Gasparilla Marching Band

Rehearsal for the Gasparilla marching group will take place at 11 am Wednesday Jan 30, outside Friendship Hall, right after the line dancing class. You don't need to be a dancer to participate.
We have four new positions open for flag bearers to accompany the group. Come join the parade and be part of history.

Gasparilla Schedule

Tickets are now on sale ($6 per person) for our Gasparilla dinner and dance on Feb 2, 2008. Contact any Board member for a ticket, or our own Ticket Mistress Guy Hislop.

We need golf carts and drivers to volunteer Taxi service to carry residents to the Point. The usual decorated golf cart contest and decorated bike contest winners will receive a small bag of "gold coins".

Boaters are asked to call Ron Jeffries (11-23) to register your decorated boat in the contest. We sure could use more boaters in the flotilla.

The best male and female costumes will also fetch a bag of "gold coins".

Here's the schedule:

Flotilla begins at 2:30 in Redfish Bayou. Boaters, make sure you have a registration number.

The Pirate invasion happens when they reach Pirate's Cove.

At 3:30 the parade begins with the Marching Dance and Flag Group, followed by the bikes and golf carts. Feel free to join in the parade if you are in costume. Please support our parade people with your presence on Sunset Blvd.

There is no reason to rush down to the hall, sit outside and enjoy the parade.

At 4:30, the Gasparilla vittles will be served. The traditional Sloppy Joe feast with some sides will make your gizzard tingle as you wash it down with your drink that you bring. BYOB!

Music will be on-going, and hopefully you will be dancing. Fatu starts at 5:30 and will surely get everyone up and dancing until the party ends at 8:30.

Get your tickets before they are gone!

A Short History of Pirate Money (17th – 18th Century)

There were many different currencies in use in the Caribbean, though the currencies of the 'big four' (Britain, Spain, France and Holland) were the most common. The American dollar was not yet invented in the 17th century, but the term "dollar" was already in use in the American colonies. The Dutch (very active merchants) had a coin called a "daalder," and the word was used loosely to mean any comparable coin.

The most common coin in the colonies in those days was the "piece of eight" (peso de ocho), so called because it was worth eight Reals (also called "bits") minted in New Spain. It was called the "Spanish Dollar" and became the standard coin simply because there were more of them than anything else. The modern US dollar is directly descended from the piece of eight (a quarter is still often called "two bits"). Due to inflation, the dollar is worth considerably less today: A reasonably accurate estimate is 1 PoE (Piece of Eight) is worth about $30 (modern).

There was no paper money. Gold, silver and copper coins were the currency of all nations, silver being the most common. This is not really so much of a problem as it seems, however, since all coins were made of the same metals. Merchants took coin by metal type, not by national origin. They would weigh the lot and give value based on current local rates. Thus the cliché of a pirate or highwayman weighing a purse in his hand and assessing its value is actually plausible.

Even in areas where foreign coins are scarce, weighing money is common practice. Many rogues shave some silver off each coin, gradually saving enough to melt down and sell. Weighing the coins effectively reduces the risk of getting less than one bargained for. A couple hundred years ago, they started putting ridges on the rims of coins to keep rogues from shaving off the edges of coins, and selling the precious metal.

Just thought you’d like to know.

http://www.kipar.org/piratical-resources/pirate-money.html

Bayside West Meeting Tonight

The January meeting of Bayside West Neighborhood Association is tonight at 7pm in the Regency Cove clubhouse. This meeting is for its annual election of officers. Only members with 2008 membership will be given voting rights.

Membership dues are $5 per person, or vote. If a husband and wife wish to each vote, both should get membership cards.

Our association has been helpful in bringing city attention to needs in our neighborhood, and has successfully brought changes to improve our safety and our neighborhood. The association had a stong influence in the Cove redevelopement project. It has also published neighborhood events like the big garage sale weekend.

Please support the Bayside West Neighborhood Association by your continued memberships and participation.

Potluck Photos

Potluck photos have been posted in a slideshow on the Club Regency Blog. Check the links to the right to get there. (The slideshow is a new feature, let me know what you think.)

Marchers Needed

Ladies are needed for the Gasparilla Marching Corps and Kazoo Band. They amazed you with their remarkable razor sharp precision last year, entertaining the throngs in the Gasparilla Parade and at the Banquet Feast. Join us this year, just for the fun of it. Call Gail Horvath or Sandy Ross. Rehearsals are starting next week (TBA).

