Ramblings NUMBER 362 www.delrayvillas45.com September 2020 Board of Directors Meeting Due to Covid 19 we have been forced to hold our Board of Directors meetings without any of our membership being present while we conduct Association business. However, in order to keep everyone informed, we will continue to post draft un-approved minutes. General Meeting To Be Announced. Delray Villas Plat 4/5 homeowners association From the President Mike Montemurno Due to the current crisis, all facilities are closed and all meetings are cancelled. Check for updates on Channel 8001 and on website: www.delrayvillas45.com Hello to my fellow Delray Villas 4/5 Homeowners, I hope this column finds everyone well. I want to let you know what has been going on in the community. As you may know by now Sy and Diane Weiss have sold their home and are moving out of the country. We as a community wish them all the best and thank them for all they have done for our wonderful community. With Sy’s resignation, our HOA Executive Board has elected me as the new HOA President for the balance of this year. I have a few things I want to clear up: Generators: There is a rumor going around the community that we will not allow gas generators to be used if power is lost for any reason. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. We will not allow propane tanks larger than the tank you have for a gas grill, gas operated generators are OK. Permit Requirements: There is some confusion as to who can work in the community. If you are going to have a contractor or you are going to do any exterior work to your house, YOU MUST HAVE A HOA PERMIT. There is a fine if you are doing work without an HOA permit. Also, you will need to have a licensed contractor performing the work. Landscaping and Shrubbery: If you are removing any landscaping, shrubbery or are going to be digging; YOU MUST HAVE A HOA PERMIT. This is needed, so if in the event you break or damage the lawn sprinkler system, it can be fixed ASAP. When you call and tell the maintenance department there is a break and if you do not have a permit on file with the HOA, you will be responsible for the cost of the repairs. Tree Cutting: You MUST HAVE A PERMIT FROM THE HOA to trim or cut a tree. A board member will come and look at what you want to cut, this is to ensure our community is compliant with Palm Beach County codes. It is highly recommended that you use a professional tree service to do any cutting or pruning of any trees. I know the above items seem like we are fine happy, this is not the case. We need to maintain the beauty of our community which is the original reason we all moved to DV Plat 4/5. We have rules and regulations that have been approved by the community and we must adhere to the rules. Some homeowners have voiced their concern about the two HOA meetings that were not open to the community due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The Board had to attend to some business. The first meeting was for Sy to tell the board he was leaving. We had to talk about the contracts we have with the vendors. The 2nd meeting was when Sy had stepped down as the HOA president and the board had to elect a new president to fill in for the balance of the year. I would like to thank the Board members and the committee members for all the work they put into keeping our community looking and running great. As homeowners we need to keep in mind that because of the board and all of the people that help, we keep our assessment down because there is no property management group needed to run the business of our community. I also want to thank Bonnie and the Ramblings staff along with Alan Shwartz for all they do to help keep the community informed as fast as possible. We are planning on having our HOA meeting in September providing no storms or peaks in the virus. We will send out an e-mail to those homeowners who we have an e-mail address for, and it will also be posted on 8001 our community channel.
Transcript
Ramblings NUMBER 362 www.delrayvillas45.com September 2020
Board of Directors Meeting
Due to Covid 19 we have been forced to hold our Board of Directors meetings
without any of our membership being present while we conduct Association
business. However, in order to keep everyone informed, we will continue to post
draft un-approved minutes.
General Meeting To Be Announced.
Delray Villas Plat 4/5 homeowners association
From the President Mike Montemurno
Due to the current crisis, all facilities are closed and all meetings are cancelled. Check for updates on Channel 8001 and on website: www.delrayvillas45.com
Hello to my fellow Delray Villas 4/5 Homeowners, I hope this column finds everyone well. I want to let you know what has been going on in the community. As you may know by now Sy and Diane Weiss have sold their home and are moving out of the country. We as a community wish them all the best and thank them for all they have done for our wonderful community. With Sy’s resignation, our HOA Executive Board has elected me as the new HOA President for the balance of this year. I have a few things I want to clear up:
Generators: There is a rumor going around the community that we will not allow gas generators to be used if power is lost for any reason. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. We will not allow propane tanks larger than the tank you have for a gas grill, gas operated generators are OK.
