golfers. Dorothy Ryan captures Guys and Dolls three wins in December By Connie Saylor night ends in a Dorothy Ryan went 3-for-3 in 9-hole Flight B action during nine-hole ladies golf league play in December. Ladies Golf 3-way playoff Dorothy started the month on Dec. 3 with low score in a Three Clubs Flight C - Ginny Tousignant, Ve- By Joe Ventimiglia and a Putter Tournament. She edged rona Titus, Mary Ann O’Neil and Sue The On Top of the World Billiards Club and Que’ T Billiards Club Vayna Cormier and Char Flach for the Liesch. combined for a Guys and Dolls Scotch Doubles Tournament on Jan. honor. Flight D - Pat Palladino, Romy 16 and when regulation play A week later, Dorothy took first Brady and Nancy House. ended, some winners were place with Anna Hyden in second still not decided. place, and Marge Jacobs and Vayna December 17 Twenty-four players Cormier tying for third. LowGross/Low Net made up 12 teams from the On Dec. 17, Dorothy completed Flight A - Connie Saylor and Ellen east side and 12 teams from the sweep by edging Vayna Cormier Gilbert. the west side. for low score. Anna Hyden was third. Flight C - Margo Smith, Barbara The west side decided to The following is a list of other Sensale, Sue Liesch and Ginny Tousig- play a little longer. weekly awards: nant. Three teams were in a Billiards December 3 Flight D - Nancy Geyer, Nancy dead heat for the top three Three Clubs and a Putter House, Rachael Tranchemontagne and places and a playoff had to Flight A - Connie Saylor and Ellen Claire Racine. take place to decide the or- Gilbert. Anna Hyden had a birdie on No. 5. der of finish. In the end, Joe Ventimiglia and Rashanee Turner took Flight C - Ginny Tousignant, Bar- first place, Nick Sapienza and Ellen Frederick took second place and bara Sensale, Marge Sivek , Margo February Schedule of Events John Fier and Mary Spearman took third place. Smith and Sue Liesch. 4-Low Gross/Low Net The east side tournament had a more organized finish and did not Flight D - Pat Palladino, Romy 11-Low Gross/Low Net Valentine need a playoff. The first place team was Howard Wilson and Terry Brady, Dolly Foland, Pat Murray and Surprise Wittman. The second place team was Joe Doire and Alice McCullough. Nancy House. 18-Low Net (Flight Tournament The third place team was Ian Hunter and Kay Mahoney. Anna Hyden and Jean Norris each Week No. 1) Tony Esposito was the scorekeeper and Ed Solivan was the referee. had a birdie on No. 2. 25-Low Net (Flight Tournament Another Guys and Dolls Tournament will take place in February, December 10 Week No. 2) (50/50) but as of press time, dates were not announced. Interested players Low Gross/Low Net You must play “both weeks” to should check the bulletin boards in the Billiards Room. Flight A - Ann Stewart and Jean qualify. Sign up no later than Feb.11 - Norris. sheet will be posted. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 41

What does WD-40, a gorilla, hot tea and toilet paper have to do with golfing? You’ll have to read ... By Pat Eastman What do you carry in your golf bag? 18-hole Ladies Golf Here’s what some of our members carry. nuts, carrots, assorted crackers and Jackie Woloszyn carries counting protein bars - not only for herself, but beads, which match her golf outfits. for her whole foursome. Gilda Gambacurta carries two tees Back to golfing... tied together. More Tuesday highlights were re- Marie Belliveau carries a lucky corded recently. Maria Im shot a 59 charm from Vancouver. net. Fran Zaloski shot a 75 gross. Pat Eastman carries a Boston Pat Eastman shot her age -- now Strong wrist band. 66. Leora Hamm carries a photo of Brenda McLeod bettered her pre- her adorable Yorkies, Chip Shot and vious one-birdie round with a two- Gizmo. She also carries WD-40 for birdie round - birdies on No. 2 and fire ant bites. The WD 40 immediately No. 11 on her way to a nice 86. takes away the sting. Gwen Lemke eagled 14 with a nice Becky West has a gorilla in her bag. chip in. Marcy Zambron carries everything in pink. Upcoming events Katie Quelch brings her morning Feb. 3, Board meeting 9 a.m. EAC. hot tea. Feb. 4, Jack and Jill (rain date Feb. 11.) Pauline Jones with some of her snacks. Sue Morse brings special smooth- Feb. 5, General meeting 9:30 WAC. (Photo by Joyce Monahan) ies. March 10-11, Handicap tournament. Dottie Meissner always has toilet March 26, Spring luncheon paper. Flight B Katie Quelch, Linda Rice Dec. 10 Pauline Jones tops them all. She Tournament winners Flight C Pauline Jones, Ada Bryant, Flight A Pat Eastman, Carole Lacey brings a full course breakfast includ- Dec. 17 Pat Daiziel Flight B Dot Graham, Diane Moxley ing hard boiled eggs, bananas, grapes, Flight A Pat Eastman, Diane Gervais Flight D Ellen Fier, Maria Im Flight C Fran Zaloski, Sherry Ivy Flight D Brenda McLeod, Maria Im Ed Stenger has great December By Marge Sivek I am busy making new resolutions for 2014. I hope I don’t break any of them. Shuffleboard invites any new people to the shuffleboard courts on Mondays and Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. We will teach you the game if you have never played before.

The following members won three games to end 2013. Dec. 2: Ed Stenger Shuffleboard Dec. 5: Ed Stenger Dec. 12: Rod Jones, Kasy Lenke- Dec. 16: Kasy Linkewich, Rod wich, Ed Stenger Jones

Lost & Found is located in the Community Service Office Page 42 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

‘60s dinner dance Feb. 27 February is for residents who love lawn bowling By Bob Laplante Ah February! Lawn Bowling This is the month of love. And no-one loves February more than the Lawn Bowl folks. comes a factor. It’s the month when our club hosts We have been blessed this year its annual big party, dinner dance, held with very few cancellations due to rain, in honor of past presidents. (should I be mentioning this and jinx This year’s fun theme will be a wild the club?), however the New Year’s and groovy return to the ‘60s with par- Levy Bowl was rained out. This did ticipants encouraged to contribute to not stop the members from showing the festivities by dressing in their finest up and socializing. garb of that decade. It’s never a waste when friends get You could be a flower child, peace together to ring in the New Year. This demonstrator, a Beatle, an astronaut is especially so after the New Year’s racing to the moon? Eve party the evening before. There is so much to choose from! Upcoming events include the Ca- All of this is happening on Feb. 27 nadian Club Tournament on Feb. 6 at the East Activity Center. The cost is Pictured above, left to right, are doubles winners Ralph Ross and and 7, a Valentine’s Day Fun Tourna- only $25 for a full meal, complimen- Dot Graham, president Wendy Colquhoun and tournament direc- ment and lunch on Feb. 13, and the tary wine and dancing. 4-3-2-1 Triples Trophy Tournament This event is open to all On Top tor John Wigle. on Feb. 20 and 21. of the World residents. Tickets may The month ends with the previ- be purchased any morning at the ment was held on Jan. 10 and 13 un- nament. ously mentioned ‘60s Theme Dinner Lawn Bowls Club or by contacting der the coordination of John Wigle. Although the cold may discourage Dance. the event coordinator, John Wigle at The winners were Ralph Ross and participants from bowling, only rain Members are encouraged to sign 791-7527. Dot Graham. Congratulations to all and snow cancels games. Fortunately, up to play and support the coordina- The Club Mixed Pairs Tourna- who played in this rain-delayed tour- being in Florida, only the former be- tors in these events.

Don Baker wins 2013 Match Play Championship The 2013 match play champion- Ken Smith persevered and took first points. ship was held over the past month, and place. Gilda Gambacurta was second The Thursday League is a mixed after many close matches, four players Thursday Golf and Fred Schick took third place. Low league. All skill levels compete on an made it to the semifinals. gross went to Clyde Hershberger. John equal basis using the USGA Stableford Don Baker, Ron Parham, Pete Maloof played through the rain and format. Our league welcomes new Dominguez and Dutch Michael were Weekly play continues and the took home two skins. Don Baker had members at any time and all On Top the last golfers standing. week six champion was Patti Cook. one skin. of the World residents are welcome to Don “ATM” Baker, and defend- Second place went to Don Baker A two-person alternate shot tour- join the league. ing champion and resident food critic and Ron Parham came in third. Patti nament was scheduled for week nine. Weekly play is not mandatory and “Uncle” Ron Parham, made it to the Cook’s great round tied her with Bill Nineteen teams signed up only to see guests are welcome. There is no week- final round. Higgins for low gross. Barry Levene, their hopes drowned by a complete ly sign up. If you show up you play. The final match seemed to last two Don Baker, Duane Hinrichs, Bruce rain out. The match will be resched- If you are interested in playing days. Each player had opportunities to MacPherson and Alan Teal all collect- uled at a later date. competitive golf using USGA rules, pull ahead and the lead changed sev- ed one skin each. Longest drives went The points race to the League our league is for you. eral times. to Don Hunter and Patti Cook. Gary Championship remains tight. Clyde Players must sign in by 10:30 a.m. A timely birdie by Don on the sev- Ordway was closest to the pin. Hershberger is on top with 18 points. and play begins at 11a.m. every Thurs- enth hole put him one ahead with one Week seven was won by Dennis Dennis Trauffer is in second place day. to play. Needing to win the final hole Trauffer. Barry Levene placed second with 17 points. Others on the lead- We play the course to a Par 67. to square the match, Ron hit a great and Jim Stiffler was third. Paul Meyers erboard include: Paul Farrell 15, Don Men play from the blue tees where tee shot over the green but came up had the low gross round. Fred Schick, Baker 14, and Fred Schick, Ada Cul- available. Women play from the red just short of winning the hole. Don Clyde Hershberger, Dennis Trauffer bertson, Patti Cook and Bill Gamba- tees and yellow where available. held on to claim the 2013 match cham- and Don Baker had one skin each. curta with 12. Pete Dominguez, Paul For information call Paul @ 727- pionship. Rain plagued week eight and golf- Meyers and Ken Smith all have 11 474-2344 or email blackdoggolf@aol. Congratulations Don! ers struggled to complete the round. points. Barry Levene follows with 10 com. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 43

Joe Ventimiglia captures six top-three finishes Ron Blaettner among 14 different winners In the last Billiards’ session, 14 different people got a taste of victory in either eight-ball, Scotch Doubles or nine-ball tournament play. One of the players picking up two wins was Ron Blaettner, who started out with a nine-ball win on Dec. 17, and then was forced into a playoff on Jan. 7 with Allen Pier, before prevail- ing and capturing a second title. Billiards In the Dec. 17 tournament, Ed Ra- meriz took second place. On Dec. 24, Joe Ventimiglia was On Dec. 12, the Scotch Doubles the winner and Ed Rameriz was run- league did not have enough players for ner-up again. teams, so everyone competed as indi- On Dec. 30, Frank English was the viduals. winner and Ed Way was second. In Flight A, Andy Anderson took On Jan. 14, Howard Wilson picked first place, followed by Tony Baker and Howard Wilson. Pictured above are the top three finishers from the Jan. 6 eight-ball up the win and Ron Blaettner settled tournament in the A Flight. From left to right are Denny Balderson for runner-up. In Flight B, Ray Quirion won the Nine-ball meets 1 p.m., Tuesday title, Gene Baranowski was the run- (second), Tony Baker (first) and Bill Robertson (third). afternoons in the West Activity Center ner-up and Dennis Balling was third. Allen Pier won two titles. First, second place and Hugo Orantes third Billiard Room. Bring your recreation On Dec. 19, Scotch Doubles went on Dec. 9, he won the A Flight with place. In B Flight, Gene Baranowski card, get in on the action and have back to team play. Hugo Orantes second and Bill Robert- won, Dennis Balling was second and some fun in the competition. We use Terry Wittman and Nick Sapienza son third. Then on Jan. 13, Allen took Larry Henderson was third. the round robin format. were the winners for the night. Gene first, Norm Theriault was second and On Dec. 30, A Flight saw Hugo SCOTCH DOUBLES Baranowski and Allen Pier claimed Joe Doire was third. Orantes pick up a win, Joe Doire finish In Thursday evening Scotch Dou- second place. Ron Baltrunas and Joe On Dec. 9 in B Flight, John Shear- second and Jim Anzalone third. In B bles action, Dennis Balling added his Ventimiglia were third. er was the champion, Gene Baranows- Flight, Terry Wittman and John Shear- name to the winner’s list twice. On Dec. 26, Scotch Doubles re- ki was second and Charles McKague er tied for first. Gene Baranowski was First, Dennis teamed with Tony turned to individual play. was third. third. Gene finished the session with Baker for victory on Jan. 2 and then In Flight A, Joe Ventimiglia cap- On Jan. 13 in B Flight, Joe Ven- one win, four second and one third. he teamed with Joe Ventimiglia for vic- tured the win and Ed Rameriz was timiglia was the winner. There was a In the last session report, for Jan. tory on Jan. 9. second. In Flight B, Dennis Balling tie for second place between Bob El- 6, Tony Baker edged Denny Balderson At the Jan. 2 tournament, the team was the winner, Gene Baranowski was lis and Terry Wittman. Joe finished the for the A Flight title. Bill Robertson of Joe Doire and Joe Ventimiglia was second and John Shearer was third. entire session with four wins, one sec- was third. In B Flight, four different second. On Jan. 9, the team of Ray EIGHT-BALL ond and one third. players all finished with eight wins: Quirion and John Shearer was second, There were five nights of eight- On Dec. 23 in A Flight, Denny John Fier, Ian Hunter, Ray Quirion and the team of Bob Ellis and Norm ball action and seven different cham- Balderson took first place, Allen Pier and Nick Sapienza. Theriault was third. pions. New members always welcomed and you do not need experience By Penny Page to us as a group and then each of us Elections are held in March. New Year’s Day has come and proceeds to our own table to prac- We play on Wednesday evenings gone, but resolutions are still fresh in tice. Our coaches come around to from 6-8:30 p.m. all year long. our minds. help us individually. It’s a wonderful You must be a resident of On Top Some of us are going to the gym opportunity and we hope that you of the World with a current recreation more, riding our bikes on a regular ba- will take advantage. card. sis, learning a new language or instru- If you are not yet a member, here While a sense of humor is not re- ment, or are just determined that this are some important facts about our quired, there is a lot of laughter going year will be our best year yet! Que’ T Billiards club: on at our meets. If you are a member of the Membership - You don’t have to We welcome newcomers and hope Women’s Que’ T Pool Club, and have your own cue, nor be an experi- to see you on Wednesday nights. your resolution is to get better at to give us extra help. If you’ve never ence player, to be a member. We have If you would like to know more the game, I am reminding you that been for lessons, you will be sur- house cues and great coaches who will about our league, you can contact our Ed and Denny are in the pool room prised how much you can learn. Usu- work with you individually at no cost. president, Becky Balderson, at 727- every Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. ally, a special technique is explained Membership dues are $10 a year. 674-1733, [email protected]. Page 44 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

