We Missed the Superbowl Boat

Just for fun, hook up with the official Superbowl website at

http://www.tampabaysuperbowl.com/

Unfortunately we missed the boat. They have already signed up 6,400 Tampans as volunteers for this event. The Bruce Springsteen half-time show has already selected and trained their volunteers who will be participating in the show.

I guess the rest of us will just have to watch it on TV.

Watch out for street closures around the stadium all weekend.

NBC crew here

The NBC Today Show crew was in the park this afternoon filming our statue of Jose Gaspar and Ron Jeffries as well. They are doing a piece on the history of pirates in the Tampa area, and the new history center downtown directed them to us. We apparently have the only statue of Gaspar in the world. Meredith Viera is in town and will take a ride with one of the Krewe's tomorrow. The piece will air on Sunday morning between 9 and 11am on NBC.

Superbowl Transportation Advisory

Super Bowl XLIII

Raymond James Stadium Area, Downtown and Ybor City Tampa, Fla. (January 27, 2009) – There will be street closures around Raymond James Stadium, Downtown Tampa and Ybor City due to Super Bowl XLIII and related events.

January 30, 2009 beginning at 6 p.m. through February 1, 2009 at midnight, the Transportation Division expects increased traffic in Downtown Tampa and Ybor City for the following roads: Dale Mabry Highway, Himes Avenue, Hillsborough Avenue, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Columbus Drive, Armenia Avenue, Platt Street/Channelside Drive, Tampa Street Morgan Street, 21st and 22nd Streets, and 7th Avenue. The Tampa Street extension from Brorein Street to Franklin Street may be closed based on traffic flow, if so please use Meridian Avenue to access Harbour Island. Road closures around Raymond James Stadium include: • January 7, 2009 (already in effect) - Tampa Bay Boulevard between Dale Mabry Highway and Himes Avenue is closed to all traffic and is expected to reopen on February 10, 2009. • February 1, 2009 - Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Dale Mabry Highway North between Columbus Drive and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard will be closed to traffic and is expected to reopen on February 2, 2009 at 4 a.m. • January 31, 2009 - Beginning 10 p.m. Himes Avenue between Columbus Drive and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard will be closed to traffic and is expected to reopen on February 2, 2009 at 6 a.m. Road closures in downtown Tampa include: • January 29, 2009 - Beginning at 6 p.m. the northbound lane on Franklin Street will be closed from Harbour Island to Old Water Street (formerly St. Pete Times Forum Drive) and is expected to reopen on February 1, 2009 at 6 p.m. • January 29, 2009 - Beginning at 6 p.m. Old Water Street (formerly St. Pete Times Forum Drive) will be westbound only from Channelside Drive to Florida Avenue and is expected to return to two-way traffic on February 1, 2009 at 6 p.m. • January 30 and January 31, 2009 (two nights) - From 6 p.m. to 12 midnight, Channelside Drive between Meridian Avenue and Cumberland Avenue will be closed. Road closures in Ybor City include: • January 26, 2009 to January 30, 2009 (already in effect) - From 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, 8th Avenue will be closed between 15th and 17th Streets. • January 27, 2009 - Beginning 7 p.m. through midnight, Republica De Cuba will be closed between 9th Avenue and Palm Avenue. If your travel plans take you to Downtown Tampa, the Transportation Division recommends following parking signs and variable message boards that will direct you to available parking spaces in Downtown, Harbour Island and the Channel District. Variable Message Boards throughout downtown will change as parking/traffic conditions change throughout the day. Additional private parking garages will be available on January 30 and January 31, 2009. Consider parking in Ybor City and taking the TECO Line Street Car into downtown as parking venues are expected to be saturated. For additional information, please contact Public Works Operations Manager Tony Rodriguez at (813) 274-8514 or tony.rodriguez@tampagov.net.

Jerry Frankhouser, President Bayside West Neighborhood Association
www.baysidewest.50megs.com
813-507-9664

New Board Candidates Sought

Regency Cove shareholders who have decided to run for office in the 2009 elections must give written notice to the Association of your intent to run for the Board on or before February 6, 2009. In the recent mailing/block captain handout, a form was included for you to designate your Intent to Run. Even part time residents are encouraged to run for Office.

