March, 2005 Volume 7, Issue 2

BALBOA ISLAND CALENDAR

THURS MARCH 24 Parade Meeting—Wilma’s 7:00 pm. For further information call
Craig Page at 949.675.1348
THURS APRIL 7 Parade Meeting—Wilma’s 7:00 pm.
SUN MAY 1 2nd Annual HISTORIC HOME TOUR—11 am—4 pm.
Tickets $15.00 on Sale April 1. 675.1348 for Information.

SHOOTING THE BREEZE . . . . . .Carolyn Carr
Spring is upon us—in a few weeks we will have our daylight savings time back and there will be several hours of sunlight after work to enjoy.
This is the season to really get involved on Balboa Island. Volunteer meetings have begun for the Balboa Island Parade to be held on June 5th. These meetings will be held at Wilma’s every other Thursday at 7:00 pm (See schedule for March above). I talked to Craig Page the parade coordinator for the past several years and Craig indicated that we needed many volunteers to put together a successful parade. This year we especially need people in the check in area and to set up and take down both on Bayside Avenue in the Staging area and the Stage on Marine Avenue. Craig indicated that he needed some “big strong men” for a lot of these jobs. But there are plenty of other jobs for us women. Try to make one of the Thursday evening meetings or call Craig to volunteer at 949.675.1348.

The Balboa Island Art Walk is always held the day before Mother’s Day— this year Saturday May 7, 2005. This is a great time to pick up a gift for mom from one of the fabulous artists lining South Bayfront from Marine Avenue to Emerald Avenue—over a mile of art.
If you are interested in exhibiting, applications are available at http://www.balboaislandartwalk.com. They are due on March 21st with the $150.00 entry fee.

The following weekend 15th Annual Balboa Island Garage Sale.. This event is held once a year on this weekend in May—so don’t miss out on a great opportunity to take advantage of the overwhelming response to our yearly promotion to rid yourself of all those items that are taking up space in your house or garage. This is also a fun event—it is a great time to get out and greet your neighbors as they walk the alleys looking for bargains. Don’t forget the map of most of the locations and Starbucks coffee is available at Island Flooring starting at 7:30 am. Applications for the garage sale are in this issue of the Island Breeze.

Rick and the crew at the Balboa Island Post office would like to thank everyone for a great Holiday Season —he said everyone did a wonderful job of getting their packages to them early—(sorry I didn’t remember to get this in the paper earlier). They wish you all a Happy New Year!!

PEOPLE WE SHARE THE ISLAND WITH . . . PAUL A RICATTO
Paul Ricatto asked me to come to his house because he wanted to put an ad in my Newsletter for a couple of booklets he has written for which he needs a marketing person. These booklets are about professional basketball. One is called “In the Beginning . . . Basketball Invention & Development 1891—1942” The other is “Early Professional Basketball” They are each 24 pages long with glossy covers and would make great giveaways at professional basketball games—that is what he needs a marketer for—someone who can contact the Lakers or the Clippers and sell his books to them—he even has prices for quantities of 20,000. What makes this story even more interesting is the fact that Paul is 89 years old.
Paul was born and raised in New Jersey. The most interesting moment of his life took place early on. He had graduated from high school with all A’s and was Captain of the Baseball and Basketball team. In the summer after his senior year his baseball coach asked him what he was going to do now that he graduated. He didn’t know. He couldn’t afford to go to college.
The coach made him an offer—he would pay for his first semester at any college Paul wanted to attend if Paul would continue to work his way through after that. Paul agreed and since Paul wanted to get out of town and one of his teachers has graduated from there, the coach put up the first $200.00 in tuition at Wooster College in Ohio. Paul worked in the girls “mess hall” and got his meals free, did errands for a professor’s widow for his board, painted for the college when he ran up his tuition bills, etc. It was during the depression and Paul used every bit of leverage he could find to get his degree.
Paul graduated and went to work for Goodyear Rubber selling rubber heels for shoes and met his future wife, Betty on a blind date in 1939. Betty thought Paul was very boring on that first date—he didn’t smoke or drink. She had a martini and a hot dog—Paul had a milk shake and a hot dog. ”He’s a real dud,” Betty said to her friends. But they continued dating—going to the horse races every Wednesday afternoon— until he was conscripted into the Army in 1940.
After a year in the Army Paul was transferred to the Air Force where he was began training as a meteorologist Paul was put in charge of the class since he already had military experience and he graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 1942.
Then Paul was off to a station in Brazil for the remainder of the war where he inspected all the weather stations involved in the “African Campaign” during WWII. Paul would forecast the weather for the bombers going across the Atlantic Ocean. And he inspected the weather stations along the way. (PART TWO NEXT MONTH)