Action heats up with tournament play at the OTOW tennis courts By Joseph Spahalski If you want to see, feel and expe- tennis. Ladies, gentlemen, girls, guys The roar of excitement that you rience this excitement, free tickets are - come on out to the courts and see hear coming from the tennis courts Tennis on sale now. What are these tickets for? what you are missing. is from the cheers, the moans and the Well, if you want to watch some This is a great sport for making groans from participants and specta- exciting tennis, buy your free tickets new friends, while losing a few pounds. tors watching our annual tennis tour- go on to play the next match and the before they are printed. There is a Ladies, starting this month, an ad- nament. next match until you play all the other huge discount until Jan. 29. ditional starting time at 9 a.m. will be- Something a little different is go- teams. Just having fun with you. gin on Wednesdays and Fridays. Our ing on this year. When all the matches are done, You really don’t need tickets to see first group starts at 7:30 and you are To recap, in the singles and double only then will the winning team be rec- great tennis. Most matches will start at invited to join them, too. Your choice! matches, if you lose, you are done. ognized and get the gold. 9 a.m. on most days during February. We play on courts Nos. 3 and 4 Kaput. No more chances. You’re out. The winning team must utilize Stop by and watch some great action. (Court No. 1 has the lights.) Wait until next year. strategy, skill, endurance and maybe Speaking of action, perhaps this is As a reminder, the tournament is But that’s not the case with the bribery, in order to be rated the best the time to consider getting some ac- going on and a slight wait may hap- team tennis events. When you play a team standing. tion yourself. pen. Of course, this is a good time to match you collect points. It doesn’t They can stand tall - that is if they How you might ask? get acquainted with the group and see stop at one match. Nope, then you are still standing. There is a lot of action by playing good tennis. Three games finish with one-run margins Some explanations are in order. pitcher Guy Bertuzzi held Scott’s to and Paul Fice’s triple gave Scott’s some In last month’s column, I referred Softball one run in each of the last two innings. hope, but Cody’s offense was relent- to players “streaking home,” “racing to Scott’s power-two triples (Bill Ar- less. second base” and “making a running kins, Bob Fields), two doubles (Bill In a league first, Paul Fice dove Scott’s Pharmacy 20, Cody’s 14 catch.” Bennett, Bob Fields) and a home run for a ground ball ending up prone on This game was tied after four in- Terms like streaking, racing and (Bob Howell)-was trumped by Cody’s the ground. More impressive, he arose nings, but Scott’s exploded for 11 runs running are relative. 32 singles (six each by Greg Zimmer without assistance and continued over the next four innings to clinch the To our grandchildren, we may have and Guy). playing. Typically modest, Paul com- victory. been loping, trotting and ambling. For Cody’s, Lenny Segall and Don mented, it may have been closer to a Joe Farrell, Scott’s first baseman, Those less generous might even Dinello blasted home runs, while Hen- fall than a dive, but in the league annals returned from injury to dominate the refer to stumbling, hobbling and limp- ry Santos, Joe Maley and Hugh Quirk “The Dive” will become as legendary game with a six-hit day. He also made ing. each got four hits. as Babe Ruth’s called home run. an unassisted double play which led to We felt the wind in our hair (or -- cheers from both teams and his joyful hairs), and knew we were streaking, Cody’s 15, Scott’s Pharmacy 14 Baseball relies on statistics to tell exclamation, “I love this game.” and it was no misdemeanor. Hugh Quirk and Bob Rittner had its stories. Here are our current statis- Cody’s had home runs by Lenny Now that I’ve cleared that up, five hits apiece at the top of the bat- tical leaders in two important catego- Segall and Dom Dinello, and five hits here’s the action from last month. ting order and set up power hitters ries: On Base Percentage (OBP) and from Hugh Quirk, but they were not Lenny Segall, Don Dinello and Bob Slugging Percentage (SL), along with enough to offset Joe’s brilliant perfor- Cody’s 16, Scott’s Pharmacy 15 Howell to drive in runs. the major league career leader: mance. Showing no rust in his first game Tony Caputo’s two doubles and a of the season, Frank Schlotter’s hero- triple contributed to the win, and his OBP: Lenny Segall (.850); Guy Cody’s 11, Scott’s Pharmacy 10 ics in the field and at bat led Cody’s to aggressive running put him in position Bertuzzi (.829); Bill Arkins (.789); Pat Home runs by Bob Stoddard and victory. to score the winning run. Kennedy (.740); Paul Fice (.735); Ted Lenny Segall, plus Tony Caputo’s three First he cut off two runners at For Scott’s, Bill Arkins, Guy Ber- Williams (.482). hits, overcame four-hit days by Guy the plate with expert scoops of re- tuzzi and Pat Kennedy each had six Bertuzzi and Paul Fice to eke out the lays. Then Frank’s ninth inning-double hits to keep the game close. SL: Lenny Segall (1.850); Bob victory. deep over the center fielder’s head Howell (1.391); Greg Zimmer (1.154); drove, in the tying run. He later scored Cody’s 17, Scott’s Pharmacy 7 Bill Arkins (1.099); Bob Rittner (1.097); Cody’s 18, Scott’s Pharmacy 16 the winning run on Gary Burgett’s sac- Lenny Segall’s three home runs, in- Babe Ruth (.690). In a seesaw game, Cody’s five-run rifice fly. cluding a grand slam, led the rout. ninth inning made the difference as Joe Maley’s frozen rope double

Good Karma Café opens 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 3 in the lower level of the East Activity Center ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 45 My Valentine’s Day miracle memory My wife was in her ninth month, The next thing I remember is hear- were going off duty. glowing and beautiful with our first ing the word “episiotomy.” I didn’t Also joining the party were nurses child. know what episiotomy meant, but it aides, other families who were cel- We were supposed to be going to a had six syllables and sounded serious. ebrating their miracles, the janito- Valentine’s Day party that evening, but My naivete was now being over- rial help, and two sets of very proud fate would step in and change all that. whelmed with concern. I was assured grandparents. My “heir apparent” decided and reassured by all around, including Peter arrived in this world with a enough was enough and wanted “out.” the doctor, that everything was going full-blown party in his honor, cham- As I was driving my wife to the to be OK. I prayed so. pagne corks popping, and all. hospital, I kept thinking how great it It was now around 11 p.m. My No father could be prouder. would be if I could find a police car, wife had been in labor almost 20 hours When my wife and I first got mar- so I could flag the officer down and when the entire Valentine’s Day party ried, we discussed how large a family have an escort with sirens blaring, walked into the hospital waiting room. we wanted. We were talking about hav- driving through red lights, and all that And so the wait began. Everyone was dressed in red - lots and ing five children (we were very young other cool stuff. We didn’t know if it was going to lots of red - and they brought with and naïve). Alas, the trip to the hospital was be a boy or a girl. All we wanted was them hors d’oeuvres, cake, and cham- But when I reached her in the hos- uneventful, all things considered, and a happy, healthy, life-changing baby to pagne. pital room, holding our miracle, she after filling out the required -paper arrive with the normal family chaos The party had been moved to our mentioned for me to come closer and work upon arrival, the rest was up to and congratulatory excitement that ac- hospital! kneel down. my bride. companies such an event. Within minutes of their arrival, the Weakly she whispered into my I had called both sets of future Other families, who had arrived doctor reappeared in the waiting room, ear, “We are never going to have sex grandparents and told them not to after us, were already enjoying their into this sea of red, to announce a per- again.” rush as their grandchild was only in miracles, but we were still waiting for fect, beautiful, baby boy, whose name It all sounded so final to me, but the early stages of labor. ours. would be Peter. eventually we did come to a compro- Who was I kidding? I was a very naïve father-in-waiting. Mother and child were doing fine. mise and had two more boys. The grandparents were at the hos- The future grandparents seemed wor- While I slipped away (I couldn’t My wife’s quest for a daughter pital before we were. You could see ried. And then the doctor appeared (he wait to be with “my family”), the cel- never came true, but her next quest their skid marks into the parking lot! happened to be my wife’s uncle), and ebration in the waiting room was al- took place with no resistance. It was I had also called our friends at the told us the baby had turned his head in ready underway. my turn for a medical procedure, and party, letting them know we were not the birth canal, which was why labor Almost 40 guests from the party from that point on, we were assured, going to be able to make it ... for obvi- was still in progress. were there and were now joined by we would never have a Valentine’s Day ous reasons. My future genius got “stuck.” a number of nurses, many of whom party in a waiting room again. If you told your husband ‘I love you,’ what response would you get? A group of women were at a semi- Valentine’s Day A third person laughed and said nar on how to live in a loving relation- Valentine’s Day will soon be here she got old exactly at the point when ship with their husband. and flowers and candy will soon ap- her arms were too short to read the The women were asked, “How Marge pear. newspaper. many of you love your husband?” As children we learn to say, “Roses We’re talking Suddenly Senior here All the women raised their hands. Mayer are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet when out of the blue that moment in Then they were asked, “When was and so are you.” time, contrary to our age, we realize we the last time you told your husband The valentines we send to those are geezers to the rest of the world. you loved him?” we love will be covered with hearts When did we get old? Some women answered today, Marge’s Humor and maybe a dove. Was it the first time we got up in some yesterday, some couldn’t remem- The heart-shaped boxes are just the middle of the night to pee? ber. dandy because they contain chocolate The first morning we got up feel- The women were then told to take 4. I don’t understand what you candy. ing terrible when we didn’t even have a out their cell phones and text their mean? Bon-bons and chocolate we sim- good time the night before? husbands: “I love you, Sweetheart.” 5 What did you do now? ply adore, but what they do to our hips When we said, “Back in my day?” The women were then told to ex- 6. ?!? we can’t ignore. Was it our first “senior moment?” change phones and to read aloud the 7. Don’t beat about the bush, just When we learned our knees could text message responses. tell me how much you need. When Did We Get Old? predict the weather better than Chan- 8. Am I dreaming? Someone suggested we got old the nel 8? Here are some of the replies: 9. If you don’t tell me who this first time we received a senior citizen Our first gray hair? 1. Who is this? message is actually for, someone will discount without asking. The day we decided holding in our 2. Eh, mother of my children, die. Another blamed AARP, declaring stomach wasn’t worth the effort? are you sick? 10. I thought we agreed we would the letter inviting membership was like The moment we realized we were 3. What now? Did you crash the not drink during the day. a death knell. now reading the obits instead of the car again? You were only 50 then, just a child. news? Page 46 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

Everything advertised on this page is free! BULLETIN BOARD

Polar Bears The Polar Bear group meets 9-10 a.m. every Slimnastics weekday morning in the East Activity Center What is slimnastics? swimming pool as long as the temperature out- Walking, stretching and getting your blood side is above 62 degrees. flowing. Cost is free. We meet, exercise and build We do not do floor exercises. friendships. Come and join us. Slimnastics meets in the East Activity Cen- ter gym at 9 a.m. every weekday morning. Every class is free to On Top of the World residents.

Morning exercises Come join us every morning at 8 a.m. in the East Activ- ity Center lower gym room. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings our work- outs include stretching, building balance and coordination, improving flexibility, and strengthening the body’s core. Bonesavers Bring a towel or mat because we do floor exercises. Did you know that the Bonesavers exercise class Each day we work different muscle groups. Also, bring helps prevent bone loss? your hand weights to our strength training/weight lifting We use hand weights and ankle weights in exercis- classes on Wednesday and Friday mornings while we work es that were developed by Tufts University in an effort on improving muscle tone. to prevent further bone loss. We never do floor exer- The Association was kind enough to supply us with a cises. There is no charge for this class. Men and women weight rack so we can leave our weights which are locked are both welcome to participate. We meet Mondays, after each class. We have incorporated music to our daily Wednesdays and Fridays from 8-9 a.m., in the large card cardio workout. room on the lower level of the East Activity Center. We hope to see you there. For further information, please call Libby at 727- 669-1486.

Check out the Box Office Web site for a list of all exercise related events, plus clubs, groups and sports. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 47 Page 48 /February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

Kenya

Valentine’s Day 2012 was a day She was no longer homeless. window ledge and to watch the neigh- Kenya will never forget. From the minute Kenya entered bors as they passed by the house. She spent the previous year in a Bonnie’s condo, she knew she had Kenya actually became her new garage full of caged cats, all waiting to found a new forever home. There name. Bonnie saw her beautiful colors be fostered for adoption. were toys waiting for her, as well as and decided her new friend resembled Then, on this very day, her cage plenty of food and cold water -- and a many of the beautiful animals in Kenya. door opened and there was a new face clean litter box. Today, Kenya is treated like a staring at her - it was Bonnie Mack Kenya and her new mom bonded queen, and Bonnie says, “Every day, from the Antigua I Building. for the next four days -- no place was she knows what it means to live On Kenya’s life suddenly changed. off limits. She was free to settle on any Top of the World.”

