Nov-Dec 2011 - Rotonda West

Special Points of Interest
DISCLAIMER: THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ROTONDA WEST ASSOCIATION, INC.
West Ways
Rotonda West Association
Published by the Rotonda West Association for Rotonda West property owners.
• ‘A Year in Review’..........................................page 2
• West Ways Going ‘Green’..............................page 3
• Christmas Parade, a Winner...........................page 6
• Parade Circle Bike Path Update.....................page 7
Schermerhorn,
Kelly Elected RWA
Directors
Scott Schermerhorn and
David Kelly were elected
to three-year terms as
Directors at the 21st Annual
Meeting of the Association on
Thursday, December 1. Andy
VanScyoc and Cynthia WallDeegan placed their names
in nomination as write-in New Directors David Kelly (left)
and Scott Schermerhorn. Photo by
candidates.
Scott is Envionmental Sue Killion
Supervisor with the Florida Department of Health. David is
General Manager of the Rotonda Golf & Country Club.
A total of 1,561 votes were cast but 24% had to be discarded,
mostly because voters failed to sign the return envelope as
required by State Statute.
The Annual Meeting was divided into afternoon and evening
meetings with the adoption of secret balloting. In the afternoon
session held at the Community Center, self-nominations were
accepted for write-in candidates, as well as voting. State law
under secret balloting requires the ballots to be counted at the
Annual Meeting. Seven members of the Election Committee
and 16 others named to the Committee for the day did the
honors. They completed their work in one hour, forty-five
minutes.
At the evening meeting held at the Tringali Center, the results
were announced.
Glynn Perkins, RWA President, opened the evening meeting
with a report on Board and committee accomplishments during
the year. Then, the chairmen of the committees gave their
year-end reports.
President Perkins praised Hank Artz for his many years of
service to the RWA and his productive term as Chairman of
the Properties Committee. Andy VanScyoc, who joined the
Board late in the year after a resignation, was also thanked
for his service. President Perkins and committee chairmen
applauded the work of the RWA staff of five, led by Jay Lyons,
Manager.
Guest speaker was Joseph E. Adams, Manager Shareholder
of the RWA’s law firm, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. He discussed
recent legislation affecting homeowners associations in the
State of Florida. The RWA is the largest mandated homeowners
association in the state.
The question on the ballot about carrying over excess funds
from the operating budget and reserve fund from 2011 to 2012
was approved, 1,088 owners voting yes and 26 no.
The voting process was coordinated by the Election
Committee chaired by Peter Traverso. The mailing of the
ballots and their return was handled by our accounting firm,
See - Election Results - continued on page 5
Volume 15, Number 6
November/December 2011
Published six times annually
Glynn Perkins Earns
Second Term as
President
New officers and committee
chairmen were chosen by the 2012
Board at a special meeting on
December 6. Glynn Perkins was
the unanimous choice to serve a
second term as President. George
Burger and Hank Killion will
also serve second terms as First
Vice President and Second Vice
President, respectively.
The Secretary is new Board
member Scott Schermerhorn and
Hank Killion returns as Treasurer.
Committee Chairmen
Administration & Personnel Messrs. Perkins, Burger, Killion
Aquatics Canal System Stan Plizga
Beautification/Mowing
Glynn Perkins
Budget & Finance Hank Killion
Community Relations David Kelly
Election Peter Traverso
Deed Restrictions George Burger
Policies & Procedures Stan Plizga
Properties - Scott Schermerhorn
Residential Modification George Burger
Compliance Committee members
selected their chairman and Dick
Duggan will return for a second
year.
The Board meets at 2:00 p.m. on the
second Wednesday of each month
at the Rotonda West Community
Center, 3754 Cape Haze Drive. All
interested members are encouraged
to attend.
Voting Results
Scott Schermerhorn............. 978
David Kelly......................... 939
Andy VanScyoc..................... 90
Cynthia Wall-Deegan.............. 9
-2-
“The Year in Review”
By Glynn Perkins, RWA President
Editor’s Note: In an interview
with West Ways, President Glynn
Perkins looks back at his first year
as President of the Rotonda West
Association and the outlook for the
future:
For openers, what was it that attracted
you to live in Rotonda West?
