CENTURY VILLAGE ® in West Palm Beach

THIS IS OUR CENTURY VILLAGE ®

2015-10-11T21:36:00.019-04:00

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UCO OPEN MEETINGS - FEBRUARY 2012

2012-01-30T16:25:00.000-05:00

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Dave Israel

RECREATION FACILITY - CHANGE OF MOVIE VENUE

2012-01-30T15:36:00.000-05:00

Dave Israel

for

W.P.R.F., Inc.

RECREATION FACILITY - CHANGE OF MOVIE VENUE

2012-01-30T15:32:00.000-05:00

Dave Israel

for W.P.R.F., Inc.

Voting by proxy

2012-01-30T12:44:00.002-05:00

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I have a question that I hope will be answered before our next annual condo association meeting. One condo owner (1) received a proxy from another condo owner(2).

Now condo owner (1) cannot be present to the meeting. She gives the proxy she received from condo owner(2) to a relative who will be attending the meeting. Is the proxy from owner(2) valid since the person who received the proxy will not be attending the meeting??

This has become very confusing to us. Some believe the proxy that was given to that individual must be handled by the same individual...not a third party. What do you think??? A quick response would be appreciated...Thank you.
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SUNDAY NIGHT SING A LONG

2012-01-30T01:00:00.003-05:00

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Sing a long, held in Room C of the Clubhouse, NEW start time is 5PM
and ends at 8PM....Why not drop by and join Louis & Anna, along with
many of your neighbors for some vocal exercise?
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2012-01-29T08:10:00.000-05:00

New Family

2012-01-28T12:31:00.000-05:00

“I may be only one month old, but I am a condo commando, this is my patio, my chair. I am a rabies carrying vector and can only be trapped by an expensive licensed trapper. You cannot even feed me, that is $500 and a court appearance. So there.”
PS We do not feed critters and we have bars on our dumpsters.

BOLO

2012-01-28T00:13:00.002-05:00

Be on the lookout for a good looking young man who broke into laundry/storage room and searched through stored items. When questioned by residents he bolted south thru Sussex and into Northampton area. He was approx 20 yrs, 5'7”, dark hair, small ornamental beard, very white tee, plaid shorts, red bag, fast runner. Surprisingly this was a reverse theft – he left behind a nice bicycle. Allegiance has taken over this case.

"Who Do You Think You Are?"

2012-01-27T23:13:00.003-05:00

"Who Do You Think You Are?" You've heard this familiar phrase, haven't you?

If not, then be sure to make yourself at home on February 3, and turn your TV to NBC channel 3 or 432 at 8 PM. That's when the season 3 premiere of the hit genealogy show, "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?" will air. If you find the show interesting and would like follow in their footsteps by learning more about your own ancestry, we hope you'll join the newly formed Century Village Genealogy Club. They can help you do just that!

The Genealogy Club of Century Village currently has approximately 15 members who are learning how to discover their own roots as well as the ancestry of their friends and family. Our club features both novice and expert alike. Our club is open to anyone and everyone desiring to explore the global phenomenon of genealogy and ancestral research into their family tree.

We plan to also provide video biographies for those in Century Village who wish to leave a video taped legacy for their descendents. I'm sure that many, many of our CV residents have remarkable life stories to tell, many of them stories of heroism under fire, extremely accomplished careers, as well as those who have devoted their lives to the care of others, both old and young. We want to hear your stories.

The club meets every other week on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 1:30 PM in Classroom B. of the main clubhouse.

We have already heard wonderful stories by members who have discovered many new facts about where they come from and those family members who came before them. For example:

· Lee never really knew much about his family because his mom grew up as an orphan in Hungary and had no living relatives. His father, who had served in World War II and Korea, did not speak much of his time growing up and his 30 year military career. After the passing of both of his parents, Lee met his current wife Sharon who has been doing genealogy research for over 20 years as a hobby. Shortly after they met, Lee asked her if there was a way for him to learn a little more about his family's ancestry. Unbelievably, WITHIN ONE HOUR, Sharon had revealed to Lee more information about his past family members, such as their names, who they were related to within the family, dates of birth, date of death, how they died, how they lived, etc., than he had known his whole life! Even more remarkably, following her initial research into his family, there was a lingering question In her mind about why Lee's grandfather's name was different than his grandmother's. She conducted research throughout the available Internet databases and other resources until one day, while looking on www.ancestry.com, she came across a picture. It was just an ordinary picture of a man in a normal pose of no unusual significance. He was listed as the grandfather in another unknown person's family tree. However, there was something about the man that caught her eye. She saw a slight resemblance to her own husband's family. She e-mailed the other person on the ancestry.com website to delve deeper into this man's identity. Within a week she had discovered approximately 30 new cousins and a whole other side of her husband's family that they never knew existed! The man was indeed Lee's grandfather!

· One club member made contact with someone in Australia who said that they were related to his wife's aunt. He passed this information on to her children who are currently researching this information.

· Seymour's niece brought him some information from one of the websites showing that their relatives had come over on ships from Poland. The actual ships' manifests were online and available to see right on the website!

· Cathy has been doing research on her husband, his father and mother using Family Tree Maker software. She says she has found so much information on their relatives its unbelievable. On a side note, she was doing research in 1999 and had requested information from her relatives just before the end of the year. If you recall, Y2K was supposed to spell doom for computers in the year 2000 because of the unknown repercussions that would befall them due to the programming of the calendar year, so she was frantically calling them and asking them to "get your information to me before the computers crash!" Of course we all know what happened. It was a false alarm!

· Ann, through her genealogy research, turned up a relative who just happened to be the first witch burned at the stake during the Salem Witch Trials! She also found a connection to a murder that took place in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota! It just goes to show, just as has been discovered in the TV show, that not everything you discover is necessarily positive in nature.

· Elaine, who is British, likes to trudge through cemeteries, writes to historical societies and uses the Mormon Library frequently to do her research. She discovered one of her ancestors was a Baron in England and that his descendents had done a great deal of research on this aspect of her family tree. After much effort, she was able to finally contact them, however she was told that she was too late. The nephew and niece, thinking the information was no longer important, trashed all of the research!

These are just some of the fascinating stories that are already emerging from our club meetings.

In addition to the very interesting stories that are told, another function of the club is to educate our members and guests on the use of software to enter the data on their families' ancestry as well as how to conduct research utilizing all of the tools and resources available on the Internet, public libraries, historical archives, museums, etc. We have invited a member of the Palm Beach County genealogical Society to present information at our next meeting. We hope to have speakers from different aspects of the genealogical world educating us on a regular basis.

As I mentioned earlier, we also have our own local club experts who have many years of experience and can help us learn the science of doing research, data entry, identifying resources, and many other tasks. We will provide PowerPoint presentations and demonstrations of the use of both the Family Tree Maker software and Legacy Family Tree software for entering data, including not only text and documents but also audio files, pictures and video. Some of the topics we plan to present in the future are:

1. Genealogy for Beginners

2. Basic Data Entry

3. Data Entry Rules

4. AKA's and Addresses

5. Mastering Legacy: Names, Dates, Places

6. Your 12 Step Checklist to Using Legacy

7. Guide to Sources

8. Researching Events and Chronologies

Getting started with genealogy research is very easy and what's more-IT'S FREE! If you would like to get started learning the basics of genealogy software without any investment, you can simply go to www.Legacyfamilytree.com and download the Standard Edition of Legacy Family Tree 7.5 right to your computer at no charge! If you are impatient and want to get started right away without waiting for our next class/meeting on February 6, 2012, you can click on the training link from the main page and view the "Legacy for Beginners" training video to get started. The class is approximately 44 minutes and will have you up and running in no time at all. You can then join us at our next club meeting and tell us all about how easy it was!

Once again, we hope you'll join us in the Century Village Genealogy Club. Don't forget to watch "Who Do You Think You Are?" on Friday, February 3, on NBC channel 3 or 432 at 8 PM. You'll see what all the excitement is about. You too may experience the same feelings of excitement, amazement, sadness, and incredible pride in discovering that your ancestor was an one of our founding fathers, or a president of the United States, or was a great inventor, or an entrepreneur who was profoundly instrumental in the founding of one of the largest cities in the world today! We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on February 6, 2012. See you then!

Written by: Lee Hunt, President, Sheffield D. COA and Century Village Genealogy Club member.

1/27/2012

ANOTHER SNIPPET FROM THE RESIDENT'S SHOW

2012-01-27T18:55:00.000-05:00

Thanks again to Bettie Bleckman for the video

Dave Israel

RESIDENTS SHOW - CIRCLE OF LIFE

2012-01-27T00:57:00.001-05:00

Video courtesy of Louis Ahwee and
Bettie Bleckman.

Dave Israel

Palm Beach County commissioners table golf course debate after Century Village residents sound off

2012-01-26T22:43:00.000-05:00

By: Sonja Isger and Jennifer Sorentrue

Palm Beach Post Staff Writers
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Updated: 8:41 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012
Posted: 8:52 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012

