Happy New Year Wishes

To all those who participate, and those who will.
(Yes, I borrowed pic from CV Entertainment - nice)

PHYLLIS RICHLAND FOR UCO VICE PRESIDENT

Hi All,

AFTER A TWO YEAR HIATUS I AM THROWING MY HAT IN THE RING AGAIN TO RUN FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF U.C.O.

I LEFT BECAUSE I COULD NOT IN ALL GOOD CONSCIENCE BE PART OF AN ADMINISTRATION THAT HAD SUCH DIAMETRICALLY DIFFERENT PHILOSOPHICAL IDEAS AND ATTITUDES THAN I HAD.

NOW WE ARE AT A CROSS ROADS IN CENTURY VILLAGE AND I BELIEVE THAT WITH DAVE ISRAEL AT THE HELM AND FRANK CORNISH AND I IN PLACE AS VICE PRESIDENTS WE HAVE A NUCLEUS TO DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE HERE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF ALL.

IF WE WIN, YOU WIN !!!

-
ALWAYS VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE, BUT THINK ABOUT IT AND ALWAYS DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR ASSOCIATION.

THANK YOU,

PHYLLIS RICHLAND

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY ONLINE - TO BE OR NOT TO BE

Hi All,
Your Channel 63 team and your BLOG Administrators are in a quandry, the processing of the monthly video of the Delegate Assembly for uploading to the BLOG takes many hours of hands on effort.
Following are the viewer statistics for the past few months, since inception of the service:
..............................................................................................
Recent Episodes -->

Delegate Assembly - Dec. 04, 2009..........76 views
Delegate Assembly - Nov. 09, 2009............84 views
Delegate Assembly - Oct. 02, 2009..........141 views
Delegate Assembly, Sept. 04, 2009..........119 views
Delegate Assembly - Aug. 07, 2009..........59 views


The question is simple; there seems to be very minimal support for this effort, should we continue it?
We would greatly appreciate your responses.

Dave Israel

UCO ELECTIONS AND THE BLOG

Hi all,
There was some discussion at the Officers Committee meeting this morning, about the kind words posted by Elaine in this BLOG regarding my candidacy for President of UCO.

The issue being one of maintaining a level playing field. I stated at the meeting that any Candidate, for any UCO Office, who wanted their message posted in this BLOG, may simply provide me with the content and I will Post it for them; of course, if you are a registered BLOG member you may Post your own.

You may Email the desired input to me at nsasigint@comcast.net or drop off hard copy at the UCO Office.

Dave Israel

10 Top Reasons To Vote For Dave Israel

These are my own observations from watching Dave Israel at work in UCO committees. I am just warming up for the elections. I look forward to hearing Dave's specific platform.

10 Top Reasons To Vote For Dave Israel for President of UCO:
1. He already brings sanity and reason to the village.
2. He is genuinely caring and protective of older residents. He treats everyone with respect and dignity.
3. He is incredibly productive, knowledgeable, and dedicated. He is a wiz with anything computer related. He researches each and every issue thoroughly.
4. He will bring UCO finances up to Generally Approved Accounting Procedures and make finances transparent. He is economy minded and will find state-of-the-art solutions.
5. He is efficiency minded. He makes other people more productive, no wasted time or effort.
6. He will implement proper effective oversight of all UCO functions. No loyal coverups.
7. He will implement proper following of bylaws. Real open meetings, improved communication.
8. Enforcement of ethics, obtain proper bids, no advertising or soliciting for businesses. He does not run any personal businesses on the side, no potential conflict of interest.
9. He is not litigious, will keep professional and cordial relationships with our business associates.
10. He will bring progress towards understanding that CV is much too big to be advised and directed by amateurs.

IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOU!

Serious issues, addressed elsewhere on this blog now require ACTION, to determine
the FUTURE OF OUR VILLAGE.....Every effort to find and encourage,thoese individuals,
whoses ONLY MOTIVE IS TO IMPROVE THE DAILY LIVES OF EVERY RESIDENT,to come forward
and submit their names, as Candidates.. We have individuals from all walks of life
in our midst, both professional and non. Regretably, some are "self motivated"
(what can I gain from my involvement) and others just lack, "pure common sense"
Each Delegate has an OBLIGATION to their respective ASSOCIATION, to discuss and
review all of the bio's that will be printed in the forth coming Reporter..to Vote
the selection of the majority, not theirs, because some individual, may be their
"Friend".
I serve on my Association's Board as well as a member of the Transportation Committee, attend as many committee meetings as I can ( or was able to prior to this
month - medical situations ) ONLY to be INFORMED and CONTRIBUTE, WHERE I CAN...
THERE ARE OTHERS OUT THERE, MANY, MANY OTHERS....FRANK J CORNISH, DAVE ISRAEL,two
familiar names, that come to mind, at this time...surely others will follow..

CONDOCARE

Forget healthcare: It's tough to get condo reform passed in Florida!

Every Wednesday in the Sun-Sentinel, a columnist addresses condo issues. Click on the title for the full article. Highlights: Suggestions sent to Tallahassee in the past legislative year were not taken seriously by Gov. Crist. The article invites readers to suggest ideas for reform. Feel free to post them here, but the paper gets more eyeballs.

Entertainment

The January movie, shows, and dances are now on our sidebar info. but if you still want to see December you can go to the website www.centuryvillagetheater.com - There is a Preview Video, Season Brochure, and Clubhouse Happenings downloads, as well as a link to Facebook and another link to receive the latest Entertainment Dept. News Emails.

