BOARD MEETING RE: MANAGEMENT COMPANY

In a couple of days our Board of Directors will discuss and maybe make a decision on what company manages this community. I hope a decision will be made, and that there will be a great deal of Community Support and Appreciation for all involved in the decision making process, and whoever is awarded the contract.

Prior to making their decision on the manager there are some background facts that should be shared.

The current Management Company (SWPM) has been in violation of the existing contract for several years. They have a documented record of failure to comply with BOD requests. The BOD directed over a year ago that the Contract Committee review other vendors, which they did concluding with recommendations for two companies to be further considered by the BOD. A good deal of work was put into this effort.

The Committee carried (with their direct charge to review other vendors) a desire to secure current employees. Every company interviewed was made aware of this, and the two companies recommended to the BOD indicated their willingness to engage and hire current employees if possible.

The current Managing company, while not in agreement with the BOD on other points, demanded the  HOA pay 20 - 40% of their salaries to secure a "release" of these fine workers. Near the end of Oct. it was learned that the staff actually was employees of an Personnel Service Company. This confused negotiations, but might have made salvaging workers jobs something that could be done.

Shortly after the above discovery the management company advised the BOD to sign a new contract (with issues not resolved) or accept notice of termination of the relationship between them and our Community.

The BOD has now moved to re-interview the Companies that were recommended previously by the Contract Committee. A third company was added as a last minute contender to the interview list for BOD's consideration. This addition was made contrary to the stated procedure where vendors names are to be presented by Contract Committee. This addition brings a foul smell with it, and could leave the door open for criticism.

In this writers opinion the BOD should make their decision by choosing one of the two recommended companies (excluding the newly added company). The two companies are Cardinal Management  and First Services Group. Both of these companies were fully vetted by the Contract Committee. Both of these companies were interviewed by the BOD.

I (personal opinion) urge the BOD to focus on their Responsibility to the Community, and quickly decide which of these two companies should mange our Community. This is the Boards decision and they need to do their job,  keeping in mind the Best Interests Of The Homeowner. Once they do their job we can close the book on this subject, and do something nice, like just watch the Sun Set,

Any opinions on this subject should be sent to your BOD members prior to Wednesday's Meeting

*****

BIG DATES FOR NOVEMBER

The Queen advises that there are several dates in November for the family to note. I know there is a birthday.  I know about the big Thursday Turkey Day, but I am not sure about the football schedule. Keep an eye out for the relevant posts'

Oh yeah. There is a new one to note. Our Grand Son, Zachary, will graduate from Coast Guard Boot Camp. He has orders to report to Oxford, Maryland.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SCHEDULED FOR OCT. 30

                                               

                                                    Celebration the Life of Kathe Ryan

              All residents are invited to attend the Celebration of Life for Kathe Ryan

our neighbor and friend, who was tragically taken from our VW Family on October18,2016.

Kathes’ Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday October 30, 2016, in our Town Center, at 3:00 in the afternoon.

Kathe Ryan leaves behind her 13 year old daughter Kaitlyn Ryan and her Fiancé Mr. Richard Gajewski of 8926 Verducci Court.

Please enter thru the front doors where you can sign the guest book and/or drop off your symphony cards.

In order to prepare for set up and refreshments, please reply to one of the three names below.

Pat Hones – 312-607-0099; (Leave name and message)

bphones@gmail.com                      

Carol Brengola – 978-276-0097; (Leave name and message)

carolinemab@hotmail.com

Diane Brueggeman – 239-732-1096; (Leave name and message) Brueggemanrealestate@comcast.net

                   

On behalf of the Family and friends of Kathe Ryan we thank you in advance for all your support and help during this very difficult time.

*****

SOME PICTURES FROM THE TRIP TO IRELAND

Wow, it took over a two weeks to complete organizing and editing over 1000 pictures from the Green Island and its' inhabitants. Each one brings a nice memory for us, but for our readers we hope they bring inspiration for you to make the enjoyable journey. Heck you don't even have to drink,  But it helps if you do have a pint of Guinness.

The pictures that follow will focus on Castles, Bars, Cliffs and whatever. Enjoy them.

