IRT April-May 2016
Transcription
IRT April-May 2016
Vol. 35, Issue No. 6, 2015-16 ISLAND REEF TI M E April/May, 2016 S Published since 1981 by the Island Reef Owners’ Association • 8770 Midnight Pass Road • Sarasota, FL 34242 • 941-349-2844 Featuring the Bay-side “Grandes Dames” of Island Reef! by Kay Maier, editor Judy Brand (404F) had a terrific idea when she asked for a gathering and photo of the 80– and 90-something year old ladies of Island Reef, Bay-side! Here is what we discovered from these 7 ladies, pictured at left. Top photo—seated, Marion Mitchell (301F), Daria Vrabec (102H), and Helen Merrill (306H); standing, Bea Newman (407F) and Dora Bernstein (406G). Bottom photo — left, Patsy Head (401F), and right, Mary Joan Blum (501F). They ’eagerly’ shared their ages with me — Mary Joan (97), Marion (91), Daria (91), Bea (90), Dora (89), Patsy (84), and ‘the baby of the group,’ Helen (81). The very day we photographed them, I ran across this Face Book post, a Tibetan Proverb: “The secret of living well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure.” I can personally attest to the fact that these ladies are always out and about — walking, swimming, and/or doing water exercises, helping their neighbors, interacting with friends, going out to lunch or dinner, participating in activities, etc. They also attribute their longevity to: eating a healthy diet; good genes; faith; hard work; having a 5 p.m. cocktail each evening; growing up in a loving family (parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles); supportive spouses and loving children; being grateful for and content with what you have; surrounding yourself with positive people; and determination in spite of occasional setbacks. One of our 91-year olds played tennis until she was 78 and she walked the golf course, pushing her own clubs, until 86! What do these 7 ladies have in common? Aside from their ages, they are now facing life’s joys and challenges without their spouses by their side. Kudos to each of you, Grandes Dames of the Bay-side here at Island Reef! We are honored to have your wisdom and your ‘joie de vivre’ so present here! Here’s to many more years of good health, much happiness, friendship, and prosperity. You are all beautiful ladies, inside and out! An IR Baseball Outing to Ed Smith Stadium March 30 to see the Baltimore Orioles take on the Detroit Tigers! Longevity in the Social Department honors 4 dedicated persons who help us have fulfilled and active lives here at Island Reef. A standing ovation to (l-r), chef Skip Krause (303F) and his wife Ann (who says she ‘just shows up!), Diane Wulterkens (506H), social chair, and her husband Rick who doubles as IR Board President. Thanks for another memorable year! You are all the best! Can you top this? One of my neighbors here in the H Building, Earl Beyers (105), informed me that he purchased here at Island Reef 35 years ago. Talk about longevity! Has any owner been here any longer than Earl? If so, please let us know (kmaier@zoomtown.com). HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY on Sunday, May 8, to all the women here at Island Reef. You nurture those around you in so many ways! Be sure to read our Property Manager’s beautiful tribute to her own Mom on Page 7. And, to all our Dads and Grandfathers and Godfathers, we wish you a HAPPY FATHER’S DAY on Sunday, June 19. Enjoy this special day set aside for you too! 2 Messages and reminders from our IR Property Manager, Kathy Barshinger . . . C hanges are in the works! We have the following projects slated to begin in midApril and carry on through the summer: Building H roof will be repaired and recoated – Unicoat; Building A will be re-roofed with a single ply membrane product – Envirotech; Gulfside Pool will be resurfaced – Galaxy Pools; Bayside Pool will be resurfaced in 2017; Bayside Walkways will be repaired, recolored and resealed – ProTile; Building F elevator – shaft will be reworked to prevent failure – Florida Elevator; C building card room – new furniture; Carport roofs will be pressure cleaned, possibly painted or panels replaced if necessary – by staff; Shuffleboard Court – gulf side – crack will be repaired. Just a reminder to all owners: If you are considering renting your unit, currently utilizing the services of an outside agent, or doing all of the work yourself, why not call the office regarding the onsite rental program? We have software in place, an overflow of tenants who we haven’t been able to place, a cleaning crew that is second to none….we take care of everything for you, including collecting sales tax from the tenant and paying to the taxing authorities! Our commission rates are competitive and lower than most outside agents. It’s worth it to have peace of mind that the tenants will be coordinated through the office and you don’t have to worry about a thing. If there are problems in the unit during the guest stay, we contact the owner to receive approval prior