Each month, OTOW News, Walgreens and Pet Supplies Plus are featuring a Pet of the Month in this newspaper. Any pets living at On Top of the World are eligible. To enter your pet, email one clear, color photo to [email protected] and tell us what makes your pet special. If you don’t have email capabilities, drop off your photo and information to the newsroom. You must include pet’s name, owner’s name, building and age. Only one pet per household can win each year. The winner will receive (1) 8x10, (2) 5x7 and (4) 4x6 photos from Walgreens on the corner of Belcher and Sunset Point roads. You will also receive a $10 gift card from Pet Supplies Plus on McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater. If you are the winner this month, bring the newspaper and your original color print to Walgreens to receive your prize, and stop by the newsroom to pick up your gift card. Each monthly winner becomes eligible for Pet of the Year honors in January. We are currently running low on entrees, so if you’ve never entered your pet in the contest, now is the time to do so! Good luck! ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 49

Sugar ‘N Spice recently ‘performed’ with pianist Dino Kartsonaski during a church program. The entire video is on YouTube. OTOW Pet of the Year already has a famous side By Doug Kates Sugar ‘N Spice, a long-hair ioners showed support by voting, too. for once playing piano with performer Gloria Lindley says her dog has a Chihuahua, was Pet of the Month for And that’s not all. Dino Kartsonaski. If you don’t believe wardrobe collection that is bigger than February of last year and was one of Sugar’s former owner, who now me, Sugar and Dino have a video on 12 OTOW pets who competed for Pet lives out of state, also put together a YouTube that you can watch. her closet. of the Year honors last month. voting campaign and had many of her “Everyone just loves her,” Gloria However, once told that Sugar ‘N Sugar took first place with more Avon customers vote. said. “She has a photo shoot coming Spice was voted the 2013 On Top of the than 2,000 online votes. Peaches was So, between family, church, up with all her clothes. She is a mascot World Pet of the Year, Gloria paused second with 404 votes and Frankie was business and OTOW residents in in the church choir and sings at Christ- for a moment and panicked. third with 151 votes. general, Sugar had a lot of support mas time. Seems to be, Sugar ‘N Spice may Asked how Sugar got so many during the online voting process, which Sugar is now 11 years old. At age not have anything green to wear when votes and Gloria had a pretty good covered just more than two days. 9, she was on hand during opening the Irish Club St. Patrick’s Day parade answer. She is one of 17 children and Sugar can now list another ceremonies of the OTOW Dog Park takes place next month, and it’s become said everyone in her family voted. achievement in her resume. on the west side. a tradition the past two years that our Plus, there were nieces and nephews You see, Sugar already has her own Sugar wins a free bubble bath and Pet of the Year rides in the parade. who also voted. Facebook page, she is a service dog, groom from Barks & Bubbles, Mobile “I’ll have to go get her a new Sugar regularly attends church at she visits patients in nursing homes and Grooming and a free medical checkup outfit,” Gloria said. Countryside Baptist and many parish- hospitals, and is probably most famous from Animal Healthcare Services. Page 50 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 51 Weather turns cold, but sunny, for beach condo stay This holiday season gave some Mandalay residents the chance to celebrate with friends and others to see family members who live far away. Jim and Terry McHugh invited some friends and neighbors in for a pre-Christmas party. Their apartment was a magical setting for the festivities. They had been collecting Christmas memorabilia for years. There were many decorations with a Christmas theme including too many Santas to count, some of which were animated and danced or presented a little scene. other’s company. Fred is especially They were terrific hosts and made so proud of his young grandson and many delicious things to eat that even said that he could not keep up with the eager guests could hardly make a his dexterity and speed in playing dent in the goodies. video games. Fred Drew went to Norfolk, Va., My husband Carl and I had a great to see his son, daughter-in-law and time, too. My son rented two condos at grandson. His son is retired from the the beach so there would be room for Navy but still doing similar work as a the whole family. Mandalay residents enjoy a recent building luncheon. (Photo by Mary Lou Wall) civilian. His son had been recovering One son and his wife came from from an injury and so had lots of time Atlanta, my daughter came from We celebrated my eldest son’s weather just before they came. My to spend with Fred before he had to go Washington, D.C., and my son, daughter- wedding anniversary (at a really beach-loving daughters-in-law were back to work. in-law and two granddaughters came sophisticated restaurant) and sang disappointed because it was overcast Fred loved spending time with from Montgomery, Ala.. Happy Birthday to my daughter (born and chilly a lot of the time while them. The weather was cold, but sunny, We played games such as bridge and on New Year’s Eve). they were here (although the warmth and they enjoyed the opportunities to Trivial Pursuit with much conversation Unfortunately, the weather did and good cheer of being together eat out together, to talk and enjoy each and laughter. not cooperate. We had hot and sunny made up for it)! Building officers installed at Jan. meeting Let me start this article with over each entrance as well as wreaths an apology to my fellow Americana and bows hung along the second and residents for not submitting a January third floor balconies. Individual units column. My excuse is simply that I was added their own Christmas touches in having too much fun with everyone else their windows. Everyone who came by in the building. enjoyed the beauty that was added. The annual meeting was held at Early that same evening we the beginning of January in the Veranda continued our new tradition of toasting at the East Activity Center. In addition the beautiful work we did with a BYOB to the usual discussions, including cocktail party. Angie and George the past year’s activities and plans for Georgiou and I purchased finger the New Year, the most important food which was quickly consumed by business arising was the election of everyone who attended. new officers. President, Stan Spahalski; The following week we gathered vice president, Jean Nicolaus; secretary, Make sure you check our building again, this time at the Dunedin Golf Karen Ipsen; and Ken Jenner who is bulletin board for any information Club. The food was delicious. We had continuing as treasurer. Wing captains about upcoming events, including a sing-along and then awarded door were later appointed by Stan. They are monthly lunches, the Valentine’s party prizes to a large number of the guests. Arnie Engelbert, Carol Muntzenberger, and the end-of-season barbecue. Catherine Gray is the gal who made the Ann Talner, and a newcomer to Also, get to know your wing captain. arrangements. Catherine did her usual this post, Joan Delott. Welcome The first Saturday in December fine job, and we want to thank her. Ann aboard, Joan. we joined together in the core to set Talner gathered the door prizes which Also, we are welcoming new up the Christmas decorations. The were transported there by Becky and neighbors: Denise and Joseph Malfer, tree was erected in the center of the Dennis Balderson. Everyone seemed Rita and Ian Moy, and Jasmin Stokes. core, and outdoor lights were strung pleased with the entire evening. Page 52 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Resident is honored by big birthday bash Hope everyone had a happy New party with drinks, food and cake at a Year! We at Austrian Alpine were very nearby restaurant with 60 close friends busy with our lobby party (which and relatives on hand. Cards and photos seems to be getting bigger and bigger were placed in an album, which Blanche each year), our tree decorating (thanks thoroughly enjoyed perusing. to all who helped) and our delicious Grace Hodek recently returned Christmas dinner at Lucky Dills. from a Christmas Caribbean cruise. Len and I hosted our annual She had a wonderful time. Christmas party, with 22 family I recently came across this quote members attending. for the New Year that I would like to share: Our Sunday karaoke is in full “We could learn a lot from crayons. Fujiwara swing now, starting in December with Some are sharp, some are pretty and a huge Christmas party with 80 in some are dull. Some have weird names attendance. Karaoke will be held once her big birthday on Oct. 12. (We don’t and all are different colors. But they all welcomes per month. Notices will be posted on know her exact age, but we hear it’s 10 come from the same box.” the bulletin board and on OTOW-TV years less than Tom’s, who celebrated Have an awesome New Year and newcomers (channels 96 and 720). his 100th birthday last month!) know that someone has thought about We have a number of new A very belated happy birthday Blanche’s grandson was married you today! people in our building and we would wish to Blanche Mahrle. She recently the same day as her birthday. The next “A truly happy person is one who love to get to know you better and returned from Michigan after celebrating day, Blanche’s daughter, Mary, threw a can enjoy the scenery on a detour.” have you get to know us. Check the bulletin board in the lobby and sign up for our monthly dinners. Comings and goings allow for family time There is also a list on the bulletin board for new people listing which We are so fortunate to live here in tree and then they put up the January apartment you are in, birthdays, and Florida even though we did have a “taste” decorations in the core, with Ralph’s help. It looks great! Thank you. anniversary dates. of that frigid weather they experienced Welcome back Irene Nickolson Welcome back Francis Perotta, up North. Many of us visited family: from Massachusetts. Dominic, Mick and Lilly; Scott Arla Gossiaux flew to Michigan, Audrey Mooney; Norman and Brenda Decker to Connecticut, and me, to In a quiet moment, I realized Lieberfreune; and Nan Charkas. If New Jersey and Long Island, where I that this year I will no longer be an you are new and don’t see your name visited seven homes, including three octogenarian. My son is already asking here, go check out the bulletin board grandchildrens’ new houses. me, “What’s left on your bucket list?” with pencil in hand. Several neighbors had out-of-town Maybe winning the lottery or appearing Neal and Jean O’Brien recently relatives for Christmas dinner. Ethyle on “Wheel of Fortune?” returned from their 11th Carnival Lee’s daughter Susy and husband Westy Incidentally, my son and family Cruise to the Caribbean and are arrived from Tennessee, and they invited spent a week in Orlando at Universal. Rita Tombari for dinner. Grandson already talking about their 12th one Doris Prekopa invited Penny They visited me for one day and took in May. This makes a grand total of Chip and his wife, Tasha, came from (her sister), Mary Hodges and Agnes down all my Christmas decorations. 21 cruises on various cruise lines Tennessee, and granddaughter Tiffany Krepelka for Christmas dinner, which Did I appreciate that kind gesture! for them. and husband Eddie drove from Tampa was delicious. I gave my two granddaughters many of Joy Prolifko and Char Flach to join in the festivities. Ethyle enjoyed Skip and Pat Heller’s get-together my 33-1/3 phonograph records since the four great-granddaughters. (There returned from a two-week trip was delightful with so many appetizing record players are in vogue again. are a lot of females in the Lee family.) together to France and Italy. They dishes. Pat is a super cook and is our The Jesters Show, in which our visited Paris, Aix-en Provence, Lillian and Mike Foy’s two “soup lady.” daughters flew here from New Jersey own Lillian Foy will be performing, is Aries, the French Riviera, Florence, Sue Rausch’s backyard potluck on Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. Cinque Terre, Pitti Palace and Chiati, for their first visit to On Top of the dinner was a winner… a true World. They went fishing on Pier 60, 15, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 16, Siena, Tuscany, and Rome. It was a “Florida” event! at 2 p.m. We have tickets. Also, eight of enjoyed the exercise class and hot tub About 40 of us enjoyed a steak trip of a lifetime. Joy thinks she left our line dancers are doing two numbers. and viewed the fireworks at Clearwater dinner at the Eagles Club in Odessa something behind and is already Please attend and support us. planning a trip back! Beach on New Year’s Eve. Lillian is a where Dave Mathewson works. Good true “Good Neighbor,” securing a cane food, good conversation and good The next Siboney building meeting Char’s next trip is a cruise to is Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., in the Australia, visiting all the Polynesian for Aida Tapia, her next-door neighbor, company made the evening so special. Sunrise Room. See you there. Dues are islands along the way. from the OTOW Community Service Many thanks to all who removed still $5 per person. Folks, mark your calendar for Office. Just see Julie if you need to the Noel signs and decorations Feb. 6 for our next building meeting. borrow a cane, walker or wheelchair. throughout the building. Mary Jane Happy Presidents’ Day and Happy In the meantime, keep a song on your Thanks, Lillian! and Audrey Decker took down the Valentine’s Day! lips and love in your heart. THE NEWSPAPER IS ON THE WEB The OTOW News is online, and you can easily download and view the complete current issue, as well as issues from the past 12 months. The first thing you do is go toontopoftheworldnews.com . Then click on the OTOW Newspaper banner. Just below that is the Clearwater Press Association heading. Click where it says “Click Here.” At the Press Association site you will see a thumbnail image of the current issue’s front page. Directly underneath is a “Click Here” link. Be sure to bookmark the link. You may want to send the link to your family and friends up North so they can keep up with all the happenings at On Top of the World.