Maaco Due to Arrive on Gandy

Woody's on Gandy Blvd will soon be leaving the neighborhood, and a Maaco auto painting business will fill the void. In talking to the EPA, I learned that this is an administrative type permit. Because it is a normal type business (a body shop) the EPA can issue a permit without a public hearing. The City of Tampa has the same type of permit for buildings and other situations. Maaco will have special filtering systems in place that Jeff at the EPA said they have to be keep clean. They might paint more than one car at a time and they can't afford to have overspray getting on other cars. The sign is just notice for what is proposed at that location. All we can do is keep an eye and nose on the building. If we see or smell anything out of the ordinary we can call EPA and they will investigate. You won't see anything happen before May 2009. The current tenants have to be given 30 days notice to move. If you have any car repairs you better get them done quickly.

Jerry Frankhouser, President Bayside West Neighborhood Association www.baysidewest.50megs.com
813-507-9664

Obituary

Our condolences go out to the family of Nancy Malmquist who passed away at her home, as the sun was setting on Saturday, January 24. It was a beautiful Regency Cove sunset that night.

Nancy has been a long time resident of Regency Cove. She and her husband Bob inherited a home on Boulevard 12 from Bob's parents Andy and Mabel Malmquist back in the 1970s. Nancy was instrumental in providing the authors of the Regency Cove history book with many stories and primary artifacts which were included in the book. Nancy became active with the bridge group after her husband's death.

The Malmquist children, Mary, Andy, and Cathy, are planning a memorial service for March at the clubhouse. The date will be posted in the March Outlook. Our loving wishes are with the family at this time. Photo shows Nancy with Blvd 15 shareholder Jill, daughter of Harry and Hazel Sullivan.

Commodore's Ball photos

Check out this link to Commodore's Ball photos.

Very photo intensive, it may be slow to load.

http://commodoresball2009.blogspot.com/

Water Line Broken

If your water service was temporarily interrupted this afternoon between 2 and 3, it was due to a broken water pipe on the western end of Canal. Our maintenance crew jumped in and dug out a hole large enough for two guys to stand waist deep. Several houses on Canal had a serious puddle at the front sidewalks. As usual, the crew saved the day!

Commodore's Ball

Dress up and get festive for the Commodore's Ball tonight at 7:00. This is a BYOB affair, so be prepared. Happy Days will provide the entertainment for the evening. This will be FUN!

Gasparilla Planning Meeting

Volunteers are needed to decorate the hall for our Gasparilla celebration. A committe meeting will be held Saturday January 24 at 10 am in Goodwin Hall. Any volunteers are asked to come to this meeting.

Meeting Notice

Just a reminder that the Bayside West Neighborhood Association will have a meeting Wednesday, January 21, at the Homes of Regency Cove 4851 W Gandy at 7:00pm, in the Library.
I have news about the Walmart store, The Cove Apartment project and about the Georgetown project. Your dues are due now; it is only $5.00 per person.I hope to see you at the meeting.
Jerry Frankhouser, President Bayside West Neighborhood Association
www.baysidewest.50megs.com

813-507-9664

Jan Pot Luck

On Monday Jan 19, Club Regency is replacing the monthly pot luck supper with a sit down dinner of oven roasted chicken, rice, corn, roll and butter, and an ice cream dessert. Tickets were sold for $5. No walk-ins please.
There will be an entertaining comedy show after dinner. See you there.

Micro-Irrigation Workshop

A micro-irrigation workshop, sponsored by the University of Florida Extension Office will be held for all residents who signed up in advance.

The workshop will be held in Goodwin Hall at 2:00 pm on January 18.

Participants will receive an irrigation kit, worth $25. Installation of micro-irrigation around Regency Cove may save in excess of tens of thousands of dollars around the park.

HORC Board Meeting Cancelled

The HORC Board Meeting scheduled for Jan 14, was cancelled due to illness. Several residents called my home while I was on the cruise to ask why there was no meeting. The meetings are posted on our new sign out in front. Do we need better communication in the park?

Please watch signs for the next Board Meeting.

Wine and Cheese Party

Our bank, The First Community Bank of America, is sponsering a Thank You, Wine and Cheese party on February 20th......6:30pm to 8pm......at Goodwin Hall. All residents are invited. Come and join the party.

Cruise

Many people from Regency Cove will be leaving the park in about 12 hours for a 5 day cruise. This is a Club Regency fundraiser, which will visit Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Living in Paradise will be on this cruise.
As of tonight, I am signing off until our return on Jan 17.

Hope everyone is signed up for my Water Wise Workshop, in Goodwin Hall on Jan 18 at 2pm, which will be closed after the Board meeting on Jan 14.

Blvd 7 Planting Committee

Every few days, people call to offer their assistance on the Blvd 7 facelift grant. I have decided to post the volunteer sheets from last Spring. Please sign up if you wish to offer your time, talent, and energy. Look in the Info Room. Sometime in Feb we will be planting.

