The Seasoned Observer

Issue 46 "All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing" June 2006

While recently reading my second most favorite newsletter here at Four Seasons, the “Official” one, I read a short article about the “Reclaimed Watering System” we will receive within the next year or two if the well permits, that have recently been applied for, are not granted. Written by a member of the Ad-Hoc Committee studying this reused water, it took the position that some of the things I may have spoken or written before are not true and he wanted to set the record straight. I am sure we will all see the report by this Ad-Hoc Committee and have ample time to discuss the issues further. In the interim, after reading the article, I went back to our April issue to see exactly what I said and what errors I may have made. I defined the difference between “Grey Water” and the “Reused Wastewater” that we will receive. I never challenged the safety of this water, only the perception that it might raise. Accordingly, I stand by my article and everything I wrote in it. But prior to writing this follow-up, I took another step. My neighbor, Jerry Farra, is a strong supporter of the “Reclaimed Watering System.” He has a condo in Florida and has seen first hand the result of these systems. He wrote an article for us on the subject and it appears on page 29 of this issue. On May 24th, both Jerry and I took a ride over to the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) to see first hand, how the system works, and to learn how it will be implemented at Four Seasons. When you drive over to the ACUA, only authorized vehicles are permitted in. There is a telephone at the gate and when Jerry told them we were from Four Seasons, they welcomed us with open arms. We met with their general manager and Thomas Louletta, vice president of the Wastewater Division. Mr. Louletta and I had previous communications when I was gathering information for our April issue. After a brief tour of the facility, Jerry and I sat down with them in their boardroom and the time they spent with us was both very informative and without any time restraints. We had the opportunity to ask any and all questions we had. I must confess that my initial feelings of negative perception did not change and I will tell you why.

II

To begin with, we were assured and I truly believe them, that this “Reused Wastewater is perfectly safe. As a matter of fact, Mr. Louletta is willing to take a few sips when it first comes out. I will reserve that toasting pleasure exclusively for him. The system begins with a purification plant that will be housed on the corner of Old Port and Moss Mill Roads. K. Hovnanian’s approximate $750,000 investment will be in his building for the piping to take the recycled waste-water to the Four Corners, Wexford and Manchester Villages. This water will not be used for any of the older villages (Pembrooke, Chatham,Devonshire and Wayland). In order to have enough water to supply the villages intended, all the wastewater from the Smithville area will go to this plant. In a nutshell, the wastewater coming in, will go through an ultra fine membrane filtering system, which will separate the solid waste from the liquid. It will then go into a biological filtering process and finally through a fine grained sand filter, resulting in, as Mr. Louletta put it, drinkable water. The solid waste materials will be diverted into the existing wastewater piping and sent to the ACUA, just as it is today. Additionally, a sample will be taken every day for testing. The entire process from wastewater in to purified water out, is done in a matter of hours, which I must admit surprised me. Sounds like you can sit on the “potty” in the morning and irrigate your lawn that same afternoon. Now that’s technology! So, based on all of the above, why would I have any objections? It is because, in spite of the fact that this water is represented to be as near to drinking water as possible, certain restrictions are mandatory:

• No consumption by humans or animals • No irrigation of crops unless they are peeled or

boiled before consumption • No human bodily contact • No filling of bird baths, decorative pools or

ponds • No interconnection with any other water

supply • A posted sign must indicate “do not drink the

irrigation water.” Continued on page 4

2

The Seasoned Observer Our Staff

Editor-in-Chief Marty Horak Columnist Ginny Schwab Columnist Brian Astle Columnist Frank Loeb Columnist Jerry Farra Dear Dr. Joy Joy Sanchez Musical Notes Mitch Rosalsky Wally Sez Edward J. Walus Claire de Bloom Claire Farra Barbara the Book-Worm Barbara Farneski Distribution Mgr. Joanne Annacone Editing & Proof Reading Mitch Rosalsky The Lighter Side S. D. Freedman Yo! Flower Guy Lenny Kantz Advertising Mgr. Lee Sanchez

Marie Carraro, Renée Horak

Distribution: Deb Astle, Mike Caesar, Earl Cain, Gerald Goldman, Edie Hackbarth, John Marlin, Marilyn McDonald,

Ken Nagel, Ed Walus,

Have an idea; want to contribute? Contact our staff or E-MAIL us at

SEASONEDOBSERVER@MSN.COM

To Advertise… Call Marty 404-9764The Seasoned Observer is a resident publication that is not affiliated with K. Hovnanian, Inc., or the Four Seasons HOA. Contents selected and the opinions offered are the sole responsibility of the editorial staff and/or their individual authors.

This Helping Hand section will appear each month to assist any of you in need of help in changing your furnace filter, batteries, and/or the lint collector behind your dryer. The following people are available at no cost to help you… just give one of them a call.

"Our Filter Brigade" Renée Horak 404-9764

Jim Cavallo 652-5685 Brian Astle 748-6384 Harry Wolverton 404-4649

Lee Sanchez 404-0010 Jerry Farra 748-7337

Talk To Tony For this month and for the coming months of July and August, instead of being in the clubhouse at night I will be pool-side during the afternoon hours. On Thursday, June 22nd between the hours of 2 and 3 PM, I will be at the pool available to listen and discuss any questions, concerns or ideas you may want to talk to me about. If it is impossible for you to make this date, please do not hesitate to call me at home, you will find my number in the Four Seasons telephone directory or on our web site. In the event of rain I will take up my normal spot in the lobby of the clubhouse, from 2 to 3 PM.

Tony Annacone - Board Trustee

The Seasoned Observer Due to the July 4th holiday, we will hold our

next meeting on Wednesday, July 5 at 10:00AM in the Clubhouse Library.

PICK – UP “Please” 1. For those who have a dog, please

remember to “pick-up” at all times in all areas.

2. On those windy days, when our trash blows, or cans fly, please “pick-up” and help keep Four Seasons pristine.

3. When in the clubhouse, at a party, or just for a game of cards, if eating or drinking, please “pick-up” before you go and leave our clubhouse as clean as you found it.

The Seasoned Observer

We need distribution help in Wexford,

Berkshire and parts of Devonshire Villages Due to the July 4th Holiday, our next meeting

will be on Wednesday, July 5th at 10:00am in the clubhouse library

(Everyone is invited)

3

Up Your Chute…By Marty Horak

On Wednesday, May 31, our monthly HOA Board of Trustee meeting was held. It is the first meeting I missed in more than three years. I had volunteered to work the LPGA Shoprite Classic for the Ronald McDonald House and certain priorities do come first. But they would not let me change my date of participation so I was on the 15th green’s leader-board posting scores with Renée. I did have the opportunity to hear some of the things that took place at the meeting, including a sounding of the fire alarm that emptied the room for a short period of time. I was also told that during this alarm, that was not a drill, most people stood just outside the front door, waiting for the go-ahead to go back in. Friends, next time, go across the street, or at least as far away from the building as possible. If there was a fire and possible explosion, you really did not want to be standing up close. I heard Barbara Farneski expressed concerns about the reforestation program planned for some of the cul-de-sac islands. Dottie Montouri presented the plans for these islands and Pat Levin, having lived in Las Vegas, spoke in favor of the project if it would save water. In any event, nothing has been finalized to this point and others commented that an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions should be held prior to any finalization. During Barbara’s presentation, she sited how the 8-day mowing cycle will save the community approximately $100,000 and if it is cost savings we are looking for, she suggested going to a 9-day cycle. Having designed both, I have no doubt it will work and save us another $80,000 to $100,000. But as Tony Annacone suggested, there are still some residents with negative feelings about the 8-day, and this is really not the best time to introduce a 9-day cycle. I was surprised to learn that when Jim Maurer reported to Duff Henderson that some of the RVs parked in the assigned lot were vandalized and asked when the new secured area was going to be ready for these RV and boat owners, he found a very tired trustee. Duff Henderson had probably been working late the night before and lulled into a sense of calm at the meeting’s opening. I am told that Duffy’s initial response was ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz”…. Man, am I sorry I missed that one! ■