Permit Requirements: There is some confusion as to who can work in the community. If you are going to have a contractor or you are going to do any exterior work to your house, YOU MUST HAVE A HOA PERMIT. There is a fine if you are doing work without an HOA permit. Also, you will need to have a licensed contractor performing the work.
Landscaping and Shrubbery: If you are removing any landscaping, shrubbery or are going to be digging; YOU MUST HAVE A HOA PERMIT. This is needed, so if in the event you break or damage the lawn sprinkler system, it can be fixed ASAP. When you call and tell the maintenance department there is a break and if you do not have a permit on file with the HOA, you will be responsible for the cost of the repairs.
Tree Cutting: You MUST HAVE A PERMIT FROM THE HOA to trim or cut a tree. A board member will come and look at what you want to cut, this is to ensure our community is compliant with Palm Beach County codes. It is highly recommended that you use a professional tree service to do any cutting or pruning of any trees.
I know the above items seem like we are fine happy, this is not the case. We need to maintain the beauty of our community which is the original reason we all moved to DV Plat 4/5. We have rules and regulations that have been approved by the community and we must adhere to the rules. Some homeowners have voiced their concern about the two HOA meetings that were not open to the community due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The Board had to attend to some business. The first meeting was for Sy to tell the board he was leaving. We had to talk about the contracts we have with the vendors. The 2nd meeting was when Sy had stepped down as the HOA president and the board had to elect a new president to fill in for the balance of the year. I would like to thank the Board members and the committee members for all the work they put into keeping our community looking and running great. As homeowners we need to keep in mind that because of the board and all of the people that help, we keep our assessment down because there is no property management group needed to run the business of our community. I also want to thank Bonnie and the Ramblings staff along with Alan Shwartz for all they do to help keep the community informed as fast as possible. We are planning on having our HOA meeting in September providing no storms or peaks in the virus. We will send out an e-mail to those homeowners who we have an e-mail address for, and it will also be posted on 8001 our community channel.
Associate Editors Linda Solomon 498-9338 Bonnie Siegel Advertising Director Betty Brownell 900-7002 Distribution Alan Rossman 901-3002 Harvey Lazaroff 498-8691 Contributors to Newsletter
Betty Brownell, Iris Pavey & Bob Townsend
2020 PLAT 4/5 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
President Mike Montemurno 954-658-7295 Vice Pres. Bill Yesowitch 502-905-7973 Secretary Bernie Rosenberg 499-1673 Treasurer Sheila Lane 381-7725 COMMITTEES Alliance Debbie Willson 631-624-7778 Sheila Lane 381-7725 Architectural Iris Pavey 498-1375 Mike Montemurno 954-658-7295 Russ Mayer 248-535-4710 Inspection Debbie Willson 631-624-7778 Pat Mellito *561-501-7360 Interviews ** Bill Yesowitch 502-905-7973 Alan Kaplan 270-7105 Debbie Willson 631-624-7778 Parliamentarian Bill Yesowitch 502-905-7973 Lakes & Canals Russ Mayer 248-535-4710 Lollipop & Alan Kaplan 270-7105 Carriage Lights Alan Rossman *901-3002 Maintenance Russ Mayer 248-535-4710 Mike Montemurno 954-658-7295 Pest Control Sheila Lane 381-7725 Ramblings Bonnie Wentz *717-968-0699 Linda Solomon *498-9338 Roads & Lights Alan Kaplan 270-7105 Alan Rossman *901-3002 Website Alan Shwartz *376-4040 www.delrayvillas45.com 55+ Bill Yesowitch 502-905-7973 We Care Don Daugherty *703-5975 Paul Mirsky *917-684-9115 Welcoming Marlene Mirsky *917-673-7830 Pat Lazaroff *498-8691
RECREATION ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
Pool Tony Costa 508-801-3300 Pat Lazaroff 498-8691 Joan Rosenberg 499-1673 * Non-Board Members
**All interviews for anyone moving into Plat 4/5 will be held on Thursdays.
THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR If you have any questions, would like to volunteer, or if you need assistance, (at any time) contact Camille Montemurno (561-239-6844) or Bill Yesowitch (502-905-7973).
