HELLOOOOOOOOO MAY IT HAS BEEN A VERY WARM SPRING AND VERY LITTLE RAIN. I HAVE A FEELING WHEN OUR RAINS COME, IT WILL BE IN FULL FORCE. WE REALLY NEED THE RAIN, THE PONDS ARE SO LOW, AND OUR LAWNS SURE CAN USE IT. MOSTS OF THE SNOWBIRDS HAVE TRAVELED BACK TO THEIR NORTH HOMES, AND WE HOPE THEY HAVE A GREAT SUMMER. WE HAVE SEVERAL NEW RESIDENTS, SO STOP IN TO SEE THEM AND SAY HELLO, AND WELCOME. WE HOPE YOU HAD A REALLY NICE EASTER HOLIDAY. MEMORIAL DAY IS THE END OF THE MONTH AND THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED THE 29TH, SO NO GARBAGE ON THAT DAY (MARK YOUR CALENDAR). IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE OUT ON THE HIGHWAY... PLEASE.. BE CAREFUL, YOUR LIFE MATTERS. MAY 14TH IS MOTHER’S DAY, AND WE WISH ALL MOTHERS A WONDERFUL DAY. ALSO IN MAY IS ARMED FORCES DAY, WITH OUT THE MILITARY; WE WOULDN’T HAVE THE FREEDOM THAT WE HAVE. IF YOU SEE A MILITARY PERSON, TAKE THE TIME TO SHAKE THEIR HAND, AND TELL THEM THANKS. WE THANK ALL SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN, THAT HAVE, OR THAT ARE SERVING OUR COUNTRY. EVEN THOUGH SUMMER IS AROUND THE CORNER, LETS KEEP THE ACTIVITIES GOING, RESIDENTS ARE REALLY ENJOYING THEM. TAKE A LOOK AT THE ACTIVITIES CALANDER, AND DECIDE TO GIVE ONE OF THEM A TRY, YOU MAY ENJOY YOURSELF SO MUCH, YOU DO MORE. SUMMER MONTHLY DINNERS WILL CONTINUE, CHECK YOUR NEWSLETTER CALENDAR FOR THE DATE. HAVE A GREAT MAY, BUD AND GINGER

Happy Mother’s Day to all Mother’s, Grandmother’s, Aunt’s, Friend’s, etc.

Below is a “Mother’s Dictionary of Meanings” for your enjoyment and check out the song/poem regarding Mother’s I.O.U. by Jimmy Dean. Mother's Dictionary of Meanings Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert. Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots. Full Name: What you call your child when you're mad at him. Grandparents: The people who think your Children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right. Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word. Independent: How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say. Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it. Show Off: A child who is more talented than yours. Sterilize: What you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva. Top Bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies. Two-Minute Warning: When the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar-grunting noises. Whodunit: None of the kids that live in your house.

When is May Day? May Day is May 1 every year. Easy to remember, right?

What is May Day? Depending on where you are, it's either a seasonal celebration or a

day to celebrate workers' rights, or maybe a little bit of both. Think of

the latter as Labor Day.

How it become a day for labor rights May Day is a labor holiday in many areas of the world, and that part of

its history is a thornier story. May Day has shared a date

with International Workers' Day since the 1880s. At the time, labor

movements around the world were fighting for fair work

accommodations like eight-hour workdays and unions.

Armed Forces Day in the United States

Many Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day annually on the third

Saturday of May. It is a day to pay tribute to men and women who serve the

United States’ armed forces. Armed Forces Day is also part of Armed

Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May.

What Do People Do?

Many events across the United States take place on Armed Forces Day

to honor Americans in uniform who served their country in times of war

and peace. Those who are honored on this day include people who serve

the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. National Guard

and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any

period in May.

Memorial Day in the United States

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly

known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women who

have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit

cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as

the start of the summer season.

What Do People Do? It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from

dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials,

particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many

volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

Memorial Day is combined with Jefferson Davis' Birthday in

Mississippi.

Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many

people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this

weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season

for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to

wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor

Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear

white clothing throughout the year.

HERE'S HOW TAMPA BAY WILL CELEBRATE MEMORIAL

DAY WEEKEND AAA expects more than 37 million Americans to travel for Memorial

Day. And while the unofficial kickoff to summer is filled with beach

balls and barbecues, it's also a somber day to remember those who

died serving in the armed forces.