Board Meeting

On January 14, at 2:00 in the afternoon, the HORC Board of Directors will meet at an open, posted meeting. The agenda will be posted with the announcement 48 hours before the meeting. Be there!

Putting On The Ritz

Tonight!! Jan 10

Putting on the Ritz Dance

7pm til ?

The Gasparilla Krewe is going to spin CDs for an informal free evening of dancing and fun. Bring your own drinks and snacks, and money for a 50/50.

Like a high school sock hop... but this one you can bring alcohol, and not get in trouble.

Tornado Disintegrates Regency Cove's sign

A little over an hour ago, about 10:40 am, a twister left the bay west of the Newport construction site across the street, and took out our familiar sign. Before that, it devastated the little bait shop next door to Gandy Bait and Tackle. Debris from their exterior showed up on our driveway.
The twister moved east on Gandy knocking down the barricades along the road. It disappeared by the time it hit West Shore.
Our sign (valued around $6,000) will need to be replaced. The other sign was found intact along the fence. No one was hurt. Just another day in Paradise.

NEW WAL MART STORE

January 15th 2009, there will be a PUBLIC OPEN FORUM held regarding the upcoming new Wal-Mart store. Meeting location: 4207 W. Oklahoma Av. (Just East of Manhattan, Northside at the RR tracks...Time..7pm. Please attend, listen and let your voice be heard.

This is sponsered by The Gandy/Sun Bay South Civic Association.

January Events

Several historically relevant events will soon be happening in Regency Cove:

The Yacht Club's annual Commodore's Ball will be held on January 23 from 7-10 pm at Goodwin Hall. Happy Days will be the entertainment. Get your tickets for this fabulous event from Guy Hislop (B14 - L26) or from the Commodore himself, Warren Mansfield (831-3144). A 50/50 will be held. The club is reminding its membership to renew by January 31. New memberships will be available.

The Gasparilla Invasion comes to Regency Cove on January 31. Ron Jeffries (B11 - L23) is chairing the party, and his second mate Mike Ross is organizing the flotilla. A concert event begins at 2:15 at the Sunset Point pavillion awaiting the arrival of the flotilla at 3 pm. Come and catch some beads! The concert resumes as the invading pirates dock and join up with the parade which kicks off at 3:45.
Don't bother missing the parade, because the doors will not open until 4:00. Dinner will be served at 4:30. Crooner Jerry Chase will provide the dancing songs and music for the party from 5:00 til 9pm. Cash prizes will be awarded for best boat, bike, golf cart, and male and female costume. Judging will be early so don't show up late. Guy Hislop is selling tickets. See Ron Jeffries too.

PARTYTIME !!! A Big Thanks

First Community Bank Of America is sponsoring a wine and cheese party in appreciation for the the past, present, and future business from HOMES OF REGENCY COVE, and its residents. This event is free and every resident is invited to attend.

DATE: FRIDAY, FEB. 20, 2009

TIME: 6:30 TO 8PM

PLACE: GOODWIN HALL

Two Wolves

From the internet (sorry if you've already seen it)

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people.

He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

'The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'

Lights On Tampa!

Join Mayor Iorio for the kickoff of Lights On Tampa! January 10, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at Ft. Brooke Parking Garage, 211 S. Florida Avenue. Beginning this Saturday, through February 1, 2009, downtown Tampa will be transformed through five outdoor public art installations created by major contemporary artists. So grab your walking shoes and experience Lights On Tampa!

Along the way, you'll be able to grab a quick bite from a food vendor and listen to some engaging music. Numerous local eateries and pubs will also be open for business. Its a great reason to go downtown and be a tourist!

Parking will be available in downtown, but come early!

Planters Meeting Mon 10 am

Despite an error in the Outlook, the Planting Committee will meet tomorrow morning, Jan 5 at 10 am in Goodwin Hall. We will review the plants from our tour at the Discovery Garden in Seffner. Hopefully Michael, the owner of Cheep Plants on West Shore will attend. But if not, our committee will begin the process of designating their choice of plantings for Blvd Seven, Florida Friendly plantings. We need to chooose trees, shrubs, perennial plants and ground covers that will thrive in low water situations.

All residents are welcome to participate in the discussion.