REF:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/palm-beach-county-commissioners-table-golf-course-debate-2126998.html?page=2
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WEST PALM BEACH — Palm Beach County commissioners unanimously agreed to delay a decision on a developer's plan to turn a former golf course near Century Village into a neighborhood of homes, office and shops.
Commissioners said they would consider the proposal again in October, a move they said would give the course's owners, Andrew and Ana Waldman, time to work with residents who opposed the Haverhill Road development.
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Commissioner Paulette Burdick, whose district includes the course, asked the board to deny the Waldman's request with prejudice. The move would have blocked the couple from asking the commission to consider their plan again over the next year. But Burdick's request was turned down by the commission.
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An overflow crowd of Century Village residents flooded Palm Beach County's downtown headquarters this morning for the chance to sound off on a plan to turn an overgrown golf course near their community into a development of homes, shops, and offices.
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Andrew and Ana Waldman, who own the former golf course greens, asked the county for permission to develop homes, shops and offices on their land. And people on both sides of the issue packed County Hall, though after an initial rush of supporters -- many of whom had caught an early bus and filled many of the chamber seats, opposing voices quickly outnumbered them.
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As the 9:30 a.m. meeting began, the commission chambers were jammed as well as the lobby, and a handful of overflow rooms where residents can watch a live feed. Officials are not allowing any more people in for the commission meeting and some people are still sitting on the buses outside the building.
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The commission chambers is at its 150-person capacity, another 400-plus people are in rooms watching video feeds, while others are listening to audio without video. Members of the crowd are perched on any available seat or table top.
Every so often, the crowd let out a loud "whoop!" or waved their fists in the air in response to comments by speakers.
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Commissioners have cut the amount of time typically given to members of the public to speak to 2 minutes, because of the size of the crowd. Public speakers normally receive 3 minutes.
Inside the commission chambers, many Century Village residents are speaking in favor of the project.
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The supporters left the village on buses at about 7:30 a.m. to secure seats inside the meeting room.
Century Village resident Barbara Reed, a retired teacher who is now sells condo units inside the community, said the development would be a boom for her neighborhood. Many buyers looking in the community want to see the development built because of its restaurants and shops.
"Most are not interested in golf," Reed said. "They don't want to pay the fees to maintain a modern golf course."
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Opponents in the crowd accused the developer of deliberately trying to flood the commission's meeting room with supporters, saying that it was widely known that busloads of residents who wanted to speak against the project weren't leaving the community until after 8 a.m. Some opponents are holding signs that say, "Stop Reflection Bay development."
"I came here at 8:15 a.m. and I was lucky to get in here," said Century Village resident Barbara Cornish, who opposed the project.
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"These seniors can't stay too long. They have ailments. But they got on a bus and they came here. If you cared about a neighborhood next to you, would you have done that?"
Meanwhile, Century Village resident Honey Sager told commissioners that residents were promised a golf course in "perpetuity," adding that the development would threaten their safety. "We came to Century Village to live in a secure, gated community," Sager said. "Any housing development would totally diminish our safety and security. This is the wrong location for this development."
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Many of the attendees filled out comment cards, so that even if they are not allowed in the chambers, their comments will be read into the record.
There was also a live feed set up for viewers at Century Village, Assistant county administrator Brad Merriman noted. "This is the most people that I've ever seen here," Merriman said. "We wanted to get as many in as we could."
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"I've been here 22 years and I've never seen anything like this," said Mary Lou Berger, senior administrative assistant to Commissioner Burt Aaronson.
Earlier this morning, it appeared as though there would be hundreds of residents stuck outside as everyone tried to get into the Palm Beach County Commission building. But everyone was able to get in by 10 a.m.
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"As long as I am here to represent my neighbors, I'm good," Jean Siciliano, an 84-year-old who moved into Century Village 10 years ago for the golf course, said. "I'm here about 'perpetuity', the justice of that little phrase."
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Those in opposition to the project had chartered four buses to carry them from the village near the corner of Okeechobee Boulevard and Haverhill Road to the county's downtown complex.
About 40 minutes into the meeting, Deputy Assistant County Administrator Verdenia Baker was hopping from floor to floor, making sure attendees were comfortable and could hear the proceedings.
"This one is pretty comfortable," Baker told an elderly woman sitting on a couch on the 7th floor, one floor about the county commissioner chambers. Baker then scooted up to the 12th floor and poked her head into a conference room set up for the overflow crowd. The audio and video was working well.
"I think this displays democracy at its best," Baker said. "The commission gets to hear from both sides before making a decision."
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County officials knew there would be a big crowd but "didn't expect to this level," she said. Baker then headed down to the lobby near the entrance where chairs were filled.
"It's a really good day to the go the tax collector," Baker said, walking by the Tax Collector's office, where numbers are usually handed out to those waiting in line. "No lines."
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Nancy Bowling, 62, who lives directly on the golf course, supports the development. She rode to the county commission meeting on a bus from Century Village -- but not the same bus that opponents came on."That would have been bedlam," said Bowling, who said she is not afraid of retaliation but several neighbors told her they were afraid to come to the meeting to support the project.
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Bowling said it is time for residents to face reality: the golf course will not be resurrected. The development and shops will be a benefit to Century Village residents, livening the community up with shops and restaurants within walking distance."It's not going to be a pig farm," Bowling said. "This will be for us."
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But for Rosalind Smoller, 81,who bought her first unit in Century Village for her parents in 1969 and her own unit in 1974, the problem with the proposed development isn't so much the loss of the golf course but the loss of her peace and quiet.
"I need that quiet," Smoller said. The proposed development would likely bring in teenagers, maybe even drug users, she said. "They want to have school children. Well, that's lovely but that means school buses."
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About 50 residents watched a video feed of the commission meeting today at the Century Village Theater. Carol Rubin, who has lived at Century Village for 15 years and owns a unit overlooking the golf course, said she opposes the controversial project. "We like it the way it is," said Rubin, 79. "I can sit on my porch and look out over the golf course and watch them playing."
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Several residents said they were also concerned about their safety if the project got the green light.
"I'm worried about the type of people that will be going into those houses," said Barbara Haffon, a 62-year-old resident. "They won't be elderly, so they will be a threat for our age."
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When Betty Hefnei lived in Buffalo, N.Y., she said she was robbed four times, once with a gun to her head and another time with a knife held against her throat. She said she's afraid that could happen in Century Village.
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"I came here for protection and there won't be any protection because they'll be unwanted people coming in here," said Hefnei, an 89-year-old resident for 12 years. Kathy Brand said she also feared for her safety.
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"When I first came to Century Village, I felt very secure," Brand said. "Now I'm beginning to feel maybe it won't be that way and it scares me."
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Staff writers Christine Stapleton and Kevin D. Thompson contributed to this story.

Cerabino: Century Villagers fight for seats at golf course hearing

2012-01-26T22:10:00.002-05:00

Lannis Waters/Palm Beach Post

Seniors pack the County Commission chambers Thursday.

REF:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/cerabino-century-villagers-fight-for-seats-at-golf-2128244.html

Chris Vallo stood on the 12th floor of the Palm Beach County Governmental Center on Thursday morning doing his best to manage the stream of retirees spilling out of the elevator from the lower floors.

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"The whole building is overflowed," the county employee announced.
Six floors below, the county commission chambers, a large hearing room built to handle big spectator events, had long since been filled to capacity.
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And it was only 8:30 a.m., still an hour before a contentious zoning dispute over a redevelopment project affecting Century Village, was set to be heard before county commissioners.
"We're going to have to shut it down soon," Assistant County Administrator Brad Merriman said, as he stood in the building's ground-floor lobby, looking outside at the long line of retirees waiting to pass through the downtown West Palm Beach building's metal-detector screening area.
Merriman was running out of places to stash Century Villagers.
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As county workers scurried around searching for TV sets and folding chairs, conference rooms on the seventh and 12th floors turned into virtual commission chambers.
The two flat-screen TVs in the lobby were put on full volume, which still wasn't loud enough for some, as a group of retirees clustered in front of the property appraiser's office to watch.
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'Stand up and holler' option
County officials figured that the percolating issue over turning a derelict golf course adjacent to Century Village into Reflection Bay, a large proposed town-center development of retail shops, office space and 689 homes, was going to draw a crowd.
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A zoning board hearing on the issue in December at the Vista Center drew hundreds of people, with 446 of them signing comment cards to have their say.
So county officials offered to allow Century Villagers to follow Thursday's commission hearing from their own community, by setting up a live feed of the meeting for broadcast in the condo's spacious auditorium.
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But only a few dozen of the condo's residents watched from their own community. The vast majority of Century Villagers made the trek to downtown West Palm Beach, preferring to make a visible display of their interest.
Or as Century Village resident Barbara Weisbecker put it: "I wanna be here in case I have to stand up and holler."
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Knowing the persuasive aspect of a large public display, both sides in the dispute did their best to make a show for commissioners.
The golf course owner, Andrew Waldman, contends that the vocal opposition to his plan to develop his property, does not represent the majority of Century Villagers.
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But they surely represent the majority of Century Villagers who have come forward to comment on the plan. At the zoning hearing in December, 433 of the 466 comment cards from the audience were against the project. And county commissioners received 2,046 post cards from Century Villagers urging them to oppose the proposed development - far more than the 301 support cards the developer's team presented on Thursday.
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The opposition organized five buses to take residents to the governmental center Thursday. But Waldman, not to be outdone, had his own bus transportation plan to make sure that Century Villagers supporting his plan got to the hearing, too.
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First come, first seated
And Waldman's four buses beat the opposition buses to the governmental center.
The opposition buses didn't roll from Century Village until 8:15 a.m. By that time, the pro-development buses had already arrived at the governmental center, and that group of project-supporting Century Villagers were occupying many of the seats inside the chamber - the seats that were visible to the commissioners.
"We got our people inside the chamber," Kerry Kilday, the project planner, said as he arrived for the hearing.
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Dave Israel, the president of the governing body of Century Village, and one of the outspoken opponents of Reflection Bay, said the developer's bus strategy was clever.
"We were outfoxed," Israel said.
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Meanwhile, outside the building, boxes of free doughnuts were offered to those showing up.
Weisbecker didn't eat one, though. They were doughnuts provided by the developer, she said.
"First time in my life I ever walked away from a donut," she said.
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REFLECTION BAY DEVELOPMENT - VOTE POSTPONED 10 MONTHS

2012-01-26T15:15:00.003-05:00

Hi all,
After hours of public testimony, and spirited Commission debate, The Board of County Commissioners voted to postpone consideration of the Reflection Bay development until October 25, 2012.

Of particular interest were the outstanding presentations by our Century Village Residents. One impassioned plea after another was delivered by our unit owners; and it was clear that the Commissioners were strongly impacted, resulting in open minded debate on the issues. This was in stark contrast to the previous hearings by the Planning Commission and Zoning Commissions; where our entreaties fell on deaf ears.

Commissioner Aaronson issued a challenge to CV to "come up with a buyer" for the Golf Course, and even suggested that we, the unit owners purchase the course ourselves. Aaronson quipped "that is how you can have it in perpetuity"

The Commissioners, were somewhat spooked by the presence of our court reporter, and fearing litigation opined that the postponement should be used to "explore the legalities" of the entire project, especially the matter of "in perpetuity"

The presence of 5 story buildings in the Reflection Bay plan was described as being "intense", opening the door for the developer, Andrew Waldman, to modify his plan still further.

All in all, this issue is far from settled.

Anyone out there want to buy the golf course and keep it a golf course - and by the way, is Mr. Waldman willing to sell?

Dave Israel
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Container Gardening Workshop at the West Palm Beach Public Library

2012-01-26T13:32:00.001-05:00

The downtown West Palm Beach Public Library is hosting a free container gardening workshop on Sunday, February 12th at 2:00pm. If you have a pot and a patio, you can have a container garden in South Florida. Even a novice can enjoy fresh veggies and herbs in a tropical climate with limited space. Get tips and advice from West Palm Beach residents, Jim and Linda Ferris who enjoy the fruits of their labor!

The presentation will be held in the library's Clematis Room. All are welcome to attend and registration is not required. For more information call the library at 561-868-7701 or visit www.mycitylibrary.org.

Jim and Linda have worked with Mounts Botanical Garden's master gardeners and Linda is a staff member of The Palm Beach Arts Paper.

Location: West Palm Beach Public Library
411 Clematis Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Date: Sunday, February 12, 2012

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Theresa Trabucco

Reference Librarian

Cerabino: Opposition to development a war to Century Villagers

2012-01-26T06:51:00.004-05:00

Hundreds of Century Village residents hold signs along Haverhill Road in protest of a plan to build homes and offices on a former golf course near their neighborhood in West Palm Beach on Tuesday.