Memorial Day Ceremony This salute to Memorial Day includes patriotic songs, keynote speech,

POW/MIA Missing Man Remembrance Celebration, wreath

presentation, rifle salute and taps. Free. Veterans Memorial Park,

3602 U.S. 301 N, Tampa. (813) 744-5502. 11 a.m. Sunday.

National Police Week

Monday, May 15, 2017 through Sunday, May 21, 2017

HISTORY In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation's Capital each year.

(TPD) Non Emergency Number

813-231-6130 Tampa Police Department (TPD) non-emergency number is one of the most important phone numbers you should have handy if you observe suspicious activity in OUR neighborhood!! Prepared to give exact location and describe what you saw, give accurate and complete descriptions of people or vehicles involved. Also, we have individual addresses but we are located in a gated community on South Dale Mabry. That information may ease identification and speedier arrival of Tampa Police Department (TPD). As you are biking, exercising or walking your pets, keep mental notes of your observations, be aware, stay alert, and use good judgment. Trust your instincts, they are usually right. We are ALL responsible to continue making OUR neighborhood.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the day that Mexican troops defeated Napoleon III's army on May 5, 1862, in the Battle of Puebla, which became a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism. Some people mistakenly think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day, but the country actually declared its independence on September 16, 1810. Maintaining its independence was not easy for Mexico, and during this period it accumulated heavy debts to several nations, including France, England and Spain.

WHY ORANGE

At a restaurant, you know the decaf pot – it’s the one with the

orange handle. But why is it orange?

It goes back to 1923, when General Foods introduced Sanka, the

first decaffeinated coffee (the name Sanka was derived from the

French word sans meaning without and ca the first syllable of

caffeine.)

The brand bore a distinctive orange label. To promote the band, General Foods provided coffee shops and restaurants with the distinctive orange handled pots in which to serve its naturally decaf versions of their own coffee, the orange pot became synonymous with “no caffeine”, and the tradition continues today.

May, 2017 Bizarre and Unique Holidays May is one of the most beautiful months of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Usually the snow and ice are gone and the hot temperatures haven't arrived. The first garden begins to sprout in May, the wild flowers are blooming and the trees and grasses have turned green. Many birds have built their nests, and mother birds are sitting on the eggs, which will hatch very soon. Month:

Date Your Mate Month

National Barbecue Month

National Bike Month

National Hamburger Month

National Photograph Month

National Salad Month

Older Americans Month

Weekly Celebrations:

Nurse's Week - first full week of month

National Bike Week

National Police Week

Daily Celebrations:

May 1: Loyalty Day. ...

May 2: Scurvy Awareness Day. ...

May 3: Hug Your Cat Day. ...

May 4: Star Wars Day. ...

May 5: Cinco de Mayo. ...

May 6: National Nurses Day. ...

May 9: National Lost Sock Memorial Day. ...

May 10: Clean Up Your Room Day.

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Friendly Reminder Please make sure your water meter is clear and free from any overgrown bushes/trees, trash cans or other articles. Also – please wash out your trash cans. Thank You!

What are Mangroves?

Mangroves are one of Florida's true natives. They thrive in salty

environments because they are able to obtain freshwater from saltwater.

Some secrete excess salt through their leaves, others block absorption of salt

at their roots.

Florida's estimated 469,000 acres of mangrove forests contribute to the overall

health of the state's southern coastal zone. This ecosystem traps and cycles

various organic materials, chemical elements, and important nutrients.

Mangrove roots act not only as physical traps but provide attachment

surfaces for various marine organisms. Many of these attached organisms

filter water through their bodies and, in turn, trap and cycle nutrients.

The relationship between mangroves and their associated marine life cannot

be overemphasized. Mangroves provide protected nursery areas for fishes,

crustaceans, and shellfish. They also provide food for a multitude of marine

species such as snook, snapper, tarpon, jack, sheepshead, red drum, oyster,

and shrimp. Florida's important recreational and commercial fisheries will

drastically decline without healthy mangrove forests.

\Many animals find shelter either in the roots or branches of mangroves.

Mangrove branches are rookeries, or nesting areas, for beautiful coastal birds

such as brown pelicans and roseate spoonbills.

*** Please be mindful of how special the mangroves are to our ecosystem and

do not climb or play in our mangroves in the community. This includes the

mud when we are at low tides***

“YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE, BUT IF YOU DO IT RIGHT, ONCE

IS ENOUGH.”

May West

Let's say you've just heard a REALLY juicy rumor about someone you know. It

may not be true, but it's too good to keep to yourself. Your first instinct is to tell

it to all your friends.

