Wednesday, April 30, 2014

PULTE STOCK

At the end of the month we have observed our investment of $6.43 has now closed at $18.23

That is a nice number, but it actually has been high.

We are in a holding pattern on this investment at present.

Monday, April 28, 2014

BOARD SAYS: "NO MORE CHANGES TO TRAFFIC FLOW BY GAS STATION"

When Town Center was designed the traffic flow around the gas station was two way. That was quickly changed when a   recommendation was made for safety reasons to make it one-way.

At the time of this initial change there was limited input, if any, from residents, and no record of a professional review. Nonetheless the traffic flow was changed. Some liked the change. Some didn't

We have lived with the "new" one-way traffic flow for several years. During those years a sound argument can be made that,  We now know and understand the traffic rules around the gas station area.

To our knowledge nobody has driven their car into the travel store, the beauty parlor, or the Post Office. Nobody has been clocked at 64 mph pulling up to the pumps.That is all very good. But recently a recommendation was made to transition back to a two way traffic flow. After all it is five years - time to make a change.

Our Board made the call to 'leave well enough alone'. They were right. Their position should be considered final, and respected by all. At least that is one opinion.

Drive on and drive careful.



Sunday, April 27, 2014

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - MINUTES

Minutes from the Board's Meetings will be placed in a binder and put in the library for residents to review.

Notices regarding the Board's meetings, and Agendas will be posted in the Post Office.

Make a note of this.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

FIRE AT TENNIS COURTS ?

There was a fire engine parked for a couple of hours on Thursday Night (7:00 PM), but there was no smoke or flames.

This was a community service mission. The Fireman had an appointment with the CERT TEAM for the purpose of training team volunteers to do CPR.

It is very important for members of our community to know how to perform CPR in the event of such a need at perhaps the tennis court, lap pool, or at Bingo.

Below is one of the victims used by members of the community to train. Our thanks to these volunteers and to those Firemen.


Friday, April 25, 2014

PAC GOING TO ORLANDO

The Performing Arts Group in VeronaWalk has been invited to attend a banquet sponsored by "Florida Communities of Excellence Awards".

It appears that this is the first group ever invited to attend and perform at the event.

This is something that gives good feelings to the members of the cast. They have been donating hours of their time in an effort to provide world class entertainment for our residents, with the sale of tickets benefiting Children's Charities of Southwest Florida.

This year the group raised $25,000.

There is no other group that gives so much in terms of time and benefit to the community. Here are a couple of pictures from their recent rehearsal.

Congratulations Guys







Wednesday, April 23, 2014

OAKMONT BATHROOM GUTTED AND RETILED

Sometimes our focus is on the inside of the home, and we take a breather from the events outside our abode.

The story here is the white tiles laid in by Pulte, in the master bath,  had seen their day, even though "My Queen" kept them bright and shinny through daily effort. The appeal just wasn't there so why not make a change.

Regrettably we didn't organize our efforts into a one time, do it all, plan. We started a couple years ago with granite counters thinking that would be it. It wasn't.

A year ago we tried tile just around the Ladies tub. It looked good, so, of all people The Old Guy said,  "lets do the whole thing."

Now it is floor to ceiling, 13" sq tiles, with new chrome rain shower, and other fixtures. Brian Haley (845-590-6188) did the work which took nine full days. He even showed up on time too.

Marco Glass did the new door, and glass panel to finish off the work, and the wallet. In the end it is something we will enjoy for a few years. Below are pictures that show the transformation. A few friends asked to see the pictures so this is a good way to share them.







Tuesday, April 22, 2014

BE SAFE

The "Old Guy" told me that when he was a probation officer the words "Be Safe" were often exchanged between officers especially, when heading out to the City Streets. Thinking about today's world the same words still apply.

While checking on local home invasions our blog's Safety Guy found this article from our local Sheriff. The focus was the recent home invasions. As you know there was a situation in our community that appears to be isolated, but it did cause some concern here.

The article tells of the Sheriff's efforts to deal with home invasions in Collier County. Our Safety Guy said it is well worth a few minutes of your time to read it. Before you sit down make sure your doors are locked, and the alarm is set.

"Be Safe"  and read the article below:
Posted: 21 Apr 2014 06:25 AM PDT

The multijurisdictional task force investigating five recent home invasion robberies in Collier County and the City of Naples is continuing to work daily to identify and arrest those responsible for these crimes.

The task force is made up of members representing the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Naples Police Department, the Marco Island Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI.

The crimes began Feb. 13, when the suspects targeted a home on White Boulevard. The next one took place Feb. 19 at a home on Golden Oaks Lane. The third home invasion was reported Feb. 24 on 17thAvenue South. That one was followed by one on March 11 at a home on Osprey Trail in The Estuary. The most recent home invasion took place April 3 at a home on Groveland Terrace in Quail West.