St PATRICK'S:

 

DUBLIN:  TRINITY COLLEGE AND DUBLIN CASTLE 

STUD HORSE OFF TO WORK, and KILKENNY CASTLE:

BLARNEY CASTLE AND CAVE:

                                KERRY AND ITS SITES:

CLIFFS OF MOHER:

TOWN OF SLIGO, GLASS HOUSE HOTEL, DERRY and BELFAST TOWER:

BACK TO RUMMY KUBE

Now we have our trip behind us, so it is time to get back to major investing or playing "Rummy Kube" for .25 per game.

It is a good thing one of us is financially independent and does not need that quarter to add to the weekly budget. Right.  It's a game, no gambling. It is played for our fun, and certainly enjoyed.

*****

GETTING BACK IN THE GROVE

One of the big things for Dennis in Ireland was meeting the Garda, as well as the Coast Guard. Naturally preserving those memories takes priority, but the kids have an interest in the "gifts' he brought back to go into his Collection.

On the first night in Dublin we had dinner with a member of the Garda who presented  us with a Dress Uniform' Hat. Both Grandkids got to play around and wear it for a few minutes,

After they wore the hat from Dublin it is only fitting that they wear something from Belfast. The hat displayed on their heads is from the HM Coast Guard. We met the officers of this service at the Giants Causeway just North of Belfast.

Enjoy the young models. Look for some pictures of Ireland in the next couple of days. 

*****

MATTHEW TO MATTHEW

Well Hello everyone!  We are back.

Our tour of Ireland was fantastic. This was due to the fact that our young tour director, Matthew, poured heart and soul (Guinness too) into our tour. He took us to little extra side trips so we saw the family side of Ireland in addition to the main tour attractions.

On leaving we saw that a storm was approaching Jamaica with heavy wind and rain. That storm was on a track to meet our track home, except we were about 48 hours ahead of it. That storm was named Matthew too.

As I read about Hurricane Mathew I hoped I tipped the Tour Director enough and that "payback" was not involved. Once home all we could do was hunker down and enjoy some fine memories of our trip. The pictures will come in the next few days but below is a calming thought that helped get us through Matthew II.

*****

BOSSES TO RETURN SOON

The bosses are still away. I learned its' IRELAND that they are visiting. That is a great place for them. No language problem and plenty of Bars.  He likes Guinness too. I am hearing they will return soon. I will be looking for those pictures he must have.

*****

OCTOBER DATES TO REMEMBER

Well this month is easy. There are no family dates that need to get recognized this month. None,  Zip.  I did this post with no problems. I even ordered my lunch - fish

*****

REPORT JUST ARRIVING -GUINESS RUNNING LOW

Your trusty neighbor here, just received word that suddenly there appears to be a shortage of Guinness in the cities around Ireland. Could the Bosses be the root of that problem.

Could they be drinking too much of that Stout Stuff to cause this problem?

For what it is worth I shall communicate with the Boss and advise him, to quickly return for that great luncheon scheduled at the 21SPICES. I am sure he will comply with the request to join the guys for lunch

*****

HAVE A LAUGH

The summer season is over and my neighbors have piled up a ton of new jokes in from visits up north. I'll start you off with a short one first. Here it is.

______________

 A guy walked into a crowded bar, waving his unholstered pistol and yelled, "I have a 45 caliber Colt 1911 with a seven round magazine plus one in the chamber and I want to know who's been sleeping with my wife."

A voice from the back of the room called out, 

"You need more ammo!”

PULTE STOCK

Another month and the shares keep trading. Take a look at our imaginary investment of years ago: 100 at $6.43

Today our stock is going for 19.98 per share. Not bad, triple that investment.

*****

SIGN UP FOR OCTOBERS' GENTLEMEN'S LUNCH NOW

Gentlemen make your reservation for the October Gentlemen's Lunch.  It will be at 21 Spices on Oct. 5.

We understand there will be a stand in host who has promised you Gents not only a great agenda, but a couple extra surprises after you eat.

Sign up asap

*****

SEND BAIL

Well folks we did hear from them, or I should say Dennis.

I got an email on the 22nd.  He wanted me to wire $500 bail. He said he was Pearse St Garda Station in Dublin.

I checked that out. It is an active police station so he probably is there. It should have a lot of police displays. That is right up his alley, and I can tell you if he is there, he is not trying to leave.

*****

HERE IS WHERE THEY ARE STAYING !