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REF:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/cerabino-opposition-to-development-a-war-to-century-2125931.html

By: Frank Cerabino

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Updated: 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012
Posted: 8:38 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012
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Be advised: Downtown West Palm Beach will be in Lockdown Condition Gray Thursday morning.
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Bus loads of Century Villagers will be rolling in for an assault on the Palm Beach County Commission chambers, storming the beachhead of bureaucracy in a kind of last hoorah for some who view this battle on a continuum that started with World War II.
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"We won that war and we're going to win this one too," said Philip Shapkin, 84, who is the president of a committee in Century Village that has been dedicated to stopping the invasion of a planned development on the condo's southeastern front.
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"I hope we will be flowing out into the streets," Shapkin said about today's 9:30 a.m. zoning hearing with county commissioners. "I want them to understand that we are fighting for the quality of our life."
The battle is over the derelict Turtle Bay golf course that adjoins Century Village at the corner of Haverhill Road and Okeechobee Boulevard. The executive course has served as the village's own golf spot for decades, but its most recent owner, Drew Waldman, said it has gotten too unprofitable to operate.
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Golf course goes idle
Century Villagers aren't the spry young retirees who bought into the community at its inception, Waldman said, and the condo's aging population has made the course a losing proposition. So he shut it down three years ago.
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"Out of 7,854 households in Century Village, less than 200 came to play," Waldman said. "We were never able to capture the revenue needed to maintain the course."
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So he wants to turn the 70-acre property into Reflection Bay, a town center development of shops, homes and businesses. And to do it, he needs the county's approval to change the 1973 designation of the land as a golf course "in perpetuity."
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So far, the developer has won the first battle, getting 6-1 approval from the county's zoning board last month, despite facing an angry crowd of about 500 Century Villagers who swelled beyond the hearing room into three overflow rooms at the county's Vista Center complex on Jog Road.
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"All of our entreaties about noise, dirt, increased paramedic response times, water issues, increased traffic on Haverhill Road to the tune of 3,300 trips daily fell on deaf ears " wrote David Israel, the president of Century Village's governing body, in the village's newspaper. "This condescending and 'we know better' attitude was the general overlay of the entire hearing, a withering disrespect for our seniors; it was a very sobering experience."
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So today's attempt to get the county commissioners to reverse the zoning board's recommendation is bound to be a full-fledged frontal attack.
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Five buses will be rolling. Two thousand postcards of complaints have been written to county commissioners. A lawyer has been hired, and a letter of intent from another developer interested in buying the land and keeping it as a golf course will be presented, Shapkin said.
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Supporters are 'silent'
It's not the first time that Century Villagers have tried to shoo developers from the edges of their kingdom.
Seven years ago, the condo mobilized to run off national home-building giant, D.R. Horton, which had plans to convert the golf course into 650 homes.
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This time around, Waldman, the golf course owner, went out of his way to persuade Century Villagers that Reflection Bay would be a good development for them.
Waldman sent notices to every home in Century Village, inviting residents to find out about the project on a toll-free line or a website. He also provided residents with free transportation to a nearby Hampton Inn, where he held more than two dozen information sessions about his project.
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"There's a tremendous amount of Century Village support that's silent," Waldman said. "People in Century Village get vilified or ostracized if they speak out. It takes a lot of courage to stand up to a mob."
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The visible opposition rallying against him today isn't representative of the opinion that Century Villagers have toward the project, Waldman said.
"We think that the vast majority of people in Century Village either support us or don't care," he said.
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RECREATION FACILITY - KARAOKE VENUE CHANGE

2012-01-25T16:18:00.000-05:00

REFLECTION BAY - Hundreds protest new development near Century Village

2012-01-24T22:06:00.001-05:00

Posted: 01/24/2012
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago

• By: Dan Corcoran
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SUBURBAN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The battle lines are being drawn over plans to replace a failed golf course in suburban West Palm Beach with development of homes and shops. The project is drawing fire from residents of Century Village, which is right next door to the proposed development.
Hundreds of opponents of the plan, mostly residents of Century Village, lined the Haverhill Road on Tuesday afternoon.

They came together with their signs and their voices right along the side of the 70-acre property that would be home to the proposed development. The former golf course is now overgrown with weeds and vegetation.

Protestors said they moved to Century Village after they were told that the next door golf course would be there forever. They said the new development called "Reflection Bay" threatens their quality of life, would increase traffic in the area and would also ruin residents' views of the former golf course.

"Money can't buy everything" said Loretta Cuccurullo, who is spearheading the opposition. "We're little, we're poor, we're elderly but we have a lot of young people coming in and they want golf and we want our green space," she said.

Palm Beach County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposal on Thursday. The current land owners, Ana and Andrew Waldman, were also present to answer question and take comments from those who oppose their project.

The Waldmans plan to build a community of 689 residences complimented by shops and restaurants.

"There's a tremendous amount of support that exists here in Century Village that isn't here today," said Andrew Waldman. "We hope that they won't be so silent in terms of support on Thursday," he said. If the plan is approved builders could break ground as soon as June of this year.

The commissioners are set to vote on "Reflection Bay" proposal on Thursday at 9:30 am at the County Government Center, 301 North Olive Avenue, in West Palm Beach.

Century Village has chartered five buses to transport people from their homes to the meeting.

Read more:

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/west_palm_beach/hundreds-protest-new-development-near-century-village#ixzz1kR3HLn8x
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GROUP FOR FAIR AND INDEPENDENT ELECTION - CANDIDATES FORUM

2012-01-23T15:04:00.005-05:00

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GFIE – Group for Fair and Independent Election

The candidates forum will be held on Monday, February 27th at 9:30am, in the auditorium of the clubhouse.

Susan Bucher will be the moderator. She is well known to the residents of Century Village having represented our area when she was a State Representative from 2000 to 2008, was instrumental in helping when the hurricanes occurred and aided owners to obtain insurance policies after companies went bankrupt.
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Nominees will participate in the forum. The exact details are still being worked out.

All owners who attend the forum will be eligible to receive a raffle ticket to win one of the two TV sets. You must show a Century Village Identification upon arrival. Please come early so that the forum may start at 9:30am sharp.

We are looking forward to introducing the candidates and seeing all of you at the CANDIDATES FORUM.
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UCO REPORTER FEBRUARY EDITION - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

2012-01-23T14:44:00.000-05:00

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Hi all,
UCO is once again pleased to announce the publication of the cyberspace edition of the February UCO Reporter. Follow the link below:

http://goo.gl/dJqPW

The Reporter, as always may also be accessed from the sidebar.

Dave Israel
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Two More Years

2012-01-23T14:00:00.004-05:00

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As I listen to all the debates, political updates, negative and positive national campaign ads, I am driven to think that we, here in CV, are also on the brink of an election and I am proclaiming - we need 2 more years of David Israel.

He has brought us into the new millenium with the transference of CV records into the digital age where so much is now accessible to us via computer. Transparency - greatly enhanced and improved.
He works tirelessly and is supported by an enthusiatic and dedicated staff of volunteers.

Everyone may not like or agree with every change and improvement but must admit ---there is action rather than inaction.

CV is moving forward in so many areas even in this time of economic trauma and falling real estate values. Projects are proposed and completed.

If only the undertones of the disgruntled were not pervasive--yes, disagree but in an adult, intelligent dialogue- please let us not tolerate or endure any mud slinging or character assassinations in the upcoming months.

I am definitely anticpating two more years of David Israel as our CV leader. The sun shines brighter with David as our President.
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zoning meeting

2012-01-23T13:35:00.007-05:00

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just received
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Dear Friends,
I just wanted to send out a reminder to everyone that the zoning application for the Century Village golf course will be heard by all seven members of the County Commission this Thursday:

9:30 A.M January 26th County Commission chambers 301 N. Olive Ave, 6th Floor West Palm Beach, FL.

Due to all the interest in this issue and to make it easier on the hundreds of residents who wish to attend, the County Commission, for the 1st time, will be conducting a two-way broadcast between the commission chambers and the Century Village clubhouse.

Residents will be able to view the proceedings from their clubhouse and the Commissioners will be able to see the Century Village residents, both live.

I know there was some confusion about this, but the two-way broadcast between the Century Village clubhouse and the County Commission Chambers will take place.

If you want to speak to the commissioners, you will have to attend the actual Commission meeting at 301 N. Olive Ave, 6th Floor and you will need to complete the comment cards which will be available in the chambers.

The item numbers are 7 and 8 and need to be included on the comment card:

Item # 7 - ABN/DOA-2011-00632 application to delete the golf course from the South Hampton PUD.

Item # 8 - ZV/TDD/R-2011-01203 application to rezone the golf course to allow a Traditional Neighborhood Development and a congregate living facility.

Please share this information with your friends and neighbors who may not have e-mail addresses.

Regards,
Paulette Burdick
County Commissioner District Two
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COMCAST HEARS THEIR CUSTOMERS - INTERNATIONAL SERVICES COMING SOON

2012-01-23T13:32:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

As a result of requests, most recently from our French speaking Canadian residents, Comcast is set to provide a multicultural service tier. See below and call for availability:

REFLECTION BAY - PROPOSED GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT

2012-01-22T15:56:00.001-05:00

Hi all,
The following article is extracted from the Palm Beach Post:
Dave Israel

REF:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/battle-heats-up-over-proposed-project-near-century-2116554.html

Battle heats up over proposed project near Century Village

Alyssa Orr/The Palm Beach Post
County commissioners plan to vote Thursday on plans for homes and shops on the site of a failed golf course. The developers say Century Village would benefit, but many residents disagree.

By Jennifer Sorentrue

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Updated: 10:56 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012

Posted: 8:11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012

WEST PALM BEACH — Andrew and Ana Waldman have big plans for the failed golf course they own near the corner of Okeechobee Boulevard and Haverhill Road.

They have spent months working on a plan to replace the overgrown links with a community of residences and shops on the 70-acre property in suburban West Palm Beach.

The development, to be called Reflection Bay, would have a civic center to host art fairs and farmers markets, and a "grand inn" to lodge visitors and relatives. And the Waldmans plan 689 houses, apartments and lofts.

But their plan is drawing fire from some residents living in nearby Century Village, many of whom say they were told the golf course would be there forever.

The development, they argue, threatens to destroy their quality of life, overload nearby roads and eliminate views of the former course.

Loretta Cuccurullo said her children purchased her home in Century Village because it overlooks the golf course. She worries construction of the development would be harmful to her husband, who suffers from asthma.

"This place is like heaven," Cuccurullo said. "I am fighting to protect it."

The Waldmans argue that their project would benefit Century Village - increasing property values and providing easy access to shops and cafes.

"Everything that we are doing is not an interruption to Century Village, but a complement," Andrew Waldman said.

Palm Beach County commissioners are scheduled to vote on the plan Thursday.

Century Village residents have been filling their mailboxes with letters opposing the development.

Opponents plan to protest Tuesday along Haverhill Road.

The county zoning board recommended approval of the development Dec. 2, despite pleas from many in the overflow crowd.

But not all Century Village residents oppose the project. Several supporters argue that many in the community are fearful to speak in favor of it.

Eunice White, who has lived in the village for 27 years, questioned what would happen to the land if the project isn't approved.

"The only thing this is going to do for Century Village is enhance it," White said.

The course was built as part of the more than three-decade-old Century Village community. When the area was mapped out in 1973, records show, a restriction was placed on the golf course property that required its owner to continue to use the land as a golf course "in perpetuity."

Century Village residents contend that restriction should not be lifted simply because the course is no longer profitable.

"To change this long-standing promise is just wrong," attorney Ralf Brookes, who represents a group of Century Village residents, told the county's zoning commission last month.

But the Waldmans argued that the restriction was never included as part of the deed.

Land planner Kerry Kilday, who represents the couple, said it is impossible to keep a golf course on the site. The fairways closed in 2008 after operating for years in the red, he said.

"I am totally unaware of a single golf course in Palm Beach County that has shut down, reopening," Kilday told the zoning board. "It just doesn't happen."

At least one member of the board said the project could help the area.

The board, which reviews projects before the county commission, voted 6-1 in favor of the development.

"I think this project will invigorate this area," board member Mark Beatty said. "It is going to give some development there, and some new life."