to contacting vendors to make repairs when necessary. Regarding last month’s newsletter article about air conditioning, I’ve learned that vinegar can be just as effective as bleach in the drain lines, and keeping your filter clean is the most important thing you can do to prevent a/c problems! I closed my last article with mention of my vacation getaway plans at the end of season… well, I was able to take a five day weekend and really enjoyed the time spent with family, and then relaxing on the beaches of St. Augustine. Of course, my grandson was the highlight of the trip (see our photo at left), but I also enjoyed a visit to The Fountain of Youth and the San Sebastian Winery Tour in historic St. Augustine. Editor’s note: The first stop on Kathy’s getaway was spending time in West Palm Beach with her little grandson Eli (pictured at far left with Kathy), her son Dan (immediate left), who is Eli’s dad, and with daughter-in-law Christina (pictured at left). Kathy reports that she had a marvelous time away from the office and so enjoyed being with family! A P.S. — I regret having to close my article with this message, however . . . this is the 7th broken rope at the bayside pool (left below). I am dismayed at the lack of respect being shown to our property. This occurred recently, which was after our renters left, and so, the blame must be placed on someone’s children and/or grandchildren. Rules aside, it’s a matter of consideration for others and respect for property. Please act responsibly and teach the children to make note of and follow the rules. Thank You. Kathy Barshinger, Property Manager Owners, don’t forget to register your name and password on the new and improved Island Reef website — www.islandreef.net! Do it today! 3 President Rick Wulterkens’ Message M y wife had to drag me to Florida and Island Reef kicking and screaming. Her parents had bought a unit here and had owned for RICK WULTERKENS several years, and Your Island Reef Board President, circa 1958 Diane had tried to convince me we needed to bring our two young boys for a visit. I Pictured above is our explained that I Board President, Rick Wulterkens, wanted our kids to with a trophy-sized northern pike. be a bit older so they could enjoy it and would remember it better. When Sam was five and Stuart three, she finally talked me into it. I’ll never forget when we finally got to Island Reef after flying into Tampa Bay late at night. I opened the door of our rented Camaro (not making this up!) and was immediately struck by the alluring salt-water scent, something I had never experienced before. That was merely one of many stimulating brand new experiences, from fishing in ocean for the first time to breath-taking views from my father-in-law’s unit 506H. I was smitten. Let’s just say I never had to be coerced into coming down again. I couldn’t wait to get back! When Ray Genisio, Diane’s Dad, passed and her Mom decided to sell the place, we were devastated. No more Siesta Key and Island Reef?! Unthinkable! Diane decided we were going to buy it, and while I didn’t know how we were going to finagle that with three young boys and college looming plus a mortgage on our house, I didn’t dismiss it out-of-hand either. Turns out it was the best decision we ever made! We were able to get into the rental program and update the place a little at a time. Our plan was always to come down and live here when we both retired from our teaching careers, and that’s exactly what happened, albeit a little before we expected. By far, the most pleasant bonus of being full-time residents was the wonderful people we met and continue to meet. As summertime-only visitors, we rarely had a chance to meet many owners or renters before we became Floridians. Now our sense of belonging to a great community has made our purchase even that much more rewarding. Sometimes I’ll be sitting down on the patio by the BBQ area, sipping one of my signature manhattans while grilling steaks or burgers, marveling at the gorgeous landscaping and view of the bay and taking stock of just how fortunate I am. I’m very proud of Island Reef and happy to serve on the Board of Directors, this year as your president. I look forward to many more years here at Island Reef. Rick Wulterkens There’s quite a bit about family in this issue! I had several Face Book posts this week, some of which celebrated National Sibs Day! One of our readers’ concerns is that they hardly ever see pictures of the editors! So, here you go! The top picture is of your beloved Island Reef photographer, John Maier, flanked by two of his sisters, Jane Maier Otten (left) and Judy Maier Connelly (right), who both spent time here at Island Reef this spring — Janie as a guest and Judy as a renter (with her entire family here at one time or another!) The Maier Family has great memories of their days here at Island Reef, sharing life in Paradise with their Mom & Dad/ Grandma & Grandpa, Greg & Jane Maier (302C) and