June 2016 Newsletter

In the Summertime when the Weather is HOT...

And so, it is that time of year again...HOT HOT HOT.  The hum of the A/C units can be heard throughout the park and that can only mean higher electric bills will be coming soon.  

To keep your electric bill in check, remember keep your A/C unit clean, especially the filter.  If you have pets, this is very important since the warm weather means it is time to shed that extra coat! Keeping your filer clean will also help to keep you healthy.  Clean indoor air in the summer is very important since most of us will rarely open the windows until late September! 

Summer is also the time when due to the high humidity, mold and mildew become a problem. Wiping down the shower and tub after each use to keep it dry will help control the mold and mildew and spraying with bleach or peroxide will keep it at bay, if not kill it.  

Stay healthy this summer by taking a few preventative measures!


Slide into Summer...

June 4th Buccaneer Bay opens!

Daily, 9:00am-5:30pm. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way (US-19), Weeki Wachee, 34607. Cool the summer sizzle at Florida’s only spring-fed waterpark! Enjoy the white sandy beach, thrilling flume rides, beach volleyball, Lil’ Mates Cove and much more!! The water slides, kiddie pool, and lazy river at the waterpark open daily for the summer season. You can also enjoy the other State Park amenities including the popular mermaid shows and river boat tour. Admission: $13.00 for adults; $8.00 for children age 6 to 12; free, age five and under. For information, call 352-592-5656, or visit www.weekiwachee.com.

Fresh Market...

Brooksville City Nights!

4:00-8:00pm. Downtown Brooksville (vicinity of 20 No. Main Street), 34601. Held on the first and third Saturday of each month, Brooksville City Nights is a fresh market like no other! You’ll find unique cuisine, arts, vintage crafts, organic and local produce, entertainment, street vendors and more. Bring a chair to relax under the stars and evening lights, chat with friends, or cruise Main Street for your shopping delight. For more information, call Lisa at 352-428-9275, or email brooksvillecitynights@gmail.com.


No License Needed...

FREE SALTWATER FISHING!

Saturday, June 4 – Sunday, June 5, 2016

License-Free Saltwater Fishing Days

Free fishing days provide an excellent opportunity for parents who don’t yet have licenses to take youth fishing, or avid anglers to introduce a friend to fishing without having to purchase a license. On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers (residents and non-residents). All other rules (e.g., seasons, bag and size limits) apply. The saltwater waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g., crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.) as well as fishing from shore or a boat. A snook or spiny lobster permit are not required on these days. For more information, visit www.MyFWC.com/fishing/saltwater.



Yikes! Snakes...

It is apparently Snake Season here at Aripeka West.  Although most of the "snake sighting" have been just harmless Black Snakes, recently we have found Water Moccasins (Cotton Mouth) and Rattlesnakes in the park.   These types of snakes are very poisonous to both humans and pets.  The snakes like to hide under trailers, outdoor appliances, wood piles and any trash that may be stored on your lot.

Children in the park will be the most vulnerable to being bitten by snakes since they are often in and around the areas where the snakes like to hide.  You can discourage the snakes by keeping all trash and other mostly unused items out of your yard.  Unkempt gardens, wood piles, piles of old building materials and other things like that in your yard will make it more inviting to snakes. 

Keep yourself and your family safe by addressing any problem areas on your lot now; when the rains come and that will be soon, the snake population is likely to grow.   The nearby swampy areas is home to the snakes and they will stay there unless they view your yard as a better place to make their home.  Keeping your yard clear of debris is the best way to discourage the snakes.


As the Grass Grows...

With the summer rains, will come the never ending job of mowing Aripeka West.  Mowing must be done on a regular basis in the summer, so when you hear the mowing coming your way, please take a minute to check your yard for items that may damage the mower, things like dog leashes & tie-outs, toys for both pets and children, any type of fabric item from towels to socks to old rugs, hoses, any metal items, beer and soda cans, plastic, glass, paper or other trash.  Please remove lawn furniture and other movable items like grills until mowing is completed.  Cars that are parked on the grass need to be moved to facilitate mowing. 