CV MAKES NEWS AGAIN IN

2012-01-22T11:03:00.001-05:00

cv makes news again in today's palm beach post.READ ALL ABOUT IN ON PAGE B3

USPS

2012-01-21T12:38:00.002-05:00

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just a reminder ---effective 22 jan 2012-unless you purchased forever stamps -----
Single-piece, one-ounce First-Class Mail letters will increase $0.01, to $0.45 (additional ounces remain at $0.20). The price for mailing a First-Class Mail postcard will increase $0.03 to $0.32 and the cost of stamped postcards will increase $0.03 to $0.35.
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CYBER NEWSLETTER FROM CVW BOCA RATON LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

2012-01-20T18:15:00.000-05:00

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See what's happening in sister Century Village West, Boca Raton.

Thanks to Fred Hadley, Chair of the CVW Computer Club. Follow the link:

http://goo.gl/dbbE6

Accessable also from the sidebar.

Dave Israel
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GREETINGS FROM THE WEST PALM BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY

2012-01-19T18:31:00.001-05:00

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Greetings from the West Palm Beach Public Library!

“You are the best library” is one of the most often heard comments about our library located at 411 Clematis Street. From residents to snowbirds, from seniors to preschoolers, all use the services and programs provided free by the Library. West Palm Beach’s library is an unparalleled asset in our community.

The library schedules a variety of programs and events including computer classes, book clubs, fitness sessions such as yoga, Pilates, and Tai-Chi, tango lessons and many other special events. Each month you will find an amazing array of programming designed to entertain and educate. All of our adult programs can be found on our website at:

http://www.mycitylibrary.org/

or you can also sign up to receive our bi-monthly events brochure by visiting :

http://bit.ly/AEMbXS

and subscribing with your email address.

Library cards are free and all of the programs offered are also free and open to all!

We have convenient parking located at the corner of Banyan Blvd. and Dixie Highway with the first hour of parking = $1.00 and the second hour free.

This Sunday, January 22nd we are having our World Music Series: Opera at the West Palm Beach Public Library. Soprano, Alicia Branch will be performing opera songs starting at 2:00pm. Alicia's professional performances include Tommy, Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Pirates of Penzance, Othello, The Magic Flute, Handel's Messiah, and Durufle's Requiem. This special event is sponsored by The FRIENDS of the West Palm Beach Public Library.
All are welcome to attend!

For more information on the West Palm Beach Public Library or to find out more about the library please feel free to call us at 561-868-7701.

Looking forward to having you visit!

Theresa Trabucco

Reference Librarian

West Palm Beach Public Library

411 Clematis Street

West Palm Beach, FL 33401
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GOLF COURSE EVENTS - REFLECTION BAY - PROTEST - BCC HEARING BUSES

2012-01-19T16:19:00.002-05:00

Another Blog

2012-01-19T12:05:00.001-05:00

I just like the sentiment when northern friends are shoveling snow.

http://www.palmbeachfl.com/living-in-a-postcard-blog

artpalmbeach Jan 20-23, 2012

2012-01-19T11:50:00.002-05:00

Fabulous contemporary art show

As a special guest, the ticket link below provides you and a guest one day complimentary admission to the fair as well as admission to the Collectors’ Invitational from 7:30-10pm on Jan 19th.

http://www.artpalmbeach.com/upgrades/apbticket.html

click on tabs for all info, (Parking is usually $5)

COMPLIMENTARY RESIDENT APPRECIATION BREAKFAST

2012-01-18T17:01:00.001-05:00

Hi all,

WOW! don't miss the bagels and doughnuts!

Dave Israel

CLUBHOUSE MOVIES - JANUARY 2012

2012-01-17T20:57:00.004-05:00

did I sleep thru an announcement or do I need new reading glasses- I can't seem to locate a clubhouse movie schedule for Jan-is it me or is there no schedule? Thanks -
....................................................
The happenings at our Theater, including movies, may be reviewed at the following site:

http://www.centuryvillagetheater.com/wpb_thismonth.pdf

Dave Israel

PBSO TOWN HALL MEETING - PBSO COMMUNICATIONS

2012-01-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

CV WEST BOCA RATON COMPUTER CLUB - NEWSLETTER LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

2012-01-16T12:09:00.001-05:00

Hi all,
Thanks to CV West Boca Raton Computer Club President Fred Hadley, we have their Computer Club Newsletter for all to read.

You may see the Newsletter at the following link:

http://goo.gl/4GZXJ

The Newsletter may also be accessed from the sidebar.

Dave Israel

Mr. Clean Needed

2012-01-16T07:57:00.000-05:00

We find the monthly hose does not clean our building walkways. We do not want to repaint yet. Has anyone tried a service or floor scrubber or other method to spiff things up. TIA.

Shingles Shot

2012-01-14T11:39:00.002-05:00

Can someone tell me if there are any plans in the works to offer the Shingles Shot here in the village? I thought I remembered flu shots being offered and lately I have heard about so many people getting shingles, I was just wondering.
Thank you.

Cell Phone plan - update

2012-01-14T11:18:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,
I wrote in a few weeks ago asking about recommendations on cell phone packages. I want to thank everyone that took the time to answer me. It really helped. I wanted to update and let you know what we decided on and why.
Lanny and others had suggested the phone from Walmart. It sounded like a good deal. We headed over there a couple of times. The problem was, there was always a long line of people trying to get more minutes. We probably just hit it at a bad time - but decided that we didn't want to deal with that on a regular basis. I also called several big companies, but the minimum was higher than we wanted to spend.

We finally decided on the Jitterbug from GreatCall. It's working out wonderfully. We love the phone. It is very sturdy, great sound, has real big buttons and big numbers when you are dialing. Has a terrific speaker phone so you don't have to hold it up to your ear.
The phone was $85 to purchase. Once you get the phone (they send it to you in 1 day), you then call to activate it. There is an activation fee of $35 plus tax. You speak to a live operator.

The plan is $19.99 a month and you get 100 nationwide or local minutes a month that will carry over. I think they drop off after a while (can't quite remember). We just got the first bill. With tax it comes to $25 a month and change. There is no contract so you are suppose to be able to cancel anytime you want.

Well - anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone and share what we ended up with. It's perfect for our needs. So far, so good...

Have a wonderful weekend all and thanks!

a great big thanks

2012-01-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

i would like to thank the guys in the back office for pulling my weight while i am trying to recover from the fall i took back in august. right now i am dealing with using the walker again and my left hip is not able to hold any weight. oh, the fractures have healed but that's the good news.
anyway, thanks again to everyone that is helping my people.

REFLECTION BAY - COMPILATION OF STAFF REPORTS RELEASED

2012-01-11T16:38:00.000-05:00

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Hi all,
A major collection of Facts, History and Creative writing has been released by Palm Beach County. It has been provided to us by our District Two Commissioner Paulette Burdick (Thank you Paulette for your care in keeping our citizenry informed).

Anyone interested in the issue of the development of our Golf Course for residential housing and commercial enterprise, needs to read this document.

It is gaunt testimonial to the naked power of County staffers to countervail the will of the vast majority of the citizens whom they ostensibly serve.

Whether you are fully informed, or you have not read a single word about this issue, in either case, you must read this report carefully as to every detail: follow the link:

http://goo.gl/g4y3N

The report may also be accessed from the sidebar.

Dave Israel
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SCIENCE FOR SENIORS

2012-01-10T14:13:00.004-05:00

Science for Seniors is a program hosted by Clive Pinnock, manager of the Okeeheelee Nature Center on Forest Hill Blvd., about one mile west of Jog Road., an easy drive from Century Village. If you would like to learn more about the ecology of South Florida, then Science for Seniors is an easy, fun way to do it. The lecture presentations, given on Tuesday mornings, are informal and low key. Clive always answers all questions in a friendly way that makes for an enjoyable morning. In addition there are field trips away from the nature center.

To learn more about The Okeeheelee Nature Center go to

http://www.pbcgov.com/parks/nature/okeeheelee_nature_center/

then click on Science for Seniors to get a schedule of topics covered this spring.

Feeding the ducks and birds

2012-01-10T12:11:00.001-05:00

I would like to know if we are allowed to feed the birds and the ducks here in Century Village. Some people say yes...others say no. I would appreciate an answer. Thank you.

New Century Village Genealogy Club Formed

2012-01-09T22:18:00.005-05:00

Today was the first meeting of a new Genealogy Club formed for those who have an interest in the ancestry of their families and would like to learn more about their family history through direct hands-on research or with the help of others more knowledgeable on the subject.

We had excellent attendance for our very first meeting. We attended to the mundane but essential housekeeping duties, such as electing officers and establishing dates, times and frequencies of club meetings, etc. Then it was on to the good stuff! Anitra Kraus, who organized and established the Genealogy Club, will be the new president. Sharon Hunt, another well-established long time genealogist, was elected as the vice president. Fran Sacher agreed to the secretarial duties. Sharon's husband Lee volunteered to contribute blog entries following the group's meetings and assist those who need help in using computers and software during their research.

There were 10 very enthusiastic members from all around Century Village in attendance at our first meeting who shared stories of how long, distant relatives were found as a result of doing genealogy research. Some of the members already have access to the www.Ancestry.com database and other genealogy databases to share with the other members.

Plans are already in the works for our future meetings:

There will be an introduction to genealogy and how to conduct research.
Introduction to and the basic use of genealogy software to help with research, such as Family Tree Maker and Legacy Family Tree.
Speakers from the Palm Beach County Genealogy Society and the Florida State Genealogical Society will be invited to speak at future meetings.
Lee indicated that he will use his experience in video and web authoring to coordinate and conduct future interviews with club members or their family members who wish to leave a video legacy for their children and grandchildren to go along with the family trees that members will create. He will then take these interviews, along with video and pictures from the interviewees, and create movie documentaries and place them onto DVD.
Members with laptops will bring them to the clubhouse for our next meeting. We will help them set Wi-Fi up on their computers and introduce them to different types of genealogy software that they can install on their computers.

The next meeting will be held January 23 at 1:30 PM.

Meetings will be held every second and fourth Monday of each month at 1:30 PM at the main clubhouse in classroom A upstairs.

A list of members and their e-mail addresses has already been e-mailed to the membership. We encourage anyone who has an interest in genealogy or are just curious about ancestry in general to attend our next meeting. There are already two very well-established genealogists in the club to assist beginners and and those who are already well-versed but would like to learn more.

If you would like to know more about the The Genealogy Club, please contact Anitra Kraus at mailto:atAkraushouse@gmail.com or Sharon Hunt at shunt800@Comcast.net. And of course you can call me for computer, software or blog related questions anytime - Lee Hunt at lhunt800@comcast.net or 561-202-8460.

So - like the TV show of the same name says, "Who Do You Think You Are?" Come see us and you just might find out!

VERMONTER MOVING TO CV - INVOLVED IN LOCAL ISSUES

2012-01-08T14:10:00.003-05:00

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Hi all,
Regarding the Nutmegger's post about the Vermonter in Frank Cerabino's article, following is an Email from the Vermonter, Mike Ryan, to the Board of County Commissioners, regarding Reflection Bay.
It is reproduced here with permission:

While quite long, it is well worth reading.

See:
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http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/cerabino-57cerabino-57-year-old-sees-century-village-as-2087516.html

For Cerabino story in the Palm Beach Post.