WANTED!!
Marketing Person for Booklets written about the History of Professional Basketball.

Please Contact:
Mr. Paul Ricatto
337 Crystal Avenue
Balboa Island, CA
949.675.4849

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE
I recently had major surgery and rather than have Mike take care of me during the first few weeks it was suggested that I get someone trained to do just that. I contacted my friend Carol O’Donnell who owns PAL (Personal Assistance League) who provided me with a wonderful “caregiver” for the first few days.
What a fabulous experience that was. I was fed, bathed, water and juice was always by my bed and my medication was given to me right on schedule. Vivian, my caregiver, even went to the doctor with me on my first appointment after surgery to make sure she was doing everything right.
When I had a fever at 1:00 in the morning Carol, who is a registered nurse, was called and she came right over to make sure I didn’t need further medication or that the doctor didn’t need to be notified.
I haven’t been so well taken care of since my youth—when we always had live-ins. Now I remember how nice it was. I felt safe and secure in the knowledge that everything was being done to protect my health and get me back on my feet to write the newsletter this month.
Thanks again Carol and Vivian. PAL can be contacted at 949.723.1986.

HISTORIC HOME TOUR . . . . . . CRAIG PAIGE
The Balboa Island Museum will hold its 2nd annual Historic Home Tour on Sunday May 1, 2005 from 11 am until 4 pm. There will be 8 pre-1945 homes on this year’s tour with memorabilia, historic photos, and a home history prepared by the owner. Tickets will be available beginning April 1st at the Balboa Island Museum (502 S. Bayfront), Persimmon Tree, Sally Huss Gallery, and Martha’s Bookstore. Ticket donation is $15.00.
Please Call Craig Page at 675.1348 if you have questions or want more information.

WHAT’s NEW IN THE VILLAGE . . ROSEY TOES
I haven’t had a party for my friends at Rosey Toes yet, but my time spent there has been as relaxing as any party I have been to.
After my recent surgery Mike approached owners Jen Mussetter and Melissa Grosch and asked them if they would take over the care and maintenance of my nails since driving was out of the question for a while. He was impressed with their friendliness and made an appointment for me.
When I arrived my “nail perfectionist” Sumry greeted me with a “menu of goodies”. I got to choose between “Cinnful” Chocolate, Passionfruit, Lavender Tea Tree or Cleopatra (a blend of cucumber and grapefruit leaves) for my mani-ssage. A mani-ssage is a warm soak in a beautiful bowl with flower petals, an exfoliating scrub and extended hand massage with nourishing skin cream and finally a delicious sorbet finishing gel. I love chocolate—and enjoying the smell and comfort of chocolate without the calories really appealed to me.
Rosey Toes is the invention of two former St. John’s Knits employees who decided that they wanted to open a clothing boutique—but ended up with a vintage beauty parlor for feet.
Striped black and white like a 50s beauty parlor, with plush white leather couches and chairs, pink manicure tables and the toniest pampering products around—Rosey Toes takes you back to simpler times, when girls got together for good clean fun.
And the fun here is definitely clean. Their motto is “unless it is metal, it can’t be sanitized,” - so upon leaving the salon I get to keep my nail file—which I really like since that is one thing I am constantly loosing. All other metal implements are sterilized with the highest level of medical grade sterilization in their cozy kitchen.
I have to say I loved the service and the relaxed atmosphere of Rosey Toes. And the fact that it is so close to home. They could have picked me up in their black and white striped golf cart had I not wanted the exercise walking to Marine. They will even pick up people from off the Island in the Pavilions parking lot.
Finally, Rosey Toes does parties—either on the Island or in your home. From a Birthday Bash to ladies night in—a Bridal Shower to a Slumber Party. What fun it is. Not only do you get your manicures and pedicures, but gift bags filled with chic bath and body treats and chocolate covered strawberries. What a wonderful treat!!! Rosey Toes is located at 224-1/2 Marine Avenue, 949.673.8637. . Their hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 am— 6 pm. Sunday by Appointment.

