Friday, May 1, 2009
Bocce Ball
Well, we were told that the Developer was going to pay for the new Bocce Ball court. Well guess what, you are going to pay, $5,000. Joe Hunter we all love you. Stick it to all the residents.
NEWS ALERT
The Developer is moving out his personal equipment out of his storage facilities. What is going on? Did you know not one house is being build now at Lake Ashton. Everything is quite. Developer moving out, no houses are being built. Is there something we should know but we are not being told?
Bill would shield banks from cost of maintaining homes in foreclosure
Article Courtesy of The Sun Sentinel
By Jennifer Gollan
Published April 27, 2009
Some taxpayers already cover maintenance expenses
Coconut Creek last year spent about $70,000 to maintain and then demolish a derelict foreclosed home in the South Creek neighborhood.
For more than 18 months, city workers mowed the lawn, fixed fences and warded off mosquitoes with repellent.
Finally, they gave up and just razed it.
Across the state, local governments are grappling with a flood of such distressed properties. While many in Broward County Click here for restaurant inspection reports bill banks for tidying neglected properties, a few cities such as Coconut Creek and Lighthouse Point absorb some costs. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has persuaded lenders to maintain about a dozen homes.
But their options could be limited if an initiative being pushed by the Florida Bankers Association is passed by the Legislature. It would bar governments from requiring banks to maintain properties in foreclosure until the bank has acquired the title to the land, a process that can take six months or more. It also would prevent cities from tracking such homes.
Local municipal officials say the measure would burden responsible homeowners with more taxes. They fret that legions of properties will fall into decline, dragging down property values.
"This legislation is shifting the bill to the public to take care of this problem," said Gus Zambrano, Miramar's economic development and revitalization director. "It is very surprising that the banking industry is looking for additional support from taxpayers, given all the bailouts and the fact that they are now reporting profits."
Anthony DiMarco, the head lobbyist for the Florida Bankers Association, countered that local governments should bear the responsibility.
"Until we take the title to the property, we don't have any right to go on the property to maintain it," DiMarco said. "The local governments are the caretakers of the community."
Coral Springs has spent $48,411 — money it hopes to recoup through property liens — to fix up about 70 properties since Oct. 1. Money is spent on "whatever is needed to protect the property," said Larry Staneart, the city's development services director.
"It's a safety issue; an abandoned home will attract anything from pests to vandals," Staneart said. "The other part of that is unkept properties are an eyesore and can lower property values around it."
Lighthouse Point spends $2,000 a month to clean pools or mow lawns at 20 properties. Pompano Beach is paying to clean some pools, though officials hope federal grants will cover the cost.
Braulio Rosa, a spokesman for Davie, said banks must take responsibility.
"Public dollars shouldn't be going to maintaining private property," Rosa said.
With municipal budget deficits growing, some local officials are mobilizing to thwart the measure.
Sunrise Mayor Roger Wishner worries such legislation will force local governments to raise fees and taxes "that will ultimately push people out of their homes."
Rose, the development services director for Coconut Creek, agreed: "If we have to maintain the properties, it will come from tax dollars."
Homeowners associations also hope to quash the proposal.
Gary Poliakoff, a director of the Community Association Leadership Lobby representing almost 4,500 homeowner associations in Florida, has urged members to write their legislators. It behooves banks to maintain properties to sustain their value, which helps them maximize the return on their investment, he said.
"Banks created the problem in the first instance by relaxing lending requirements and placing individuals who are not creditworthy in communities," Poliakoff said. "Banks don't want to pay their share of maintenance fees, which are going largely to maintain the collateral that secured their loans, until they find buyers for defaulted properties."
By Jennifer Gollan
Published April 27, 2009
Some taxpayers already cover maintenance expenses
Coconut Creek last year spent about $70,000 to maintain and then demolish a derelict foreclosed home in the South Creek neighborhood.
For more than 18 months, city workers mowed the lawn, fixed fences and warded off mosquitoes with repellent.
Finally, they gave up and just razed it.
Across the state, local governments are grappling with a flood of such distressed properties. While many in Broward County Click here for restaurant inspection reports bill banks for tidying neglected properties, a few cities such as Coconut Creek and Lighthouse Point absorb some costs. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has persuaded lenders to maintain about a dozen homes.
But their options could be limited if an initiative being pushed by the Florida Bankers Association is passed by the Legislature. It would bar governments from requiring banks to maintain properties in foreclosure until the bank has acquired the title to the land, a process that can take six months or more. It also would prevent cities from tracking such homes.
Local municipal officials say the measure would burden responsible homeowners with more taxes. They fret that legions of properties will fall into decline, dragging down property values.
"This legislation is shifting the bill to the public to take care of this problem," said Gus Zambrano, Miramar's economic development and revitalization director. "It is very surprising that the banking industry is looking for additional support from taxpayers, given all the bailouts and the fact that they are now reporting profits."
Anthony DiMarco, the head lobbyist for the Florida Bankers Association, countered that local governments should bear the responsibility.
"Until we take the title to the property, we don't have any right to go on the property to maintain it," DiMarco said. "The local governments are the caretakers of the community."
Coral Springs has spent $48,411 — money it hopes to recoup through property liens — to fix up about 70 properties since Oct. 1. Money is spent on "whatever is needed to protect the property," said Larry Staneart, the city's development services director.
"It's a safety issue; an abandoned home will attract anything from pests to vandals," Staneart said. "The other part of that is unkept properties are an eyesore and can lower property values around it."
Lighthouse Point spends $2,000 a month to clean pools or mow lawns at 20 properties. Pompano Beach is paying to clean some pools, though officials hope federal grants will cover the cost.
Braulio Rosa, a spokesman for Davie, said banks must take responsibility.
"Public dollars shouldn't be going to maintaining private property," Rosa said.
With municipal budget deficits growing, some local officials are mobilizing to thwart the measure.
Sunrise Mayor Roger Wishner worries such legislation will force local governments to raise fees and taxes "that will ultimately push people out of their homes."
Rose, the development services director for Coconut Creek, agreed: "If we have to maintain the properties, it will come from tax dollars."
Homeowners associations also hope to quash the proposal.
Gary Poliakoff, a director of the Community Association Leadership Lobby representing almost 4,500 homeowner associations in Florida, has urged members to write their legislators. It behooves banks to maintain properties to sustain their value, which helps them maximize the return on their investment, he said.
"Banks created the problem in the first instance by relaxing lending requirements and placing individuals who are not creditworthy in communities," Poliakoff said. "Banks don't want to pay their share of maintenance fees, which are going largely to maintain the collateral that secured their loans, until they find buyers for defaulted properties."
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Joe Hunter
The final vote for "do nothing" Joe Hunter was 10 to 17. Joe's fans want Joe to stay. I say give him the boot, see blog article.
Only in America. Get permission or get fine.
Article Courtesy of
By Anne Lindberg
Published April 30, 2009
SEMINOLE — Last August, Chuck Mirasola proudly planted six slash pine trees in his front yard. Sometime in the next few days, he'll rip them out. The tale between those two events involves a move, two lawsuits and a heart attack.
To fully understand the story behind Mirasola's trees, you have to go back about 13 years when the retired autoworker and his wife, Jane, moved here from Buffalo, N.Y.
They bought a mobile home on the lake in Bay Pines Mobile Home Park, across the street from the VA hospital.
"I had a nice place," Mirasola said.
He added a porch on the lake side, redid the whole house. In all, he put about $50,000 into the home he and his wife thought they'd have forever. That's what the community's prospectus promised.
"It was beautiful," Mirasola said. "It was a real community."
Life was good for 10 years.
Chuck and Jane Mirasola stand with the six pines they planted outside their home in Tamarac by the Gulf. The homeowners association sued. The law firm? Not a name the Mirasolas are fond of.
Then came developer John Loder, whose company bought the 59 acres for $38.5 million from the E.J. Bickley Trust in 2006. By the end of the year, hundreds of mostly elderly residents had been tossed out of the 500 homes. Some found new housing. Some found rentals. Some died.
Mirasola, a feisty sort, said he hung on to the bitter end.
"I didn't believe it was going to happen. I really didn't," said Mirasola, now 67. "I didn't believe in America they were going to throw you out of a house like that. … It really did a number on me, losing my home."