A Few Words About Resolutions

Top 10 List of Resolutions For 2009
Source: About.com

1, Spend more time with family and friends.
2. Fit in fitness.
3. Tame the bulge.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Enjoy life more.
6. Quit drinking.
7. Get out of debt.
8. Learn something new.
9. Help others.
10. Get organized

Its that time of year again. If you want to consider a resolution, just check this year’s top 10 list.
(1) What better way to spend more time with friends than taking part in a Club Regency or Yacht Club function. The meals and dances are casual, affordable, and the food is pretty darn delicious. Get involved with any of the numerous card games and activities happening here every night.
(2 -3) Check out our fitness room, or join-up at Joe Abraham’s Fitness and Wellness Center at Ballast Point. Classes begin at 7am and continue all day, until 8 pm. Try a dancing class, yoga, weight training, or a variety of other exercise and aerobic activities, for a small fee ($10 month).
(4) Our smoke-free clubhouse is the best place to hang out when you’re trying to kick the habit. Come use the exercise equipment, and burn up a few calories.
(5) Enjoy life. Come out of your homes at night, and just walk our beautiful neighborhood. Instead of Sunset Point, try sitting at the pavilion at Junglelandia. Bring some hot dogs to barbeque while watching the gorgeous sunsets.
(6) One of the easiest ways to eliminate a bad habit is to substitute a new one that is not harmful. If you want to reduce or eliminate smoking or alcohol consumption, try keeping busy with new people who do not smoke or imbibe. Avoid the danger zones where alcohol is prevalent.
(7) An easy way to get out of debt is to reduce your over-all spending. For many residents, eating out is an expensive habit. You may want to try forming a meal-buddy system with several friends. Take turns cooking, and share your meal with the others. Buy the monthly SHARE food packages. That $18 food value will cook many fresh and nutritious meals for you and your buddies.
(8) Hang out in the library, read a good book, take an adult education class, or play tennis or bridge or euchre. Learn a new skill. Take a computer class from a knowledgeable neighbor.
(9) VOLUNTEER! Pick up a rake and help with the Boulevard 7 Facelift Project. Join a committee. Run for the Board. Call Red Cross. Crochet an afghan. Begin a writing career with the blog, or newsletter.
10) Organize! Clean out your closets, cabinets, and your life in general. Lose the clutter! Lighten up your life. Lose the old TV. Stay away from people who drag you down. Think positive thoughts and hang with happy people!

Have a Happy New Year! Remember, you’re living in Paradise!

Party Tonight

Just when you thought the holiday get-togethers were over.... Ta Da! another party.

At 7 pm tonight in Goodwin Hall, we are celebrating the life of our resident Roger Des Rosiers at his 80th birthday party. The party is free and open to everyone. We ask that you bring a dish to share at the snack table. A short "This Is Your Life" will be presented, with a 5 minute slide show. The Regency Cove Ramblers will then entertain and provide dance music.

Tampa Bay History Center Nears Completion

By Megan Voeller (Creative Loafing magazine)

Published 11.05.08

Between Channelside and the St. Pete Times Forum, a future cornerstone of Tampa's waterfront attractions nears completion. The Tampa Bay History Center -- a 3-story, 60,000-square-foot structure -- holds the promise of a permanent destination for history buffs (both current ones and those likely to be seduced into a new passion by the History Center's sleek building and interactive exhibits), much larger than the nook previously occupied by the institution near the Convention Center. And it's a long time coming -- since 1989, the History Center's staff and supporters have worked steadily and quietly toward expanding their beloved showcase of Tampa's heritage. The Grand Opening celebration is scheduled for January 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.

It's a point of pride for History Center staff that the new museum won't dwell exclusively on the icons -- or clichés, if you like -- of Tampa's history. Visitors can count on seeing a flamenco dancer (printed on a banner in the building's glass atrium) and hearing about the cigar industry (in the form of a walk-in replica of a 1920s Ybor cigar store), but they'll also encounter plenty of surprises.

During a hard-hat tour of the building last month, executive director C.J. Roberts highlighted some of the Center's unconventional offerings: a second-floor landing devoted to an interactive map of the region, which will allow visitors to construct historical tours and e-mail the results; a multimedia presentation on Tampa's history as a port displayed inside an actual shipping container; hands-on activities, including cattle "branding" (with a magnet), orange-crate label design and Native American finger weaving.

In addition to Tampa Bay's past, the History Center will offer visitors a chance to reflect on where the region is headed. An exhibition area devoted to the history of social change incorporates narratives from local residents and invites visitors to record their own thoughts on a whiteboard. Of course, the expansive new History Center itself implies good things about the region's future.

New record visitations

Thanks to "Living in Paradise", we have the BLOG. Some say, "no one looks at it". Foolish statement as we have now had 29090 visits since its inception. I am however a bit dissapointed that we don't have more "comments". I'm sure everyone has "thoughts" after reading an article......your constructive comments are most welcome. Thank you....saltydg

Silent Supermen

Every association has its heroes. These are the guys who go out to get the job done, they want no notoriety. They realize that there is a job to be done, and with no fanfare, no photos, no blog recognition, they do what has to be done.

