St. Anastacia Garage Sale

St. Anastasia is having a garage sale this Sat (Nov 6) 8am to 12:30.  Donation drop off is Wed to Fri, 9:30m to 5pm. For large items pick-up ,please call 471-5364.

St. Anastacia Garage Sale

St. Anastasia is having a garage sale this Sat (Nov 6) 8am to 12:30.  Donation drop off is Wed to Fri, 9:30m to 5pm. For large items pick-up ,please call 471-5364.

Lost and Found Notification

On one of my walks in the neighborhood around mid-September, I found something that might be claimed if 1) you can identify what it was that you lost, and 2) provide me with enough information to convince me that it belongs to you! Otherwise, what I found belongs to me and I will then decide on what to do with it!!! If you need to reach me, please check the Publication Policy in this paper for more information.

October Article - FCCJ

During August we heard the sad news that 9 year old Krakatoa (Komodo dragon) had passed away at the Alligator Farm. Since it is estimated that komodo dragons could live an average of 25 years in captivity, this death came as a shock. We actually saw Krakatoa at the end of June when our family was visiting. As with every tragic event, it makes me think more about my own mortality. Each day that God gives us here on earth is a gift. Life is a journey that holds no promises of immortality. We can only hope to be blessed with a long and healthy journey. Special thoughts and prayers go out to all our neighbors who may be suffering in one way or another. Treasure Beach is a special place and I sincerely believe that we do care about each other. Sometimes you just need to ask for help, and sometimes we just need to pay more attention to what's going on.

August was the first month we received a publication called "TIDBITS of St John's County" in our mail box. Although it reads Issue 30 on the front page, I don't ever recall seeing it before. In that very interesting paper I read an article entitled, "Garden Bits" by Linda Stewart Hertz. What caught my eye was the phrase that I so often use in describing the place where I came from "Upstate New York" which made me wonder if Linda grew up anywhere close to where I grew up. I know that New York is a pretty big state but you never know, it could be a small world. I'll have to make a special visit to Ace Hardware just to ask. There are also other interesting articles (Capt. Tommy Tails, Master Strokes, Home Bits, Spotlight on Business, Health Bits, trivia questions and ads with savings opportunities). With everything going more and more electronic, the actual written word on paper will most likely become a thing of the past. One of the things I most enjoy each and every day is the quiet time I spend reading the daily newspaper while drinking a cup of French Vanilla cappuccino.

I meant to bring up the subject of "banana spiders" earlier in August since I first saw a number of them hanging high on the electrical lines along Costanero where I normally take my daily walk. If you've ever accidentally walked into one of their webs, you'll know they can weave some very intricate and strong webs. You might recall that ~ a year or so ago I reported doing research on them (they might look frightening but are really beneficial in keeping other annoying insects under control). The research that I did also indicated that they might be good predictors of whether hurricanes might actually be heading our way. During hurricane season, look for tell tale signs such as banana spiders no longer hanging high up on the electrical lines after being prominently displayed for most of the summer months?

The primaries were over Tuesday, 8/24. At this writing I don't know the total turnout of St. Johns voters (although it was predicted to be low) or the winners/losers. Our next civic responsibility happens during early voting the last two weeks of October or on Tuesday, November 2 (General Election). I understand there will be a number of amendments on the ballot so during these couple of months it will be important for all of us (in order to make an informed decision) to study up on the pros and cons of each amendment. Too often, these contests are won or lost on emotional issues rather than ones based on facts. Please do your homework before you go to the polls! Your vote does count and all candidates running for office appreciate the votes you cast! Penny Halyburton, Supervisor of Elections for St. Johns County maintains a very efficient organization. Her staff, a team of volunteers help to make the voting process easy for every eligible voter to VOTE!

Received the following poem "To Realize" in an email this month. There wasn't an author attached, and when I checked the internet, I could not identify an author, so I believe it belongs to all of us. Enjoy,

To realize
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to a premature baby..

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:
LOSE ONE.

Remember....

Hold on tight to the ones you love!

~ Author Unknown ~

Historic City Memories: Signs of times gone by

Interesting story today by Geoff Dobson on historiccity.com's website...

Historic City Memories: Signs of times gone by

It's a great story, full of interesting tidbits & shows an old picture of the A1 Aleworks building when it was the Plaza Hotel. Check it out, it's pretty cool.

This month (mid-August), I decided to go for a drive around Treasure Beach to check out the neighborhood. I haven't really visited all 17 streets (Ajo, Barco, Basque, Costanero, Desoto, Gomez, Hildago, Majorca, Ole, Pizarro, Puebla, Rio Royale, Rojo, Salado, Treasure Beach, Ventura and Villa Verda) in our neighborhood since before 2003 when we were actually looking to buy property here. It always seems to amaze me that our little community of some 492 properties is in a constant state of change. In my travels, I saw that two lots had been cleared on Rio Royale (maybe a new home is coming?), a new home being built on Puebla, neighbors actually outside in the 90+ temperatures talking to each other, a total of ~37 For Sale and ~8 For Rent signs. Unfortunately I also witnessed emergency vehicles responding to a call on Pizarro, and thought to myself (since the only one with me was my faithful four-legged friend) that whatever the emergency, the hope is that it wasn't too serious. Let me congratulate Larry on a great and informative article this month on our community. I know that those who have already read it will agree, and if you haven't read it yet, it's a must read!