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When I mentioned all of the above restrictions to Mr. Lauletta, he confirmed that I was right and so I asked him, “If the water is so safe, why these restrictions?” The answer was, “Just to be sure.” These restrictions hit home for those of us who grow tomatoes or peppers in our back yard. Or, those of us who have pet dogs, that eat the grass, or those who have young grandchildren who come to play in our yards. Is it safe? I am sure it is, but is that enough? It is for this reason that I have a perception problem and made the statements about our home values. I have little doubt that after our Ad-Hoc Committee teaches us everything they will have learned about this system, we will all feel it is perfectly safe. My concern is for Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, who live in Long Island and are preparing to look for a retirement community to move to. They will not have had the opportunity to learn what our Ad-Hoc Committee did. When they come to Smithville to see our community and notice a sign stating, “Don’t drink the irrigation water”, will they ask, “Why not?” And if they are told it is recycled waste-water, or reclaimed toilet-water, will that present a positive or negative feeling about Four Seasons? I mentioned this at our meeting and Mr. Lauletta commented that people may want to move here just so they can become part of a conservation program. I suggested that may be true if Al Gore is looking to move, but I had reservations about the rest of the world. In the end, Mr. Lauletta agreed with me, and indicated that virtually every community, when first installing a Reused Wastewater System, finds perception a problem. This is a marketing problem, far more than a technical one. The technology works and has for many, many years. The questions and perceptions however, remain. During the meeting, I asked what the return on investment was for the ACUA. I wanted to know how many years it would take to recapture the investment of building this plant. Remember, the plant is closed during the winter months. The capacity of all the waste-water from all the homes in Smithville (not only Four Seasons) when recycled is only enough to irrigate the Four Corners and two other villages. It is not even capable of supplying enough water for all of Four Seasons. Based on this, and based on an annual figure of approximately $75,000 for this water being charged to our HOA, it

Recycled Waste-Water… Continued from front page appears the return will never occur in our lifetime, or for that matter, ever. We were told that without state funding, this could never take place and that the state will have to contribute to every one of these purification plants to be built in the future. Although Florida, California and other states have numerous reclaimed watering systems, and have had them for many years, this will be the first one in New Jersey for residential use. Normally you find this water being used on golf courses, parks, highways and as a cooling agent for companies using generators or other manufacturing methods that use large amounts of water for cooling purposes. The selection of Four Seasons, for this first residential community, was based on a few factors. Aside from the ever-growing demand on our water supply, these satellite plants cannot be built without funding from the state as well as institutional investments. In our case, K Hovnanian pledged Continued on page 16

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6

A Story About CLASS…

Last month, Renée and I drove down to Charlotte to visit the grandkids. My son Jeff, an avid golfer and one who plays to a 2-handicap, had tickets to the Wachovia Golf Tournament, being played at Charlotte’s Quail Hollow Country Club. So on Friday morning, after playing an early round at his club, we went to Quail Hollow. I have to tell you, I have played many of the great courses over my lifetime, including those on the Monterey Peninsula, Number-2 at Pinehurst many times, I grew up playing the Black at Beth Page, but I have never seen anything like Quail Hollow… Spectacular! Anyway, after getting a program, we see that Phil Mickelson (“Lefty”) is due to hit the ninth green in about four more threesomes. Jeff and I find ourselves a spot, just under the grandstands and at the rope line for the ninth green. After watching three or four threesomes come through, we notice how the gallery has now swelled to the many thousands, the fairway is lined with spectators. This next group has a roving cameraman and an announcer walking with them. We knew this had to be Phil’s threesome and we can see “Lefty” off in the woods to the right. Phil plays a low hook to the front of the green, chips to about 8 feet and waits his turn to putt. Now for you non-golfers. These players are working and grinding to make the cut for the final two rounds, or there is no payday. Their concentration is strictly on their ball at all times. Once the other two players holed out, Phil made his par putt, tipped his hat to the crowd, but unlike all the other players we had seen, who walked off the ninth green to the right, towards the tenth tee, far from where I was standing, walked directly towards me. I figured he hadn’t gotten the May Issue of The Seasoned Observer and he was concerned.

Luckily, I had a copy with me. I was wrong. A young girl, was seated in a wheelchair, just a few feet from me, but lost in this sea of humanity. She had lost the use of both her arms and legs, but did have a huge smile on her pretty face as Phil approached. He bent down, put his ball in her hands, patted her on the cheek and moved off towards the tenth tee. The cameraman following the group missed this, as did the roving announcer. This act was not staged or anything like that. This was real “class” being shown in the heat of battle. I don’t know how any player, concentrating the way they do, can spot an individual in a gallery that had to have approached 20,000 and react the way Phil did. I guess this is one of the reasons Phil has become such a fan favorite. When you think about it, here was one small gesture by one person, giving a memory thrill to a young girl, that I am sure will last her lifetime, and all accomplished in less than one minute. Wow! You hear stories all the time how professional athletes give of their time to visit hospitals, do the charity work they do and try to give back to the community some of what they enjoy and what most of us can never attain. It was my first time experience on seeing this in action and it has moved me greatly. None of us are world class athletes, at least not any more. I remember as an employer, how little it took to make a person feel good; Just a pat on the back and declaring that they had completed a job well done. Sometimes, a sincere thank you goes a long way. The point is; I am sure each of us, given the opportunity, with little effort, can show a neighbor, a friend, a relative, or that person you just ran into at the local store, a touch of class. All you have to do is make them feel special. ■

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By: Brian Astle Front Page… Cont. from page 1

If your bathroom sink drain (a) makes a gurgling sound when the water drains out OR (b) if is so slow draining water that water backs up in the sink, your drain is well on its way to becoming totally clogged. Not only is this an irritation to you, you will likely be hit with a large bill if you call a plumber to fix the problem plus the plumber will be gone in 15 minutes. You will end up muttering something like “Geesh, maybe I could have fixed it myself !!!” This article describes how to you can fix the problem yourself anytime it becomes necessary. Why do bathroom sink drains slow down ? The sinks in our bathrooms are subjected to a lot of use and abuse. Material that goes down our drains includes (but is not limited to) toothpaste, hair, cosmetics, mouthwash, paint, and alcohol. Small particles stick to the plunger in the middle of the drain and to the sides of the drain pipe itself. Over time, these particles dry and continue to build up. The pipes eventually become “flow challenged” just like our own human arteries become clogged from the buildup of plaque.

