May 2016 Newsletter

Water &Utilities Use...

By now, you have all read the letter about the possibility of new water charges.  Please wait for more information on this subject as promised in the letter.  Water, sewage and solid waste (trash & garbage collection and disposal) all have associated costs and providing these services is not inexpensive.  The information forthcoming will allow you to understand any possible increase and discuss how it will impact you.


SunWest Park...

If you have not yet taken advantage of this park located within a short bicycle ride of Aripeka West, you are missing "a gem of a park".  The only associated fee for cooling off in the spring fed fresh water lake is $5 to park.  Since bicycles are "free", if you ride, so is the cooling off!

Spring Time...

All of April we have experienced wonderful spring temps and low humidity, hope you have been enjoying the great outdoors.  Looks like May temps will still be in the mid to upper 80's during the day falling to the upper 60's at night, so enjoy it while we have it!  Soon the temps and humidity will climb making it less comfortable to be outdoors, especially in the heat of the day.  Along with fish and swimming in the Gulf, there will be the HEAT & HUMIDITY, yes, that is summer in Aripeka! If your are new to the area or even if you have lived here for years, don't forget the sunscreen, every day, every time you go outdoors, your skin suffers the consequences of sun exposure.  Parents it is particularly important to put sunscreen on your children, make it part of getting ready to leave the house.  They will "thank you" later for their beautiful skin!

Your Guests...

All overnight guest at Aripeka West MUST be registered.  Unregistered guests are not allowed overnight due to security issues.  When your neighbors see people in the park at night that they don't recognize, they tend to become uneasy and often call the office to report them or even in some cases the Pasco County Sheriff.  To avoid any confusion, please let the office know that you have guests and their names.  Remember that you are solely responsible for your guests and their behavior when they are visiting Aripeka West.  Please make sure they are aware of all the rules and that you accompany them when they are out and about in the park.  Mobile Home residents, please remember that the restrooms, laundry and other facilities located in the RV Park are for residents of the RV Park only.

Cinco De Mayo...

For many Americans, Cinco de Mayo means enjoying Mexican food and probably a few margaritas. But Cinco de Mayo, which means May 5 in Spanish, is probably one of the most misunderstood Mexican holidays.

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's independence day. Mexican independence is celebrated Sept.16.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla.

Mexico had trouble paying back war debts to European countries, and France had come to Mexico to collect that debt.

Today, Cinco de Mayo has become more of an American holiday than a Mexican one. But most non-Mexican Americans have "no idea" about the day's history.

Cinco de Mayo is a reminder of how many times Mexico has been invaded by other countries.

This one day, Mexico won the battle.

Derby Day...

Alternatively referred to as “The Run for the Roses” or “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby is a 1.25 mile race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses. The Kentucky Derby draws an average of 150,000 visitors each year, including residents, out-of-towners, celebrities, presidents, and even members of royal families.

The first Kentucky Derby race occurred in 1875. Close to 10,000 people watched as 15 thoroughbred horses ran what was then a 1.5 mile course. In 1876, the length of the race was changed to 1.25 miles. By the early 1900s, owners of winning Kentucky Derby horses started sending their winners to run in the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York. In 1930, sportswriter Charles Hatton coined the term “Triple Crown” in reference to the same horses running the three races consecutively.

Mint Julep – The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. It is an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint, and a sweet syrup and is traditionally served in a commemorative Kentucky Derby glass. During Derby season, they are available throughout Louisville. And, of course, at the track.

Burgoo – A thick, meaty stew that is the traditional meal of the Kentucky Derby. There are as many recipes as cooks, but burgoo is typically three types of meat along with corn, okra and lima beans. It is one of the traditional foods of Louisville, including Derby Pie, Henry Bain Sauce, Hot Brown Sandwiches, and more.

Millionaire’s Row – The premium seating area that houses all of the rich and famous Kentucky Derby guests during the races. Think rock stars and royalty. Of course the service for this clientele is superior and not accessible to the public

Triple Crown – A series of three races, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, that is run annually by a group of thoroughbred horses. Horse racing fans watch all three closely.

Derby Hat Parade – The derby hat parade takes place inside of Churchill Downs and refers to the sea of stylish and elegant hats worn by women and men alike during the Kentucky Derby. Hats range from glamorous and pricey to humorous and timely. Fancy hats are believed to bring lucky bets.

Kentucky Derby Festival – The annual two-week series of events held in Louisville beginning withThunder Over Louisville and leading up to the Kentucky Derby. There is no shortage of things to do; hot air balloon festivals, marathons, art fairs, and parades. I

The Infield – The flat, grassy area inside of the track. The infield is best-known for hosting the largest Kentucky Derby party. While it is at the track, the track is only visible to a few at this huge event.

Mother' Day...

Remember your Mom on May 8th!

M - O - T - H - E - R 
"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O" means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of purest gold;
"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
"R" means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell 
"MOTHER,"
A word that means the world to me.
Howard Johnson (c. 1915)

Armed Forces Day...

Armed Forces Day is a day to pay tribute to the men and women who serve the United States Armed Forces. 

It was with the idea for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country that President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish this single holiday.  The single day celebration then stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense.  It was on August 31, 1949, that Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force Days. So, on May 21st remember to say "THANKS" to a veteran!

Spring Cleaning...

It is that time of year again and many of you have work hard to get your home spruced up and your lot clear of any trash or debris and we are thankful for your efforts.  If you have not had time yet to do the cleaning necessary, please try to get it done as soon as possible.  Items stored on the grassy areas of your lot or trash that has accumulated through the winter is impossible to mow around when we do mowing and trimming the park.  Hoses, dog and children's toys, dog leashes and tie outs, throw rugs etc. will damage our equipment.  If you see that your lot has not been mowed and your neighbors lot has been mowed there is a good possibility that your lot has items laying in the grass.  Additionally, if there in dog feces on your lot it will not be mowed, please clean up after your dog immediately.

Memorial Day...

Memorial Day has come to mean the beginning of summer, a time for picnics and barbecues, and a holiday to gather around the family. That happiness and freedom, however, is a product of the real cause for the holiday: the sacrifice made by men and women who have fought and died for the freedoms and liberties Americans hold dear. Memorial Day is a time to remember that the American way of life is not cheap but rather has been purchased by the lives and blood of so many who have sacrificed for us to live free and happy now.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Calendar of Events...