The suspects wear dark clothing, gloves and masks and target high-end homes. They restrain the occupants, render telephones and cell phones in the home inoperable, and make off with cash and jewelry. The suspects have gained access to the homes by either entering through unlocked doors or approaching residents who were outside on their own property in the evening hours.

Task force members are asking the community to contact law enforcement anytime they see something suspicious. Information about something as seemingly harmless as an unfamiliar vehicle driving through a neighborhood could be the tip the task force needs to break the case.

“No piece of information is too small,” said CCSO Lt. John Morrisseau, who is leading the task force. “Trust your instincts and report anything that seems suspicious. “

The task force recently partnered with Crime Stoppers of Southwest Florida to publicize the case.Click here to watch the Crime Stoppers segment.

In addition, representatives from the CCSO Crime Prevention Bureau have been out in the community speaking to homeowner and civic associations, stressing the importance of having good home security measures in place and encouraging them to develop a family safety plan so that they are prepared in the event of an emergency. Click here to view CCSO’s family safety plan handout.

Anyone with information is asked to call the home invasion hotline at 239.252.0300, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477.

*****

Monday, April 21, 2014

WHO TOOK THE CAMERA ?


" Who took my camera?"  That was what the "Old Guy" was heard to say just before this picture mysteriously wound up on his camera.

That's Cali, and  she makes the picture look good. It was taken on Easter.

Glad to share our day.

*****

Sunday, April 20, 2014

OUR DAUGHTER IN ARGENTINA


The "Old Guy" always calls our daughter "Cid."  A couple of days ago she found this sign in Argentina with her name on it and just had to send a picture. The Queen says it is OK to post.


*****

EQUITY IN HOMES SAID TO BE ON THE UP SWING

A recent report by "Realty Trac" suggests that equit in our homes is on an increase. Well that's good.

The report focused on Florida and those homes with "underwater mortgages."  The finding in Southwest Florida, particularly Collier County, shows that home values have increased.

Friday, April 18, 2014

OUR HOUSE SERVES AS HOSPITAL


The grandson was not feeling well on Wednesday so guess where he stayed the whole day.

His Grandpa made such a fuss one might think we turned our house into a clinic or hospital.

*****

The only RX needed was TV, Cartoons, and Chicken soup.  

Thursday, April 17, 2014

VW COMMUNITY TV


Tune in to Channel 195 to see information regarding our community.

The channel had been down, however repairs have been made and once again it is up and running.

*****

STREET REPRESENTATIVES

Representatives from thirty plus streets in the Community attended a meeting with the Board of Directors on Wednesday. This is a First.

The Board indicated a desire to see Street Representatives organize and function in a way that is beneficial to the Community

Lets keep our eyes open on this subject. It is important

Monday, April 14, 2014

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER MAKES HUGE DONATION


This picture was taken on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Town Center. 

These are members of the Board of Directors of P.A.C.  On this night a check was presented to "Freedom Waters" a local children's charity.

The funds donated were raised through the "See the USA" Show that was presented on Feb. 28, March 1 and 2. 

The show raised $25,000.

Nice job 


*****

Friday, April 11, 2014

A NICE "YOU TUBE" PRESENTATION ABOUT VERONAWALK

The link below is a sales production of course, but the presentation of our community is worth a look. Check the "You Tube" link below.

Here is Verona Walk Video on YouTube

         
New Townhomes & Homes in Naples Florida - VeronaWalk by DiVosta           
http://www.divosta.com - VeronaWalk offers new Townhomes & Homes in Naples built by DiVosta.


Thursday, April 10, 2014

COMCAST - COMPETITION IS AVAILAVLE

Sunday's (4-6) paper reported that there was a forum recently on the subject of cable television.  The focus was competition for future contracts.

The report, in the Editorial section, stated that the number of people that attended was much larger then expected. One of our Board Members, Mr Denkensohn, attended this forum,  along with managers and residents of other communities.

Interesting was the fact that there is competition out there, and they want to take over from Comcast who they refer to as the "incumbent."  They are investing heavily to offer their product to large community's such as Pelican Bay, and VillageWalk.

New names to keep in mind when our contract is really ready to be dealt with our: Summit, Lifelite, and Hotwire. All of these companies say they can do better.

It would be wise for our Community to keep our collective eyes  open, so when our time comes to renew our contract, we are knowledgeable of what is available through these companies.

A note, to just file away, is the fact that Comcast did not attend this recent forum.


*****  

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

TIME TO PAY UP FOR INSURANCE

Another tid-bit of info from our last Board Of Directors meeting here in VeronaWalk. We are going to buy some insurance.