When Mirasola finally accepted reality, he did two things: He joined other residents in suing Seminole attorneys DeLoach & Hofstra, who had been the trustees for the Bickley Trust. The homeowners argued that the Bay Pines prospectus had promised them the property would be a mobile home park until at least 2020. DeLoach & Hofstra, they said, violated that contract. That lawsuit is ongoing.
Mirasola also bought a home in Tamarac for $150,000. Tamarac by the Gulf is a community of 386 homes in unincorporated Seminole. It is a quiet neighborhood, with a clubhouse, pool and pages and pages of rules posted on the community's Web site.
Mirasola picked Tamarac because "I could see what was going on with the mobile home parks (and) I didn't think I'd have any trouble here."
That has been true, except for one small flap over some lattice Mirasola tacked up to screen his garbage cans.
"I heard from the (homeowners association) that you can't put lattice up, even though it's not written anywhere," he said.
Mirasola didn't argue, even though other homes have latticework and he "thought it was ridiculous." He took the lattice down.
"I think they kind of considered me trailer trash because of where I came from," he said.
Then last year, Mirasola paid about $30 each for six small slash pines, native to Pinellas County. He planted them along the side of his property that faces 90th Avenue. Soon, he heard from the homeowners association.
"They're saying it's going to disturb the irrigation lines and I'm supposed to get permission and I didn't get permission," Mirasola said.
He didn't argue, but he also didn't take down his trees. Instead, he ignored the situation.
Wrong decision. The homeowners association sued him in January. The attorneys: DeLoach & Hofstra. Specifically Peter Hofstra.
Mirasola was stunned.
"I thought there was a conspiracy going on," he said. "I couldn't believe it. I'm 99 percent sure there can't have been, (but) there's always that question in the back of my mind if he was doing it to get back at me."
Neither Hofstra nor the association would comment for this story.
Mirasola was ready to fight until he had his heart attack in March. One day, the doctor asked if he was under any special stress. Mirasola told him. The doctor had one word for his patient:
"Settle."
He's paying $1,150 to reimburse the homeowners association for attorney fees. He's preparing to take out his trees, but is waiting for representatives to drop by and tell him where he can plant the two trees he's allowed to keep. He thinks it's going to be near his house. The other four he'll give away or toss.
Mirasola's not done fighting, though. The Bay Pines suit is still alive and kicking.
By Anne Lindberg
Published April 30, 2009
SEMINOLE — Last August, Chuck Mirasola proudly planted six slash pine trees in his front yard. Sometime in the next few days, he'll rip them out. The tale between those two events involves a move, two lawsuits and a heart attack.
To fully understand the story behind Mirasola's trees, you have to go back about 13 years when the retired autoworker and his wife, Jane, moved here from Buffalo, N.Y.
They bought a mobile home on the lake in Bay Pines Mobile Home Park, across the street from the VA hospital.
"I had a nice place," Mirasola said.
He added a porch on the lake side, redid the whole house. In all, he put about $50,000 into the home he and his wife thought they'd have forever. That's what the community's prospectus promised.
"It was beautiful," Mirasola said. "It was a real community."
Life was good for 10 years.
Chuck and Jane Mirasola stand with the six pines they planted outside their home in Tamarac by the Gulf. The homeowners association sued. The law firm? Not a name the Mirasolas are fond of.
Then came developer John Loder, whose company bought the 59 acres for $38.5 million from the E.J. Bickley Trust in 2006. By the end of the year, hundreds of mostly elderly residents had been tossed out of the 500 homes. Some found new housing. Some found rentals. Some died.
Mirasola, a feisty sort, said he hung on to the bitter end.
"I didn't believe it was going to happen. I really didn't," said Mirasola, now 67. "I didn't believe in America they were going to throw you out of a house like that. … It really did a number on me, losing my home."
When Mirasola finally accepted reality, he did two things: He joined other residents in suing Seminole attorneys DeLoach & Hofstra, who had been the trustees for the Bickley Trust. The homeowners argued that the Bay Pines prospectus had promised them the property would be a mobile home park until at least 2020. DeLoach & Hofstra, they said, violated that contract. That lawsuit is ongoing.
Mirasola also bought a home in Tamarac for $150,000. Tamarac by the Gulf is a community of 386 homes in unincorporated Seminole. It is a quiet neighborhood, with a clubhouse, pool and pages and pages of rules posted on the community's Web site.
Mirasola picked Tamarac because "I could see what was going on with the mobile home parks (and) I didn't think I'd have any trouble here."
That has been true, except for one small flap over some lattice Mirasola tacked up to screen his garbage cans.
"I heard from the (homeowners association) that you can't put lattice up, even though it's not written anywhere," he said.
Mirasola didn't argue, even though other homes have latticework and he "thought it was ridiculous." He took the lattice down.
"I think they kind of considered me trailer trash because of where I came from," he said.
Then last year, Mirasola paid about $30 each for six small slash pines, native to Pinellas County. He planted them along the side of his property that faces 90th Avenue. Soon, he heard from the homeowners association.
"They're saying it's going to disturb the irrigation lines and I'm supposed to get permission and I didn't get permission," Mirasola said.
He didn't argue, but he also didn't take down his trees. Instead, he ignored the situation.
Wrong decision. The homeowners association sued him in January. The attorneys: DeLoach & Hofstra. Specifically Peter Hofstra.
Mirasola was stunned.
"I thought there was a conspiracy going on," he said. "I couldn't believe it. I'm 99 percent sure there can't have been, (but) there's always that question in the back of my mind if he was doing it to get back at me."
Neither Hofstra nor the association would comment for this story.
Mirasola was ready to fight until he had his heart attack in March. One day, the doctor asked if he was under any special stress. Mirasola told him. The doctor had one word for his patient:
"Settle."
He's paying $1,150 to reimburse the homeowners association for attorney fees. He's preparing to take out his trees, but is waiting for representatives to drop by and tell him where he can plant the two trees he's allowed to keep. He thinks it's going to be near his house. The other four he'll give away or toss.
Mirasola's not done fighting, though. The Bay Pines suit is still alive and kicking.
This could happen at Lake Ashton. Joe Hunter will not turn over the books.
Article Courtesy of The Charlotte Sun
By STEVE REILLY
Published April 29, 2009
PORT CHARLOTTE -- The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has completed its investigation of Charlotte Square's former condominium manager.
The DBPR attorneys are now reviewing their agency's investigation of the complaints against Stacy Herrin Tuck, a former Charlotte Square condo manager, said DBPR spokeswoman Kitrina Dean.
Tuck's condominium manager license is now listed as "delinquent," but Tuck stands accused of financial misconduct.
The state's Board of Community Association Managers will decide whether to dismiss complaints, suspend or revoke Tuck's condominium manager's license. The state board can also levy fines against her.
Last fall, suspicions arose that funds in the various association accounts had been inappropriately co-mingled, cashed or deposited into inappropriate bank accounts. The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Economic Crimes Unit is now investigating those complaints. No criminal charges have been filed.
According to the state DBPR reports, state investigators learned of a handwritten note, allegedly penned by Tuck, in which she threatened suicide and allegedly stated she stole a lot of money and feared she would go to prison.
"However, she did not make reference to how much or what accounts the money came from," the DBPR investigation report stated.
The DBPR report includes a letter, dated Sept. 4, 2008, from Sherry Danko, president of Star Hospitality Management Inc., that states, "After careful review of the financial records and accounts for the Charlotte Square condominium associations, it appears that you have deliberately and willfully stolen money from the association bank accounts. Therefore, I have no choice but to dismiss you effective immediately."
The DBPR cannot confirm nor deny any separate investigations or complaints against Star Hospitality -- or any other condo management firm, Dean said.
Prior to the discovery of the missing funds, the association's boards could have elected to have annual independent audits. The chose not to do that, however.
Since the discovery of the missing funds, Charlotte Square's Becker & Poliakoff attorneys contracted for a forensic audit of all of the Charlotte Square accounts. The audit is not completed, but Becker & Poliakoff attorneys suspect close to a $1 million may missing from the various associations' accounts.
By STEVE REILLY
Published April 29, 2009
PORT CHARLOTTE -- The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has completed its investigation of Charlotte Square's former condominium manager.
