TOWER TOPICS

A publication of Coral Ridge Towers South

May, 2008

Contents copyrighted 2008 Marie Altenburg

      

             Fort Lauderdale has been identified with many  phrases over the years.  With over 300 miles of inland waterways, it has been called the Venice of America.  With an abundance of beautiful weather, it has been called the Sunshine State.  And since the 1960’s, it has had a more ominous yet still noteworthy title. For it was at that time that Fort Lauderdale  became the Spring Break Capital of the World.

             The event that triggered that distinction was the filming, right here on Fort Lauderdale Beach, of the epic film, Where the Boys Are.

             The movie which starred Paula Prentiss, Connie Francis, Jim Hutton, Delores Hart, George Hamilton, and Yvette Mimieux also inspired the song of the same name.  Making its world premiere in 1960 at Fort Lauderdale’s own Gateway Theater, much of the filming occurred on the beach and also at the Elbo Room, a night spot which still exists at the corner of A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.  Although it was considered to be a low-budget film, the movie was such a success that it inspired college students to visit the area in droves.  After the movie opened in December,  the local residents of Fort Lauderdale were shocked at the arrival of 50,000 college students during Spring Break a few months later.  And the crowds have continued to arrive annually.

             But Spring Break has finally ended and the streets and beaches have returned to a quieter phase.  There is now time to reflect on the quiet beauty of nature.  For as we Floridians gaze into the evening sky and watch the moon and its surrounding constellations, we’re reminded of yet another description of our city, though with a somewhat different connotation:  Fort Lauderdale: Playground of the Stars.

 

 

BOARD MEETINGS  

 

The Board of Directors at Coral Ridge Towers South held three meetings in March and April.

At the regular board meeting held on Tuesday evening, March 18, 2008, the Maintenance Committee reported on recent updates.  These updates pertain primarily to the fact that the committee is waiting for bids for both the roof and the elevators.  Charlie Hamilton also recommended that unit owners install humidistats in their units in order to limit their air-conditioning use and subsequently lower their electrical bills, especially if they leave CRTS during the summer months.  By using a humidistat, the air-conditioner will only run when the humidity level in the unit reaches a predetermined percentage.

In other business, now that our building’s mortgage has been satisfied and funds are being collected for major building projects, the board  voted to amend a resolution relating to the building’s reserves so that these funds could be deposited in the correct reserves.

The board also approved replacing the fire hoses in the corridors as per Fort Lauderdale Fire Department recommendations.

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On Thursday afternoon, March 20, a special meeting was held to renew the building’s insurance with its current carrier.  The annual premium totals $460,558 excluding workman’s compensation.  Funding will be from the Property and Liability  Insurance Escrow and the Shareholder Reserve.

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At the regular board meeting held on Tuesday evening, April 15, the Maintenance Committee gave an update about the status of the building’s roof and elevators.  A recommendation was made to   accept a bid for roof replacement and the concrete restoration needed on the roof.  The board later voted to approve accepting the bid so that work could begin.

           Also, two bids have been received on elevator replacement and the committee is waiting to hear from other companies.  It was reported that it would take 1 1/2 years to complete the project after a contract is signed.  The electrical upgrades for the elevators, however, should be completed shortly.

Our manager reported on projects that have been completed in the building and also stated that additional sconces will be installed in the hallways this summer.  Fire hoses have been ordered, and pool furniture was scheduled for delivery within the week.

           In other action, the board approved the amended by-laws so they could be sent to the shareholders for their vote.

In other action, the board voted to authorize a $1 million line of credit.

It also voted to support the proposed Il Lugano restaurant.

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For more detailed reports of the meetings of the Board of Directors, please look for the posting of the minutes of each meeting on the bulletin board in the mailroom.  You are also encouraged to attend these meetings which are open to all shareholders.  By attending these meetings, you will gain a first-hand knowledge of events and decisions that have a direct bearing on your life here at CRTS.

 

BARBECUE TIME

 

On Tuesday evening, March 11, and again on Friday evening, April 18, the White Elephant Committee held delicious barbecues.  Hot dogs, hamburgers and lots of delicious food prepared by the attendees were enjoyed by all.  At the March party, two baskets of cheer were raffled to two lucky winners.  Dance music and entertainment was provided by Andy Niccols.   Thanks again to the White Elephant Committee members who make these events so great and to the many residents for their support by their attendance!  Don’t forget that the proceeds from these events are used to fund projects at CRTS.

