artpalmbeach Jan 20-23, 2012

Fabulous contemporary art show

As a special guest, the ticket link below provides you and a guest one day complimentary admission to the fair as well as admission to the Collectors’ Invitational from 7:30-10pm on Jan 19th. http://www.artpalmbeach.com/upgrades/apbticket.html click on tabs for all info, (Parking is usually $5)

CLUBHOUSE MOVIES - JANUARY 2012

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

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

Dave Israel

PBSO TOWN HALL MEETING - PBSO COMMUNICATIONS

CV WEST BOCA RATON COMPUTER CLUB - NEWSLETTER LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

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

You may see the Newsletter at the following link: 

http://goo.gl/4GZXJ

The Newsletter may also be accessed from the sidebar.

Dave Israel

Mr. Clean Needed

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

Shingles Shot

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

Cell Phone plan - update

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful weekend all and thanks!

a great big thanks

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

REFLECTION BAY - COMPILATION OF STAFF REPORTS RELEASED

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

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

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

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

http://goo.gl/g4y3N

The report may also be accessed from the sidebar.

Dave Israel
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SCIENCE FOR SENIORS

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

To learn more about The Okeeheelee Nature Center go to

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

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

Feeding the ducks and birds

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

New Century Village Genealogy Club Formed

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

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

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

Plans are already in the works for our future meetings:

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

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

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

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

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

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

VERMONTER MOVING TO CV - INVOLVED IN LOCAL ISSUES

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

While quite long, it is well worth reading.

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

For Cerabino story in the Palm Beach Post.

Dave Israel
...............................................................................................................
Dear Palm Beach County Commissioner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHALL WE DEFRAY THE EXPENSES OF THE "GUINEA PIGS"

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

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

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY - JANUARY 6, 2012 - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

Hi all,

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

http://goo.gl/FMrao

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

Credits for this production:

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

Dave Israel
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DORCHESTER POOL TO CLOSE FOR RENOVATIONS

CHANGE IN CLUBHOUSE MOVIE VENUE

KARAOKE MOVES INDOORS

COMCAST TEASER - SHOWTIME ON DEMAND FREE ON WEEKEND

Showtime on Demand

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

SWEETHEART BALL - DON'T FORGET YOUR TICKETS

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

Dover Motel

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

Cell Phones for Seniors

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

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

Thank you and happy, healthy New Year to all!

SEARCH/NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE UPDATE

SEARCH/NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE UPDATE

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

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

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

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

NEW YEAR 2012

Wishing all a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year

Barbara

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

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

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

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

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

CENTURY VILLAGE CLUB LIST - DECEMBER 28, 2011

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


                                                http://goo.gl/UHs0a

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

The list may also be accessed from the sidebar.

Dave Israel
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windsor H

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