www.ontopoftheworldnews.com ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 53 Nagoya building has its own ‘hall-of-famer’ in residence We are honored to have an Athletic Hall of Fame recipient in our building! Arlynn (Andy) Anderson was inducted into the SCSU Hall of Fame in October, 2013, for his many accomplishments at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. It is almost overwhelming to see all of his accomplishments contained in his Lifetime Achievement Award. Andy was the men’s gymnastics head coach from 1966-1978. He received his doctorate at Florida State University and his Masters Degree at Bemidji State University, where he also taught and coached. He competed in racquetball tournaments Andy is married to a wonderful for over 40 years, was a superior-ranked woman named Jan, and I give her credit diver and member of the swim team, for taking care of their family at home— and a superior-ranked member of the including 16 Thanksgiving holidays tennis and track teams at the University without him, due to competitions in of Wisconsin. which his students were participating. He received a YNCA Century It is my belief, as the saying goes, that Award in 1983 from Teledyne Fitness Center, Mobile Ala. He taught over 37 behind every successful man there is a This poster was on display at Arlynn Anderson’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony wonderful, supportive wife. different classes in Physical Education, Andy coached (and participated Education, Health and Anatomy. He and how he has influenced their lives students are on the U.S. Olympic Team. himself) in the following competitions: was the president of the National in a positive way. It is now a generational contribution for gymnastics, diving, men’s and women’s Sports Council for Gymnastics, among Fifteen accomplished gymnastic his accomplishments. tennis, hockey, bowling, diving and many other too numerous to list. students came in person to the induction Andy now enjoys golfing and pool swim team, racquetball, and track. He has received many letters from ceremony to thank him for all he has at On Top of the World. He twice held first place in his former students for a Lifetime done in guiding and mentoring them. In closing, Happy Valentine’s the horizontal bar at the Northwest Achievement Award he won, telling One former student has gymnasiums Day to all residents of On Top Open Gymnastic Championships. him how well they have done in life across the United States, and some of his of the World! Page 54 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Grandpa takes kids on their first OTOW photo shoot Holiday visits from family are a frequent occurrence at On Top of the World, and this holiday season saw many. Visitors see our surroundings in a new light and shed great insight into many things. They see the beauty that we take for granted here. They enjoy the warm temperatures. They ask many questions about our activities here. In short, one of the great values for residents is the freshness that comes with family visitors who are open enough to comment on the day to day situations in which we find ourselves as residents. My wife and I were blessed this holiday seasons to have a visit from our son and his family. The family includes The kids take a break from photographing to fly a kite, thanks to a generous neighbor. two children aged 8 and 4 years. They were enthusiastic about everything and kites.We had to stop of course and had many requests. take some pictures, and the friendly Yes, we went to Disney and we neighbor offered to let the children had great meals prepared by grandma fly one of the kites. and our daughter-in-law. One of their All in all, they had a wonderful requests was to go on a photo shoot photo shoot and saw things that I see with Grandpa. every day but I saw them with a new and Since we had four cameras in the fresh approach that showed through the apartment, the two children and their lens of their cameras. mother and grandpa all had a camera. Attached please note that the tree It is revealing to see what children see picture was taken by our 4-year-old through the lens of a camera. You will This majestic oak was snapped by the Reporter’s 8-year-old granddaughter grandson and the egret taking flight was 4-year-old grandson of reporter Don Jones. see two pictures that were taken on this captured this egret taking off in flight. snapped at exactly the right moment by photo shoot that show the beauty of our 8-year-old granddaughter. Our Dorado holiday party was 8-year-old along. First we encountered OTOW that surrounds us each day. We They have arrived home safely in a great success thanks to Cheryl and too often take this beauty for granted. that great tree behind the Queen Canada now, and their grandparents Peter Milner who organized the get- We decided to take a walk along Victoria building near Lake Arbor. Lake Arbor on the sidewalk. I do this Then we saw birds: groups of Ibis, duck are resting up here in the Dorado together. Thirty-one residents attended walk almost daily. I like to look at the families, egrets and blue herons. building after a busy two weeks, but and enjoyed a meal with live music at trees, the flowers and the birds as I walk, Later we encountered a neighbor we feel refreshed and again suffused Sea Sea Riders restaurant. Four happy but something gets much more exciting who was taking advantage of the breeze with energy and newness of life that Dorado residents went home with the when you have a 4-year-old and an that had sprung up to fly numerous comes with holiday visits. four door prizes. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 55 Trip to Carolina mountains was a bit chilly During the holidays, Avona Carrol invited the entire building to a Christmas Eve Party. What a success, she had a great turn out. Everyone enjoyed the evening. Good job, Avona. The Warrens have fun “dressing- up” now and again —Cleopatra and Julius Caesar for Halloween, winning a surprise prize for Most Elegant Couple. In November, it was dress-up time at an Imperial Symphony Orchestra event (playing the famous Beatles music Plans made in “A British Invasion”) in Lakeland, I am back from my trip to the where they went as the English Prime mountains of South Carolina to see Minister and his lady. at building Recently, in honor of the fourth my family.It was a complete welcome season premier of “Downton Abbey,” change of scenery. Instead of egrets Elizabeth and Malcolm Warren dressed up as meeting WEDU’s very able contribution to good and wood storks, I have seen vultures “Downton Abbey” residents of the 1920s. and mountain chickens. It’s a far cry The last of our chickens have world-wide TV-watching (Masterpiece local plumber was really busy. We hit from the beauty of Florida, but non-the returned to the coop. Welcome back Theatre on Sunday nights) — they the stores and got some water, but the less interesting and different. to all! dressed in the haute-couture spirit- shelves quickly emptied out. I believe most of us are still I could sit and listen to the locals of-the-piece that began in 1912 three We had a few miserable days recovering from the holidays. talk for hours. They have very quaint seasons ago (see photo). They are but then fortunately, my son-in-law The ladies January luncheon standing in front of a picture of sayings, which at times my daughter had a friend as a plumber so he came was held at Oriental Super Buffet on Highclere castle, where the show is has to translate for me. Loads of fun. after-hours to fix it. Gulf-to-Bay on Jan. 9. The food and filmed, and where they visited in June. However, the fun stopped on a Monday If you are new to the building or service were great. The men went to They really enjoyed themselves on night when the temperature went down have interesting news to share, let me Paradise. Both were good choices. each occasion and, if smiles were the to l6 degrees. know. I have a basket and a notice in The first meeting of the proof, they had a very good time! They Due to the low temperatures, the core bulletin board for you to place New Year was held at the Sunrise wish all at On top of the World a very the pump on the well froze and burst your information as well as an e-mail Room at 7 p.m. on Jan. 23. Our Happy New Year! several water pipes. Needless to say, the and phone number to reach me. activities for the following months were planned. Just a reminder that our annual dues for 2014 are due ($10). Make Storage room cleanup progressing well out your check and drop it off to Ellen. time of my life are that I’ve realized Sounds of Christmas are behind Mama sez: Other people’s us, but how we enjoyed what sounded I’m never going to be really good at tattoos are like other people’s like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir anything now especially golf, and the children. Only you can see how singing from the Algozzina condo things I used to do, I no longer care to bad they are. during the holidays. George’s music do, but I really care that I don’t care to accompaniment and the Christmas do them anymore! carols sung by many brought joy, peace February celebrates Valentine‘s and healing to its listeners. Day and President’s Day. It’s also the This is a great time of the year. time when all our northern friends The holidays are over, the decorations and family come to visit. May you are put away and it’s the only time that be showered with lots of friends and our condos actually feel bigger to us. friendship, candy and flowers as you Doesn’t take long for that feeling to go celebrate the month of February. away though as we put everything into to him as soon as possible. It is said to our storage bins. get something done, give it to a busy Our storage rooms are looking person. George works full time and great with just a couple of areas still volunteers on more committees than to be addressed. There are just a few we can count so please take it upon paints, chemicals and furniture yet yourself to make this payment to him to be removed for the safety of our so he doesn’t have to comeaknockin’. building and all our residents. Appreciation is extended to Thanks are extended as usual to Dick Mikszenas who has been our Rich Hayes for the use of his electricity bookkeeper and treasurer for many to light our building’s wreath and to years... carefully maintaining our our phantom wreath remover who put books and keeping us above the them all away until next year. poverty line. It is like pulling teeth to get a new The new year brings a new digit treasurer for our building, but we are added to my life and I always think happy to say no dentist was needed of the advise my dad would give me. when George Algozzina stepped up “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and agreed to take on this role. He’s yet the youngest you’ll ever be so written an informative letter to us all enjoy this day while it lasts.” A couple and asked that we pay our building dues of observations that I’ve made at this Page 56 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Original owner celebrates 100th birthday at OTOW Bill Pallait turned 100 years old on Oct. 8 of last year and, during the past century, has seen a lot of change. Over the holidays we threw a surprise, belated birthday party for Bill, who is an original owner in the Mandarin building. Was it electricity or airplanes or computers that most impressed Bill over the first hundred years? The correct answer is, none of the above. It was the radio that he built in high school from a kit. When it was all finished voices came out of the box like magic. Bill’s mother was not driven to Model T Ford replaced the aging horses the hospital to deliver Bill. A midwife as the primary mode of transportation came by horse and wagon to the farm when Bill was 7 years old. The roads house outside of Manchester Conn. In were dirt unless it rained, then they those days the horse drawn wagon was were mud. The Model T Ford would the primary mode of transportation get stuck in the mud, but the horses in farm country. and wagon never did. The horsepower for tilling the Bill took charge of the Christmas soil to produce their food and smoke decorations for the Mandarin building also came from horses. One of the for many years, but when he turned crops raised on their farm was tobacco. 94 he asked the younger volunteers to Bill Pallait and daughter Linda Bouley celebrate Bill’s century birthday with residents of the Mandarin building. Bill is an original OTOW owner. (Photo by Ed Foland) Growing and rolling your own cigarettes take over. was a very common practice. Emily, Bill’s wife of 68 years Linda Bouley, who spends her winters for Bill’s next surprise birthday party are A brand new all-black luxury passed in 2008. They had one daughter, with Bill. Stay tuned folks, because plans already underway! On junk drawers, resolutions kept (or not) and advice Happy Valentine’s Day. Make sure people who saved things that they is the custom of making New Year’s that you get that card or gift for the had accumulated. resolutions. How many people out there one you love. I have a situation where I have have already broken resolutions made The holidays are a thing of the past a lot of greeting cards for various this year and how many just repeat but I hope that the good feeling is still occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, the same resolutions each year? Is it a with everyone. Please don’t wait until Fathers day, etc. good thing to vow to give up something next year to feel happy and friendly, Some of the cards are quite nice or start to do something and then especially toward your neighbor. and some are even tear-jerky, which disregard it in a very short time? The visits to the family up North makes disposing of them a difficult Anyone with the desire to improve are mostly ended and everyone is settling exercise. If I keep these cards does that themselves by making a credible promise down to a warm and comfortable stay make me a hoarder and if I dispose of to themselves (or to others) should be in Tampa Bay. The news reports say them am I insensitive? Guess I will have able to do so anytime of the year, not that this past tourist season was one to wait for one of those days when I get because it somehow became tradition. of the best in recent history. One stung by the cleaning bug and decide I think I should stop giving out advantage that we have, living here, The air conditioning in the apartments, to throw everything away that I haven’t advice to people who probably don’t is that we have these beautiful days cars and shopping areas make summer used recently. want to hear it. on a constant basis. an actually comfortable time and the I also wonder about that junk The Snowbirds often ask the pool area is a favorite location for drawer that everyone seems to have, did I have been in many places but year-round residents about the heat in all residents. you ever notice how this drawer starts I have never been in “kahoots.” I the summer and the answer is usually, I was watching a television to expand into other drawers? understand that you have to be with “I don’t really feel it that much.” show recently that highlighted Another thing that interests me someone to be in “kahoots.” ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 57

THE WAY WE WERE A look back at the OTOW News (Part 57 February, 1976) By Dolores Burm and Elaine Gotler • Wednesday restaurant visits during the month included The Reef, Trader Frank’s and Chief Charley’s. … while reporter Marguerite Laskowski • Harry James and his Orchestra played on March 11. All proceeds were Wally Laskowski (reporters’ husband) poses with her daughters during their donated to UPARC. shows off his visiting granddaughter… recent visit to OTOW. • Upcoming On Top of the World trips will be a cruise on the Starward of the Norwegian Carribean Lines, a Bicentennial Trail trip, a Rockies Reporter’s family visitors Calgary Stampede and a Tauck Tour of the Wild West. • Kay Gordon, the new president of Good Neighbors Association, come from Arizona, Georgia welcomed a turnout of 100 registered as members. We are all used to seeing the • Wondering what to do with some of your extra money ($1000)? How Snowbirds’ cars and their out-of-state about a Home Federal S&L four-year CD at 7%? license plates parked in assigned spots. But there were many cars with out-of- See you in March state tags filling the visitors’ parking spots the past couple of months. Our own visitors came from Georgia and Arizona. One daughter and granddaughter drove from Acworth, COFFEE CORNER Ga., and were with us for six days. Then another daughter surprised us with a Coffee and donuts are served three-day visit from Arizona. She flew from 7 to 10 a.m. every weekday into Tampa and stayed with her sister morning in the East Activity until they could spring the unexpected more interesting than ours. It is amazing and happy visit on us. We had not seen to see the cell phones, iPads and Center auditorium. her in three years. (See photos at top.) other electronic gadgets they carry We played many card and board with them. games. Movies were on the agenda as Once their visits were over and well as visiting the local restaurants. they had departed to go back to their And, of course, there were many husbands, animals and jobs, our home family dinners over which we laughed was very quiet again. We love to see and caught up on the latest details them come to visit. We miss them when of our children’s lives. They also they leave. And, we look forward to were able to visit with their Florida their next vacation with Mom and Dad aunt and cousins. in Florida. Their lives are much busier and “Till We Meet Again”

Welcome to new reporter for Southern Colonial Southern Colonial’s holiday party was held at the Olive Garden. We had a nice turnout and everyone had a great time. We all want to thank Jean Norris for making all the arrangements. We would like to welcome our new neighbors, Jim and Bobbie Hunt. Previously, they lived in a large house in Clearwater, eventually wanting to downsize and still be able to live in the area. They have resided in Florida Paul and Allison Keating, Lucy for 39 years. Sheedy, and of course, your reporter We also want to welcome and her husband, Viola and Tom back our Snowbirds. We missed Occhiogrosso. you guys! Some Snowbirds even We wish everyone a happy and became full-time residents: healthy New Year! Page 58 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

SINGING A LOVE SONG VALENTINE’S DAY As each day begins By Alma W. Hudson By Alma W. Hudson God shows us the way We’ll be singing a love song This is the month With clarity of thought As long as we live For Valentine’s Day To help us through the day Moon and stars up above We all look forward When we are adult Song and joy that we’ll give In our entire way And have chosen our mate AGING PROCESS When I walk with you and talk with you Love comes in so many ways We find a different love By Robert E. Thomson The world seems so bright It is difficult to define That is so very great Your eyes will shine right into mine But one thing for sure How lucky we are I’m getting forgetful. I can’t What a heavenly sight It is always the right kind When we’re blessed with love Remember things quickly. So please Be patient with me, for I have When we’re singing our love song The love for our parents And to know it is a gift What is known as Old Timers’ Disease. We always will strive Starts the first rule That’s given from above Keep our wonderful love song Then love for our teachers Forever and ever alive When we are in school It’s the joy we share beyond compare Love for our church And the love that we give Helps us to grow We’ll be singing our love song And those who are in it As long as we live Help us to know