We first came to Rotonda in 2000 from our home in the
United Kingdom and fell in love with the place. After further
visits and research, we bought our lot in 2002 and built our
house that was completed a year later. We were vacation
visitors until 2007 when we moved here full-time and
purchased our flower shop business in Port Charlotte.
What prompted you to run for the Board?
I wanted to get involved with the community and put
something back. I felt I could bring my many years of
experience as a business consultant to the Association. Also,
I was encouraged by friends. I first became a member of two
committees and then elected a Director and served for a year
before I was elected President.
Was it a surprise that you were asked to serve as
President?
The short answer is, yes. I never considered the position and
it wasn’t until after the results of the election in December
2010 that it was suggested. I think that given the fractious
nature of the Board at the time and me being somewhere in
the middle, I was maybe a safe bet. I am pleased as punch to
be the President and consider it a great honor.
In one word, describe your year as President.
Interesting. That’s the word that comes to mind. I have
really enjoyed it. There have been challenges, particularly the
questioning about last year’s election, ongoing discussions
about the Residential Modification Committee and the
Election Committee and the decisions made, not to mention
the resignation of three directors. Through it all, I have been
confident that all of the decisions made have been the right
ones for the Association.
How distracting were the resignations?
I think they were a distraction. Directors are elected to
represent the entire membership, not just the people who
elected them. That imposes a responsibility on them. All of
our directors have a duty and a collective responsibility to
defend the decisions made by the Board. That was not always
the case.
Can you point to a single-most highlight of your year?
There really isn’t one single thing that stands out. There
were a number of difficult decisions throughout the year.
The most significant was moving to a secret ballot. I believe
most people were under the impression that the ballots were
kept secret but it came as a shock that anyone could see
how any member voted. I thank the Election Committee,
our attorney, and our auditor for developing rules and new
election procedures.
Were there any other highlights?
Without any question, the one thing that impressed me a
great deal was the Christmas Parade. I participated for the
first time and was absolutely blown away with the event. The
hard work done by the committee, the attendance of residents
along the route, the quality of the floats and the response to
the charitable collection. It was a great day which I thoroughly
enjoyed and my thanks to all who made it happen.
What are your two or three top priorities in the coming
year?
I really hope our Community Master Plan is completed.
I believe we have the money to do the project and will be
pursuing the matter immediately in 2012. I hope we finally
get the bike path finished along Parade Circle and that we
continue to make improvements to the infrastructure projects
needed - sidewalks, power to the bridges and new entrance
signs. I hope we can come to some decision with Rotonda
Golf Partners over the future of the former Pinemoor East
Golf Course property. I believe we have a golden opportunity
to do something wonderful for the community that will last
forever.
Do you have any words for your fellow Directors, volunteers
and staff?
I welcome David and Scott to the Board and look forward
to working with them and with my fellow Board members.
I appreciate their support and I could not do the job without
them. I think we all have to be honest to our principles but
we must be prepared to compromise our own position for the
benefit of the Association. To committees, thank you. Without
you and the time and effort given by you to the Association,
Rotonda would be a poorer place for it. And to the Manager
and staff - a really big thank you because without you, your
dedication and hard work, we could not function as nearly
as well. Personally, I could not do the things I do without the
personal assistance you give me.
Do you have a message for our owners and residents?
I would remind members to keep in contact with the
office if they are planning any modifications or additions to
their properties that require prior Residential Modification
Committee approval before commencing work. Please pay
particular attention to Deed Restrictions To ignore them
could become very expensive. One other thing I want to
focus on is mowing of the canal banks to answer a number
of questions. The Board recently confirmed that as an
Association, we were not going to mow the canal banks on
developed lots. There has been some confusion in the past
that some certain selective lots were being cut as the vendor
traveled from one vacant lot to another. This did not have the
approval of the Assciation and is in direct conflict with the
vendor contract. Please note that canal banks on developed
lots will not be cut by the successful vendor for the current
contract being negotiated.
A final word?
It’s been an interesting year and I look forward to 2012.
Thanks to everyone for your support. I wish everyone a Merry
Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year.