Dave Israel
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Dear Palm Beach County Commissioner

I will be relocating from Vermont to eastern Florida in the not too distant future and my compass is currently set for Palm Beach County. I am very excited about the move.

I am retiring from state government after thirty plus years in the civil engineering field. Additionally I have owned and sold rental property since 1979. My association with real estate is somewhat small when compared to other individuals, but none the less, the experiences where very educational.

During the past few years, I have visited friends in Florida and looked at the four different Century Village retirement communities in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Pembroke Pines and West Palm Beach. It is Century Village West that I am most attracted to.

Obviously, Century Village West is in close proximity to the airport, which scores high on my convenience list, but what I am also looking for are civic leaders, dedicated public servants who are insightful, creative, not bogged down in the instant commercialization of it all. I would like to be in a community where public officials are fair and equitable. Citizens trust leaders who can truly lead. Officials who are not lap dogs to a particular interest. Counties, cities, towns and municipalities all need the shared guidance from fellow citizens who are indeed visionaries. Having civic leaders with these convictions can only help insure the smooth, efficient and equitable administration of local government.

In that vein, I am in hopes that when you formulate your decision regarding the future of the Turtle Bay Golf Course you will vote against the development plan presented by Mr. Waldman and refuse to approve any application associated in abandoning any historical conditions or resolutions relating to the tract of land in question. The longstanding zoning designation should remain effective and any effort to modify or approve variances should be denied. This action is not to appease one future resident, me, but to appropriately serve all of Palm Beach County.

This property near Okeechobee and Haverhill has been an anchoring landmark for all who live and visit the area west of the city proper and that is a wonderful thing. Changing the zoning on this piece of property as proposed, with all the ambiguous overtones, is not the prudent action to take and is not in the best interest of Palm Beach County as a whole.

I hope that you truly appreciate the fact that Palm Beach County, like any other county, also needs its green space and not just some green that is designed within a cluster of brick and mortar. In my opinion, Palm Beach County needs more of this than ever before. It appears that there are at least two native Floridians on the board of commissioners and I am sure you folks are probably able to recognize this fact quicker than those who migrated to Palm Beach County later in life.

Let the free enterprise system fill the vacancies of the current townhouses, condos and storefronts. Most communities across the United State have recognized the fact that there really is an over abundance of existing structures that are currently vacant and this prolific issue has reached its saturation point.

In this particular situation, at this location, given the history, there is no need to reverse a prior agreement, grind down more Georgia mountains, find more sand and erect more structures, put a ribbon on this “proposed” brand new development and call it “new.” Anyone who aligns themselves with that concept is contributing to the widespread vacancy issue referred to earlier.

Too many times, I have seen the forms go up, concrete poured, density requirements ignored, increased traffic, height restrictions ignored, the paving of paradise and then the development fails as a result of poor site selection, or other reasons. All that is now left, after all this fuss, is a chunk of land with bricks, blight and the begging for urban renewal. All that effort is risky and it is how the game is played. However, being able to take that risk, in regards to a wonderful piece of green existing property that has a fundamentally tainted title, is no way, to begin the game.

Let’s say the Traditional Neighborhood Development, somehow progressed through this last system of checks and balances and then failed to meet the expectations of the developer. It would be considered one mistake after another. No sound, logical person would set themselves or a community, up for failure like that. The request and the core documents that surround the proposed re-designation and the nine Type II Zoning Variances, have been extremely shaky from the beginning.

In response you might say “but, we want the “commercial property tax value” delivered into the county coffers.

I’m sure you appreciate that the money that the county may receive for a while, pays for the large number of services provided to people you just allowed to influx into the area. It’s a wash, but really it’s a negative cash flow, when you look at what you have destroyed and the long term damage that will be created, in failure or success.

There are many other areas where such a planned development may work, but this is not a fit. It is not even close.

Let some other county make a poor decision and welcome such a designed development on land that was earmarked to be green in perpetuity. Or wait until this developer presents a design for a tract of land in Palm Beach County that is in harmony with his development intent. This is not a fit.

I read that this is the first proposal to construct a Traditional Neighborhood Development in Palm Beach County since the TND concept was conceived, but I believe City Place in West Palm Beach also falls under that designation. Many of concepts regarding TND’s are wonderful, however due to the specific history of this piece of land this is not the location to experiment with such a development. There may be areas in Palm Beach County that lend themselves to this design. If there is, they will surface. A situation where the abutting owners welcome the concept with open arms and their will not be a nasty technical entanglement involved in the chain of title to the property, such as this situation has associated with it.

The motto we were teaching children in the 1980’s was “say no to drugs.” The general lesson for all, regarding this motto is that; sometimes it’s okay to say no and in some of those instances it is the prudent decision.

As a commissioner and as an individual, if a “rubber stamp” exists within the Board of County Commissioner’s chambers, put the rubber stamp in the drawer in this instance. Demonstrate the core belief that if it is not right and shouldn’t happen. As you are well aware, this ability to do so has been entrusted to you as a result of state statutes and the Florida constitution.

Many governmental bodies open up their meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Often the opening prayer will be something along the lines of asking for guidance when considering matters that will affect the safety and welfare of the fellow citizens they serve. The tone of the prayer is always asking for help in ensuring that the outcome of the meeting is righteous and good with the emphasis being on a fundamental fairness.

I also understand that many times a board does not like to rule against the findings and recommendation of a committee or staff that has reported back to them. In this particular case two administrative entities have approved motions that moved this proposed development along. It was not these entities’ charge to make legal decisions regarding the ambiguous nature of the “it is on the plat, but not the deed” dilemma involved in this particular application.

It is at your quasi-judicial level, with the powers entrusted in you by statues and the Florida constitution that you deny this request. As a result of the Board of County Commissioners being the highest authority to evaluate this situation and being the body most experienced in interpreting the pertinent state statutes and Florida constitution that relate to fundamental rights and the simplicity of intent within the common law framework.

As for your political career and aspirations, it can only add to your credibility. Legitimately understand how you feel on this issue. Own your belief and then the specifics of delivery would be left for your soul and conscience to craft. That shouldn’t be too difficult to create, if you are indeed true to your convictions.

As you are well aware, it isn’t the Palm Beach County commissioner’s obligation to assist Mr. Waldman through the repercussions of a bad business decision. If this enterprise could not turn a profit in the four years it was operating as a golf course, obviously the business needed to introduce some new marketing techniques to increase membership and decrease expenditures.

As a collective group, I can see that you are environmentally sound when you take steps to insure that activities involving trains, transportation, cell towers and landfills are scrutinized thoroughly. I read where many of you believe you have awareness regarding the importance of natural area reserves, conservation areas and environmentally sensitive land.

Historically, I have seen where some of you, have been very pro-active in parks and recreation issues. Acquiring property at times, in order to enhance conservation and in other instances, taking steps to protect an area’s natural resource and protect it from proposed development.

I understand that reasonable managed growth is a position that works for both the developer and environment and I commend you for those efforts. Weighing all the factors, in this particular situation, voting in the affirmative to allow any zoning changes or variations to this particular parcel is not the correct approach, given the specifics of this unique situation and resultant application.

Things were very hectic and even sloppy during the construction boom of the 70’s, but the intent to remain a golf course in perpetuity was there. This is not the time to add a bad act on top of a previous bad act.

Potential growth even with no, known outcome, is good, but when it is advanced and proceeds only due to an oversight and technical error, then it is a slap in the face to intent of those who entered into the agreement and common sense itself.

In summary and as a result of modern day technology, I have been able to follow the headlines and sound bites from Palm Beach County. Over the past twenty years, there has been a minute culture of elected and appointed officials, playing favorites, acting on behalf of influential constituents, power builders and lobbyists. More recently, the predominate culture, is a public sensitivity about political corruption and a desire to enhance the public trust in government and trust in those that lead and serve. This is good.

Obviously this re-designation and the nine elaborate variance requests before the Board of County Commissioners is an excellent opportunity for elected and trusted public servants to voice their common sense and demonstrate that they truly believe in the quality of life within all the districts that encompass Palm Beach County, not just the districts they were elected to represent.

Sincerely,
Michael J. Ryan
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CV MAKES THE PALM BEACH POST

2012-01-08T11:08:00.000-05:00

In today's Palm Beach Post Frank Cerabino has a story about Century Village.
It relates to a man living in Vermont who is anxiously waiting to move to
Century Village.

SHALL WE DEFRAY THE EXPENSES OF THE "GUINEA PIGS"

2012-01-07T19:37:00.002-05:00

At Friday's delegates meeting it was explained to us how, in an effort to get a building insurance reduction for many associations, three associations participated in the "Third Nail" project by themselves paying to have this work done. It didn't work out, unfortunately. The inspector said there wouldn't be sufficient mitigation (I think that's the word) for associations that had this done to get a break on their premiums. If it had worked out, most of us would be the beneficiaries.

I would like to see these associations be reimbursed for the trouble they went to on our behalf. Toni Salometo referred to them as the guinea pigs. Why should the rest of us stand by and let them take the full loss when we could all share it? Is there a way we could vote to have them be reimbursed out of UCO funds?

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY - JANUARY 6, 2012 - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

2012-01-07T14:51:00.001-05:00

Hi all,

The January 6, 2012 Delegate Assembly video is now live in Cyberspace, follow the link to view the video:

http://goo.gl/FMrao

The delegate Assembly videos may also be accessed from the sidebar.

Credits for this production:

1) Videography ..... Laurent (W.P.R.F., Inc.)
2) Video rendering ..... Ed Black (UCO Treasurer)
3) Upload to BLOGGER ..... Dave Israel (UCO President)

Dave Israel
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DORCHESTER POOL TO CLOSE FOR RENOVATIONS

2012-01-06T17:08:00.000-05:00

CHANGE IN CLUBHOUSE MOVIE VENUE

2012-01-06T16:14:00.000-05:00

KARAOKE MOVES INDOORS

2012-01-06T16:11:00.000-05:00

COMCAST TEASER - SHOWTIME ON DEMAND FREE ON WEEKEND

2012-01-05T12:02:00.000-05:00

Showtime on Demand

2012-01-05T11:56:00.000-05:00

On January 6-7-8 Showtime On Demand will be available. That is On Demand only, not the Showtime Chanells

SWEETHEART BALL - DON'T FORGET YOUR TICKETS

2012-01-05T10:43:00.000-05:00

BCC HEARING OF REFLECTION BAY - POSTPONED TO JANUARY 26, 2012

2012-01-03T15:16:00.000-05:00

Dover Motel

2012-01-02T19:10:00.002-05:00

It has come to the attention of a number of people that an apartment or apartments are being rented at $100.00 a night in one of the Dover buildings. If this in fact true, is it not illegal?
Is there any way to make sure that condo documents are enforced so as to prevent this from happening?? I know the UCO cannot become involved because it is an association matter. My question is, what if anything can be done to prevent this type of rental from taking place.

Cell Phones for Seniors

2012-01-02T18:52:00.003-05:00

Does anyone have any recommendations for simple cell phones (and plans) for those of us that don't live on our phones? I would like to find a good plan that won't break my bank. I don't need internet access, don't need texting - just a good phone that I can place a call on now and again, when the need so arises.
Someone mentioned Jitterbug for Seniors to me. Looked reasonable, $19.99 a month for 100 minutes to use each month. Has nice big buttons, big print and no contract. Don't know anything about the service though.