The submission below is from an OTOW Writer’s Ink member “WHALES” By Elaine Detlefsen Whales are large mammals that water with its flippers as if greeting to be 100 years old. Some also shed This cruise went six miles out live in the sea and look like fish. the crowd aboard. We all viewed their skin. The whalebone is the to Stellwagen Bank National Marine I had an occasion a few summers humpback and finback whales mostly. tough elastic substance that hangs in Sanctuary because it is a favorite ago to board a boat in Provincetown The show they put on consisted fringed sheets from the upper jaw of feeding ground for the whales. This (Cape Cod), Mass., in the hopes of of holding their heads high out some whales and strains out tiny sea area encompasses 600 square nautical sighting different species of these of the water, executing dives and animals on which they whale feeds. miles. It is approximately 26 miles creatures. It was a very memorable leaping straight out of the water Our boat had to motor to a east of Boston and six miles north day since this was accomplished. into the air. second location before any activity of Provincetown. These majestic creatures rise While I was on the vessel, a started. If a day is not a success Wow! What a wonderful from the depths of the water and naturalist helped us all identify and and there is not any activity to be gorgeous day it was to be on the water immediately nuzzle the sides of the learn more about these gentle giants. seen, we were told we would receive admiring the sky, sea and whales. boat. One whale actually slapped the He explained that some whales live a refund. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 59 Some handy info on light bulb phase-out When España first opened, we had narrow candelabra bases that are often Bible Study five otters that came now and then to used in chandeliers. Be sure to read the swim in the retention pond beside my labels because not all of the new bulbs Club Bob Reis, President apartment. They came back and forth can work on a dimmer. through the white pipe at the far end I am amazed at the number of The OTOW Bible Study of the pond. people who contact me to make Club is a non-denominational Occasionally I would see one suggestions for subjects that I should Bible study group to explore the hippy-hopping across the property include in my articles. The latest one is word of God, and how it relates from behind the Malagueña building in regard to people not remembering to our everyday lives. Our to the pond. After a while, we only that the parking lot is for cars and the teacher, Woodie Tully, brings had one otter that came occasionally. sidewalk is for people. When you pull 45 years of Bible teaching experience to help understand Well, on Jan. 9, I had a huge surprise. up so far that your tire hits the curb, be the Scriptures. As I was fixing dinner, I looked out my aware that the front part of your car is The club meets each kitchen window and, low and behold, over the sidewalk, which may impede Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. in there were four huge otters sitting on The article said we now have the progress of folks on motorized choices: compact fluorescent light the Veranda Room of the East the ground on my side of the pond. scooters, etc. So you may want to back Activities Center. Occasionally I called some of my neighbors and bulbs; LED bulbs and halogen bulbs. up a little. The article stated that understanding we use a third Tuesday evening told them about the otters. We had quite Almost every afternoon, the for refreshments, music a gathering watching them play. the label is easier if you know a couple residents on the west side of our and singing. As of Jan. 1, we can no longer of terms. “Lumens” measures a bulb’s building have the privilege of watching We welcome everyone to purchase the 40- and 60-watt brightness, i.e., 450 lumens equals a a gentleman from Malagueña flying our club. You do not need incandescent light bulbs that we are 40-watt bulb; 800 lumens equals a 60- kites. He usually has three or four in the to have any knowledge of accustomed to using. On Sunday, Jan. watt; 1,100 equals a 75-watt; and 1,600 air at the same time. Take a walk down Scripture to join, and there 12, the Tampa Bay Times had a great lumens equals a100-watt bulb. to the lake and watch him sometime. are no club fees required. article on the new light bulbs. The At this point, all incandescent It’s time for us to get ready to eat We are not a church; those article is on the front page of the Home bulbs are not included in this change. candy and smell flowers. Valentine’s Day attending are from a variety of Link section. You can also access it on Among the exempt bulbs are three-way is coming soon, so Happy Valentine’s denominations. your computer. bulbs, 150-watt bulbs, and bulbs with Day to you all! Every first-time guest receives a complete copy of the Bible to keep as their own. For more information, call OTOW After-Hours Emergency Number: 799-1115 either Bob Reis, 798-2443, (Water intrusion, elevator entrapment, building alarm malfunctions, electrical problems, etc.) or Woodie Tully, 399-1773. Page 60 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Virginia Mucci: talented female singer of the ‘40s era By Cecile Sangiamo work stopped for good at the end of and Cynthia. These have given the Ginny Mucci was born in Orono, the war and Ginny found work as a family seven grandchildren and 14 Maine, now home to 10,000 residents. secretary in the clothing business. great-grandchildren. There must have been a lot fewer This gave her the first look at During the summers, the family people when Ginny grew up there over incoming fashions so she could pick would go up to Maine to the cabin 70 years ago. (Orono is located on the out the best. which they had built. They still have Stillwater River in Penobscot County She also worked at the University it and come from all directions to and was first settled in 1774, named in of Bridgeport as a secretary in the gather for summers on Cross Lake. honor of Chief Joseph Orono of the payroll department, counting out the Folks also come from Europe for the Penobscot Nation.) dollars and coins in the paychecks. Winter Carnival. Ginny, one of seven children, Ginny’s roommate delivered Around the mid-80’s John and learned to appreciate music at an early records to various establishments Ginny moved down to Florida and, Featured resident Virginia Mucci with photos age. Dad was a piano teacher and Ginny around Bridgeport, as their juke boxes while enjoying the Florida climate, needed constant replenishment to keep of husband John and herself when she was joined the high school choral group and a big band singer in the 1940s. it was decided, at long last, to was an energetic cheerleader. up with the latest songs. travel to Italy. Ginny occasionally accompanied to sing with the band every night. What At the time of her graduation Their tour included Rome and her friend on her rounds. When they an exciting opportunity, and dinner from high school, there was a call for Venice. They hired a car and driver to made a delivery to a particular local came with it, too! defense workers in Bridgeport, Conn. take them to Campobasso where John’s So, at 18, she and a friend found a room hotel, the hotel owner, who had hired Ginny was the band’s featured a band, asked Ginny if she could sing. singer for two years and by that time, a family originated. It is a hill town in and began doing important precision southern Italy where John’s family had work for Uncle Sam assembling radios, Ginny’s friend said she had a nice wonderful relationship had developed labored in farming and raising cattle. refining bullets, etc. voice because she was in the choir at between her and the bandleader. They On their days off, they pitched in St. Augustine’s church. married in 1947, this girl from English Ginny and John lived in a home to pack boxes for shipment of personal The owner told Ginny to go talk to stock, to the Italian boy with nine near Belcher and Druid Roads for 15 items to the troops overseas. the trumpeter. Ginny sang “Sentimental siblings, whose parents had come over years, having both retired there after During the five war years there Journey” for him, accompanied by the from the old country. working in Connecticut. were shortages of critical materials, piano player, which was received with As was the custom of the times, When John passed, Ginny decided such as copper, which led to them appreciative applause. The hotel owner the bride “retired” from her singing to move to On Top of the World and being temporarily laid off. This gave was so pleased he invited her to come career. For another reason, she attracted begin a new life full of interesting Ginny a chance to return to Maine for a down whenever she could and sing too many interested young men, which activities. Many of you know Ginny family reunion. with the band. didn’t sit too well with John. from our Jesters shows, where she When the war effort resumed, it That trumpet player (and band It was a very busy life, with sang for as many years as she has lived was back to Bridgeport, working for leader) was John Mucci. When the band four growing children — two girls here in OTOW. good pay — about $15 per week. That moved to another location, he asked her and two boys: Kathy, Leonard, John

CONDOMINIUM OWNERS WHO RENT THEIR UNITS

OWNERS who rent direct must request necessary forms for securing Activity Cards for their renters by submitting a written request giving Building Number, Apartment Number, the address of the Apartment and enclosing a legal-sized self-addressed, stamped return envelope to: On Top of the World Activity Card Dept. 2069 World Parkway Blvd. East Clearwater, FL 33763 This application can ONLY be sent to OWNERS of apartments here at On Top of the World and the OWNER shall process applications for Rental Activity Cards. Applications are NOT available at any On Top of the World offices or the Palm Acre Real Estate office. They MUST be obtained BY MAIL and MUST be requested BY THE OWNER. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 61 Page 62 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Viennese Villa rolls out new twice-monthly event Happy Valentine, birthday and anniversary greetings to all February celebrants. Congratulation to Mary and Bill Carey, who celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss on Jan. 29 with pals at Bern’s Steak House. Pictured below is our merry band at Grillsmith’s. Additional photos can be seen in the core, thanks to Hal Fairfield for printing and Connie McDonald for posting. It was a fun evening of good food and company. Kudos to Howard Rochte for pulling dinner together on Mike Leonard’s photo clinic workshop. such short notice. All proceeds of the well-attended affair Above, dramatic late-evening colors and a Bill Carey initiated a core cocktail went to the care of the birds. This is a wide-angle lens emphasize the Viennese pet project of Mike’s. Photographers Villa’s magnificent architecture. At right, party. It was a hit. So much so we voted an example of leading lines, patterns to make it a twice-monthly affair. Also from all over the U.S. attended. It’s a and intriguing lighting — each important decided on dinners or luncheons out for marvelous place to take guests and it’s elements in a successful photograph. the building. Watch for the postings. free. Some of Mike’s photos of our To incorporate all in a single photo is the The Sea Bird Sanctuary on Indian building can be seen at right. mark of a true professional. (Both photos Shores was the beneficiary of our son I have been requested to remind by reporter’s son, Mike Leonard) residents that building materials, rugs, furniture and alike are not to be left in opportunity to clear out overstuffed the rubbish room. Management will storage areas. Also a reminder that no assess the building (which is you and areas are supposed to be enclosed with me) for removal. If useable, post a doors. This is a fire safety regulation. note on the bulletin board. Someone That’s it for this month. Remember may need or want the items. Habitat send all the news that’s fit to print to for Humanity will also take useable [email protected]. materials. Debris goes to Clearwater Hint of the month: Exterior Recycling, 727-464-7500. windows won’t clean? Use a razor blade Building luncheon at Grillsmith’s. Connie McDonald is planning the scraper. It removes that stubborn black (Photo by Hal Fairfield) building auction for March. Here’s the film that collects. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 63 Page 64 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM THE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE OTOW NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 65

Travels and family visits are always special times In February we celebrate President’s Day, Remembering those who led the way. How oddly, though, we give our thanks, We stop the mail and close the banks.

As I look out my window at the Remember when we, as kids, made Valentines in school out of paper and paste? beautiful sunshine, this morning, I forget that I had to wear my Northern coat, hat and gloves just the other day. Valentine’s Day is second I know you are all happy that you were in Florida this January. So glad to see so many of you largest greeting card holiday at our December outing at Queen’s February has long been associated Pizza. There were special table much good food. So you know what with romance; however the origin of decorations and prizes for all. Thank that means: diet! Valentine’s Day is not very clear. you, Carol and Stormy, for all your Lee Sceaira moved to Melbourne Legend has it that a theologian work to make this possible. Also glad on Irish Lane in November. She and teacher named Valentinus was to report that Anita and John made thinks it is the friendliest place with imprisoned during the third century for his Christian beliefs and sentenced it on time to eat with us. Stormy and many nice people. She tells me she to death. The legend goes Valentinus Ted were planning a cookout for Jan. is 91 and proud of it. She looks so 25. More about that next month. healed his jailer’s blind daughter. The young it is hard to believe the years. night before he died, he wrote a farewell Congratulations to Pat Stevens Susan and Sonny Hunt reported note to the girl and signed it “From your on her fourth-place award for her two more outings. One to the Pirate Valentine.” The next day, Feb. 14, 269 Christmas decorations. Hope this will Invasions at Dunedin Museum and A.D., his sentence was carried out. inspire more of you to enter next year the other to Robertson’s to enjoy all Valentine’s Day is always observed as there will be two divisions, first the Christmas decorations. on Feb. 14. The first American Valentine school because of president’s birthdays. floor and upper floors. My son-in-law, Greg, from South was published in 1849 by Esther I remember getting off school on Feb. Liz and Gary Thompson had Carolina and my granddaughter and Howland of Worcester, Maine. There 12, the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, a wonderful trip to Hawaii, visiting her husband from Connecticut spent are an estimated 151 million cards the president during the Civil War. four islands. Also they were able to a long weekend in January with me. exchanged not including Valentines On Feb. 22, we celebrated the celebrate their daughter’s birthday at This has become an annual event exchanged in kids’ classrooms making birthday of George Washington, a hero our December luncheon. that I look forward to. We enjoy this the second largest holiday for giving of the Revolutionary War and the first Shirley Jones’ son and fiancé just being together and having lots greeting cards. president of the United States. As a little girl, I remember cutting visited from Georgia. They celebrated of good food. Then congress in the mid- her birthday and her sister and brother- Enjoy all the holidays that colored paper hearts to give as Valentines to parents, family and friends. At school 70s declared a single holiday, to be in-law visited from Lakeland. February brings. In addition to called Presidents’ Day and observed Betty and Larry Hayhurst went President’s Day, there is Groundhog we would take a piece of red, white or pink construction paper, fold it in half on the third Monday in February. on a 14-day Caribbean Cruise, touring Day, Valentine’s Day and, if you So now we celebrate all presidents seven Islands. They had a wonderful want to celebrate, Lincoln’s and and cut as needed. Many got a little fancy and used paper doilies, crayons on this one day. time and Larry said they ate too Washington’s Birthday. and paint. We created treasures to give The Paradise Reserve recently to those we loved. had our entrance gate system changed Now, as a grandmother, I have and updated. The residents are looking received Valentines over the years forward to the newer system and from my five grandchildren. The gate functions. pictures shown above are just a few Building 94 is preparing to ATTENTION WEST-SIDE DRIVERS examples. The best ones are those which elect new building officers at its are homemade. February meeting. • As you enter on World Parkway and approach Americus Another childhood memory of Happy Valentine’s Day. Enjoy Boulevard, remember to come to a complete stop before February was getting a couple days off Presidents’ Day. making your turn. Do not pass a left-turning car on the right, inasmuch as that blocks the other driver’s vision and could cause an accident. • Remember to make a complete stop when you come to any stop sign within the OTOW community. The other cars and pedestrians around you are depending on it, even though you may not see them. A “rolling stop” places you and others at risk of an accident. Stop, look both ways, and look in front of you. Thanks for being a cautious and safe driver! Page 66 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