-3-
Lighting Ceremony Kicked Off Holiday Season
For the 22nd year, residents, young and not-so-young,
gathered at the Oakland Hills Marina to observe the
traditional holiday lighting ceremony at dusk on Saturday,
November 26. The event officially opens the holiday season
in the community.
For those driving by the Marina during the holiday season,
the decorations and bright lights had to be an impressive sight,
thanks to the holiday Decorating Committee.
Moments after the switch was activated and the Marina was
glowing, six lighted boats entered the area, to the delight of
the crowd, one with Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard (aka Bill
Meilink and Sande Prentis). Skippers of the fleet were Darryl
Baylock, John Farrell, Roy Moseley, Mike Myher, Susan
Renzi and Andy VanScyoc, who organized the boat parade.
The Decorating Committee, led by Earl Haas and Sue Artz,
had been working hard to dress up the island and gazebo,
bridges at the five entrances and the memorial parks.
A total of 17 volunteers helped with the decorations.
During the lighting ceremony, recorded Christmas music
West Ways Going ‘Green’ To Save More
‘Green’
For the past few years, we have seen a flurry of ‘green’
initiatives ranging from recycling and setting thermostats a
few degrees lower to installing low-flow shower heads and
planting drought-tolerant plants, not to mention electric cars
and compact fluorescent light bulbs. We’re told all impact the
environment for a sustainable world. Today, there are more
than 36,000 websites devoted to the ‘greening’ revolution.
The RWA began ‘greening’ initiatives earlier this year with
the introduction of our Electronics Communications Program,
labeled ECOM. More than 500 owners have opted to receive
their copies of West Ways on-line, as well as billings and
other documents, all in the interest of saving paper, ink and
postage. Each issue of West Ways is posted about two weeks
before copies are mailed and photos are in full color.
“The ‘greening’ of West Ways is the keystone of our ECOM
program, with other documents to follow,” said Jay Lyons,
RWA Manager.
The 500+ participants in the ECOM program are all outside
of the 33947 zip code area. Why? West Ways is bulk mailed
inside the community, not individually addressed to save on
postage. Our mail carriers drop a copy in each mailbox on
their normal rounds. Bulk postage cost is 24 cents a copy,
while the cost to print a single copy is 17 cents.
Unique Printing Service Saving $$$$$
Cost-cutting is nothing new for West Ways. About two
years ago, RWA Manager Jay Lyons discovered a unique
printing service that would save the Association a significant
sum with the printing of West Ways.
It’s called North Florida Graphics located in Calhoun, Florida
in the Panhandle and is a unit of PRIDE Enterprises.
Why is it unique? For two reasons - it’s a part of the Florida
Correctional System and inmates run the presses.
PRIDE is a non-profit inmate training company. It operates
general manufacturing and services facilities in correctional
institutions throughout the State of Florida.
Lily and Billy Bettcher (left)
from North Carolina, visiting
Grandma Vicky Heintzberger,
munch on goodies.
Big ‘snowman’ aboard John
Farrell’s new Truxor (right)
was a crowd-pleaser in the
boat parade.
filled the night air to add to the festive occasion. To top things
off, refreshments were available, thanks to the Rotonda West
Woman’s Club and The Hills Restaurant.
The Calhoun facility has about 150 inmates who train in
printing press operation, desktop publishing, and transactional
mailing operations. What makes the operation so competitive
with commercial print shops is that inmates receive a wage
far below minimum for their work.
The West Ways share of the RWA’s current annual budget of
$1.4 million is $23,000. The prison shop prints 7,300 copies
and prepares them for mailing at a reasonable 17 cents per
copy or $1,284.80 per issue. Postage costs, however, take the
largest share of the West Ways budget.
Going Green
The next major step in cost-savings for West Ways is ‘going
green’ in earnest and will eliminate quantity printing. Instead,
residents will be able to read copies on-line as is available
now.
The RWA recognizes that not all residents and owners
world-wide own computers. So a minimum quantity of
printed copies will be made available.
How To Sign Up For The ECOM Program
If you have an email account and prefer to view West
Ways on-line, in color and two weeks earlier than by
regular mail, send an email to manager@rotondawest.
org. You will be notified when each issue is posted. In
addition, you will receive most Association information
by email, including your annual assessment, rather than
by regular mail.
