NATIONAL NOTES
ABACO TOURIST OFFICE UPDATE
ABACO'S COOKNG!
WRITE GUD! YOU ARE WHAT YOU WRITE
GARDENING
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
ISLAND PLANTS
OLD GRUMPY
NEW TREASURE CAY SERVICE
HOMEOWNERS' HOTLINE
MARINERS COVE
VILLA VIGNETTES
SAND BANK YACHT CLUB NOTES
TROPICAL FRUIT & GARDEN SOCIETY OF ABACO
RADIO ABACO
NIPPERS
ROYAL PALM FRONDS
ALBERYS TO HAITI
ABACO STUDENT WINS
SHORTS
NOVEMBER 1996
DECEMBER 1996
JANUARY 1997
FEBRUARY 1997
MARCH 1997
APRIL 1997
The Honourable Perry Christie is now the Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party and thereby Her Majesty's Leader of the Loyal Opposition. At a special convention held in Nassau on 4th April following a 34-6 seat election loss to Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and his Free National Movement, PLP delegates from all over the islands elected Perry Christie their leader after two ballots.
Cherokee Sound's Michael Bethel was appointed Senator by the Prime Minister. Commenting on the appointment, Prime Minister Ingraham said he had been impressed with Mr Bethel's service to the people of Abaco and felt Mr Bethel could contribute even more in the future. Senator Bethel had been elected Deputy Chief Councillor for South Abaco in 1996.
The new session of Parliament opened on 9th April with a ceremony in Rawson Square. In a historic move, Hon Italia Johnson was elected the country's first female Speaker of the House of Assembly.
by Kendy Anderson & Wynsome Ferguson
Emma Lee and Nicole Misselbrook of BTO London visited Abaco on 12th-13th March on a familiarisation trip. They visited Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, Treasure Cay and Green Turtle Cay.
On 16th March Mr Steven Johnson of BTO Toronto accompanied nine travel agents to Abaco on a familiarisation trip. Conquest Tours provided them seats on their charter service out of Toronto, Canada 3000. The group covered a great deal of Abaco including Treasure Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Marsh Harbour, Hope Town and Different of Abaco Resort.
Winter residents of Treasure Cay were hosted to a cocktail reception compliments of the Abaco Tourist Office and Burns House Limited. This event was held at the Spinnaker Restaurant and attracted some 150 persons. Mrs Kendy Anderson welcomed the winter residents and brief remarks were given by Mr William Davis, Manager of Burns House Limited in Marsh Harbour. Music was provided by Livingston Rolle.
The Ministry of Tourism sponsored a bonefish tournament on Abaco on 2nd April as part of a nation-wide competition to select a Bahamian bonefish champion to take part in the World Championships to be held in Exuma 29th July - 2nd August. Winner was Maitland 'Bonefish Dundee' Lowe of Hope Town ($500) with Ronald Sawyer of Green Turtle Cay second ($300) and Buddy Pinder of Marsh Harbour third ($150). Samuel Gardiner of the Ministry of Tourism oversaw the event and looked forward to a Bahamian becoming world bonefish champion this year.
The Annual Fly In brought 25 aeroplanes to Treasure Cay for the weekend of 4th April. The pilots and their passengers were hosted at Treasure Cay Resort and enjoyed a weekend of golf, fishing and relaxing on the beach. The Annual Fly In is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism Abaco Office.
We are now in the season when fish is most abundant, so here are two more delicious fishes dishes from Ellen Bird.
1 Swordfish steak (3/4 to 1 inch thick)
Lemon wedges
Dijon mustard
4 Tbsp Oil
Chopped Dill
Juice of one Lemon or Lime
Bay leaves
Season steak with salt and pepper. Coat it with mustard then combine oil, bay leaves and dill. Pour oil mixture over steak and leave to marinate for 4 hours. Cook in a hot skillet or barbecue 10 minutes per inch. Do not overcook.
2, 4 or 6 Grouper fillets
1/4 lb melted Butter
1/4 cup toasted Almonds
3 Tbsp Flour
1 Tbsp Cajun style Seasoning
1 to 4 Tbsp Nassau Royale liqueur
2 Tbsp Lime Juice
Saut* almond in butter till brown. Remove and place on paper towel. Lightly flour grouper fillets. Season with a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Saut* in remaining butter till cooked (10 minutes per inch). Add Nassau Royale (1 Tbsp per fillet). Lightly salt toasted almonds. Sprinkle over fish. Serve with callaloo, spinach or christophenes and rice.
By Neal Doten
Writing effectively and presenting a professional image through your writing is not easy. Learning to be a better writer is a lot of work - you'll need tools and raw materials. Your tools are hands, mind, paper and pen (or computer, if you're lucky!) Your raw materials are words, sentences and punctuation.
Last month, we covered words and the fact that the English language is tough... so many exceptions to the rules when it comes to verb forms, vowels, spelling and pronunciation. This month we'll take that a step further and focus on the basics of sentence structure. We are going to work on the "nuts and bolts" of writing.
I'm going to risk the wrath of English teachers and over-simplify the basic parts of a sentence... remember we're going to "work smart - not hard." If I asked you to name the three basic parts of a sentence, what would you say? I'll bet you knew at least two - subject and verb. But, what about the third part?
The third part of a sentence (... and this is where the over-simplification comes in) I will call "modifiers." These are the words, phrases and clauses that tell more about the subject of the verb. The modifiers are very important because they add colour and flavour (ie, style) to your writing.
Now that you know the basic parts of a sentence, I'll ask another question. When you write a simple sentence, which part comes first? If you said "subject," you are right. The structure of a simple sentence is subject-verb-modifier. For example - "The dog barked loudly." - is a simple sentence.
Simple (or basic) sentences are effective. But, if everything you write is a series of simple sentences with the repetitious pattern of subject-verb, subject-verb, subject-verb... then your writing is BORING!
Put some variety in your sentence structure. Don't always start a sentence with the subject... start with a modifier. For example - "The taxi skidded around the corner as it rushed to the airport." - is a basic subject-verb-modifier(s) sentence. Be creative and rewrite the sentence to read, "Skidding around the corner, the taxi rushed to the airport." This uses a modifier to start the sentence and breaks up the boring pattern of writing every sentence with a subject-verb-modifier pattern.
Here's another example - "The bride smiled as she walked down the aisle to the altar." Now it's your turn... rewrite that sentence to avoid the subject-verb-modifier pattern. I'll give you a couple of minutes to do it on paper or in your head...
OK, time's up! Here are the three possible ways you could rewrite the example:
"Smiling, the bride walked down the aisle to the altar."
"Walking down the aisle to the altar, the bride smiled."
"Walking down the aisle, the bride smiled on her way to the altar."
Remember! Writing is an art - not a science, so there may be more than one "right" answer. If you had an answer close to one of these, then you are getting the idea!!!
How long should a sentence be? Think about it...
