Lake erosion

A voice from the North...LAKE EROSION.

I will not write about the water level of the lakes as in this rainy season, the lakes are full and beautiful according to full time Century Village friends who have written me recently. In this regard I only hope that UCO is taking the necessary measures to stop looking and start managing the water levels and run offs. Yes there will be evaporation, surges of rain and waves etc.. But without proper management techniques applied on time, the next snowbird season will be as usual with low water levels and ugly banks.

I am spending the summer in a quiet and very beautiful spot in the Eastern Township of La Belle Province of Quebec. Founded and established by the Loyalist to the British Crown at the time USA acquired its Independence, this County which is bordering Vermont has a similar appeal to nature and protection of its environment.

The June issue of TEMPO ( which is the equivalent of the UCO Reporter ) deals on page 3 with a similar problem to the one we are dealing with in Century Village which is EROSION.

I am posting here the short article on the subject:

EASY STEPS TO CONTROL EROSION

Erosion, caused by wind, water and ice, is at the root of several environmental problems such as loss of organic soils ( organic soil is necessary for vegetation growth ), mud accumulation in streams and loss of wildlife habitat. Erosion also releases nutrients causing eutrophication ( aging ) of the bodies of water.
There a few simple and inexpensive steps that can be taken to prevent erosion.

* Uncovered bare areas of land on the shoreline should be kept to a strict minimum to encourage existing vegetation and promote the revegation of banks.
* At planning stages, great care must be used to avoid unplanted (or barren ) areas near bodies of water and steep slopes.
* If damage occurs, reseed immediately.

These simple precautions will make a big difference.

In the same June issue there is another piece from the Town of Brome Lake which has adopted a master plan to deal with the issue of reducing the proliferation of cyan bacteria in its beautiful lake.To reach this goal, the different interventions were planned and realised according to the water shed concept. Not only the causes ( erosion, shoreline zones ) will be treated, but the symptons as well. One step involve the identification of retention basins which will help retain water over a longer period of time. Another one involved the construction of weirs ( steps ), which reduce the speed of runoff, control erosion and eliminate accumulation of nutrients. The last measure is the interception of water by creating holding ponds or wetlands which will filter and reduce phosphorus.

There are a great number of similitude between the problems we face in Century Village and the one that this small town is managing so beautifully. The main differences clearly is the lack of PROFESSIONNAL MANAGEMENT at UCO as can be witnessed with the measures taken so far.

UCO's approach to the problem is simple: Throw money at it and it will disappear.

The work recently done in the Northampton area is the latest example of this approach. UCO has upgraded 700 feet of lakeshore for
$ 37,000. That's $ 53.00 per linear feet. To do all of CV 37,000 linear feet will cost about $ 2,000,000. if there are no extras. Remember that according to the Engineering study quoted before on this subject, the final cost could be between $ 4,000,000. and $ 8,500,000.

UCO has not retained the Alternate Plan that I have submitted last spring, which provided a similar simple and inexpensive method to the EASY STEPS TO CONTROL EROSION article quoted above. The Alternate Plan would cost half the price at $ 1,000,000. dollars instead of $ 2,000.000. and would be long lasting for both erosion and beautification of our shorelines.

I am very disapointed that none of our 4 UCO VP stood up to the UCO management to stop this nonsense. Like a number of them have written, in the past during election campaigns, that they favoured a PROFESSIONNAL MANAGEMENT for UCO, I hope that they have not given up on their statement to that effect also.

Professionnal management would be so welcome at this time.

Written from the North... Andre

new to blog

New to blog, Thanks Dave for invite. Here is some humor for our times. :o)

NAME THAT TV SHOW

Hi All,
High marks if you can name the TV News show that used the main theme from this piece as it's theme tune.

Dave Israel

WHERE DID MY HBO GO?

Hi

Too bad no heads up on the HBO disconnect.

What was I going to do at 2 am and no Comcast contact available. Now I have STARZ (owned by HBO probably) for less than HBO cost of $10 per month.

TUNE A CABLE BOX FROM ANOTHER ROOM

INSTALLING THE RF TRANSMITTER

IR to RF to IR TRANSCEIVER

Hi all,


There have been some questions about second, third and even fourth TV sets and the fact that our contract, initially, only provides one Set Top Converter. This post will present a little trick for helping to overcome this issue.

The little black hemispherical object pictured above is an RF to IR Transceiver.

OK, what is this all about; your remote control that will operate your new Cable box emits an IR signal when talking to the box. IR simply means an Infra Red signal. This IR signal operates Line of Sight (LoS) only.

RF indicates a Radio Frequency signal which at the right frequency operates through walls and windows.

So, if you split the signal coming from the Cable box and run one Coaxial wire to, say, the living room TV and one to the TV in, say, the bedroom, you now merely need a kit which converts the IR signal normally emitted by the remote control to an RF signal.

This RF signal will be picked up by the Transceiver pictured above. This little device will be placed directly in front of the Cable box and when the device converts the received RF signal back to IR, your cable box will respond by changing the channel.

Below is a reference to such a kit; there are others, but this one will give you the idea. Other brands may be available locally at Radio Shack or similar store.

http://www.smarthome.com/8045I/IR-to-RF-to-IR-Remote-Control-Range-Extender-Kit-433-MHz/p.aspx

Before you go out and buy this, or similar kit, let me run this idea past Comcast Tech. for compatibility with their equipment.

