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October 2016 Published Since 1968 Only Good News for 48 Years Volume 48 No. 10 Our Globe has been watching over OTOW and posing for pictures for 50 years By Doug Kates There is only one world. And the beautiful, unique symbol welcoming residents and visitors to On Top of the World every day, is a reminder to everyone that our world is very special. Exactly 50 years ago, our Globe, at the front entrance, sat proudly in its gar- den for the first time. It has weathered storms, undergone improvements, received several fresh coats of paint, has been surrounded by hundreds of different flower schemes and most recently, witnessed a complete reno- vation of the entire garden area – includ- ing new fountains. But despite all the caretaking, one thing has been consistent, the Globe has been the icon for this community since 1966. “The Globe was a part of the entire story since day one,” said Kenneth Colen, current president, and son of Sidney Co- len, who dreamed up this entire world of his own. “The Globe was an anchor for the sculpture garden and an enduring legacy reminding visitors and residents that there is only one world, and we, in some small way, are part of it.” Sidney Colen never considered a dif- ferent centerpiece for the garden. Ken- neth said his dad wanted something mem- orable, something that would get noticed, something out of the ordinary, and he wanted to create a buzz. (OTOW News photo by Doug Kates) “The process took about 10 months, as I recall,” Kenneth said. “The global The Globe on a beautiful September day. representation of continents was crafted freehand to scale.” on-site, but has had a variety of painters Globe made the impact it was intended to community safely and magnificently.” Sidney’s daughter, Leslee Colen, and over the years. make. The Globe was impressive when it current vice president, said the Globe rep- “The structure has enjoyed three ma- “My Dad always admired it,” Ken- was first completed. Still today, people resents what her father wanted. jor restorations in the past 25-30 years,” neth said. “He respected the craftsman- make it a point to leave their vehicles, “Among his many blessings, my father Leslee said. “In the late 1990s, the globe ship behind it. He believes it was a fitting stand in front of the Globe and pose for had a unique ability to apply his artistic underwent major structural restoration on representation of the community. It cer- pictures. skills to create and expand even the most the interior. Sometime between here and tainly linked the theme with the architec- “Truthfully, I couldn’t imagine the simplistic design,” she said. “Even more there, the exterior was resurfaced and a tural design of the community.” community without it,” Kenneth said. “It interesting, to create intriguing dialogue state-of-the-art waterproofing system was Leslee said, “It is an honor every day represents hope for universal kindness which people could easily understand, fall applied. to be a member of the amazing group of and peace. This was my father’s holiday in love with and become a part of.” “Most recently, the fountain, which loyal and dedicated professionals, who message for many decades. All things The Globe is made out of steel, stuc- surrounds the Globe, was restored and perform the hundreds of detailed, aston- bridge and connect around On Top of co and gunnite (a mixture of cement and refinished.” ishingly complex and varied tasks neces- the World.” sand). The entire structure was fabricated When completed, Kenneth said the sary to maintain our On Top of the World Page 2 October 2016 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS October 2016 / Page 3 OTOW still in hurricane-recovery mode While I am reluctant to write layed by the weather, particularly those the lovely bushes and landscape be- about the weather, I would be remiss that require multiple phases and/or hind or in front of your unit may need not to acknowledge the impact on our days for drying. The last thing anyone to be removed to address these ongo- property from the summer season rain needs is an open roof or open back of ing concerns. events, as well as Hurricane Hermine. a building at a time when we are expe- The golf courses experienced in- While we are still in the throes of riencing numerous rain events. termittent closures due to water in- hurricane season, we are finally begin- Not surprisingly, many window nundation. Repairs to the course will ning to see a little less humidity and and door clamshell awnings were com- begin the first week of October and some cooler temperatures. promised during this storm events. will require the use of heavy equip- The community is still recovering Those awnings have always been a po- ment in some areas. The repair work from the 23.5 inches of rain received tential safety hazard because they are may require portions of the course to during Hurricane Hermine. The satu- not secured to withstand gale, much be closed for a period of one to two rated grounds created numerous chal- less hurricane, force winds. weeks while surface drainage concerns lenges with Duke Energy underground ages as a result. Damaged awnings that have cre- are addressed. We ask for your pa- electrical utilities and many buildings Over the past few months, many ated, or may create, building damage tience while this very necessary work experienced unexpected power out- construction projects were also de- must be removed immediately. Please commences. For your safety, please contact the Community Service Office do not enter areas secured with cau- at the East Activity Center to schedule tion tape or barricades. The crews will Replacing the old spotlights the removal of your awnings. work quickly to keep sections of the Community inspections will con- course open and in good playing con- tinue, so if you don’t contact us, the dition. Community Service Office will be contacting you. Rules of the Road Due to ground saturation, land- Last but not least, I want to remind scape maintenance has also been im- everyone to pay attention to “no park- pacted with the back courtyards of ing” areas throughout the community. many buildings being mowed on an In particular, please do not park and extended two week cycle. For the most block the front entrance under the aw- part, tree pruning and tree removal ning at the East Activity Center. have remained on schedule with the Please obey directional signage exception of a few trees impacted dur- posted in the parking lots. All parking ing the storms. lots are a one-way design. Bicycle racks The tropical vegetation has re- are provided at the Activity Centers. sponded favorably to the extra water, Please utilize these designated areas for however, the accelerated growth has bicycle parking and do not chain your impacted potable water lines, irriga- bicycle to Handicap Parking Signs and tion lines and damage to patios, side- stairwell railings. walks and parking areas. The result is Coming to On Top of the World this winter Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of Eckerd College A non-profit education program designed for people age 50+ and open to all adult learners. Each year OLLI provides more than 300 intellectually stimulating non-credit classes, interest groups, local and international trips and OTOW workers removed the old, heavy spotlights and spotlight special events for its 1,200 members at several platforms from the East Activity Center auditorium in late-Au- locations in Pinellas County. gust. The goal is to find new remote-controlled technology that will enhance the community theater experience. (Photo by Remo Melucci) More information coming soon! Page 4 October 2016 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS October 2016 / Page 5 Drop off your hazardous chemicals and unwanted electronics during Haz-To-Go collection Oct. 4, 6 The Florida Orchestra outside the East Activity Center North All guests must be accompanied As part of their outreach concert parking lot. by a resident any time they plan to use series, the Florida Orchestra will be You can get your flu shot from an SCA facilities, including the pool. giving a free concert at On Top of Walgreens, which will be in the Medi- As a reminder, the resident needs the World on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at the cal Services area in the Starlite Room. to remain with their guest while they East Activity Center auditorium. You can drop off any unused and enjoy the facilities. Any noncompli- Limited seating is available so come unexpired medications to the Pinel- ance matters are directed to the On early. Registration is not required. las County Sheriff Office Operation Top of the World Association. The concert will be from 1-2:30 Medicine Cabinet table located in the p.m. without an intermission, but with main auditorium. You can also get Dates to Remember an encore. valuable information from Eckerd On Tuesday, Oct. 25, SHINE will You can also visit the Florida Or- College regarding their OLLI (Life host a Medicare Seminar in the East chestra table on Saturday, Nov. 5 at our Long Learning) program and from Pi- Activity Center auditorium from 10 annual Senior Expo. cartridges, radios, stereo equipment, nellas Talking Book Library regarding a.m. to noon. telephones, TVs, VCRs, video game options they have available for the vi- On Saturday, Nov. 5, is the annual Haz-to-Go Mobile Collection players. sually impaired. Senior Expo at the East Activity Cen- Haz-to-Go is a service that brings There also will be many On Top ter and outside in the North parking a collection trailer for collection of What not to bring of the World clubs represented, so lot.

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