Anyone wishing to share a cell phone experience, it would be so appreciated.

Thank you and happy, healthy New Year to all!

SEARCH/NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE UPDATE

2012-01-02T16:15:00.003-05:00

SEARCH/NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE UPDATE

To all those who are running for office for the UCO BOARD:
Howie Silver will be taking your picture before and after the UCO Delegates meeting of January sixth (6th). Look for him; he'll be there for you.

The February meeting is the last one when nominations may be made from the floor: therefore, it would be more advantageous for those running to have your picture taken at the next

meeting. Time is creeping up on all of us, sooooo GET IT DONE JANUARY 6TH.

DO NOT WAIT ANY LONGER!!!!!!!

2012-01-01T21:07:00.002-05:00

NEW YEAR 2012

Wishing all a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year

Barbara

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

2011-12-31T08:18:00.002-05:00

A sincere thank you to Debbie Dickson, Commercial Lines Manager of Brown & Brown, Inc., for sending my Association’s missing insurance document. Alas, Ms. Dickson was obviously as confused as I was about the elusive insurance update, because she claimed that the carrier was Philadelphia, when in fact it was Harleysville. Taking a charitable view, I shall not infer any incompetence from this none too insignificant slip of a 'dictation machine', but unfortunately the confusion continues.

Although our current insurance agent, Mr. Ty Beba, assured readers on this very Blog, that the missing endorsement CG7347, was amongst his clients' policies here in Century Village, it was not in mine. Nor, was it listed amongst the numerous endorsements at the beginning of the policy papers. Since we are required by Florida Statute to have ALL insurance documents in our possession, the point at issue was, to establish that associations were receiving the individual General Liability Cover that they were paying for.

The helpful Ms. Dickson, not only sent the missing endorsement requested, but also an amendment received by Brown and Brown on May 12^th, 2011(issued 05/04/2011) marked “Policy Changes - Change 2 – Blanket Location Separate General Aggregate Limit” is added with respect to this policy. This amendment also states a change in the premium!

Since the change in policy last May was retroactive to the beginning of the year, I wouldn’t be presumptive enough to accuse our esteemed insurance agent, Mr. Ty Beba, in being more than a little economical with the truth. Since this particular issue was exploited by Brown and Brown and UCO to discredit the insurance competition, are we slowly but surely returning to the 'don't ask don't tell' approach by former administrations? Insurance, being the most expensive budgeted item, requires that full disclosure to us, the clients, is necessary in every aspect of the insurance process. Haven't we yet learned from expensive mistakes regarding the insurance programs of the past? I think that most of us by now, want to be more informed, and are no longer satisfied to purchase insurance based on who can afford the better suit?

CENTURY VILLAGE CLUB LIST - DECEMBER 28, 2011

2011-12-29T17:20:00.000-05:00

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Hi all,
Thanks to Courtney in W.P.R.F., Inc. we have an updated list of Century Village Clubs. You may access the list at the following link:

http://goo.gl/UHs0a

Please call Courtney at the main clubhouse if there are any questions.

The list may also be accessed from the sidebar.

Dave Israel
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windsor H

2011-12-28T10:55:00.002-05:00

We share our sorrow in the passing of our longtime Association President, Mr. Joseph Spanier on Fri Dec 23rd. He was a kind and caring man with a great sense of humor and served our association well for many years. We offer our condolences to his wife, Dorothy, and to Joe and Dorothy's families and many friends and neighbors.

Haskell Morin

2011-12-25T19:23:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to reprint the obit for Haskell from the PBPost. There were few people who did more for Century Village during his lifetime. He volunteered his time helping on many levels. The stretch of Haverhill Road on the CV side (named for Haskell Morin and Company) was a place he regularly picked up trash. Many of us remember his repainting the stripes on the crosswalks in CV. There are too few people like him here, and we will all miss him.

Haskell D. Morin Visit Guest Book

Family-Placed ObituaryHASKELL D. MORIN 74 of West Palm Beach and Worcester, MA, died Saturday, December 17 after a brief illness. He leaves his loving wife of 43 years Geneva (Morrow) Morin, a son Joseph Morin and his wife Tanya, three daughters, Deborah wife of James Tracy, Robin wife of David Pierce, Rhonda wife of Kenneth Godwin, a brother Dr. Edward Morin, 13 beloved grandchildren and 10 cherished great grand children. Haskell was a past President of the Century Village Condo Association where he lived and a long time member of the Board of Directors of Century Village's United Civic Organization. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM today in Perlman Funeral Home, 1026 Main St., Worcester, MA 01603. Burial will be in B'Nai Brith Cemetery, Worcester. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society , 350 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01604 To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
Published in The Palm Beach Post from December 22 to December 29, 2011

TO MEASURE IS TO KNOW

2011-12-23T15:19:00.002-05:00

Hi all,

Elsewhere in this BLOG, there is some considerable complaining (note, I did not use the word whine nor any variation thereof) about the paving work in the Village.

It is always good to stick to facts, rather than anecdotal observations. Anyone interested in actual technical testing of the work, may read the tests for themselves. These tests were performed by Federal Engineering & Testing Company, who are certified by some very prestigious references:

REF:
http://www.federalengineeringandtesting.com/references.html

See the actual test data on phase one of the project. In due course, when the tests are completed on phase 2, we will publish them as well.

See test results at the following URL: http://goo.gl/lnE7Q

Our job equals or exceeds standards on virtually all tests.

Dave Israel

noise ordinance rules

2011-12-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

imaginethis... complaints oh its in our bones..radio etc durin the day disturbing heavy nappers what are the decibel laws eh???how ridduculous but...what if one had a grand child crying ooops...give me a break..somehow i have become the victim of this situation ..ive purchased headphones hear aids etc but one should enjoy bach or cartly simon without some old fart complaining suggestions please.....

paving job

2011-12-22T14:52:00.003-05:00

I find it amazing that no one has posted re this lousy paving job in the Village. After three weeks of delays and people cancelling appointments as they could not get to their cars, we finally are getting paved - unfortunately. We have had mix and match paving with uneven levels and borders, strips of differeing widths, totally mismatched, incorrect car stanchions replacement and pebbbles galore. If this job lasts more than a year it would be a miracle and worst of all we have heard that we paid 3 million dollars UPFrONT! We all would love to know who hired these bozos and decided to pay them in this manner. Had you never done any contracting deals before - ever hear of 1/3, 1/3, 1/3. Punch list my Aunt Tilly! The whole job stinks to high heaven in more ways than one.

Open Letter Response by Ty Beba

2011-12-21T16:18:00.004-05:00

Ms. Cohen, thank you for your detailed questions and your request for information on the coverage provided by Brown & Brown with the Insurance Policies in place for Century Village-West Palm Beach. We have been addressing these and other questions in insurance meetings over the past few weeks and I am available in the UCO office during office hours every day to answer any other questions. Please pardon the length of this response because I will intend to be thorough in the event that you are somehow unable to attend one of our meetings. I will address them in the same order as to maintain a level of consistency:

1. The Ordinance & Law coverage we added on to the American Coastal Property Insurance policy back in May of 2011 provided a coverage limit equal to 5% of the Insurable Limit of Each Building. It was not 2.5% as positioned by some other agents. As you suggest there are multiple options available to the each association from "no coverage" to "even higher coverage" limits. It’s just very difficult on a coverage summary page to share so many coverage, deductible, or premium options.

Example: A Building with 26 Units and a replacement cost of $1,677,483 would be covered for:

At 5% Coverage Limit: $ 83,874 in Total Coverage Limit for Demolition of Undamaged Portion of the Building AND for Increased Cost of Construction to make Code Upgrades as required by Ordinance & Law.

At 2.5 % Coverage Limit: $41,937 in Total Coverage Limit for Demolition of Undamaged Portion of the Building AND for Increased Cost of Construction to make Code Upgrades as required by Ordinance & Law.

While this coverage or the coverage limits are not mandated, it is important to consider all the additional expenses that a regular property insurance policy would not cover.

2. Actually, it is not relevant that there is currently policy for all associations to choose between a deducible of $2,500 or $5,000. If certain associations require the $2,500 deductible, we would simply issue one policy for any Associations choosing a $2,500 Deductible and another policy for All Associations choosing $5,000. The lower deductibles are just not available for all Associations and no Associations had a lower deducible last year due to claims in previous years.

Having too low of a deducible could result in minor claims being reported to the insurance company making it so that they refuse to renew the coverage in coming years, or increase the deductible option to disproportionate levels.

3. The Coverage Form that is part of your 2011 General Liability Policy through Harleysville Insurance Company has been made available to every association in their policy books. The coverage form is labeled as “CG-7347 Blanket Location Separate General Aggregate Limit”. We refer you to Item A. 4 and A.5 for the coverage language which states: “The limits shown in the Declarations for Each Occurrence, Damage to Premises Rented to You and Medical Expenses continue to apply. However, instead of being subject to the General Aggregate Limit shown in the Declarations, such limits will be subject to the separate General Aggregate Limit for that “insured location”. For purposes of this endorsement, “insured location” means any location indicated as such on the Declarations or any other premises owned or rented by you on which you are performing your ongoing operations”.

Then Pages 1 through 9 of Endorsement GU-7008 (Ed. 4-09) continue to list every Association we insure at the Village on a separate basis so that the separate limit can be designated to each association. It would be irresponsible for us to include 62 pages of our coverage forms specific for our clients on a website that is open access to everyone in the world who has Internet access. As I mentioned, the coverage forms I referenced are readily available in every Association’s Policy Book we distributed. A copy is also available at the UCO office, and one is in my possession if you’d like me to share with you in person.

4. The Umbrella Policy is what is known in our industry a “True Follow Form” policy. It literally extends coverage limits above the Liability policies with the same terms and conditions of the underlying policies. ITEM 5. on Page 2 of the Umbrella Policy requires that our General Liability policy the endorsement which we just mentioned earlier. ITEM 7. on Page 4 of our Umbrella Policy states that they will respond like our General Liability Policy as per the forms we have sent them. This is the same form we referred to on your 3rd question. Please see our response to your 3rd question regarding the posting of coverage forms on a public forum. They are part of the Insurance Books provided to all of our clients, with a copy available at the UCO office.

5. Equipment Breakdown coverage is a key coverage because it provides coverage to the Associations’ Electrical Panels. Common Area Heating & Air Conditioning Units and similar electrical and mechanical components of your building perils are not covered under the regular property insurance policy for certain perils. These perils can be losses arising from “Shorting”, “Electrical Arcing”, “Power Surges” and the like.

6. The question regarding Assessments to Unit Owners and their Homeowners Policies does not have a very easy answer. First, it is not known if every Unit owner has a Homeowners Policy in place. Second, it is not known what types of coverage limit or coverage trigger the homeowners’ policies provide even if there is one in place. Third, the loss assessment from the Association to a Unit Owner is not limited to the Association’s Wind Deductible. What if the Association has not purchased Ordinance & Law Coverage OR the limits of the Ordinance & Law option they purchased were not enough? Lastly, it is not known how long it would take to collect Assessments from Unit Owners, all the while where repairs have to be completed to the buildings. Once again, this is a very personal choice for each Association. However, we are happy to be able to provide options to our clients in the event they do not feel they have enough reserves or the ability to collect assessments in a complete and timely manner.