Dave Israel

CABLE BOX FAQ

Hi all,

There have been some changes made by Comcast to the answers. I am reposting the FAQ as modified by Comcast. Some of the changes are important and have been highlighted in red. We have advised Comcast that a few of our Residents do not have a Florida ID, and we have requested that, in those cases, they accept our CV ID cards. We are awaiting a reply on this issue.

Dave Israel
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
FAQ Comcast Boxes

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Soon, the new Comcast Cable Box will be deployed to all of our Unit Owners. Clearly this will take some time as we have 7,854 condos which will require careful scheduling and execution. The process is simple and your co-operation will be required to make it happen. Each Unit Owner should come to the Clubhouse in accord with the published schedule. Comcast Personnel will be in Meeting Room C and they will collect information from each person and make an appointment for actual installation of the new box. Please be sure to bring a valid Florida ID to present to the Comcast Representatives. The installing technician will install the box on the day of your appointment, and show each of you how it works and how to use the Remote Control. For those of you who work during the day, and for those of you who miss your scheduled appointment; extended hours will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, until 7:00pm.

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Product

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Q: What do we get?

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A: In the first hardware deployment, each apartment will receive one Standard Set Top box. This box will be connected to an existing outlet at the request of the Unit Owner, and connected to one TV of your choice. The box will be programmed to receive; Limited Basic, Expanded Basic, Digital Starter, Video on Demand and the 48 music channels included in our Bulk Cable agreement.

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Schedule

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Q: How soon are the boxes available for those of us here this summer?

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A: I believe that signup and orientation will commence as soon as June 5th. See the signs on your bulletin board and on Channel 63.This will be a major effort, centered in the main Clubhouse.

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Q: When will Snowbirds get boxes installed?

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A: Due to the large numbers of boxes, and the absence of our Snowbirds, the deployment will take time; and in fact will be resumed in the December (2009) - January (2010), timeframe.

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Q: Will there be times for people working 9-5 to get boxes?

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A: For those of you who work during the day, and for those of you who miss your scheduled appointment; extended hours will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, until 7:00pm.

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Q: If we don't get the boxes before December of January will our TV's still work?

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A: Yes, your TV will work fine.

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Q: I always phone local Comcast for help, is there a special phone number for our thousands of box installs?

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A: There is no phone number for registration and installation the project is too large (7,854 units) – please follow your schedule. You may call Comcast for help on using the new menus when you have your box 561-COMCAST.

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Q: There are some Sabbath observers who live in Wellington E and G. They cannot come on Saturday as per schedule. What is their alternative? Your understanding is appreciated.

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A: As noted at the bottom of the flyer, if you miss your appointment, come to register on Wednesday or Thursday between 5:00pm and 7:00pm.WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY HOURS EXTENDED UNTIL 7:00 PM FOR THOSE WITH DAYTIME JOBS AND THOSE WHO MISS THEIR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS.

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Q: What's the number to call to make an appointment for the installation ?? I'm not coming to clubhouse for volunteers.

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A: The Registration will be done by Comcast personnel, There is no phone number for registration and installation the project is too large (7,854 units) – please follow your schedule.Come to the Clubhouse to register, because if you wait and call Comcast, outside of the planned rollout process; there may be a Technician visit charge.
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Q: May I pick up my box on my registration day at the Clubhouse?

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A: Each unit owner will register and sign for their box, but you will not receive your box during registration.You will make an appointment for a Comcast Technician to deliver and install your box in your unit.The box will be connected at any EXISTING outlet of your choice, and the technician will show you how to operate the box via the included remote control.

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Q: As a building president, I'd like to know if I could make a appointment, on the assigned day, for a disabled person who would have great difficulty showing up at registration. Would I have the 'authority' to act in her stead?

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A: If you bring a photocopy of the Unit Owner ID, Comcast will sign that owner up, Important modification, see next answer..

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Q: As a building president, I'd like to know if I could make an appointment, on the assigned day, for owners who are up North at this time. May I register for them as well?

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A: As regards owners, not currently in residence, if you will be arranging for the installation of the converter for a resident within your building, you will be required to obtain a letter from the unit owner authorizing you to have their converter installed for them. A copy of their valid ID will also be required. You will have to make the appointment and let the technician in to install the box. There are some issues in this process:

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1) As soon as you register this seasonal owner and the box is installed, the billing commences, in other words the entire Village starts paying starting on July 1, 2009 based on the number of boxes then installed.

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2) It's your signature on the box contract. (May not be an issue since Comcast has the ID photocopy)

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3) The absent owner does not get the associated training.

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4) Be sure to find out from the owner, which TV they want the box installed on, if there are multiple sets.Keep in mind, there will be another wave of installs in Dec/January to accommodate the returning Seasonal unit owners.

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Q: What kind of ID needs to be presented? Landlord owner or renter.A: If you rent, the renter would get the box, sign for it and be responsible for it. Same holds true if you sell it. New owner would be the responsible person.

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Q: Renters:

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A: Renters will go to the Clubhouse on schedule, same as residents. They will be responsible for their box and for the return of same. There will be no liability to CV and UCO for renters. Comcast will use their standard procedures for renters – as in other developments.

