April 2012 Published Since November 1968 Only Good News For 44 Years VOLUME 44 NO 4 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and party prove to be one of the best in recent years By Mary Ann O’Neil “What a Parade!” Even with the weather a little iffy! If you happened to have missed the 2012 Irish Club St. Patrick’s Day parade, you missed a good time. It seems like the parade grows each year, which is great. On behalf of the Irish Club, we would like to thank each and every club which participated. The event started off with the Pinellas County Sheriff ’s Department leading the way, followed by Clearwa- ter Mayor George Cretekos greeting the large crowd. There were several musical groups which walked down World Park- way Boulevard, including the Dunedin High School Scottish Highlander Band, the Dunedin Highlander Middle School Pipe Band and the St. Andrews Pipe Above, Irish Club Grand Marshall John McGaughey leads the 2012 Band of Long Boat Key. St. Patrick’s Day Parade down World Parkway Boulevard. Below, the Dancers included the Royal Line Dance Club rocks the pavement. More coverage on pages 32-33. Stewart Arms Ceili Dancers and the Stephen Scariff School of Irish Dance. (OTOW News photo by Doug Kates) John McGaughey was the Irish Club’s Grand Marshall, and Patricia Fallon, Mary Kennelly and Rose Mul- Dixon Jr. Marine Corp League, Flana- hall held the host Irish Club banner. gan’s Irish Pub, Dunedin-Clearwater The processional included former Elks Club, Morton Plant Clowns, Sun- Irish Club presidents Betty Eggleton, set Point Barber Shop, and Morton Joe Cassidy, Neal O’Brien, Frank Mc- Plant and Care Lift vans. Gann and Mike Cooper. A big “Thank You” to all, includ- I would like to take this opportu- ing those who provided transportation nity to say “Thank You” to our outgo- and helped out with floats. A special ing President Terry Meyers, who was “Thank You” to Parkway Maintenance our club president for the past two for keeping the road clear. years. He rode in the parade with his At our annual St. Patrick’s Din- wife, Susan. ner Dance on March 2, Jim O’Neil, Participating clubs from On Top who is the incoming president, pre- of the World included, Jesters, Lawn sented a Belleek Pitcher to Terry for all Bowlers, Entertainment Committee, of his hard work and leadership dur- Republican Club, Democratic Club, ing his stewardship of the club. Canadian Club, Line Dancers, Chorus, Our club had a very busy and Theater Workshop, Nine-Hole Ladies successful season with shows, dinner Golf, 18-Hole Men’s Golf, Hoosier dances, horse races, cultural day at the Club, Snowbirds and Greyhound Club. Florida State Fair, St. Patrick’s Parade, Also participating were the and last but not least, our annual picnic. Dunedin High School ROTC Color Now it’s time to say “safe trav- Guard, American Legion Post 238 of els” to all of our members who will Safety Harbor, West Coast Irish Club, be heading back home for the summer Rosy Hattitudes Red Hats, Morris F. months. Page 2 April 2012 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS April 2012 / Page 3 Community census update includes going door-to-door to collect completed forms Your Association is required to scheduled for replacement of vinyl tile stenciling. conduct a census of residents for the on the third floor center core; 24 on purpose of ensuring compliance with the first and third floor center core; Stormwater improvement proj- our status as a qualified age-restricted and 23 on the second floor center core. ects are in the works with the repair of community. Please use caution around the under drains at Building 83, Building The extensive canvassing of the work areas! 82, and Recreation Center No. 2 park- community has given the Board a fair The installation may progress ing lot entrances. The installation of insight into the occupancy patterns in slower than expected, based upon a drainage swale between Building 69 your community. condition of existing floor and air and Building 70 will also commence Generally, we had an excellent temperatures. in late April. Please be careful while return on the census cards sent out in Asphalt paving and resurfacing driving or walking in the area of these late 2011. Others have responded to projects are currently in the bidding projects. the census questions by email, which phase. Paving typically begins the first is also acceptable. There is another element to the week of May (weather permitting). A representative from the man- Currently, we stand at just over sales equation: Many of the condos Stay tuned for details. agement company will be making in- 69 percent responded, a lower