all their children. Also, Kay Maier, co-editor, is pictured below with her two sisters, Ann Schnelle Miller (left) and Marie Schnelle (right), both of whom have also visited here! So, HAPPY SIBS DAY, one and all, a bit belatedly! Kay adds a giantic THANK YOU to all those who have contributed to the newsletter content this year. Your photos, story ideas, and suggestions are so appreciated and make the newsletter what it is meant to be — a vehicle which promotes this wonderful place we all share in common! John and Kay wish everyone a summer full of wonderful memories with family and friends, good health, and a safe return to Island Reef. Until then, remember to preserve your summer memories in ‘Kodak moments’ to share with us too! John & Kay Missing from the photos are John’s sister Kathie Maier Griffin and his brother Tom Maier and Kay’s brother Joe Schnelle. 4 You’re invited to an XFINITY Communities Event with your dedicated Community Account Representative Brenda Radford, brenda_radford@cable.Comcast.com A chance to be with with your fellow neighbors and learn more about XFINITY services and products! WHAT: Meet & Greet WHERE: Island Reef Clubhouse WHEN: April 20th 2:30-3:30 Can’t make it to the event? Visit us at xfinity.com for the best offers available today! Cherish the memories of a season of fun, relaxation, friendship, beautiful sunsets, sunrises, and more! See you in the fall . . . ISLAND REEF MISSION STATEMENT Island Reef is a privately owned, residential condominium complex designed to meet the living, recreational, and social needs of both individuals and families. While not a resort property, Island Reef provides a casual and friendly atmosphere and strives to maintain the highest standards for facilities, landscape, care, and service in order to sustain owners’ enjoyment and protect property values. There was a small, intimate group of women gathered for the April 1 Ladies’ Luncheon which took place at Capital Grille in the University Town Center Mall. The ladies had a fantastic time, especially noting the attentive service provided by their waiter (photo at right), who took their picture above. Thanks, Marlene Marshall, for organizing these monthly outings during the season, and thanks, Judy Hain, for orchestrating this picture! Ladies of IR, look forward to a GREAT next season! It’s been fun watching ‘big boys on big toys playing in the sand’ to renourish our beach! What a transformation! The ISLAND REEF TIMES is published approximately monthly (during the season) and otherwise approximately every other month by the Island Reef Owners’ Association (IROA) at 8770 Midnight Pass Road; Sarasota, FL 34242; Phone—941-349-2844. Editors: JOHN & KAY MAIER (401H). Suggestions for articles and digital photos may be submitted to John or Kay Maier at IRTEditor@islandreef.net. John also serves as the official photographer for this publication, although your digital photos are welcome and may be emailed to the above address. Thanks, Kathy Barshinger, Charlie Graney (sunset pictures), Judy Hain, Mary Hummer, Bob Jamieson, Donna Lenhof, John & Kay Maier, Bonnie Rowley, Mary Kay Shaw, Ralph & Ruth Wuest, and Rick & Diane Wulterkens, for your submissions for this current issue. Neither the editors nor the IROA are responsible for material submitted for publication or copied from other sources. Articles may be edited for clarity and length. The deadline for our next edition (the very first of the of the 2016-17 season) will be late September so that we can continue to pass IR’s latest news onto our readership! 5 THE SOCIAL SCENE UPDATES by Diane Wulterkens, Chairperson Another month has flown by and the season has begun to slow down. Still, there were plenty of things happening around Island Reef in March. On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, an enthusiastic group gathered to enjoy an Irish celebration. In spite of the large number of participants, the tents on the patio gave us plenty of space. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and the menu for the evening was a hit! Corned beef and cabbage was paired with a more modern Salmon with Irish butter sauce, boxti potatoes, homemade Irish dark bread, and other culinary delights. Mary Hummer brought in a group of Irish dancers to demonstrate traditional footwork. The group included both young and more senior ‘Riverdancers,’ and our very own Mary even got into the act! It was quite an aerobic workout, and all our Island Reef participants really enjoyed the program. As usual, the majority of the cooking was the work of Skip Krause, but we had plenty of help from other committee members, Mary and Richard Hummer, and our board liaison, Judy Hain. I even tried my hand at baking bread, a first for me. Our Island Reef neighbors clearly outdid themselves by pitching in to help. Mary Hummer is never shy about putting people to work, but we marveled over how so many unexpectedly stepped right up and assisted. At risk