The DBPR attorneys are now reviewing their agency's investigation of the complaints against Stacy Herrin Tuck, a former Charlotte Square condo manager, said DBPR spokeswoman Kitrina Dean.
Tuck's condominium manager license is now listed as "delinquent," but Tuck stands accused of financial misconduct.
The state's Board of Community Association Managers will decide whether to dismiss complaints, suspend or revoke Tuck's condominium manager's license. The state board can also levy fines against her.
Last fall, suspicions arose that funds in the various association accounts had been inappropriately co-mingled, cashed or deposited into inappropriate bank accounts. The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Economic Crimes Unit is now investigating those complaints. No criminal charges have been filed.
According to the state DBPR reports, state investigators learned of a handwritten note, allegedly penned by Tuck, in which she threatened suicide and allegedly stated she stole a lot of money and feared she would go to prison.
"However, she did not make reference to how much or what accounts the money came from," the DBPR investigation report stated.
The DBPR report includes a letter, dated Sept. 4, 2008, from Sherry Danko, president of Star Hospitality Management Inc., that states, "After careful review of the financial records and accounts for the Charlotte Square condominium associations, it appears that you have deliberately and willfully stolen money from the association bank accounts. Therefore, I have no choice but to dismiss you effective immediately."
The DBPR cannot confirm nor deny any separate investigations or complaints against Star Hospitality -- or any other condo management firm, Dean said.
Prior to the discovery of the missing funds, the association's boards could have elected to have annual independent audits. The chose not to do that, however.
Since the discovery of the missing funds, Charlotte Square's Becker & Poliakoff attorneys contracted for a forensic audit of all of the Charlotte Square accounts. The audit is not completed, but Becker & Poliakoff attorneys suspect close to a $1 million may missing from the various associations' accounts.
Look what's coming to Lake Ashton, a boot.
Report Courtesy of NBC CHANNEL 2
Reporter Kate Eckman
Published April 30, 2009
FORT MYERS: Some Fort Myers homeowners are battling their homeowners' association over vehicles that were booted on the owner's property.
Rebecca Krueger is not a happy homeowner. When she tried to leave for work Tuesday morning, she noticed a boot was on her truck, which was parked in her own driveway.
"I'm irate. I'm absolutely irate and I'm disgusted," Krueger said. "I can put my hand under it. It's not even actually on the grass."
The security company, Whitestone Group, at Cypress Landings, said her truck was given a boot because it was not parked on a hard surface.
But the tire was really only an inch off the driveway. And Krueger owns that inch.
Now, it will cost Krueger $200 to remove the boot.
"I went and got the association manager, brought him down here to look at it. He said he didn't think it was excessive, and that they boot at least one vehicle a night because they need to make up for the deficiency in funds from all the people that haven't paid their dues," Krueger said.
"It's ridiculous. They've been doing it to a bunch of people," neighbor Mike Proffitt said.
We tracked down the homeowner's association, who referred us to their attorney.
The attorney said vehicles parked on the grass are booted to prevent costly landscaping and sprinkler damages.
"I could understand and I would want them to boot it if I was parked over here - parked up on the grass," said Krueger.
But she says the proof is in the pictures and pointed out that her truck tire was barely touching grass.
"In this particular case, we are planning to meet with the towing company and I will be contacting the homeowner and I will be inviting her in to have a meeting and we will discuss the particulars of this situation," said HOA attorney Chene Thompson.
Thompson added that the homeowner's association always has the homeowner's best interest at heart.
But Krueger said, "That's not looking after the homeowner's interest."
Krueger and her neighbors say they're all for having a beautiful lawn, but they also want to be able to live - especially on their own property.
CONDO ARTICLE
Reporter Kate Eckman
Published April 30, 2009
FORT MYERS: Some Fort Myers homeowners are battling their homeowners' association over vehicles that were booted on the owner's property.
Rebecca Krueger is not a happy homeowner. When she tried to leave for work Tuesday morning, she noticed a boot was on her truck, which was parked in her own driveway.
"I'm irate. I'm absolutely irate and I'm disgusted," Krueger said. "I can put my hand under it. It's not even actually on the grass."
The security company, Whitestone Group, at Cypress Landings, said her truck was given a boot because it was not parked on a hard surface.
But the tire was really only an inch off the driveway. And Krueger owns that inch.
Now, it will cost Krueger $200 to remove the boot.
"I went and got the association manager, brought him down here to look at it. He said he didn't think it was excessive, and that they boot at least one vehicle a night because they need to make up for the deficiency in funds from all the people that haven't paid their dues," Krueger said.
"It's ridiculous. They've been doing it to a bunch of people," neighbor Mike Proffitt said.
We tracked down the homeowner's association, who referred us to their attorney.
The attorney said vehicles parked on the grass are booted to prevent costly landscaping and sprinkler damages.
"I could understand and I would want them to boot it if I was parked over here - parked up on the grass," said Krueger.
But she says the proof is in the pictures and pointed out that her truck tire was barely touching grass.
"In this particular case, we are planning to meet with the towing company and I will be contacting the homeowner and I will be inviting her in to have a meeting and we will discuss the particulars of this situation," said HOA attorney Chene Thompson.
Thompson added that the homeowner's association always has the homeowner's best interest at heart.
But Krueger said, "That's not looking after the homeowner's interest."
Krueger and her neighbors say they're all for having a beautiful lawn, but they also want to be able to live - especially on their own property.
CONDO ARTICLE
Lucky Dog
Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one!
Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.'
Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.
Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box..
It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact; she was just sure it was fatal.
She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him! The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.
The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.
Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap.
Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.
http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.shawnolson....net/media/1_1114_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.shawnolson.net/a/1114/fun---the-golden-retriever-way.html&usg=__zKMk3hm8p12ngvKk2Cw6t1sC62U=&h=447&w=400&sz=44&hl=en&start=40&tbnid=Rs-KCVaJO-agqM:&tbnh=127&tbnw=114&prev=/images?q=golden+retriever&start=36&gbv=2&ndsp=18&hl=en&sa=N
When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body f felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.
He had covered her with his love.
Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky.....he still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.
Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most Credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.
If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God
A small request
All you are asked to do is keep this circulating.
Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer.
Amen
All you are asked to do is keep this circulating, even if it is only to one more person, in memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer or is still fighting their battle.
Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.'
Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.
Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box..
It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact; she was just sure it was fatal.
She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him! The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.
The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.
Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap.
Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.
http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.shawnolson....net/media/1_1114_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.shawnolson.net/a/1114/fun---the-golden-retriever-way.html&usg=__zKMk3hm8p12ngvKk2Cw6t1sC62U=&h=447&w=400&sz=44&hl=en&start=40&tbnid=Rs-KCVaJO-agqM:&tbnh=127&tbnw=114&prev=/images?q=golden+retriever&start=36&gbv=2&ndsp=18&hl=en&sa=N
When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body f felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.
He had covered her with his love.
Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky.....he still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.
Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most Credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.
If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God
A small request
All you are asked to do is keep this circulating.
Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer.
Amen
All you are asked to do is keep this circulating, even if it is only to one more person, in memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer or is still fighting their battle.
Swine Influenza
Your health and safety as well as that of our guests and staff is our top priority. We are currently monitoring the Swine Influenza (swine flu) that has been reported in various areas of the U.S. and Mexico.
At this time, there have been no reported cases of swine flu anywhere in the state of Florida; however, out of our concern for each of us at the Village, we are taking a proactive approach to this situation. As part of this approach we would like to share general preventative measures to prevent exposure to and the spread of swine flu:
•Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
•Practice good health habits, including getting adequate sleep and eating nutritious food.
•Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
•Avoid close contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and people who may have the flu or flu-like symptoms.
•Know the symptoms of swine flu: may include cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. May also include vomiting and diarrhea.
A letter is being delivered to all of our villas informing the families that we are closely monitoring updates regarding swine flu and sharing these same preventative measures. We have also instructed our families to contact Guest Services or the Manager On Duty if anyone in their party experiences any of these symptoms. Similarly, if any Volunteer Angel begins to feel ill, they should contact someone from Volunteer Services.
We have provided hand sanitizers throughout the Village in our public venues and in every villa. The Caring Center and individual departments also have hand sanitizers for our Angel and Staff use. We will continue to monitor and adhere to the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization regarding swine flu, and if necessary, will provide you with any new communication.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! As Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Stay healthy!