Our on-going Electronics Communications Program
(ECOM) was activated earlier this year for participants to
receive selected communications like billings as emails from
the Association. The sole purpose is to reduce printing and
mailing costs. To date, 500 owners have opted for the program
and the West Ways on-line program is an extension.
Two more issues of the newsletter will be printed and
mailed before we go on-line. The cooperation of all is
necessary to make the transition work smoothly!
-4-
Manager’s Report
by Jay Lyons, RWA Manager
Deed Restrictions - Sight Screening
Rotonda West is a Deed Restricted
community. As stated in the Governing
Documents, the purpose is to produce
an orderly and desirable community to
protect and enhance property values.
Every day, we hear from owners who
tell us that the Association is either too
lenient or too strict when it comes to enforcement of the
Deed Restrictions. We try to be fair, but in the end, the Deed
Restriction must be enforced as they are written.
With this in mind, we must once and for all deal with one
of the most violated Deed Restrictions within the community.
I’m referring to the sight screening or fencing of all garbage
and trash containers, bottled gas tanks, swimming pool
equipment, irrigation pumps and other similar outdoor
equipment.
We are fully aware that the introduction of the larger trash
cans by Charlotte County and Waste Management created a
challenge as to where to store these green monsters. Most
owners have figured out a solution but a significant number
have not.
It’s Double Anniversary Celebrations
by Ruth Sargent
On January 2, 2012, Norene Kugler will mark two decades
of a stellar career as Assistant Manager of the Rotonda West
Association.
That milestone is only topped by Norene and Mel’s 50th
wedding anniversary on October 14. They celebrated with
family in Colorado, including five grandchildren from ages
8 to 20 years.
Norene and Mel are both Missouri natives. They lived in
Cross Timbers, Missouri that Norene describes as “a very
small town.” There, she was City Clerk and Tax Collector,
working from home. They moved to Rotonda West with three
young children in 1976.
While working for the Boca Grande Club for 8 years, she
obtained her Community Association Manager’s license.
She was then contacted in late 1991 by Kendall Leach,
RWA Manager at the time, for her interest in the Assistant
Manager’s job. Norene recalls with a smile asking Leach
during the interview, “will I be bored?” No question about
it, she says now, in the years since, she has never once been
bored. “But, during any given year, there is almost always a
core of active, involved residents who help keep things going
quite well,” Norene said.
One of the RWA’s greatest challenges is answering
questions or complaints from owners. “I listen carefully
and inform the caller what can be done to try to resolve the
situation. My goal is for each person to feel that he or she is
being heard and that we are doing all we can to help.”
“Norene is the oracle of the Association,” said Jay Lyons,
RWA Manager. “With her long service and vast knowledge
of our community, she is without doubt the most valuable
member on our team,” Jay continued. “I seriously don’t know
what we would do without her.”
Living in the community for 35 years, Mel and Norene have
This specific Deed Restriction states: GARBAGE OUTSIDE EQUIPMENT: All garbage and trash containers,
bottled gas tanks, swimming pool equipment, sprinkler
pumps and any other such outdoor equipment shall be placed
in a sight-screen or fenced area so that they shall not be readily
visible. This amendment will become effective upon being
recorded in the Public Record of Charlotte County, Florida.
Existing conditions prior to that date shall be permitted to
remain in existence provided that when such equipment
is replaced or the property is sold, the conditions must be
corrected to conform to this amendment.
If any trash receptacles or other mechanical equipment,
other than air conditioners, are visible, an initial violation
letter will be sent to the property owner, and the tenant if
applicable, providing ten days to cure the violation. If the
violation is not cured within 10 days, a final violation letter
will be sent providing seven additional days to cure the
violation. If the violations are still not cured, a fine may be
levied on the basis of each day of the continuing violation,
except that such fine shall not exceed $5,000.00 in the
aggregate. Owners will have the opportunity to appear before
the Compliance Committee to have their concerns heard.
Please contact Deed Restriction at (941) 697-1780 if you
have any questions.