of missing any names, we owe a giant Thank You to Marla & Jim Walsh, Claudia & Tom Gallahue, Charlene & Russ Morgan, Sue Swank, Ann Krause, Betty Dowling, Mary Ann Laritz, Janice Dayton, Jan & Mike Day, Marty & Jerry Rosen, Lynne Nahmias, Janet Hepner, Mary Lou Webber, Laurie Rossi, Bill & Kay Heckert, Bob Jamieson, and Jeff Weyeneth. Later in the month on March 30, just under two dozen of us attended Baltimore Orioles vs Detroit Tigers evening game at Ed Smith Stadium. It wasn’t the most exciting game, but it was a comfortable evening and the refreshments were, as always, interesting. I never would have expected to find crab cake sandwiches at a ball park! There is still more on the agenda before summer arrives. Signs are currently posted regarding three events over the next five weeks. These events include: A sunset, full moon cruise on LeBarge takes place Thursday, April 21. We should plan to meet at the waterfront, (near Marina Jacks) just off of Tamiami and Ringling Blvd. at around 6:00 p.m. We can board at 6:30, and will depart around 7:00 p.m., but we should plan to be in line together if we want to be able to sit together. A Brunch in the Club House from 10:30 until noon on Sunday, April 24. Cost of admission is a donation of non-perishable or frozen food items that we will share with a local food pantry. We will have omelet and waffle stations, along with other break- fast items. If you can’t make it, please consider dropping off some food in the C building Card Room. Better yet, if you are cleaning out your cabinets before departing for your off season residence, share your unopened food with those who are less fortunate than we are. Saturday evening, May 14 is the Sarasota ‘Symphony in the Outfield,’ at Ed Smith Stadium. I will need to call in our numbers soon, but will probably be able to take a few more neighbors along. If you are interested, check with Anna in the Island Reef Office. If you are paying for an event with a check, please make sure it is to “Island Reef.” After these events? We’ll probably plan a simple repast on the beach. It’s looking great, so we should take advantage of the wonderful space. And if any of you are around for the summer, we normally have something happening on those three summer holidays. What, you ask? We’ll have to see. Keep an eye on Women Golfers Gather. Ladies, keep your golfing skills up to par this summer, and plan on joining in the fun (Mondays and Thursdays) with other Island Reef ladies when you return for the new season! Thanks, Mary Kay Shaw, for this photo. Pictured left to right are: Judy Jamieson, Mary Ann Laritz, Mary Kay Shaw, and Carrie Bowman. An informal Friday night gathering on the Gulf side to enjoy each other’s company along with good food and libations. Come to experience this vibrant, caring, fun-loving community here at Island Reef. Enjoy life to the fullest during your retirement years in this beautiful corner of Paradise! 6 Kicking off St. Patrick’s Day with great partying on the 16th! GREEN was obviously the color of the day, and many leprechauns were out in full force! The festive atmosphere in the club house — complete with green beer, green punch, hors d’oeuvres, a traditional Irish, sitdown dinner, dessert, and more! — spilled over onto the bay-side patio, where all guests enjoyed each other’s company along with some fantastic entertainment! Thanks, Mary Hummer, for bringing in the Irish Dancers so we could all witness this energetic and well-choreographed dance performed by women who have ‘feet of fire and bodies of ice!’ See Diane Wulterken’s summary of the event on the previous page, and thanks too to Donna Lenhof for taking these pictures! May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go! Irish Blessing Mark your calendars for our next IR Board Meeting—beginning promptly at 1 p.m. in the Club House on Wednesday, May 4. The fall meeting AND Annual Meeting will be scheduled at this May 4 Meeting. 7 A beaufiful story from Kathy Barshinger . . . A MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE TO MY MOM Marie Ege (nee Smet) was born in 1926 in the small town of Bevren Waas, Belgium, which is near Antwerp. Her parents, Emil and Sylvia Smet, travelled to the US in 1932 to establish a life for their family. They returned to Belgium in 1933 to pick up their only child Marie and boarded a ship that was part of the Red Star Lines travelling back to their new home in Moline, IL. In 2005, I had the pleasure of accompanying my mother to Belgium where we arrived at the Brussels airport and I met my second cousin, Bertina and her husband Robert. We boarded the train and were bound for the seaport town of Ostend which is in the West Flanders region of Belgium. My mother was reunited with her childhood friend and cousin, Lucienne. The trip was filled with of a lifetime of memories for mom and formed a bond for me with family members that had not existed in my life before that trip. It was also a trip