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

August 2010 Newsletter

THE PRESIDENT'S DOCK AUGUST, 2010 Well, July 4th, 2010 came and went! I hope everyone enjoyed the Holiday and that no one was injured by a rouge firecracker. I heard from our children that the fireworks display downtown was great…..as usual. My husband and I chose to stay home this year…..uh oh……I think that's a sign we're getting old! Even though Memorial Day and July 4th are over for another year, our soldiers continue to defend our country 24/7. Don't stop thanking a soldier anytime you see one. Whether you believe in the war or not, our soldiers are putting their lives on hold and some of them dying to defend this country. Ron and I have a niece in Kuwait, so this is personal for us. COMMUNITY MEETING 6/8/2010 Steve Bitar, from Citizens Property Insurance Corp. spoke at our June meeting and was very informative. I would imagine most of the mobile homes in Treasure Beach are insured by Citizens. There are loss settlement changes that apply to mobile homes that are 1994 and older. If your home falls into that age group, you should contact your Citizen's agent and ask about the new loss settlement changes. Steve also mentioned that there are improvements that you can make to your mobile home to make you feel more secure. Your Citizen's agent can give you more information on this matter. MARK YOURCALENDARS! IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES September 14, 2010 – Beacher's Lodge - THIS MEETING IS A POT LUCK MEETING STARTING AT 6:00.Please bring a covered dish to share. (It's like a party so we can see residents we haven't seen over the summer!) Everyone is invited, owners and renters. It's a great way to get acquainted. Plus the food is great! Guest speaker: John Birney, Financial Planner, will be speaking at our meeting about retirement income ideas. John has been a financial planner for 25 years. His St. Augustine office is at Herbie Wiles Ins. Agency. He also has an office in Palm Coast. Mr. Birney was recommended to me by two different clients. This is just an "informational" meeting. There will be no sales pitch! October 12, 2010 – 7:30- Beacher's Lodge . This meeting will focus on nominations for new board members for the 2011 year. Please come to this meeting with at least one name that you would like to recommend for positions on the board. All positions are available. Please give serious thought to serving as a board member. We have an excellent board now…..but frankly….some members are tired! NOT THAT IT'S A HARD JOB! I don't want to scare you! It's just that the current members have been volunteering for sometime now. I plan on throwing my hat into the mix again this year. December 11th, 2010 – TREASURE BEACH CHRISTMAS PARTY!!! How is that for being on top of things! (Does that make up for all the things I miss?) We had a great time last year, thanks to Gisela and her many, many volunteers! I'll give you more details as the date gets closer. CLEAN UP DAY We are going to have a "clean up day" on Saturday, September 25th. I would like this to be a real community affair. We will be looking for one adult on each street to get a group of kids on their street to help clean up. The time will be from 9:00 to 10:30 (AM). Trash bags and gloves will be provided. We will meet at 8:45 AM at Treasure Beach Blvd. and Costanero to hand out the supplies (where the kids catch the buses). There will be snacks and drinks provided at 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the corner of Treasure Beach Blvd and Costanero, plus an additional surprise! This is a great way to teach our children about community involvement and pride in your community. Please e-mail me at rpm2121@bellsouth.net or call me at 461-4356 to register your child. The parent does not have to participate. There will be an adult with each group of children. OFW Karen Miles continues to stay on top of the issues with the OFW…….There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. As I learn more information, I will pass onto everyone. SIGNING OFF Well, I'm running out of time to get this article to the Record so I have to stop! If you really want to know what goes on in our community…please come to the next meeting on September 14th…..bring a covered dish or just come to the meeting at 7:30. Thanks for your continuing support!!! Paula Murphy President

Napoli's Yappy Hours Benefit to support SAFE (Saving Animals from Euthanasia)

Napoli's Restaurant, 6149 A1A South, and Mardi Gras Bar, 123 San Marco Ave, will again host Yappy Hours benefit this month and on subsequent first Thursdays of every month.

The next one is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Come to one of the participating bars and restaurants to enjoy some fun and a convivial atmosphere while supporting SAFE (Saving Animals from Euthanasia) at the same time. Donate $10 to SAFE at the door and receive a ticket for a free drink as designated by the bar and restaurant. All proceeds go to SAFE.