1 Saturday...... 6:00 PM...... Lambda Club Game Night...... Large Card Room 3 Monday...... 9:00 AM...... Ladies 18 Hole Golf Meeting...... Kitchen 3 Monday...... 9:30 AM...... Brazilian Embroidery Class...... Crafts Room 3 Monday...... 6:00 PM...... Bldg No. 82 Capistrano Meeting...... Sunrise Room 3 Monday...... 11:00 AM...... Snowbirds Club Meeting...... Starlite Room Groundhog Day 4 Tuesday...... 6:00 PM...... Hoosier Club Meeting...... Crafts Room Sunday, Feb. 2 4 Tuesday...... 6:00 PM...... Bldg No. 84 Malagueña Meeting...... Sunrise Room 5 Wednesday...... 9:30 AM...... Ladies 18-Hole Golf Meeting...... Sunrise Room 5 Wednesday...... 6:00 PM...... Baby Boomers Meeting...... Veranda 5 Wednesday...... 7:30 PM...... Theater Workshop.Meeting...... Auditorium 6 Thursday...... 1:30 PM...... Press Association Meeting...... Large Card Room 6 Thursday...... 10:30 AM...... Pennsylvania Club.Meeting...... Starlite Room

6 Thursday...... 7:30 PM...... Entertainment Committee Show...... Auditorium Super Bowl XLVIII 7 Friday...... 10:00 AM...... Good Neighbors Meeting...... Starlite Room Sunday, Feb. 2 7 Friday...... 5:00 PM...... Pennsylvania Club. Party ...... Auditorium 7 Friday...... 4:00 PM...... Bldg No. 90 Queen Victoria Meeting...... Sunrise Room 7 Friday...... 2:00 PM...... Travel Club Meeting...... Sunrise Room 8 Saturday...... 8:00 PM...... Entertainment Committee Dance...... Auditorium 9 Sunday...... 6:00 PM...... Karaoke Singing...... Auditorium 9 Sunday...... 2:00 PM...... Entertainment Committee Sunday In The Park...... Auditorium 10 Monday...... 6:00 PM...... Bldg No. 85 España Meeting...... Sunrise Room Abe Lincoln’s Birthday 10 Monday...... 8:30 AM...... Entertainment Committee Blood Pressure Screening...... Veranda Wednesday, Feb.12 10 Monday...... 2:00 PM...... German Interest Group Meeting...... Sunrise Room 11 Tuesday...... 5:00 PM...... Baby Boomers Dance...... Sunrise Room 13 Thursday...... 12:00 PM...... Lawn Bowlers Luncheon...... Crafts Room 13 Thursday...... 9:30 AM...... Good Neighbors Get Acquainted Coffee...... Auditorium 13 Thursday...... 7:00 PM...... Irish Club Show...... Auditorium 14 Friday...... 1:00 PM...... Art Guild Meeting...... Art Room Valentine’s Day 14 Friday...... 7:30 PM...... Jesters Show...... Auditorium Friday, Feb. 14 15 Saturday...... 7:30 PM...... Jesters Show...... Auditorium 16 Sunday...... 2:00 PM...... Jesters Show...... Auditorium 17 Monday...... 9:30 AM...... Good Neighbors Free Eye & Ear Testing...... Auditorium 18 Tuesday...... 1:00 PM...... Stamp Collectors Meeting...... Sunrise Room 19 Wednesday...... 6:00 PM...... Hoosier Club Game Night...... Crafts Room 19 Wednesday...... 6:00 PM...... Italian Club Party...... Auditorium

20 Thursday...... 6:00 PM...... Baby Boomers Meeting...... Veranda Presidents Day 20 Thursday...... 7:30 PM...... Entertainment Committee Show...... Auditorium Monday, Feb. 17 20 Thursday...... 10:00 AM...... Greyhound Club Meeting...... Veranda 21 Friday...... 1:00 PM...... Bldg No. 44 French Ren. I Meeting...... Sunrise Room 22 Saturday...... 6:00 PM...... Lambda Club Game Night...... Large Card Room 22 Saturday...... 8:00 PM...... Entertainment Committee Dance...... Auditorium 22 Saturday...... 6:00 PM...... Sensational Seniors Meeting...... Sunrise Room 23 Sunday...... 1:00 PM...... Art Guild Show...... Auditorium 26 Wednesday...... 6:00 PM...... NY-NJ Club Meeting...... Auditorium G. Washington’s Birthday Saturday, Feb. 22 26 Wednesday...... 7:00 PM...... Bldg No. 89 Siboney Meeting...... Sunrise Room 27 Thursday...... 2:00 PM...... Democratic Club Meeting...... Starlite Room 27 Thursday...... 5:00 PM...... Tennis (Women’s) Meeting...... Sunrise Room 27 Thursday...... 5:00 PM...... Lawn Bowlers Dinner/Dance...... Auditorium 28 Friday...... 7:00 PM...... Entertainment Committee Show...... Auditorium ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 67