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Q: If we move how do we return the Box:

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A: There will be a container in the village for easy return of boxes.

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Cost

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Q: What is THE COST to our residents.

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A: Sign up Free, Box Free, Monthly cost Free, Installed Free

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Q: Don't we have a contract with Comcast, does it cost more?

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A: There will be an increase of $4.12 over the current rate per month, per unit. That is a common expense and you must pay it even if you do not take the box. So, for the extra programming alone, it is worth taking the new box.

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Q: HOW WILL THE PEOPLE WHO ALREADY HAVE A $5 A MONTH BOX BE AFFECTED IF AT ALL? WHAT WILL THEIR COST BE?

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A: Each account will be looked at individually.The new box being distributed is a Standard Definition box; it will not support High Definition.So, if your current box is an HD box, you will keep that box and an adjustment in cost will be made for the value of the new box, which you will not be receiving.That said, the new box can be programmed for any services on your current box (other than HD) and that is what will be done.Once that is done, you will receive an adjustment in cost reflecting the fact that the new box comes free of extra charge in our new contract.You will continue however to be billed for services you receive over and above those included in our new bulk agreement, in other words, beyond Digital Starter Tier.

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Features

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Q: Will all the boxes have an on-screen TV guide feature, or just the prime box?

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A: Only the Main Box is assured of having the interactive Guide.The DTA Box will display Limited Basic and Expanded Basic, in the range of channels 2 - 99.

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Q: Will the old $5-a-month boxes still be adequate to get channel 104 C-span 2 and the 300-312 HBO movie channels.

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A: Yes, your box will continue to work fine.However, you will not be required to come to the box signup event at your appointed time; Comcast will be looking at each account that currently has Digital Service and, if applicable will adjust those accounts automatically. Alternatively, you may accept the new box, which will be programmed with your existing subscriptions. In either case, depending on what you choose to do, if you currently have digital service you may see an adjustment in your monthly invoice.

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Q: As we phase in the new boxes, will those customers who have yet to receive the new boxes continue to receive the two HBO channels they are currently receiving?

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A: Comcast reply - Once the new Agreement is effective, we will no longer be provided HBO in the clear. That is because it is not part of the new Agreement. Once you receive your digital converter, you will not receive HBO on that converter, unless you choose to subscribe to that service on your own. HBO will still be shown on your televisions that do not have a converter on them until the new Agreement is effective.

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Q: with technology moving so fast, why did we sign a 10 year contract? Most if not all the board will probably not be with us in 10 years and what do the rest of us do?

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A: Technology morphing is inevitable, all of the vendors we negotiated with; AT&T, Hotwire, Hawkins Broadband and Comcast demanded a 10 year term in exchange for the low bulk rate and, a significant signing bonus. Any significant new technology that comes along would be deployed by Comcast at no additional cost to us. Just because "we" may be gone, our unit owners will still be watching TV, and the new box, which is in essence a computer will continue to serve or will be replaced by the vendor, within the parameters of the contract.

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Q: Why do I need this box?

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A: We have signed a new contract with Comcast. The new contract adds a new Tier of service called Digital Starter. This Tier consists of some 18 channels including Video on Demand, which includes a lot of free content. The Digital Starter Tier has encryption applied by Comcast, in order to remove the encryption, you will need the box

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Q: Will we be able to get more then 1 box per unit?

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A: Only one full set top box (STB) is included in our new contract. Later, when they become available, you may have two DTA (Digital to Analog) boxes which will only receive channels 2 - 99, they are also included in our new contract.

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Q: What happens to my other TVs (no box) as analog to digital conversion progresses?

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A: At some time in the future, as yet undetermined, for those with more than one TV, Two additional boxes will be made available. The boxes are different from the Standard Set Top Box, and are called Digital to Analog Converter boxes (DTA).The DTA box will be a simple box capable or receiving only channels from 2 - 99. This range includes Limited Basic and Expanded Basic programming. The DTA will continue to provide these two Tiers of service even if channels are converted to Digital format in the future; which many undoubtedly will. All three boxes are part of our contract; there will be no additional costs for these 3 boxes.

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Training

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Q: Will there be training to use box and remote?

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A: While Comcast is in meeting room C at the clubhouse, they will have televisions with a converter connected to them. A Comcast representative will be available to show residents how to use the converter. Also, the installing technician will install the box on the day of your installation appointment, and show each of you how it works and how to use the Remote Control. Additional plans for the training and demonstration of operation of the box and its distribution will be available soon.

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Q: Is the new remote tricky?

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A: It is actually very simple, make sure your TV is set to channel 3 (you can do this with your old remote or buttons), click ‘power on’ with the new remote and click to whatever number channel you want. Further choices appear on the screen for Channel1, there are many On Demand choices.

Now Hear This

This site allows you to hear the soundtracks of actual movies. I don't know if it's legal, I just know that it's out there.

http://www.listentoamovie.com/

UCO AND THE GOLF COURSE

Hi all,

The following letter is being placed on BB's in Century Village. Unfortunately it is unsigned, because it is an important message for all CV Unit Owners.

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I would add a few comments; I invited the Waldman's to brief The Association of Greenbrier and quite a few welcome guests showed up. This was not a UCO sponsored meeting.