SAFE, based in St. Augustine, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that rescues homeless cats and dogs from area animal shelters before they are euthanized. The organization does not have a shelter and instead chooses to foster pets in volunteers' homes until they can find the perfect home. SAFE is donation-funded by individuals and sponsors. It conducts adoption events every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pet Supermarket on U.S. 1 or at the SAFE headquarters at Treasure Beach Plaza in South St. Augustine Beach. During the cooler months, SAFE can often be seen at the First United Methodist Church's parking lot on King Street. SAFE also sponsors low cost spay and neuter efforts.

For information on SAFE, call 460-0556 or go to the website at http://www.safe-pet-rescue-fl.com/

Spay-ghetti dinner

Another upcoming event is a Spay-ghetti lunch/dinner Aug. 26, with all proceeds going to provide free spay/neutering for area pets.

The event is being sponsored by SAFE, the St. Augustine Humane Society, Wags and Whiskers, the First United Methodist Church and Napoli Pizza Pasta and Panini.

Serving will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 118 King St. Donation is $8 per person. The menu includes spaghetti with meat or marianara sauce, fresh bread, beverage and homemade dessert. The sauce and fresh bread is being provided by Napoli Pizza Pasta and Panini.

There will be free delivery for orders of five meals or more. Orders are requested in advance by Aug. 24. Call 460-0556.