MONDAY 7:00 Coffee Corner...... Auditorium 1:00 Line Dancing...... Auditorium 9:00 Snowbirds Club Line Dancing 7:30 Tennis (Women’s) Exercise...... Outdoors 1:00 Music Group...... Large Card Room ...... Sunrise Room 8:00 Bonesavers Exercise...... Large Card Room 2:00 Chess...... Rainbow Room 9:00 Slimnastics Exercise...... East Side Gym 8:00 Tennis (Men’s)...... Tennis Courts 3:00 Spanish Speaking Class...... Yellow Room 9:30 Lawn Bowlers...... Outdoors 8:00 Ladies Exercise...... East Side Gym 4:00 Irish Club Meeting...... Computer Room 10:00 Aerobics Exercise...... East Side Gym 8:30 Ent. Comm/Clubs Ticket Sales.. Auditorium 4:00 Spanish Speaking Class...... Yellow Room 11:00 Yoga...... East Side Gym 8:30 Exercise Class...... West Side Gym 5:30 Dominos...... Small Classroom 11:30 Contract Bridge...... Large Card Room 9:00 Zumba Exercise...... Large Card Room 6:00 Mahjongg Game...... Rainbow Room 12:30 Writers Ink Class...... Computer Room 9:00 Library...... Library 6:00 Pinochle...... Large Card Room 1:00 Mahjongg Game...... Small Classroom 9:00 Polar Bear Swim...... East Side Pool 6:30 Euchre Cards...... Starlite Room 1:00 Drawing Class...... Art Room 9:00 Photo IDs...... East Activity Center 7:00 Bible Study Meeting...... Veranda 1:30 Shuffleboard...... Outdoors 9:00 Slimnastics Exercise...... East Side Gym WEDNESDAY 2:00 Chess...... Rainbow Room 9:30 Lawn Bowlers...... Outdoors 7:00 Coffee Corner...... Auditorium 3:30 Italian Speaking Class...... Kitchen 10:00 Men’s Exercise Class...... West Side Gym 7:30 Tennis (Women’s)...... Outdoors 5:00 Pinochle...... Small Classroom 10:00 Aerobics Exercise...... East Side Gym 8:00 Bonesavers Exercise...... Large Card Room 6:30 Billiards Tournament...... Billiards Room 10:00 Learn Chinese Class...... Small Classroom 8:00 Tennis (Men’s)...... Tennis Courts 6:30 Canadian Club Game Night...... 10:00 French Speaking Class...... Yellow Room 8:00 Ladies Strength Training...... East Side Gym ...... Large Card Room 11:00 Dancercize...... East Side Gym 8:30 Exercise Class...... West Side Gym FRIDAY 11:30 Contract Bridge...... Yellow Room 9:00 Knitting Group...... Veranda 7:00 Coffee Corner...... Auditorium 11:30 Duplicate Bridge...... Large Card Room 9:00 Zumba Gold Exercise...... Large Card Room 7:30 Tennis (Women’s)...... Outdoors 12:30 Mahjongg Game...... Rainbow Room 9:00 Sewing Class...... Starlite Room 8:00 Bonesavers Exercise...... Large Card Room 12:30 Family History Meeting.....Computer Room 9:00 Polar Bear Swim...... East Side Pool 8:00 Tennis (Men’s)...... Tennis Courts 1:30 Shuffleboard...... Outdoors 9:00 Photo IDs...... East Activity Center 8:00 Ladies Strength Training...... East Side Gym 1:30 Tai Chi Beginners...... East Side Gym 9:00 Slimnastics...... East Side Gym 8:30 Exercise Class...... West Side Gym 2:30 Tai Chi Advanced...... East Side Gym 9:00 Good Neighbors Crafts...... Crafts Room 9:00 Pinochle...... Small Classroom 5:00 Mahjongg Game...... Rainbow Room 9:30 Lawn Bowlers...... Outdoors 9:00 Zumba Exercise...... Large Card Room 6:00 Bingo...... Auditorium 9:30 Cribbage...... Small Classroom 9:00 Polar Bear Swim...... East Side Pool 6:30 Contract Bridge...... Large Card Room 10:00 Men’s Exercise Class...... West Side Gym 9:00 Photo IDs...... East Activity Center 6:30 8-Ball Tournament...... Billiards Room 10:00 Aerobics...... East Side Gym 9:00 Slimnastics...... East Side Gym TUESDAY 10:00 Tai Chi...... Large Card Room 9:00 Ceramics...... Crafts Room 7:00 Coffee Corner...... Auditorium 11:00 Dancercize...... East Side Gym 9:30 Lawn Bowlers...... Outdoors 8:00 Tennis (Men’s)...... Tennis Courts 11:30 Duplicate Bridge...... Large Card Room 10:00 Hula Hooping Exercise...... East Side Gym 8:00 Ladies 18-Hole Golf...... Golf Course 12:00 Library...... Library 10:00 Men’s Exercise Class...... West Side Gym 8:30 Exercise Class...... West Side Gym 1:00 Painting Pals...... Art Room 12:00 Library...... Library 9:00 Zumba Exercise...... Large Card Room 1:00 Double Pinochle...... Small Classroom 1:00 Chess...... Rainbow Room 9:00 Caring and Sharing...... Crafts Room 1:30 Tai Chi Beginners...... East Side Gym 1:00 Music Group...... Large Card Room 9:00 Polar Bear Swim...... East Side Pool 2:30 Tai Chi Advanced...... East Side Gym 1:00 Mahjongg Game...... Small Classroom 9:00 Horseshoe Game...... Outdoors 5:00 Baby Boomers Game Night...... Kitchen SATURDAY 9:00 Photo IDs...... East Activity Center 6:30 Contract Bridge...... Large Card Room 8:00 Tennis (Men’s)...... Tennis Courts 9:00 Slimnastics Exercise...... East Side Gym 6:30 Ladies QueT Billiards...... Billiards Room 8:30 Computer Club Meeting...Large Card Room 9:00 Jewelry Making...... Lapidary THURSDAY 8:30 Line Dancing...... Auditorium 9:30 Lawn Bowlers...... Outdoors 7:00 Coffee Corner...... Auditorium 9:00 Lawn Bowlers...... Outdoors 9:30 Ladies 9-Hole Golf...... Outdoors 8:00 Tennis (Men’s)...... Tennis Courts 11:30 Duplicate Bridge...... Large Card Room 10:00 Aerobics Exercise...... East Side Gym 8:00 Snowbirds Club Line Dancing Beginners 1:30 Tai Chi Beginners...... East Side Gym 10:00 Philosophy Club Meeting...... Veranda ...... Sunrise Room 2:30 Tai Chi Advanced...... East Side Gym 10:30 Ballroom Dancing Class...... Auditorium 8:30 Ent. Comm/Clubs Ticket Sales.. Auditorium SUNDAY 11:00 Yoga Exercise...... East Side Gym 8:30 Exercise Class...... West Side Gym 1:00 Pinochle...... Small Classroom 12:00 Ceramics...... Crafts Room 9:00 Zumba Exercise...... Large Card Room 2:00 Wii Bowling Exercise...... Large Card Room 1:00 Oil Painting...... Art Room 9:00 Polar Bear Swim...... East Side Pool 6:00 Bridge...... Large Card Room 1:00 9-Ball Tournament...... Billiards Room 9:00 Photo IDs...... East Activity Center Page 68 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Building storage room cleanup set for March 1 With the holidays behind us and a of your neighbors and mark your bikes For the first time in years, busy activity schedule ahead of us, now accordingly. attendance at our monthly luncheon is the time to get organized. If you have a bike to sell, you was poor. I blame it on a the fact If you have seen the women’s can list it in the On Top of the World that Tuesdays are generally golf and magazines on the newsstands, you will newspaper. If you have one to donate, canasta days. notice varying articles on “Clearing contact Lucy Castello, Merle MacDonald Hopefully, attendance will be out Clutter,” “Simplifying your Life,” or Larry Pata. The local homeless better at our lunch at Kally-K’s in and getting rid of space-stealing shelter and other establishments are Dunedin on Wednesday, Feb. 12, possessions. always looking for usable and even at noon. With this in mind, we will be non-working bikes as transportation for The business/potluck supper will conducting our annual storage room their residents and employees. cleanup on Saturday, March 1. All Please remember that the wing be held March 19 in the Sunrise Room items must be labeled with the owners captains are now collecting the building of the West Activity Center at 5 p.m. name, unit number and current year. The above procedure also holds dues. Please refer to the notice that A Golf Scramble is slated for Unmarked items will be removed and true for the bicycle room. As you know, was hung on your door. Pay your March. Donna Osborne will be in donated to charity. Those willing to help space there is limited and there is a dues by Jan. 31 and be eligible for the charge of the affair. Details will be with the cleanup, contact Larry Pata. waiting list. So please be considerate prize drawing. provided at a later date. Keep your eye on the bulletin board for further information and Let’s all say ‘welcome’ to our newcomers sign-up sheets for all these functions and more. Brrrrrr! That’s what a lot of folks for the famous Bob Cummings and have been saying as temperatures John Travolta! dipped into the 40s (even 30s at night) The Gendrons were married at for a few days. Well, aren’t we glad age 19 and have two children. They that we only have to feel that way a are proud to say that they will soon very few times during the year here be celebrating their 54th wedding in Clearwater? anniversary! For hobbies they love My husband and I were in music and have enjoyed much dancing. Pennsylvania for the holidays and Welcome to our little community here, believe me, we appreciated coming out we are glad to have you! of the snow, ice and single digits! By the time you read this it may Our building had its semi-annual almost be Feb.2, Groundhog Day. meeting on Jan. 15 and was well- Punxsutawney Phil, in Pennsylvania, attended. We had several newcomers — has made weather prognostications thank you for attending! Flamenco has over this!), but they are doing a great for over 124 years. • This facility is exclusively for OTOW very good organizations and activities. job of it. unit owners with a valid OTOW We feel privileged to have such a good Bob and Lorraine are multi- If Phil sees his shadow and returns to his hole, he has predicted recreation card, for guests of unit group of folks! talented people who have worked in or owners accompanying residents with One couple who is new to our owned, a variety of businesses in their six more weeks of winter-like weather. If Phil does not see his shadow, he has a valid recreation card, or for renters building is Bob and Lorraine Gendron. working life: car sales, service station, with a valid recreation card. They moved from Massachusetts to U-Haul, car detailer, disc jockey and predicted an early spring. Florida in 1974, then from a home in then, for many years, a home cleaning We don’t have to worry about • Please show your valid recreation card upon the SCA staff’s request. Largo to On Top of the World this past business. (P.S.... don’t call them for this that prediction here in our land of a November. It’s not easy to downsize service please... they are now retired!) temperate climate. But we can hope for • Unauthorized persons will be asked from a house to a smaller condo But they have many stories to tell, our family and friends up north that it to leave. (as many of us have shared groans such as the ones when they worked will be good news! • Swim at your own risk • There is no lifeguard on duty. • Oils, sun block, and body lotions How about those New Year’s resolutions? must be showered off before entering What happened to all our warm to change, but most of us let them go the pool. weather? This has been the coldest (my by the wayside after a few weeks. • Pool will be closed during inclement husband says coolest) weather we have Maybe it would be better to just weather. felt since our move to Florida three wake up each day and give ourselves a • Walkways to the gates must be kept years ago. We definitely became spoiled goal for that one day. Live each day — clear at all times. with all of the 80’s and 90’s. seize the moment. • Use of these facilities is at a resident’s But I guess we shouldn’t complain, The OTOW Christmas Decorating or guest’s own risk. as our friends and relatives up North Contest was a great success. The word are experiencing temperatures in the is that the contest will be held again for • Guests under the age of 15 may use minus category. Temperatures in the the 2014 Christmas season. There may the facility from 12–4 p.m., seven days a week. 50’s feels and sounds a whole lot better be a few “tweaks” so stay tuned for than those in the teens. more on this when the time is closer. • Guests under age 18 must be Kudos to the entertainment Just a little reminder to please be accompanied by an adult at all committee and those responsible for careful and watchful for those who ride times. making the New Year’s Eve Dance I’m sure most of us made those their bikes and use walkers here at On • Children under age 2 must wear a so enjoyable. We had a great time and famous New Year’s resolutions. We Top of the World. The speed limit is 20 “swim diaper.” might have made some to stay healthy the group Rebound had the dance MPH. Let’s be safe instead of sorry. • Please take all children for frequent floor filled with On Top of the World or get healthier, break some bad habits, The Saratoga building has been potty breaks. dancers. Those in attendance counted stay connected more with friends and very quiet lately. If anyone has any down to midnight and said goodbye family or just to savor each day. news, please be sure to let me know. • Pools are closed when gates are locked. to 2013 with the singing of Auld Land We each start the New Year with Wishing all of you a Happy Syne. Hello, 2014! such enthusiasm in the things we want Valentine’s Day! ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 69 Reporter, husband renew wedding vows aboard ship Hello from Rila Renaissance. This reporter just returned from a January cruise that had some big and some small surprises. The first surprise was from Mother Nature. Before we started on our cruise venture, our son and daughter-in-law had to come from New Jersey during a significant snow storm. Needless to say, they were delayed for hours, but their plane was one of the few not cancelled. They arrived around 6 p.m. on Friday, the day before the cruise. Our daughter-in-law’s sister and we all dressed up for the occasion. Then husband were joining us and were came our biggest surprise. Our son and driving from Texas on the same day. daughter-in-law made arrangements They started at 5 a.m. on Friday. They for us to celebrate our 50th wedding endured the end of the holiday traffic anniversary with a renewal of our vows. but the worst was when they hit the I felt like a young bride again with a Florida border. It was heavy traffic on beautiful bouquet of white roses. and off from the Panhandle until they We had a champagne toast and a Arlene and Bill Bergen (center) and family after vow renewals they took while on a cruise. came to On Top of the World. They wonderful anniversary cake. I was so finally arrived at 9:30 p.m. Friday. moved and emotional, I had a hard a simple anniversary toast. We also and Penny Page have some of the The great thing was that everyone time holding back the tears of joy and celebrated our son’s 40th birthday, pieces on display. Please come and was here safe and sound and we departed just about made it through the reciting our 70th birthdays and our daughter- support them. on Saturday, Jan. 4, as scheduled. of the vows. This is a memory my in-law’s acceptance into the medical I hope all our neighbors have a We sailed on the newly renovated husband and I will remember for the program for radiography. She is also wonderful Valentine Day and a great Brillance of the Seas out of Tampa. rest of our lives. on the Dean’s List! We are so proud of President’s Day weekend celebration. Saturday night we had our second Although our 50th anniversary is her. It is not easy going back to school If you have any interesting news surprise. The original Drifters were the in May, our son and daughter-in-law after 20 years. about a great trip, pictures of the big show of the evening. My husband would not be available then because Please put the OTOW Art Show scenery, new births, etc. Please let me Bill and I were so delighted. of their schedules. We assumed that on your calendar. It will be held know. Put the information in the white On Sunday, it was formal night and we would celebrate on this cruise with Feb. 23. Our neighbors Audrey Lerego mailbox under the bulletin box. Former 30-year resident lauded on her 100th birthday Hope you had a great holiday. Mildred was on her own beginning Thanks to everyone who participated in 2008, until she was 97 years old, and in our holiday activities and building then moved to Kitchner to be closer decorations. The party was a success, to her two daughters, four grandkids with several new residents in attendance. and four other children whom she is Our building dinner at Alfano’s was “special Nana” to. good, and again Sue provided everyone She cruised the Mediterranean and with a box of homemade candy. We Alaska and has visited England, Ireland, hope everyone enjoyed themselves. Scotland and Wales. Well, she did it — Mildred Leggett, Mildred received congratulations after living here for 30 years, made it to on her centennial birthday from the 100 years old on Dec. 13. Her daughter Queen, Governor General David said her three days was highlighted Johnson, Prime Minister Stephen by a surprise visit from a number seventh of 10 children. Her two sisters Harper and other dignitaries. of family members and friends. We I look back now Mildred and lived into their 90s, and her “little sister” A proud Mildred Leggett shows off the cake all had fun and she received many Fern is still alive at 98. for her 100th birthday. With her is Mildred’s wonder why when we went out, we cards and flowers. She’s amazing and As a young woman she worked daughter, Carol Ariss, of Kitchener, Ontario. looked to see which one of us found keeps on going. the right direction? in a box office when George Sinclair She told everyone at the residents’ so good.” A few years after George I need articles, please. Let me spotted her and said “that’s the girl party she went to a party the previous died in 1967, Mildred reconnected with know of any guests, things of interest Saturday and stayed out all night (the I’m going to marry.” They married Sid Leggett, whom she had first met or birthdays. We enjoy reading columns weather was nasty, so she stayed with in 1937 and had two daughters, Carol as a teenager when the pair were camp from the other reporters. Did you like family but her story is better). and Sharon. counselors in Massachusetts. They our building lighting contest? Think Daughter Carol attributes her George owned Sinclair’s Family married and moved to New Jersey for about Rural French entering next year. longevity to good genes, positive Restaurant from 1948 to 1962. She 10 years, then relocated to Clearwater. It’s getting hard to throw our attitude and staying active. Mildred would make pies in the morning so Her last venture lasted 30 years, garbage out as there are too many cartons walks a mile and takes a fitness class she could go curling in the afternoon. volunteering with the Salvation Army. in the pails and no room for garbage. in the mornings. In the afternoon, if She was one of the original founders Walking daily and of course golfing. Thanks for your cooperation. she’s not out having lunch or shopping, of the Galt Curling Club. She is Her time on the green was Trivia: In August, 2014, there she’s playing cards. Evenings she’s an avid golfer and a member of highlighted by a remarkable three holes- are five Fridays, five Saturdays and out for dinner or theater and on the First United Church and the in-one, two of which she got in one five Sundays. That only happens once Sundays, there is church. Gait Little Theater. tournament. The following year, at the every 823 years. Her grandfather lived to 106 and “We were all on our way to same tournament, she repeated the feat. Be good to one another. her parents to their 90’s. She was the Broadway,” she laughs, “We were One of them was the 13th hole… In God we trust. Page 70 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS

THE OTOW BUS COMES DIRECTLY TO YOU! For reservations, call 799-3417, then press #7 of the voice menu. Seating is limited. Make reservations Guidelines for Riding the Bus 24 hours in advance. • The OTOW bus service is for the unsafe distractions to the driver, you will Reservations for transportation to and from the East exclusive use of OTOW residents with a not be permitted on the bus. and West Activity Centers will be accepted following valid recreation card. • Shopping time is 90 minutes and begins the schedules listed below. • This service is provided to our residents at the first drop off. at no charge. • Due to limited seating, we cannot accept Tuesday Morning Specials Thursday Morning • Thank you, but the driver is prohibited multi-day reservations. See Posting in Bus Publix (Sunset & Belcher) from accepting tips. • Reservations are first come, first served, Paradise/West Side...... 9 to 9:20 a.m. Paradise/West Side...... 8 to 8:20 a.m. • The bus driver picks up passengers with and may only be made 24 hours in East Side...... 9:25 to 9:45 a.m. East Side...... 8:25 to 8:45 a.m. reservations only. advance. • The reservation phone number is for Tuesday Afternoon Thursday Afternoon • You must be able to transfer on your own seat reservations only. Please leave your K-Mart & Countryside Mall Publix (Sunset & Belcher) to ride the bus. name, trip request, building and unit Paradise/West Side.12:30 to 12:50 p.m. Paradise/West Side.....11 to 11:20 a.m. • Medical devices may be restricted due number, and phone number. East Side...... 12:55 to 1:15 p.m. East Side...... 11:25 to 11:45 a.m. to passenger load. • If you live on the second floor of a Wednesday Morning Friday Morning • Eating and drinking on the bus two-story building, or if your building’s Publix (Sunset & Belcher) Super Walmart is prohibited. elevator is out of service, the driver will carry your bags to your front door. The Paradise/West Side...... 8 to 8:20 a.m. Paradise/West Side...... 8 to 8:20 a.m. • Shopping bag limits and size restrictions driver is strictly prohibited from entering East Side...... 8:25 to 8:45 a.m. East Side...... 8:25 to 8:45 a.m. are at the driver’s discretion. your unit. • If space allows, residents with current Wednesday Afternoon Friday Afternoon • The SCA staff takes their directions recreation cards may catch a one-way from SCA management. Please refer Publix (Sunset & Belcher) Super Walmart ride home on the bus. Paradise/West Side.....11 to 11:20 a.m. Paradise/West Side.....11 to 11:20 a.m. all questions and concerns to the East Side...... 11:25 to 11:45 a.m. East Side...... 11:25 to 11:45 a.m. • If you create a safety hazard or cause Community Service Office. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 71 New Azores building captain presents new ideas for 2014 “Happy New Year” has quickly faded into my past, much like my resolutions. The challenge of a new year is in place as the bills keep rolling in. Next year is going to be different! Life here at the Azores got underway on Jan. 10 with our building’s board meeting to seek and appoint a building captain to fill out the rest of the current term. Those meeting were Russ Heiserman, assistant captain, Doris O’Meara, secretary, and Brenda Dulce Boyce during her African trip. McLeod, treasurer. It was unanimously of Africa. She flew into Johannesburg, agreed to contact and offer the job to New building captain Katy Gerritt. South Africa, spent the night, then Katy Gerritt. Katy accepted and is our residents could meet the board, input On Jan. 15, the Azores ladies had off to Victoria Falls. Then on to building’s captain. ideas, submit building dues and visit. their first luncheon of the year. Fifteen Chobe National Park. This park has an Katy joined the meeting and Katy recruited Marie Pirrello ladies traveled to the Lucky Dill for elephant population of about 50,000. discussed some of her ideas to bring as entertainment chair, and Carmel lunch and lots of visiting. Of course, Dulce obviously found one that she harmony and community to our Tomich to continue as Sunshine Lady. on the same day, a few of the building liked (see picture). After Chobe, Dulce building through greater input from Katy and her husband Ford R.O.M.E.O.s shuttled off to Molly spent time in the Okavango Delta the residents and greater resident originally came to Florida from Goodheads for lunch. where she saw the elusive Pel’s fishing participation in general. Connecticut some 27 years ago. Katy On Jan. 23, the 3-Cs coffee was owl, hippos, buffalo, sable antelope and She presented ideas on a building has had a career as a nurse, carefully held in the core. A good turnout for this kudu. More days of exploring in the recycling program, greater effort in helping new arrivals into our world. She opportunity to interact with our new Kafue National Park and the Hwange getting storage rooms better organized and her husband moved into the Azores captain and the building board. National Park. and quite a few other building activities two years ago, and she has shown a Our international traveling Keep a close eye on the bulletin to develop a sense of community. She great deal of interest in being involved diplomat, Dulce Boyce, recently board. I have a feeling that lots of things suggested a core coffee early on so in building affairs (see photo). returned from 18 days in the jungles will be happening at the Azores.