To the best of my knowledge, there is no specific answer. I suggest the following guide: a sentence should only be as long as the number of words you can read in one breath. So, read your sentences to yourself. If you run out of breath before you get to the end of one of them... IT'S TOO LONG!
Short sentences have more impact. If you write a long sentence, chances are you are trying to say too much at one time. Write effectively and get your point across clearly and concisely without going on, and on, and on... For this month, you have added some valuable "nuts and bolts" to help you build better writing skills. Remember to vary your sentence structure and use short sentences. Practising these techniques will keep your reader interested, get your ideas across, and give you a professional image on paper.
Here's an example of a sentence that is confusing. Are the two people being thanked for helping... or creating more injuries?
(From Richard Lederer's More Anguished English)
"Thanks to two special people who picked my wife up after a fall from her bike and broke her pelvis and severely damaged her back and many other parts of her body..."
by Jack Hardy
Jobs for May: 1 - Mow the lawn. 2 - Mow the lawn. 3 - Mow the lawn. Yes, it's that time of year again. Luckily, the other jobs in the garden are mostly maintenance.
Most flowering shrubs and fruit trees are growing fast and may need some corrective pruning. Try not to overdo this or you may lose the next few months' flowers and fruit.
Fruit trees need to be fertilized three times a year, in spring, summer and autumn. If you haven't given your trees their spring dosage yet, now is the time. Use a citrus special and treat your trees to a minor elements spray as well.
The warmer the weather gets, the more insect activity we experience. Don't get too paranoid about insects and remember that some are beneficial. Ladybug larvae, for instance, feed on aphids. If there are more aphids than the ladybugs can handle, try knocking them down with a jet of water from your hose. If you see ants scampering up and down a plant, again look for aphids. Ants treat aphids much in the way we treat dairy cows, herding them from place to place on a plant and 'milking' them for honeydew.
Whiteflies can be controlled by using a portable vacuum around around infected plants. Insect traps can be placed a short distance from fruit trees. Not too near or you'll be attracting insects to the trees. Wrap a paper bag around new papaya fruit to keep the wasp-like papaya fruit fly away. The papaya fruit fly has a long ovipositor that can pierce the tender skin of new fruit and lay eggs inside. By the time the paper bag disintegrates the fruit skin will be too thick to be hurt by insects.
Try to deter insects by physical means before resorting to chemicals. An organic soap spray with pyrethrines is often effective. The idea is to control insects, not destroy whole insect populations. If you have a serious infestation you may then resort to chemical warfare with some justification. But please make sure you identify your pest accurately and use a specific insecticide.
Sir,
Despite the many advances in Abaco it is amazing that we find that certain things have not changed since Columbus' time.
On the 10th of February 1997 the Barclays Bank in Marsh Harbour mailed a letter to my address in Treasure Cay. Five weeks later I received my letter. Here is the interesting story about the trail of his letter, told to me by the mail officer in Treasure Cay. After the letter received a 15 cent stamp it was stamped for the long journey overland to Treasure Cay and at first deposited in the post office in Marsh Harbour. There it waited patiently for more company to arrive. Then they were taken on board a boat(most likely a row boat because a motorboat would travel too fast). The Captain of the boat received the written order to row to Nassau. Due to severe weather the boat had to take shelter in a harbour. A week or so later the journey continued. Once in Nassau a lengthy stay in the mail bag was in order due to sorting. After several weeks the letter was sorted into another mail bag and on its way to Coopers Town per boat. In Coopers Town the mail was once again sorted. Eventually a taxi driver was requested to take the letter to Treasure Cay. There careful time was taken to wait for the proper astrological star formation to take shape before the letter was put in the proper box.
So for those of you who would like to savour the good old days of the middle ages it is still possible for you in the Bahamian Postal Service.
Sincerely,
Dr. Richard Burczek,
Treasure Cay and Germany.
Publishers note: My personal record is three years to receive a letter from the States. In a recent letter to the head of the Bahamas Postal Service a Treasure Cay resident made the suggestion that rural post offices such as Treasure Cay have one additional box where mail could be deposited. marked Abaco. This would be in addition to the ones already there for "local", "foreign" and The Bahamas. The mail for Abaco could be sorted in Marsh Harbour, eliminating the need to go all the way to Nassau.
What would those long evenings out on the patio be without the fragrance of night-blooming jasmine wafting on the air? No other scent whispers the tropics more seductively than night-blooming jasmine.
Actually, the plant is not a jasmine at all. Its common name is night-blooming jessamine but the last part usually ends up as jasmine. The botanical name is Cestrum nocturnum and it is a member of the same family as tobacco.
Whatever you call it, night-blooming jasmine will grow in virtually any soil and is easily propagated from cuttings. It needs no care except, perhaps, for some judicious pruning when it sprawls too much.
The overpowering scent is produced from greenish-white tubular flowers that end up as a carpet under the medium-sized shrub. Without the scent, night-blooming jasmine has little to recommend it. It is a messy tree that is irregular in growth and diminutive in flower. That magical fragrance, however, allows us to forgive all.
[Our Curmudgeon-at-Large]
Am I the only one to have a bee in my bonnet about men and hats?
It has long been a tradition that gentlemen remove their hats when indoors. The Houston Oilers one time Head Coach, Bum Philips, was famous for regularly sporting a ten gallon hat. He never wore it for home games, however. They were played inside the Houston Astrodome and that, as far as Bum was concerned, was indoors. Obviously a gentleman.
The tradition is as much European as it is American. Both cultures also advocate the removal of one's hat when speaking to a lady. Do you remember that wonderful scene from To Kill a Mockingbird when Gregory Peck, as Atticus, greets the porch-bound Mrs Dubose from the street? His hat was off and used to good effect.
In Britain, if you were of the lower classes, you also had to remove your hat for His Lordship. In the absence of a hat you would touch your forelock. This evolved into the military salute.
It seems to me we have fewer and fewer gentlemen around. The doffing (what a lovely word!) of hats when ladies are in the company is rarely seen these days. Also getting short shrift is the removal of hats when entering another person's home. This is what annoys me.
Most of the reasons for wearing headgear disappear when you go indoors. There's no sun, little likelihood of falling objects. If you are wearing your hat for ornamental purposes alone (or covering a bald patch) you should still remove it in someone else's house. What you do in your own home is, of course, your own business. Sleep in it, for all I care.
What's the next step in disregard for headwear - men wearing hats in church?
You may be perplexed as to how to react when a man enters your home and does not park his hat. It would be rude, of course, to mention his omission. Try staring at the hat while you speak to him. That usually works.
I am reminded of a certain Maths teacher when I was at school. The class had decided to take him down a peg, so when he entered the room we all focused on his zipper - buttons in those days, actually. We stared and stared while his blackboard presentation petered out and he left the room. It can work for you too.
by William Durrell
Hank Albury and his wife Andrea have announced the formation of a new property management service organization at Treasure Cay. The company has four principal owners.