He sent me a private picture of the castle he and the Lady are staying at in Dublin. Some how I think they are pulling my leg. What do you think

*****

THEY ARE OFF

I, their trusty neighbor and friend, am already at the keyboard. Word just came in from Miami that the first flight has departed.

They go through Philadelphia and then to Dublin.

Hope they have a good time. I'll try to keep the readers up to date and maybe show a picture or two.

*****

EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FROM OUR HOA

At Thursday's Board of Directors meeting the Board voted unanimously to return $380,260.00 left over from the 2015 budget to the homeowners in the form of a credit to your HOA assessment.

The one-time credit will be evenly distributed amongst all homeowners in the amount of $198.05, and will be applied by the end of September so that your fourth quarter fees will be reduced by that amount. For those homeowners who have already paid their last quarter assessment the credit can be used on your first quarter 2017 fees.

For any homeowner in arrears the credit will first apply to the amount in arrears.

"21 SPICES" TO HOST OUR GENTLEMEN'S GROUP

The VeronaWalk Gentlemen are the premiere Lunch group in our Community. After there next luncheon they may be number one in the County.

The next event was just announced. It will be October 5. The host restaurant will be "21 Spices" located on Tamiami Trail E.

Men Don't forget, before you go over the bridge,  make your reservation. You have to Sep. 30 to register.

*****

ELK LUNCH A SUCCESS

A few days ago close to 30 of our Gentlemen dared to go over the bridge and out of the community for lunch. The VeronaWalk Gentlemen's Group rang the bell for another great luncheon.

The guys went on September 7th to the Elks Club for a well prepared luncheon. Even a few days after the event the men are still talking.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next announcement. You may also want to try the ROMEO lunch every Tuesday at Café Verona.

*****

LAKE VIEW PROPERTY

Take a look at the water level now!

I only need a few steps to reach waters edge, where in a few weeks
 I will be wondering, like many of you, "Why can't we keep the water level higher all year long?"

Oh well, enjoy it while you can.

*****

HEY CHER HAPPY BIRTHDAY

A reminder was not necessary. I didn't even need help from my Queen to tell me it's your birthday today.

I know you check here on a regular basis so I would not risk a complaint for missing your special date. So I hope you enjoy your day.

( Cheryl and Husband)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERYL

*****

TRUSTY NEIGHBOR TAKES CONTROL OF KEYBOARD

It sure is a regular event here at Blog HQ when the owners "take off for a few days." Well that is what they are doing again.

First will be Dennis' annual trek to Rosen Plaza for the Orlando Police Collectors Show. He won a trophy for his display a couple years ago and hence is motivated to bring an even bigger display.

Second will be a side trip for a couple of days for Lois. Rumor has it that Dennis must pay for Disney to get her to let him go visit with his cop friends.

This is the Landmark that Lois will be looking for.

Last, This Trusty Neighbor is getting in some practice time for their "big, big" trip in a couple of weeks. When they are gone I'll rock your socks with news.

Good trip guys. See you on your return.

***** 

SEPTEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER

There is one big date for the Boss to recall this month. It is a daughter and a birthday. Check us later for the full story.

Another date to note is (what else is new) A departure date. They are going somewhere Green. Of course a quick trip to Disney comes like NOW !!! 

Trusty neighbor will be in charge so look out for his sarcasm.

HAVE A LAUGH

Thanks to my neighbor I get to post a joke on this blog. It seems I have been slowed quite a bit with what I write. I am working on that. For now here is my neighbors joke.

.....

FOUR LITTLE ANIMALS

A teacher asked her class, "What do you want out of life?" A little girl in the back row raised her hand and said, "All I want out of life is four little animals, just like my Mom always says". 

The teacher asked, "Really, and what four little animals would that be?" The little girl said, "A mink on my back, a jaguar in the garage, a tiger in the bed and a jackass to pay for all of it”.

The teacher got a coughing fit and had to leave the room.

*****

PLAY TIME

I tried to be busy yesterday. Yes, I tried to look at VW Contracts. Yes, I tried to look at some menu's for the Gentlemen' Lunch. Yup I tried, but I was taken off course and had to play with this little girl. Darn she even made me miss Rummy Kube.

It was a good afternoon no less.