Our park witnessed such an event early on the morning of January 1st, when our "Silent Superman" Tony Sencich went out to Blvd 7 sometime around 5:30 am, to continue the job of removing the stones that was begun on Dec. 27 by a crew of volunteers.Tony worked for 4 hours shoveling and raking the stones. Sometime during the morning, resident Wes Rice picked up a shovel and joined Tony in the process. Wes put in a couple hours himself.

It took four hours, but these two super heroes worked silently, diligently, and completed the job.

I don't even have one photo to post of these guys working , because they did it on their own, while we were sleeping.

Please thank them.

Regency Cove Garden Trippers

On December 30, three carloads of Regency Cove residents went off on a field trip to the beautiful Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden at the University of Florida Extension Office in Seffner. We were met by Lisa Strange, our resident UF Master Gardener, for a private tour of the "living lab" garden which demonstrates the 9 principles of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program. Lisa was here for our Groundbreaking Ceremony on Dec. 19, and has pledged her support for the continuation of our grant project.


We are striving for a beautiful and serene Florida-friendly garden, which will greet our residents and visitors as they enter our gates. This garden will be a model of xeriscaping, water conserving landscaping which we hope the whole community will eventually embrace, to reduce the amount of water usage for irrigation in the park.



The Plant Planning Committee is meeting Jan 5 at 10 am at the clubhouse. Everyone is invited to attend.

Top row: Ed Pauquette, Ed Bedore, Val Whitmore, Vilma Wolf, Mary Lou Mittel, Bob Wolf, Roger Des Rosiers Bottom row: Peggy Pauquette, Judy Blackbird, Dee bedore, Marilyn Cauthorn, Sandy Ross
Participants take notes to bring back information on ground covers, and water-wise plantings.

Preventing Foreclosure on Tampa TV

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 31, 2008


COUNTY CONNECTION PROGRAM TURNS THE CAMERAS ON PREVENTING FORECLOSURE
First airing on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
HTV – Hillsborough Television
Brighthouse Channel 622, Verizon and Comcast Channel 22


Hillsborough Television’s (HTV) County Connection program will take on the timely issue of foreclosure the second week of January. Guests representing local and national housing efforts will explain ways residents can take advantage of foreclosure prevention programs and funding assistance that could save their homes.

The program will pay a behind-the-scenes visit to the Clerk of the Circuit Court offices to reveal boxes filled with foreclosure applications and employees who have been pulled from other divisions to help with the unexpected workload. Foreclosure applications have doubled every year since 2006, with a total of 18,878 foreclosure applications being received through November 2008.

Valmarie Turner, Director of the Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Department, will discuss the department’s HomeSavers Program for residents in danger of losing their homes and the nationally-funded Neighborhood Stabilization Program which is being used to purchase abandoned and foreclosed homes for rehabilitation.

Chloe Coney, district director for U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor, will discuss workshops sponsored by their office that helps connect homeowners with counseling organizations for help on the spot, as well as national funding available for foreclosure prevention efforts.

Bill Sanchez of the Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation also will relate firsthand accounts of homeowners who are facing their biggest fears and how HUD-approved counseling services can help residents avoid scams and save their homes.

County Connection is a weekly question-and-answer program hosted by Jerome Ritchey that addresses important community issues. County Connection airs new episodes on HTV every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with encore airings of the show throughout the week.

For complete schedule information go to www.htv22.org.

For more information contact Tammy Peralta, HTV Station Manager at (813) 276-2675.

How to Dispose of That Old Analog TV

Did you get a new television for the holidays because of the upcoming conversion to digital service in February? Not sure what to do with your old television now?

If you are thinking about throwing your old TV in the trash or leaving it on the side of the road, don’t! Most analog sets contain cathode-ray tubes which usually contain 4 to 8 pounds of lead and other harmful substances.

There are better alternatives that are safe and eco-friendly. You could consider using the set for movies or video gaming systems or donating it to a local charity. Or you can dispose of it safely and free of charge at Hillsborough County’s Household Chemicals and Electronic Collection Centers.

Collections are held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations (weather permitting):
• 1st Saturday of every month at 9805 N. Sheldon Road
• 2nd Saturday of every month at the South County Facility on Powell Road (off U.S. 41, north of Big Bend Road)
• 3rd Saturday of every month at 6209 County Road 579 (Mango Road, north of Interstate 4, exit 10)

For more information call (813) 272-5680 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/solidwaste. Click on “Household Chemicals & Electronics Collection.”