Hank Albury grew up on Treasure Cay. Andrea, who is the daughter of Christoff and Ursula Thomas-Morr, is also one of the partners and has been coming here for over 20 years. They met at Treasure Cay and are one of many storybook romances connected with the place. Hank is a very successful fisherman and ventures out to sea with a crew of seven on his 45 foot boat during lobster season. Andrea is a teacher and well known in the Treasure Cay community. Hank does other work between trips and has an excellent reputation for quality work and dependability among the homeowners.
The other owners are Joy Chaplin and Mike Robus They met in Nassau during the eighties where Mike was teaching. Joy is also a teacher. They have been together ever since and were recently married. Mike is the Vice Principal at Forest Heights Academy where Joy also teaches. They live at Leisure Lee.
Like many good ideas this one also seemingly came about by accident. Mike and Joy were asked to look after some friends' house at Leisure Lee while they were away. Even though the housesitting was on a voluntary basis such a thorough job was done that it was suggested they start a business to look after other houses in the area. Mike and Joy discussed this with their friends Hank and Andrea and found out, much to their surprise, they were thinking of doing the same thing in Treasure Cay.
The four partners are a balanced team each bringing specific areas of expertise to the company. During an interview with the principals some horror stories emerged about the consequences of "leaving and forgetting" your island home. All were worth re-telling and a few are as follows:
1. One BVOA villa owner returned after a few weeks off the island to discover a completely waterlogged home. A water heater had rusted through and the flood went unnoticed causing such a humidity problem that even much of the wallboard needed replacing.
2. One unsuspecting homeowner returned after a six weeks to discover his cooling/heating system had malfunctioned. For weeks it worked at maximum capacity, one part trying to get up to 80 degrees and the other trying desperately to keep the temperature at 75. The electric bill was well over $5,000.
3. Another homeowner, only going away for a short period of time, left her freezer and refrigerator on. Both were full of food. A failure in the electrical system rendered the units inoperative. Not only did the freezer and the refrigerator have to be discarded because of an inability to eliminate the stench of rotten meats, fish, etc, but the entire carpeting in the downstairs portion of the house had to be replaced.
This talented and imaginative foursome also plan to offer services such as automobile checks which would include starting the engines on a regular basis. If the demand is there Hank, who is a wizard with boats, might add boat sitting to the services offered. He advised me that if engines are run twice a month they should require no service in the fall when owners return.
"We need to walk before we can run," Joy said in her candid way of speaking. "We need to grow only as fast as we can provide excellent service to the commitments we take on. A good idea will sour fast when there is a failure to do what has been promised, and do it well."
Within a few weeks they plan to be connected to the Internet. "Nothing makes a captain with a boat in the water or a homeowner by the sea more nervous than a storm when he is away. The internet will allow us to communicate with many of our customers quickly and at a low cost. Hurricane and storm reports will be a part of our general service."
"We have gathered a support team to do the myriad of small tasks which would come under the heading of handyman work," Mike added. "Many of our customers have said this is one of the most frustrating problems they have, getting those little pesky things done in a timely manner."
Immediately after the interview a new customer was signed up on the spot. He was in the process of shelling out over $1,000 to repair a frozen motor on a van which would have easily been prevented by monthly starting. When all the potential savings were added up for outboards, neglected batteries, etc, they came to over $3,000 for the 1997 season. The potential savings were enough to say nothing of the vacation time wasted and aggravation of getting everything in working order.
by Edna Lacey
March is the spring break month in Treasure Cay, It is the time when many homeowners host children and grandchildren who seek to escape the last rites of winter and renew relationships with their family elders.
Among those so blessed were Bruce and Doreen Barth, who hosted fifteen of the Barth clan to share in Bruce's seventieth birthday anniversary on 28th March. Doreen arranged the visit and kept it as her special secret from Bruce. Happy birthday, Bruce!
Earlier, Peggy and Charlie Morgan attended to an energetic bevy of grandchildren who so much enjoyed the ocean and Charlie's inflatable dinghy, even in the wind and pouring rain.
Audrey Baker-Romain arrived in early March with her friend Liz Moore. Audrey's son Giles, his wife Sandra, and Audrey's beautiful three month old ganddaughter, Emma, soon joined them. Roy, along with Audrey's sister Yvonne and friend Brian Huggins, soon followed.
In early March the Laceys thoroughly enjoyed a ten day visit from son Jonathan, daughter-in-law Lesia and four year old granddaughter Katie. Ocean swimming and Kay Kaplan-conducted visits to feed the moray eel, which resides near Royal Palm, were Katie's big interests. her parents enjoyed them too but preferred their frequent island hopping trips.
Tom and Helen Bourne had a steady stream of visits from daughters Barbie and Katherine, with their families, fom late February until mid-March. They helped out with Tom's garden and driveway. I don't know if they had anything to do with it but Tom's tomatoes are the best ever for size, texture and flavour this year. If there was a Treasure Cay Horticultural Society, Tom would surely have won its prize for best home grown tomatoes, hands down.
March's biggest nail-biter along Sandpiper Beach was the NCAA Basketball Championships. After two weeks of intense competition, punctuated by some modest betting and partisan bragging in the neighbourhood, the sixty-four starters were whittled down to four. They were Arizona, Kentucky (Radwan's home state) Minnesota (Lacey's home state) and North Carolina (Glasgow's home state). Arizona won the tournament. The Laceys recouped last year's loss to Patty Radwan - and that's all that really matters! Better luck in '98, Patty!
My warmest congratulations go to John Williams who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree conferred by the Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University at its commencement exercises in May. This act is a tribute to John's contribution to economic development in emerging-growth countries, particularly in Asia, South America and Africa. It also marks his work in assisting economically disadvantaged persons by the creation of two scholarship foundations to help medicine, law, engineering, liberal arts, foreign relations and ministry students who attend more than 30 colleges and universities. John's children, both lawyers, will participate in the investiture. I am sure that they and his neighbours in Harrisburg PA are very proud of John as are we, his neighbours in Treasure Cay.
We welcome new neighbours along Sandpiper Beach. They include Frank and Patty Kay who recently moved from Mariner's Cove to Sunspot, across the road from Bill and Betty Richardson; Larry and Sandy Hamel, who have moved to Top of the Rock from Royal Poinciana; and Noel and Sylvia Lister, newly arrived fom England.
April is the month of sweet sorrow for the many winter residents who return to their mainland homes for the summer months. They look forward to the prospect of renewed family relations and friendships back home. That's the sweet part. They are saddened by the prospect of parting from their winter resident friends in Treasure Cay. There's the sorrow. Those who left town in April include the Baker-Romains, Bournes, Laceys, Morgans, Plumbs, Radwans, Regans, Rodgers, Snapps and Sterns. Shortly the Floyds, Richardsons, Sheehes and Shellys - who only came in mid-April - will follow them. Haste ye back, all of you! We echo and reinforce those words for Phil and Jean English who left us at the end of March for further therapy to treat Phil's illness. We miss you both so much. Treasure Cay isn't the same without you.