Still some tickets for the New Year Show to get you in the celebration mood, comic Eddie Capone and star Dino DeLuca. Followed by the New Year Dance.

Bike Rack Art

Lanny, good luck w/search, if you are stumped - I thought this was interesting variation near Berkshire B.

BICYCLE RACK

We would like to get a bicycle rack for our association (Sheffield N). Does anyone know where we could get one for free or for a nominal charge ($50 or less)? Used is fine as long as it is sturdy and will hold 4-5 bikes.
...............................................................................................................
Your BLOGMEISTER responds:

Bike Racks have been researched before;

REF: http://davesblogandchat.blogspot.com/2008/10/bicycle-and-racks.html

Check it out and please do not risk a citation by placing them in Parking spaces.

Dave Israel

MEDIATION ORDERED IN FORECLOSURE CASES

Hi All,
Very interesting Directive.
Dave Israel
..........................................................................................................................

CALL Alert for December 28, 2009-
-
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT ORDERS MEDIATION IN FORECLOSURE CASES
-
Dear David Israel,

Today the Florida Supreme Court issued an Administrative Order, signed by Chief Justice Peggy Quince, ordering local judges to adopt a uniform mediation program for mortgage foreclosure cases.
-
By entering the Administrative Order, the Supreme Court confirmed the recommendations of the Task Force on Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Cases which issued its findings earlier this year.
-
The Administrative Order contains a model order whereby each chief judge of every circuit will refer all mortgage foreclosure cases involving residential homestead property to mediation.
-
Mediation is being recommended to address the lack of communication which exists between the delinquent borrower and the banks, which the Task Force identified as being the most significant problem. The Administrative Order requires mediations to occur within a two to four month period after the foreclosure lawsuit is filed. Borrowers will have the option of declining participation in the mediation. Further, the Administrative Order requires the bank’s to pay for the costs of mediation.
-
Clearly, the goal of the Supreme Court’s Administrative Order, which is 105 pages in length with exhibits, is to better address the 450,000 foreclosure cases currently pending in Florida.
-
We at CALL are concerned about the potential for further delays that the Administrative Order may cause in bank foreclosure cases that are already being excessively prolonged by the banks.
-
On a positive note, the Administrative Order may accomplish the intended result of keeping more owners from foreclosure, which could result in community associations avoiding the unfavorable "statutory cap" on delinquent assessments which is imposed when the banks take title to the subject property via foreclosure.

We are in the process of fully evaluating the just released Administrative Order and will seek ways to use it to further protect the interests of Florida's community associations.

Sincerely,
-
Yeline Goin and David Muller, Co-Executive DirectorsCommunity Association Leadership Lobby (CALL)

This e-mail was sent by the Community Association Leadership Lobby located at 3111 Stirling Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 in the USA.

There's Only One Mildred Pierce; Watch It Tonight!

According to these articles, HBO will remake Mildred Pierce as a miniseries to star Kate Winslet (Titanic) and be directed by Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven). The PBS station on Channel 2 will show the original tonight at 9. For many of us, this will be the 23rd time we'll see it. We won't have a chance to see the new one when it premieres, regardless of its pedigree.

The Charlie Schulz Philosophy

The Charlie Schulz Philosophy (This is marvelous!! Scroll thru slowly and read carefully to receive and enjoy full effect) The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant. 4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners. How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies.. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!! 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials.. the most money..or the most awards. The differences are simply made by the ones who care the most and are there for you.

Happy Holidays

HO HO HO
BR BR BR

(Boston)

Did
We
Really
Used
To
Do
This

Medicare Individual Cost/ from WebMD

What Does Medicare Cost?
Finding the bottom line cost for Medicare isn't simple. The amount you'll spend can vary depending on the type of coverage you have, your income and assets, and many other factors. But to give you a rough idea, here's an outline of Medicare's costs -- both the obvious and hidden costs.
Medicare Part A:
For most people Medicare Part A is free. That's because they -- or their spouses -- were paying Medicare taxes while they worked.
You might have to pay for Medicare Part A if you were self-employed or didn't work during much when you were younger. If you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for less than 10 years total, you will have to pay a monthly fee for Part A coverage. In 2009, this Medicare premium is up to $443 per month, depending on your work history.
Medicare Part B:
Part B isn't free. You have to pay a monthly Medicare premium, which is usually taken right out of your Social Security check. In 2009, this fee is $96.40 per month for most people.
If you have higher than average personal income (over $85,000) or household income (over $170,000), you must pay a higher monthly Medicare premium. The exact monthly fee will vary depending on your income, ranging from $134.90 to a maximum of $308.30.
Then, you have to pay a yearly Part B deductible. In 2009, the deductible is $135. After you pay $135 yourself, your benefits kick in.
Part B is optional. If you don't want it -- because you have other coverage through an employer, for instance -- you don't have to pay for it. But you have to ask to opt out. Otherwise, the Medicare premium is subtracted from your Social Security check automatically.
There's a penalty for signing up late. If you don't sign up for Part B when you first become eligible, your monthly Medicare premium may be higher than $96.40.
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
Medicare Advantage are health plans sold by insurance companies, but overseen by Medicare. They are alternatives to Original Medicare, and usually offer more services than Original Medicare, at a higher price.To qualify for Medicare Advantage, you need to have Medicare Parts A and B. So that means that you'll need to at least pay the Part B monthly fee. For most people, that's $96.40 per month in 2009.
On top of that fee, you may need to pay a monthly premium for the Medicare Advantage plan itself. The prices vary a great deal depending on the plan you've chosen. Some may have further charges, like deductibles and premiums for additional coverage for things like prescription drugs.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D):
You must pay a monthly premium and annual deductible to get prescription drug coverage from Medicare. Since there are many different plans, the costs can vary widely.
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Decisions Later Regretted

In another post Lanny sez, UCO needs to THINK what are ramifications of doing X.