For Sale

There are a few tickets left for the Glen Miller Band performance on Jan. 22 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Tickets are $10. Contact Linda Siddens.

Also available: one rain barrel, with brass spigot. Call Sandy Ross.

Paint Your Heart Out Tampa

Paint Your Heart Out Tampa is celebrating its 20th Anniversary on April 19, 2008! Over the past 20 years, over 1,800 homes have been painted and countless number of deserving Tampa families have been helped thanks to many of you who have participated.

For the 20th Anniversary, we are seeking your help to identify homes in your neighborhood and community, for example, if you are aware of an aged resident of Regency Cove,who would benefit from this program, call the Office and let them know. In order to qualify, homeowners are to be 62 years of age or older, own and physically live in the residence and be on a fixed income. Once the Paint Your Heart Out organization picks the homes, all remaining homes that do not make this years list will be put at the top of the list for consideration next year. As a neighborhood president, we also hope you will join us on April 19, 2008 for Paint Your Heart Out Tampa.

Thank you for your consideration to help identify homes in our community. Your time and
recommendations for houses to be painted will help make the 20th Anniversary of Paint Your Heart Out Tampa a tremendous success!

The next meeting of the Bayside West Neighborhood Association will be held here at Regency Cove on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. It has been so gratifying to see so many Regency Cove residents at the meetings. Please continue your neighborhood association support with your membership dues, and your presence at the meetings. Together we can accomplish great things in our neighborhood!

Jerry Frankhouser, President of Bayside West Neighborhood Association,

Board Meeting Saturday

Board of Directors Meeting
January 19, 2008 at 10 a.m.

Agenda

Call to Order 10 a.m.

Secretary's Report

Financial Report Posted in Information Center

Old Business:
1. Take from the table resolution regarding Board Meetings
2. Approve payment of $26,615 to Hammer and Howell for Handicap restroom

New Business:
Ellen De Haan, J.D. of Becker and Poliakoff Law firm

Adjournment

Members' Meeting Held Today

The no-name group chaired another Members' Meeting today at 1:30 in the clubhouse. It was standing room only. The group which claims to be bringing harmony back to the park presented prepared statements by four of its leaders, Betty Ridge, Rose Reis, Paul McCumber, and Tim Reynolds. No comments were allowed while they were speaking.

The floor was then opened for comments, and the usual guys spoke general comments and concerns, after Betty's stern warning not to discuss anything on a personal level. There were relatively few comments made, so the presenters were back at it again, with comments more closely leveled at "the Board" and the recent budget passed. Their written statements were already done, so this time, comments were a little more emotional and accusatory.

I wasn't writing minutes, (I doubt anyone was), but sometime soon, Paul leveled a direct question at Ron Herb, the Board VP. Ron stood and answered the question, saying that he didn't want to speak at this meeting, but he answered what he was asked. More "leader" comments ensued, and finally Ron walked to the front, took the mic and addressed the topic at length. While he was speaking, he was continually barraged with verbal interruptions by one or both of the female presenters. (I couldn't see behind the column.) From my seat I hollered as loud as I could "LET HIM SPEAK!" (I am sure that the right ear of the man sitting next to me is ringing tonight.)

Several times throughout the afternoon, Ron stood up to answer what became increasingly more pointed and direct accusations, questions, and comments. As he took charge, even commanding an interruptor to "Be quiet, and let me speak!", Ron demonstrated his knowledge of Board activities, and his leadership skills. He answered, without the benefit of a prepared written statement, many concerns, and even though he began to lose his temper a little, he never lost his dignity nor his respect of the assembly before him. I think he could make a very fine Board President.

As a shareholder, and a new Board member, I agree with many of the concerns which were voiced today. I acknowledge that communication IS necessary between the Board and the residents, and even among the Board itself. No one person or Committee should run the park, and make the decisions, and spend all that money, without some kind of dialogue going on. Open discussions, committee meetings, Town Halls, whatever it takes.

I think the four leaders, who find fault with the Board and the budget, should place themselves on the ballot as candidates immediately, if all conditions are met. You know why? They found a solution! They presented their issues, and got people together and talking. Not necessarily agreeing, just communicating. I would welcome any of them on the Board, more than those others who just like to criticize, and contribute nothing.

Gasparilla Volunteers Needed

Yarrrr! It's that time again!

We could use a few good men to help with the flags.

Meet up at the clubhouse at 9am 0n Jan 16.

Resident Education Program

The HORC Board is planning a continuing education series for the residents of Regency Cove, over the next few months. The February Outlook will highlight the March Annual Meeting and the voting procedures, as prepared by Ellen De Haan, of Becker and Poliakoff, the Regency Cove attorney.

Regency Cove Whisperings, the unofficial blog of Regency Cove, wishes to introduce you to an online Community Association class, which is offered by the Community Association Institute, which we ( the members of the Board) are members. This, normally, is a 2 hour class offered by CAI, but you are able to view the 52 page manual online, for FREE. I heartily recommend that every resident in the park become familiar with the rights and responsibilities of Homeowner Associations members.

I strongly encourage every resident who plans to run for the Board in March takes this on-line class. I intend to ask pertinent questions of each of the candidates, at the Meet the Candidates Night, and I hope that all other residents do the same. We need qualified persons filling the 3 board positions in March. Please peruse the 52 page manual, and become familiar with the basics of Community Association Life.

Residents are encouraged to read the on-line manual, and become familiar with the rights and responsibilities of members of a Homeowners Association. If you have a problem connecting, call Sandy 835-9098. Click on link below:

http://www.caionline.org/excerpts/community_association_living.pdf

Special Board Meeting Jan 5

Below are the resolutions which were presented today at a Special Meeting of the Board. The second one was tabled, the other two passed.

CORPORATE RESOLUTION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HOMES OF REGENCY COVE, INC.

WHEREAS, the Master Occupancy Agreement for Regency Cove, a Cooperation, and the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws (“Governing Documents”) of the Homes of Regency Cove, Inc. (“Association”) provide that the Board of Directors is responsible to maintain, repair and replace the Cooperative Property and conduct the business of the Association; and

WHEREAS, the Governing Documents and the Florida Corporate Law permit the Board of Directors of the Association to adopt policies and procedures, from time to time, regarding the operations of the Association; and

WHEREAS, the shareholders have a need to contact the Association, from time to time; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is desirous of establishing a policy regarding communications from shareholders, to ensure that the communications are received and handled as appropriate under the Governing Documents and the Florida Law.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following policies and procedures were duly adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting with the Association Attorney held on January 3, 2008; and ratified and confirmed at a duly-called Board of Directors meeting held on January 5, 2008 :

1. The Official Address of the Association is the Office at 4851 West Gandy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33611.

2. Any questions, concerns, comments or communications (“communications”) from Shareholders to the Association must be in writing, signed by the Shareholder, and show the lot number or address of the home within Regency Cove.

3. No communications will be deemed to be received by the Association unless they are hand-delivered or mailed via U.S. Mail to the address set forth above.

4. Communications will be reviewed, processed and/or answered, as appropriate, or as required by applicable Law.

5. Communications via electronic mail to the Manager or to any Board members, and communications sent to the home addresses of any Board members, are not considered to be delivered to the Association, and will not be responded to by the Board or the Manager.

Adopted this 5^th day of January, 2008.

Board of Directors

__________________________

(TABLED) CORPORATE RESOLUTION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HOMES OF REGENCY COVE, INC.

WHEREAS, the Master Occupancy Agreement for Regency Cove, a Cooperation, and the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws (“Governing Documents”) of the Homes of Regency Cove, Inc. (“Association”) provide that the Board of Directors is responsible to maintain, repair and replace the Cooperative Property and conduct the business of the Association; and

WHEREAS, the Governing Documents and Chapter 719, Florida Statutes, Section 719.106, provide that the Board of Directors of the Association has the authority to adopt policies and procedures, from time to time, regarding the participation of Shareholders in Meetings of the Board of Directors and the membership; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is desirous of establishing a policy regarding participation by Shareholders in meetings of the Board, to ensure that all interested parties have the chance to comment and be heard.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following policies and procedures were duly adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting with the Association Attorney held on January 3, 2008; and ratified and confirmed at a duly-called Board of Directors meeting held on January 5, 2008 :

1. Each Shareholder is entitled to speak on any Agenda item, at a meeting of the Board of Directors.

2. Each Shareholder will be permitted to speak one time only, on each Agenda item which he/she wishes to address.

3. Each Shareholder is permitted to speak for a maximum of three (3) minutes on any agenda item.

These Rules shall be applicable for all Board Meetings, and may be enforced like any other rule or policy, as set forth in the Governing Documents of the Association.