re- that are sold are by executors of the spections for hard-wired smoke detec- sponse than we had hoped for at this estate or the trustees. Invariably there Upcoming or ongoing construc- tors in Buildings 1thru 32 and Building time. We are going door to door now are several heirs who are unwilling to tion projects include Building 29 SE 38 thru 45. This is an ongoing project and making contact with any resident wait a reasonable sale exposure period Tower/Cupola restoration (should and you will be hearing more about who has not yet responded. to obtain the highest market value to complete by mid-April). this in the near future. Additionally, In terms of trends, of the 69 the property. They want the money Building 17/U66 and building new light fixtures are being installed in percent who have responded, over 99 now! mansard - fire damage repairs begin; all building laundry rooms. percent is over age 55. We are seeing these types of sidewalk panel replacement will be on- Approximately 128 responded transactions sell for 30-50 percent be- going, and work will begin on Building On the enforcement side of without a birth date. Whether this is low real market values! This has trag- 50 fascia and I-beam renovation. This the equation, removal/simplification due to vanity (we promise not to tell) ic consequences for the community last project will span approximately of landscaping at building fronts to or simple omission, it requires further overall. four months and be completed in standardize community’s appearance follow-up on your Association’s part. Your Board understands these phases from mid-March through late is ongoing. We do appreciate resident We do note that there is an in- types of problems, but it is worth not- June. cooperation on this. What was once a crease in rentals occurring. This is not ing the negative impact a quick, cheap little plant or plant grouping, tends to a bad thing, or cause for concern, so sale can have on the overall value of Parking lot stall number re- grow out of control over time and are long as the owner of the rental com- surrounding condominiums. Neigh- stenciling will be an ongoing project, just too much for a resident to care for. plies with the Declaration and with bors you were friendly with and cared as will be water meter box number re- the Rules, the renter falls within the about may wind up being negatively age 55+ restrictions, and is otherwise impacted by the dropped values. informed about life in a senior com- Is there a solution? munity. That depends. We certainly understand that If you make clear instructions the prolonged recession has created to your children, and state your inten- hardship for some owners, particularly tions in your will or trust document those with multiple residences. The detailing how you want the property trend now seems to be that some own- sale handled, perhaps this problem ers may be willing to rent to anyone may begin to be mitigated. and for any term, in contravention of Your Association has the re- the Association’s rules. This is a trend sponsibility to interview prospective that is being addressed by your Board owners and to review the purchase and we have had fair success at com- contract, as well as to interview pro- pliance. That said, there is more to be spective renters and review the pro- done. posed lease. Bearing in mind the minimum term of rental is six months and one Maintenance Update week (furnished) or one-year (unfur- Painting and waterproofing is nished). Owners who have chosen to scheduled for the rear elevation of flaunt this established rule can certain- Building 92 on April 4. All start dates ly expect stepped up enforcements to are approximate. ensure compliance. Roof replacement work on The resale markets continue Building 12 has a projected start date to be improving, albeit a lower price of April 15 (weather permitting) and points. This is an inevitable result of mansard replacement is scheduled for the oversupply of homes and con- Building 57. dominiums in Florida and elsewhere. Floor replacement is scheduled Remedying that is a function of time throughout the month of April in the and supply reduction. following buildings: 21, 22, and 28 are Page 4 April 2012 ON TOP OF THE WORLD NEWS Exercise outdoors - enjoy our weather Spring has arrived, although the Coffee on the second Thursday of skills, but believe me, most people do. winter was so mild that it felt like spring the month at about 9:30 a.m. for free We welcome experienced individuals, as almost everyday. coffee and donuts. The meeting starts well as beginners, to the classes and we It has been great weather to enjoy at 10 a.m.