Do residents ever look back at UCO results. The combination of UCO power and control people giving orders, the UCO Reporter repetition, and dozing delegates have given us many decisions since regretted but they were the greatest thing at the time. Absolutely needed!
Not to buy Clubhouse.
Not to buy golf course.
Must have Millennium Agreement (now blamed for all problems)
George L orders us not to pay WPRF (law suit ouch)
Negotiation Committee (overwhelmed)
Pro-Active Cmte - delusional about creating another golf course.
Death grip on old school methods - inefficiencies
Lack of communication, tolerance of non-communicators.
- - that is enuf for today, you can add your own.

Dave Israel for sanity and reason in Century Village, the only choice for 2010 common sense.

SEN. ATWATER EMAIL ADDRESS

Between several conversation between Sen. Atwater's aide and yours truly, I now have his
correct email address which is: ATWATER.jeff.web@flsenate.gov

I have informed his aide that we want Sen. Atwater to do all he can to see that
SB 780 is passed and signed by the governor.

Medicare Advantage Healthcare Plans

Fl. Senator Nelson secured Medicare Advantage Health Plans for the State of Fl. in the recently passed Senate Healthcare Bill. Fl is one of only three states including Pa and Ny that will retain these plans.
Thank You, Senator Nelson.

Extra Water Valve Box

Photo actual install of extra water valves at Cambridge F. Mr. Amato is right they are in a plastic box, not above ground as shown in the November UCO Reporter, (hedge plants must be removed). Of course, you can make your own decisions on what measures are best for you, I am not convinced that duplicate valves are the magic cure for water damage.
Other recommendations from FBGGM:
- One of the best things I did on buying both my condo units was to have the under-sink and behind-toilet water valves checked and replaced where necessary. (It was covered by my extra plumbing coverage from ECM). These valves are often seized and corroded so they cannot be turned off in emergencies, I have also seen them break when main water pressure is turned on (you should crack a faucet on for water turnon so the pressure shock is not as great.)
Also:
- Replace water heater every 12 years.
- Check toilet tank flapper operation.
- Know how to use under sink turn offs.
- Turn off water and water heater when you go away.
- If you still have an old brittle plastic toilet tank it is probably time for new toilet.

Question for Cable Chairman Dave re: HDMI Cable

Hi Dave,

I recently bought a high definition TV and hooked it up to the Comcast high definition cable box. I used the HDMI cable that was recommended to me when I purchased the TV. I had problems with the picture, so I called Comcast and they sent out a Comcast repairman to check the cable box. The repairman told me that in Century Village, you do not use the HDMI cable. He said you have to use the component hookup wires (color-coded) that are supplied by Comcast. After the repairman took the HDMI cable off and put the color-coded component on the TV, it seemed to be working ok.

I thought that by using the HDMI cable, you would get the best picture clarity.

Dave, could you give me your thoughts on this?

Thank you,

Topper

Century Village CONDO OWNERS NEED TO SUPPORT SB 780

The article that is below was given to Dot Loewenstein over 2 weeks ago and I asked her
if my article could appear in the January issue of The UCO Reporter and for some unknown
reason it is not there. I feel that this article is very important for all Associations who have
experienced a unit owner walking away from the unit they own and is leaving all of their
maintenance in the hands of the other unit owners of the Association.

URGENT:
Century Village CONDO OWNERS NEED TO SUPPORT SB 780

Foreclosure Proceedings/Payment of Fees

Dear Century Village Owners:

We need to make sure that Senate Bill SB 780, filed by Senator Evelyn Lynn, will pass
through the legislature and will be signed into law by the Governor. This bill, in short,
demands that banks and mortgage companies are liable for Associations fees owned by
units from the day of the filing for foreclosure or the date that the unit owner walked
away from their unit.

See full text here: http://ccfj.net/PB10SB780.html

We heard in the last few months many complaints from owners and board members
demanding reforms because the many foreclosed units are causing serious budget
deficits and increases of Associations, HURTING ALL OWNERS.

Write Senator Lynn a Thank-You note for filing SB 780. Make sure you say how much
this bill is needed to protect the financial sanity of our community Associations. Here
is Senator Lynn's email address: lynn.evelyn.web@flsenate.gov.

You should also write Senate President Jeff Atwater that this bill is desperately needed
and that it is time to stop protecting banks at the expense of owners. BANKS got bail-
out money, our Associations did not. Tell Senator Atwater that he has to stop killing
bills that will help our Associations. He wants to be Florida's next Chief Financial
Officer. Let him know how strongly you feel about this issue. His email address is:
atwater-jeffrey.web@flsenate.gov.

WE MUST ACT NOW BEFORE THE 2010 LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS.

Lilly Roberts
nbr616@yahoo.com

Ex Citrus Trees

Do you think dead trees should be removed, painted, decorated? they have been dead over 3 years.
When we needed some removed I sent e-mail photos of ours to get estimates from Pennysaver advertisers. Jim's isn't advertising right now but he was satisfactory and reasonable.

Down the Road

Survey in the January UCO Reporter asks if you would like an excursion bus to go to museums or special events. Now the last line does say “Would you be willing/able to pay fee?” How many yes votes will that get!!
With all due respect to kind-hearted people here, are no-fee trips taking us down the road to assisted living?