This will be my last column until we return in October. We hope summertime is good to each one of you. Cheerio for now!
by Suzanne Young
The man who just walked past our marina-side condo early this morning had the most beautiful expression of contentment. He obviously was returning home from Florence's with a cup of coffee and a fragrant, warm loaf of bread. I imagined that he and many other people like him might be thinking that the same erand back home would require bundling up in warm clothes, getting the car out and ploughing through ten inches of snow to find a place where the bread would be worth the trip. Just one of the simple pleasures not among the attractions in the brochure.
Just talking about the weather back home in Toronto makes John Scheel and Karla, and Bob and Vivian Coffey happy to be here. Sharing their feelings are first time visitors Tony and Pat Davies from Calgary, Alberta. They and Melissa and Michael say it's definitely not their last time here. With all the gorgeous weather Snap Two has made many trips to the outer cays with the partners Young, Grimm and Kelly sharing their excursions with the Dick Haags, Walter and Elfie Kunzel, Byron and Joan Kranzthe Rodins, and our new president and his wife, Dick and Minna Passman. One of our favourite destinations is Manjack Cay for a picnic and nature walk.
The Peter Finellis proudly introduced their granddaughter, MkKenzie Gammons, about one year old. Her parents, Tim and JoAnna, and their friends Russ and Mary Kennedy, were enjoying a break from med school.
The parade to the pool on the morning of 15th March looked like an old fashioned bucket brigade. Wearing bathing suits and carrying pails, the residents jumped into the pool, some for the first time, then headed back to their bathrooms with buckets filled. The reason for this sudden, strange migration was the lack of water since early the night before.
The Second Annual Mariner's Cove International Tennis Tournament was held during the third week in March. And multi-national it was with Peg Lardner (Halifax, Nova Scotia) and Andrea Wakolbinger (Austria) winning the Ladies' Doubles. Second place went to Cynthia Vernall (British Columbia) and Meredith Hashey (USA). First place in Men's Doubles was taken by Fred Zulauf (USA, formerly Argentina) and Bill Draper (USA). Sieggy Wakolbinger and Peg Lardner won the Mixed Doubles with Cynthia Vernall and Fred Zulauf taking second. Meredith Hashey received a round of applause at the court-side awards ceremony for organising the games.
The Saddler girls are getting are getting lots of catch-up on the family news as they bask in the glorious sun by the pool. Sally Saddler Teal and her husband, Dave, are here from Juneau, Alaska, with their children, Tally and Nathan, who are looking forward to the arrival of their first cousin in June. Bruce and Jane Saddler Farwell are the expectant parents - and Shirley is the proud grandmother.
It is always fun to see the John Rich entourage arrive. The kids are growing fast and still making the most of the good times to be had.
Our pool was the beautiful setting for a cocktail party hosted by Lucy and Mac Beckwith and Skeets and Janice Woodbury. The evening was perfect, the food delicious and the atmosphere very festive.
Patty Kay can't wait to put her talented touch on Sun Spots, the future Treasure Cay home of Patty and Frank.
This is the best time of year for Sal and Hildegarde, when their Ithaca family visits. This year Pam is here with her boys, Gabe and Luke. Their condo is a gathering place for the many friends the kids have made over the years. So Bianca joins the fun but stays in an adjoining unit. Before coming here the group met at Paradise Island where the boys particularly liked the water games at Atlantis.
The feature of the month was the Hale-Bopp comet which was seen every evening, but more in the morning when many early risers said it was most spectacular.
I would like to remind Treasure Cay readers that our TC school teachers and friends are trying to collect enough of the Solomon Brothers' green coupons to entitle them to a computer.
The next time this column appears most of us will be back at our other homes, thinking about you and looking forward to next fall. Have a great summer!
by Edna Bird
A wonderful winter (did we have one?) has drawn to a close. Summer is here and all the beautiful flowering trees are burgeoning - frangipani, orchid tree, devil's claw, flame of the forest, even jacaranda. There are seventeen wild orchids flowering in my garden a whole month early.
The villa area has been nearly full occupied. I counted over fifty registered rental guests as well as many villa owners who were busy entertaining friends and family. One had to get up early to be assured of a tennis court and our golf course was in almost constant use.
Easter break brought lots of young peope out to 'play'. It was very disappointing that late night parties and foul language were audible at most times. Fun is fun, but vandalism is not funny. Tables, chairs and planters were pitched into the pool, also a battery charger. Electrical services housed under the planters were disrupted and golf carts were not improved by being driven into the sea. While remuneration for the damage was readily paid, perhaps further thought should be given to the means of preventing such an occurrence hapening again.
The unfortunate scenes all along Florida's coast and areas like Laguna Beach in California are well known and often get out of hand. Many areas have banned high school and college groups. It's true, Treasure Cay vendors need the business and money was freely spent but dollars do not make amends for spoiling an otherwise beautiful spot or for disturbing so many home owners.
Further to the aforementioned situation I would like to suggest that it is imprudent to have police from this area required to attend another function on another cay at night and especially at peak season. In a severe emergency it can be understood that the station might be unmanned but it is daunting to a citizen phoning for help, be it robbery or rowdyism, to have no answer at the police station. Should there be a clerk on phone duty? We are extremely lucky to have excellent quality police. I have lived in countries where this is not so. Perhaps extra police are needed, especially at night during peak seasons. We want to thank Marcellus Roberts and Stafford Symonette for their help during a trying time.
The Fehrenbachs were sorely missed when they went home and we are relieved to know that surgery on one of their granddaughters went satisfactorily. I think Milt just wants to get in the newsletter again! Sorry to hear about your sudden cataract op and we are all wishing you clear vision soon.
It was good to note that Tom Kamp was well enough to return for a short visit. We really enjoyed his renters, Rita and David Bell. They were fun and Rita's personalised cards were an inspiration. Sue and George Roth are in residence with friends visiting and I forgot to tell her about spotting a Painted Bunting, which was a real thrill. Susan is very knowledgeable about birds so I wish she were here more often. There were four requests for me to take people birding. Why me? My name is Bird yet I am a true novice at bird watching. Shall we start a group next November? When Dr Bracey is at Royal palm he or Susan could head up a loosely knit group of observers. If anyone is interested, phone me or write.
Breretons, Bishops, Smiths x 2, Aufreiters, Momms and Leekers are and were here. Elmer and Doris Leeker are doing a superb job on their new villa. Contrary to rumour Harriet and Randal aren't selling their villas just yet and must be congratulated on that new addition with its magic electric hurricane shutters. The Von Rothinburg addition and new windows are impressive too and my thanks to Maridore for a delicious meal. Charlie Lombard is a new owner on the beach, nearest to the old hotel grounds. He is a good addition to our group and has wonderful plans for his new acquisition. Pat Gray is here with her infectious laugh. Her guest, Barbara, was in good form this year and we are happy to see Jennifer Green again.
