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.
1 2
Next Page >

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