How do I resolve the clogging myself ? First, purchase (or borrow) a long cylindrical bristle

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brush similar to the 27” beauty shown in the photo. This type of brush can be purchased at a variety of stores or online (e.g. www.brookstone.com). This brush is officially named a “Dryer Vent Cleaning Brush”. As its name implies, it has other uses besides clearing clogged drains. Second, remove the plunger located at the bottom of the sink. No tools are required. Sit on the floor in front of your sink, open the cabinet doors, reach behind the drain, place your fingers on the two tabs on the plastic clamp that holds the plunger rod firm, and turn the plastic clamp in a counter-clockwise motion. Keep turning until the plastic clamp is free of the drain, push the rod to the rear of the sink until it is clear of the drain. Continued on page 9

9

Slow Drain… Continued from page 8

Then, lift the plunger up and out of the sink drain. Then reinsert the rod and firmly retighten the screw clamp with the tabs. Third, with the plunger still removed, insert the brush into the drain and push it gently in as far as it will go. Remove the brush and then insert it again on the other side of the drain. Do this several times. When removing the brush from the drain, be sure to cover the emerging brush with your hand or a wash cloth to keep the “black particulates” from flying all over you, the mirror and the sink counter. Remove any hair strands attached to the end of the brush and place them in a wastebasket for subsequent disposal. The black particulates that are on the brush can be washed back down the drain. Because those particles are “well formed”, they will flow through the drain and not stick to the sides. As soon as you complete this step, you will observe that the water flow down the drain is suddenly and dramatically improved. Fourth, drop the plunger back into the drain. There is NO NEED to reposition the plunger and the rod that was removed in the second step. Even without repositioning the rod, the plunger still retains its “up and down” motion. Turn on the water again and check under the sink to make sure that no water is leaking through the screw clamp that you tightened in the second step. If you detect a leak, just tighten the screw cap some more with your fingers. Congratulations, this project is complete. That’s all there is to it! You’ve saved an expensive charge from a plumber who may not do as good a job as you just did. Anytime your drain gets slow again, just repeat this procedure. Email any questions about this procedure to bastle@oakhurst.com. What about slow shower or kitchen sink drains ? These situations will be addressed in future articles. This is “Article Two” in a series of practical and money-saving articles concerning the ongoing maintenance of your home. Please send your suggestions for future articles in this series to Brian Astle at bastle@oakhurst.com or to The Seasoned Observer at seasonedobserver@msn.com to the attention of Brian ■

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Ghosts of the Past:

Past Elegance...By: Frank Loeb Long before anyone around here had heard of K. Hovnanian the pasture behind what now is a child care center on Moss Mill Rd, just west of Chatham Village enjoyed a far more romantic mystique. I first became aware that it was an airport when, while driving North on Old Port Road, I saw a Piper Tri-Pacer appear to crash into the woods to my right. Rarely used, sadly the airport poked its feet skyward in the mid seventies. The land lay fallow for a few years but it was destined to host a different form of transportation. A consortium heavily backed by Resorts International turned it into a carefully groomed polo field complete with bumper boards. They sponsored a team, the membership of which included the C.E.O. of Resorts and a local Smithvillian mogul who at one point was a three goal player (not too shabby)! But the spine of the team was a darkly handsome aristocratic polo pro from Argentina whose horsemanship seemed to defy the laws of physics. Every summer Sunday the local gentry backed their Mercedes, Jaguars and Ford Pickups into their reserved positions around the sides of the field. Beach brollies and fly tents to defend against the unrepentant sunshine were unloaded and erected. It was the equine answer to tailgating but was ever so much more “couth”. No cheese steaks, burgers or beer there! Linen tablecloths, sterling, cold chicken, duck (boiled in herbs) and white wine, were the culinary uniform of the day. It was a ritual that started around noon and ended at two when the ponies and riders filed onto the field. Continued on page 11

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Ghosts of the Past Cont. from page 10

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My family had a space near midfield with a great unobstructed view of the whole field. That we had such a prime spot had somewhat more to do with my being the mogul’s kids physician than any elevated social status on our part. After the first chukker of the first game we were hooked. My kids were transfixed by the color, the violence and the speed of the game. It is not a game for three level grandstands. It is for up close and personal involvement where the impacts between horses can be felt as well as heard. These were gladiators in a later day cavalry battle as graceful as any ballet. My kids found it “too cool” that, at halftime, the spectators were asked to walk out on the field to stomp divots. I must admit to the same reaction. No N.F.L. team would allow, let alone ask, its fans to do that. We had a good team that almost always won. The folks on either side of our spot became “neighbors” and the players became part of the crowd after the games. At last, at twilight, they led their horses back to their trailers. The problem was that it was just too expensive. Each player had five or six steeds and all the “tack” that goes with them. There are grooms to pay and turf to cut. Despite this and the fact that they never asked for anything from the fans except for stomping, they managed to soldier on for four years. Alas, the program fell under its own weight but there are times in the dead of summer in the early hazy evening, when I can see the players walking their horses into the twilight. ■

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Wally Sez... By: Ed Walus

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After living in your home awhile, some people find items that need to be taken out, changed, replaced, or added. And this is this month’s WALLY SEZ. I want to share with you, regardless of your home model, a few of the things I did and hopefully some of them could improve your lifestyle.

1. I added another wire mesh shelving tier in the master bedroom closet and installed 45º wire mesh shoe racks around the perimeter floor. (Imelda Marcos, eat your heart out!) (Cost under $100).

2. I also removed the single bulb light fixture in that closet and replaced it with 2 double-bulb fixtures. (Cost: $25.)

3. We thought the breakfast area overhead light fixture was a little meager. Took it out, and replaced it with the Hovnanian fixture from our dining room. A substantial improvement. We then replaced the dining room fixture with one of our personal taste.

4. If any of your light switches are hard to find in the dark, here is a simple solution. I installed an ON-OFF switch which has the switch lighted at all times, replacing the K. Hov switch. It also doubles as a night light. Cost: Under $12.

5. Whether you know it or not, our houses have an air filtration around most electrical wall plates. Put the back of your hand near an outlet… you’ll feel a draft. SOLUTION: Buy the already stamped-out foam “draft stoppers.” Usually comes 6 to 12 pieces per pack. Cost: Under $2 per package 6. This is a little costly, but if you hate wasting water like I do, especially waiting at the kitchen sink for hot water to travel through our cold pipes, there is a solution. LOWE’S or Home Depot both sell a small 1½ to 3 gallon hot water heater (cost under $125). You will need a plumber to do the installation (under $100) and an electrician to run the line (another $100). We now have instant hot water and eliminate wasting water.

WALLY SEZ: I hope you have enjoyed this article and used some of my ideas. Feel free to write The Seasoned Observer of your own personal home improvements. Happy Four Seasons!

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delicious giant tomatoes, beautiful white corn

Stop by and see what other fresh produce is available that day

14

Financial Focus…

We have accumulated ten time-tested investment strategies as a result of a recent conversation with Norman Johnson, an Investment Representative with Edward Jones. (See page 5) We offer these as techniques to consider:

1- Stick with your investment plan: If you do adjust your investment plan, be sure to do it for the right reasons, such as long-term outlook, or one of your investments no longer meets your goals.

2- Diversity and rebalance: By spreading your money among a variety of investments, you avoid taking those big “hits” that may affect just one asset class. You may need to “rebalance” your holdings occasionally to be sure your portfolio meets your risk tolerance and time horizon.

3- Reduce the size of an investment that is too large: If you put a large amount of money in a single stock, you are taking a substantial risk. With capital gains taxes now at a maximum of 15%, it is a good opportunity to sell off some shares and diversify.

4- Keep investing: Although past performance can never be a guarantee, Stocks have significantly outperformed all other asset classes. Invest in high-quality stocks and do not get dissuaded by short-term “bumps” along the way.

5- Look for rising income opportunities: To boost your investment income, consider buying stocks that have historically increased their dividend payouts.

6- Don’t forget growth and income: There should be a place in your portfolio for good, solid “growth and income” investments, which provide opportunities for capital appreciation and current income.

7- Limit exposure to risky investments: Be cautious abut investing in emerging markets, “junk” bonds, technology stocks and certain commodities. Before adding any of these volatile investments, consult with your financial advisor who understands your risk tolerance.

8- Build a “bond-ladder”: By building a “ladder” consisting of bonds or varying maturities, you can protect yourself in all interest-rate environments.