DELRAY VILLAS WE CARE
FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CALL:
PLAT 4/5 Don Daugherty 561-703-5975 Paul Mirsky 917-684-9115
Ronna Townsend is offering her Notary Public Services free to all members of Plat 4/5. She is licensed and bonded. Call: 732-501-1029
New volunteers are needed, respond to email above.
WELCOME NEW NEIGHBORS
Rich & Vania Broadhurst 13532 Whippet Way E. Jeff & Deb Berman 13610 Whippet Way E. John & Susan Wood 6124 Stanley Lane William T. Venn, Jr. 6265 LaSalle Drive
Please Drive Slowly The speed limit on all streets in
ARCHITECTURAL FOLLOW THE RULES
If you plan to do ANY outside work on your house or property, be sure to get architectural approval first! Pick up an application from my patio (13675 Whippet Way West) fill it out - sign it - return it to my patio. Once the request has been approved, I will call you to pick up the approval which then needs to be placed in the front window of your house.
ANY QUESTIONS Call Iris Pavey 498-1375
Delray Villas PLAT 4/5 Ramblings PAGE 3
Board of Directors Minutes of July 14, 2020
Unapproved Minutes: President Weiss called the meeting to order at 7:30pm in the “A” Building, with all directors in attendance but with no audience due to Covid 19 restrictions. One small table and chair was set aside for a guest home-owner who was summoned to appear before the board. A salute to the flag and moment of silence for those departed was taken. Secretary Bernie Rosenberg read the minutes of the June minutes which were accepted as presented. One letter from a homeowner was received and since it was lengthy, a brief synopsis was presented prior to turning discussion over to Russ Mayer, who was familiar with the matter. At 7:48 the invited homeowner arrived and was immediately seated away from the rest of the board, but close enough to be questioned and heard. After discussion ended, the homeowner left at 8:04 and a planned short break was taken by the board to honor President Weiss, who would be leaving the Board at the end of this meeting after holding office for thirteen years. The meeting resumed at 8:24. Treasurers Report: Sheila Lane reported that at the end of the 2nd quarter, which ended June 30th, one home was in foreclosure, two homes were empty and two homes were six or more months in arrears and with our attorney. Committee Reports: Interviews: Bill Yesowitch held three interviews with prospective owners since our last meeting. Architectural: Iris Pavey issued twenty-four permits to homeowners needing to make improvements to their home’s exteriors. Russ approved all permits requiring landscaping. Inspection, Pest Control: Mike Montemurno and Debbie Willson performed 43 home inspections this past month. They will continue their inspections on a regular basis until all homes have been visited. Roads/Lights: Mike Montemurno reported no problems were observed. Maintenance, lake/canals: Russ Mayer reported the work shed behind the “A” building has been re-organized with the addition of a new filing cabinet to hold more files. Discussion also was held on the replacement of the fence surrounding the shed and the cost bid he received. Another bid will be sought from a licensed fence installer. Discussion also was held on a vacant home held in probate by a bank after the heirs walked away from any responsibility. The roof is covered by a large tarp and a contractor for the bank is working on restoration. Website: Alan Shwartz reported no problems this past month. He has been asked to look into either an instructional video or Power Point program in order to advise owners of “How to Do” things so committees may act on their requests. Ramblings: Should the Association not be able to publish in print our September issue, homeowners will be able to read it via our Website. Welcome Committee: Diane Weiss tendered her resignation and Marlene Mirsky will replace her. Lighting Inspections: Bernie Rosenberg and Alan Rossman did a home lighting inspection the evening of July 7th, resulting in twenty-three warning letters being sent to homeowners. Six of these letters were 2nd and final notices prior to fines being issued to those owners who fail to comply with our rules. Old Business: Alan Kaplan has been attempting to secure email addresses of plat 4/5 homeowners. He will have a request placed in our September issue of Ramblings. Bill Yesowitch updated the board on the current lawsuit against a homeowner, now in progress. New Business: Bernie Rosenberg reviewed several letters sent to various homeowners for infractions committed against our Rules and Regulations. Following Bernie’s report, which concluded all pending business, President Weiss officially announced he was stepping down from the presidency, but would remain on the Board as a director until the sale of his home was finalized and he no longer was a plat 4/5 homeowner. Discussion was held on a possible replacement but was set aside until our next meeting. The following resolutions were made by Secretary Bernie Rosenberg. RESOLVED THAT, the Board of Directors reluctantly accepts the resignation of Sy Weiss as its President, effective 11:59pm, July 14, 2020. The motion was unanimously approved. RESOLVED THAT, the Board of Directors approves Michael Montemurno to be President of Plat 4/5 effective 12:01am, July 14, 2020, for the balance of this year. The motion was unanimously approved. Hearing no more business, President Weiss concluded his final meeting at 9:55pm. Submitted by B. Rosenberg, Secretary