Zo* Durrell was here for a nice long stay, thus had the opportunity to spend time with her newlyweds. She's always a pleasure to be with. We enjoyed a three hour lunch at the Castle Restaurant. The food was good and the view superb. Lunch at Flippers was delicious. I think the owner loves dolphins as there are several adorning her walls. Florence's Cafe is attractive - yes, it's our own Florence who is a member of the Treasure Cay Property Owners' Association Executive Committee. Her trade from here is a little slow as visitors to 'Marsh' go for a change, but the business will build. It surely has in Treasure Cay.
Bob and I went for a sailing trip to Man O' War Cay and Elbow Cay. We came home because of inclement weather but want to tell everyone what a nice resort Sea Spray is. Pretty pink and white buildings house a new restaurant. We were provided with good service and chose delicious Grouper Royale (see Abaco's Cooking!) Guitarist-soloist Derek Gabe enhanced our evening. We've directed many to Abaco Inn, now for a change try this six-year-old resort, owned and developed by Monty and Ruth Albury.
The villa manager and his crew have been busy building up the shoulders on the sidwalks with sand and then utilising the grass from the Cabot Road roundabout garden. The grass will catch during the rainy season. Our little park will have some mulch applied in lieu of grass. It was pretty with grass but well nigh impossible to mow. Israel has been faithful in watering the new plantings and we hope it will be more beautiful as time goes on.
The observation deck is to be enlarged during the summer. It's always beautiful there but viewing the Hale-Bopp comet was a special experience. There will be another cabana built to shade guests on the beach. Treasure Cay Road has not completed its face lift but we do thank Teasure Cay Limited for improving our water supply.
Before saying adieu until the fall season I want to express our regret and sympathy to Alan and Carol Caldwell who are long time residents and who have so many friends here. All of us are concerned and remembering them in prayer and asking for a quick recovery. Alan has been stricken with a rare syndrome known as Guillain-Barr* and is in hospital in Buffalo, NY. Our best wishes are with them both and their children.
See you all next year - God willing.
by John Lacey
Sixty-six members and their houseguests gathered at the Jib Room in Marsh Harbour for an evening of cocktails and good food on Friday 28th February. Thirty-nine of them journeyed on the champagne bus tour from Treasure Cay. The remainder went by car and by boat. They dined on their choice of a sixteen ounce New York steak, half a baked chicken or lobster tail withh all the trimmings. A good time was had by all.
Eighty-one members and their houseguests attended a cocktail party at the Atlantis Tiki Hut on 10th March. Cocktails were served by the Club. Hors d'oeuvres were catered by the members. Music for dancing was provided by twin boom boxes.
Fifty-one members and houseguests met at the Touch of Class restaurant near Treasure Cay on 27th March for an evening of cocktails, fine dining and dancing to the music of Eston Sawyer. The cocktail hour began at 6pm and dinner, with entr*e choice of fried chicken, conch or grouper, was efficiently served by the Touch of Class staff at 7.30pm. Dancing continued until 10pm.
The winter programme of the Sand Bank Yacht Club concluded on 11th April with a cocktail party at the home of Bill and Betty Richardson on Sandpiper Beach. The Club provided and served the cocktails. Members brought hors d'oeuvres of their choice and shared them with other participants. Many of those who attended were about to leave their winter homes in Treasure Cay to spend the summer in other parts of the world. The air was filled with the sweet sorrow of good friends about to part and well-wishing cries of "Haste ye back!"
The Club's fall programme will be announced later. The 1988 Change of Watch dinner will be held on 14th January 1998.
by Lee & Natalie Roach
Treasure Cay starts with a 'T' which rhymes with a 'B' and that stands for BEACH! Our guests often ask where's a good place to go snorkeling and are a little surprised when we tell them to try the beach. Most of them have already been there for a swim, but from the water's edge it appears that there's not much else there but the beautiful white sand and crystal clear water with a hint of some distant scattered grassy areas. We tell them that a short swim out from the edge will bring them into eight to ten feet of water where they can easily watch many forms of marine life including the big sea turtles, an occasional eagle or spotted ray, endless varieties and sizes of colourful fish and even a SMALL conch or two working the grass area. We do not tell them much about the Beachmaster!
The Beachmaster is a term for someone who is in charge of an area of beach, including the water, and was typically used during an amphibious invasion, as in World War II. For a short period of time he was the absolute boss of that particular piece of real estate! Well, we have one here in Treasure Cay. Here's the story.....
Natalie and I were getting some exercise and enjoying the view while snorkeling some distance out when suddenly she tugged on my leg to communicate. Heads out of the water she asked me if I'd seen that big thing that had just swum beneath us. We were in trail and apparently it had gone under my feet and her head, so I had not seen it. Since we had gotten quite a ways out I suggested we turn back and head directly for beach with a nice, steady, controlled swim (no panic!)
Now, I'm a certified diver who loves and respects marine life and I've never had a big worry about being eaten up in the water. However....What was that thing that was out there with us? As most of you know, our beautiful beaches of Abaco connect by water with all of the major seas of the world. Theoretically, any creature of the sea could find its way here. These are the thoughts that go through your mind at times like this!
About a minute into our swim, I glanced behind us and there it was. It looked like a telephone pole with a pointy end and a big toothy grin. It was the largest barracuda I've ever seen and it was keeping a constant distance of about two feet behind us. When we stopped, it stopped. As we continued toward what we thought was the safety of shallow water, Natalie reached up and caught the top of my swimsuit to get a tow. She told me later she figured this would make us look bigger to a predator. This caused the suit to slip down a little bit, however, and I suddenly realised that if I should suddenly lose it there would be the frightening scene of a man in the buff emerging from the ocean with the world's largest barracuda behind him. Think about that!
Well, we made it to the shore line with the two foot spacing game going on all the way and literally crawled out of the water with snorkels, masks and fins still on. We turned and looked back and there he (she?) was right at the edge, patrolling back and forth in water so shallow its top fin was sticking out and its belly was touching the sand!
To this day I believe it was grinning and wanted us to come back in and play some more. Now when we tell our guests about the beach we ask them to say hello to the Beachmaster, if they should see him. When they ask who's that we tell them: "Oh, he's just a friend of ours who likes to visit once in a while..." We have also developed toothy grins! More about beach later.
There's a new sound playing on Abaco radios these days and it's from our very own radio station - Radio Abaco.
When you leave your car you don't miss much because most of Abaco's businesses are playing Radio Abaco in the background. People like the station because it reminds them of ZNS in the early days when Bahamian music was the main feature. There's not only Bahamian music on Radio Abaco, it also has plenty of noted Abaconian recording artists to choose from.
Radio Abaco presents the local news, weather and sports each weekday morning and evening. Nadeen Beneby and Richard Fawkes cover the news of the island and nation while Van Darville patrols the sports beat. There's plenty of Gospel music to keep people happy as well as request shows so the youngsters can hear their favourites.