Shut Down - Loud Denials

In this UCO Reporter, an article addresses the problem of rude people at meetings, in fact it is about those who interrupt other speakers; a little common courtesy is in order all around.
This is an all too common technique used also by those people who do not want to hear inconvenient facts or truth, they do not want to think or consider other points of view, just get it done their way, fast and rude.
The Pro Active Cmte was the most awful example, however, I have been shut down 5 times by UCO people lately. What is shut down - loud denial interruptions as I begin to speak before I can state facts. At the insurance cmte I was drowned out by a racist comment, another loud person, boomed that "90% of villagers' information is lies", he put his back in my face and started to leave! I go to a lot of trouble to make sure my information is current, complete, and accurate, most of it is never heard.
I am taking names of violators, do you think they even hear themselves, its just a knee jerk reaction - they should play back the tapes of the meetings.

DINING OUT ON CHRISTMAS

According to this article (click the title and it will take you to the story), these are the restaurants in Palm Beach and Broward counties that will be open on December 25. It is my understanding that Denny's and Chinese restaurants are also open that day.

JANUARY REPORTER ONLINE

The Reporter is online, three days after publication; check the sidebar. What you are looking at is a special adfree publication — orders from the brass. You can see links from our RE advertisers on the sidebar. The full Reporter should be at your doorstep by now.

"Are You On the List?" Yes or no!

I have mixed feelings about the “Are you on the List?” report in the UCO Reporter, which lists the associations that had no representation at the past month’s Delegate Assembly Meeting. Part of me thinks it’s an intrusion into each association’s own business and an uncalled for shaming of them; and part of me thinks it’s a good idea to hopefully get more participation.

My main complaint about the report, though, is that it is just plain wrong too much of the time. The January 2010 UCO Reporter says that Sheffield N had no representation at the December 4 meeting. Well, I’m sorry, I was there, and registered and got my packet of papers before going into the meeting. This is the second time Sheffield N has been marked down as not having attended when we did. But it is the third time in the past year the “Are You on the List?” report has been wrong about us. There was one Delegate Assembly Meeting that we missed, but we weren’t shown as having missed it!

I suppose we should be glad for the time we came up “respectable” when we weren’t, in that it undid some of the damage of the other two wrong calls; but what it really does is make me wonder: If the report is this wrong about our one association, how wrong has it been overall? If we’re going to have such a report—and there are differences of opinion on this—then let’s for goodness’ sake have them be accurate!

While I am at it, there is another point about this I would like to make. No delegate, not no representation, is what the report should say. I’m sure the report comes from the delegate sign-ins. Just because no delegate from an association has signed in and attended does not mean the association didn’t have representation on the part of others. Two or three others could well have attended. They could have heard everything that was said; they could have spoken up and asked questions; they could have done everything except vote.

New Paperboy In Town

This is the first month when we are putting forth with allowing maintenance companies to deliver the Reporter. Wish them luck when it comes to pass in a day or so.

UCO Ethics.

Am I alone in finding a certain amount of validity in Peter Amato’s suggestion that UCO should have an ethics committee?

(Peter Amato’s paid political advertisement, published in the latest issue of the Advocate.)

Whilst most of us realize that we are fortunate indeed to have such a dedicated group of hard working UCO volunteers, there does appear to be an ill-conceived assumption that UCO has the right, or more importantly the power, to dictate association policy.

In fact, although a minority would continue to have us believe otherwise, the reverse is true.

It is the delegates – representatives of the 309 associations that direct UCO’s budget and actions.

As UCO’s constitution recognizes, it is an advisory body staffed by volunteers.

Unfortunately, this advice is sometimes ill founded and in some cases downright unethical.

Last month, in direct conflict to its own bylaw: UCO shall not interfere with the internal affairs of any condominium association, three of its’ members chose to hold an unofficial meeting to report and instruct Southampton B residents on the now notorious recent ‘Century Village Insurance Mold Rush’.

Without the benefit of law school - and the required degree, one, I was told, instructed the meeting on specific specialized area of law.

Another, authoritarian of insurance matters - whilst pontificating over a particular case, managed to terrorize some of our more vulnerable residents with the toxicity of mold, leaving them to ponder immediate hospitalization and imminent death.

Meanwhile, the instigator of this unofficial meeting, whose motive remains unclear, rallied the residents as a direct result of an unofficial email regarding Southampton B’s Insurance. I am reliably informed she nodded approvingly of her equally unethical colleagues as each moot point was raised.

UCO President Lowenstein has chosen to ignore this transgression and perhaps he and his three associates should be reminded that illegal is not a sick bird!

Maybe now is the time remind them that being part of the UCO hierarchy does not exonerate them from accountability as their counterparts in the Insurance Scandal of Century Village Deerfield Beach have discovered to their cost.

Perhaps too, as the UCO delegates consider their vote for the March election they should reflect that the best people for the job are seldom the ones who shriek and scream the loudest. They are the ones who consider their advice carefully, recognize its implications as well as their own limitations and do not abuse the trust that residents have placed with them.

Along with the many other ‘interesting’ points raised by Mr. Amato the suggestion of an ethics committee sounds like a valid one.