July 2010 Newsletter

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DOCK JULY, 2010 I don't think I will ever get used to writing a newsletter a month before people are actually going to read it! I don't plan that far ahead. Fortunately, Sharon McIlhenney has me on a schedule, which does help. I'm still late…..but I'd forget completely if it wasn't for her! Thanks, Sharon!! HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, 2010!!! On July 4th we celebrate the day we won our independence from England. On Memorial Day we remember our loved ones and the men and women who fought and died so that we CAN celebrate July 4th. When you can vote for the political leader of your choice: THANK A SOLDIER When you can writer a letter to a government official and express your dissatification: THANK A SOLDIER When you can go to the place of worship of your choice: THANK A SOLDIER When you can fly the flag of your choice on July 4th: THANK A SOLDIER When you can live where you choose to live in peach and happiness: THANK A SOLDIER. UPDATE ON COMMUNITY MEETING ON 5/11/10 SUBJECT: The Outstanding Florida Waterway (OFW) Re-classification request. GUEST SPEAKERS: Karen Miles, Owner, Devil's Elbow St. Johns County Commissioner: Ron Sanchez OVERVIEW: The OFW wants to restrict the use of the Matanzas River from just south of the 312 Bridge to marker 109 in the Palm Coast area. WHAT THIS MEANS TO TREASURE BEACH PROPERTY OWNERS: Reduced property values due to severe restrictions for boat owners. Decreased fishing rights Force areas currently on septic systems to change to the city sewage system at a great expense to the homeowner. Put even harsher restrictions on future dredging of canals which would eventually cause our canals to become un-navigable. CURRENT STATUS: Karen Miles and Carl Blow of the St. Augustine Port Authority met with four of the St Johns Cty Commissioners to review all the details of the OFW's request. They pointed out to the commissioners that the information presented by the OFW originally was outdated and misleading, at best. It is my understanding that the prior Board of Commissioners approved the OFW request for re-classification. However, the presentation they approved was amended before it was submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection. St. John's County Water Management has sent two of their employees to the County Commissioners to discuss the re-classification. It is also my understanding that the St. John's County Water Management is in favor of this re-classification. HOW YOU CAN HELP: Please send an e-mail to the following people. All you have to say is: "Please reverse your decision regarding the re-classification request from the OFW until the proper reports, required by law, are presented to you for review". You can "copy and paste". Cyndi Stevenson: bccd1@sjcfl.us, Ron Sanchez: bccd2@sjcfl.us, Ray Quinn: bccd3@sjcfl.us, Phillip Mays: bccd4@sjcfl.us and Ken Bryan: bccd5@sjcfl.us. Also…send an e-mail to: Janet Klemm at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Janet.Klemm@dep.state.fl.us. "Please do not approve the re-classification request by the OFW regarding St. Johns County, Florida waterways until all of the legally required, updated information is presented to you in the proper manner". You can also send an e-mail to the DEP liaison, Kay Buchanan. Her e-mail is Kay.Buchanan@dep.state.fl.us. If you have problems with the e-mail addresses (which many of us have had), you can call 1-850-245-2293 and ask for Kay Buchanan. We cannot afford to sit back and hope that "everyone else will do something". If we do……we may wake up some morning and realize we no longer have the right to use our boats and fish in the inter-coastal waterway! VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION I also want to take this opportunity to thank the other board members that work hard for the TBPOA. Doug Berndt – 2nd Vice President – Doug is our "web-master". He sends e-mails to remind everyone of our community meetings and other important information. He also set up the pay-pay account. Please let Doug know if you have any suggestions or comments about the web-site. Doug also works closely with our web designer, Karen Carter (also a TB resident), in providing an easy to use web-site. Richard Grubb: Recording Secretary – Rich records our minutes at board and community meetings. When I need to know "what did I say in November, 2009" I can call Rich! He's great at our board meetings…..when I have a suggestion or a comment, I always look at Rich to see if he's shaking his head "yes" or "no". Rose Larsen – 1st Vice President – Rose does a great job of keeping me informed about what's happening in TB. She's also very good about helping and keeping in touch with residents that have become ill. I always call on Rose when I need help and she's always there for me! Barbara Warman – Treasurer – Last, but most important! Barbara keeps track of the TBPOA funds. She has her master's degree in accounting so I know TBPOA is in good hands. (Plus, she's smart too…..she only gives me 4 checks at a time!) VOLUNTEERS We also have a great group of volunteers that do everything from arranging our residents on a spread sheet so we can do mailings; getting those mailings out; providing snacks at the community meetings; cutting the grass in the front; planting flowers; having signs made and setting them out; planning picnics; repairing and maintaining our walkway to the beach; putting up benches at Fells Park; writing articles in the First Coast Journal, etc. I could go on and on…..but needless to say, TBPOA could not function without our volunteers. I would mention specific names but if I forgot one person I would feel awful! The board is planning a volunteer appreciation lunch or dinner………details to follow! TREASURE BEACH RESIDENT OF THE MONTH Jody Newell! (I hope I have the last name correct). Jody took it upon himself to repair the fence at the entrance to our walkway to the beach. Unfortunately, vandals kicked the fence over about 6 weeks ago. Jody repaired the fence at his own expense and on his own time. We also appreciate the nice letter of appreciation that Donna Miani, President of Seychelles Property Owner's Assn, put on the fence entrance thanking the person that made the repairs. A little kindness always goes a long way. EVERGREEN CEMETERY MEMORIAL As many of you know, our family suffered a great tragedy on 5/14/09 when our 9 month old grandson passed away. In memory of our grandson, the Murphy, Rusk and Randel families and friends, along with much help from Evergreen Cemetery, raised enough money to have a monument erected for the Garden of Angels. Part of the monument is in place and the angel should be here very soon. There will be an announcement in the St. Augustine Record advising the date for the monument dedication. Any person whose child's final resting place is in the Garden of Angels is invited to attend this dedication. THANKS TO THE ST. JOHN'S COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TBPOA wants to express their sincere appreciation to the Sheriff's Department for their hard work in stopping crime in Treasure Beach. I'm sure we all want Treasure Beach to be a safe place to live. WHO LIKES TO SEW???? I am looking for someone who could make slip covers for my outdoor furniture cushions. If you love to sew and would be interested, please call me at 461-4356. NO MEETINGS IN JULY OR AUGUST!!! However, you will still get a newsletter! Watch for future meeting dates, TB clean up date and volunteer appreciate date! ENJOY YOUR SUMMER! Paula L. Murphy, President TREASURE BEACH PROPERTY OWNERS ASSN.

Animal Sanctuary Needs Help

I just called Goliath & BeBe's World about a dog I'm trying to find a home for. As it turns out, they're in bad shape over there and need donations. I had thought that the little thrift store over by Home Depot had been accepting donations for their benefit, but apparently it's not anymore. They really need some help & have over 300 animals to care for.

I went straight to their site & donated and if you can spare some I hope you do too. They're so many around that claim to do good work but I've actually seen for myself some of the pets that Goliath & BeBe's World have helped. They're really good people.

Here's their website..

http://www.goliathandbebe.com/main.html

Every little bit counts.