Your satisfaction with communications from Give Kids The World is important to us. If you would like to review or change your email address or email preferences with us, please visit our email preferences page by clicking this link:
At this time, there have been no reported cases of swine flu anywhere in the state of Florida; however, out of our concern for each of us at the Village, we are taking a proactive approach to this situation. As part of this approach we would like to share general preventative measures to prevent exposure to and the spread of swine flu:
•Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
•Practice good health habits, including getting adequate sleep and eating nutritious food.
•Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
•Avoid close contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and people who may have the flu or flu-like symptoms.
•Know the symptoms of swine flu: may include cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. May also include vomiting and diarrhea.
A letter is being delivered to all of our villas informing the families that we are closely monitoring updates regarding swine flu and sharing these same preventative measures. We have also instructed our families to contact Guest Services or the Manager On Duty if anyone in their party experiences any of these symptoms. Similarly, if any Volunteer Angel begins to feel ill, they should contact someone from Volunteer Services.
We have provided hand sanitizers throughout the Village in our public venues and in every villa. The Caring Center and individual departments also have hand sanitizers for our Angel and Staff use. We will continue to monitor and adhere to the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization regarding swine flu, and if necessary, will provide you with any new communication.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! As Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Stay healthy!
Your satisfaction with communications from Give Kids The World is important to us. If you would like to review or change your email address or email preferences with us, please visit our email preferences page by clicking this link:
Wynmoor residents fear rules may hurt sales
Article Courtesy of Hi-Riser
By FALLAN PATTERSON
Published April 24, 2009
After combining its bylaws and forcing all 44 of its associations to live under the same rules, Wynmoor Village in Coconut Creek is facing concerns among residents that too many rules may be scaring potential condo buyers away.
Wynmoor's 44 independent condominium associations, which are between 15 and 30 years old, represent about 9,000 residents living in 5,260 units. The Wynmoor Community Council, the master association, recently had the opportunity to unify the bylaws of all associations for free through its lawyer.
"We had the opportunity to save the community a lot of money and change our bylaws," said Jack Deitchman, secretary of the council. "We upgraded to the greatest hits. We're pretty proud of the way we run things here."
Although the move will save each association $20,000, some residents are afraid the proliferation of rules will make selling their units more difficult.
Cheryl Stein, Wynmoor's real estate agent, said last week less than 1 percent of Wynmoor's units are on the market, roughly 199 out of 5,260 condos.
"Most people who buy into a condo know about deed restrictions, especially baby boomers," said Stein, who also lives in Wynmoor. "Rules and regulations keep the community looking good. I think it's a good thing."
Deitchman, along with council administrator Bruce Bandler, said the decision to update the bylaws was intended to ensure economic stability and keep the community out of the red.
"By having the same procedures, it makes it easier on everybody," Dietchman said. "With the high level of foreclosures and abandonment [at other condominium communities], we're doing good."
Out of the 44 associations, Deitchman and Bandler said that at least 38 will accept the new bylaws, which were prepared by an eight-person committee of unit owners.
Of the new changes, possibly the most controversial for buyers may be the 20 percent down payment to purchase and minimum requirements for both annual income and credit score.
"We laid these [bylaws] down as guidelines. The associations can accept them or not," Dietchman said. "If [potential buyers] don't like to live by any rules, they shouldn't live in these places."
To protect the community, a renter agreement form was also designed in which both parties agree that if the owner stops paying the association and maintenance fees, the rent goes straight to the board, bypassing the unit owner.
Assistant condo ombudsman Bill Raphan said the most frequent complaints about rules and regulations in associations have to do with pets and age restrictions.
"There's so much inventory right now," Raphan said. "It's a problem where associations are not approving people. They don't want to take a risk."
CONDO ARTIC
By FALLAN PATTERSON
Published April 24, 2009
After combining its bylaws and forcing all 44 of its associations to live under the same rules, Wynmoor Village in Coconut Creek is facing concerns among residents that too many rules may be scaring potential condo buyers away.
Wynmoor's 44 independent condominium associations, which are between 15 and 30 years old, represent about 9,000 residents living in 5,260 units. The Wynmoor Community Council, the master association, recently had the opportunity to unify the bylaws of all associations for free through its lawyer.
"We had the opportunity to save the community a lot of money and change our bylaws," said Jack Deitchman, secretary of the council. "We upgraded to the greatest hits. We're pretty proud of the way we run things here."
Although the move will save each association $20,000, some residents are afraid the proliferation of rules will make selling their units more difficult.
Cheryl Stein, Wynmoor's real estate agent, said last week less than 1 percent of Wynmoor's units are on the market, roughly 199 out of 5,260 condos.
"Most people who buy into a condo know about deed restrictions, especially baby boomers," said Stein, who also lives in Wynmoor. "Rules and regulations keep the community looking good. I think it's a good thing."
Deitchman, along with council administrator Bruce Bandler, said the decision to update the bylaws was intended to ensure economic stability and keep the community out of the red.
"By having the same procedures, it makes it easier on everybody," Dietchman said. "With the high level of foreclosures and abandonment [at other condominium communities], we're doing good."
Out of the 44 associations, Deitchman and Bandler said that at least 38 will accept the new bylaws, which were prepared by an eight-person committee of unit owners.
Of the new changes, possibly the most controversial for buyers may be the 20 percent down payment to purchase and minimum requirements for both annual income and credit score.
"We laid these [bylaws] down as guidelines. The associations can accept them or not," Dietchman said. "If [potential buyers] don't like to live by any rules, they shouldn't live in these places."
To protect the community, a renter agreement form was also designed in which both parties agree that if the owner stops paying the association and maintenance fees, the rent goes straight to the board, bypassing the unit owner.
Assistant condo ombudsman Bill Raphan said the most frequent complaints about rules and regulations in associations have to do with pets and age restrictions.
"There's so much inventory right now," Raphan said. "It's a problem where associations are not approving people. They don't want to take a risk."
CONDO ARTIC
Homeowner group's truck dispute not out of sight yet
Article Courtesy of The St. Petersburg Times
By Rodney Trash
Published December 18, 2008
TAMPA — When a Hillsborough judge called the Eagles Master Association's parking restriction "utterly unreasonable," pickup truck owner A.J. Vizzi and his attorney rejoiced.
But current and former neighbors — some of whom had also been cited for parking trucks in driveways instead of garages — wondered what the court's decision, handed down Friday, meant for them.
"Maybe I'll have a chance to get my money back," said Kevin Rainey, who shelled out more than $3,000 in penalties and attorney's fees when the association took offense at his white Dodge pickup.
Or will they have to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for the now 2-year-old legal fight between the association and Vizzi?
Homeowners in this gated northwest Hillsborough suburb pay an estimated $600 annual assessment to the Eagles and another fee to their individual subcommunity.
"They have to pay the attorney's fees for A.J. and that's not cheap," homeowner Patrick Oddson said.
"Economics 101 tells you one thing: We're going to have a special assessment."
There is no answer to either question, at least not yet.
"I really can't say one way or another whether homeowners who were fined can make a claim against the association for reimbursement of fines," said Daniel Anderson, Vizzi's attorney. "Unfortunately, that's a separate matter that was not addressed in the court's order."
The Eagles Master Association met with its attorney for two hours Monday night to weigh legal options, said Leigh Slement, property manager for the Eagles and one of the people in attendance at the closed-door session.
"We're still looking at the ruling and the implication that it has," said Jonathan Ellis, the attorney for the association.
Don Conner, who was not at Monday's meeting but is one of nine directors on the Eagles board, said he "seriously" doubts "that there would be anything retroactive" for homeowners who have paid penalties in the past.
"That would involve some type of voluntary effort on the part of the Master Association or another legal ruling by the judge," he said.
That stance does not sit well with Rainey, who moved from the Eagles in 2003 because of the truck issue.
"Why should they keep it when it's my money?" he asked.
Rainey now lives in another deed-restricted community in Odessa that he said has no problem with where he parks his truck.
The Eagles has until Feb. 12 to file an appeal. Some homeowners, angry that the association pursued the Vizzi case as long as it did, hope that's not the route the board takes.
"They never once had a special meeting to say, 'Are you interested in us pursuing this? It could be a very expensive lawsuit,' " Oddson said. "They went about it on their own little agenda."