BALBOA ISLAND BULLETIN BOARD
BAYFRONT LITTLE ISLAND—Modern 3-Story—Large 3 Bedroom—3 Bath– Jacuzzi Bath—Large Patio—Fire Place. Use of Pier. Yearly Lease. $4500/month 323.876.2723.
WANTED TO RENT—At least Two Bedrooms, Two Baths—KITCHEN THAT OPENS UP TO LIVING AREA!! Two car Garage a Plus.
I live on the Island now and need more space.
Willing to pay approximately $3500.00 949.294.1488

SHOP(ING) TALK
This month I got to meet the most important employee at J.P. Maxwell’s, 204 Marine Avenue—Maggie.
Maggie is the official greeter and the employee of the month every month.
Everyone stops to pet Maggie and have their picture taken with her, but Maggie’s owner Shirley Van Pelt’s favorite story involves a woman and her two daughters, age six and eight. When mom wanted to come into Maxwell’s the six-year old said, “Oh, I can’t come in here, there is a dog.” She was frightened to death of dogs.
Shirley told the little girl’s mother to bring her in and sit her in a chair by the cash register and let Maggie sit next to her. The little girl started to pet Maggie and within 45 minutes was chasing the dog around the store. Every week while they were staying on the island the family stopped by to bring treats for Maggie—and six months later they had a dog of their own to love!!
For Christmas Maxwell bought Maggie seven strands of pearls which you can see in her picture. She loves to wear them. When Shirley tells Maggie to go get her pearls on, Maggie runs to where the pearls are kept and waits to have them put on. Just like any girl!!
Many tourists come to Maxwell’s year after year just to see Maggie. People who have left their pets at home, people who have lost their pets or just island friends. On any given day Maggie gets five treats including the ones from the Mel, our UPS person, and the postman. Oh, and if you want to bring Maggie a treat, she will balance it on her nose and then flip it in her mouth!!!
Down the street at Basics, 308 Marine Avenue, owner Debbie Nelson wants to let everyone know she has lots of new things—Billy Blues pants, Michael Stars tee shirts, Sanctuary Pants. “Come see our new line of Paige Premium Denim,” says sales associate Susan Ferguson, “ and our Laurie B sweaters are so pretty in the new springs colors.” Basics also carries Hype , Vin Baker and gorgeous Christiana handbags as well as jewelry for all occasions. Stop at Basics for your Easter wardrobe.
Across the street at Island Realty, 301 Marine Avenue, long-time Balboa Island resident Patti Humphrey’s has joined the largest independent real estate office on Balboa Island—now 15 agents strong.
Agent Patsy Metcalf updated me as to what is happening with the old parking lot on Agate Avenue. Patsy represented both the buyer and seller on that property and will also represent the builder on the sale of the properties. There are three units being built on the site of the old lot—two single family homes and a duplex. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Patsy at 949.629.1280.
Finally, at the end of the street, at one of my favorite stores, The Barkery, I discovered owner Stephanie Bailiff and husband Matt Ellis welcomed daughter Sophia Daniele Ellis into the world on January 28, 2005 at 6:02 pm. The mother and baby are enjoying time at home with their pets, but hope to get down to the Island to say “hi” to everyone soon. I just love going into the Barkery and picking up a homemade cookie for Baxter or a toy for my cat “Magic” who takes a back seat when Baxter is in Island Flooring.
Closer to home, on Agate, Missy Harris, of In Bloom, Fine Floral Design, also had a little one on December 1, 2004 at 3:00 pm. Missy’s little girl’s name is Hallie London Harris. Hallie is growing like a weed and gives us all lots of smiles to make our days happy