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Why did I invite the Waldmans to speak? Because I believe every owner in the Village should hear this plan to develop our golf course with residential housing and that the Waldman's should hear our united response. Permit me to assure you all that the owners of the golf course did indeed hear the response of 150 Unit Owners unanimously opposed to the development plan.

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If you, the property owners of CV, want to hear this briefing at Delegate Assembly or Town Meeting, the process is simple.

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A Delegate need merely raise a motion from the floor of the next Delegate Assembly meeting so stating your desire. If the vote of the Delegates is affirmative in support of hearing this briefing, UCO will so arrange it to happen; remember, the Delegates constitute the Board of Directors of UCO.

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Remember, UCO is here to serve the needs of the residents of CV, and must act in accord with the Delegate Assembly vote.

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Following is the Bulletin Board posting:

Dave Israel

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UCO and the Golf Course

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Why were the owners of the golf course (Mr. & Mrs. Waldman) allowed to make there pathetic presentation to the unit owners and why in the off-season. It is unconscionable to think that members of UCO have allowed this process to come this far.

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Due to a prior zoning ruling, the golf course property is to remain recreational in perpetuity. Perpetuity does not mean 20 years or 40 years. It means as long as there is a Century Village, that property must remain as is.

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George Lowenstein, in the 6/9 UCO Reporter mention's that the golf course owners were losing money. This was repeated over and over at the club house meeting. Why should any member of UCO or resident care that the golf course is losing money? This was nothing more than an outrageous attempt to gain sympathy for a bad business decision and they want Century Village to bail them out.

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The golf course owners deliberately let the course deteriorate and there financial problems were self made. How in the world can UCO take a neutral or non-advocating position on a issue that impacts not only Greenbrier, Golf’s Edge and Southampton, but all of Century Village.

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How incredible it is to think that the golf course owners actually tried to suggest that by building hundreds of new housing units (single family, townhouses, and high rise condo's) that it would benefit the village residents. The majority (if not all) in attendance at the meeting realized that this proposal was flawed and unworkable.

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Is the West Palm Beach Century Village going to be the only Century Village without a golf course within or adjacent to it's property? Think of the negative impact that such a result would have on everyone's property values.

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Security was completely overlooked in the site plan. Imagine, no physical barriers would be in place. No fences, just a few lakes to keep out hundreds of the new development residents from access to Century Village property.

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Property values, security, traffic, noise, children, pets and a lack of open green spaces are the concerns UCO should have addressed immediately when this development was first proposed.

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Associations alone are ineffective. UCO must take up the fight against this proposed development and challenge it at every level.

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The future of Century Village is at stake.

The Donna Reed Show

Before going "From Here to Eternity," Donna Reed showed our boys at war a pinup that kept them coming back for more. Why couldn't our modern actresses support the troops like that?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/25/arts/25donna.html?_r=2&hp

under-55-on-deed

Could someone clarify the visiting rights of under 55 condo owners who are on the deed but do not live here in CV. Assuming the bylaws say ‘visitors may stay up to 30 days while the owner is in residence’ .
What if the over 55 resident is now in nursing home and condo is unsold, how may under-55-on-deed use it?
What if the over 55 resident is now up north for summer and cannot afford cost of trips back here to be in residence for under-55-on-deed visitor?
I would have thought the Board could give permissions on request but associations differ.

Laurel & Hardy Meet Santana

Off the couch and dance along.
If you prefer the original theme tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNnK14TkkWY

Other videos have them dancing to the Gap Band, the Archies, ABBA, Iggy Pop, etc.

UCO REPORTER - JUNE 2009

Hi All,
Since there were a number of favorable comments on this post last month; here is the UCO Reporter again, thanks to Ken Graff and the UCO Reporter Team.

Remember, to view full screen Click the little dark grey square at top of frame to the right.

Dave Israel


6/09 UCO Reporter

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Magazines & Newspape florida retirement

CABLE BOX REGISTRATION AND DEPLOYMENT

Registration and Deployment of new Cable Box
left click to supersize
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Soon, the new Comcast Cable Box will be deployed to all of our Unit Owners.
Clearly this will take some time as we have 7854 apartments which will require careful scheduling and execution.
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The process is simple and your co-operation will be required to make it happen. Each Unit Owner must come to the Clubhouse in accord with the schedule published above. Comcast Personnel will be in Meeting room C and they will collect information from each person and make an appointment for actual installation of the new box.
-
The installing technician will install the box on the day of your appointment, and show each of you how it works and how to use the Remote Control.

For those of you who work during the day, and for those of you who miss your scheduled appointment; extended hours will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, until 7:00pm.
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Please post questions in the Comment Stream

Dave Israel
Cable chair
VP - UCO

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IMPORTANT NOTE

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No boxes will be delivered in the Clubhouse during registration.

Your boxes will be delivered and installed in your apartments by a Comcast Technician, at an existing outlet of your choice.

Fire Be Prepared

Different assoc try different ways. Does Randall have a regulation for this photo. Maybe they saw this video.


I use a lid before a wet cloth, but the water and oil fireball is accurate.

