THE SANDS SCOOP             December, 2003

***FIRST NOTICE: SANDS’ ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Election of Board members will be held at the annual meeting at Mackle Park on March 4, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. You will be receiving a mailing with more information. In the meantime, think about serving on the Board. There will be 3 openings this year, each for a 2-year term and you have until January 24, 2004, to send in your name and a brief resume for mailing with the election ballot. For more information, call Joyce at 239-642-3896.

NEW MASTER LOCK SYSTEM
The new locks have all been installed throughout the condo property. If for any reason you need to change your lock, you must go to Gulf Island Lock and have the new locks keyed to the master system. All locks must be keyed to the master for fire and emergency maintenance reasons. Any other lock is unacceptable and you will be required to change again at your expense.

NEW INSURANCE INFORMATION
We have a new insurance carrier for the Condo Assn. and your mortgage company may be requesting this information from you. Tim has a copy of the request form or you may call Cherie Lascano at 305-443-4886 or Jeannie Gallor at 888-746-7673. These are the contact persons at Acordia Southeast, Inc.

BUDGET FOR 2004
All owners were mailed a copy of the proposed budget for 2004. The meeting was held on December 8, 2003 as scheduled. The new budget was approved as presented.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS
For the benefit of those owners who have not yet seen all of the work done on the buildings and grounds this past summer and fall, here are a few items that have been done.

• A new light installed by LCEC at the corner of C/D buildings to light the area for grilling.
• New plantings also installed there to replace the grasses that were blocking the view as you make the turn.
• New plantings under the canopy by the office. The overgrown ferns are gone.
• Scalloped stone edging installed around the walk lights.
• New light covers in white at each door and all hallways to replace the old-yellowed ones.
• A new water fountain under the tiki.

IN MEMORIAM
Our deepest sympathy to Dick and Alice Baldwin (E-203) in the loss of their son Richard, in September.
Also, to former owners, Darol and Tom Traeger, in the loss of Darol’s mom, Ellen Phillips in October.
And to owners Juan and Elsie Manfredi (C-301) in the loss of their granddaughter, Amanda Buddemeyer, age 7, in October.

RENTAL UNITS
A reminder that if you are renting your unit, you must submit the paperwork to the office no less than 15 business days prior to occupancy, with the $100 check. The forms are available at the office or can be downloaded from the website, www.thesandsofmarco.com.

DID YOU KNOW THAT……..

• Telephone books are available in the office?
• There is a library in the office with books and a few videos?
• There is a gathering of owners, renters and guests under the tiki at the pool every Wednesday at 5PM? Just bring your liquid of choice (no glass, please) and a simple snack and get to know your neighbors.
• You can apply for a library card at the Collier County Library if you own property (free) or rent (small fee)? And it is close to Mackle Park.

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH REQUIRES A SHOWER BEFORE ENTERING THE POOL. SUNTAN OIL/LOTION AND SAND MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE ENTERING THE POOL. SUNTAN OIL PROMOTES THE GROWTH OF BACTERIA IN THE WATER AND MAKES POOL MAINTENANCE MORE DIFFICULT.

RULES AND REGULATIONS
Please impress upon your guests the importance of our rules and regulations. We realize they may be on vacation and want to enjoy themselves but their week in the sun in our home comes with responsibilities. The Sands is home to many of us, not a resort.
We cannot emphasize enough the NO DIVING rule.
The Board will be reviewing the rules around February. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

CONGRATULATIONS TO…
Art & Shirley Koster (D-303) on their 50th wedding anniversary in September 2003.
Ed & Alvina Vondrak (long time renters) on their 60th wedding anniversary in October 2003.

INKJET CARTRIDGE RECYCLING
If you use an inkjet printer and toss your cartridges in the trash, please don’t. If you will give the used cartridges to Tim, The Sands can recycle them for cash. Put them in the replacement cartridge box and drop them through the mail slot if Tim is not in the office, or leave them by the door.

RECYCLING IN GENERAL

• Newspapers: loose in bin, no bags.
• Plastics #1 - #7: lids removed & rinsed. No plastic bags.
• Glass bottles: clear, green or brown and jars, lids removed and rinsed, but not in plastic bags.
• Aluminum beverage cans: rinsed and not in plastic bags.
• Steel food cans: rinsed and not in plastic bags.
• CARDBOARD: flatten and place in bin with paper. This includes cereal and cake mix boxes, liners removed, soda boxes, etc.
• Junk mail, magazines, inserts, paper envelopes, phone books & brown paper bags: loose in bin
• NOT recyclable - plastic bags and Styrofoam. Plastic bags can go back to Publix or Winn-Dixie.

SANDS’ PRAYER LIST…
If you are on the Internet, you may be included in the Sands’ Prayer List group. If you have been e-mailed with the prayer list and choose not to be, or if you want to be included, please e-mail me and let me know. This is for owners, renters and guests. jrk8042@aol.com
If you have someone at The Sands or their family you would like prayers for, send me a note or e-mail and we will be glad to send it. As the song says, "We Are Family”.

WATER CONSERVATION
Water and sewer remains our second largest expenditure behind insurance in the new 2004 budget. We have been advised that new, higher rates will be coming. And for every $1.00 in water, we spend another $1.55 in sewer charges. This may also increase. Please be aware of the water you use.
1. Turn off the water when you are shaving or brushing your teeth.
2. Full loads are the most efficient way to run your dishwasher and clothes washer. You also save on soap and electricity.
3. Look for energy and water saving features on new washers and dishwashers.
4. Check your showerhead to see if it is a water saving model.