 

WELCOME

 

           We have a new member of our CRTS family.  Earl Hart was recently hired to our maintenance staff.  Please say hello to him when you see him.  Welcome to CRTS, Earl!

 

FOOD DRIVE RESULTS

           Dave Jenkins would like to thank the residents of Coral Ridge Towers South for their generous contributors to the recent Galt Ocean Mile Food Drive.  Of the 21 buildings which participated, CRTS came in second in the total food and money donated - Edgewater Arms came in first - and we ranked first among the four Coral Ridge Towers buildings.  Our total monetary donation was $576 and total food weight was 1,225.5 pounds.  Dave would like to thank all who participated in this worthwhile project.  Anyone wishing to continue a pattern of support for the Cooperative Feeding Program may do so, sending donations to them at 1 NW 33 Terrace, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33311. For more information about the program, visit their website at  www.feedingbroward.org.

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PLEASE!

           Please remember to place the CRTS shopping carts on the service elevator after using them to bring your groceries to your unit.  Leaving a cart in the hallway not only makes it unavailable for use by your neighbors, it also becomes a potential fire hazard.  Please do your part to make CRTS the safe, friendly building that it is.

 

THANK YOU!

           A special thank you to Allen Koppang who has been volunteering his time and effort to add molding to the top and sides of the hallway A/C riser covers.  It has certainly improved their appearance!

 

BE PREPARED

           As hurricane season approaches, our CRTS Hurricane Preparedness Committee has resumed its work.  Peg Weizel has reported that packets of information will be distributed to shareholders who will be in residence during hurricane season.  The committee stresses that it is very important that residents prepare early for possible evacuation in the event that a hurricane is anticipated.  Also, be sure to clear your balconies of all objects.  The packet of information that the committee will distribute will contain important information on hurricane preparedness.  Please be sure to read it carefully.

 

REMINDER

 

Please remember to lock your car doors after parking in the CRTS parking lot.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

 

           A new photography club has been  formed at CRTS.  Several meeting were held in March and April and the club will resume again in the Fall.  If you have an interest in photography and would like to join the group, please contact Marie Altenburg.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW…

about the following activities that are held on a regular basis at CRTS?

 

Water Aerobics

Mon.-Sat. at 9:30 AM in the pool

Knitting/Crocheting

           Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Community Room

Poker

Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Community Room.

 

           Monday night Bingo has been suspended for the season. 

           If you would like your group’s activities listed in this column, please let us know and we’ll include it in the next edition of Tower Topics..

 

 

MONEY-SAVING TIPS

 

           CRTS resident, Elizabeth Hamilton, reported that several  stores in our area offer substantial discounts to area residents.  Many do not advertise these discounts, so ask at the register prior to making your purchase.

 

Macy’s - 11% discount for purchasers who live out-of-state or out-of-country.

 

TJ Maxx - 10% Senior Citizen discount on Mondays (age 55 and up)

 

Beall’s Outlet - 15% Senior Citizen discount on Mondays (age 50 and over).  A 15% discount is also offered on Fridays to those who are 49 and younger.

           In addition, Publix Pharmacy is offering certain oral antibiotics free of charge.  Those antibiotics include: amoxicillin, cephalexin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin (excluding ciprofloxacin XR), penicillin VK, ampicillin and erythromycin (excluding Ery-Tab).

 

 

HUMOR

 

Because he wanted an elaborate funeral, a wealthy man planned for it long before he died.  He had left instructions that $60,000 should be spent on this final event.  When the time arrived, his young widow explained to a friend that with the $60,000, she gave a $5,000 donation to the church, and spent another $10,000 for the funeral.  “But that’s only $15,000,” the friend said.  “What about the other $45,000?”

“Oh, I used that for a memorial stone,” the widow replied.

“My gosh!  That’s a lot of money!” said her friend.  “That memorial stone must be huge!  How big is it?”, she inquired.

The young widow held up her hand, turned it from side to side, and proudly replied “2 1/2 carets!”

 

- as told by Rev. H. Ringenberger

 

 

JUST A REMINDER

           If you’re leaving for the summer, please don’t forget to turn off your water and water heater, forward your mail, and remove all items from your balcony.  Have a safe trip and hurry back!  We’ll miss you!

 

 

           This will be the last issue of Tower Topics until November.  We hope you have enjoyed reading it and we appreciate your comments.  We hope you have a wonderful summer and look forward to resuming publication again in the Fall.

 

 

 

This edition of Tower Topics was written and edited by

Marie Altenburg