9- Reinvest, reinvest, reinvest: If your investment generate dividends, or interest that you do not need for monthly expenses, consider reinvesting to put the power of compounding to work.

10- Follow principals, not predictions: No one can predict with total accuracy what the future will bring to financial markets. So stick with the investment principles that never go out of fashion, such as diversification, investing in quality and maintaining a long-term perspective.

Editors Note: Although all of the above appear to be good, sound investment guidelines, we make no claims to these investment strategies, nor can we be responsible for any results by following them. We offered them for your individual consideration and recommend that you discuss them with your personal financial advisor, prior to making any investment.

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Musical Notesº By Mitch Rosalsky

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THE CELLOS Still another one hit wonder -----RANG TANG DING DONG was the Cello’s first and only hit. It was 1957 and this disc, despite its ridiculous lyrics, had a tune that was very contagious and apparently appealing. The guys chose to make their niche in the

. world of novelty tunes. The Cellos got together in 1955 at Manhattan’s Charles Evans Hughes High School’s neighborhood in the Chelsea section of the borough. The school was a prime breeding ground for New York’s R&B harmony, as members of the Charts, Kodaks, Crests, Schoolboys, Johnny & Joe, the Keynotes, et al all attended there. They were initially known as the Marcals, but who wants to be known as the “toilet paper group” and so they changed their name to THE CELLOS. Charles Evans Hughes specialized in textile trades which drew students from all over the city and this was why members of the CELLOS came to the group from all over New York. They practiced incessantly and when ready to record, they cut a demo. The engineer for that session was Lewis Merenstein, nephew of Apollo Records owner Charles Merenstein. Lewis liked them and brought them to Apollo for an audition. Apollo management liked them as well, and signed them up to record. They recorded four songs at that first session and their RANG TANG DING DONG was pressed and released late in 1957. Continued on page 16

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16

Billy Montgomery, a personal friend of Channels’ lead Earl Lewis, was the 2nd tenor for the Cellos. He earlier (1956) was a member of the Channels. In April, they appeared at Alan Freed’s Easter Show at the Brooklyn Paramount with such notables as the Cleftones and the Solitaires. RANG TANG DING DONG entered Billboard’s top 100 in July of 1957--- reaching as high as #62. Despite their novelty song reputation, the guys could really sing ballads. I’M UNDER YOUR SPELL and YOU TOOK MY LOVE were two terrific slow tunes which did nothing. Lewis Merenstein became their manager and RANG TANG DING DONG (I AM A JAPANESE SANDMAN) did very well and a second session was scheduled. However, none of these future discs did anything despite the quality of their ballads. The Cellos would ultimately drift apart. They were a group that deserved more attention and all the Cellos’ executions were later compiled into an Apollo LP in the 80s. They made the rock ’N roll world a little brighter in 1957 and 1958 with their humor, spontaneity and infectious energy. ■

Musical Notes Continued from page 15 Waste-Water…Continued from page 4

approximately $750,000. This investment will come in the form of the construction for the pipeline from the plant to the villages to be irrigated. Did Hovnanian do this because he is a conservationist at heart, or was there another reason? So I asked if the investment was a Quid-Pro-Quo. “I’ll contribute and use the reused waste-water when it becomes available, if you allow me to build today with fresh city drinking water.” I did not get an affirmative or a negative response. I got a “Not exactly.” So my friends and neighbors, if well permits cannot be had, and this reused wastewater is introduced to the lawns of Four Seasons, I suggest we all become very interested in water conservation. We will need to take great pride in representing our community to the rest of the state. We will have all the knowledge that I am sure we will gain from our Ad Hoc Committee and the fact that we are the very first in New Jersey to use modern technology to conserve our most precious resource, water. If we do not take this posture, I am afraid my concern for our house values will prove to be right and they will have but one way to go. ■

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We are beginning to hear more and more about xeriscape and reforestation within the community. What is this all about? Well, reforestation is what is done by the state to improve forestland and rebuild the woods by planting as many seedling trees as possible. Xeriscape is derived from the Greek word xeros which means dry that denotes water-efficient landscaping. This landscaping technique is used successfully in desert states like New Mexico and Arizona. One could stretch the meaning and say either reforestation or xeriscaping is a good idea for Four Seasons as the Department of Environmental Control has deemed the area as having a water shortage. The three plans set out for the homeowners as designed by Gill’s Landscaping Service (by the way, no other landscaping company was consulted) in the lobby of the Clubhouse all have very pretty pictures of plants that are supposedly common to our area, the New Jersey Pinelands. Only one of the plants shows up on the list from the Pinelands’ website. That would be the Mountain Laurel, which requires a great deal of water. Well, maybe we don’t have to go by this list. How about grasses? A warning for the pampas grass sites the danger of injury to passers-by from contact with very sharp saw-like edges of the leaves. How natural is that? Heavenly bamboo, another choice, is considered a poisonous plant and an invasive weed in several states. Guess not in New Jersey. Now the blueberry bush could be considered native, after all nearby Hammonton claims itself the “Blueberry Capital”. The garden variety that is suggested vaccinim corymbosum is an ancestor of the cultivated blueberry and, according to the experts, is common in moist or wet soils. Saving on water are we? Then there is the pin oak tree which seems to be a favorite to use in Four Seasons. According to Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories: “There are many insects which feed on pin oak. Many insects prefer trees which are under stress from root damage, lack of water or nutrients......To promote overall tree health, proper mulching, pest management, fertilization and irrigation are required. Some of these treatments can be applied at any time, others require very specific timing.”

Is this really a money saver? Then on the list are the plants which will or will not attract deer. Great, let’s hope the deer know what they like and don’t like. What about attracting the birds that fly overhead, dropping in various colors that which they have eaten? The geese and ducks will be in heaven, not from heavenly bamboo, but from the feast of berries that will be available. As of the publishing of this issue the Board of Trustees has said that no final decision has been made as to whether or not these changes, at a cost of about $5,000 per cul-de-sac island or circle will be made. The questions homeowners should be asking should be, “Are we going to be buying five dollar plants to put into $500 dollar holes?” “Will money be saved in landscaping fees and how much less watering will be required?” To some xeriscaping is just a change back to nature and everything will be perfect. Others dislike that look and enjoy Four Seasons because of the manicured lawns and tended shrubbery. Many don’t know that a change is in the air. ■

It's Xeriscape, Not Zeroscape… By: Ginny Schwab

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Are You Making These Painful Mistakes Concerning Arthritis? Dear Friend: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, afflicting over forty-million Americans. Osteoarthritis comes from the wearing down of the cartilage that protects the bones. It usually occurs in the joints that have the most “use.” Joints like the spine, fingers, knees and shoulders. Arthritis, no doubt about it, negatively affects your quality of life. Not having the proper use of your spine and joints, with all of the accompanying discomforts, definitely hampers your golf game, gardening, fishing, time with the grandchildren and just plain enjoying life. Most people don’t realize that there are 100%, all natural things that they should be doing to help prevent arthritis, ease arthritic discomfort and improve their quality of life. As it has been reported in the media, taking arthritis drugs can kill you. And regular over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug use can lead to kidney, liver and stomach disease, which can also kill you. Here is a list of the top things you should be doing to help the health of your bones and joints. If you are not doing these things, arthritis will take the enjoyment out of your life. Moderate Exercise: Swimming, walking and biking have been shown to reduce pain and swelling as well as keep the joints moving. Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Those found in fish oil and flax seeds, have anti-inflammatory properties. Glucosamine/Chondroitin Sulfate: These supplements help to rebuild joint cartilage. Chiropractic Care: Gentle, low force, spinal adjustments reduce friction on the joints, helping to keep motion in the spine and prevent degeneration from occurring. In addition, spinal adjustments help increase range of motion, which means you can move better and enjoy life. My Name is Dr. J. Zimmerman and I have been a chiropractor in Smithville for 17 years. Not only have I helped people with arthritis, but I have also improved the quality of life in people suffering from back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, fibromyalgia, arm pain, digestive disorders, and too many other conditions to list. There is no reason, why you cannot live a better life. Give my office a call to set-up an appointment. 609-266-4749