Delray Villas PLAT 4/5 Ramblings PAGE 4
Hello Neighbors, I hope all of you are staying healthy and safe. Jim and I have been keeping busy up north by tackling garden chores that have been on our “To-Do” list for a few years. An exciting treat for all of you this month is the return of Bob Townsend’s column, “Talk of The Town”. He took some time off from Ramblings to write his book, “Nobody Likes A Fat Jockey”. I am sure everyone will be entertained by his writing. During the pandemic, we all need that. Depression has skyrocketed because of social isolating due to Covid 19. I am printing the following information taken from an article written by Deborah Serani, a psychologist who has struggled with depression herself. Ways to Support Someone with Depression:
1. Be there. According to Serani, the best thing you can do for someone with depression is to be there. “When I was struggling with my own depression, the most healing moments came when someone I loved simply sat with me while I cried or wordlessly held my hand, or spoke warmly to me with statements like ‘You’re so important to me.’ ‘Tell me what I can do to help you.’ ‘We’re going to find a way to help you to feel better.’” Because there are times when this is nor possible, such as when someone is isolated in a nursing home, you can reach out by phone, text or simply mailing a card. These gestures provide a loving connection. 2. Do not judge or criticize. What you say can have a powerful impact on your loved one. According to Serani, avoid saying statements such as: “You just need to see things as half full, not half empty” or “I think this is really all just in your head. If you got up out of bed and moved around, you’d see things better.” These words imply “that your loved one has a choice in how they feel – and has chosen, by free will, to be depressed,” Serani said. They’re not only insensitive but can isolate your loved one even more. 3. Avoid the tough-love approach. Many individuals think that being tough on their loved one will undo their depression or inspire positive behavioral changes. For instance, some people might intentionally be impatient with their loved one, push their boundaries, use silence, be callous or even give an ultimatum (e.g., “You better snap out of it or I’m going to leave”). But consider that this is as useless, hurtful and harmful as ignoring, pushing away or not helping someone who has cancer. 4. Do not minimize their pain. Statements such as “You’re just too thin-skinned” or “Why do you let every little thing bother you?” shames a person with depression, Serani said. It invalidates what they’re experiencing and completely glosses over the fact that they’re struggling with a difficult disorder – not some weakness or personality flaw. 5. Avoid offering advice. It probably seems natural to share advice with your loved one. Whenever someone we care about is having a tough time, we yearn to fix their heartache. Ask, “What can we do to help you feel better?” This gives your love one the opportunity to ask for help. When a person asks for help, they are more inclined to be guided and take direction without feeling insulted. 6. Avoid making comparisons. Unless you’ve experienced a depressive episode yourself, saying that you know how a person with depression feels is not helpful. While your intention is probably to help your loved one feel less alone in their despair, this can minimize their experience. 7. Learn as much as you can about depression. You can avoid the above missteps and misunderstandings simply by educating yourself about depression. Once you can understand depression’s symptoms, course and consequences, you can better support your loved one. 8. Be patient. When you are patient with your loved one, you’re letting them know that it doesn’t matter how long this is going to take, you will be there. With such patience, comes hope. And when you have depression, hope can be hard to come by. But remember that just by being there and asking how you can help can be an incredible gift. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created a Disaster Stress Helpline which offers a free 24 hour service that connects people to trained counselors.
