September 2016 Newsletter

Fall...

Fall is almost here, so the weather will cool a bit and we will be more comfortable. Even though the change of seasons is not so noticeable here at Aripeka West, the cooler temps of late September will be a welcome relief from the heat we have experienced since May!  Yes folks, Summer 2016 has been a hot one!  As you can see by the map, we were not alone!


A little sprucing up...

This is a good time to clean up your yard and put away summer toys and other things that are not used so much in cooler weather. Please coil up your hoses to keep them clear of the mower.  Dog tethers must also be removed from your yard.  These tethers are only to be in place when attached to your dog's collar and you are out in the yard with your dog.  If the heat of summer has kept you in the house, your Mobile Home might also need a few repairs.


Still Hurricane Season...

Hurricane Season does not end until November 1st, so keep an eye on the weather conditions that might affect Aripeka West.  Right now we have a system threatening our coast and as we all know, Scenic Route 595 is subject to water covering the road during heavy rain events, especially at high tide.  Just remember if the water is over the road, TURN AROUND.  This is likely to be happening for the first few days of September as the low pressure systems passes by Aripeka.  A Tropical Storm Warning has already been issued for Pasco and Hernando counties and points to the north.  This warning means sustained winds of 40 MPH, with higher gusts, rain, very heavy at times, some coastal flooding and possible tornadoes.  At this time, the biggest threat to Aripeka West is heavy rain.  Learn the Hurricane Lingo!



Labor Day Weekend...

After spending a few days inside the house because of rain, Labor Day Weekend will give us a chance to get out and enjoy our selves.  This might be a great time to visit SunWest Park, Pasco County's newest park which is located nearby Aripeka West, ride your bikes and there is no fee, drive the car it will cost you $5 for parking!  Also nearby is Weeki Wachee Springs State Park with Buccaneer Bay Water Park, Mermaid Shows, Riverboat Rides, Canoe and Kayak Rentals and other things to see and do.


Pine Island offers a great place to enjoy the sun and water and in the evening offers a wonderful view of another great Gulf of Mexico sunset!

It is also a great time for a BBQ, so fire up your grill and cook up something great!

Pine Island Drum Circle...

Beach Drum Circle 3 hours before sunset.  September 11th & 25th, check it out one Sunday.

A drum circle is any group of people playing (usually) hand-drums and percussion in a circle. They are distinct from a drumming group or troupe in that the drum circle is an end in itself rather than preparation for a performance. They can range in size from a handful of players to circles with thousands of participants. Drum circles are related to other community-based music gatherings such as flute circles or vocal improvisation groups.

In 1991, during testimony before the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging, Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart stated:

Typically, people gather to drum in drum "circles" with others from the surrounding community. The drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail. It includes people of all ages. The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with each other and themselves. To form a group consciousness. To entrain and resonate. By entrainment,  (Entrainment (biomusicology), the synchronization of organisms to an external rhythm) I mean that a new voice, a collective voice, emerges from the group as they drum together.

THE RULES
Drum Circle Etiquette 

1. Never touch someone's instrument without asking permission.
2. Remove all hand and wrist jewelry to prevent instrument damage.
3. Always listen for the pulse of the rhythm, feel the groove, and support it. 
4. Listening to each other is the key to communication.
5. When in doubt, keep it simple. Use the heartbeat to anchor the groove.
6. If you are a beginner, do not play cowbell, clave, or loud shakers. These instruments need specific rhythms with perfect timing.
7. If you solo share the solo space, give others a chance while you take turns playing the supportive accompaniment. Soloists remember this is not a competition.
8. Let there be space in the music, allowing room to communicate. 
9. Do not intentionally change the rhythm, or tempo, this may happen naturally, as a group.
10. Be aware of your body positioning which can block the view, sound and energy; please don't stand with your back to the circle.
11. Be aware of your playing volume.
12. Smoke outside the circle, preferably downwind.
13. The inner circle is for the dancers.
14. No fire spinning, poi, hooping or flashing lights inside the circle, unless the circle is large enough, this varies in different groups; this is a safety issue for the dancers.
15. If you want to talk to your friend, or use the phone/electronic device, go outside the circle.
16. If you choose to use alcohol or drugs, please do it away from the group. Don't put our group at risk by doing illegal activities near the group.
17. If there is a bonfire, keep a safe distance from the fire, and be aware of the fire keepers' path.
18. When a rhythm ends, allow at least a few moments before beginning another.
19. Each drum circle has slightly different etiquette, if you are unsure, ask.
20. Most of all... have fun, smile, enjoy, stay positive, and please pack your trash.

Anyone is welcome to reproduce this material, and pass it on, to help drum circles everywhere.
In the community drum circle, we are all teachers, and students.

Aripeka Community Club...

Don't forget the Aripeka Community Club Monthly Potluck Dinner will be held on Monday September 5th at 6PM  Bring a dish if you like, everyone is welcome!

Fusion Con II, New Port Richey...

All the action and fun of a Comic Book Convention in Pasco County!!

K9 Partners for Patriots...

Memorial 911Memorial Bike Run

Cars are welcome to join the ride, you do not need a Motorcycle to participate.  You do not not have to be a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles to attend, everyone is welcome.

Fur Ball 2016...

For more details regarding The 13th Annual Fur Ball and Ticket Info contact The Humane Society of the Nature Coast at 352-796-2711.