About The Starlight Express

The very First Issue of  Starlight Express Newsletter was created by the Editor and Chief Pat Ifft on February 29, 1992 and since then is maintained and produced monthly by her for 17 years! All Starlighter's owe immense gratitude to Pat in keeping them informed with all happenings good and bad. 

Thank You Pat

Starlight Express

The Starlight Express December 6, 2006 Editor – Pat Ifft Email: eifft@tampabay.rr.com

The news is that there is no news. A few little reminders, some welcome back greetings, and that is about it for December. Everyone is busy…..those of us who are working try to cram shopping into the precious time off. Some of us are getting a little creaky in the knees for extended shopping trips, so spend our time shopping online, paying UPS, FedEx and USPS to do our trekking.

 

The Starlight Complex looks lovely again this holiday season. Many, many thanks to Christy and Tim for their excellent work on the grounds and building lighting. Earlier this fall they completely re-landscaped the grounds directly in front on Beach Plaza. Then beginning the day after Thanksgiving, they spent several days creating the gorgeous lighting display. Now, moving into the lobby……..what to our wondering eyes should appear……but a beautifully trimmed Christmas tree, and a lobby that looks like a comfy living room, ready for Santa. The good elves who accomplished this lovely surprise are Guy and Joann in #701. You did a great job, guys. Incidentally, have you seen their roadster all trimmed up for the holidays? Just seeing it makes you feel young again.

For your calendar:
Regular meetings of the Board:

• Thursday, December 21 in the lobby…7 p.m.

• Thursday, January 18 in the lobby….7 p

• Annual meeting of Shareholders: Tuesday, February 13, 2007… 7 p.m.

There will be seven vacancies on the Board beginning on February 13. If you have some time to give to this most important work, would you please consider it? See Barbara in the office for info.

Some snow birds have returned:
Don and Marcia Thorpe in 906,
Eddie and Linda Ringler in 501 (Hugh and Nancy are on Boca Ciega Drive),
John and Virginia Machado in 304,
Ed Diedo in 504,
Bill and Sharon Isaacs in 902,
Al Stucko in 108,
Ric and Sue Garland (706-7) were here for a couple of weeks and will return in February.

Our sympathy is extended to John and Virginia Machado on the death of John’s mother. Mrs. Machado was 101 years old at the time of her passing. And I was reminded of an email sent to me by a friend not long ago, describing what the world was like 100 years ago. Here is an excerpt:
 

100 years ago:

• The average life expectancy in the USA was 47 years.

• Only 14 percent of homes had a bathtub.

• Only 8 percent of homes had a telephone.

• There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.

• The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

• The American flag had 45 stars.

• Crossword puzzles, canned beer and ice tea hadn’t been invented yet.

• There was no Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

• Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school

• Sugar was four cents a pound; eggs were fourteen cents a dozen, and

• coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

• The average worker made between $200 and $200 per year.

• More than 95 percent of all births took place at home.

• Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant.
  
  Just think what Mrs. Machado and others whose lives spanned a century experienced. Can you imagine what life will be like in another hundred years?
  
  The December birthdays were included in last month’s Express. Here are the January celebrants…….in case I’m late again with the writing.
  
  Two New Year gals: Christy Hays and Louisa Simos on the 1st; Richard Dolphin on the 6th; Steve Farst on the 9th; Alexandra Curran on the 12th; Jeff Trull on the 15th; Sally Borland on the 17th; Lea Cavender on the 19th; and Jan Farhnow and Marcia Thorpe on the 30th

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the residents of Starlight Tower and to all our families and friends.