Mel and Norene
Kugler’s official 50th
wedding anniversary
photo at Englewood
Beach with a setting
sun. Photo by Sue
Killion.
seen many changes. Oakland Hills was the only subdivision,
there were unpaved roads, the humpback bridges had not been
built and there were no large stores for 20 miles. The only
two schools were Englewood Elementary and Lemon Bay
Junior High School. In 1981, Lemon Bay graduated its first
high school senior class with the Kugler’s daughter Cheri as
one of the graduates.
In 1987, Mel founded Mel Kugler Insurance, MKI, with
offices in Englewood.
Following retirement, Mel became very involved in service
to the community and that continues today. He currently
serves on the RWA Residential Modification Committee and
the Beautification Committee. He is driver’s coordinator for
the Englewood Meals On Wheels program for the elderly
and shut-ins and is on his church’s budget and finance and
missions committees. He still finds time to be active with
the Sunrise Rotary Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun
Coast, and coordinates the scheduling of holiday bell ringers
for the Salvation Army.
Congratulations to Norene for 20 valuable years of service
to the RWA, and to Norene and Mel on their Golden wedding
anniversary!!
-5-
Fiesta Association Installs New Leaders
in 40th Year
Johnnie Haas, a past Alcalde, introduces new and current Board members,
called “Conquistadors,” at the Fiesta Association’s dinner-dance. Photo
by David Pulaski.
On the 40th anniversary of its founding, the Rotonda West
Fiesta Association installed Kathy Gizzi as its new President,
called “Alcalde.” Also installed were four new Board
members, called “Conquistadors.”
The installation was the highlight of the dinner-dance on
Saturday night, November 19 at the Hills Country Club.
Outgoing Alcalde Royce Niedlinger was thanked and
congratulated for his service.
The Fiesta Association was founded in late 1971 as a
social organization with pot luck suppers for early residents
of the community. Leaders continue to wear colorful regalia
at events that reflects the early Spanish history of the area.
The Association has continued the Spanish connection for
four decades.
More than 100 members and guests attended the dinnerdance. The theme was “Homecoming” and Don and Anita
Westerfield were crowned King and Queen.
New “Conquistadors” are Susan Superak, William and
Julie Dederer, and Norma Williams. They join current Board
members Toni and Steve Stephenson, John and Jo Ann House,
Pat Frasier, Joy Mello, Walter Taylor, Ed Morris, Linda
Bondeson, and Barbara Best.
For events and membership information, call Pat Fraser at
(941) 697-0171.
Newcomers Prepped on Community
Amenities
The 6th Newcomer’s Reception drew 26 new residents to the
Community Center on November 15. The popular event was
created three years ago and several hundred new residents
and others have participated.
Representatives of RWA committees and social and service
organizations were on hand to describe their services and
answer questions. Many had informative displays on their
tables.
The next reception is scheduled for Tuesday evening,
March 20. All are welcome and refreshments are served.
Event chairman is Sue Artz. Call Sue at 697-5591 for more
information.
Steve and Wendy Cole are
settled in their new home
in Broadmoor. Both the
couple and Glynn Perkins,
right, are originally from
England. Glynn is RWA
President.
Inside the Circle
Bits & Pieces From Around the Community
Birds Need Our Help... Two struggling snake birds (or
Anhingas) were spotted in a White Marsh canal tangled
in a fishing line and in serious trouble. Who to call? Best
bet is the Wildlife Center of Venice, who have answered
the call before and are especially responsive. They came
out, captured the birds, took them back to their facility
and untangled them. The next day, they returned the birds
to the canal. To contact the Wildlife Center, call (941)
484-9657.
Little-Known Fact... One of the proven perks of living in
Rotonda West is our deed restrictions. 98% of our residents
are in compliance and the Deed Restrictions Committee
works hard to keep violations to a minimum.
National Champion, Almost... Matt Piloto led the
University of Mount Union of Alliance, Ohio to the 2011
national championship game of Division III football only
to drop a 13-10 decision to Wisconsin-Whitewater in the
Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Salem, Virginia. The 6’6”
230 pound junior quarterback helped his team to a 14-1
record in 2011 and their sixth straight undefeated regular
season. He threw four touchdowns passes in the semi-final
championship game. Matt’s family lives in Pebble Beach.
He is a graduate of Lemon Bay High School.