Health First Chiropractic Clinic Smithville Professional Center

Rt. 9 , Smithville, New Jersey 08205 609-266-4749 For more information visit us on the web at www.healthfirstdc.com

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Yo, Flower Guy…

By: Lenny Kantz, Owner South Jersey Florist

Light- Bright, indirect light is best indoors, outdoors bright location sheltered from hot sun, wind and rain. Water- Keep the soil evenly moist at all times. Drying and irregular watering can cause bud-drop. Avoid standing water. Reduce watering in the winter. Temp- Keep in a room that’s a constant temperature. (65º-75º F) are best. Humidity- Hibiscuses enjoy constant humidity, so dialing misting is beneficial. Fertilizer- Healthy, fertilized plants are more tolerant of insect attacks. Be sure plants are well watered before applying fertilizer. Soil- Plants will do best in acid, moist, well drained soil. Other Facts Hibiscuses are native to southern China, tropical Asia and the Pacific islands. Several insects are likely to show up on Hibiscuses; aphids, spider mites, thrips, scales, and white flies. Hibiscus comes from the Greek word for “mallow.” Prune Hibiscus plants to keep them from getting leggy. Trim plants in late winter to stimulate new growth.

Plant of the Month

HIBISCUS

Botanical Name Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hye-BIS-kus) Common Name China Rose, Rose mallow

Description Hibiscus plants are popular for their large, brightly colored papery flowers that can grow 4-7 inches across and for their beautiful dark green foliage. Consumer life Each flower may last only a day or two, but with proper care, there will be a succession of blooms from spring to autumn, and the plant itself can last for many years. Generally only a few flowers are open at any given time. Hibiscuses are available year-round

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Chicken Corn A thick creamy soup, filled with chicken, mushrooms, corn and packed with extraordinary flavor 6.00 Mushroom/Barley with Beef A thick homey base, with beans, split peas, barley, mushrooms and choice ribs of flanken beef 6.00 Minestrone a thick minestrone to end all others 6.00 Chicken/wild rice A creamy-based soup with chunks of chicken, mushrooms Garden vegetables and wild rice 6.00 Chicken Noodle Grandma’s standard chicken soup, with chunks of white meat chicken, carrots and noodles 5.00 Stuffed Cabbage Soup Three stuffed cabbage, swimming in a bowl of sweet cabbage soup.. Raisins and all 7.00 Mushroom/Barley A thick barley/mushroom with fresh string beans and split peas. 5.00 Pasta e Fagioli "simply outstanding" 6.00 All prices are per Quart

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Dear Dr. Joy… By: Joy Sanchez

Dear Dr. Joy. How do you overcome the boredom of retirement? The first few months were great, but then the boredom sets in. I'm too old to find meaningful work, the kind that taxes your mind, not your body. Committees are OK, but they don't stimulate the juices like the old days. Any suggestions? You asked a question that has been presented to me in one way or another since I've moved here. Actually I think I answered a form of it a year or so ago, but I'm going to approach it a little differently this time. It's hard to know exactly what you mean when you say you are "bored". You may be feeling depressed, useless or worthless, purposeless or aimless and maybe even frightened by the prospect of getting older and a “this is it” kind of perspective. Somehow when we no longer earn our income we have the feeling that nothing we do is really important and we are just filling (or even wasting) time. If you actually have nothing to do that interests you or excites you I would consider that you may be depressed. The depression may be biochemical, which often occurs with age and as a by-product of various medications, or it may be situational in that you haven't found something you enjoy or it may even be that you are telling yourself things that are non-productive to enjoying your retirement. There is something about being compensated financially by our actions that make them seem more important and more useful and gives us something concrete to look forward to. Now when we engage in activities no one writes us a check for our efforts which was the way in which we were validated previously. Right this moment I am writing a column for the Seasoned Observer. No one is paying me for this “work”. Actually there's not much of any type of compensation but I'm certainly not feeling bored or useless writing it. Sometimes we need to do things for their own sake and not for what they might give us down the road. I don't think my article is any less important (maybe I'm delusional) because I can't take it to the bank. I also think that when we are retired we have given up on the idea of making a big difference in the world and therefore nothing we do seems particularly useful or important. Continued on page 28

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Let’s Eat… By: Marty Horak

King’s WoK Chinese Restaurant

King’s Wok famous Chinese Restaurant Eat In/Take Out

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When in the mood for a good Kosher style delicatessen sandwich, locally “Pickles” at Bally’s Resort is quite good. Try the hot pastrami and tongue combo on pumpernickel bread with Russian dressing. However, as you all probably know by now, Harold’s, in the Raritan Center remains the all-time best deli ever. Go with 6-8 people, order one of their three meat combos to share and be prepared to take a large doggie bag home. If you have the desire for crabs, especially cooked garlic style and mussels in garlic, there is absolutely no place better than Mud City Crab House in Manahawkin. Just a burger… Go to JD’s and order the Jersey Devil Burger. And may I suggest an order of sweet potato fries instead of the chips, for a dollar more. Go to the Fareway on Route 9 if you like calf’s liver with sautéed onions. When it comes to pizza and you were brought up in New York City, there is a problem finding the really good ones. Two Brothers in the Pomona Shopping Center on Route 30 is the best around here, but for those willing to drive an hour, Pete and Elda’s, on Route 35 in Neptune City has the all time best ultra thin pizza anywhere. If you order their extra double large pizza, the crust is so thin, those who observe The Passover can still eat it on the holiday. The best prime rib can be found at Steak 38 in Brigantine. They have early birds every night but Sunday. For approximately $15, a generous portion of prime rib, cooked the way you like it is almost always available. Fried Calamari is best at YIASOU Greek restaurant in the Pomona shopping center. A very close second can be had at the Blue Marlin, Just around the corner at Pitney and Great Creek Roads. Enjoy… Enjoy… Enjoy! ■

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Every now and then I feel it would be a good time to re-cap some of my favorites. Not only the restaurant, but more specifically the best item I found on their menu. Somehow, whenever I begin with favorites, two come to mind immediately.

