Home Instead Senior Care, Mary Maxwell

Long version for a rainy day



For a shorter version - Click on this web site:http://www.caregiverstress.com/2010/07/a-reminder-that-laughter-is-the-best-medicine/

Let's NOT add HBO channels

I want to put my plug in for the Village’s NOT accepting Comcast’s latest offer for adding the HBO channels. I understand this will come up for vote this Friday (October 1) at the delegates meeting. The Executive Board by vote advises against it.

Comcast formerly offered the addition of eight HBO channels for $5.71 ($5.00 plus tax and fees) per month per unit. This was turned down twice by the delegate assembly. Now Comcast has sweetened the pot by saying they will give everyone the first five months of HBO free, plus throw in approximately $39,000 for the Village to use as it wishes.

This $39,000 looks good until you divide it by 7000, the approximate number of units in the Village, and realize it effectively amounts to only $5.57 per unit. Yes, the $39,000 can be used for anything, and people will say, “Boy, we sure could use it for this or for that.” But in terms of any further relief it would give to us re cable TV costs, it’s like Comcast is saying, “Okay, instead of giving you only the first five months of HBO free, we’ll give you six months.” This is a drop in the bucket when one considers that there are 9 years remaining in our 10-year Comcast contract.

Our 10-year contract provides for a 5% increase every year after the first year. Our monthly per-unit rate in 2010 was artificially low because when the 10-year contract was negotiated, we got a “signing bonus.” Some of this was set aside, on advice of attorney, in case we should need it to pay taxes later. A significant portion of the remainder was used to make the 2010 cable TV cost less for every unit. It was NOT used, spread out, to reduce the cost per unit for all 10 years of the contract.

If we sign onto the latest HBO offer, our cable TV cost per unit will undergo THREE increases in 2011: the increase from the artificially-low 2010 rate to the original, “true” 2010 rate; the HBO increase (after the “freebie” months); and the added five percent, which applies across the board to everything.

As pointed out at the Executive Board meeting, the old HBO channels ran the same movie for a month. This is so chintzy! So we get eight channels instead of three—of these, at least one is a Spanish channel, which is nice for the Spanish speaking but reduces the total to, at the most, seven channels for the English-only speaking.

As was further pointed out at the Executive Board meeting, our snowbirds (who constitute nearly half the Village) pay for cable TV year round, which is burden enough on them. Accepting the HBO offer will only add to their burden. When we vote, especially since most of them are not now here, I suggest we keep them in mind, and keep in mind also those who can barely keep their heads financially above water.

I think the Cable TV Committee did the best job it could in negotiating the new contract over a year ago and deserves our thanks. But I am for drawing the line at adding HBO. If I am wrong in any of the data presented here, please correct me. Thanks.

Medical Marijuana

Hi Stoners,

Since Weed Brownie mania has engulfed CV, is it time for a Medical Marijuana shop in the Medical Bldg ?

Mike

Thx to Mother Nature

Thank you for prompt clean up of squashed rabbit on W. Drive this morning by Turkey Vultures, Inc.
Thanks to Birds American Idol, the mockingbirds that have been displaying and singing outside my windows. An astonishing range of liquid songs. Better than nightingales. Sometimes they sing at night too – just beautiful.

http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Florida/state_bird_FL.html

Thanks for CV Perfume, night blooming jasmine and white blossom vines over the Windsor S. Canal (don’t know what they are – like honeysuckle perfume)
UCO Budget Line $0 even better.

Okee Library Branch Crowded

Reason: The Main Library, located at 3650 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, is closed for renovations. The 9-month project includes lots of changes. Some of the materials and special services available only at the Main Library will be temporarily located at the Lantana Road Branch. For more information about these services, please call 561-233-2600.

can movies be shown on channel 63

Can the movies that are shown in the club house also be shown on channel 63 . I think that would be a good thing. I dont mean at the same time that it is in the club house, or maybe at the same time. If it could happen I think it would be a nice thing.

INVESTIGATIONS

Some disturbing news has come my way, with regard to the type of investigation
conducted for thoese who wish to purchase a unit, ( full financial & criminal report)
while those who choose to rent a unit, only undergo the financial portion..
The fee I believe is the same, which is not the issue.. The fact that a criminal
report is not sought or furnished is....Surely the resident's security is at risk,
should they have by chance a neighbour who has a criminal past.
I would suggest at this particular point in time, the same criteria apply.