Building dues now being Watch OTOW-TV Channels 96 and 720 collected for the 2014 year I hope everyone attended the Loch Lomond building meeting in the Sunrise Room. This is the one business meeting and serves to tie together the events of the past year and to propose activities for 2014. A necessity to carry out these ongoing ideas is the contribution of the very reasonable yearly dues from each unit. Shirley Swift has again agreed to collect these dues. Please, if you haven’t contributed yet, see that Shirley receives your check or cash. The roster has her unit number and phone number, so you can get it to her easily. Kugeares and Shirley Swift and was Again, those who accept various most enjoyable. organizational “jobs” need others to Each day at the East Activity join with them. Please read the bulletin Center, I see fellow residents – exercise notices and join in. The monthly lunches classes, dance groups, Good Neighbors will resume and are open to all. Get to projects, tables filled for coffee or know your wonderful neighbors. tea from the Coffee Corner, vendors The 2013 holiday season was and clubs selling tickets for your extremely enjoyable, aided by the participation, and many card games. pleasant weather, making outside chats And, of course, our Lawn Bowling successful at catching up with one girls, Marg Kells and Dot Graham, can another. The building looked great, fill you in on their full-time activity. and several units displayed wonderful So, Loch Lomonds, let me know seasonal collections. Sherry Ladell of your life events, travels, and let’s had a window completely full of such converse with one another wherever varied Santa-type figures that I couldn’t the moment allows and welcome new count them all. residents. And know that if you are Lucille Greenhaigh, who is going through a “rough” spot, feel constantly preparing projects, and Lyle free to share your concerns with your Johnston co-hosted several open house good neighbors. Think of some way evenings, allowing many residents to get we can get together for viewing the St. together with small groups and broaden Patrick Day parade that passes right by their acquaintances. The Christmas our joint backyard space. Take care and dinner was planned primarily by Sophia stay in touch. Page 72 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Long-time resident celebrates 32 years here Once again, we thank you, Pat from Manitoba several days after Volheim, for all the time and effort Christmas. They endured bad driving you gave to make our holiday party conditions, but their old diesel truck such a huge success. We have already succeeded in getting them here with booked a date for this year’s party at no mishaps. the same place. Mike Caramanna also arrived Even though Christmas for 2013 from his summer abode but did have is in the past now, I can’t resist telling a mishap (a lady plowed into his car). you about the very unique gift that was He was bruised a bit, but the woman given to Gin Upton and her brother had good insurance to make necessary Dale by Dale’s girlfriend, Barbara. repairs to his car. He is once more to Early in December Barb phoned be heard giving his words of wisdom Gin to ask her to accept airfare to and interest. So glad to have these Kudos to a Minneapolis to surprise Dale. Gin only his 86th birthday, which was on fun people here again! accepted, and with the help of her sister Dec. 15, but also his having owned his The building luncheon has been hard worker Michele, kept her arrival a secret until condo for 32 years. changed to the fourth Monday of the So, at least 32 people enjoyed an Thanks to all the team work the night of the celebration. month. Check the bulletin board as that put together our Jan. 11 party to You can imagine the surprised open bar and pizza of all kinds. Donna to time and place. Also check it for celebrate the New Year. There were look on Dale’s face when Gin “popped Cameron entertained with organ music. important news that might be posted. 56 people enjoying all the goodies. out” of the huge box she had hidden A variety of carols and oldies had some In closing, I urge you to attend It was our luck that the rain in. Despite the bitter cold in that state, of us singing. Case had not been able the entertainment that will be provided held off until the event was over. none of the family minded because to come from his Toronto home for Feb. 20 by the Entertainment We enjoyed the cake! Thanks to Annie the fun, games and get-togethers they four years for different reasons and had Committee in the East Activity Center. Wilson (who is leaving our building), enjoyed provided the warmth needed. to return just before New Year’s but is Kay Tomasselli’s son-in-law Vinnie for all her work on the flea market, One of the best parties I attended chomping at the bit to return. Talarico will be the star of the show. If taking good care of plants and was that which was hosted by Case Welcome back to our building are the program is half as good as it was last flowers and her cheerful help with all Bastmeyer. He wanted to celebrate not John and Gwen Briggs, who arrived fall, you will be most pleased. things (see photo at bottom). Welcome new residents Ann and Ernie Kilcup, who come to us from another building here at OTOW. They have been in Florida 10 years, coming A surprising fact about Valentine’s Day originally from Niagara Falls, N.Y. Happy Valentine’s Day to all and our dogs Timmy and Angel. Ann enjoys dancing, family history, wives, mothers, sweethearts and A photo of Capistrano residents crafts and work with the Theater friends. Pat and Frank Massaro enjoying a Workshop. Ernie enjoys music Did you know that there will dance at the East Activity Center to and playing pool. be almost 190 million Valentines welcome the New Year adorned the Much love and kisses to all sent this year and that teachers will front page of the On Top of the World sweethearts on the 14th. Good luck in keeping your resolutions for 2014! be the recipients of most of them? News January issue. Congratulations E-Valentines are gradually replacing Frank and Pat. It was a great picture those mailed. (actually taken in 2012) and you both Capistrano neighbors did a lot looked super. of traveling this winter season, with Tony and Claudette Sinopoli most venturing north braving the cold, cruised out of Miami late last year on a five-day classic movie cruise. Tony the snow, and crowded airports to is a classic movie buff and enjoys this celebrate the holidays with family. to face the 13-degree temperatures, and annual cruise which, in addition to Almost everyone has returned four inches of water in the basement. showing some of the classics, includes safe and sound and we haven’t heard In spite of the mess, we enjoyed our the stars of those movies aboard any airport or travel horror stories. Christmas with family, got everything as guests. Karen and I flew to Niagara Falls cleaned and headed back to Capistrano The latest cruise included Robert Modernage resident Annie Wilson Wagner of movie fame as a guest among others. Tony has met a number of the stars from some of the movies we all saw in theaters when admission was less than a dollar. Have you noticed there were a lot of young people visiting during the holidays? It is great to see the kids enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. Well don’t forget Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day. Feb.18 is National Battery Day and my birthday; I hope I am charged up! Give your dog a biscuit on Feb. 23, for that day is Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day. If you have any news to share let me know — it makes it easier to produce these articles. See you in March. ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 73 A call for volunteerism Building’s annual Food With the New Year’s wishes Bank donations exceed goal and Christmas holiday celebrations behind us, we now prepare ourselves Are you still writing 2013 on your for a fresh start to our condo year. correspondence? I am, as it always takes We offer thanks to Jean Gitlin as few months for me to get used to who gave so much time to working on writing the new date. And just think, the task that long required attention, in 334 days we can change again and i.e., painting the mail boxes that write 2015! immediately improved the look of A friend sent me a card over the entrance core area. the holidays that included this line, There are many things that “…a New Year full of promise.” contribute to the contentment of Wow, what a gift she gave me, and it where we live. We have ideas, but we immediately made me work on my 2014 need the hands to carry them out. resolutions. The same people cannot continue community where the feedback once Writing this column has introduced to shoulder the responsibilities that was that our residents are different me to so many nice neighbors in my we should all be sharing. This is a and that is what helps us succeed in building and I wish more lived here call for volunteers to step forward our endeavors. That is the recollection I have of year-round. Meanwhile, I’m hanging and offer to assist in the activities we around and waiting for them to make present to our condo residents. times past when we came to live here and we shared glorious experiences the full-time move. We realize that so many of us Our lovely and talented activities lead lives that cannot commit, but with one another. are still able and very much wanting We now have new residents and director, JoAnn Dameron, has added to participate with us. This message is we would like to become acquainted a new activity for our building as a directed at those who may be capable with them. We invite them and all yearly event. It’s a food drive for the of assuming leadership, or assisting who reside here to come to the first Clearwater Food Bank. All donations those who are able to participate in a meeting of the New Year. The date stay local in Pinellas County, which leadership or co-leadership role. will be posted on the bulletin board the donors seem to like. JoAnn gave Unloading the Food Bank donations are left the residents a seven-day collection to right, Roy Satkowski, the in-take clerk, and Our once very lively community and we look forward to seeing you. Jo Ann Dameron. needs to invest again in a new spirit We are open and willing to time limit, and boy did they provide! of camaraderie where participating accept your input on what we are Residents donated 118 lbs. of suggested Our new officers have scheduled together lends an atmosphere of trying to accomplish. You are the food items. According to the in-take their first meeting of 2014. Residents: congeniality to our residence. That magic we need to open the door to a director, these 118 lbs will provide 79 Please provide me with your news will also resonate in the OTOW really great New Year! meals. There is only a 30-day supply at and please read the bulletin boards any given time, so the need goes on. for future events. Noting some of the talented residents in our building Maybe our building name should be changed from “Granada” to “Talent,” due to the fact that we have so many talented residents! For example, we have Judy and Tammy Edwards, who both write well, Barbara Humphreys, who leads the writing club, and now we have a new resident named Marilynne Kuestner, who is a talented artist. Marilynne was born in Boston and attended the Art Institute of Boston. In l976, she moved to Clearwater, where she met and married the late Richard, She is a most welcome addition and raised their two daughters, Kendall to our building. and Kristina. Kristina is a news anchor Betty Kostka was recently visited for a television channel out West. by her sister Anna and niece Pamela, Marilynne is a lovely, friendly from Pittsburgh. The trio enjoyed person, who is helpful to our building dining, shopping and cooking together and its residents. She is a creative for eight days. woman who loves working with clay Twenty people attended our and painting with water colors. January luncheon at First Watch. Our A visit to her art-filled apartment is next luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a treat for the eyes. Marilynne is not too a.m., Feb. 7, at Kally-K’s. Please, make inclined to sit still for long, inasmuch as use of the sign-up sheet and join us. she also enjoys Tai-Chi and yoga. Until next month, remember As if all that is not enough, she that Nelson Mandela said “Service to also is a world traveler, having been others is the rent you pay for service to China, Greece, Paris and Spain. on Earth.” Page 74 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS This Classified section is a service to the OTOW community. There is no charge to residents for this service. Items must be priced under $500 and copy must be 20 words or less including phone number. Submitter’s name and building name must be included, but will not be published. If the submitters’s name and building is not included with the ad, it will not be accepted for publication. Please note: We do not accept ads for automobiles, firearms, yard/building sales, apartments for sale or rent, or employment. Ads must be placed in the boxes marked OTOW News in the East and West Activity Centers or dropped off at the newspaper office. We cannot accept ads over the phone. Ad deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication date. Ads received late will be placed in the next available issue. Only one (1) ad per person per month will be accepted.

FOR SALE Wolfgang Puck food processor $50; Two Bag-Boy 3-wheel push-pull golf carts KitchenAid 2-slice toaster $25; KitchenAid $35 each. 725-3775 coffee maker $25; Rival crock pot $20. Hammond organ w/bench; wall entertainment $100 for all. 796-8447 center; 3-room-size blue carpeting. Dining room table with beautiful inlay top, 612-5916 has extra leaf & six chairs $100. 724-9664 Mini-blinds, fit F-Deluxe, aluminum, ivory Patio tables (glass) & several chairs. color, excellent condition, LR (91" x 63") 712-8639 $45, DR (74" x 51") $35, both for $70. Beautiful black leather jacket, size 10/12, 207-230-9033 lined, inside pockets, belted, zipper front Ultra quiet Kenmore dishwasher, like new closure, zippered side, breast pockets $150; seven golf clubs: driver, putter, irons and sleeves $50. 726-4619 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 all for $10. 600-8529 Ladies’ 8-speed bike, good condition, ridden Love seat, seafoam green trimmed in only three times $60. 401-258-2059 brown piping, has two throw pillows. Easy Spirit ladies’ shoes, black slip-on, size Excellent condition, two years old $250. 6, new $30; electric throw $10; Straight 812-599-3968 Talk Samsung cell phone, no contract $50. Wurlitzer console piano, walnut cabinet, 692-7028 good condition, in tune, w/tuning tools and Cue stick and case, never used, signed by music $300 OBO; three TVs, 13" to 29". Steve Mizerak $75. 725-3708 603-997-1977 Gold’s Gym exerciser chair, like new Green 65" sofa bed, floral print; end tables; $60 OBO. Call to see. 754-2794 cocktail table; dining room cabinet, 53” wide w/two shelves & three drawers. 726-2850 Dell desktop computer, very good condition $100; Royal Doulton figurines, will sell one Set of three ceramic planters, blue & white or all. Price for all $395. 724-1756 pattern, large, medium and small $30. 796-2003 Car cover, fits Honda Accord, used once for one month, excellent condition $30. Rocker/recliner $40; Hoover carpet 723-2404 cleaner $50; assorted luggage $5 each. 754-1594 or 616-558-4977 Large shell table lamp, brass and glass; floor lamp with matching table lamp; large gold mirror with matching shelf. 725-0753 WANTED Desk, preferably with drawers; also want golf Matching La-Z-Boy recliners, rose fabric, one cart with wheels to carry bag of golf clubs. is a rocker $200. 791-7907 223-3484 Maple hutch $225; queen bedroom set $125; Unwanted lake boat, canoe or kayak; also kitchen table w/6 chairs $115 OBO; also looking for two bicycles. 444-0319 odds & ends. 475-9167 Allied 58-piece ratchet driver power bit set (inches & mm) $10. 799-1261 12-piece table setting, “Lady Louise” old ivory pattern from the 1940s, good condition, made in U.S.A. $225 OBO. 331-1554 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS February 2014 / Page 75 Page 76 / February 2014 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS