Obituary

Fred Paruszkiewicz passed away quietly on Wednesday August 27 at home with his wife Ruth. Fred has been a resident here in Regency Cove since 1975. He and Ruth have had a wonderful 8 year marriage. He was 86 years young.

The family is asking that donations be sent to Life Path Hospice or Metropolitan ministeries.

Seawall Staging

The staging process has begun for the seawall construction. Please link to http://regencycoveseawall.blogspot.com/ for news. We will attempt to keep you informed throughout the entire process.

Photo Laureate Exhibit Opens

People in the park are buzzing about the article in yesterday's Tampa Tribune's Getaway section. A Fresh Eye Finds Tampa by Esther Hammer tells about Tampa's 2007 Photo Laureate Marion Belanger, and her exhibit of 20 photos which will be on display at the American Institute of Architects, starting today through late fall. [details later]

On June 26, 2007, a post on this very blog introduced the residents of Regency Cove to Ms. Belanger. (Go through the index and you will find it under the heading "photo laureate".) I shared a glass of wine with Marion on my deck at sunset at the end of her second trip here through the park. She was infatuated with our classic 50s homes in such pristine condition. The theme in her work is "persistence and change", and she strove to depict Regency Cove as a resistant mini-culture within the ever-changing downtown (and neighborhood) Tampa transition. The article describes Regency Cove trailer park (gag me) as " a place that has resisted change over the years". I am sure that her description is complimentary, although most of us choke on the term "trailer park". Her intention was to depict a community in no hurry to transition to 21st century norms. We are content in keeping a status quo here, and may not overtly welcome new huge homes placed on our limited unit sites. We should be pleased that the folks at City Hall drove her here in the first place, recognizing our historical importance. And we should be flattered that she included us in two photos of only twenty. Maybe Esther Hammer should be invited to visit our "trailer park" someday soon.

For more information visit http://www.aiatampabay.com/ and click on Gallery AIA.

Address: American Institute of Architects, Gallery AIA, 200 N. Tampa St., Suite 100

Admission: Free



Sandy's Note: Marion Berlanger was the photo laureate of Tampa for the entire year of 2007. Her exhibit is comprised of only 20 photographs. Regency Cove is depicted in two of them. To me, that's quite an honor! The photo below was scanned from the newspaper article. That's why the quality is so poor.
Please plan to visit the exhibit.

Fay Won't Go Away

Today is the fourth day of tropical storm Fay in Florida, but the first day that Tampa received any rainfall. There has been a steady WNW wind about 15 mph, slightly stronger gusts. The rains fell in short bursts, and didn't accumulate to anything significant. It was dark and dreary most of the day, with occasional views of daylight and sun as the bands of clouds rolled by.

Our neighbors on the east coast have been deluged, with rainfall in some cities as high as 18" to 22". How very, very fortunate we are.

To cap the day off nicely, a nice break in the clouds appeared just about sunset. We had one of those glorious Regency Cove sunsets that bring many residents out to the Point. It was a beauty!

Thought I would share it with you.

Our wonderful BLOG

Its hard to believe, in a way, that we have had 21891 "hits" on our blog since its inception. It certainly proves that the site IS looked at. We all owe Sandy a big pat on the back for starting, maintaining, and managing this great site. Ed Bedore

Thank You to Main. Dept. from Town Hall

From the members of HORC Town Hall Committee, we wish to thank our Maint. Dept. for a job well done!! The shrubs inside the front gate, the cutting to the proper height is most welcome for everyone who drives a small vehicle which is very close to the ground thru the gate.

A Super August Potluck

Tonight the August potluck came dangerously close to becoming a hurricane party. Co-chairs Mary Willsey and Sandy Ross tormented for two days about canceling the dinner due to the approaching storm. The decision was made this morning to proceed as usual...with caution.

A die-hard supper crowd which totaled over 50, managed to put out a dazzling display of cool delectable salads, and steaming hot meat, potato,and vegetable dishes. Desserts were too numerous to describe. Dee Bedore said grace and dinner ensued. The few who were last in line (I was one) commented how nice it was to see the variety of dishes still available for the end-of-the-liners.
A Jeopardy game followed the dinner. Contestants included Wayne Dunphy, Ron Herb, and Linda Siddons. Sandy Ross ran two computers and projected the game board up on the wall. It was great fun! The music didn't co-operate, but what the heck.
The winner of the all-expense-paid, free- 18 inch cheese pizza, was president Ron Herb. With all the work he has been doing around here, involving committees and transitioning a new manager, Ron was sharp enough to win the 50s TV trivia. Whatta Guy! Whatta President! Are you going to share that pizza?

Fay Update

The current hurricane watch extends up to the Tampa Bay area. Tornado watches are in effect in many areas to the south. Strong winds are expected here before the afternoon is over on Tuesday afternoon.
It is time to clean your carport and porches of any debris. Statuary on your lawns must be brought inside. All chairs, tables and flower pots need to brought inside. We don't need any unnecessary damage caused by thoughtless residents.
If you need assistance with your storm shutters, our maintenance men will spend a little overtime and help you. ( They are on their own time... a tip is strongly suggested.) Call the office as soon as possible if you need help.
There will be lounge chairs and drinking water available in the hall during the storm. In case of a power failure, we do have a generator to keep the hall lighted. Keep in mind however, our clubhouse is NOT an approved shelter.

Tropical Storm Fay

5 day weather forecast 5pm August 16 (http://www.wunderground.com/)

Its too early to tell which path tropical storm Fay is going to take. It is not, however, too early for preliminary preparations. Get your medicine and prescriptions in order tonight or tomorrow morning, and while you're out, fill up your gas tanks. You know the drill about the disaster kit: water and food, batteries, flashlights, sturdy shoes, portable radio, repellant, coolers, can openers, eating utensils, etc.

Sunday might be a good time to begin securing your unit and carport. Tropical storms may produce wind gusts of 50 mph. Anything loose needs to be brought inside. If winds are expected to exceed 74 mph, an evacuation order will be issued, and all manufactured home residents are expected to evacuate.

Keep an eye on your weather channel. Advise your families to keep an eye on this blog, and we will attempt to report what we can.

August 16 Agenda

(Click on to enlarge)

Board Announcement

The Board of Directors of Regency Cove is pleased to annnounce that early this morning Cheri Scobee has assumed the position of Manager of Regency Cove. She will be busy in the next few days completing the required documents and other requirements necessary to fulfill her duties.

Please come to the Board Meeting this Saturday at 10 am for an official (re)introduction. Cheri had been an employee of this park in the late 90s, earning status as Manager after diligently completing educational coursework. She was employed at Regency Cove for seven years. Since that time, she has completed the required coursework for a Certified Cam license. For awhile, she worked in Real Estate, but eventually became associated with Rampart Management. Cheri has acquired years of professional management experience with multiple associations over the years. We are very lucky to have her working with us again!

For residents who wish to rekindle old friendships, or may just want to meet this delightful professional, we ask that you give Cheri a few days to transition into this new position. After the Board Meeting on Saturday, it will be "Business-As-Usual" Monday morning at 9 am.

Welcome Aboard, Cheri!

President Ron Herb and senior board member Ed Bedore welcome Cheri in the boardroom

Peggy has Knee Surgery

Peggy Scobee, our warm and delightful secretary in the office, had knee surgery yesterday at Tampa General Hospital, after an accident on the water last week. She is due to return home sometime today, and may be back at work next week.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Peggy. We miss you! Stay home and take care of yourself.

You can drop her a card c/o the Office.

4:00 Update

Peggy will be spending another night in the hospital tonight. Her pain is severe; they grafted new bone into her crushed knee. Let's do a community prayer for her this evening, and ask for Divine healing. Hang in there Peggy!

Townhall request for service

All residents who walk, ride a bike, or drive a golf cart on the pathway from Pelican lot 6 to west end, the low hanging tree limbs have been cut back! When you see a HORC worker THANK HIM for fulfilling our request for service.

Intruders Caught

Shortly after 12:30 this morning, under the cover of darkness, several youths jumped the fence at the front gate. They were captured on our security camera, as one of them opened the front pedestrian gate for another one to enter. More importantly, they were also observed by Bill Robinson (pictured) our good neighbor, the owner of Gandy Bait and Tackle. Bill immediately called the police, and in just moments, several squad cars were at the front gate. A short time later, the police helicopter was circling over the park.

The noise of the helicopter woke Linda and Rich Siddens who went out in their car to investigate and possibly assist. "Not too many people were awake, because the lights were out throughout most of the park" Linda said. We have been warned to turn on our carport lights if we hear a helicopter up above.

Two of the intruders were caught and arrested. It seems that they couldn't climb over the new 8 ft fence in the area by the cul-del-sac. Next time you're around the bait store, stop in and give Bill a big thank-you. Its good to have neighbors like this.

TOWNHALL MEETING

Regency Cove residents thanks for attending townhall meeting tonite, it was a great sucess! Will keep you posted on progress of your requests between meetings on this blog and on infomation room board. Rich Siddens Chairman of Townhall Committee.

Weather Forecast: Isolated Thunderstorms

Don't quite know how many of our readers are Snowbirds. (No one leaves comments anymore). There is a critical issue in Regency Cove that every shareholder needs to know about. Water Consumption !
The year-round residents of Regency Cove are currently experiencing what few Snowbirds are privy to--- summer in Tampa. We awaken to glorious sunrises, and those of us near the water, or those who are drawn to the water adore the salmon-pink hues on the clouds and landmarks across the bay at dawn. Early risers walk and glorify with other early-risers the coolness of the moment and the beautiful hues of God's delicious dawn.
Like clockwork, every day, the heat intensifies, humidity wilts anyone or anything outside after 10 am, and the storm clouds gather. If you happen to be out on a boat, or walking the street, you are strongly advised to watch the skies, because pop-up storms occur in mere moments.

Day after day, we have been captive in our homes for the mid-day storms which have lasted well through the dinner hour. Its almost getting tiresome. I spoke with a friend today who is cleaning out cabinets and drawers during each downfall, and she proclaimed that she was well ahead of her usual cleaning schedule.

So what's the problem?

Vacated homes throughout the park continue to use our precious water to irrigate their lawns despite the bountiful rainfall. We question the mandated rain sensors on those properties. As concerned neighbors report the violations, we attempt to contact those absent-residents to alert them to the unnecessary watering.

The Regency Cove Board is seriously considering a fine schedule for water violators. Due to the seriousness of the water shortage in Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa has increased their initial First- time fine payment to $50o.

TOWNHALL MEETING

Monday August 4, 7 pm Robert Goodwin Hall. For all residents of Regency Cove. Please attend if possible.

COMPUTER PROBLEMS ???

This is an unsolicited statement:
Old people tend to make mountains out of molehills. I am old. If you want to know how stupid you are, buy a boat, or a computer. You tend to rely so much on your computer, that when something goes wrong, you even go so far as to loose sleep until it gets "fixed". You can't fix it....you have to have a "pro". They generally are expensive, and "fixing" isn't done quickly. We are very fortunate in having a real pro right here in our park. Larry Buttelwerth is your man, should you run into a problem with your computer. He knows what he's doing...and fixed my headache. While these incidents ususally are fairly rare, when they happen, there is no need to go out of the park. Call Larry.
signed....Ed Bedore