Disaster Stress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
Until next month, stay healthy. Bonnie
From the Editor Bonnie Wentz
Delray Villas PLAT 4/5 Ramblings PAGE 5
I know most of you have probably heard the Applebee’s commercial on television ad nauseam. You know, the one where you’re subjected to the tune that used to be the theme song for TV’s WELCOME BACK KOTTER. Over and over again. Hey, I’m very proud to say I never watched a single episode of WELCOME BACK KOTTER. Not a single one. Well, maybe one. But, getting back to the Applebee commercial: You’re probably sick and tired of seeing the flick and hearing the song, but I’m going to ask you to do me a very big favor. As you read this column, I want you to concentrate very deeply, use your imagination and hear the song playing in your head. “Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out.” You see, a very long time ago, I wrote a monthly column for the RAMBLINGS. “Welcome back to the same old place you laughed about.” You know that other television commercial – the one when this young lady tells you about all the excuses, she made up not to see people. . . because she had acne. “I’m writing a novel,” she says, knowing it’s so outrageous that no one will believe her. Well, I’ve been away . . . because I wrote a novel. No really. . . I did. It’s called NOBODY LIKES A FAT JOCKEY and it’s available to be ordered online through Amazon.com. I’ll tell you all about it sometime. But, for now, just let me say you that I’m absolutely thrilled to be writing for the RAMBLINGS again. I certainly have missed the monthly assignment. “But those dreams have remained, and they’ve turned around, “Who’d have thought that they lead ya Back here where we need ya.” Nope, I’ve come to the conclusion that you don’t need me; it’s definitely me who needs you. So, now I’ve come face to face with the very pleasant task of deciding what I’m going to write about this month. And the answer right now seems so very, very obvious. Southern Florida is faced with a crisis at the moment that is so severe and scary that it simply can’t be ignored. It made my decision easy. . . I had to write about it. Nope, I’m not talking about the corona virus. Obviously, I’m referring to the influx of green iguanas into the borders of southern Florida. But, wouldn’t you just know it? I spent so much time welcoming myself – or you – back that I simply don’t have enough space to chat about iguanas. I guess our spine-tingling friends – do iguana’s spines tingle? - are going to have to wait until next month. Iguanas and fat jockeys, I’ll tell you about both of those things sometime.
Talk of the Town by BOB TOWNSEND
Delray Villas PLAT 4/5 Ramblings PAGE 6
Please keep these residents and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Judy Mayer Milton Sonenblum Toby Gordon
If you would like to have your birthday and anniversary noted in the Ramblings, please email Bonnie Wentz at [email protected] or Call (717) 968-0699. Please include names, as you wish them to
appear, month and day only for birthdays and anniversaries. Also, send information to above email, to correct any previously printed errors.
Wash your hands, wear your mask
and stay 6’ from others!
The Delray Villas Plat 4/5 wishes to convey condolences to all family and
friends of
Carole & Bob Jeshiva on the loss of their Son
Monte Hollander on the loss of his Mother
May their memories forever
be for a blessing.