Ellis, the attorney for the Eagles, said there was no agenda.
"There's a specific declaration that says pickup trucks are supposed to be parked in the garage," he said. "If there's a pickup truck not parked in the garage, they enforce the provision."
Board president Bruce Derby said the association has not decided how it will proceed, but Slement said the case will "probably go on for a little while.
"It's complicated."
By Rodney Trash
Published December 18, 2008
TAMPA — When a Hillsborough judge called the Eagles Master Association's parking restriction "utterly unreasonable," pickup truck owner A.J. Vizzi and his attorney rejoiced.
But current and former neighbors — some of whom had also been cited for parking trucks in driveways instead of garages — wondered what the court's decision, handed down Friday, meant for them.
"Maybe I'll have a chance to get my money back," said Kevin Rainey, who shelled out more than $3,000 in penalties and attorney's fees when the association took offense at his white Dodge pickup.
Or will they have to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for the now 2-year-old legal fight between the association and Vizzi?
Homeowners in this gated northwest Hillsborough suburb pay an estimated $600 annual assessment to the Eagles and another fee to their individual subcommunity.
"They have to pay the attorney's fees for A.J. and that's not cheap," homeowner Patrick Oddson said.
"Economics 101 tells you one thing: We're going to have a special assessment."
There is no answer to either question, at least not yet.
"I really can't say one way or another whether homeowners who were fined can make a claim against the association for reimbursement of fines," said Daniel Anderson, Vizzi's attorney. "Unfortunately, that's a separate matter that was not addressed in the court's order."
The Eagles Master Association met with its attorney for two hours Monday night to weigh legal options, said Leigh Slement, property manager for the Eagles and one of the people in attendance at the closed-door session.
"We're still looking at the ruling and the implication that it has," said Jonathan Ellis, the attorney for the association.
Don Conner, who was not at Monday's meeting but is one of nine directors on the Eagles board, said he "seriously" doubts "that there would be anything retroactive" for homeowners who have paid penalties in the past.
"That would involve some type of voluntary effort on the part of the Master Association or another legal ruling by the judge," he said.
That stance does not sit well with Rainey, who moved from the Eagles in 2003 because of the truck issue.
"Why should they keep it when it's my money?" he asked.
Rainey now lives in another deed-restricted community in Odessa that he said has no problem with where he parks his truck.
The Eagles has until Feb. 12 to file an appeal. Some homeowners, angry that the association pursued the Vizzi case as long as it did, hope that's not the route the board takes.
"They never once had a special meeting to say, 'Are you interested in us pursuing this? It could be a very expensive lawsuit,' " Oddson said. "They went about it on their own little agenda."
Ellis, the attorney for the Eagles, said there was no agenda.
"There's a specific declaration that says pickup trucks are supposed to be parked in the garage," he said. "If there's a pickup truck not parked in the garage, they enforce the provision."
Board president Bruce Derby said the association has not decided how it will proceed, but Slement said the case will "probably go on for a little while.
"It's complicated."
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
An honest response
T. B. Bechtel, a City Councilor from Newcastle, Australia, was asked on a local live radio talk show, just what he thought about the allegations of torture of suspected terrorists.
His reply prompted his ejection from the studio, but to thunderous applause from the audience.
HIS STATEMENT:
'If hooking up one rag head terrorist prisoner's testicles to a car battery to get the truth out of the lying little camel shagger will save just one Australian life, then I have only three things to say,'
'Red is positive,
Black is negative, and
Make sure his nuts are wet.'
His reply prompted his ejection from the studio, but to thunderous applause from the audience.
HIS STATEMENT:
'If hooking up one rag head terrorist prisoner's testicles to a car battery to get the truth out of the lying little camel shagger will save just one Australian life, then I have only three things to say,'
'Red is positive,
Black is negative, and
Make sure his nuts are wet.'
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS: YOU HAVE BEEN HAD! ASSOCIATIONS ARE A FINANCIAL TRAP!
It becomes more and more obvious by the day: Homebuyers, who were lured into Florida's community associations with the false promise of associations protecting property values, are realizing that they have been had. They were sold a bill of goods that does exactly the opposite of what they have been promised when purchasing their dream home. The bad economy finally proves what we said all along: Homeowners' associations are a serious liability for the financially responsible homeowner.
Potential homebuyers were told the sky would fall without these homeowners' associations. Nasty neighbors would paint their homes in outrageous colors and instead of flowers and nice gardening they would see rusty pick-up trucks on blocks on their neighbors' lawns. Actually, according to media reports, only two Florida homeowners chose to paint their homes in outrageous colors in the last ten years. In one case the homeowner used weird painting to protest a city decision. In another case, where a homeowner painted his home in the colors of his fraternity, the county quickly stepped in. And rusty pick-up on blocks? Just call code enforcement. You don't need a homeowners' association!
Horror stories of high special assessments, seriously increased monthly dues, and "inventive fining" hit the media headlines daily. The only ones who are obviously unable to read are our government officials and legislators. Despite the outcry of many homeowners from all over the state, our Governor wants another STUDY -- this time from OPPAGA. You can study a problem to death -- or you can simply use it as an excuse to avoid doing anything. We had all kinds of official Select Committees, Task Forces, HOA Conferences and Town Hall Meetings in the past years traveling throughout Florida. The result was always the same: Homeowners demanded enforcement of the laws through a regulatory agency. How long do we want to study? Until all owners are flat broke?
Remember, OPPAGA wrote two excellent reports about the inefficiency of the DBPR -- and especially of the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes. What changed? Absolutely nothing!
When Governor Charlie Crist appointed Secretary Chuck Drago, he appointed the most useless Secretary in the last ten years -- and believe me, we suffered through a bunch of bad choices for Secretary during that time. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is DYSFUNCTIONAL -- plainly a waste of taxpayers’ money. The Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes under the "leadership" of Chief Michael Cochran is a great example of a government agency that does more harm than good! And all of the money that the Division doesn’t waste -- every association pays $4 annually for each condo unit -- is being used by Governor Crist as his private piggy bank to fill budget holes caused by irresponsible spending. Condo owners are paying this money into the Condo Trust Fund to finance a regulatory agency that is supposed to uphold the laws in these associations. The moneys -- and the trust of the people -- are long gone!
Even the most supportive report from OPPAGA will not change the misery of many homeowners. The number of HOA problems will not drop like a rock -- maybe only if you're using the same rock Governor Crist used when talking about the property taxes dropping?
And it seems that Governor Charlie Crist, a former employee of the DBPR, is protecting his former colleagues on purpose. I just can't believe that anybody in Tallahassee is not aware of the totally dismal performance of this government agency!
And while our legislators are once again making sure that "the pork comes home" -- or the favorite university gets some extra funding for personal gain -- homeowners living in community associations are losing their life savings and their hope that our state government will do anything to protect them against greedy, power-hungry and outright incompetent officials. Retirees are losing their homes -- their American Dream they saved for all their lives -- because the elected government officials ignore their desperate needs.
Homeowners' association election provisions have more loopholes than a Swiss Cheese. And Banana Republics have more election safeguards than Florida's homeowners' associations. But considering what happens at our big government elections, Floridians are used to election shenanigans?
Developers are going bankrupt and there are no safeguards for the owners who paid their life savings for homes in devastated communities, owners being left with lots of unpaid bills and liabilities, without having a say in sorting out the mess the developer left them in!
Legislators are made to believe that the banks’ and mortgage companies’ failure to pay fees for the properties they acquired through foreclosure are the crux of all problems. This may be part of the problem, but not all of it. Any business person will tell you that it makes no sense to spend $50,000 in legal fees to recover $20,000 in unpaid dues! (Just one example)
The big problems are as well caused by irresponsible spending by association boards that can't read the writing on the wall. How about sending out 168 violation letters with the serious threat of legal action for brown spots on the lawn after hard freezes and water restrictions killed nearly all lawns in Northern Florida?
Times are tough -- the economy is bad, the real estate market even worse! There is no question about that. But Florida's citizens should be able to rely on their elected officials to try their best to protect their interests.
For the first time in modern history more people moved out of Florida than moved into our state. This trend wasn't caused by hurricanes or the bad economy. People just see the writing on the wall! The fact that Florida has the highest average age in the United States definitely causes an unusually high death rate -- it's no wonder that there are estimated more than 300,000 empty homes and condos -- and more to come! The solution offered by some legislators to stop the financial crisis: Let's build more homes!