7. The 6 Page comparison we have compiled details every aspect of the coverage, deductibles, and limits available from the Top 6 providers of Director’s & Officers Insurance Coverage for Condo Associations. It took our organization countless hours to pour through all coverage forms for these insurers so that we could prepare the comparison. It would be unreasonable for us to be required to post our efforts on a public website so that any one of our competitors can utilize as their own. If you like, we can happily share with the coverage comparison in person.

The coverage forms we have proposed for the renewal are both from Chartis and from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. As for the debate regarding the public ownership of Chartis’ parent company AIG Holdings, that is one that is impossible to do on this blog. The American Public did not have to bail out or own any part of Chartis, or AIG Insurance. Chartis has done a great job for any of the Associations who had claims last year. The coverage forms between insurers vary vastly in this important coverage and we are happy to discuss the details in person.
8. With the crime policy, last year’s policy carried a limit of $300,000 and did not provide coverage extensions for “Computer Fraud”, or “Funds Transfer”. We could not offer this coverage at the time because we were not your agent and too many Agents had sent too many applications to too many insurance companies, blocking our access. This year, as the Incumbent Agent, we were able to access the Insurer of our choice where we were able raise the coverage limit to $500,000 and include coverage for Theft of Association’s Money & Securities which may be kept on site, Robbery or Safe Burglary on site of the Association, Computer Fraud, and Funds Transfer. While not all these coverages may be terribly relevant to most Associations, we were able to make all these improvements at lower premiums.

We are very sensitive to all the confusion and problems the Associations at the Village have experienced with the topic of Insurance. It is very unfortunate that most of that can likely be associated with the tactics used by some Agents. Once again, we have followed every requirement and rule of the bidding committee as required from us. We will continue to address the insurance needs at the Village with the utmost professional expertise.

Thank you and Happy Holidays.

Ty Beba, CPCU, CIC, ARM, AIC
Executive Vice President
Brown & Brown of FL, Inc.
Palm Beach/Treasure Coast
561-688-5082

W.P.R.F. NOTICE OF PAY PHONE MALFUNCTION AT POOLS

2011-12-21T13:22:00.000-05:00

W.P.R.F. NOTICE OF CANCELLATION - EXERCISE CLASSES

2011-12-21T12:35:00.000-05:00

W.P.R.F. NOTICE OF CAMDEN POOL CLOSURE

2011-12-21T12:01:00.000-05:00

An Open Letter to Ty Bebe

2011-12-21T08:25:00.002-05:00

Seasons Greetings, Ty Bebe and Brown and Brown. How heart warming to see you return to the blog after such a long absence.As a current client, considering options for 2012 I would sincerely appreciate your comments on the following:

1. Regarding the difference in ordinance & law coverage that you speak of, 2.5% vs 5% of the building’s value, did we all not have 2.5% through your agency last year, and is it not our prerogative whether we purchase no ordinance & law, 2.5% or 5%? I just want to clarify that all three options are available and that you offer all three, just like the other agencies soliciting us.

2. About the $2500 deductible, is it not relevant that we currently have one policy for all associations, and that American Coastal will not offer the $2500 deductible if there is even one location on the policy with a history of claims. If we were on separate policies, we have been told that we have the option of $2500 vs $5000. Why were we not previously informed of this option?

3.Please post here on the blog, for all to see, the part of our 2011 General Liability policy where it states that we have a separate limits for each association.

4. Please also post here on the blog the part of our 2012 Umbrella policy where it states that we have separate limits for each association.

5. Regarding Equipment Breakdown insurance, please describe here exactly why this is a “key” coverage for our associations.

6. Please describe the mathematical details regarding the deductible buy-down policies. Is “loss assessment” coverage on our homeowners policies not relevant to the decision to buy the buy-down policies? If I as a unit owner purchase a homeowners policy and I calculate my portion of a special assessment after a hurricane, does it not factor into my decision that I may be duplicating a portion of this coverage, especially considering that with a buy-down STILL has a deductible of 1% or 2% depending on which policy we buy? And do I, as a resident buying homeowners coverage, have a responsibility to pay for an association policy to protect owners who choose not to buy homeowners coverage? Your honest advice is appreciated on this subject.

7. Regarding directors coverage, can you post the policy comparison here on the blog? Last year, it was not mentioned to us that Chartis is actually the rebranded arm of AIG, which has been all over the news in recent years and is 75% owned by the US government. It would be very interesting to know if this policy is superior or inferior to the Great American and Travelers policies being recommended to us by other agencies.

8. As to crime coverage, what coverage was excluded last year that we will have this year? Why was the decision made to alter coverage for 2012?

Please answer these items carefully and honestly. As you and UCO are aware we residents have been fed a diet of insurance confusion and problems . If there were mistakes or inefficiencies in 2011, I would like to know the facts so that I and other residents can carefully and intelligently move forward.

IMPORTANT FACTS REGARDING CONDO ASSOCIATIONS' INSURANCE RENEWAL

2011-12-19T19:40:00.003-05:00

I hope this message finds everyone in good health and joyful spirits before the Holiday Season. Reading about insurance is not always the most enjoyable thing, but every so often we feel compelled to reach out to the Village Residents and clear the air. Hopefully this communication is not too cumbersome.

We have been working on the renewal policies for the Associations in Century Village West Palm Beach for the past 4 Months. As you may already know, Brown & Brown successfully proposed the best coverage terms and premium options against two well known competitors: “Insurance Office of America” and “Corporate Insurance Advisors”.

As the Incumbent Agent for some 240 Associations in Century Village, we were able to improve the coverage terms when available, and the premiums when possible again this year.

For the past few weeks, we have been aware of other Agencies meeting with Associations on an individual basis and sending around “Estimated Quotes”. They then ask for an Agent of Record letter to be signed on their behalf so that all of our hard work over the past 4 months can be assigned to them based on their “Estimations”.

As you review these guessed premiums and coverage terms please consider the following:

Property Insurance:

Ordinance & Law coverage that is in place for your Associations has been cut in half in the estimates:

The “Estimated Quotes” severely reduce the Ordinance & Law Coverage we have in place for the Associations. The coverage mentioned limit is only HALF OF THE ACTUAL COVERAGE. For a Building Insured for $1,500,000 Limit, the Ordinance & Law Coverage is REDUCED FROM $75,000 In Coverage TO $37,500 in Coverage. If you see a lower premium in the property quotes from estimates, you will know why.

DUE TO CLAIM HISTORY IN PREVIOUS YEARS MANY ASSOCIATIONS IN CV-WPB ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A $2,500 DEDUCTIBLE!

Either way, the difference in premium between a $2,500 Deductible and $5,000 Deductible is about $80 Per Association, Per Year! It’s not recommended to have such a low deductible for older buildings. The claims frequency will increase rates in future years.

The very large deductible that is of the highest concern for the association is the Hurricane Deductible. The other estimates DO NOT and CANNOT provide an option to reduce this deductible so that large assessments can be avoided following a Hurricane.

Liability Insurance:

THE COVERAGE LIMIT APPLIES TO EACH ASSOCIATION ON A SEPARATE BASIS FOR BROWN & BROWN’S INSURANCE PROGRAM. THAT WAS THE CASE IN 2011, AND WILL BE THE CASE IN 2012.
It is irresponsible and incorrect to suggest that the coverage limit is shared on our program. The insurance policy clearly states the application of separate limits for each Association.

Equipment Breakdown Insurance:

Once again, the “Estimated” quotes being circulated around the Village also EXCLUDE this key coverage part. One guess is that this is so that the total premium can be made to look lower on their “estimates”.

Umbrella Policy:

OUR UMBRELLA POLICY LIMIT ALSO APPLIES SEPARATELY TO ALL ASSOCIATIONS. IT IS NOT A SHARED LIMIT.
The coverage limit offered in the “estimated” quotes distributed to associations provides a much lower coverage limit than that of our policy. In fact it is $10,000,000 less in coverage.

Directors & Officers Coverage:

Our coverage form and deductibles are more beneficial. We will be happy to share the 5 page coverage comparison form that was provided to the Insurance and Bid Committees with you upon request.

Crime Policy:

Coverage has been extended both in coverage limits, and coverage terms for the renewal.

As you compare our Proposals to the Estimated Guesses of others, please pay special attention what you’re being asked to give up. All in all, we believe you will still find our proposals to be more competitive in pricing when compared to any other available out there.

Please come see us at the UCO office during the week days so that we can address any questions in coverage forms, payment schedules, or premiums. We will continue our hard work for Century Village West Palm Beach.

Happy Holidays; and a Healthy 2012!

Ty Beba, CPCU, CIC, ARM, AIC

Executive Vice President

Brown & Brown-Palm Beach/Treasure Coast Division

JUDGE POULTON'S TRANSPORTATION ORDER

2011-12-18T16:17:00.003-05:00

NEW CV BUS TO ARRIVE ON JANUARY 1, 2012

Hi all,
Occasionally, I am asked why our CV bus system is a common expense. It is so, because of a court case decided in 1983. (Official Records, Book 3961 Page 1864)

The decision is to be found at the following URL:

http://goo.gl/PoGn8

Judge Poulton's decision may also be accessed from the sidebar under Core Documents.

This is a reasonable decision devolving from Condominium living. In due course of time, we may all require the buss to get around. We have one of the finest transportation systems in Florida, try it, and enjoy.

Dave Israel
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2011-12-18T15:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Chanaukkah and Merry Christmas to all bloggers!!!

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and healthy 2012!!!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

2011-12-18T14:56:00.003-05:00

On behalf of myself and everyone at Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. I want to wish you a happy holiday season and a happy and healthy new year.

ALLEGIANCE

2011-12-16T16:01:00.000-05:00

Allegiance - the new security company is here. Help them do their job, we are our own best friends, if you see something suspicious call the rover car (561) 459-0740. Please.

2011-12-15T22:18:00.003-05:00

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SEARCH/NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

IMPORTANT

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!

WHEN YOU ARE WRITING YOUR BIO, DO IT AS IF

YOU ARE APPLYING FOR A JOB.

IT MUST BE IN "RESUME" FORM

GIVE US A SHORT HISTORY OF LIFE BEFORE

COMING TO CENTURY VILLAGE.

WHAT WAS YOUR OCCUPATION AND EDUCATION?

FOLLOW IT UP WITH WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IN

CENTURY VILLAGE AND

FOR WHAT POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING.

IF YOU SUBMITTED YOUR BIO IN ANY OTHER FORM,

PLEASE RE-DO IT IN THE ABOVE FORMAT.

E MAIL ALL RESUMES TO ME AT

RGWLBF@GMAIL.COM.

PLEASE DO THIS AS SOON AS

POSSIBLE. TIME IS SHORT.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, E MAIL

ME AT THE SAME ADDRESS.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!!!!!!!

UCO REPORTER - JANUARY 2012 - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

2011-12-15T14:16:00.001-05:00

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Hi all,
UCO proudly announces the publication of the online edition of the January 2012 issue of the UCO Reporter.

Please follow the link: http://goo.gl/I3GFe

The UCO Reporter online may also be accessed via the sidebar link.

Dave Israel
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Where is our Grass?