22

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Dear Editor; Just prior to my moving to Four Seasons at Smithville, my wife and I came here to see how our prospective residence was moving along. Because we were told that we could not visit the site on which our new home was being built, too often, we instead went to the clubhouse. I was more than pleasantly surprised with both its appearance and its facilities. It was still under construction, with the aforementioned facilities still being added, but its overall look was fabulous----something I planned having my friends and relatives visit. The ballroom, the billiards room, the indoor pool, the card rooms, the fitness center & the library, these were all the things I was really proud of. As Mike DiBella used to say ---“This place is a dream come true.” I echoed those sentiments. I am living here now for the past five years, and admittedly I am not as active as I once was and do not get to the clubhouse as frequently as I should. However, I recently went to a party in the ballroom on a Saturday evening and was shocked with what I saw ----especially in the Gathering Room, where the coffee machine is. Card-room table-tops were loaded with a ton of crumbs and chip residuals, and were stained with drips from various drinks. Now I find myself embarrassed with little pride in Four Seasons’ current appearance. Further, most of us are now paying $160 each month for maintenance, to assure us that our clubhouse still has that “better than average” look. The cleaning service leaves a lot to be desired, as people are still leaving their snacks and drinks behind them. This becomes quite frustrating trying to keep these rooms as they were found. So please folks -----and you know who you are ---- leave these rooms as you found them, CLEAN!! Mitch Rosalsky Devonshire Village

In response to the “Pay to Play” article of last month, it seems to me that many people do not enjoy the various opportunities that are offered in the Clubhouse. These are the ones who would like a charge for every card game and dip in the pool. Seems to me that the purpose of moving to an Active Adult Community was to be an “active adult” If one wished to sit inside and watch television while the weeds grow in the yard, then one could have saved several hundreds of dollars by purchasing a home that was not in a planned community with a maintenance fee and an area of available activities. Yes, there is an extra charge for golf, because we do not have a golf course on premises. The sports courts and pools on premises are for the use of homeowners who pay a maintenance fee for the use of these facilities. Yes, there are extra charges for dinners, events, awards. These expenses are voluntary and anticipated by those who choose to be involved. Others, one would have thought, are happy for the availability even if they don’t plan to use them for more than the extra value the clubhouse adds to the ownership of a home in Four Seasons at Smithville. ■

THE HISTORIC CHURCH

of ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINE

Tennessee & Pacific Avenues, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Msgr. William A. Hodge, Pastor Office 609-344-1040

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Weekdays 9AM and 12 Noon Saturday 9 AM, 12 Noon Vigils 4 PM and 5:30PM

Sunday 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon and 2:30 PM in Polish

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Visit our GIFT SHOP located on the ground floor of the Priest’s home. Imports from Ireland and Rome, both religious and secular, for every occasion.

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Letter to the Editor… Seems To Me… By: Ginny Schwab

23

GENERAL/COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Convenient Office Hours

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Claire de Bloom AKA Claire Farra Happy start of summer fellow neighbors and gardeners. My geraniums made it safe and sound from Florida. As some of you may know, I have been transplanting my geraniums from Smithville to Florida and back again for 3 years. I cut them back aggressively and they now have all new growth. I’m hoping they’ll have flowers by the middle of June. After fertilizing, pruning and praying, my rhododendron, after 5 years, are finally established. I guess you just have to have a lot of patience. I have a different philosophy, I threatened them. If they didn’t produce flowers this spring – they were getting yanked! Oh well, something worked; they looked great this spring. It’s so nice to look around and see everyone’s flowers doing so well. When you have a surprising health issue come to light, you really have to appreciate life and take the time to smell the flowers. See you in the garden, ■

No More Wheelchairs …

purchasing, you would check in the clubhouse closet to see if one was available. This policy has been brought to a screeching halt. It seems our Risk Management Consultant has advised our Board that there is liability to the HOA if someone borrowed one of these devises and it broke, causing the user additional harm. It seems that a Good-Samaritan act of this type doesn’t count, and there would be some exposure. Accordingly, may I suggest we set-up a storage of these items in someone’s home and keep the HOA out of the picture. Neighbor to neighbor still works and it would be a shame for this helping hand program to die. ■

In the past, residents would donate a wheelchair, a cane, a walker or any other device that they had and were no longer using, to the benefit of the entire community. If you needed such a device, before

24

When I was a resident at Bellevue Hospital, I was friendly with a medical student who was quite attractive. We had a platonic relationship and when she found out that I was from Atlantic City she was quite elated, as she had spent a lot of time there with her family at the Traymore Hotel (now an empty parking lot next to the Sands Casino and the Boardwalk.) We somehow got onto the subject of sun tanning and it developed that she was an African American – blonde, blue eyes, fair skin and mighty attractive. She told me that she had to be careful in the sun as she burned quite easily and back in those days sun tan lotions were not as effective as they are today. Sun burning or tanning is caused by the ultra violet A and B rays of the sun. As the earth tilts more toward the sun in the spring and summer these rays are more intense than in the autumn and winter. One can get tanned with a few minutes in really strong sunlight, especially between the hours of 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. as the sun is strongest during those hours. Everyone has melanocytes in their skin, which after exposure to sunlight increases the amount of melanin in the skin thus giving it its color. Sensitivity to sunlight varies according to race and dark skinned people have more melanin in their skin and have more resistance to the sun’s rays. Fair skinned people have less melanin and thus can tan more easily - sometimes in less than an hour of a strong sunlight. Sunburn results from an overexposure to ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays. The results can vary from a reddening of the skin all the way to shock, low blood pressure, fainting and profound weakness. Clothing and window glass filter out most of these rays. Water does not. UVA and UVB rays can penetrate a foot of clear water. Clouds and fog likewise are not good filters either (a person can get sun burnt in cloudy days as well as from reflection from water, snow and sand. These reflect sunlight, which then magnify the amount of UV radiation which reach the skin. Application of sunscreen (lotion) 15 to 30 minutes before sitting out in the sun helps to prevent UVA and UVB rays from reaching the skin thus delaying their effects. Sunscreens are measured by the SPF (sun protection factor). The higher the SPF number the greater the protection. No sunscreen blocks all UV rays.

Sunscreen lotion, which contains titanium or zinc oxide, blocks all radiation from reaching the skin. Usually these chemicals are incorporated into the lotion in small amounts (2.5-5%) and are quite effective in helping to block the harmful rays. The white ointment which you see lifeguards wearing on their noses, lips and ears is a much higher concentration of titanium or zinc oxide for the best protection but they are in direct sunlight for longer periods than you or I will ever be. Also if you apply sunscreen and then go swimming it is advisable to reapply the lotion after leaving the water, as sunscreens will wash off. The ultimate sunscreen would be 100% titanium or zinc oxide tinted with a cosmetic coloring agent, which will prevent most of the sun’s rays from reaching the skin. At the first sign of reddening of the skin the smart thing is to get out of the sun. Corticosteroid tablets or spray will help relieve the inflammation within a few minutes to a few hours. It is inadvisable to lay out in the sun for a day or two afterward depending on the amount of reddening you sustain. After this, you can take small doses of sunlight (with UVA and UVB blocking agents) for a short time, two or three times a day, interspersed with equal time periods of shade. Damage to the skin cannot be reversed. The effects of sunburn are cumulative and creams or ointments cannot remove wrinkles. Pre-cancerous lesions, known as actinic keratosis or solar keratosis, are pre-cancerous growths, which appear as reddened flaky (scaly) lesions, and do not heal and must be removed. These can appear anywhere on the exposed skin from the shins to the face and back and can lead to cancers of the skin if left untreated. I have had actinic lesions removed from my cheeks, ears and legs with increasing frequency over the past few years. Three have been diagnosed as one step from squamous cell carcinoma. All this damage was initiated because as a youngster I used to play on the beach, after school let out in June, until it started again in September, every summer through high school. .. The only thing that kept us off the beach was rain or an occasional trip to one of the amusement piers in Atlantic City. Although I developed beautiful suntans each summer, I am paying the price now in my dotage. Continued on page 29

Everyone Gets It – Who Needs It… By: S. David Freedman

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Here is this month's Seasoned Observer Quiz. The FIRST TWO people to e-mail the Observer, or Marty with the correct answer will win a $10 gift certificate to one of our local retailers/restaurants.

Number the Boxes from 1-49, so all the rows add up to the same amount in all directions (horizontal, vertical and diagonal)

Last Month’s Winners Last month’s quiz was very difficult. We did not think we would receive one correct answer. We were wrong. Rob Cirillo, Harvey Snyder, Terry Bergeron and Charles Saville all had it right! For those who want to see how it is done, turn to page 32 for the answer.