Broken Down Vehicles...

Lately it seems that more and more inoperable vehicles are in the park.  Aripeka West is not the place to store vehicles that do not run!  If you currently have an inoperable vehicle parked in the RV or Mobile Home park, please make arrangements to either have the needed repairs done on the vehicle or to move it out of the park.  Only minor repair to vehicles may be may done in the park, big jobs must be done off site.  Another option is to sell it, as is.

Dumpster Abuse...  

The dumpster located in the park is for HOUSEHOLD TRASH ONLY.  If you need to dispose of larger items such as furniture, tires or building materials, please take these items to the dump.  If you place bulky items in the dumpster, then there is not enough room for household trash.  Also lately there have been many items placed outside the dumpster, this is not allowed.  If you have an item that you think someone else might want or need, ask around, put up a notice by the laundry room, but do not place your unwanted items outside of the dumpster.

Stars and Stripes...

National Flag Day is celebrated annually in the United States on June 14.  This day commemorates adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777.

On National Flag Day, Americans show respect for the U.S. Flag and what it represents.  Our independence and unity as a nation is represented by our flag.  The flag has become a powerful symbol of Americanism and is flown proudly.

Betsy Ross is given credit, by many, for  creating the first American flag.  Since 1977, the design of the flag has been officially modified 26 times.  For 47 years, the 48-star flag was in effect.  In 1959, the 49-star version became official on July 4.  President Eisenhower ordered the 50-star flag on August 21, 1959.

Seventeen year old Robert G. Heft of Ohio is credited with designing the 50 star American flag.  Of the more than 1,500 designs that were submitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower,  his was chosen.

NATIONAL FLAG DAY HISTORY

On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation deeming June 14 as Flag Day.  President Wilson stated that he selected this day because “It is the anniversary of the day upon which the flag of the United States was adopted by the Congress as the emblem of the Union”  and he wrote, “On that day rededicate ourselves to the nation, ‘one and inseparable’ from which every thought that is not worthy of our fathers’ first vows in independence, liberty, and right shall be excluded and in which we shall stand with united hearts.” 

Dear Ol' Dad...

Father's Day, celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of June, got a jump start from the formation of Mother's Day. Credit for beginning Father's Day celebrations is given to Sonora Smart Dodd from Spokane, Washington.

At the turn of the century, Mother's Day observances were growing across the United States. The federal government had yet to recognize the holiday, but many states had adopted the third Sunday in May as a special celebration day honoring mothers. It was during a Mother's Day church service on June 20, 1909, that Sonora Smart Dodd was struck with the idea of creating a special holiday to honor fathers, too.

When Sonora was 16, her mother died while giving birth to her sixth child, the last of five sons. Back then, like today, single parenthood was no easy task. By Sonoma's account, though, Mr. Smart did a wonderful job. Because of this love and esteem, Sonoma Smart Dodd believed that her father deserved a special time of honor just like that given to mothers on Mother's Day.

In 1909, Sonoma Smart Dodd approached the Spokane YMCA and the Spokane Ministerial Alliance and suggested that her father's birthday — June 5 — become a celebration day for Father's Day. Because they wanted more time to prepare, the Ministerial Alliance chose June 19 instead.

The first Father's Day was thus observed in the State of Washington on June 19, 1910. The idea of officially celebrating fatherhood spread quickly across the United States, as more and more states adopted the holiday. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recognized Father's Day as the third Sunday in June of that year and encouraged states to do the same. Congress officially recognized Father's Day in 1956 with the passage of a joint resolution.

Aripeka Community Center Pot Luck Dinner...

Wednesday June 1st, join your friends and neighbors at Aripeka Community Center for a Pot Luck Dinner at 6 PM.  Bring a dish and have a great time!

Is your toilet running...

While running toilets aren’t as severe a plumbing problem as, say, cracked or clogged pipes, they can still end up costing you hundreds of dollars every year (if not more) in wasted water. Toilet leaks are the most wasteful kind of home plumbing leak, wasting as much as four times what regular faucet leak does, and over 25 times what a shower leak does.