Updated Phone Books Available... A quantity of Century
Link telephone books are available for the taking by
residents who find the book useful. You can pick up your
copy at the Community Center, 3754 Cape Haze Drive.
Rotonda West Seeks Newsletter Editor
A volunteer editor is needed by the Rotonda West Association
to manage West Ways, this bimonthly community newsletter
for some 7,000 owners world-wide. Required are planning,
writing and creative skills. You’ll have the benefit of working
with an enthusiastic and talented staff and writing about the
inner workings of Florida’s largest mandated homeowners
association. News stories will highlight association business,
community improvement projects, profiles of special
residents, and ongoing community events and activities. To
apply, send an email with your interest and credentials to
donmahon3@comcast.net.
Election Results - continued from page 1
Webb, Lorah & Company, P.L. Geoff Lorah, a partner in
the firm, assisted the Election Committee and has led the
Association’s audit for each of its 21 years.
Members of the 2011 Election Committee are Ginni Mahon,
Margie Carroll, Donna Krabbe, Barbara Peszko. Fred Warner,
and Dick Duggan, in addition to Peter Traverso, chairman.
Also assisting with the ballot counting were John Carroll, Mel
Kugler, Doris and Art Richards, Bob and Linda Bondeson,
Claudette and Walter Taylor, Earl and Johnnie Haas, Pat and
Ken Guillerm, George Krabbe, John Peszko, George Hutton,
and Joan Duggan, in addition to Webb, Lorah & Co.
-6-
Festive Parade Thrills Spectators, Brings Joy to the Needy
Hundreds marched and thousands lined the parade route on a
perfect Fall day in Southwest Florida. The grateful beneficiaries
were the hundreds of needy people and families, many homeless
and jobless as victims of the economy.
The popular Rotonda West Christmas Holiday Parade was held
on Saturday afternoon, December 3 before throngs stretching down
the length of the 5-mile parade route along Rotonda Circle.
A highlight was the collection of 2,300 pounds of food and
toys and $1,001.00 in cash for Englewood Helping Hand, its food
pantry and families. Donated food and toys were more than triple
the volume of last year when 700 pounds were collected. “Our
collection was overwhelming and proves once again the generosity
of Rotonda West people who go out of their way to help others,”
said Earl Haas, Parade Committee chair. Two other key members
were Sue Artz and Cathy Moseley, who worked endless hours over
the past several months to make it happen. A total of twenty-three
helpers pitched in to make the event a success.
The Englewood Lion’s Club had a successful collection too
with eighty-two sets of spare eye glasses donated, as well as two
hearing aids and one cell phone. These items are distributed to
those in need in the area.
This is the fifth Christmas Holiday parade. The first three were
organized by the Rotonda Elks and the last two by the RWA's
Community Relations Committee.
Nearly 60 units were in the parade line of march - horses from
Bit of Hope, clowns, veteran’s groups, Girl Scouts, service clubs,
civic groups, Rotonda West clubs and organizations, politicians,
businesses and, yes, Santa and Mrs. Claus (aka Herk Foltman
and Sande Prentis). The Lemon Bay High School Navy ROTC
and the combined bands of Lemon Bay High and L.A. Ainger
Middle School, 180 members strong, put on an impressive
performance.
Trophies were donated by Rotonda Golf Partners, Inc. Grand
Prize winner for ‘Best in Parade’ was the float designed and built
by 10 members of “Kids Creating Change,” founded a year ago
by 11 year old Caitlyn Lovelace, until recently a Rotonda West
resident. The kids-run charity collects blankets and clothing for
the homeless, plus involvement in other community betterment
projects. Rotonda West kids aboard the float were Kiri Polak,
Damon Buswell and JT Setter.
Sons of the American Legion donated 1,000 mini-flags and
Dennis and Sharon Borchardt donated assorted Cabot cheese
products for distribution to spectators.
Runner-up was the “Snowbirds” dressed in Disney costumes.
Third was “Clowns-Like-Us,” whose members spread smiles and
cheer all along the parade route. Trophy presentations were made
at a post-parade party at the Rotonda VFW.
Judges were Mike Billington, Publisher of the Englewood Sun,
Jon Bednerik, Executive Director-of the Englewood-Cape Haze
Chamber of Commerce, and Tammy and Ken Birdsong. Ken is
General Manager of WENG radio and hosted a live broadcast.