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Here is a clue: There is a simple method that will allow you to easily accomplish this task with any odd number of boxes.

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Dear Dr. Joy… Cont. from page 20

When we are so enmeshed in our past and have our identities so connected to who we “used to be” and what we “used to do” we stop seeing ourselves as still evolving and still growing in the present, even if it is in an entirely new arena. Actually now is a very good time to step back and evaluate ourselves as human “beings” instead of human “doings”. Many of us have been so busy performing out there in the world that we never stopped to look at and assess ourselves and our various relationships and decide how we wanted to live our remaining years. It really doesn't matter if you are doing committee work, outside volunteer work, taking some classes, reading interesting material, interacting with friends or family, playing sports or taking walks, what really matters is how you are approaching all those activities. What are you thinking about, what are you saying to yourself about your life, are you seeing it all with a fresh and unbiased eye, are you open to new experiences and new relationships? I believe that until the day we die (and maybe even past that) we all have something unique to offer the world. There is so much to do and become involved with that the idea of being bored while you are still alive and breathing will hopefully become foreign to you. I think it would be helpful if you would take a look at your boredom and see if it is indeed something else and then write back to me about the “something else” that you may be feeling so we can further address that. ■

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Reclaimed Water… By: Jerry Farra

The use of “recycled” or “reclaimed” water was discussed in the April 2006 edition of the Seasoned Observer and in the opinion of Marty Horak, the writer, reclaimed water usage in this community could impact the value of our homes. Let me try to dissuade the reader from this thinking. First of all’ “Reclaimed Water” has been successfully used for many years now in numerous places in the United States and throughout the developed nations of the world. Municipalities such as Denver, Colorado, Los Angeles and San Diego, California, Clearwater, Florida and 300 other public and private utilities in the State of Florida are safely operating reclaimed water facilities. The impact on home prices in these diverse communities does not appear to have been adversely affected. The contrary effect is more reasonable as a large segment of the customers are golf course communities, public parks and gardens and other beautiful projects. The high concentration of nitrogen compounds in the water is extremely beneficial to plants and the effect is beautifully groomed lush green lawns and shrubs. Another valuable use is in commercial cooling systems and generation. In Florida, the 3rd most populous state in America, more than 80% of the people live along the 1,200 miles of its coastline and this ever-expanding demand on the available water, causes the water supply to be gradually encroached by the salt-water on both coasts. Before the advent of the reclaimed water systems, billions and billions of gallons of water were discharged directly into rivers, streams and the oceans. Now where the reclaimed water systems are in place, more than 80% of the discharge from wastewater-treatment plants is used for irrigation purposes and is actually returned to the aquifers over time, helping to prevent salt-water encroachment. Let me briefly explain the way this system would work and assure you that the reclaimed wastewater is safe for use in irrigation of crops (not all), golf courses, public reflecting pools and commercial cooling of large generators. Safety is insured by the use of the highest standards and controls developed by engineers and scientists throughout the world. If a reclaimed water system is built here in Atlantic County as proposed by the ACUA, they will have volumes of research from successful treatment facilities to guide them. If we at Four Seasons are to

be one of the first to use one of these systems in New Jersey, then I think K. Hovnanian should be applauded for his foresight in donating $750,000 to initiate this project. A recent article in the Press on Sunday, May 7, 2006 cautions us about the diminishing water supply in South Jersey and the dire results of salt-water encroachment on the Cape May water supply. As more and more people move into the area, a greater burden is placed on our valuable water resources. As in Florida, we can help to stop the drain on the aquifers with the establishment of Reclaimed Water Systems. We can be the leaders on this program to preserve our water resources by supporting the effort to build this new system. I understand that we have an Ad-Hoc Committee established by our Board, working on presenting a report on recycled water. I would defer any further discussion until this report is presented and look forward to their ideas on water conservation. More information is available on this subject from the United States Geological Service, your local water utility and the ACUA. Please try to acquaint yourselves with the many efforts being made to conserve water. How would you handle it if you turned the water on for your morning shower and no water came out? I will follow up on this article after I have seen the report from our Ad-Hoc Committee. ■

Sunburn… Continued from page 24 Before I play a game or two of bocce, I smear SPF 50 with zinc oxide 5% on my face, ears and arms and if I wear shorts, my legs. The sun-block is rubbed well into the skin, 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. I can’t undo the damage to my skin, but I can try to prevent further trouble. And you will never see me baking myself by the pool. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but a lot of knowledge keeps you out of trouble. If I had only known about this a long time ago, I wouldn’t be having the trouble now. I have an appointment with my dermatologist to burn off another actinic keratotic lesion on my face. This will make the fifth lesion so treated. Some details and statistics were taken from the Merck Manual 1997 edition

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Let’s Have a Party… By: Marty Horak

I have lived at Four Seasons for more than five years and must confess I have gone to very few parties. If they were designed to benefit our HOA with funding, I suspect my attitude would have changed slightly. However, like many others, I was trying to figure out why our parties do not fill the clubhouse, as one would assume they would. To begin with, I do not blame the Party Committee in any way; as I am aware of the great amount of effort needed to hold these affairs, but something is wrong and I am going to, with all due respect to the committee, give you my take. Most parties have tables of 10 people each, all friends and going to such a party is no different then these same 10 people sitting in someone’s home, or going out to a restaurant. It seems to be a room with many parties of 10 people each and not one big one. Additionally, there is a cost difference, the parties at our clubhouse costing more. So I asked myself, “Why would I want to go? If it’s to hear a DJ, I can hear music at home or in most restaurants.” If you point out the negative, you had best have some valid positive to offer, and here is mine.

Something has to happen at a party, that we are going to look forward to, and it has to be something we could not get elsewhere. After discussing this issue at our monthly Seasoned Observer staff meeting, the consensus was we need live entertainment, mingling with everyone there and a closer look at the cost of the food . The entertainment issue drew a few ideas. Many liked the idea similar to “American Idol.” Why not have residents who attend and are willing to get up to the microphone, entertain with a chance to win a prize. Perhaps a gift certificate to a local restaurant. The party-goers will all be the judges. Perhaps various categories of entertainment will stimulate those who can’t sing, but can tell a good joke. Maybe one party should have the game of charades, or other games, with each table competing against the others. The bottom line, from my perspective is, we have to get all the party-goers to any party engaged in some form of activity that creates an atmosphere of joining in. I am sure your ideas are as good as ours. And remember, we will have more than one party. ■

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11.A taxi driver called to take a group of passengers to the train station. The station is normally an hour away, but with traffic being extra heavy, it took a full hour and a half. On the return trip the traffic was still as heavy and yet took only 90 minutes. Why? 12. How could you rearrange the letters in the

words “new door” to make one word. Hint: There is only one correct answer.

13. Even if they were starving, natives living in the Arctic will never eat penguin’s eggs. Why not?

14. Which is correct to say: “The yolk of an egg are white” or “the yolk of an egg is white”?

15. In Okmulgee, Oklahoma, you cannot take a picture of a man with a wooden leg. Why not?

16. There were an electrician and a plumber waiting in line for admission to the “International Home Show”. One of them was the father of the other’s son. How could this be possible 17. After the new Canon Law that took effect on

November 27, 1983, would a Roman Catholic man be allowed to marry his widow’s sister?

Answers can be found on page 32

The Lighter Side… By: S. David Freedman

Here are this month’s thoughts on the LIGHTER SIDE. The stories are as they say, “Oldies, but Goodies.” If you have a favorite, submissions are welcome.

