AMENDMENTS PASS

V.W. Resident just got a call from her "political correspondent" up at the Capital. It's official, and there were "No Hanging Chads on this one." All four of the proposed amendments have passed.

Each amendment passed by a huge majority. Well over a thousand votes were cast on each issue.

A full report will appear in the next Viva.

40 PLUS YEARS AND STILL GOING

Check, Check. Memory Check. Yes the number is a solid 41 years. The date to remember is July 8, 1967.

V.W. Resident has his Time Machine working and with its' help he members the day - JULY 8, 1967. On that date He and his Lady had a joined hands in marriage in a, "quaint little Town," called Irvington, NJ.

For 41 consecutive years the couple both remembered their day. It was always something simple. They never did anything lavish to celebrate these anniversaries. A card and a simple glass of wine made the day.

Over the years they saw some rough times, but they were always managed in a way that kept them going. They worked, and worked , and worked. They played a little too. Their bills were paid on time, even as five "kids" joined their little homestead. Now the "kids" are grown and having lives of their own. They are doing well and that will add to the good thoughts reminisced on this anniversary.

The next 40 years will be different. With the "kids" out of the house, and, having "time on their hands," these guys can now get out and have some real fun. They will "hit the road" as much as possible and do their thing - traveling. In the last few years the Passports have been opened quite a bit: Germany, Egypt, Mexico, Costa Rico and more. Their eyes are now on Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and of course New Jersey for a few nights.

The goal is to do another 40 years, 40 trips, and 40 barrels of wine.

GET OUT AND VOTE

July 8th at Town center ballots/proxy's will be counted to determine the fate of four amendments proposed by our builder.

The amendments were the subject of a "workshop" on the 1st. Based on that meeting it appears the proposal regarding the parking of vehicles (trucks) in driveways overnight was the item of greatest concern. Arguments for this proposal (help sales and working person) were countered with arguments (existing rule is sufficient) to keep a status quo.

Get better informed on this issue, and then vote.

SAFETY TIP

Safety begins at home. Each of us has to recognize that he/she is responsible for our own safety.

V.W. Resident has a neighbor who said, "The key to your safety is being aware." Knowing what to do in an emergency can help not only the individual, but family members and neighbors. "Each of us needs to develop a personal plan, so we can be effective in an emergency."

With the tropical storm season upon us the first "rule of thumb" is to keep informed. V.W's Friend offered these tips to "keep you in the loop." Take a minute when on line and visit: www.nhc.noaa.gov This site tracks tropical storms and can quickly provide you with valuable information. Another means of getting information at your fingertips involves signing up for emergency rmail or text messages by going to: http://emergencyemail.org Once registered one need not do anything, except expect a warning message when there is a need to have certain information.

V.W. suggests friends and neighbors make a note of these "tools" that can be a help to us. When V.W. learns some more he'll pass it along.

VERONA WALK NAVY

This V.W. Contributor was enjoying the view earlier this morning when she saw something that actually made her "jump" out of her chair. At first blush there was an all out "attack force" steaming in the direction of our fabulous beach front property. This was a moment to remember.

"I took hold of my chair. I took a real deep breath. And then I took another sip of that morning coffee." There had to be an explanation for this "attack."

With the help of that strong coffee the picture became clear. I was not seeing a "fleet of attack vessels" on our waterway. It was just one ship - an air boat - dispatched by our VeronaWalk Naval Service. It had a mission! If successful that "buzz buzz" sound, from our insect friends, that we just "love" to hear, may soon be gone.

INDEPENDENCE DAY BASH

Well it is not happening on the "4th" of July, but on the "5th." That's right the 5th will be a Verona Walk's Independence Day celebration at Town Center.

This is a "$7.00 dance so everyone knows the routine. Sign up, pick a table, and bring an appetizer.

Use the event as aways to get to know your neighbor and just have fun. But also take time to reflect on what we are really celebrating.

Music will be provided by a fellow neighbor (and Great Guy) Dan Melvin.

PROPOSAL TO CHANGE TRAFFIC PATERN CAUSES INDIANS TO PUT ON WAR PAINT

Once upon a time there existed a fictional Tribe of Indians called the "Veroni." They were best known for being good friends and good neighbors.

They resided in a peaceful camp in Napoli on the great "Collier Trail." Membership in the "Veroni Tribe" was freely granted to "braves" from all of the other great "Indian Nations" such as: The "Cherokee", The "Carnarsees," The "Chippewa's," and The "Yapalots."

With the purchases of a private "Tepee" one was granted membership in the tribe. The new "braves" enjoyed not only their personal abodes, but many things in common. The most obvious was the "Great Community Tepee." This was the hub of the "Veroni Nation."

At this meeting place tribesman routinely gathered to swim in the custom pool, sneak a peek at "Little White Dove," and chat about life in their new tribe. Management of the reservation was the responsibility of the "Grand Council." When all the Tepees were sold the "Grand Council" would turn over control of the camp to the tribe. Occasionally the Grand Council accepts guidance from tribesman, but in the end the final decision is theirs.

One day in the camp a brave, named, "Lone Eagle," decided he was not pleased with how the ponies used the trail around their washing station. A great archer, who only carried a single arrow, "Lone Eagle" often flew so high, that he lost sight of the rest of the tribe. One day, while on a solo flight, he decided it would be best if the ponies only drove "one way" on this trail and parking facility.

Another brave named: "Broken Arrow" said, to "Lone Eagle:" "How does the rest of the tribe feel about this?" Lone Eagle knew he was right, and dismissed Broken Arrow's plea to hear from the rest of the tribe. This caused ill feeling between the two braves. They put on their "War Paint," "Yelped," and finally let their arrows fly. "Lone Eagle" was determined to silence the "brave" who he once called"friend," but his arrow only wounded "Broken Arrow." Then out of the dark sky came a lightening bolt that sent the two warriors into a state of unconsciousness.

While the two braves were having their skirmish the "Grand Council" using great wisdom decided: "The ponies shall continue to run in both directions around the washing station."

Days later the above pictured Chippewa Medicine Man, and the neighbor in the next Tepee joined hands to revive their friends "Lone Eagle" and "Double Arrow." They danced (at least one did) over the fallen braves. They chanted, but only one knew the words. And finally they called on the "Great Spirit" to make the two warriors realize: First they are "Veroni" with equal standing in the Tribe; Second they are also "Yapalots;" and; Last they need to bury the hatchet. Hopefully the two braves heeded the words of the wise medicine man, and they can walk the trails in peace.


This story is fiction. It is not meant to be harmful in any way. Hopefully, someone might just find only one word humorous, and let out a chuckle. If that occurs then the Indian who has contributed this ancient tale has done his job. For now He is off to "his home" in the Swamp.

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