On Monday morning after the parade, Earl Haas and Hank Artz
delivered two SUVs full of food for the food pantry at Englewood’s
Helping Hand. For accuracy, they had weighed their vehicles
before loading up and after at the County weigh station. “We filled
up the waiting room with a 4x12 foot stack and one office amid
smiles everywhere and a few tears,” said Earl Haas.
To all who donated food, toys, cash, eye glasses and the rest,
thank you for bringing happiness to many, many less fortunate
families, and to the entire Parade committee, take a bow for a
great day!!! Photos by David Pulaski.
-7-
Truxor, Our Waterways Workhorse, Makes
Its Debut
At a quick glance, it looks like NASA’s Mars Land Rover!
But no need to salute it!
Instead of exploring the surface of Mars, the machine is
hard at work in and around our canals. It’s our brand new
amphibious tool carrier called the Truxor Aquatic Weed
Cutter, Excavator and Dredger. It does all that and more!
The Truxor has the capability of dredging some of the silted
in and washed out areas of our canal system. It is being used
to cut and collect the submerged invasive Vallisneria and
Hydrilla weeds at the same time.
“I knew immediately when I saw the machine working
that the benefits to Rotonda West would be almost endless,”
said John Farrell, President of FloridAquatic, Inc., the lake
management firm that maintains our 26 miles of canals and
waterways. The track system is the only device that propels
the machine through water and on land.
The Truxor, manufactured in Sweden, produces 48
horsepower and has a diesel engine and moves around 3 miles
an hour on the water and 8 mph on land. It uses biodegradable
oil so as not to harm our environment or water in case of oilline failure.
It has over 40 different attachments, including augers, flail
mowers, oil separators, wood chippers, saws, and underwater
cutters.
With its footprint
of 2300 pounds,
the Truxor is able
to travel almost
anywhere without
getting stuck,
whether in swampy
areas, mud or open
w ater. “Nothing
seems able to stop
it,” John Farrell
With John Farrell at the controls, Truxor
added.
scoops up submerged weeds.
‘Holiday Helpers’ Exemplify the Giving Spirit
For the fourth year, a small contingent of caring Rotonda
West neighbors made Thanksgiving a happy one for less
fortunate families.
Thirty families who otherwise would not have celebrated
a traditional Thanksgiving dinner were the recipients of food
packages with a turkey and all the trimmings. The gifts were
arranged by a Rotonda West group that calls themselves
“Holiday Helpers.” Al James, Store Director of Winn-Dixie
of Englewood, and Rich Corrado, Store Coordinator, donated
extras.
According to Claudette Romano and John Eisele, cocoordinators of the project, turkeys of varying sizes were
donated to the families. The group started four years ago by
adopting five families. The number has grown to 30.
Vineland Elementary School officials selected the families.
“Holiday Helpers” were Barbara & John Peszko, Anna &
Bud Eisele, John Carroll, Johnnie Haas, Scott Schermerhorn,
David Kelly, John Eisele and Claudette and Joseph Romano.
Others were Al James and Rick Corrado of Winn-Dixie, Bill
Mayberry of Oak Farms, and JJs Family Restaurant.
Residents Support Less-Costly Bike Path
Two separate proposals were placed on the table for the
Parade Circle bike path at an open meeting of the Rotonda
West Municipal Services Benefit Units (MSBU) and
representatives of the Charlotte County Administration. The
well-attended meeting was was held on December 13 at the
Community Center.
The bike path, named “The Bruce D. Miller Bike/Walking
Trail” after the late RWA Director, will be constructed along
a one-mile stretch on Parade Circle. It will accommodate bike
riders, joggers and walkers, and even baby strollers.
The original proposal of $950,000 offered by Charlotte
County Public Works was challenged as too costly by the
MSBU committee and they submitted their own proposal.
The County plan presented by Tara Musselman, Project
Director, called for a concrete surface, 54 light posts, 228
trees, 303 shrubs, benches, landscaping and an irrigation
system. The scaled-down MSBU plan, presented by
Chairman John Peszko and his committee, reduces the cost
by nearly one-half million dollars. It includes three benches
positioned at each end and in the middle with three cabbage
palm trees and one live oak tree planted at each bench area.