Board of Directors

__________________________

CORPORATE RESOLUTION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HOMES OF REGENCY COVE, INC.

WHEREAS, Homes of Regency Cove, Inc. (the “Cooperative”) is the corporate entity responsible for operating and maintaining the Homes of Regency Cove Cooperative Community; and

WHEREAS, the Case Law in Florida permits the Board of Directors to republish its Governing Documents in order to cure failures by previous boards of directors to fully enforce provisions of those Documents in the past and to prevent the defense of selective enforcement from being raised if enforcement of those provisions is now attempted, and to remind the Shareholders and Residents of the senior housing requirements; and

WHEREAS, on January 5, 2008, at a duly-called meeting of the Board of Directors of the Cooperative Corporation, at which a quorum was present, the Board voted to republish all terms and conditions of the Master Occupancy Agreement, the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of Homes of Regency Cove, Inc. (the “Governing Documents”) related to senior housing occupancy and compliance with the Fair Housing Laws.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, by this Resolution, the Board hereby readopts and confirms all provisions of the Governing Documents regarding senior housing occupancy of all homes in the Park. Permanent occupancy of each home in the Park requires that at least one person 55 years of age or older be in residence. No children under the age of 18 may reside in any home. In the absence of a permanent occupant who is 55 years of age or older, owners of a home may temporarily reside, for a maximum of 90 days, cumulatively, in any calendar year.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors will fully enforce all violations of the senior housing restrictions contained in the Governing Documents which occur and come to its attention subsequent to the publication of notice to the shareholder owners of the republication of the Documents. Enforcement will be against shareholder owners, as well as their tenants, families, and guests.

Respectfully Submitted

Dated: January 5, 2008

Members Meeting Jan 5

Thank you to all the people who attended the meeting of the members on Jan 5. There were approximately 130 people who attended.

I was asked to preside over the meeting to give everyone an update of what was trying to be done to help our park.

It was a wonderful meeting and many people were surprised that this was not a group causing problems but in fact trying to help solve the problems and we also attempted to put aside rumors that were not true. We were able to put to rest 3 rumors that are just not true.

Rose has worked very hard to try and get the money/budget situation under control. Paul also has helped with this and gave a presentation of the problems.

What a great group of people that attended that meeting.

There will be other Update sessions in the future.

Betty

Historical Low Tides

Many people in the park have never seen the tide as low as the past few days. The following video was shot on Jan 3, 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgni3dTDSyk

“Do You Know Your Honey” Luncheon

Each and every woman in the Park is invited to come to lunch at the Friendship Hall on January 10, 2008 from 11:00 – 12:30. The lunch will be provided by Honey Baked Ham (but don’t expect Ham) for $15.00.
There will be a special presentation to help us start the New Year with a clean slate. This will be conducted by Dinah Dees who has a great sense of humor and she calls it – “Getting AROUNDTOIT In 2008”.
This will be followed by Carol Wiersma from Centennial, Colorado answering the question, “Has Anyone Noticed It’s a Zoo Out There?”
This is sponsored by the South Tampa Christian Women’s Club. For reservations, which should be made by Monday January 7, call Mona Jegerski 831-6166 or Peggy Pauquette 832-6715 or Beth 832-3097 or Grace 830-3959.
Come and have fun and maybe win a door prize.

COLD...BUT...NO SNOW

THIS PIC TAKEN 7AM JAN. 3 2008 FROM 10 SUNSET! The photos below are elsewhere in the park. Check your sprinklers, folks!

New Year Party Photos

Some pictures from the New Year party have been posted on a new blog. There is also a new poll feature that I am trying out, but it will only last one week, so hurry and vote if you want to express your opinion.

Here is a quick link, or you can find another on the Club Regency Blog.

www.clubregencynewyear.blogspot.com

Comment From a Resident

I received the following in my email, and was asked to publish it:

What a wonderful park we live in. This past week Ed took some friends in the boat to fish. Since things don’t always go the way we plan, the motor quit working. With a call to the fishermen’s network, Bill Hilliard came out and rescued them. So now he needs to figure out what is wrong with the motor. Al Morel willingly offered his expertise and Al Brickner also offered assistance. With their help and hard work they will get it running if at all possible. Can we find any better neighbors than are in this park? I don’t think so.