CAPITALISM - A Love Story

This DVD is very compelling. It is by Michael Moore. In it he shows both
political parties. It is a movie that capitalizes on the populist anger that
Americans are feeling. Some scenes are very shocking but I highly recommend
that you watch it.

CORE DOCUMENTS LIST GROWS

Hi all,


We have added the following Documents to the sidebar:


BILATERAL AGREEMENT


ROADWAY AGREEMENT, QUIT CLAIM, EASEMENT, AMENDMENT

UCO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Suggestions for additional documents would be appreciated.

Dave Israel

CV BABY BOOMER CRUISE

Left Click the image to enlarge and print

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This cruise is open to all, not just CV Boomers

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Dave Israel

CORE DOCUMENTS

Hi all,
On many occasions, here in UCO, we are asked for certain documents that form the basis of governance here in Century Village.

We have decided to try to provide direct access to the key documents of interest, based on the frequency of requests, interest and importance; starting with "The Millennium Amendment to the Long Term Lease"

The documents may be directly accessed from the Sidebar under the heading "Core Documents"

MILLENNIUM AMENDMENT TO THE LONG TERM LEASE

The documents are fully searchable and may be downloaded and printed if  so desired.

Please have a look and tell us what you think in the comment stream.
Also please enter other documents that you might like to see added to the Sidebar list.

Dave Israel

Voter Amendmen t#4

I received a flyer from the Century Village Democratic Party. They have printed out the amendments coming up for a vote in November. They are telling people to vote NO for amendment #4. In short as I understand it the land use plan would require voter approval of comprehensive development proposals that conflict with already established land use plans. A NO vote would continue the current method of land use planning as estabished by the legislature. Would maintain the current level of public input and would maintain the status quo for lobbyists to influence decisions of local elected officials on land use plans. I don't want some lobbyist to influence the planning of the golf course. I would rather the village vote NO to developers who want to build houses on the golf course. What are these people thinking? In a referendum we would have the say to developers. Do I not understand the amendment or are these people nuts? Was this not discussed at the last golf course meeting? I thought we needed a yes vote to keep the wolves away from the door.

CAMDEN POOL REOPEN

Hi all,

We are advised by WPRF, Inc. that the Camden pool is now open.

Dave Israel

FREE FLU SHOTS

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Left click to enlarge and print

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Dave Israel

DIVISION OF MOTOR VECHICLE CANCELS VISIT

Hi all,

The planned visit by Florida DMV has been cancelled!

The event was planned for Friday 24 Sept. in the clubhouse!

We will advise if and when this event is rescheduled.

Dave Israel

OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING

Hi all,
There will be a special meeting of the Operations Committee without WPRF present:

Day:.....................Friday
Date:....................September 24, 2010
Time:...................11:00am
Place:...................UCO Conference room

Dave Israel
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LATE NOTICED MEETING

Hi All,

Sorry folks for the late notice--meeting is tomorrow at 10:00 am at UCO.

INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING 9-21-2010

Dave Israel
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PROPERTY TAX PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Hi all,
Gary Nikolits, Property Appraiser, Palm Beach County, answers questions on our Property taxes in the following 10 minute video:

http://cvbitbucket.blogspot.com/2010/09/property-appraiser-real-estate-tax-psa.html

See also link in sidebar under Public Service announcements

Thanks to the Channel 63 team for data conversion services.
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Dave Israel
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Wicca ( Since David I asked)

Wicca (pronounced [ˈwɪkə]) is a Neopagan religion and a form of modern witchcraft. It is often referred to as Witchcraft or the Craft[1] by its adherents, who are known as Wiccans or Witches. Its disputed origins lie in England in the early 20th century,[2] though it was first popularised during the 1950s by Gerald Gardner, a retired British civil servant, who at the time called it the "witch cult" and "witchcraft", and its adherents "the Wica".[3] From the 1960s the name of the religion was normalised to "Wicca".[4]
Wicca is typically a duotheistic religion, worshipping a Goddess and a God, who are traditionally viewed as the Triple Goddess and Horned God. These two deities are often viewed as being facets of a greater pantheistic Godhead, and as manifesting themselves as various polytheistic deities.

Wicca Meeting

The Wiccans will be seeking to hold meeting on Duck Island in the near future . Those wishing to learn and participate in The Craft are welcome.