The licence for Radio Abaco is held by Mrs Dolly Mills of Dundas Town. Her husband, Station Manager Silbert Mills, performs most of the duties at this early stage. He has had previous broadcast experience on the VHF channels as Abaco's Weathermaster, the man who translates many sources of weather information into what visitors to Abaco, particularly boaters, might expect. His broadcasts were particularly valuable during hurricane time when ZNS ignored the Abaco region.
Radio Abaco started transmission on 15th March, the highlight of the day being a long interview with Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. The station started off with low wattage but on Good Friday its 180 foot antenna was completed and the wattage increased. At press time the signal from Radio Abaco could not be heard in Sandy Point.
On Easter Sunday, Radio Abaco presented its first remote broadcast from Friendship Tabernacle in Dundas Town. On Easter Monday, Radio Abaco gave extensive coverage to an FNM victory celebration for Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham in Coopers Town.
There are some teething problems, of course, and not everything goes quite how it was planned. But the people of Abaco seem to be pleased with their own station and support it by listening in.
by William Durrell
It was John and Sheila Hillborns' last week. Calm seas offered us the opportunity to venture over to Guana to try out Nippers - a new, much talked about eating establishment. After tying up at the town landing we were drawn by curiosity to two men at the end of the dock. They were cleaning fish. Grouper and red snapper were on the dock and one of the largest groupers I had ever seen was still in the boat.
We asked how to get to Nippers. One of the men yelled out in the direction of shore: "Johnny!" The fisherman then said, "He'll take you" and pointed to a young man driving a golf cart. We hurried off the dock. Two of us piled aboard and headed through town. Another golf cart, being driven by Ray Young, carried the rest of us. At a sign marked Nippers we turned left from the main road heading towards the beach.
After going up two hills that challenged the pulling power of the carts we arrived at the restaurant'S lower level. Nippers comprises two octangular beach cabana-like structures connected by a very large wooden deck. The deck has tables, umbrellas and a long bar with stools used for eating, drinking or just gazing. All this is along the edge of a very high dune overlooking the beach and ocean. The view is nothing short of spectacular. Stairs wind their way down to the beach. There is even an outdoor shower area to accommodate those who choose to swim or snorkel before eating.
One of the huts handles the food and the other the drinks. I had a cheeseburger medium to medium rare. The others had a variety of fish dishes. My cheeseburger was cooked to perfection and the best I have ever had after over 30 years of searching on Abaco. Service was attentive and prompt, the view of the sea spellbinding and the atmosphere festive.
After eating, I ventured into the cooking area where proprietor Johnny was on the prep table because the regular person called in sick. Johnny Roberts, I found out, is the sixth generation of his family from Guana Cay. He had travelled and worked in Nassau and the States before returning to the island. Johnny's dad owned some property and had always told him that if he wanted to start a business in Guana Cay he would help out. Johnny got the idea for building a beachfront restaurant and, true to his word, his dad supplied the perfect location.
The woman doing the cooking and grilling is deaf. Johnny gave her some instructions using a sign language they had devised. "We don't have any problem communicating," Johnny said with a ring of pleasure in his voice. Everything about this attractive, hard working, creative young man made it clear to see why he is so well-liked and successful.
Nippers serves lunch and dinner. They also have special weekend events like wild pig roasts. As we were leaving, the two fishermen we had seen cleaning the fish on the town dock arrived with fillets for that night's supper. No question about whether or not Nippers' fish is fresh.
The two golf carts were ready and at our disposal for the "drive it yourself" return to the dock. John, suffering from a foot infection, chose to drive. We walked. Tourist business on the island has increased 300% since Nippers opened. Not bad for a young whippersnapper, a supportive father and wife, and a great idea well executed.
by Betsy Bracey
The winds of March did not fail to arrive, which caused much distress to our small boat owners. But Bud Camferdam and Bill Glasgow, along with some friends, managed to hook into 22 good sized dolphin and the entire neighbourhood is dining very well indeed. Don't stop now, gentlemen! We can't complain about our beach weather, however, as everyone is sporting a tan. As usual, tourists occupied every available rental bed in Royal Palm for three weeks but at this writing most have returned from whence they came, along with many owners. This means we are down to our regular complement of friends and neighbours and therefore there is not much new to report.
Michelle and Florence Gillet returned from Switzerland for a month long stay along with Fabrizio and Paola Ghersel who arrived from Italy. Jackie and Stewart Carrell were here briefly, as were BJ and Director Jerry Hill. New owner Marco Perez visited for a couple of weeks and spent the entire time covered in paint, which gave several of us inspiration. We expect more owners to return in April and will keep you up to date. Have a lovely spring, wherever you are!
by Suzanne Young
Inspired by a video they had seen at the Treasure Cay Community Church, Paul and Mary Albery, both retired United Methodist ministers, recently left to join a programme that missionary Phyllis Newby runs in St Ard, Haiti.
In this poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the need for every basic element of human survival is what inspired Ms Newby to go to Haiti twenty-five years ago and do what she could to help on this island of approximately six and a half million people (1992 estimate).
Among other things, she has built an orphanage for 60 children, co-ordinated the activities of 100 'house' churches and implemented massive feeding programmes.
Through her non-denominational organisation, called Volunteer-In-Mission, she has recruited many people like Paul and Mary who have committed themselves with actual work on the site and solicitations of donations of critical supplies.
The Alberys, who refer to Phyllis Newby as another Mother Theresa, are joining a group of 25 people. They are the only pastors on this team. They are representing the Community Church which has given much support to the mission. Besides paying their own air fare, the members of each team give a contribution of $500 and medical supplies. They will bring one doctor and one nurse to help in this country where there is one doctor for every 10,000 people.
In the past, before the Baby Doc regime, there was some tourism and shoppers werre especially fond of the beautifully embroidered dresses crafted by Haitian women. Large supplies of fabric and embroidery thread are among the things the team will take.
Mary and Paul will be in St Ard for eight days, during which time they will preach the Easter service with the aid of an interpreter. The rest of the time they will be helping with the building of a hospital, started a year and a half ago.
The video which sparked the Alberys' interest and dedication was produced by Marshall Blankenship, a Korean War veteran who had been disturbed by the hunger and poverty he saw in Vietnam. When he heard of Phyllis Newby and her work he offered his help which has been responsible for the invovement of so many more contributors.
On the eve of their departure the Alberys promised to send us follow-up information about their trip.
Shazarah Bootle, a Grade 10 student at Abaco Central Secondary School, won the Adopt-A-School Competition sponsored by the Bahamas Hotel Association in conjunction with the Ministry of Education & Training and with special support from the Ministry of Tourism and American Express.
Shazarah was one of twelve students who spent a day 'learning the ropes' at Great Abaco Hotel & Resort and recording their experiences. Three essays written by the students were chosen by the Abaco Central English department to be forwarded to Nassau to be judged against students from other islands who had enjoyed similar experiences in their adoptive hotels. The other two students whose essays were submitted were Teron Edgecombe (Grade 10) and Deon McPhee (Grade 11).