Many more people are hoping that the real estate market will recover and they can sell their homes with only small losses! As soon as they are able to sell, they will flee Florida in a heartbeat. And since retirees up North are warned by the local media about Florida lacking law enforcement and being a paradise for scam artists, only a few newcomers will trickle into the state. Saying it with Jimmy Buffet's words: No more "cheeseburgers in paradise"! Our government officials successfully destroyed the "paradise" -- and turned the American Dream of homeownership into a Nightmare!
Never forget: Other countries are suffering as well from the world-wide economic crisis, but in those countries neighbors are not forced to pay for neighbors who default on their payments. Politicians in other civilized countries made this association system illegal before it got off the ground -- despite serious attempts from special interest. They quickly recognized that this system of community living was doomed to failure and put a stop to it before it could hurt their citizens.
But in this country, ruled by special interest, our government officials fail to create the necessary safeguards and protect their constituents' welfare, even after they must have realized that this association system is detrimental for homeowners and their families.
One thing is sure: Postponing reforms until next year will come much too late for many families. Considering the economic crisis will get worse as predicted -- many more families will lose their homes. Not caused by the economy but by the unwillingness of our government officials to enact much-needed reforms in a timely manner.
Stimulus packages sound great, but surely don't help the homeowner who has tried to be financially responsible and paid his/her bills. These are exactly the people that get punished for having bought into these community associations and are still trying to pay their bills. Reward: They are even required to pay more and more -- courtesy of our elected government officials.
The big question: How long can their life savings pay for it?
Our government officials love community associations because the system allows them to double-tax the owners. They are getting the full property taxes without having to deliver quite a lot of the services supposedly paid for by these property taxes!
Condo owners pay $4 protection money -- without getting the protection they pay for! I guess the Mafia was more reliable than our government?
Our nation was given birth by the American Revolution, starting with the Boston Tea Party. The founding fathers would turn in their graves if they knew what our elected officials made out of our "Land of the Free."
Abraham Lincoln's famous words, spoken in his Gettysburg Address in 1863, are often quoted as a definition of democracy: "…Government of the people, by the people, and for the people…”!
It looks like our Tallahassee government officials read it this way: "…of, by and for the special interest…"!
What will it take to make our government officials realize that they were elected to serve and protect the interest of Florida's citizens?
Potential homebuyers were told the sky would fall without these homeowners' associations. Nasty neighbors would paint their homes in outrageous colors and instead of flowers and nice gardening they would see rusty pick-up trucks on blocks on their neighbors' lawns. Actually, according to media reports, only two Florida homeowners chose to paint their homes in outrageous colors in the last ten years. In one case the homeowner used weird painting to protest a city decision. In another case, where a homeowner painted his home in the colors of his fraternity, the county quickly stepped in. And rusty pick-up on blocks? Just call code enforcement. You don't need a homeowners' association!
Horror stories of high special assessments, seriously increased monthly dues, and "inventive fining" hit the media headlines daily. The only ones who are obviously unable to read are our government officials and legislators. Despite the outcry of many homeowners from all over the state, our Governor wants another STUDY -- this time from OPPAGA. You can study a problem to death -- or you can simply use it as an excuse to avoid doing anything. We had all kinds of official Select Committees, Task Forces, HOA Conferences and Town Hall Meetings in the past years traveling throughout Florida. The result was always the same: Homeowners demanded enforcement of the laws through a regulatory agency. How long do we want to study? Until all owners are flat broke?
Remember, OPPAGA wrote two excellent reports about the inefficiency of the DBPR -- and especially of the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes. What changed? Absolutely nothing!
When Governor Charlie Crist appointed Secretary Chuck Drago, he appointed the most useless Secretary in the last ten years -- and believe me, we suffered through a bunch of bad choices for Secretary during that time. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is DYSFUNCTIONAL -- plainly a waste of taxpayers’ money. The Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes under the "leadership" of Chief Michael Cochran is a great example of a government agency that does more harm than good! And all of the money that the Division doesn’t waste -- every association pays $4 annually for each condo unit -- is being used by Governor Crist as his private piggy bank to fill budget holes caused by irresponsible spending. Condo owners are paying this money into the Condo Trust Fund to finance a regulatory agency that is supposed to uphold the laws in these associations. The moneys -- and the trust of the people -- are long gone!
Even the most supportive report from OPPAGA will not change the misery of many homeowners. The number of HOA problems will not drop like a rock -- maybe only if you're using the same rock Governor Crist used when talking about the property taxes dropping?
And it seems that Governor Charlie Crist, a former employee of the DBPR, is protecting his former colleagues on purpose. I just can't believe that anybody in Tallahassee is not aware of the totally dismal performance of this government agency!
And while our legislators are once again making sure that "the pork comes home" -- or the favorite university gets some extra funding for personal gain -- homeowners living in community associations are losing their life savings and their hope that our state government will do anything to protect them against greedy, power-hungry and outright incompetent officials. Retirees are losing their homes -- their American Dream they saved for all their lives -- because the elected government officials ignore their desperate needs.
Homeowners' association election provisions have more loopholes than a Swiss Cheese. And Banana Republics have more election safeguards than Florida's homeowners' associations. But considering what happens at our big government elections, Floridians are used to election shenanigans?
Developers are going bankrupt and there are no safeguards for the owners who paid their life savings for homes in devastated communities, owners being left with lots of unpaid bills and liabilities, without having a say in sorting out the mess the developer left them in!
Legislators are made to believe that the banks’ and mortgage companies’ failure to pay fees for the properties they acquired through foreclosure are the crux of all problems. This may be part of the problem, but not all of it. Any business person will tell you that it makes no sense to spend $50,000 in legal fees to recover $20,000 in unpaid dues! (Just one example)
The big problems are as well caused by irresponsible spending by association boards that can't read the writing on the wall. How about sending out 168 violation letters with the serious threat of legal action for brown spots on the lawn after hard freezes and water restrictions killed nearly all lawns in Northern Florida?
Times are tough -- the economy is bad, the real estate market even worse! There is no question about that. But Florida's citizens should be able to rely on their elected officials to try their best to protect their interests.
For the first time in modern history more people moved out of Florida than moved into our state. This trend wasn't caused by hurricanes or the bad economy. People just see the writing on the wall! The fact that Florida has the highest average age in the United States definitely causes an unusually high death rate -- it's no wonder that there are estimated more than 300,000 empty homes and condos -- and more to come! The solution offered by some legislators to stop the financial crisis: Let's build more homes!
Many more people are hoping that the real estate market will recover and they can sell their homes with only small losses! As soon as they are able to sell, they will flee Florida in a heartbeat. And since retirees up North are warned by the local media about Florida lacking law enforcement and being a paradise for scam artists, only a few newcomers will trickle into the state. Saying it with Jimmy Buffet's words: No more "cheeseburgers in paradise"! Our government officials successfully destroyed the "paradise" -- and turned the American Dream of homeownership into a Nightmare!
Never forget: Other countries are suffering as well from the world-wide economic crisis, but in those countries neighbors are not forced to pay for neighbors who default on their payments. Politicians in other civilized countries made this association system illegal before it got off the ground -- despite serious attempts from special interest. They quickly recognized that this system of community living was doomed to failure and put a stop to it before it could hurt their citizens.
But in this country, ruled by special interest, our government officials fail to create the necessary safeguards and protect their constituents' welfare, even after they must have realized that this association system is detrimental for homeowners and their families.
One thing is sure: Postponing reforms until next year will come much too late for many families. Considering the economic crisis will get worse as predicted -- many more families will lose their homes. Not caused by the economy but by the unwillingness of our government officials to enact much-needed reforms in a timely manner.
Stimulus packages sound great, but surely don't help the homeowner who has tried to be financially responsible and paid his/her bills. These are exactly the people that get punished for having bought into these community associations and are still trying to pay their bills. Reward: They are even required to pay more and more -- courtesy of our elected government officials.
The big question: How long can their life savings pay for it?
Our government officials love community associations because the system allows them to double-tax the owners. They are getting the full property taxes without having to deliver quite a lot of the services supposedly paid for by these property taxes!