An asphalt surface will replace concrete that has a tendency
to lift and crack and is more costly.
After a lengthy discussion, John Peszko asked for a show
of hands of those in favor of the lower proposed bike plan.
A majority present raised their hands. Six attendees voted in
favor of the higher-priced plan.
The scaled-down plan will now require the approval of the
five County Commissioners.
Bruce Miller set the wheels in motion 8 years ago for a bike
path on Rotonda Boulevard West. It never came to fruition
with Bruce’s passing in 2008.
Safety is one of the missions of the MSBU committee.
Other projects in the works are sidewalks, power to the
bridges, street lights and new signage at the five entrances.
As a former Commander of the New Jersey State Police,
Chairman Peszko is very familiar with public safety issues.
In addition to Chairman Peszko, members of the MSBU
committee are Olga Durham, Scott Schermerhorn, Stan
Plizga, Sue Killion, and Charles Dodd. Representing the
County were Bob Halfhill, Director; Public Works; JoAnn
Vernon, Engineer; Tara Musselman, Project Manager; Dawn
Harrison, MSBU District Representative; and Peter Van
Bustick, Design Engineer
Thanks From Helping Hand’s President
This Christmas parade was an over-whelming, fun and
family-filled event. We at Englewood Helping Hand are
truly blessed to have received these gifts from the families
in Rotonda West. Our organization works very hard to
help those in need here in our community. Recently, it has
become more difficult because so many folks are feeling the
crunch and cannot give what they used to. These gifts will
fill our pantry shelves so that we can help our community as
the weather gets colder and the needs continue to grow.
WOW - we received $1,000 and 2,300 pounds of food
and toys. This sure brought tears to our eyes and love to
our hearts. I am proud to be a resident of Rotonda West.
Blessings, Ginny Anderson - President, EHH
-8-
Rotonda West Association, Inc.
Mission Statement
Board of Directors
Glynn Perkins, President
George Burger, 1st Vice President
Hank Killion, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer
Scott Schermerhorn, Secretary
David Kelly, Director
Stan Plizga, Director
Peter Traverso, Director
Rotonda West Association
Office Staff
Jay Lyons, Manager
Norene Kugler, Assistant Manager
Dianne Brophy, Deed Restrictions
Merle Fulton, Accounting
Claudette Romano, Administrator
West Ways Staff
Don Mahon, Interim Editor
Ruth Sargent, Writer
Sue Killion, Photographer
David Pulaski, Photographer
Julie Gaustad-Ruhr, Layout
The role of Rotonda West
Association, Inc. is multi-faceted:
To protect the property interests of
the members; to enhance living in the
community; to plan for the future in
its role as a community association.
(Approved November 13, 2002)
Clowns, horses, music, colorful floats, and
much more brought smiles to the thousands
who lined the route for the 2011 Christmas
Holiday Parade. Generous donations of food,
toys, cash brought big smiles too to everyone
at Englewood Helping Hand. Story on page
6. Photo by David Pulaski.
3754 Cape Haze Drive
Rotonda West, FL 33947
Phone 941-697-6788
Fax
941-697-0788
Deed Restrictions 941-697-1780
Email info@rotondawest.org
Editor westways@rotondawest.org
Web www.rotondawest.org
• Residential Modification
2nd & 4th Monday @ 2 p.m.
• Properties
4th Monday @ 10 a.m.
• Deed Restrictions
2nd Monday @ 1 p.m.
• Community Relations
1st Wednesday @ 2:30 p.m.
• Budget & Finance
1st Wednesday @ 10 a.m.
ECRWSS
POSTAL CUSTOMER
ROTONDA WEST FL 33947
• Beautification
1st Thursday @ 2 p.m.
• Aquatics Committee
4th Wednesday @ 3 p.m.
• Board of Directors
2nd Wednesday @ 2 p.m.
All committee meetings are open to
RWA members and meet monthly
on the days listed at the RWA
Community Center.
Important Dates
Rotonda West Association, Inc.
3754 Cape Haze Drive
Rotonda West, FL 33947
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PLACIDA, FL
33947
PERMIT NO. 38
BULK MAILING