Acting Principal Royann Swain chaperoned Shazarah to the finals held at the Radisson Grand Hotel on Paradise Island on 9th April. The keynote address was delivered by Minister of Education Dame Ivy Dumont and Shazarah was presented with an electronic typewriter, a plaque and a cheque for $300.
On her return from Nassau Shazarah was interviewed on Radio Abaco by Richard Fawkes. As the child of a single mother she drew strength from the courage and resilience shown by her mother and others who struggled to raise their children without a father.
Her future plans? Shazarah says she wants to be a journalist and, maybe, the first female Prime Minister of The Bahamas. Until then she will keep writing as a hobby and do her best at school.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board and Tri-A-Co Ltd, has organised the 4th Annual Great Abaco Triathlon to be held on Saturday 30th August (US Labour Day weekend). For the second consecutive year the triathlon is being held in honour of the late Perry Cooke. Sponsors for this year's event are CIBC Bahamas, Kalik, Nipper's Restaurant, American Eagle, Great Abaco Beach Hotel & Resort, Abaco Towns by the Sea, Conch Inn and a number of local supporters.
Executive Sports Marketing has once again been retained to use its marketing and promotional initiatives to attract top athletes from the south-east United States, in particular the Florida market.
American Eagle is the official airline sponsor for this event and has arranged to operate extra flights to satisfy the demand and interest of the participating athletes and their families.
Bahamas Travel Network, a Fort Lauderdale based wholesale and retail travel company, is the official booking agent for the triathlon. It is projected that a combined field of 120-150 athletes from The Bahamas and overseas will participate in this year's event.
Exclusive Sports Marketing will be carrying information on the Great Abaco Triathlon through its Internet web site in addition to promoting the event at other triathlons. Preliminary projected revenue contribution to the Marsh Harbour area is estimated at half a million dollars.
According to Craig Woods, General Manager, Out Island Marketing, "The Ministry of Tourism, as part of its sales and marketing initiatives for the Out Islands, is happy to support special event such as the Great Abaco Triathlon which help to fill hotel rooms and provide business over the soft shoulder periods in the fall when hotel occupancy is short of optimum level."
At a press conference held on 11th April, Brenda Mitchell of Tri-A-Co said there was still a need for more sponsors and she invited local businesses to call her at 367-3431. The festivities, she said, would extend from 29th August to 2nd September with several events taking place in the tourist strip between Wally's Restaurant and The Crossing.
Tom Ziebart of Exclusive Sports Marketing said only the Sprint distance would be competed for this year: half mile swim, 15 mile bike ride and 3 mile run. $5,000 in prize money was up for grabs with $1,000 allocated for Bahamian competitors. Triple points would be awarded for the event in the Gatorade Series as an incentive for US competitors to participate.
Craig Woods noted how the competition and local participation had increased over the years and was an important filip to the Abaco economy. He hoped athletes from all over The Bahamas would be able to take part.
A local committee has been set up to make preparations for the Great Abaco Triathlon. Members are: Brenda Mitchell, Kathleen Jonson, Dale Hill and Peter Sexton. They will work in liaison with Kendy Anderson and Wynsome Ferguson of the Tourism Office in Marsh Harbour.
Cadet Technical Sergeant Lance Pinder, the son of Mr & Mrs Buddy Pinder of Marsh Harbour, received his Private Pilot Wings at the Florida Air Academy awards ceremony on 21st March. C/TSGT Pinder has been a student at Florida Air Academy, located in Melbourne, Florida, for three years. C/TSGT Pinder has received many achievement awards over the past three years including Cadet of the Month, Cadet of the Year, Dean's List, President's List and the Jonathan Dwight Award. Acquiring his Private Pilot Wings is a dream come true for Lance. He will graduate in June 1999.
Local artists are invited to display and sell their wares free of charge at the Local Bahamian Arts & Crafts Show in Central Park, Treasure Cay, on 21st May from 4 to 8 pm. Held on the 'day off' of the Annual Teasure Cay Billfish Tournament, this event is free to the public.
The organisers are looking for a wide variety of crafts to be displayed including painted shells, pottery, jewellery, paintings, drawings, handbags, clothing, baskets, hats, leather goods and more. Those who wish to have a display may call Avis Miller, Treasure Cay Resort and Marina, by 18th May at 365-8535 to reserve a free display space.
The Arts & Crafts Show is a new feature of the Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament, an event held from 18th - 23rd May that is expected to draw more than 40 boats from the US and The Bahamas.
Bellevue Business Depot opened its branch in the B & L Plaza in Marsh Harbour on 24th March with the official ribbon-cutting being performed by MP Robert Sweeting with the aid of Mrs Louise Swain.
The Business Depot is fashioned after Office Depot, the US chain. It is designed to cater to the expanding needs of the business community on Abaco. Branch Manager Kathy O'Kelleher says the new office supplies store will carry a wide array of products and services catering to every business. They will serve as a fax and copy centre and specialise in the sale of computer supplies, printer and toner cartridges, school supplies, office machines and a full line of Canon photo copiers.
Factory trained technicians, skilled at repairing most makes of copy and other machines, will make regular service visits to clients' business houses. Bellevue Business Centre also offers prompt and efficient delivery service where customers can call or fax in an order and have it delivered in record time.
The team to represent The Bahamas in the Central American & Caribbean Youth Games in Kingston in July was decided at trials held in Murphy Town, Abaco, on 11th-12th April. Going to Jamaica will be Michael Flowers of Mary Star of the Sea, Freeport, and Alfred Munnings of Eleuthera (Boys 10-11); Ashanti Cooper and Thomasina Grant of Freeport (Girls 10-11); Roosevelt Curry, Walter Parker Primary, and John Goodman, Striders (Boys 12-13); and Utica Edgecombe, RR, and Kendricka Kemp, Striders (Girls 12-13). Michael Flowers was the top boy athlete and Utica Edgecombe the top girl.
151 children aged from 10 to 13 competed in four divisions: Boys and Girls aged 10-11 and 12-13. In the younger groups the competitors had to complete five events - 60 metres dash, high jump, long jump, softball throw and a middle distance run (800m for girls, 1,000m for boys.) The older children competed in six events - 80m dash, high jump, long jump, shot putt, 60m low hurdles (80m for boys) and 1,000m run (1,200m for boys.) Points were awarded for each time, distance and height achieved by individual athletes. The points were cumulative and the total for all events determined the overall winners.
Minister of Youth and Sports Zhivargo Laing congratulated the organisers, particularly Frank Hepburn of Crossing Rocks who spearheaded Abaco's application to host the trials and Burns House local manager William Davis who provided Vita Malt as the main sponsor. Also on hand at the closing ceremony were Chief Councillor Mike Malone, Ministry of Youth's Greta Culmer, Deputy Island Administrator Jack Thompson, District Superintendent Jackson McIntosh and several BAAA officials from Nassau.