Babe, You're Getting a Della

The Dell computer company is catering to women in the worst way possible.

http://content.dell.com/us/en/home/della.aspx

Mitigation Report

Is it worthwhile ( save money)for a unit owner to get a Mitigation Report for his HO Insurance Co., if he does not have hurricane shutters ? This is assuming his Assoc. buildings are all in good repair with fairly new roofs etc. Has anyone had experience with any particular Mitigation Co. , they would recommend?

JASON MOYER'S GUESTBOOK

Hi all,
In another post, The Nutmegger chastises us all for failure to recognize and express sympathy, in Jason's guestbook, with the family of this elevator technician who died with tragic suddeness on our Campus.

I to am guilty, and was ignorant of the existence and location of this guestbook, which is in fact a Cyberspace guestbook service provided by the Palm Beach Post Online.

The Nutmegger provided a verbal path which I followed and I am now providing a URL, where anyone so inclined may express their condolences with Jason's Wife and two childen:

http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=4368108965062

It will take you but a few minutes to show that Century Village, West Palm Beach cares.

Thanks, Nutmegger

Dave Israel

Tobacco Road

Outside the Clubhouse are ‘smoke’ and ‘no smoke’ signs. Also at associations and on an elevator. Do associations add regulations to their bylaws? How far do they go! I don't like smoke or signs.

COMCAST DECODER BOX CONFIGURATION

COMCAST SET TOP TUNER BOXES

Left click to supersize

---------------------------------

Some questions have come up as to exactly how many boxes, and of what type we will be receiving under the provisions of the new Cable Contract.

Let's have a look:

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In the first hardware deployment, each apartment will receive one Standard Set Top box. This box will be connected to an existing outlet at the request of the Unit Owner, and connected to a colocated TV of your choice. The box will be programmed to receive; Limited Basic, Expanded Basic, Digital Starter, Video on Demand and the 48 music channels included in our Bulk Cable agreement.

-----

Due to the large numbers of boxes, and the absence of our Snowbirds, this deployment will take time; and in fact will be resumed in the December (2009) - January (2010), timeframe.

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Complete plans for the training and demonstration of operation of the box and it's distribution, will be available soon.

----------

At some time in the future, as yet undetermined, for those with more than one TV, Two additional boxes will be made available. The boxes are different from the Standard Set Top Box discussed above, and are called Digital to Analog Converter boxes (DTA).

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The DTA box will be a simple box capable or receiving only channels from 2 - 100. This range includes Limited Basic and Expanded Basic programming. The DTA will continue to provide these two Tiers of service even if channels are converted to Digital format in the future; which many undoubtedly will. All three boxes described herein are part of our contract, there will be no additional costs for these 3 boxes.

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Please raise any question you may have in the Comment stream.

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Dave Israel

Cable Chair

Tragic Death

In viewing the guest book for Jason Moyer who suffered a tragic
death I feel how cold can the residents of CV be especially the Officers of
Dover B and UCO not sign his guest book giving their sympathy to
his family.

MOJO

In watching one of the news program tonight it stated that the
Republican Party lost their MOJO. I hope they don't steal our MOJO.
Should we take out an insurance policy on MOJO?

Hands-off Mojo

Suggestion for the Blogmeister and his frequent attacks to replace Mojo. Why don’t you just change your own profile pic. The baby would be fine there, or the above.

Your Toast

Don't just toast bread; keep an eye on it while it's toasting with the Nude Toaster! Hope it's not a bomb like the Nude Bomb!

http://www.nypost.com/seven/05132009/entertainment/korean_cool_169051.htm

CABLE COMMITTEE MEETING

Hi all,
There will be a meeting of the Cable Committee as follows:

Day:..................Friday

Date:................May 15th., 2009

Time:...............2:30pm

Place:...............UCO Conference Room @ 2102 West Drive.

Agenda:...........Distribution of the new Cable Set-Top-Box

Dave Israel
Cable Chair

Channel 63

The powers to be have been notified about 63 being unviewable and hopefully it will be rectified this morning. Mike.

------------------------------------
BLOGMEISTER replies:

Thanks to the quick work of the channel 63 Committee; all is again normal.

Dave

CENTURY VILLAGE ELEVATOR ACCIDENT

Hi all,

The following short video portrays the typical biased reporting by TV journalism of the horrible accident in the Village. It is being placed here for one reason.

It is highly likely that the Bureau of Elevator Safety, a part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in Tallahassee will vigorously "crack down" on Century Village. I opine this because they were not treated at all well in this report.

All High-Rise Associations should take notice, if their elevator is delinquent and take all measures to cure any defect and delinquency. At least, you may be assessed a fine of $1.000.00 at worst you may experience some catastrophic variant of what happened at Dover B.

If you reside in a high-Rise Association and do not know if your elevator is delinquent please go to the following site:

https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp

Simply follow instructions and enter either your elevator License number or the name of your Association and you will see if you are current.

Please take the time to see that your machine is inspected and compliant with current code.

In the spirit of full disclosure, it must be noted that my building; Greenbrier C, is in fact, delinquent. Why you may ask? The Greenbrier C elevator is 9 months old, having been fully remodeled. We have had two inspections since the new machine was declared operational. We have submitted our violation free inspection report and the required fee to the Bureau of Elevator Safety. Despite this, no Certificate has been received.