We've all had that kind of urge. But why? Here are some possible reasons:

To feel superior:

When people are feeling bad about themselves, they sometimes think they'll feel

better if there were someone worse off than they are. To feel like part of the

group.

If everybody else is gossiping or spreading rumors, you might feel you have to

do the same thing in order to fit in. When you're "in on the secret," you're in

the group. Unfortunately, the person who the gossip or rumor is about is usually

left out of the group for the same reason that you're let into it.

For attention:

When you know a secret that nobody knows, or are the first person in your

group to hear a rumor, it can make you the center of attention. A rumor or

piece of gossip is sometimes like money; telling it to people is like buying their

attention, if only for a few minutes.

Out of jealousy or a need for revenge:

If you're jealous of someone's looks, popularity, or money, you might gossip

about that person in order to hurt him or her. If you feel that someone's done

something bad to you, or deserves to be hurt, making up a rumor might satisfy

your sense of justice.

Out of boredom:

Did you know that in many studies, this was the #1 reason why people say they

spread rumors? Sometimes, a period where everyone is happy and getting along

just seems kind of-dull. Spreading juicy dish might shake things up a bit, or get

two people to start a fight, and that would make life a little more exciting.

There are many reasons why a rumor can be so harmful:

Gossip and rumors can be a form of exclusion

Gossip and rumors can destroy trust

True or not, private is private

Believing rumors can lead to bad choices Make the rumor stop with you

The Vet Bill

A woman brought a very limp parrot into a veterinary surgeon. As she lay her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird’s chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, “I’m so sorry, Polly has passed away.” The distressed owner wailed, “Are you sure? I mean, you haven’t done any testing on him or anything, He might just be in a coma or something.” The vet rolled his eyes, shrugged, turned and left the room, retuning a few moments later with a beautiful black Labrador. As the bird’s owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the dead parrot from top to bottom. He then looked at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head; the vet took the dog out, but returned a few moments later with a cat. The cat jumped up and also sniffed delicately at the bird. The cat sat back and shook its head, meowed and ran out of the room,. The vet looked at the woman and said, “I’m sorry, but like I said, your parrot is most definitely 100% certifiably dead.” He then turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill which he handed to the woman. The parrot’s owner, still in shock, took the bill. “$150! She cried $150 just to tell me my bird is dead!!” The vet shrugged. “If you’d taken my word for it the bill would only have been $20, but what with the lab report and the CAT scan …..”

Library News!

Please visit our library, we may have some books from your favorite author: Tom Clancy, Stuart Woods, Lee Child (Jack Reacher), Michael Connelly (Lincoln Lawyer), Nora Roberts, to name a few. Then while you are there put a few pieces in the puzzle!

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NEW HOMES MEANS NEW DEALS AT WINWARD LAKES?

We have new homes entering the community and we are ready to make deals on them . . . so, if you have been thinking of trading in your home, stop in and see us at the office. Or if you have a friend what is looking, bring them in and if they purchase a new home you could receive a bonus.

Brand New Homes

6224 Compass Lane

Pre-Loved Homes

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OFFICE CLOSED

May 27th, 28th, 29th. Have a wonderful Holiday from Winward Lakes & Steiner Communities!

They’re baaack! For the first time in 65 million years, dinosaurs will take over Tampa Bay and roam the Zoo during the daylight, every day! Grab the whole family and get ready to be surrounded by life size dinosaurs as you experience Dinos Alive! Get up-close and personal with varying species of dinosaurs that move, roar and interact with you! Take pictures; learn fun facts about how they lived and how we can help save present-day species of wildlife from extinction. Feast with Dino-sized food and drinks and enjoy this larger than life adventure with the entire family.

Website: www.loweryparkzoo.org – Contact Phone: (813)935-8552

COMMUNITY DINNER

When: MAY 13th, 2017 Time: 6pm Meal: WINGS Where: Clubhouse Sign-up sheet is at the hall. Bring a dish to pass!

Last Bingo on Tuesday nights is on “May 30th”. It will start back up again on the 1st Tues in September. ______________________________________________________________Take a walk outside and look at the address numbers on your home and mailbox. Are they in great shape? Do you have them on the back of the home as well as the front? Are the ones on your mailbox big enough and legible enough for night time viewing in an emergency situation? And make 100% sure your emergency information is upgraded (current) in

the office in case it is needed in an emergency.