Generally, running toilets are a straightforward fix; the problem usually lies with a faulty flapper or floater mechanism inside the tank. However, sometimes entire toilets do need to be replaced to eliminate the problem once and for all.

For severe toilet leaking, this is almost always worth the investment: inefficient toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water in a single month. As far as your wallet’s concerned, this waste of water can translate into well over $2,000 per year, or as much as $200 extra in your monthly water bill.

Less extreme toilet leaks will still run your monthly water bill much higher than the norm; a moderate leak, at 6,000 gallons per month (that’s right, 6,000 is moderate), will cost you around $70 extra each month, which comes up close to $1,000 per year.

Throughout the United States leaking or running toilets are considered the most common cause of unnaturally high water bill spikes. At their worst, a running toilet can waste an entire gallon of water in as little as thirty seconds; as these types of leaks are often silent, the problem may start and continue on without your knowledge, resulting in an unsettling surprise when the water bill arrives. 

As reported by the EPA’s WaterSense program, roughly 10% of all American homes have water leaks that waste 90+ gallons of water per day, the most common of these leaks, of course, being faulty toilet flappers or other toilet degradation. Across the United States, everyday home water leaks consume well over one trillion gallons of water every year.

When it comes to home toilets, even small leaks translate into big spending. The sooner you act to repair your toilet’s hardware and resolve the problem, the less water you’ll be wasting by the minute.

Scalloping 2016...

The 2016 Scalloping Season starts June 25th!

Bay Scallop: Argopecten irradians

Florida Recreational Regulations:

Regulations	Bay Scallop Harvest Zone
Minimum Size Limit	None
Daily Bag Limit	2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell, or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel
Season*	Open June 25 - Sept. 24

*Season opens the Saturday before July 1 unless July 1 falls on a Saturday, then the opening date would be July 1.

Commercial harvest prohibited.

Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops unless they are 1. exempt from needing a license or 2. have a no-cost shoreline fishing license and are wading to collect scallops (i.e. feet do not leave bottom to swim, snorkel, or SCUBA).  

Bay Scallop Harvest Zone:

 

Bay scallops may only be harvested in state waters from the Pasco-Hernando County line (near Aripeka - latitude 28 degrees, 26.016 minutes North) to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County (longitude 85 degrees, 25.84 minutes West).

It is illegal to possess bay scallops on waters outside open harvest areas. It is also illegal to land scallops outside open harvest areas. For example, it would be legal to take scallops from waters off the Hernando County coast, but it would be illegal to dock your boat in Pasco County with the scallop catch onboard.

Gear Requirements:

• Legal Gear: Harvest permitted by hand or landing or dip net
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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...

April 2016 Newsletter

Things are heating up...

Looks like Spring is "springing" right into summer!  The high 80's in March, what's up with that? And then there is the rain, seems like every weekend it rains, thinking it does that so the humidity will be the same as the temperature!  The air conditioners are revving up, so make sure your A/C has a new CLEAN filter, this will help to keep your electric bill in check.  Also closing your shades will help keep out some of the heat except while watching those beautiful Aripeka Sunsets, of course!

Mowing season has begun...

It is that time of year again, the grass and the weeds are growing like crazy.  If your car is parked on the grass, please move it when you hear the mower coming your way.  Additionally, please take the time to go out in your yard and pick up any hoses, dog leads, toys, shovels, rakes or whatever else you see hiding in the grass, including any trash that has somehow found its way into your yard.  Lately, we are seeing far too many take-out cups, plastic bottles and cans scattered throughout the park.  Please place you trash in the dumpster and do not throw it in roads, bushes or yards.  In order for us to mow and trim your yard, it must be cleared of all of your lawn furniture, hoses, building materials, BBQ's and toys belonging to your children or pets.  Your yard must be free of dog feces, please clean up after your dog.

If you have placed permanent or semi-permanent structures in your yard that can be damaged by the mower or the string trimmer or may cause damage to our equipment, you will be responsible for the mowing and trimming of that area.

Now is the time...