DEMOCRATS

Vote CRIST,
MEEKS cannot beat RUBIO . CRIST can get Republican and Independent votes to beat RUBIO , MEEKS cannot. FL. Seniors cannot afford to have a Right Winger elected to the US Senate . Think about it CVers, SS and Medicare are at stake

OUR BUSSES IN ACTION - TAKE A TRIP

SHERIFF'S NIGHT OUT

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Left click on image to enlarge

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Dave Israel

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DMV AT THE CLUBHOUSE

CANCELLED!!!!!!!!!!!!

ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24 BETWEEN 10AM AND 2PM THE MOTOR VEHICLE BUREAU WILL BE IN ROOM C AT THE CLUBHOUSE. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RENEW YOUR LICENSE OR FLORIDA I.D. AND UPDATE OTHER DOCS. PLEASE BRING ALL ORIGINAL I.D.'S AND DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR THIS .

PLEASE PASS THE WORD AROUND TO OTHERS THAT MAY NEED THIS ASSISTANCE.

SINCE WE CANNOT GET THE REPORTER TO BE READY BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH AS IT WAS IN THE PAST IT IS A BIT DIFFICULT TO GET THE WORD OUT FOR EVENTS THAT ARE NEAR THE END OF THE MONTH. AGAIN, PLEASE PASS THE WORD. THANK YOU

CANCELLED!!!!!!!!!!!

Driver Safety Course

Will a course be given at the Clubhouse in the next 10 months ?
Thanks , Mike

THE OTHER CERT AND NATIONAL SECURITY

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Hi all,
Within the wiring diagram of the Department of Homeland Security one can find US CERT:
United States – Computer Emergency Readiness Team:

REF: http://www.us-cert.gov/

One of the many vulnerabilities that threaten the Security of the United States is that of the National Command Authority (NCA) dependence upon computers and the World Wide Web (WWW). The use of Computers and the INTERNET is so pervasive within the Government, that a successful penetration and crashing of the Cyber infrastructure would be nothing less than devastating to the Security of our Nation.

One of the important tools in gauging Vulnerabilities is the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), developed by NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology (nee National Bureau of Standards).

REF: http://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/search

Do you believe, for example, in the myth that Internet Explorer is the most unsafe INTERNET browser? Well I invite you to go to the NVD and plug in the name of your browser, be it Firefox, Chrome, Seamonkey…Whatever, and see what comes up!

Please check all of the data base boxes and search for the past three years; you are in for a surprise.

Also, the site leads to many other interesting Computer Security locations so please browse around, using whatever vulnerable browser you use! And no, LINUX will not protect you!

Dave Israel
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SAMPLE ROAD - FESTIVAL FLEA MARKET

There will be NO bus to wellington/walmart on November 22, 2010

There will be NO bus to Delray on November 24, 2010

INSTEAD

We will be leaving at 9:30am for Festival Flea Market, November 22, 2010
Sign up will be allowed as of October 18th at the security desk
at the clubhouse. We WILL take a waiting list.
we will leave the flea market at 2:30 pm

UCO Transportation

CAMDEN POOL CLOSED FOR REPAIRS.

Hi All,

UCO has been advised by W.P.R.F., Inc. that the Camden pool will be closed for repairs, probably until Wednesday.

Dave Israel
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Hardly a Bump

Unobtrusive signs, huh. The bump itself is very unobtrusive.
Which committee breeds signs? I suppose its code again.
This is follow-on from another thread.

Budget review meeting

Tomorrow is the budget review meeting. I wonder how many of the unit owners who want the OVPU will come to this meeting to participate in one of the most important meetings of the year. I am not talking about the committee that is working to get this vote for the unit owners. They will probably be there. I am talking about the unit owners who say: “They want a voice”. We can’t even get a full delegates meeting. If 500 non board member unit owners showed up I would be much more sympathetic to the whole OVPU issue.