LTR?

went to UCO office per directive from one of my assn bd members because I wanted to know what is LTR? life time resident and needed to understand what that entailed, entitled, etc. My elderly mom living w/ me/name not on deed/ she is severly arthritic and is not happy about having to get her ID renewed at clubhouse each year as it entails a PalmTran trip ----she is in wheelchair.
So I go to UCO; gentleman describes to me exactly what bd member told me and I sign a clipboard/wait my turn. Lovely lady asks me was my mother ever investigated and I said yes of course when I was purchasing. Lovely lady said well that's it - your assn will renew her every year and she gets new ID/ no such form as LTR - doesn't exist. doesn't mean anything.

(big breath here) so I am asking ----what does that LTR that I see after some neighbors names mean? afford? etc ---they are persons who are not owners---I am just trying to determine if there is some way to avoid the mom having to get new ID every year as it becomes more and more difficult for her. Thanks.

........................................................................................................................
Your BLOGMEISTER responds:

I spoke to Anita Cruze this morning, 17 Dec. 2009. I am pleased to advise that this is a solved problem. WPRF has a program in place wherein the ID Office will send a camera man to your unit to take the yearly photo.

Simply call the ID Office and advise them of the Handicap situation.


Dave Israel

Speaking of Century Village on TV

This YouTube bundle includes an old commercial for Century Village Boca in the 80s. You'll have to have patience because a couple of other adverts are up front.

It Came from 24 Camden A

This month's Reporter will have two full pages of your tributes to Irv Lazar, plus a front page honoring our beloved editor. You'll want to save a copy forever, just as you have your Palm Beach Post (or any other newspaper) the day Obama was inaugurated.

Century Village Pools

Which
Century Village pools are the friendliest, do not include those which are restricted to a specific association, thank you.

RESEARCH RESOURCES

Hi All,

Please note in the Sidebar the addition of a Link to numerous Sites which you may find useful from time to time.

Please have a look and Comment on your opinions as to the list usefulness and how it may be improved.

Dave Israel

Century Village Lights

New pics for the slide show. These can be seen around Kent. If everyone uses their own different/various lights it is quite exotic.

Thanks, support of our troops

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html
This website gives you the opportunity to send a free pre-printed postcard to U.S. Military serving overseas showing your support and appreciation.
Seems insufficient, makes you think what else you could be doing.

Same Healthcare for Congress/Senate

Normally I would never pass along these 'everyone requests', BUT
Congressman John Fleming ( Louisiana physician) has a non-binding resolution expressing the opinion that congressmen and senators should voluntarily take the same healthcare plan they force on us HRES 615 (under proposed legislation they are curiously exempt).
Congressman Fleming is encouraging people to go on his Website and
sign his petition (very simple - just email).
I have immediately done just that at:
http://fleming.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=55�iontree=29,55

FACTS ABOUT THE VENTNOR B LAWSUIT

The story is simple: On July 7, 2005 a fire destroyed the condo building located in Century Village East (CVE) in Deerfield Beach -- a large retirement community. The condo documents required a policy of "Payment of Full Replacement Value."
More than 4 years later many families are still homeless. The policy that was signed by CVE and COOCVE, two umbrella organizations supposedly in charge of taking care of this kind of business for the single associations, was not paying full replacement value, leaving the owners short of rebuilding their homes.
Please read the whole story: THE FACTS ABOUT THE VENTNOR B LAWSUIT -- AS SAD AS THEY MAY BE! at:
http://www.ccfj.net/CCFJVentnorBlawsuit.htm
This paragraph of the lawsuit tells the whole story in a few words:
28. The reckless acts and omissions of Defendants by and through their officers and directors and/or agents were committed in bad faith and in a manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property, wherein "MIRV" was the actually level of insurance required on the property.

Picnic Island (Duck Island)

A cloudy day in Century Village is still great. The picnic barbeque area is renovated, equipped, and ready for you. Good for large and small groups to enjoy, not just for birds. Great job of getting it completed by VP Frank Cornish.
- click on photo to enlarge

IRV LAZAR

This morning, December 3 at 5:00 am, Century Village has lost a giant of a man. His name is Irv Lazar. Irv was in Morse rehab for two weeks due to a heart attack at the airport. He ran the UCO Reporter for approximately 20 years. The Reporter was his life.

In earlier life, around the age of 20, he served in the Navy during the Second World War, as a radioman with the Naval gun crews that were on the cargo ships. The Navy recognized his value and sent him to school. When he finished, they made him the paymaster on board an aircraft carrier. He was proud to say that he never had to use his guns. When the aircraft carrier would land at ports, even if they were foreign, they could exchange checks for money, Irv would be instructed to go to the bank and give them a check and take home the cash. They also supplied him with a jeep and a bodyguard and a sidearm, which he was always proud to say he never put a bullet in the gun.

He was married to Miriam in 1945. She was the love of his life. They had two sons and raised their family in Brooklyn, NY.

I met him when I dropped my son John off at the UCO Reporter when John was volunteering to use the computer to print the paper. One day, Irv and I started to talk, and he asked me what kind of work I did during my working years, and I replied, I was a Linotype operator/proofreader for a number of the New York City newspapers.

We went out to eat lunch practically every Saturday. My wife and I were very close to him and Mimi. Irv was loved by all that he ran across. From then till now, we will miss him deeply.

Joe, June and John Saponaro

Plumber Needed

My water heater is original. I have a contract with ECM, but they will only replace if it leaks. Can anyone recommend a reliable, resonable plumber to replace my current water heater? Also, ECM has raised my contract price considerably. What other service companies are in the Village, and can anyone suggest an alternative to ECM?
Thanks, Bob

Sleepless in Century Village

For all of you who are being kept awake by the jackhammer clanging tonight near the turnpike entrance (Windsor, Camden, Wellington, Northampton, Berkshire - even moi in Sussex) the Sheriff came to Century Village in response to many complaints. The work is being pushed because funding will be lost if work is not completed this year!!
Who knows how long this will go on?