Submitted by Bernie Rosenberg
Baby its hot outside: WOW, it’s hot outside. Please think of
your pets as you walk them on our
roads. Hold the back of your hand on
the blacktop. If you can’t
hold it there for five
seconds, it’s too hot for
you to walk your pets on
Let’s Celebrate You
Our plat 4/5 emergency contact/informational email has been implemented. However, not everyone has submitted their email address to me, and if you are one of them who have not received our test mail, you should do this at once. With today’s health situation the way it is, things change almost daily, and we need to get you this information as fast as possible. Send me an email [email protected] with your information and I will add you to the master list. Bernie
Also get well wishes to all those who had surgeries or illnesses during the summer. Please email Patti Lazaroff at [email protected] with names of those ill or who have suffered the loss of a loved one in Plat 4/5.
Delray Villas PLAT 4/5 Ramblings PAGE 7
The speed limit in Plat
Anniversaries
Happy Birthday
GARDEN CHORES by Betty Brownell
Safety Warning:
by Bernie Rosenberg
Please be aware that nightly lighting inspections will continue. Please make certain your carriage or lollipop lights are illuminated from dusk to dawn at your home. Porch lights do not count. Owners without either of these two lights illuminated can and will be fined per our rule for lights. This rule also applies to owners not currently in residence. You must have someone you assigned to watch over your home in your absence, maintain the lights. Please remember, citations will be written.
September 7 September 13
September 22 Begins September 18 Ends September 20
• Prepare the fall vegetable garden if not done in August. Using transplants from your local garden center will get the garden off to a fast start.
• Divide and replant perennials and bulbs that have grown too large or need rejuvenation. Add organic matter and monitor for adequate water.
• Fertilize citrus either this month or in October.
SEPTEMBER CHORES
9/1 Hal & Robin Lechner Paul & Marlene Mirsky 9/5 Jim & Elaine Guanci 9/16 Ira & Lenore Rosenblum 9/17 Sean & Christiana Scott 9/20 Rick Mancini & Nancy Rudolph Bonnie Siegel & Linda Solomon 9/22 Gary & Sonia Hertzan 9/26 Fernando & Angela Secondino
9/1 Cathy Mowers 9/2 Ann Dreiblatt Ira Rosenblum 9/7 Ron Weinberg 9/10 Barbara Collins 9/13 Doris Bier 9/14 Rose Widawsky 9/15 Joe Piccolomini 9/17 Diane Weiss 9/20 Bill Yesowitch 9/24 Lynne Cohen 9/29 Alan Rossman
Residents of Plat 4/5, please remember that the pool at the Rec Center, belongs to and is open to
all residents.
Delray Villas PLAT 4/5 Ramblings PAGE 8
Club Name AFTER 6 SOCIAL CLUB
No Meetings until further notice.
Club Name CITIZEN OBSERVER PATROL-C.O.P.
No Meetings until further notice.
Club Name DEBORAH
No Meetings until further notice.
Club Name NA’AMAT USA
No Meetings until further notice.
Delray Book Club No Meetings until further notice.
The Book Club meets on the first Monday of every month at 1-2 PM in the Arts and Crafts Room of the “B” Building. Books will be available at the Hagen Ranch Library. You must ask for the book by its title.
In July and September meetings will be on 2nd Monday
2020 List JUNE 1-A Spark of Light by Jody Picoult JULY 13- Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty AUG. 3-Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver SEPT. 14- The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah OCT. 5-The Storyteller’s Secret by Sejal Badani NOV. 2- The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See DEC. 7-Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Leader, Elaine Guanci 770-630-7367
DELRAY VILLAS CLUB NEWS
No activities until further notice.
DELRAY VILLAS CRAFTS
No Meetings until further notice.
See the clubs page on Facebook: “Delray Villa’s Crafts”
Sign-up sheets in lobby of “B” Building and additional information in the Rec News on evening classes.
Tennis and Pickle Ball
Courts open daily from 7am to 9pm.
Singles or Doubles only.
No groups congregating on the courts.
No Meetings until Further Notice
Canasta Club (Mahjong Groups also welcome) ALL PLAYER LEVELS WELCOME!
Please bring your own playing materials! Established Foursomes are encouraged!