This may reflect on the woeful underfunding of the Division, or other factors, as yet unknown. Thus it should be noted, that sometimes, responsibility is difficult to assign.

Dave Israel

Help? Dish Antenna

Quite a while ago I remember reading something about a law suit between condo association and owner re dish antenna. I can't seem to find it on the blog and we now have a situation where we told an owner that he had to remove a dish that has been up for a few years. The president gave him a permission letter but did not speak to the Board of Directors. A couple of weeks ago a vote was taken and a registered letter was sent to the owner up north to remove it. He saw a lawyer who says there was a case and the judge said that an association, even though it is written in the bylaws, cannot stop an owner from putting a dish on common condo property as it is a restriction of trade on the dish companies. In our case on the side of the building. He is threatening to sue. Are dishes allowed even if the by laws say no, not without the Board's okay, and the Board finally said no, even with a letter from the president alone saying it was okay. It is a mess. We also have another owner who was given permission by the president to put her dish on the back lawn. The Board voted to have her remove it as well. We really cannot afford a law suit!!!! Seems to me the by laws aren't worth the paper they are written on if judges overturn them. HELP!!

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The BLOGMEISTER finds this issue of such import as to warrant publishing the following response along with the original Post:

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Hi all,

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THIS IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE; AS I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY. IT IS MERELY RESEARCH WHICH IN MY OPINION BEARS ON THE ISSUE AT HAND.
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1) Material alteration of the Common Element
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REF: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0718/ch0718.htm

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Florida Statute FS 718.113 clearly prohibits Material alteration without a 75% vote of the Unit Owners unless your Documents provide otherwise
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718.113 Maintenance; limitation upon improvement; display of flag; hurricane shutters; display of religious decorations.
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(1) Maintenance of the common elements is the responsibility of the association. The declaration may provide that certain limited common elements shall be maintained by those entitled to use the limited common elements or that the association shall provide the maintenance, either as a common expense or with the cost shared only by those entitled to use the limited common elements. If the maintenance is to be by the association at the expense of only those entitled to use the limited common elements, the declaration shall describe in detail the method of apportioning such costs among those entitled to use the limited common elements, and the association may use the provisions of s. 718.116 to enforce payment of the shares of such costs by the unit owners entitled to use the limited common elements.
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(2)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, there shall be no material alteration or substantial additions to the common elements or to real property which is association property, except in a manner provided in the declaration as originally recorded or as amended under the procedures provided therein. If the declaration as originally recorded or as amended under the procedures provided therein does not specify the procedure for approval of material alterations or substantial additions, 75 percent of the total voting interests of the association must approve the alterations or additions. This paragraph is intended to clarify existing law and applies to associations existing on October 1, 2008.
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(b) There shall not be any material alteration of, or substantial addition to, the common elements of any condominium operated by a multicondominium association unless approved in the manner provided in the declaration of the affected condominium or condominiums as originally recorded or as amended under the procedures provided therein. If a declaration as originally recorded or as amended under the procedures provided therein does not specify a procedure for approving such an alteration or addition, the approval of 75 percent of the total voting interests of each affected condominium is required. This subsection does not prohibit a provision in any declaration, articles of incorporation, or bylaws as originally recorded or as amended under the procedures provided therein requiring the approval of unit owners in any condominium operated by the same association or requiring board approval before a material alteration or substantial addition to the common elements is permitted. This paragraph is intended to clarify existing law and applies to associations existing on the effective date of this act.
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(c) There shall not be any material alteration or substantial addition made to association real property operated by a multicondominium association, except as provided in the declaration, articles of incorporation, or bylaws as originally recorded or as amended under the procedures provided therein. If the declaration, articles of incorporation, or bylaws as originally recorded or as amended under the procedures provided therein do not specify the procedure for approving an alteration or addition to association real property, the approval of 75 percent of the total voting interests of the association is required. This paragraph is intended to clarify existing law and applies to associations existing on the effective date of this act.
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(3) A unit owner shall not do anything within his or her unit or on the common elements which would adversely affect the safety or soundness of the common elements or any portion of the association property or condominium property which is to be maintained by the association.

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2) Federal rule regarding placement of Antennae

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Please read the entire reference:

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REF: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

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As directed by Congress in Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Federal Communications Commission adopted the Over-the-Air Reception Devices (“OTARD”) rule concerning governmental and nongovernmental restrictions on viewers' ability to receive video programming signals from direct broadcast satellites ("DBS"), broadband radio service providers (formerly multichannel multipoint distribution service or MMDS), and television broadcast stations ("TVBS").

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The rule (47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000) has been in effect since October 1996, and it prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming. The rule applies to video antennas including direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas. The rule prohibits most restrictions that:

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(1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal.

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Effective January 22, 1999, the Commission amended the rule so that it also applies to rental property where the renter has an exclusive use area, such as a balcony or patio.

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On October 25, 2000, the Commission further amended the rule so that it applies to customer-end antennas that receive and transmit fixed wireless signals. This amendment became effective on May 25, 2001.

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The rule applies to individuals who place antennas that meet size limitations on property that they own or rent and that is within their exclusive use or control, including condominium owners and cooperative owners, and tenants who have an area where they have exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio, in which to install the antenna. The rule applies to townhomes and manufactured homes, as well as to single family homes.