into my heritage. We had family dinners in the garden of my cousins whose home was located in the Bel- gium countryside. It was beautiful and the European way of life had a profound impact on me. They do not have large grocery stores, but instead visit the various markets on almost a daily basis, gathering fresh breads, produce and meats. And, we must not forget the chocolatier! Fresh Belgian chocolates are my weakness! Above, Kathy is pictured with her dear Mother during that 2005 trip to Belgium. The Belgians are a very happy group. I remembered that about my grandmother who was rarely downtrodden, no matter what life threw at her. She took great joy in family, laughter and sharing meals. She did not think twice about what someone else might think, and often times would start singing something in a language that my siblings and I could not understand, but we would end up caught in her contagious laughter as the song apparently had some very funny lyrics! In 2013, Mom left this earth to join my father in heaven as he had passed 10 years prior. I miss them both, but feel angel wings around me as I move through this life. As stated on their epitaph, ”Their love lives on through family.” Marie raised 7 children (2 girls and 5 boys) during the couple’s 58 years of marriage — with a 20-year span between the oldest and the youngest! And to think this all started with 2 people, our own Ralph and Ruth Wuest! Could Ralph and Ruth Wuest (503F) have ever imagined on that 2nd day of September in 1950, in Lakewood, OH (when they exchanged their “I do’s”), that 65 years later, they would have such a beautiful family of 3 children (2 daughters and 1 son), 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren? Or that they call Island Reef ‘home’ from the first week in October until the first week in May each year? They make the trip back and forth to their home in Rocky River, OH, driving, but always fly back during the holidays for the annual Christmas Eve gathering they host for ALL the family at their northern home! As Ralph exclaimed, “It’s been 65 years of a wonderful marriage, and we are ready for #66!” 8 ISLAND REEF OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION 8770 Midnight Pass Road Sarasota, FL 34242 (941) 349349-2844 Email: info@islandreef.net Website: www.islandreef.net WELCOME TO ISLAND REEF, NEW OWNERS! assembled by Bob Jamieson David Ossi has moved to Sarasota with his wife, Maria, to become the General Manager at Germain Toyota of Sarasota. Five years ago, they moved to Greenville, SC, from Tampa, FL. They have three daughters — the oldest one, Kayleigh, lives with her husband in Tampa; Amelia, the middle one, will be staying in Greenville, SC; and the youngest one, Julia, will be attending the University of Florida this fall. In his spare time, David enjoys golf, and both David and Maria love to travel! David and Maria purchased 502 G. Bill & Kay Heckert live in Okemos, Michigan and have a summer house in northern Michigan near Traverse City. Both have recently retired— Kay from teaching and accounting and Bill from his dermatology practice. Kay is an avid tennis player and also enjoys pickle ball, theater, and traveling. Bill enjoys pickle ball, boating, kayaking, and biking. Both look forward to being at Island Reef and in the Sarasota area. They have been longtime renters in 302H (Marge Tichy’s unit), and when Marge decided to sell her home in Connecticut and move full time to FL, the Heckerts decided to purchase here! Their new ’home’ at Island Reef is 402H. Bill went to school with Don Brand (404F), and they have remained good friends over the years! Let’s welcome Eric Egan, our new Island Reef owner in (205F) who is in the process of moving in this April. Eric was kind enough to honor a rental commitment in February and March and delay his start at Island Reef. Eric is a retired New York policeman and firefighter who has expanded his career interest into real estate. He loves the beach, kayaking and biking. Stanford (Stan) & Claire Shulman of Evanston, IL, are new owners of 206C here at Island Reef. Claire is a retired Professor of Creative Writing at Columbia College Chicago and an authority on the Florida AfricanAmerican author Zora Neale Hurston. Stan is a semi-retired Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and past Chief of Infectious Diseases at Lurie Children's Hospital (formerly Children's Memorial Hospital), Chicago, past President of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. He is particularly interested in Kawasaki Disease, Streptococcal infections, and Infective Endocarditis. The Shulmans have been married 51 years (they met in high school in Toledo, OH) and have 3 children (Debbie, Liz, and Edward) and 2 grandsons (Max and Levi). They enjoy international travel and their main hobbies are reading (both), stamp collecting (Stan), and traveling (both). Stan is a rabid congenital Detroit Tigers fan and an adopted Chicago Bulls fan.