Condo owners pay $4 protection money -- without getting the protection they pay for! I guess the Mafia was more reliable than our government?
Our nation was given birth by the American Revolution, starting with the Boston Tea Party. The founding fathers would turn in their graves if they knew what our elected officials made out of our "Land of the Free."
Abraham Lincoln's famous words, spoken in his Gettysburg Address in 1863, are often quoted as a definition of democracy: "…Government of the people, by the people, and for the people…”!
It looks like our Tallahassee government officials read it this way: "…of, by and for the special interest…"!
What will it take to make our government officials realize that they were elected to serve and protect the interest of Florida's citizens?
Monday, April 27, 2009
Bill would shield banks from cost of maintaining homes in foreclosure
April 27, 2009
Dear Governor Charlie Crist, Dear Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Dear Senators and State Representatives,
Who likes to clean up the mess he/she created? Clearly not Florida's bankers who are trying to push a bill that would shield them from the cost of maintaining homes in foreclosure. See today's article in the Sun Sentinel:
http://www.ccfj.net/LEGSESS09shieldbanks.html
But the solution to this big problem is actually very simple: The banks pay back the stimulus money they received -- money they shouldn't have gotten in the first place!
This stimulus money is then distributed to cities, counties, homeowners' associations and condo associations. These entities will then take care of maintaining the homes and properties in foreclosure.
Problem solved -- and the banks don't have to worry about being responsible for maintaining homes in foreclosure!
This solution would sure help all parties involved!
Warm Regards, Jan Bergemann, President
Dear Governor Charlie Crist, Dear Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Dear Senators and State Representatives,
Who likes to clean up the mess he/she created? Clearly not Florida's bankers who are trying to push a bill that would shield them from the cost of maintaining homes in foreclosure. See today's article in the Sun Sentinel:
http://www.ccfj.net/LEGSESS09shieldbanks.html
But the solution to this big problem is actually very simple: The banks pay back the stimulus money they received -- money they shouldn't have gotten in the first place!
This stimulus money is then distributed to cities, counties, homeowners' associations and condo associations. These entities will then take care of maintaining the homes and properties in foreclosure.
Problem solved -- and the banks don't have to worry about being responsible for maintaining homes in foreclosure!
This solution would sure help all parties involved!
Warm Regards, Jan Bergemann, President
Upscale Community's mailbox fight becomes 'World War III'
Article Courtesy of The St. Petersburg Times
By Marlene Sokol
April 24, 2009
LUTZ — Dan Gallagher's mailbox would be the envy of most anyone in suburbia.
Graceful scrollwork runs between the jet-black box and its slender post. The numbers are gold. Its top is shaped like a tiled roof.
People pay good money for such a box — $342, says an ad in the Cheval newsletter.
But it has been called an eyesore on Avenue du Soleil, where other boxes are squat, thick and stucco. Its arrival has been met with angry voices, a state ethics commission complaint and a lawyer's letter to a homeowner that some consider a threat.
"It was not our intention to start World War III," homeowner Sandra Murray told the community association on Monday.
That would be an exaggeration. But, as neighborhood dust-ups go, not by much.
Conformity is a guiding principle in deed-restricted communities such as Cheval, a guarded enclave on the outskirts of a championship golf course.
Developers, in writing the rules for future homeowners, called for mailboxes that would complement the houses and the neighborhood.
State law in recent years ordered associations to spell rules out clearly, or risk untold levels of deviation.
"There are seminars and seminars on the impact of this thing,'' said T. Truett Gardner, the association's lawyer.
Cheval residents have long bristled about the original stucco mailboxes. Careless drivers knock them down and they are costly to replace. Pets and small children can hide behind them.
Already, two Cheval neighborhoods allow metal boxes. Would it make sense to let the rest have that option?
That was the question before Murray's architectural review committee, which reviewed Gallagher's request after his wife knocked down the stucco one with her car. Seeking a broad ruling, they put the question before the Cheval West Community Association.
In December, that board voted 4-1 to allow metal mailboxes.
An outcry ensued. More meetings were held. In February, the policy was reversed.
But it was too late for Avenue du Soleil. Gallagher's mailbox was standing tall.
"I have never, ever disliked you at all," homeowner Thomas Bland, 56, told Gallagher on Monday. "What I didn't like is what you did, and how you handled the situation."
That's because Gallagher, 78, is not just any homeowner, but an association board member.
Frustrated that Gallagher got a rogue mailbox approved when other homeowners could not even get ant beds treated, Bland filed a complaint with the Commission on Ethics in Tallahassee.
Gallagher should not have voted on the mailbox, said Bland, who also alleges Gallagher used his position for personal gain.
The association responded with an attorney's letter from Gardner that denied Gallagher had acted unethically, and proposed a settlement: Bland was to apologize and pay to replace Gallagher's mailbox. It also warned that Bland could be hit with legal fees if the state found in Gallagher's favor.
This, too, incited neighbors.
"If Americans can no longer criticize elected officials, we've taken a gigantic step toward a place where I don't want to go," said Earl Burley.
Board member Lori Lencioni said Monday that she didn't like the tone of the letter.
Still, she told Bland, "filing that [ethics complaint] should have been a last resort instead of the first thing you did."
There was debate about who should apologize to whom, and an argument about a petition drive. There was worried talk that someone could erect a porpoise-shaped mailbox, or a plastic one from Wal-Mart.
"We're all reasonable people here," Burley said.
"Have we just tried to sit down and talk to Dan and say, 'Let's work this out?' We have over 40 people on our street who don't like this thing. We've become enemies over a damn mailbox.''
More than a mailbox
After the meeting, Bland acknowledged that the mailbox was just one of his issues with the association.
"For 10 years, we have paid our money and we don't get services," he said. He described trash on the ground, landscaping that covers lights and poses traffic hazards, and meetings held at inconvenient times and locations.
As a show of good faith, he said he would tell the state to withdraw his complaint.
Gallagher, for his part, mused that "sometimes the littlest things in life create the greatest problems, and for no good reason."
By Thursday, the matter was nearing a resolution. According to Gardner, Gallagher has agreed to return to stucco and the homeowner association will foot the bill.
But one outstanding issue is the ethics complaint. Gardner expects it will be dismissed, either because of Bland's request to withdraw it, or because the state commission does not have jurisdiction over homeowner associations.
Because such a complaint is confidential at this stage, commission spokeswoman Kerrie Stillman could not even confirm its existence. Hypothetically, she said, the board would review it, as well as Bland's request to withdraw, and then send him an answer.
It will arrive in his mailbox.
By Marlene Sokol
April 24, 2009
LUTZ — Dan Gallagher's mailbox would be the envy of most anyone in suburbia.
Graceful scrollwork runs between the jet-black box and its slender post. The numbers are gold. Its top is shaped like a tiled roof.
People pay good money for such a box — $342, says an ad in the Cheval newsletter.
But it has been called an eyesore on Avenue du Soleil, where other boxes are squat, thick and stucco. Its arrival has been met with angry voices, a state ethics commission complaint and a lawyer's letter to a homeowner that some consider a threat.
"It was not our intention to start World War III," homeowner Sandra Murray told the community association on Monday.
That would be an exaggeration. But, as neighborhood dust-ups go, not by much.
Conformity is a guiding principle in deed-restricted communities such as Cheval, a guarded enclave on the outskirts of a championship golf course.
Developers, in writing the rules for future homeowners, called for mailboxes that would complement the houses and the neighborhood.
State law in recent years ordered associations to spell rules out clearly, or risk untold levels of deviation.
"There are seminars and seminars on the impact of this thing,'' said T. Truett Gardner, the association's lawyer.
Cheval residents have long bristled about the original stucco mailboxes. Careless drivers knock them down and they are costly to replace. Pets and small children can hide behind them.
Already, two Cheval neighborhoods allow metal boxes. Would it make sense to let the rest have that option?
That was the question before Murray's architectural review committee, which reviewed Gallagher's request after his wife knocked down the stucco one with her car. Seeking a broad ruling, they put the question before the Cheval West Community Association.
In December, that board voted 4-1 to allow metal mailboxes.
An outcry ensued. More meetings were held. In February, the policy was reversed.
But it was too late for Avenue du Soleil. Gallagher's mailbox was standing tall.