Several Abaco student participated in the trials but were handicapped by lack of training in specialised events such as low hurdles. Patricia Curry of Marsh Harbour Primary placed 2nd in the 10-11 Girls 60m sprint with a time of 8.57 secs and won her heat. Shelly Tousant of Dundas Town Primary, also in the 10-11 Girls Division, placed 3rd in the High Jump with a height of 1.15 m and 3rd in the Softball Throw with a distance of 34.4 m.
In the Boys 10-11 Division, Quintence Williams of Crossing Rocks Primary placed 3rd in the 60 m with a time of 9.78 secs and Obiorah Bootle of SC Bootle Secondary School placed 2nd in the 12-13 Boys 80 m dash with a time of 10.17 secs.
A ground breaking ceremony for the new Long Bay School in Dundas Town was held on Sunday 9th March at 3 PM. Participating in the ceremony were Pastor K Price of the Marsh Harbour Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mr I Collie, Co-ordinator of the project, and other mamberss of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and community.
Long Bay School is being built on three and a half acres of land on the north side of Forest Drive in Dundas Town. The school will be operated by Signet Ministry, a self-supporting, non-profit Seventh Day Adventist ministry.
The first floor of the two storey concrete structure will house the primary portion of the school, school bookstore, principalÕs office, a multipurpose room, cafeteria and kitchen as well as separate toilet facilities for primary and secondary school students.
The second storey will house the secondary school grades 7-12 and will have a fully equipped Science lab where Physics, Biology and Chemistry for grades 10-12 will be taught as well as General Science and Health Science for grades 7-9. A Computer Room and Music Room will also be on the second floor along with the Staff Room. All classrooms will house a computer for student use.
The focus will be on quality Christian education. Approved BJC and BGCSE Curricula will be followed in the secondary school and emphasis will be on sciences and technological fields. Class size will not go above 25 students. The school plans to be in operation for September 1997.
by Joan Appleton
We started the month's activities with a Mixer on 2nd March - Two Best Balls of the Foursome. Jerry Moore, Sue Young, Lacey O'Shaughnessy and Shirley Birdsong came in first. There was a tie for second place between Robert Birdsong, Sue Wernecke, Charlie Momm and Margot Prior and the team of Genevieve Smith, Simpson McKinney, George Stern and Mort Kaplan. The third spot was taken by Bill Regan, Joan Appleton, Hank Albury and Bob Gettinger. It is such a joy to see Bob playing so much better now that his eyes are so improved with treatment.
On 5th March, in the usual glorious weather we have had this winter, the Play of the Day was Low Gross, Low Net. Marge Chance came in with 98 to win the Low Gross, by retrogression, and Sue Wernecke had a 71 to win the Low Net. Carol Caldwell and Doris Leeker also had 98's to take second place. Sue Young had 73 and Margot Prior 74 to win second and third respectively.
The Two-Day Club Championship took place on 12th and 13th. The first day it was Low Net won by Margaret Lott. Marge Chance came in second in the Championship Flight while Carol Caldwell and Kay Kaplan scored in the 1st Flight and Sue Warnecke and Jane Dixon tied in the 2nd Flight. On the second day the weather let us down and we finished in a downpour. Overall Champion was Margaret Lott with Edwina Sanger coming 2nd. Winners in the 1st Flight were Carol Caldwell 1st and Marcella Bloom 2nd while in the 2nd Flight Sue Wernecke came 1st and Irma Prince 2nd.
On our final regular day of the season we had a scramble which resulted in Janice Woodbury, Pat Gray, Barbara Watson and Gere A'Hern winning 1st place. After a tie-break, Doris Leeker, Sally Quartararo, Irma Prince and Ann Zulauf came in 2nd.
Sue Young organised our usuall Closing Luncheon at the Spinnaker where we enjoyed either a chicken or lobster salad with all the trimmings. In addition to the awards mentioned above, Margaret Lott won Flight A Ringer Board and Lucy Beckwith took the Flight B prize. There was a tie for Birdie Tree between Doris Leeker and Peggy Morgan.
Janice Woodbury thanked everyone for their help in running the weekly tournaments this year, Johanne Erhardt and Dorothy Rodgers for buying the prizes, and Sue Young for arranging the delicious luncheon and providing the scrolls at each placing. These informed the members that the Ladies Golf Club had donated a sum of money to Teasure Cay Primary School to help them in the purchase of a spirit copying machine. Principal Ann Bootle was an invited guest, as was one of our most senior earlier golfers, Frankie Corbett.
A final Fun Day was held on 26th March when we all agreed it had been a most successful winter with the very best weather that even the earliest residents of TC could remember. We parted with hopes for a similar wonderful season next winter when we hope even more lady golfers will join us.
by Barbara Farnan
Barbara, we have two children, 6 and 8, who share a bedroom. One likes kittens and soft colours; the other likes horses and bright colours. They each want to have their own things out, but I'm finding it hard to make each happy with the room with such different ideas. How can I make the room look good and have each child happy?
The first thing to do for continuity is to come up with one colour both girl would like the room to be painted. Make a game of it. Get paint chip colours and spread them out. Have each take a turn at removing one colour at a time she does noot like until you are down to one colour.
Use this colour to paint the room. Then get two sets of bookcases 8 inches deep, 60 inches high and 72 inches long. Place them back to back between a set of twin beds and divide the room in half with them. The one colour on the walls unifies the room and the bookcases separate each girl's space.
Now, let each girl decorate her space. Their personal colour tastes may be added as paint inside the bookshelves and each girl may add her favourite items in her own space.
by Patrick J Bethel
The annual Hope Town Heritage Day was held on 21st March. It was an interesting and exciting day for both children and adults.
The programme began with the singing of the National Anthem by the children of the school who then proceeded to entertain the audience with historical items in song and verse.
The welcome address was delivered by Councillor Suzanne Bethel MBE who gave a brief account of the history of the town and its people, stressing the importance of protecting the fragile environment for future generations of Bahamians as well as for our visitors. She finished by highlighting the joint contribution of locals and second home residents in building a better Hope Town, including the long awaited museum building.
After the official programme the adults participated in a historical quiz about the peope and the community. The school children had been given the same quiz three days earlier.
Quiz Results:
1st Shane Cash
2nd Larenz Arnett
3rd Nathan Smith
Adults:
1st Robert Sweeting MP
It was thought someone cooked the adult quiz.
Lunch was provided and, along with an auction, raised over $1,000 for the museum building fund.
The day was supported by locals and second home residents alike, resulting in a pleasant social event as well as a successful financial one.
This Web presentation offers only a few of our many articles and features. Get the real thing with pictures, puzzles and ads by contacting Ollie T Durrell at ollied@sunline.net or Jack Hardy at j.hardy@Batelnet.bs.