Wildlife Preserve Report

No dead fish, lots of riccardia and daisies not mown. No fierce critters.

Defense De Fence

The wildlife preserve is now protected from vehicular traffic.

Century Village FISH KILL REVISITED

LEFT CLICK TO SUPERSIZE

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BLOGGER Alan Roth has researched the recent Century Village Fish Kill at the Florida Wildlife Research Institute Site. Alan States:

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"Although several reports have been filed, the disaster is being blamed on a cold front which lowered the O2 level in the water. In any case I have been informed that there will be no Florida water testing of our lake as we are a private entity not open to the public."

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I find this response from FWRI unsatisfying, as our lakes empty over a weir into the Lake Worth Drainage District; and thence by circuitous route to Lake Okeechobee.

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REF: http://research.myfwc.com/fishkill/

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Interesting, if not dispositive; my only remaining question, does the sprayed substance contain Rotenone; a know piscicide, selective for Threadfin Shad, (I believe the only identified species in our Century Village event); leaving other species unharmed.

Thanks for the fine research Howard.

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Dave Israel

MR LEVY SR. - RE MARKETING CENTURY VILLAGE

At the Executive Board Meeting yesterday Mr Levy Sr. relayed his concerns about the growing problem of unit owners not paying dues. Century Village is not alone concerning this issue , it's happening to private gated communities all over Fl.
This not only effects his profits but also the value of each Century Village unit. The more units not paying dues to Assocs. and WPRF the sooner Century Village becomes a blighted area (my words ,not his). Mr. Levy would like to Re Market Century Village in NY, Pa, Conn. and NJ , by doing so, raise the RE values of Century Village and keep his investment sound.
To Re Market, Mr Levy will be seeking a legislative initiative allowing him to Re Market his old developments in Fl., which under Fl law he is prohibited from doing. I don't know all the legalities of this prohibition but it would be in Century Village's interest to help him get legislation passed, enabling him to market Century Village .
What better person to Market Century Village than the man who had the foresight to develop CV and also the man who has a large financial interest to preserve. (MR LEVY WILL BE CHARGING 2% OF GROSS SALES PRICE PER UNIT FOR HIS RE MARKETING EFFORTS.) This is cheap, if he can turn the CV RE market around.
I would hope the UCO BOARD will be monitoring the Levy Initiative and be prepared to help in anyway it can. Century Village is a great place, let's preserve it.
Mike

Question

I have a question about the blogger welcome to century village start page. Why is the UCO Sign or is it my pc, it is way off center. The same with the flags they are off center too on my pc.

DAVID FOR PRESIDENT

I heard you are running for President of UCO....I hope people will support you and tell their delegates to vote for you.....THE VERY BEST OF LUCK...

ATT Digging Holes

Does anyone know what all the holes dug by ATT are for? They seem to be in front of every building in Sheffield. Thanks.

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Your BLOGMEISTER replies:

Hi Peter,

AT&T is installing Fiber Optic cable which will support the U-Verse system.
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In due course, AT&T will offer CV residents IP (Internet Protocol) Telephone and High Speed Internet. Maximum data rates for U-verse are currently 10Mbps downstream and 1.5Mbps upstream.
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Comcast is well aware of this development and in about one year intends to offer Internet data rates up to 50 million bits per second. The competition will be welcome and interesting.
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REF: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2348483,00.asp
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Dave Israel

Breakaway Signs

Question for VP Marshall/UCO: How are our new street signs anchored to the ground. I would have thought hunk of concrete but this sign shows just metal pole, easily displaced.
At least someone did not crash the gate, however, the grass skid and sign show someone manage to drive at right angles to the flow of traffic. Maybe they came directly out of Windsor and across all lanes veering right! this is Okee 4-way, South & West Drives.

SHOWS, DANCES, MOVIES AND CLASSES - UPDATES

Hi all,

Don't miss the December information, Links in the Sidebar.

Dave Israel

What Fish, What Raft?

The main concentrations of birds and dead fish have been around the raft that was operating the dredge for geotube filling. Click to enlarge. Early morning photo makes it hard to see turkey vultures but they are there. The dead fish are also scattered widely around our waterways - my opinion, they were trying to swim away from something. First photo was Wednesday, the others are today.

CENTURY VILLAGE GOLF COURSE

Hi all,
Lindy Markham placed the following Comment in the old BLOG today.
It is very relevant to the current debate on the property.
Dave Israel
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The free-market fact remains that Mr. Waldman bought the property and he owns it. He therefore has the right to do with it what he wants, irrespective of what the CV residents want.
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I have been appalled at the lack of understanding of this basic principle of our republic, the right to property. It's my understanding that CV had the opportunity to buy the property and declined to do so.
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So why are those non-owners now demanding that they have the right to determine what Mr. Waldman can do with his own property that he purchased with his own money??
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If we want him to show respect for our property, are we then not obligated to show respect for his?
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If you want to control the property, then pony up for the purchase price. This is the way we do it in America, we are not the United Socialist States of America with communal ownership of property... At least not yet.
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Nov 27, 2009 3:12:00 PM

PS.... Yes, Waldman is in it "for profit", as is every other business entity in this country. Without profit, businesses don't employ people, can't give them health and retirement benefits, can't expand, can't do ANYTHING that keeps our economy strong.
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The profit motive doesn't necessarily presuppose lying, although they aren't mutually exclusive in all cases.
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BUT... If "profit" is such a reprehensible motive, there are a number of non-profit-oriented economies which may welcome those who despise "profit". Cuba, Russia, Angola, and other countries come to mind. And they have such a high standard of living and so much personal freedom, too.