TIPS OF THE MONTH
1. COMPUTER PASSWORDS. Every time I go to a new web site they want a log in name and password to set up an account. And every web site seems to have different rules—5 letters, four numbers, alpha numeric, all caps, cap sensitive, not cap sensitive. It used to drive me crazy. Long ago I had to give up using one password for everything.
It occurred to me I didn’t use one phone number for everything either. So I bought a telephone address/phone number book and now my life is much simpler. Need the E-Mail, Password for Amazon.com - look under A. User Id for Yahoo is under Y. Nordstrom, Netflix, Northwest Airlines all under N. This tip has saved me a lot of time and head scratching as to what my name is at a certain site, which e-mail I use and what my password is.
2. SEASICKNESS—NOROVIRUS. Since January 1 there has been a rise in gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships. Last year 28 ships had a total of 36 outbreaks. Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps and last one to two days. If you become sick two or three days before you leave for a trip ask about rebooking options because cruise lines don’t want people who are ill getting on their ships.
If you are on a ship or at a hotel with an outbreak, avoid shaking hands or touching high-contact surfaces. CruiseCritic.com recommends: “Pack extra soap, your own supply of Lysol and just in case, a bottle of Pepto-Bismol.”
Though Norovirus is often spread by coming in contact with an object that has been touched by an infected person it also can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. Drink bottled water if possible, make sure raw fruits and vegetables have been carefully washed, and avoid raw oysters or other shellfish.
3. IS YOUR HOTEL A WORK SITE—So, you have found an unbelievable deal for a luxury hotel or resort. Make sure you won’t be spending your vacation in a construction zone. While upscale hotels discount rates for many reasons, they sometimes do it because they are undergoing renovations. This can mean that some guests wake up to a chorus of jackhammers. Pricier hotels remodel their rooms and facilities every few years. But they offer reduced rates in exchange for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, hotels often don’t let guests know in advance about renovation plans.
If you find an unusually low price on the internet or through a travel agent, call the hotel directly before booking a room. Ask an employee if the hotel will be under renovation or if there is anything else going on during the dates of your stay that might be unsettling. And even if you don’t mind staying during a renovation, you at least can request a room that’s far away from all the commotion.
4. AND YOU THINK YOUR TV COSTS A LOT—In England there is a $233 fee required annually for every owner of a “telly.” If you are found to be harboring a television illegally you can be fined $1,923 (1,000 pounds sterling) or wind up in jail. And you have to prove it to the enforcement division whose officers can drop by for a little television hunting expedition in your house!!!
Apparently licensing fees date from the 1920’s, when the BBC charge its first customers 20 pence per year for the privilege of owning a radio. For decades the BBC was a monopoly and the fee—expanded to include television in 1946—was easy to justify. It is now a criminal offense for anyone with a television set not to pay it, whether they watch the BBC or not. Although most evaders are fined, 20 people were imprisoned for nonpayment last year!!!
So I guess those cable and dish fees we pay here in the US aren’t so bad after all—at least we are can still watch tv with antennae for free if we want!!

ISLAND FLOORING
118 Agate Avenue
Balboa Island, CA 92662
949.675.3456
949.675.4348 Fax
949.422.8569 Mike’s Cell
949.422.8570 Carolyn’s Cell

We started it small doing coir door mats—and they did really great—we sold out twice over the holidays and this spring. So we have added a second line of door mats for both interior and exterior. The new ones are soft foam mats.
And they come in many different themes and colors—lighthouses, cats, roosters, coffee, seashells, fruits, florals, and patriotic designs.
We also added a bright cheerful line of mostly cotton loop small area rugs. Wait until you see what great colors and designs we have for you now. Nauticals, florals, shabby chic, and some great specialty shapes.
All at great prices—nothing over $55.00. Won’t it be fun to brighten up our houses after all this rain. And most of these rugs can be ordered in larger sizes.

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Island Breeze Newsletters

March, 2005 Volume 7, Issue 2