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The rule allows local governments, community associations and landlords to enforce restrictions that do not impair the installation, maintenance or use of the types of antennas described above, as well as restrictions needed for safety or historic preservation. Under some circumstances where a central or common antenna is available, a community association or landlord may restrict the installation of individual antennas.

The rule does not apply to common areas that are owned by a landlord, a community association, or jointly by condominium or cooperative owners where the antenna user does not have an exclusive use area. Such common areas may include the roof or exterior wall of a multiple dwelling unit. Therefore, restrictions on antennas installed in or on such common areas are enforceable.
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I would opine that the impact of the references presented unambiguously provide that without the proper vote, placement of Satellite dishes on the Common Element; be it the ground or the structure of your building (roof or walls), is prohibited. On the other hand; placement on your patio, not to protrude past the screen is fine.

Dave Israel

WONDERFUL TITLE FOR NEWSPAPER

In another thread, someone signing in as "Village Voice" brought a thought to mind. Could this be the answer to our long quest, for an Independent Newspaper?
One that would reflect the views of ALL OF THE RESIDENTS!
I am aware that the UCO Reporter, is just that.....articles pertaining to issues,
under the auspices of that body, reviewed by their "Editorial Board", who seem
to have no problem accepting PAID advertisements, regardless of their content,
while disposing of UNPAID, individuals submissions, with opposing views...
Why not combine the two, into one publication, essential information provided by
UCO, along with an independant Editorial Board, who will provide our community
with the type of publication, they so deserve..
Any comments?

BLOGMEISTER, SENILE AND UCO'd

CV Medical building - left click to supersize

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In another thread about the closing of the Pharmacy, the following Comment appears:

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Not a mind reader said...

"Which pharmacy ???

Dave, are you getting senile, or have been UCO'd ??"

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In order to eliminate any obfuscation that may have occurred in confusing our "on Campus Pharmacy" with, let's say, the one located where the Tulingi Escarpment meets the Serengeti Plain; I have provided an overhead photo of the building containing the Pharmacy in question.

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This building is located at the Northwest corner of the intersection of Century Blvd. and East Drive. The address of this building is 100 Century Blvd. and may be seen above, courtesy of GOOGLE Earth. The building is seen from an altitude of about 600 feet.

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I make devout apology for any confusion this poor senile soul may have caused.

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Dave Israel

PHARMACY CLOSURE

Hi All,

The following came through the "Contact Us" channel.
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"The ribbon on Channel 63 says the pharmacy will close 5/14, What to they plan to do about perscriptions that renew after that date? Can't reach them now."
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The information came to UCO on this matter very recently with no warning.
The current state of knowledge is that the Pharmacy will close on the 14th. for a period of 4 days, during which time it will be re-occupied by Walgreens.
If you have an Rx, it is likely that all of those records will be transferred to Walgreens, who will refill after they reopen.

If you must fill/refill an Rx in the interim during closure, try taking the bottle to an off Campus Walgreens.

Hopefully more solid information will become available soon.

Dave Israel

Florida Country Moment

Poached Stuffed Gator Tail, one of many recipes at:
http://www.fl-seafood.com/recipes/alligator_recipes.htm
(click title per ref. Cerabino)

Sing while cooking:
Boil dat cabbage down,
Bake dat hoe-cake brown,
Craziest song I ever heard,
Bile dat cabbage down.
Took my gal to the blacksmith shop,
To have her mouth made small,
She turned around a time or two,
And swallowed shop and all.
Boil dat ....
Possum in a 'simmon tree,
Raccoon on the ground,
Raccoon says, "You son-of-a-gun,
Shake some 'simmons down!
Boil dat ....
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BLOGMEISTER appends:

CANDIDATE BLOG MASCOT

Hi all,
How about this guy as our BLOG mascot in place of MOJO?

Dave

Happy Mother's Day

See Cartoons by Cartoon by David Fitzsimmons - Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com - Email this Cartoon

UCO MEETINGS

Hi All,
Here is a list of planned meetings, keep in mind that changes are possible:

0) Cable Committee - Friday, May 08th. - 1:00pm - UCO Conference Room

1) Maintenance Committee - Tuesday, May 12th. - 10am Classroom C

2) Transportation - Monday, May 18th. - 1:30pm Classroom B

3) CERT - Monday, May 18th. - 6:30pm - Art Room

4) Irrigation - Infrastructure - Tuesday, May 19th. - 9:30am - UCO Conference Room

5) Beautification - Wednesday, May 20th. - 11:00am - UCO Office.

6) Operations - Tuesday, May 26th. - 10:00am - UCO Office

7) Officers committee -Thursday, May 28th. - 10am. - UCO Office

8) Executive Board - Monday, June 1st. - 1pm -Classroom B

9) Delegate Assembly - Friday, June 5th. - 9:30am - Theater

10) Editorial board - Friday, June 5th. - 1:00pm - UCO Office

11) Security committee - Friday. June 5th. - 2pm - UCO Office

12) Irrigation-Infrastructure - Tuesday, June 9th. - 9:30am - UCO Office

13) Maintenance committee - Tuesday, June 9th. - 10:00am - Classroom C

14) Community Relations - Thursday, June 11th. - 10am - Classroom B

15) Transportation - Monday, June 15th. - 1:30pm - Classroom B

16) Officers Committee - Thursday, June 25th. - 10:00am - UCO Office.