TURKEY DAY

My family and I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving day.
We are going along with the adage of being "better late than never."

CV Birding Trail

OK fuzzy pics but we have flocks of birds, especially on the Center Lagoon today, due west from Clubhouse. The birds and racoons are not eating the dead fish, but they like the 'drunken' fish that swim near the surface! Anhingas, wood storks, egrets, green herons, tricolors, great blues .. fish are shad.
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Your BLOGMEISTER adds:

I have filed an alert with SFWMD (South Florida Water Management District).
If you share my concerns and those of other residents, please file your own alert.

SFWMD "Contact Us" form is to be found as follows:

http://www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/levelthree/contact%20us

Dave Israel

Palm Beach Steeplechase

Nov 28th - I have the hat but not the $75, how muddy will it be this year?
http://www.palmbeachsteeplechase.com/main.cfm

FISH + SEX - OXYGEN = FISH KILL

We have been receiving calls about many dead fish in our lakes. Our CAM Rodger Carver has researched this matter and has been in communication with Lake and Wetland Management, and they have been studying our big lake . The fish have been identified as Shad and the most likely cause is related to spawning and a resulting increased need for oxygen. It should be pointed out specifically, that there is no indication of any sort of toxicity being involved.

A very informative publication of the University of Florida Extension Service may prove instructive:

REF: http://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/circpdffolder/fish_kill_LR.pdf

We continue to monitor the condition of the lakes.

Dave Israel

PS: In response to the concerns of our residents, I have sent an alert to the SFWMD (South Florida Water Management District). if you share the concern, please add your voice to mine and file your own alert. The "Contact Us" form is to be found as follows:

http://www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/levelthree/contact%20us

Dave Israel

Best Paint Scheme in CV '09

(Admin Note)Additional research indicates that the correct designator for the color is "Chemo Puke Green".

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This is my annual choice for best paint scheme in CV. Southampton B is a nicely balanced selection of subdued celadon, celery, and avocado. I apologize that my camera refused to show the tile panel as green, it is, but also reflective. Using the tile panels to key the colors works very well.
For the record the trend for bright colors has reversed. The pea-green-boat bldg is now vanilla, the bold-blue bldg now has only blue trim, the after-dinner-mint bldg is cream. Special mention to Dover gold trim, no more pepto bismol pink - whew.

Dot and Dan

Did UCO Reporter Editor, Dot Lowenstein, make a Freudian slip in Dan Gladstone’s latest column with the picture caption of: "Evidence of water damage by Mr. Gladstone"?

After all, you don’t need to be a member of Mensa to realize that when you have water cascading from a toilet tank the first priority is to reach for the shut off valve and not the camera!!!

WHERE ARE YOU??????????

WHERE ARE YOU??????????

At times all of us criticize and have complaints about what goes on in the Village as a result of the Officers and Executive Board motions and activities. Here is your opportunity to help change and be a part of what occurs:

But you have to RUN FOR OFFICE.

Its time you ACT...... Write a bio giving a short history of what you've done before coming to CV and what you have done since living here in Paradise:

1) You must live here a minimum of nine months out of the year,
2) You must be a member of UCO,.
3) And if running for the Executive Board volunteer to serve on two committees.

Bring the bio stating what you are running for, along with a picture, into the UCO office. A form affirming the requirements is at the office for you to sign.

All positions except two vice presidents are open for a new candidate. Those are the president, two vice presidents, two secretaries, the treasurer and the entire executive board.

Do not wait to the last minute to get your bio into the office.

DO IT NOW AND GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL

UNIDENTIFIED GREEN LIZARD

Unidentified Green Reptile seen in Greenbrier Circle

Left click to supersize

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Can anyone identify this little creature?

Dave Israel

GROCERY SHOPPING BY COMPUTER

Too whatever to go to Publix? There's a site for that: Click the title and go to alice.com, the online supermarket! (Also click here for a list of other shopping sites.)

Banks & Mortgage Co's will be liable for Assoc. Fees

URGENT from CCFJ: Folks, no matter where you stand on association reform -- no matter if you want the boards to have more power or less; no matter if you are a board member or an owner; no matter if you want fair elections or not, you need to make sure that Senate Bill S 780, yesterday filed by Senator Evelyn Lynn, will pass through the legislature and will be signed into law by the Governor!
This bill, in short, demands that banks and mortgage companies are liable for association fees owed by units/homes from the day of the filing for foreclosure. The bill provides for retroactive application.
For full letter click title or -
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ATalJt5o753oZGZmbThxNzZfMjBmZDI1eHpjZw&hl=en

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that UCO has its own building? The United Civic Organization meets just outside the Village at 2102 West Drive, Mon-Thu from 9-1, Fri from 12-4. For the benefit of those of you reading this, the building at Camden A is exclusively the domain of the Reporter. If you're not reading this now, ask someone the web address so you can get on when you get a chance.

Have a seat, no thanks!