9-11 Flags to half staff

Hi all,
If you control an American Flag, don't forget those who died on that awful day of terror!
Dave Israel
..........................................................
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."
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NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2008, as Patriot Day. I call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services, to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
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GEORGE W. BUSH
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OVPU - Costs and other considerations

Hi all,

What happened in the scant few months between overwhelming approval by the Delegate Assembly for UCO to pursue OVPU; and the same group’s angst ridden refusal to approve funds to make it happen at the 3 September meeting?
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What happened, simply stated, was that the Delegates learned that it would cost money!
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Well, now hear this! My stated estimate of the cost was totally wrong; my anticipation of a one thousand dollar bill from our attorney was way off. The actual bill came in on Wednesday 08 Sept. and is in fact $3875.00 (49 cents per unit)!
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For what it is worth, I am personally in favor of OVPU, I feel that it is the American Democratic way to elect our officials. I know that our representative governance model works to a point, although our Board of Directors (Delegate Assembly) is a bit unwieldy, but I feel that the National model for election of President is a superior procedure. Having said this, I do certainly take note of the fact that many of our unit owners simply cannot afford the costs associated with such efforts.
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Another point needs to be considered, if UCO was recast as a Master Association (It certainly operates like one), it would then function under Florida Statute FS-718 and then it’s Officers would be elected just as they are in our Associations; OVPU. That conversion, to a Master Association, would cost many thousands of dollars in legal fees.
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Well, all things considered, it does appear as though OVPU is moribund, but if history is any judge, I suspect that it will arise again in one form or another; I await the will of the electorate!


Dave Israel
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Kiddie Pools

There used to be signs at each gate of area pools “No-one under 16yrs” eminently clear. Were they removed for a code reason!? Now you have to find the regulations sign inside the pool area, read down to reg # 8 - easy to overlook.

Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form

I just came back from my insurance agent. I showed the new mitigation form I was given. We had our whole association mitigated in 2009. That report says our Roof to Wall Attachment is single wraps. The new mitigation for roof only says and shows pictures with clips. I was told we would probably get a $40. - $50. increase because single wraps are better. I am in a garden condo and all that she checked on in the garden condos have clips. She suggested I take the new report and we leave all as is. I guess if we did not have a mitigation done before I may have gotten a decrease but if you have a past mitigation report on file with the insurance company then you should check to see if your report says you have clips or wrap arounds as it will make a difference

is there breath left on ovpu?

i had a very interesting conversation with some folks today .folks that really are into what this village is really about. they seem to think that we let ovpu die too quickly. what do you think? maybe we should bring it back when the snowbirds get back and have a town hall meeting?

i personally felt beat up after the delegate assembly last week and i went home ,had an adult beverage and thought about how the count of votes at the assembly was not correct. there were more votes that were not counted around the room and how many times must we tell delegates to sit in the front when a vote needs to be taken? we should have had a roll call vote.

i respect all the opinions that were heard but i want to know how many of you out there think we have a shot at bringing back the issue of one vote per unit? if there are enough of us we will wait until season and call a town meeting. what do you think of that?

The "swearing" in the sidebar

Have you ever noticed the odd characters in the left sidebar of the blog, where there are partial quotes from blogs and comments? It looks like swearing, but of course I know it is not. Here are some samples from today, but you will have to check the actual sidebar, because I cannot make them appear on this blog:

Hi all, Let's start with Realtors who are low-balling our unit owners into "giving away" there units

Mike:I'm with you.

It won't tease me,

At first I thought these characters replaced words, but it appears (from this small sampling) they do not, and that they only replace apostrophes or quotation marks, although maybe some other punctuation marks get replaced as well. It would be interesting to notice.

One of these days someone will dream up a really great posting or comment that if quoted in the sidebar will make it look like a heap of swearing was intended. For now, how about the following, which is pretty mild:

What makes life frustrating for UCO? It is sometimes the CV owners' lack of participation.

I would be interested to see what happens to that apostrophe if anyone would like to put the above sentence in the sidebar.

WHY ARE REALTY VALUES SO LOW IN CV?

Hi all,
The following URL is but one site listing Foreclosures for sale in CV:

http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Century-Village-FL/123902_rid/26.724469,-80.10537,26.706146,-80.15219_rect/14_zm/#/homes/for_sale/Century-Village-FL/fsba,fore_lt/123902_rid/priced_sort/26.724469,-80.10537,26.706146,-80.15219_rect/14_zm/

Have a look and then ask what is going on here in CV and how far will it go?

Don't stop at page 1, work thru the list and see some of the prices listed.

Dave Israel

Condo Prices in CV West Palm Beach

Has anyone ever wondered why Condo prices are so low here?
Check out CV in Derfield Beach (which was built around the same time as WPB CV). Notice the difference in prices? What do you think could be the reason. They have the same amenities as us etc.
Just be interested in opinions from Unit owners here in WPB.