17) Executive Board - Monday, June 29th. - 1:00pm - Classroom B

Dave Israel

CABLE COMMITTEE MEETING

Hi all,
There will be an important meeting of the Cable Committee as follows:

1) Day:..........Friday
2) Date:........May 08, 2009
3) Time:.......1:00 pm
4) Place:.......UCO conference room

AGENDA:.....Roll out of new Cable Boxes.

Dave Israel

GOLF COURSE BRIEFING

Hi all,
Today, Andrew Waldman and his wife, briefed some of the Officers of UCO, on his plan for developing the golf course by building residential housing units.

UCO was in listening mode and expressed no position (advocacy) on this plan. Present at this briefing were UCO President George Loewenstein, Vice Presidents; Bob Marshall, Jerry Karpf and Dave Israel. Also present was UCO Treasurer, Dorothy Tetro.

UCO expressed no opinion, preferring to hear first from the Unit Owners of Century Village, as to their desires in this regard.

Mr Waldman has prepared a slide show composed of Power Point graphics, depicting his preliminary plan.

It was decided that first he would brief the principally affected Umbrella Associations; Golf's Edge, Greenbrier and Southampton. The briefings will be given only if the Associations desire to see them. Mr. Waldman will be contacting the Presidents.

It is my belief, not necessarily shared by the other UCO Officers, that all Unit Owners should hear the plan and then decide if they want the golf course developed for housing units.

Dave Israel

GOOBA, GOOBA, GOOBA, GOOBA

Hi All,
After a long day at UCO, my mind turns to thoughts of Guba, Guba, Guba, Guba!


Dave

One Vote per Unit

Has this committee been eliminated or is it on hiatus? In theory it appears to be
democratic,but that is where it ends! Several residents own multiple units,some in
the same associations, where they reside, others throughout the village. Do you have
an opinion as to whether they should or should not be permitted to vote more than
once? It would be interesting to know what the other bloggers think...

TV Channel 63

There is a smidgen of info on Channel 63 on the CV website under Notes to Notice (not the best title to enable locating info).
Could the schedule for ch 63 be listed on the CV website. Times and days that meeting videos are played, and explanation of the 3-part hourly run of notices. I know its on 63 somehow but I would like a non-rolling version. TIA
Maybe something in the UCO Reporter too, notice of video at the end of the Delegate minutes section… TTIA
Workers and busy folks really appreciate all that is done on Ch63.

THE GOLF COURSE PROBLEM

Hi All,
There is a Comment in the "Florida Ice thread", that should have it's own Posted Thread.
In the interest of full disclosure; I am a member of the Pro-Active Committee, referenced in the Comment, and I do believe that the issue should be fully disclosed to all Unit Owners of the Village, this is not the view of the other Committee members;

I believe that the entire plan of the Developer should be briefed to the Unit Owners, so that they may make an informed decision; not just to those on the Committee. Read the following and you decide.

Dave Israel
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Anonymous said...

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At the recent Delegate Assembly ( May 01, 2009) more misinformation was disseminated by the “President” of the “Not for Profit” pro-active Golf course (non-UCO) committee. So what else is new?

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Please Mr. Shapkin, don’t let the facts interrupt your personal vendetta against the owner of the Golf Course.

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1. The prior administration was supporting the developers “Horton” BUNK!!

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2. This Committee altruistically represents the Village in this fight and will be victorious. BUNK!!

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3. He will come to the Delegate Assembly to ask for our help if he needs us.

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4. No one other than the “select committee” may attend any meetings. This twelve-member self-appointed DICTATORSHIP (committee) is all-powerful and therefore may (in exclusively their opinion) represent all 12 to 14,000 residents. Those 12 should be named, so legal responsibility may rest with each and every one of them. Why not tell us who you are, and your qualifications. Why do you believe you’re more intelligent than all the rest of us? What have you to HIDE? It seems very similar to the prior attempts to present a plan to the Village, delay, deny, ignore and fail to allow all interested parties to hear just what is being offered. Why? Are you afraid of the view of the residents that YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME AND OURS? Perhaps because they want to control the information stream and corrupt the facts so you will support their view? Some of the residents will not take a position; many will refuse to spend UCO’s money to stop something we have not been included in by this pro-active committee. Some may believe this committee should be open to our attending just to permit a clear picture of both sides enabling an informed decision. Stand-by, and hold onto your wallets. No one should be surprised when you notice T H E I R hand in our pockets seeking money for the inevitable fight. Just where is our fearless L E A D E R ??

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Hiding………………………………………….. You betcha!! So what else is new! Not on this damn fool committee –

a-non-y-muse
May 2, 2009 3:13:00 PM

Florida Ice

At noon there was a ring around the sun directly over the guest pool, spooked the sunbathers! The photo is 5pm.
Wiki - The ring around the sun or moon is caused by ice crystals within thin cirrus clouds. The refraction causes light to shine into a ring. Cirrus clouds are generally the first layer of clouds that are seen as a storm system approaches.
Unfortunately, also - Cirrus clouds not associated with a storm system will produce the ring also. In these cases precipitation may not occur.
Someone pls do a rain dance.