If you need to clean the outside of your Mobile Home, now is the time, before it becomes too hot to work outside.  If there is mold on your Mobile Home, a mixture of equal parts bleach and water should do the trick, if there is a lot of dirt adding some Dawn Dish Washing Detergent to the mixture of bleach and water will help you get that dirt off more easily.  Make sure to rinse your Mobile Home with water when you have finished cleaning it.  When using your hose for cleaning your Mobile Home or any other outdoor project, please do not leave it running.  Placing a spray nozzle will keep water waste to a minimum.  

The water costs for the park are very high and any help with saving water is greatly appreciated. Please repair running toilets and dripping faucets immediately and be sure that your outdoor faucet is turned completely off after each use.  Swimming Pools of any type are NOT ALLOWED in the park.

SunWest Park...

This park is conveniently located to Aripeak West and is currently open from 10 AM till 7:30 PM Daily.  Swimming is free and the only charge is for parking.  There are charges for other amenities at SunWest Park.  There is currently no charge for "parking" your bicycle at SunWest Park, so this could make for a nice "free" family outing and getting a little exercise to boot!

Gone Fishing...

One of the nicest things about living in Aripeka is being able to fish, everyday if you want.  In most cases a Florida Salt Water Fishing Permit will be required, but there are many exceptions to this rule.  The "rules" change frequently regarding size and quantity of each species of fish you may keep, so check regularly so you will be up-to-date on the rules.  Remember the old Proverb "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a 
lifetime".  Nothing beats a fresh caught fish for dinner.

Fishing in Freshwater requires a different permit than Saltwater, check to see what is required before you cast your line!  Knowing the "Rules" will make your days of fishing fun, and not result in a fine.

Some "see you soons"are coming this month...

We don't call it "Good-byes",  just "see you soon" as our Winter Guests prepare for their journey back north.  It has been a great Winter here at Aripeka West and we certainly hope all of our guests have had fun with us this season.  Hope to see everyone back in the Fall to continue the fun!

Things to do this month...

The Chasco Fiesta offers 9 days of fun for the entire family.  Starting on April 1st and continuing thru April 9th, there will be shows, music, sports, food and fun!

The Hernando County Fair kicks of at the Fairgrounds in Brooksville on April 15th and runs thru the 23rd.

The Florida Blueberry Festival will be on April 16th and 17th in downtown Brooksville.

April Fool's Day...

Although it's not a legal holiday, April Fools' Day is celebrated all around the world as a day filled with practical jokes and general silliness. You may want to be a little more cautious or skeptical on April 1, since family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers and even teachers may try to tickle your funny bone with a practical joke or a hoax of some kind.

So how did this tradition of craziness begin? In truth, it remains a mystery, although there are many theories about how April Fools' Day got started.

Some believe the first association between April 1 and playing tricks can be found in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales from 1392. In "The Nun's Priest's Tale," a fox tricks proud rooster Chauntecleer on syn March bigan thritty dayes and two.

Although Chaucer probably meant 32 days after March (May 2), many readers apparently misunderstood the line to mean March 32 — or April 1.

Others believe that April Fools' Day was the result of a desire to celebrate the turning of the seasons around springtime. In fact, many cultures have historically held such celebrations around the beginning of April.

For example, the ancient Romans had a festival named Hilaria on March 25. The Hindus celebrate Holi, and the Jews celebrate Purim around this time of year.

Still others believe April Fools' Day got its start because of the adoption of a new calendar in 1582. Many ancient cultures celebrated New Year's Day around April 1.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered the use of a new calendar, known as the Gregorian calendar, which celebrated New Year's Day on January 1. According to legend, many people refused to recognize the new calendar or simply didn't know about it. These people continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1.

Eventually, other people began to make fun of these backward “fools" by sending them to look for things that did not exist (called a “fool'serrand") or tricking them into believing something false.

Although we can't really pinpoint how or when April Fools' Day got its start, people the world over still celebrate it with glee year in and year out. Pranks can be quite simple, such as telling a friend his shoe is untied, or very elaborate, like some of the hoaxes described below.