ELKS CLUB WILL HOST GENTLEMENS LUNCH

Gentlemen it is time to send your reservation in to get on the list for the Gentlemens,  Sep 7,  Luncheon.  It is just over the bridge..           

Many of the guys are members of the Elks Club and want to show off their wonderful facility. Cost will be $15.00

Plan now to attend and keep your VeronaWalk Gentlemen's Group the number one men's lunch activity in our Community. We are in our 10th year and still going strong with our well planned agenda that includes fun, festivities and fine food.

PULTE STOCK

Well here we are. Its August, and from a beach chair with my feet up I continue to watch this investment. Remember it is not real money, although I wish it were.

Purchased at $42. it has settled in today at  $20.12

WHAT CONTRACT?

THE BEST WAY TO SEE AND UNDERSTAND HOW YOUR COMMUNITY WORKS IS TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE CONTRACTS. 

ITS BEEN JUST ABOUT ONE YEAR AND THE COMMITTEE MADE UP BY AND FOR RESIDENTS BY OUR HOA IS HAVING UNUSUAL PROBLEMS. THEY CAN'T SEE THE CONTRACTS BECAUSE THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY CAN NOT, WILL NOT, HAS NOT TURNED THEM OVER FOR REVIEW.

AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE I PERSONALLY ASKED THE MANAGEMENT OFFICE TO MAKE THESE REPORTS AVAILABLE. OUR CHAIRMAN AND OUR HOA PRESIDENT HAVE ALSO ASKED FOR THESE DOCUMENTS.

WITHOUT THEM THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW WHAT THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE WITH BALCO GAS. NO WAY TO KNOW HOW LONG THE ALARM COMPANY IS UNDER CONTRACT. SAME FOR THE SECURITY COMPANY.

THIS IS ABSURD AND NO WAY TO DO BUSINESS OR RUN A COMMUNITY. WE ARE NOW ON A MONTH TO MONTH BASIS WITH THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY THAT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMITTEE, AND THE CONTINUE TO BE SITED FOR BREACHING THEIR CONTRACT WITH US, WHILE WE CONTEMPLATE REWARDING THEM WITH A NEW CONTRACT TO MANAGE US.

MY HEAD SPINS FROM SHAKING MY HEAD. THIS IS PLAIN ABSURD AND NEEDS TO BE CHANGED ASAP. WE CANNOT GO FORWARD NOT KNOWING WHO WE HAVE SERVING US, AND BEING MANAGED BY A COMPANY THAT HAS DEMONSTRATED IT JUST DOSENT CARE WHAT WE WANT OR NEED FROM THEM. THEY WILL DO AS THEY PLEASE, AND SADLY WE DO NOTHING.

VISITORS

Our household has been blessed with visitors from Jersey. This means our house will have a decided level of noise. Now wait a minute. That is no longer true as Mom and Daughter are both quiet and over 21.

It does mean we will probably be "on the road again" and/or at the beaches.

CAFE VERONA FOR GUYS LUNCH

This past Wednesday the VeronaWalk Gentlemen's Group had their lunch at the  Café Verona.

This is "low season" and our group scheduled a lunch at our home restaurant - Café Verona. From the reports the Gentlemen had a great time.

Next Month the men will go to the Elks Club to show some support for this community organization. Several of our group are also members of the Elks.

BIRTHDAY

Hope you guys don't miss this note. It is Birthday wishes for our daughter.


She is a "Jersey Girl" and has her own family. The older boys are ready to leave the nest and she is quite proud of them.


We, as in the past all we can say is this is another 25th birthday. Happy may it be.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHER

*****

 

THANK YOU ROMEO'S

On Tuesday the Romeos were scheduled to have their weekly lunch. The Gentlemen's Lunch Group asked that Romeo's cancel their lunch so their would not be two lunches, back to back, at the same restaurant. The Romeo's agreed and cancelled their event. The Gentlemen's Group thanked them, and asked that we report this level of cooperation here.

*****

POLLY WANT A CRACKER

A couple of weeks ago we went on an adventure up in the swampland of Immokolee Road to a Bird Reserve.

All the birds were parrots or the like. I must say they looked great. Hope you enjoy the pictures of a few of these birds.

Lois

Our Group from VW. That's me on the left. Rare that I get in the pic as I usually am on the other side of the camera