Motions were made and approved to purchase an Indemnity policy and Hurricane Insurance.

Bottom line here appears to be: "You got to protect yourself." This is a move that has not caused any loud objections so far. Our friend has lived here several years and took a  few pictures of what our community looked like after Hurricane FAY in 2008. Check them out, and make sure you have yourself covered.






Tuesday, April 8, 2014

BUILDER OWES A FEW DOLLARS TO COMMUNITY


It's only a couple of bucks. Have you heard that before?  Sure, but this time it is a little different. It's us, and our money.

At the last Board Meeting of our HOA information surfaced regarding roughly $250,000 that is owed to our Community by the builder. There (good news for us) does not appear to be any dispute regarding the funds.

The process, which could take 90 days, has begun to put the money where it belongs. Apparently it is a long bridge to cross, unlike the one pictured above.

Only issue from some quarters is why wasn't this information available to both Residents and Board much sooner.

*****

Monday, April 7, 2014

MY QUEEN SET TO RETURN


This Old Guy was left here alone for close to two weeks. Now it's time to clean up the act, and get ready for her return.

The Carpenter is almost done, and I cleaned. What more is expected of me.

Good eats ahead. That's for sure. 

Of course I'll have to restrict what I enter on this blog when she is here to check on me.

*****

A PHOTO RECAP OF THE "SEE THE USA" SHOW

Below is a "Smilebox" link to a ten minute presentation on the efforts of the cast of the "See The USA" Show recently concluded at Town Center.

The Performing Arts Center, through this show, raised $25,000 for local Children s' Charities

Click on "play".

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow
Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
Personalize a picture slideshow

*****

Sunday, April 6, 2014

LUXURY HOME MARKET HERE IN NAPLES

Good News.

A recent poll found that one of the top spots in the country to purchase a luxury home was right here in Naples. We ranked 2nd.

New York, hard to believe was ranked number 1.

Its good to be retired and living in this very good area. Didn't need a survey to tell me that.


APRIL 9 - NEXT BOARD MEETING

Our new Board will hold their next meeting on Wednesday April 9. Meeting time is 12:30

Its' your Board folks, so if you are interested make plans to show up at Town Center.

*****

Saturday, April 5, 2014

SHULA'S JUST FABULOUS AS EXPECTED


Over 40 men crowded into SHULA'S STEAK HOUSE on April 2. The reports are that  this was, again, another treat for our VeronaWalk Gentlemen.

Our singing star in the recent "See The USA" Show served as Master of Ceremonies, and cleaned up one fine piece of Prime Rib.
We learned later that his name is on Shula's Wall of Fame for previously eating a 48 oz cut of steak.

Check it out at:

www.donshula.com     (48 oz club)

Look for the announcement regarding the next event which is always the "First Wednesday of the Month."  

*****

QUAIL WEST COMMUNITY STRUCK BY HOME INVASION


Thursday was a very unlucky day in the Quail West Community in nearby North Naples. This too is a gated community that thinks it is safe. Our Gate House can do only so much to protect.   

Appearances are not everything. Bad, guys somehow gained entry into the Community. Once there they entered a home located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. There were at least three bad guys.

These modern day outlaws are brazen and look for easy money, easy targets , and people that are easy to over power.  In the latest episode nobody was injured. That is the good news.

What can we do?  That question gets asked every day. Be alert, and keep your doors locked, with the alarm on. 

Our Safety Contributor reported these suggestions only days ago. That alone just could be the difference so pay heed.

He has obtained a hotline telephone number to use should something out of line be observed in this community.  It is 252-0300.

If you have any questions on personal safety the local sheriff is very willing to talk to you. Take advantage by communicating with officers who have the real experience to help.

Be vigilant. Be Safe.



*****


Friday, April 4, 2014

USA SHOW STAR TAKES SHOW ON THE ROAD

 
Gordon's on the River was the location for our Community's newest hit star, MR. MIKE.

He has a velvet voice, like Sinatra, and also hails from the Garden State. In the picture above he thrilled thousands at the "See The USA" Show.

His show at Gordon's was well attended, and our roving reporter said he should bring his concert to the VW Pavilion.

*****

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

CATHY'S BIRTHDAY TODAY


Another year and I did not forget. My Queen has allowed me some time at the keyboard so I even get to make an occasional Birthday greeting all by myself.

How could I forget anyway - She calls everyday to remind me !  That's her in the black dress with he baby, Mother, and big sister.

Well she is 25 today, and I will again say:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

APRIL DATES OF INTEREST

Another darn month and dates to remember. The time never went this fast before. As I recall, without The Queen's help I should remember a couple.

After scratching my head I could only think of one. Check it out on the 2nd.

*****