Whatever the gag, it usually ends with the prankster yelling “April Fool!" when the victim falls for it. To give you a sense of how seriously some people take April Fools' Day, here are three of the greatest April Fools' Day hoaxes of all time:

• Swiss Spaghetti Trees — In 1957, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) news program Panorama announced that Swiss farmers were harvesting a record spaghetti crop thanks to the elimination of the spaghetti weevil. News footage showed Swiss peasants pulling spaghetti from trees. Thousands of viewers were fooled. The BBC reported receiving many calls inquiring how to grow spaghetti trees!

• “Taco" Liberty Bell — In 1996, Taco Bell announced that it had bought the Liberty Bell to help ease the national deficit. When the company claimed it would be renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell, thousands of citizens were fooled and called to complain. The company revealed it was a practical joke a few hours later, but not before reporters asked White House press secretary Mike McCurry about the sale. Creating a joke of his own, he responded that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold and would now be known as the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial!

• “Left-Handed" Whopper — In 1998, Burger King ran an advertisement in USA Today announcing its new "Left-Handed Whopper," which was specifically designed for left-handed Americans by rotating all condiments exactly 180 degrees. Burger King revealed the hoax the next day but claimed that thousands of customers had requested the new sandwich at their restaurants!

Aripeka Community Club...

The Aripeka Community Club Dinner will be on Monday 4th at 6PM.  Bring a covered dish and join your neighbors for some great food and spirited conversation!

Tax Day April 18th...

Just another day, think again, April 18th is not just any day, it is TAX DAY in April 2016 for filing your 2015 Tax Return!  Yes, this year TAX DAY will be April 18th!!

Ask almost any American citizen when tax day is, and you're likely to hear "April 15^th". While this is normally the day that taxes are due, that isn't the case this year. With that in mind, here are the "Big Three" dates to remember this year.

April 18, 2016
No, April 15 doesn't fall on a weekend this year. So why do your taxes need to be filed -- and your outstanding balance paid -- three days later this year? Because in Washington, DC -- and DC only -- April 15^th is a holiday this year: Emancipation Day.

This celebrates the day that Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, which freed over 3,000 slaves living in the District of Colombia, well before the universally known Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Usually this falls on April 16, the day Lincoln signed the Act. But that falls on a Saturday this year, and by law, it needs to be celebrated on the nearest weekday.

Not only should you file and pay for any outstanding balance on your taxes, but if you need an extension, you must file Form 4868 before April 18.

October 17, 2016
If you were able to file for your extension in time, this is the new date by which you must file your taxes and pay any outstanding balances. Like the "normal" tax day, this usually falls on October 15, but because that is a Saturday this year, October 17 is the new date.

April 15, 2019
Double-check that year again so you understand what we're talking about here. It's not a misprint: it's supposed to say "2019." If you go back and read over the two previous dates, you'll see that I wrote "pay for any outstanding balance." That's because if you're actually owed a refund, the Treasury gives you three more years to file your taxes in order to claim it.

Of course, the Department has good reason for doing this: by waiting three years to claim your refund, you are giving the government an interest-free loan over a very long time period. But be careful, waiting this long will only work in your favor if you are certain that you'll be owed a refund. If you calculated wrong, the penalties for being three years late can be very hefty -- and this situation should be avoided in general if you want to stay out of hot water.

Earth Day...

When is Earth Day 2016? This observance always falls on April 22. On Earth Day, enjoy the tonic of fresh air, contact with the soil, and companionship with nature! Walk through the woods in search of emerging wildflowers and green moss. Go outside, no matter what the weather!

Earth Day History

Ever wondered how Earth Day started? This observance arose from an interest in gathering national support for environmental issues. In 1970, San Francisco activist John McConnell and Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson separately asked Americans to join in a grassroots demonstration. McConnell chose the spring equinox (March 21, 1970) and Nelson chose April 22. Millions of people participated, and today Earth Day continues to be widely celebrated with events on both dates. The most common practice of celebration is to plant new trees for Earth Day.

Calendar of Events...