MIND TWISTERS 1. The maker doesn’t want it; the buyer doesn’t use it and the user doesn’t see it. What is it? 2.. A child is born in Boston, MA to parents who were both born in Boston, MA. The child is not a citizen of the United States. How is this possible? 3. Before Mount Everest was discovered, what

was the highest mountain on Earth? 4. Clara Clattter was born on December 27th yet her

birthday is always in the summer. How is this possible?

5. Captain Frank and some of the boys were exchanging old war stories. Art Bragg offered one about how his grandfather led a battalion against a German division in World War I. Through brilliant maneuvers he defeated them and captured valuable territory. After the battle he was presented with a sword bearing the inscription “To Captain Bragg for Bravery, Daring and Leadership, World War I. From the men of Battalion.” Captain Frank looked at Art and said, “You really don’t expect anyone to believe that yarn do you? What’s wrong with the story?

6. What is the one thing all wise men, regardless of their religion or politics, agree is between heaven and earth?

7. In what year did Christmas and New Year’s fall in the same year?

8. A Woman from New York married ten different men from that city, yet she did not break any laws. None of these men died and she never divorced. How was this possible?

9. Why are 1990 American dollar bills worth more than 1989 American dollar bills?

10. How many times can you subtract the number 5 from 25?

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The problem: We are given twelve coins, identical in appearance but one of which, a counterfeit, is either heavier or lighter than the other eleven. We are allowed three weighings with a balance scale, to determine which is the counterfeit (odd) coin and to find whether this coin is heavier or lighter than the others. What do we do?

There are several solutions. This is one of them. The secret is to determine everything you learn with each weighing. We begin by labeling the coins 1, 2, 3,..., 10, 11, 12 so that we can distinguish between and identify them. Begin by weighing coins 1, 2, 3, 4 against 5, 6, 7, 8

1. If they balance, then 9, 10, 11, 12 contain the odd coin. Then weigh 6, 7, 8 against 9, 10, 11.

a. If they balance, therefore 12 is the odd coin and so weigh 12 against any other to discover whether it is heavy or light.

b. If 9, 10, 11 are heavy, we then know they contain an odd heavy coin Weigh 9 against 10. If they balance, 11 is the odd heavy coin, otherwise the heavier of 9 and 10 is the odd coin.

c. If 9, 10, 11 are light, we use the same procedure to reach the same conclusion for the odd light coin.

2. If 5, 6, 7, 8 are heavy, then either they contain an odd heavy coin or 1, 2, 3, 4 contain an odd light coin. Weigh 1, 2, 5 against 3, 6, 10.

a. If they balance, the odd coin is 4 (light) or 7 or 8 (heavy). Then weigh 7 against 8. If they balance 4 is light, otherwise the heavier of 7 and 8 is the odd heavy coin.

b- If 3, 6, 10 are heavy, the odd coin can be 6 (heavy) or 1 or 2 (light). Then weigh 1 against 2. If they balance 6 is heavy, otherwise the lighter of 1 and 2 is the odd light coin.

c- If 3, 6, 10 are light, the odd coin is 3 and light or 5 and heavy. We then weigh 3 against 10. If they balance 5 is heavy, otherwise 3 is light.

3 If 5, 6, 7, 8 are light we use a similar procedure to that in step 2.

Editor’s Note: A very difficult problem and a special congratulations to our four winners.

KUDOS TO LENNY KANTZ (Flower Guy) It was Valentine’s Day when my daughter called and asked “What did Daddy get you?” I said, “Nothing—not even a card.” True, he had gotten out of the hospital only days before, but everyone knows that in this age, all you have to do is pick up a phone and buy almost anything you want. Unknown to me, my daughter started calling Gallowy florists and getting a flat “NO” on (of all DAYS) Valentine’s Day!! She then called South Jersey Florist and told the owner, Lenny Kantz (the flower guy), of her father’s plight. “No more, you’re going to make me cry,” he jested. Within ten-minutes someone pulled into our driveway and walked to the door with a box. “I think you have the wrong house,” I said. The driver assured me it was correct and there were my dozen beautiful roses with a card from my HUSBAND reading, “And you thought I forgot!” Thank goodness for good daughters who get their father’s out of the dog house and also thank goodness for proprietors of florists who have a heart. Ruth Temes Chatham Village

Last Month’s Quiz… Letter to the Editor…

1. coffin 2. The child was born before 1776 3. Mount Everest had not been discovered 4. Clara lives in the southern hemisphere 5. World War I wasn’t called by that name until

World War II 6. The word ‘and’ 7. They fall in the same year every year. One in

January and the other in December 8. The lady was a Justice of the Peace

9. One thousand nine hundred and ninety bills is one dollar more that one thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine bills 10. Only once, then you are subtracting it from 20. 11. An hour and a half is 90 minutes. 12. One word 13. Penguins live in the Antarctic 14. Neither, the yolk of an egg is yellow 15. You have to take a picture with a camera not

with a wooden leg. 16. They were husband and wife 17. He can’t because he is dead

Answers to MIND TWISTERS

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Do You Care??? By: Barbara Farneski

Our spacious lawn areas, decorative ponds, landscaped cul-de-sacs and natural wooded sections all come together in making our Four Seasons the beautiful community that it is. Those who purchased a home that directly bordered these common ground amenities paid a premium and did so with the understanding that things would not change. Certainly, if one of our ponds were to be filled with dirt and changed into a recreation field, those residents who invested in such an area would have every right to object. I suspect the question of change to any of our common area should need the approval of those residents who paid for the privilege of facing it. Must that vote be a unanimous one, a majority, or what if only one resident objected? I live in a cul-de-sac, paid additional money for my location and did so to enjoy, among other things, a well manicured, landscaped island in the center. There are other cul-de-sacs in Four Seasons and some of them were designed with natural wooded landscaping, others like ours are well manicured, and for those residents, that is what they paid for.

Now our Landscaping Committee wants to turn sections of common areas back to a natural state. Those with large spacious lawn areas may find that it will be removed and replaced with “the natural look”. Perhaps every resident affected will not object, but then again some may, and what should be done? Our cul-de-sac island may become one of the areas scheduled for change from a beautiful manicured lawn, into a natural state with shrubs. Prior to that happening, the majority of residents that would be affected have voiced an objection and a letter was sent to both the Landscaping and Grounds Committee as well as our Board of Trustees. Should they have the right to make this change over our objections, seems to be unfair. Should your common area amenity, whether it be a pond, a wooded area or a manicured island be subject to change? What would your position be?

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Front Door… By: Marty Horak Letter to the Editor…

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A few years ago, we had a debate on providing a handicap door to our clubhouse. Initially, we were told by Hovnanian that, as a private community, we were not obligated to follow the American Disability Act for public places, requiring such an entry. After the debate, and the resident support, Hovnanian did chip-in and helped pay for the door we now have near the handicap parking area. We now learn that residents using the front door are having problems, based on the force necessary to operate it. One resident has actually fallen, claiming that the door closed too fast. Perhaps it is time to consider another handicap-operating door. After all, many of our residents, unable to walk well, are dropped off in front of the clubhouse and use this door as their entry. If K.Hov won’t, perhaps a fundraiser for this specific reason might work.

Dear Editor, I enjoyed your column regarding "pay for play"; however, there is one discrepancy that I wish to correct. Unlike other recreation, when tournaments are held, residents may not use the facility, when pool aerobics are scheduled, anyone may use the deep end of the pool and if feasible, the lap lane may be roped off for use. These classes require a fee from the residents but the pool is still open to anyone who wishes to use it. I agree with you that when a facility is closed off to residents not participating in tournament or league, then a fee should be charged to those using the facility. Jo Mongiello, Chairperson/Pool Committee

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