Special thanks go out to all of our neighbors who exercised their civic responsibility by voting in the primary during early voting, on August 24, and/or by serving as pollworkers. Next comes the general election on the first Tuesday in November.

Neighborhood news is always welcome! Please contact me at mcilhenj@bellsouth.net or 904-461-3397 if you have something to share.



Did you Know there is a Patriot Day!:

In the United States, Patriot Day occurs on September 11 of each year, designated in memory of the 2,993 killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Most Americans refer to the day as "Nine-Eleven (9/11)," "September Eleventh," or some variation thereof.
U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 71 was approved by a vote of 407-0 on October 25, 2001. It requested that the President designate September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day." President George W. Bush signed the resolution into law on December 18, 2001 (as Public Law 107-89). It is a discretionary day of remembrance.

Initially, the day was called the Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.

On September 4, 2002, President Bush used his authority created by the resolution and proclaimed September 11, 2002 as Patriot Day.

On this day, the President directs that the American flag be flown at half-staff at individual American homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 A.M. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time of the first plane crash on September 11, 2001.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_Day, http://www.butlerwebs.com

September 2010 Newsletter

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DOCKS SEPTEMBER 2010 Is it just me or did it seem like July lasted forever!!!!!!!!!!! We were out of town for one week in July….back to Cincinnati, Ohio for a visit with relatives and friends. Hmmmmm….now that I think about it…..that visit seemed like it lasted much longer than a week! I thought St. Augustine was hot and humid….Cincinnati was almost as bad! But….I still like St. Augustine winters much better. Well, it's official. I am retired….a lady of leisure! Ha! What a joke! I can sum it up in a statement made by a friend of mine who recently retired: "I've never been busier and accomplished nothing at the end of the day." I keep telling myself that as soon as I get a "schedule" I'll be okay. COMMUNITY MEETING: September 14, 2010 – TIME CHANGE: 6:30 PM – BEACHER'S LODGE This is a "pot luck" dinner, my favorite kind. (I thought the time was 6:00, but according to the signs Charlie Novak had made for us…it's at 6:30). This is always a good time to see people you haven't seen in awhile and to meet new owners and renters. Bring a dish to share. Drinks will be provided. In the past, people have brought their own plates and utensils. We will have extras there in the event that you forget yours. GUEST SPEAKER John Birney, a financial planner, will be speaking at our meeting about retirement income ideas. In this time of lower interest rates on CDs, etc. you will find his information very interesting. John has been investing for 25 years. Ron and I had an opportunity to meet with John and were very impressed with his knowledge. This is just an "informational meeting" and there won't be any sales pitch! OCTOBER 12, 2010 – 7:30 PM – BEACHER'S LODGE There will not be a guest speaker at this meeting as we will focus on nominating new board members. No experience or resume required! If you really want to know what TBPOA is all about, being on the board is the way to learn. Please think about your friends and neighbors in Treasure Beach and talk to them about being involved and nominated for a board position. It's good to have new ideas on the team. Don't nominate a name without talking to the person first. Some people don't like surprises! ARTICLES FOR OUR NEWSLETTER It's not always easy to find interesting things to mention in our newsletter. I don't know a lot of what is going on in the neighborhood. The St. Johns County Sheriff keeps me up to date on the police issues. However, that's usually bad news. I need some GOOD NEWS (rpm2121@bellsouth.net). You can also call me at 461-4356. Examples: Who just entered the service or just got out, graduations, new babies or grandchildren, awards given, recoveries from illnesses, exciting trips, etc. Larry Panchuk wrote a great article about the positive changes in Treasure Beach over the past few years. He also mentioned that by talking to your neighbors you learn who in T.B. owns a business that you may need their particular service. If you do own a business and live in Treasure Beach, please let us know. We will put your name and business information on our web site. Please e-mail Doug Berndt at berndtd@bellsouth.net. I LOVE DOGS!!!! I've owned two myself! But, I have noticed people walking their dogs along Costanero without "doggie bags" to clean up the "poop". Are they using their hands? Certainly they are not just leaving the mess there for people to step in? Stick some Publix, Winn Dixie or Walmart plastic bags in your pocket and do the right thing! DON'T FORGET – Reserve Dec. 11th 2010 That's the date of the TBPOA Christmas Party at Beacher's Lodge. More details as they develop! CLEAN UP DAY – CHANGED TO OCTOBER 16TH By popular demand we have been asked to move clean up day to October instead of September due to the hot weather. Please contact me BY OCTOBER 1st if you are interested in being the contact person for your street. Hey, don't we have some street captains out there still???? SIGNING OFF Remember: On the highways of life…..stay in your own lane. Thanks for your continuing support! Paula Murphy President