Have you seen the 2 benches at the bus stops just inside our Haverhill entrance. Did the Transportation Cmte design those? Did anyone follow District 4 Transit Facilities Guidelines, or any of the plentiful Florida and DOT design plans? We are, after all, a small city.
A guard thought they were basically rest areas for walkers. I would not sit on the incoming bench. Sitting there my toes would be 2 feet from the traveled portion of the road and there is not even a curb. Guidelines for benches are: that they should be more than 10 feet back from the road and should have a 6" curb as well. Of course our car drivers would never wander 2 feet over!!
Generally accident data show that bus stops are not a good idea on the near side of an intersection and traffic light - on the plus side our drivers say there is no one at those stops, out of 5 drivers they have seen a total of 3 riders there in the past month.
There is already a rest bench close to the guard house, and bus stops at the 4-way. Did we really need more? Safety Cmte!
PS Did you know there are anti-vagrant benches, they have bars to prevent laying on them.

ORANGE JUICE IS EVIL

You heard me right (and if you don't believe me right, click on the link): Orange juice is a sleeper agent that pretends to nutritiously wake you up, but it's an insidious source of sugar, just like soda. (The same is true with all juices.)

GATE CRASHING CONTINUES

Hi all,

Have you noticed the new, big red stop sign at the gates?

It did not help in the case of the tailgating, shown in the video above; please wait for the gate arm to come back down

after the vehicle in front goes through. Then proceed slowly to allow the system to recognize your transponder and raise the gate.

Thanks to Major Jeff for the Video.

Dave Israel

Thanksgiving dinner at clubhouse?

a neighbor just told me thanksgiving dinner will be served at the Clubhouse--I think she said ticket $8? does anyone know the details?

redcross holiday cards for heroes

If anyone is interested--www.redcross.org/holidaymail - asking for holiday cards for servicemen and women/ families and vets -

Porte Cochere Landscaping

Whatever is happening to the plants along the front of the porte cochere at the clubhouse! They are hacked and dying or dead. Water shortage? These plants were beautifully chosen so they would need NO TRIMMING for height!! Ferns, Ti, iris, and small palms all have graceful fronds that need very little attention. They are not intended to be butchered into short mounds or a square hedge, that ruins their look!!! Beautification and Operations should go see. Even a tall palm is damaged probably by someone on a ladder.
It looks awful and has probably cost us a bundle.

COMCAST TO BUY NBC

Comcast, our cable provider, will purchase the NBC broadcast network and its cable holdings (click title). They include USA (home of Monk), Sci-Fi (now known as "SyFy"), The Weather Channel (complete with a morning show starring Al Roker), Oxygen (nicer chick flicks than Lifetime if you can find it), Bravo (they had some unreal reality shows), and their news channels. Wonder if those free movies on Channel 1 are still going to be that way next year.

DO NOT CALL LIST WARNING

Do not listen to email warnings telling you that you have to renew your Do Not Call List registration! According to this article (click title), once you roll up, it's forever.

Birds Flying

Birds Flying, something you don't see every day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1V7jBMXLvk

What is Zumba

According to channel 63 tomorrow, Monday at 5pm Hastings, first Zumba class is free trial. Aerobic, low impact, latin rhythms. Also online http://www.zumba.com/us/
Merengue, Conga, Flamenco, Reggae - I assume we would tone it down a little from online version. Aerbsdf

HALLOWEEN DANCE AT CV CLUBHOUSE

Spam, elegrocery, spam

Hotmail is seeing accounts being "hijacked" by spammers who send emails out advertising various, to your whole contact list. I got some.
elegrocery.com is SCAM SPAM PHISH.

Veterans Freebies

Applebees offers free entree on Wed Nov 11 to all veterans and active duty Military. 11am - midnight
Golden Corral free buffet+ Nov 16, from 5-9pm to all veterans and active duty Military. The event is not on Veterans Day so it does not interfere with those activities.
Outback Steakhouse, free bloomin' onion and beverage, Vet day, all veterans and active duty Military.
Krispy kreme free donuts, Vet Day, all veterans and active duty Military.
True from Snopes.com

Delegate Assembly Posted

Hi all,

Please note that we have posted the November 6th., 2009 Delegate Assembly Video in the Sidebar under UCO services.

Please click on the link to view the tape.

Dave Israel

Neither wind nor rain... nor more wind ...

Note the billowing on the Clubhouse cover today, they are determined to complete the fumigation job this week. We wish them well.
Barbara, Maurice, and the resident anhingas.

Search/Nominations Committee

The Search/Nominations Committee, formerly known as the Nominating Committee, is actively seeking candidates to run in the 2010 UCO election of Officers and Executive Board.
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All positions are available, except for two Vice Presidents. Anyone meeting the requirements is eligible.
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To run for an office, you must be a Century Village resident for at least nine months in each year, be a UCO member, and your maintenance payments to your Association must be up-to-date.
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To run for the Executive Board, you must attest to the same terms as those running for an office, and declare your readiness to serve on at least two committees.
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A form is in the UCO office for the candidate to sign affirming these conditions. Please write a short bio; include education, work, UCO, and Century Village experience, your name, address and phone number, typed on an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper, attach a picture and the signed Agreement Form, and bring them into the UCO office.
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The deadline for this is January 4th, but we'd appreciate it if you would bring them to UCO as soon as possible.

The method by which a nomination may be made from the floor at the Delegate's Meeting has also been changed. Providing that the requirements are met, anyone may be nominated, but it must be by a delegate and seconded by another delegate.

Elections will occur in March and the slate will be read in February, at which time nominations from the floor may be made. Within a very few days after the February Delegate's Meeting, all bios will be published in the REPORTER.

WE ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO IS READY, WILLING AND ABLE TO BECOME A CANDIDATE AND GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL.
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Roberta Boehm-Fromkin