"I have never, ever disliked you at all," homeowner Thomas Bland, 56, told Gallagher on Monday. "What I didn't like is what you did, and how you handled the situation."
That's because Gallagher, 78, is not just any homeowner, but an association board member.
Frustrated that Gallagher got a rogue mailbox approved when other homeowners could not even get ant beds treated, Bland filed a complaint with the Commission on Ethics in Tallahassee.
Gallagher should not have voted on the mailbox, said Bland, who also alleges Gallagher used his position for personal gain.
The association responded with an attorney's letter from Gardner that denied Gallagher had acted unethically, and proposed a settlement: Bland was to apologize and pay to replace Gallagher's mailbox. It also warned that Bland could be hit with legal fees if the state found in Gallagher's favor.
This, too, incited neighbors.
"If Americans can no longer criticize elected officials, we've taken a gigantic step toward a place where I don't want to go," said Earl Burley.
Board member Lori Lencioni said Monday that she didn't like the tone of the letter.
Still, she told Bland, "filing that [ethics complaint] should have been a last resort instead of the first thing you did."
There was debate about who should apologize to whom, and an argument about a petition drive. There was worried talk that someone could erect a porpoise-shaped mailbox, or a plastic one from Wal-Mart.
"We're all reasonable people here," Burley said.
"Have we just tried to sit down and talk to Dan and say, 'Let's work this out?' We have over 40 people on our street who don't like this thing. We've become enemies over a damn mailbox.''
More than a mailbox
After the meeting, Bland acknowledged that the mailbox was just one of his issues with the association.
"For 10 years, we have paid our money and we don't get services," he said. He described trash on the ground, landscaping that covers lights and poses traffic hazards, and meetings held at inconvenient times and locations.
As a show of good faith, he said he would tell the state to withdraw his complaint.
Gallagher, for his part, mused that "sometimes the littlest things in life create the greatest problems, and for no good reason."
By Thursday, the matter was nearing a resolution. According to Gardner, Gallagher has agreed to return to stucco and the homeowner association will foot the bill.
But one outstanding issue is the ethics complaint. Gardner expects it will be dismissed, either because of Bland's request to withdraw it, or because the state commission does not have jurisdiction over homeowner associations.
Because such a complaint is confidential at this stage, commission spokeswoman Kerrie Stillman could not even confirm its existence. Hypothetically, she said, the board would review it, as well as Bland's request to withdraw, and then send him an answer.
It will arrive in his mailbox.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
My Daughter, Liza, a new angel
I have lost two daughters to cancer. No words can describe the grief that I am going thought now. Losing two daughter before their dad is words I cannot describe. I am completely lost in this world without my daughters. Liza was just here in Lake Wales with her husband and two children a month before she died of cancer. She never told me she was very ill. She went to Universal Studios and we all went on a air boat ride with alligator cove nature tours on Lake Kissimmee on Feb 23. Airplane, Hotel, Universal Studios, Air boat Ride was on Dad. On April 3 she pass away. She knew I was going to Hawaii for 3 weeks and she never said a word. She did not want to leave to go home and left late to catch the plane and miss it. My angel is gone and I am lost without her. I have not left my home or gone fishing in three weeks, just don't know what to do. Maybe some day, I will understand why God took her from us. I just hope you don't have to go thought what I am going thought now. Take care.
My Daughter, Liza, a new angel
Hello Family and Friends, Liza's blog site
Sunday, April 5, 2009
God has a new angel...
Liza E. (King) Santerre, 48 of Milford, N.H. left us on April 3rd, 2009 after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer.
Liza was born on November 24th, 1960 in Waterville, Maine.
She was the daughter of Mary P. King of Pittston, Maine and Edmund King of Belgrade, Maine and Lake Wales, Fla.
Liza was the wife of Todd Santerre of Milford, N.H. with whom was about to share there 23rd wedding anniversary.
She was the exceptional, loving mother of her daughter Courtney, 17 and her son Colby, 16.
She was educated in local schools and earned her BA in Management Information Technologies from Daniel Webster College in Nashua.
Until recently Liza had been employed by Brickmill Marketing Agency in Wilton, N.H.
Of all her loves of life, her family and friends were her greatest. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and travel amongst so many other things. She has left us only in her physical being and will remain in our hearts and lives forever. Her bright, easy, smile will always be remembered.
Besides her parents, husband and children, Liza is survived by two sisters, Sharon Mckibbon of Farmingdale, ME and Kathy Clark and husband Dick of Bowdoin, ME; three brothers, Mr. Fred King and his significant other Laura of Fitchburg, MA, Mr. David King and his wife Marla of Nashua, N.H., Peter Legendre and his significant other Amanda of Pittson, ME; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her younger sister Lori Grady of Augusta, ME.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held from 6-9 PM, Monday, April 6, 2009 and 3-4 PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at Davis Funeral Home, One Lock St., Nashua. A Funeral Service will follow Tuesday visitation at 4 PM. Considering in her life Liza truly loved flowers, in lieu of them, it was her wish that contributions be made to in C/O; Liza Santerre Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA. 02115-6084. Lets find a cure!! DAVIS FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements. An online guest book is available at www. davisfuneralhomenh.com.
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090405/OBITS/304059923/-1/obits
Posted by Amanda at 7:11 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Florida Bound!
Well the wait is finally over - Florida here we come! Woohoo!!
I'm so excited to be getting out of the cold and snow and can't wait to ride ALL the roller coasters at Universal Studios! We're all leaving tomorrow (Weds 18th) and coming back Tuesday - not sure if that's long enough? Hoping our plane doesn't land in the Hudson or on someones roof.........
Will take lots of pictures so I can taunt everyone with pictures of all of us in shorts. We'll be staying in Orlando for 4 nights and then it's off to Lake Wales to spend 2 nights with Dad and Nancy. Dad's excited about the visit too and has an airboat ride planned for us (and who know what else).
Sunday, April 5, 2009
God has a new angel...
Liza E. (King) Santerre, 48 of Milford, N.H. left us on April 3rd, 2009 after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer.
Liza was born on November 24th, 1960 in Waterville, Maine.
She was the daughter of Mary P. King of Pittston, Maine and Edmund King of Belgrade, Maine and Lake Wales, Fla.
Liza was the wife of Todd Santerre of Milford, N.H. with whom was about to share there 23rd wedding anniversary.
She was the exceptional, loving mother of her daughter Courtney, 17 and her son Colby, 16.
She was educated in local schools and earned her BA in Management Information Technologies from Daniel Webster College in Nashua.
Until recently Liza had been employed by Brickmill Marketing Agency in Wilton, N.H.
Of all her loves of life, her family and friends were her greatest. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and travel amongst so many other things. She has left us only in her physical being and will remain in our hearts and lives forever. Her bright, easy, smile will always be remembered.
Besides her parents, husband and children, Liza is survived by two sisters, Sharon Mckibbon of Farmingdale, ME and Kathy Clark and husband Dick of Bowdoin, ME; three brothers, Mr. Fred King and his significant other Laura of Fitchburg, MA, Mr. David King and his wife Marla of Nashua, N.H., Peter Legendre and his significant other Amanda of Pittson, ME; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her younger sister Lori Grady of Augusta, ME.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held from 6-9 PM, Monday, April 6, 2009 and 3-4 PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at Davis Funeral Home, One Lock St., Nashua. A Funeral Service will follow Tuesday visitation at 4 PM. Considering in her life Liza truly loved flowers, in lieu of them, it was her wish that contributions be made to in C/O; Liza Santerre Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA. 02115-6084. Lets find a cure!! DAVIS FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements. An online guest book is available at www. davisfuneralhomenh.com.
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090405/OBITS/304059923/-1/obits
Posted by Amanda at 7:11 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Florida Bound!
Well the wait is finally over - Florida here we come! Woohoo!!
I'm so excited to be getting out of the cold and snow and can't wait to ride ALL the roller coasters at Universal Studios! We're all leaving tomorrow (Weds 18th) and coming back Tuesday - not sure if that's long enough? Hoping our plane doesn't land in the Hudson or on someones roof.........
Will take lots of pictures so I can taunt everyone with pictures of all of us in shorts. We'll be staying in Orlando for 4 nights and then it's off to Lake Wales to spend 2 nights with Dad and Nancy. Dad's excited about the visit too and has an airboat ride planned for us (and who know what else).
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