COMCAST TEASER - TENNIS CHANNEL 737

Hi all,

From now through Sunday, 9/12/10, the Tennis Channel will be available as a Free Preview to all digital customers
The U.S. Open will of course be broadcast.

The Tennis Channel is available in the following systems and surrounding areas on channel 737: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Brevard County
Boca Raton / Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Stuart.

Dave Israel

Regional Specialties

@ White Crescent Burgers east of the Okee gate, before Haverhill.
Philly cheese steak sandwich with onions and peppers.
Taylor Ham Sandwich, with egg and cheese (NJ original grilled pork roll).
Italian sausage sandwich with sautéed onions and peppers. (OMG good juicy).
Various burgers (OMG good juicy fresh), 11 free toppings, couple of salads.
Sale on 9/5-6 if you need a dozen moonies for a party.

OVPU REST IN PEACE

IT IS WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT I LAY TO REST THE ONE VOTE ISSUE HERE IN CENTURY VILLAGE. IT IS ALSO WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT I REALIZE THAT MANY OF OUR RESIDENTS FEEL THE WAY THEY DO ABOUT GOVERNMENT. I ALSO REALIZE THAT THIS ISSUE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD AT THIS TIME BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF INFORMATION. IT IS TOO BAD THAT OUR PEOPLE WANT TO KEEP THINGS AT A STATUS QUO.

REMEMBER, IF ALL YOU HAVE IS A HAMMER, THEN EVERYTHING LOOKS LIKE A NAIL.

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

Hi all,
The September 3, 2010 meeting of the Delegate Assembly is now live in Cyberspace. Click on the following URL or the dated link button in the sidebar.

 http://cvbitbucket.blogspot.com/2010/09/delegate-assembly-september-03-2010.html

Thanks to the Channel 63 team for the converted video.

Dave Israel

OVPU

Too bad the OVPU could not have progressed further after todays Delegates Meeting. This could have been a perfect way for many more owners to get involved in CV and maybe things would have been brought up to date instead of living in the past. Just a personal opinion. Times do change don't they??

The Healthcare Trojan Horse

Millions of Americans who objected to the Healthcare law did so because they knew a lie when they heard one. A huge bill which most politicians had not read let alone openly debated was touted as covering forty million more Americans, cutting over 500 billion from Medicare and miraculously having no adverse effects on our healthcare.

The annual report on the future health of Medicare has been released and proves those skeptical Americans were so right. Headlines everywhere should highlight the courageous actions by the Medicare chief actuary, Richard Foster. Required to analyze and report on Obamacare in the exact fairy tale form passed by our politicians, Mr. Foster added to the annual Medicare report a second and damning analysis based on reality.

With 15 years of experience in Medicare analysis , Mr. Foster concludes that the assumptions on which the healthcare law is based “do not represent a reasonable expectation for actual program operations in either the short range . . . or the long range."

Mr. Foster's criticisms are shared by Stanford G. Ross and David M. Parker who have served as public trustees for Medicare. They stated in the NY Times ("Mislead on Medicare", Aug 14) that the overly optimistic body of the report will do real harm by producing an incorrect picture of the condition of the Medicare program and also will seriously confuse the issues involved.

This report with Foster's appendix is at https://www.cms.gov/ReportsTrustFunds/downloads/tr2010.pdf and his second analysis based on reality is at http://www.cms.gov/ActuarialStudies/Downloads/2010TRAlternativeScenario.pdf

The politicians who passed this law, and non-thinking media loudly spout only the rosy fiction of the calculations based on their fantasy projections. But the rest of us will find and read and disseminate Mr. Foster’s final appendix which effectively reveals the healthcare Trojan Horse this Congress and this President claim as achievement.

We Seniors are on notice that our decreased home values, retirement investments and investment income are not the only facets of our lives being assailed. We know that the new healthcare law debacle is a threat to the good healthcare we anticipate as a result of our years of working and saving and paying our taxes.

The Marriage Ref. - Casting call

                              Left click on letter to enlarge.
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This letter came from WPRF, for further details, see the Clubhouse Bulletin Board. Please  note that the casting call will be held at the Deerfield Beach facility.

Dave Israel
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Mitigation Reports - latest news

Left click on letter to enlarge.


Dave Israel

Hastings Closure for PBCWUD repairs

Dave Israel