2011-12-15T13:57:00.001-05:00

Spring to Fall

The weather in Florida is so extreme, drought, flood, drought, etc. that whole species of plants disappear from year to year. I remember when there was no Riccardia – the starry flower ground cover (so I am told) – everywhere now.
My Association grass died last Spring, a few weeds began and now they provide total cover (no grass). I do not mind. The weeds are frogfruit, sorrel, day flower, riccardia, little yellow flowers, dollar weed (oops too much rain). I hope they continue to fill our place.

Holidays in CV

2011-12-15T13:05:00.000-05:00

Try a tour of the village by day or night.

Passwords

2011-12-13T17:31:00.002-05:00

Sites where I have a password encourage me to change the password every few months. Do passwords become weaker with time??

NOTICE OF SHOW CANCELLATION - REFUND AVAILABLE IF DESIRED

2011-12-13T16:51:00.000-05:00

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL - REFLECTION BAY

2011-12-13T16:26:00.000-05:00

REFLECTION BAY

The image above is the latest data from the County. Note well the dimensions marked in red showing distances from CV buildings in Greenbrier and Golf's Edge. Dimensions (in red) from structures, roads, and the water. Just what we, or our parents purchased here for!! Let the County Commissioners know what you think.

Dave Israel

PBC COMMISSIONERS - EMAIL ADDRESSES

2011-12-11T22:43:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Following are the Email addresses of our Board of County Commissioners.

Please let them know your views concerning development of the Golf course:

BCC-AllCommissioners@pbcgov.org

Dave Israel

Car Wash Pad

2011-12-11T12:46:00.002-05:00

I will apologize in advance if this subject has been covered in the past, but I was wondering if C.V. has a location with a spigot available for residents to wash their cars? For the time being, I am able to wash my car and would like to spare the expense of the car wash. Additionally, it seems the car wash scratches or damages something after each visit. If it is an issue of water conservation, could "gray" water be used?

Is there any prohibition of an individual condo making such an accommodation available?

NO TO REFLECTION BAY!

2011-12-11T08:41:00.001-05:00

In perpetuity means FOREVER. Let's hope the Commissioners agree also and say NO to construction on the now-defunct golf course.

Why not use the land as a park where we could go walk or bike at our leisure, in a safe environment?

Just think: turning this land in a "community" will only destroy another natural habitat and ultimately cause traffic, noise, crime, overcrowding, air pollution, flooded area, etc.

Is this what we really want?

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY- DECEMBER 9, 2011 - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

2011-12-10T16:08:00.001-05:00

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Hi all,

The Delegate Assembly video of December 9, 2011 is now live in Cyberspace for your viewing pleasure.

Follow the link: http://goo.gl/CLT4f

You may also access the Delegate Assembly videos for the past three years by way of the sidebar.

Dave Israel
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GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT - REFLECTION BAY - TOWN HALL MEETING

2011-12-08T15:39:00.000-05:00

Theater Ticket Pricing

2011-12-07T23:17:00.002-05:00

I happened to look at the Pembroke Pines listings and their ticket prices are lower than ours. For instance Tommy Mara is $8.00 at CVWPB and $6.00 at Pembroke Pines. They also show a seating chart which leaves me to believe that they are allowed to choose where they sit in the theater!

UCO ELECTIONS - CANDIDATE ANNOUNCES

2011-12-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
As you are aware, elections for UCO Officers will occur in March 2012. I am pleased to advise you all that on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Barbara Cornish advised me that she would be a candidate for Vice President of UCO.

Barbara has advised me that she is an independent candidate, not affiliated with any organization nor is she necessarily supporting any other candidate as yet.

I wish to heartily endorse Barbara's candidacy for VP. I have personally observed Barbara take on difficult issues and through a combination of research and native intelligence resolve the problem.

Barbara is the personification of the type of Officer we need in UCO, and I strongly recommend that she is deserving of your vote.

Dave Israel

UCO OPEN MEETINGS POSTED - DECEMBER 2011, JANUARY 2012

2011-12-06T16:58:00.001-05:00

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Hi all,
See links in sidebar for UCO Open Meeting schedule for December 2011 and January 2012:

UCO OPERATIONS

The links above are live as well.

Dave Israel
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Something new to think about- COMMON GOOD

2011-12-06T12:37:00.004-05:00

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I am reading again and this time it is Tom Brokaw’s new book, “The time of our Lives, a conversation with Americans". He is reviewing much of the good of this country and some of the not so good. He talks about today's committees and lobbyists who have issues that they are fighting for. He says that years ago, these people presented and fought for their cause but in the end they compromised and voted for the COMMON GOOD. This is missing in the world today and particularly here in Century Village.

We have a committee whose only agenda is to rebuild a golf course. I do not believe that there is anyone in the state that has the wherewithal to renovate a golf course and maintain it, has it on their TO DO LIST to build a golf course for the empty property on Haverhill road. This golf course would almost be guaranteed to lose money as the previous two management people have. The golf course was nice to have so close, it was at times very pretty so that even the people who did not use it could enjoy it. These are different times we have to think of the COMMON GOOD.

The golf course that the pro-act committee wants is NOT one of the answers on any multiple choice questionnaire that the county authorities might have in front of them.

Why is our committee ignoring the COMMON GOOD. These are hard times, many people here in the village are struggling just to make ends meet. Many associations are really having a hard time dealing with several units which for various reasons, have stopped paying. Associations are ignoring their bylaws and allowing sales to people who should not be eligible for residence in the village. If things don’t get better, we could be looking at a total collapse of our wonderful lifestyle.

Who is looking out for the COMMON GOOD?

Why don’t we have a committee who would work with the developer to adjust his plans so that the development that we get will be something that we can life peaceably with? Five years ago when the developer was D.R. Horton, his lawyer agreed to a gated 55 and over community with a limited number of units. We wouldn’t even listen, let alone go the next step to get that offer in writing. Today are we going to just keep spending money to fight our current developer and then live with whatever he puts up because we were too stubborn to compromise.
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NOTICE OF CLOSING - CAMDEN POOL

2011-12-06T11:57:00.000-05:00

THE GATE ARMS: A QUESTION

2011-12-05T19:26:00.002-05:00

Are the gate arms at the Haverhill and Okeechobee exits still sometimes kept in the open position? I think they sometimes are, and if so, I have a question.

Sometime ago on the blog there was a “movie” of someone exiting at the Haverhill gate, going a mile a minute, and breaking the gate arm. Could it be that some drivers, seeing that the arm is in the UP position, assume the gate is in the kept-open position and so drive right through? Because driving toward an exit gate, it can be hard to tell if the gate is the kept-open position or if the gate arm is just slow in coming down—as is normally the case with the exit gates

Could this "not knowing which way it is" be contributing to the number of drivers crashing into the exit gates? Could it be that because the exit gates are in the kept-open position SOME of the time, there are more, not fewer, crashes?

Geneology Club begins

2011-12-05T08:14:00.003-05:00

The first meeting of the genealogy club will be at the clubhouse January 9 at 1:30PM. The first meeting will be more of an organizational meeting with some time for sharing. If interested, please plan to attend. Any questions you can contact Anitra Kraus at 629-7522 or akraushouse@gmail.com

REFLECTION BAY - GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT HEARING

2011-12-03T21:51:00.001-05:00

Hi all,
George Pitelle sends along the following:
Dave Israel
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The Hearing on the Golf Course

Along with hundreds of other C.V. residents I attended the Golf Course/Reflection Bay Project hearing before the Zoning Commission on 12/2/11. We first listened to the Magistrate read the comments from cards submitted by our residents as well as some personally presented. With the possible exception of 5 or 6 they were mostly opposed to the project. Many echoed the arguments presented by the two attorneys representing these people in stressing the restriction of the development of the Golf Course and its remaining as such in perpetuity. Other comments stressed the hardships and difficulties the Reflection Bay development would have on the residents of C.V. and other communities. These would include health concerns for people having trouble breathing air contaminated with dust brought on by the construction. Others stressed concerns related to the impact the project would have on traffic and water, with specific points better than I can relate here.

Anyone sitting through the proceedings up to this point might well have thought the arguments presented against the project were quite strong if not compelling.

After a break the attorney for those opposing the project briefly addressed the Commission, next the attorney for Reflection Bay took to the microphone. He was asked specific questions posed by some of the commissioners. Referring to the project plans he seemingly answered them to their satisfaction.

What followed was several votes which quite frankly were not clear to me. The votes were all in the affirmative with one commissioner voting opposed on I believe each one. The result of all of this was the approval of the application for the development of the Reflection Bay Project and the defeat of efforts in opposition to it.

Now lets look back at the hearing. With most of the comments opposing the project citing the restriction of development being in perpetuity I can not recall it ever being addressed and can only wonder if the issue of in perpetuity was somehow dealt with in the votes. If so with there being no comment or discussion it was in my opinion certainly given scant consideration. It has been often pointed out that the same issue was ruled in favor of a community in Mizner Park in opposition to building a golf course. What was the legal distinction in the two cases?

After the hearing I was told by one other attendee how he expected the C.V. residents most strongly opposed to the project will continue to fight it, perhaps by going to court. My response was “and who will be paying for that“, to which we both declared with certainty that the residents of C.V. will not agree to pay for it. I understand there was going to be another hearing on 1/5/12, What does todays action do with that?

George R. Pittell
Chatham D

PALM BEACH COUNTY ZONING COMMISSION TO CV - POUND SAND!!

2011-12-03T13:42:00.002-05:00

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See noon report at:

http://cvbitbucket.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-post.html

Dave Israel
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For the Brits Amongus

2011-12-03T12:24:00.001-05:00

Diamond Jubilee info. Plenty of time to plan for next June.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_197517

BBC America is channel 114 on TV, and for the totally shameless Brits it is showing Top Gear marathons.

Remote Control article

2011-12-02T16:04:00.003-05:00

Thank you Marilyn Pomerantz for the great article in UCO concerning how to use the remote control. I've got it covered in plastic - ready for review at all times. That had to take a lot of time.
One thing though, can anyone please tell me how to save a station as a Favorite? Now that UCO has listed all the higher channel numbers for our favorite stations, I would like to save some to my Favorite list. I can't figure out how to do it. If somebody does know, please pass it along.
Thanks

WHAT WE WERE PROMISED - DON'T LET IT GET AWAY

2011-12-01T17:05:00.001-05:00

Hi All,
Those of you who are original unit owners were promised something, do you remember what it was?

Let me remind you, follow the link: http://goo.gl/wqZRR

One of the items on this full color rendering is a Golf Course. This Golf Course was further etched in stone by way of the official Palm Beach County Plat number 14, which is annotated "To remain for Golf Course purposes only in perpetuity"! Thus, those of us who came after the original owners are also beneficiaries of the "In Perpetuity" promise.

Tomorrow, the Palm Beach County Zoning Commission, will hear the pleadings of a Developer to overturn this Plat Restriction. We in UCO and the ProActive Committee are diametrically opposed to this extended urban sprawl and ask all those who read this Post and are also opposed to this development, to come tomorrow, Friday, December 2, 2011, to 2300 Jog Road, to the Vista Center hearing room to show your opposition to the Zoning Commissioners.

Your numbers will send a message, some of you may also get to speak to the issue! So, look at the brochure at the link above and don't let the promise be taken away.

Thanks to Mr. Phil Shapkin for the Brochure.

Dave Israel