HAVE A SAFE TRIP BACK TO PARADISE…..

THE SANDS SCOOP             September, 2003

CONDO DOCS
The new condo documents voted on last spring have now been recorded at the State and County levels and took effect on May 7, 2003. Please keep all of your old documents along with the draft copy you were sent prior to the vote.
If you want a new clean copy of the condo docs, they are available in the office at a cost of $25.00.

WELCOME NEW OWNERS
B-206    Rose M Robinson & Dr. Karen Robinson    Lyndhurst NJ
E-104    Gilbert Klein    Beverly Hills MI

NEW MASTER KEY SYSTEM
The second installment for the master key system is being billed on the current statement. The keys have been ordered and Gulf Island will spend several weeks re-keying the locks before installation begins around the first of October. If you do not want one key mailed to you, please let Tim know and he will hold both keys for your arrival.
If a RENTAL AGENCY will need your new key, you must send Tim a signed authorization to release one key to that rental agent.

REMINDER: OFFICE HOURS
Beginning on October 1, the office hours will revert back to winter hours, 8:00-10:00 AM, Monday-Friday.

LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS
The City of Marco Island is moving ahead with the anticipated streetscape and landscape improvements to South Collier Blvd. The engineering firm hired by the City is preparing preliminary designs for public review and comment. Standards to be recommended are expected to result in some widening of So. Collier Blvd.’s travel lanes, median, turn lanes, and sidewalks which, in the aggregate, will extend beyond the City’s current right-of-way. Consequently, some properties (The Sands among them) may be asked by the City for permission to locate some planned improvements on their property. Concurrently or shortly thereafter, the City hopes to make similar improvements to the San Marco Rd. approach to Collier Blvd, although no encroachment onto our property appears likely at this time.

Your Board of Directors views these developments as opportunities to both replace vegetation which has caused serious damage to our property, and enhance the appearance of the outside perimeter of The Sands. The Board has adopted a non-binding resolution to work with the City in drafting landscape improvements that satisfy stringent local Code requirements and improve the appearance of our grounds. In return, the City is expected to share in the cost of new landscaping which directly benefits The Sands.

Representatives of the Building & Grounds Committee are in contact with City officials to monitor the status of both projects. Public hearings on this major undertaking, which could take 2-3 years to complete, are expected to get underway soon. We’ll provide updates as meaningful developments occur.

ADDRESS CHANGE
Rosemary Huebsch (B-107) has moved to an assisted living facility in Naples. If you care to send a note, her new address is: C/O Arden Courts, 6125 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd., Naples, FL 34113

IN MEMORIAM
Our deepest sympathy to Pauline Fernandez and her family in the passing of Ron, her husband of more than 50 years. Ron and Pauline are longtime renters.

RENTAL UNITS
A reminder that if you are renting your unit, you must submit the paperwork to the office no less than 15 business days prior to occupancy, with the $100 check. The forms are available at the office or can be downloaded from the website, www.thesandsofmarco.com

POOL, TENNIS COURTS, PARKING LOT USE
When an owner is not in residence, unregistered guests are not allowed to use any of the facilities.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
In the very near future a lot of us will be back at The Sands. Volunteers are always needed. If you have a special interest and would like to help out, please contact Tim or any board member.

INKJET CARTRIDGE RECYCLING
If you use an inkjet printer and toss your cartridges in the trash, please don’t. If you give the used cartridges to Tim, The Sands can recycle them for cash. Put them in the replacement cartridge box and drop them through the mail slot if Tim is not in the office, or leave them by the door.

BUDGET COMMITTEE
Some owners have expressed a desire to offer input on the budget. If you have a suggestion, please put it in writing and send to Tim who will forward to the committee. You can mail it, fax it or e-mail it.

SPECIAL THANKS FROM THE MANAGER
Special thanks to Bob Ettensohn who was responsible for the purchase of the utility vehicle/golf cart last year by the Board. At least 9 out of 10 summer projects would have been physically impossible to complete without it.
(*Editor’s note: there were at least 30 different projects for Tim this summer, in addition to his regular routine.)

Also, very special thanks to the volunteers (owners) who so graciously helped with the opening and/or closing of the pool during the past season and the summer. Thank you, Tim and Marilyn Richart

Here’s wishing all of you a safe journey back to Paradise.

THE SANDS SCOOP             June, 2003

When The Sands was built in the late 80’s, the developer used the Dexter line of hardware for doorknobs and locks in a Master Key System. These products are no longer available and because of their age, the hardware is failing very often. The Board of Directors met to consider a new Master Key System on May 22, 2003 and again on June 2, 2003. After a great deal of discussion, the decision was made to replace all locks with a new Master Key System with the exception of your lanai closet. Your entry doors will be equipped with new doorknobs of a no-lock type and a new deadbolt. The hardware on the restroom doors, tennis courts and elevator storage closets will also be replaced and keyed to the Master. Your front door key will then unlock the restrooms and tennis courts. The cost will be $89.36 per unit and will be billed in two installments, one on July 1 and the other on October 1. The Board considered many options and decided the best was to get the replacements done all at once. The Board wishes to thank everyone who sent notes and letters regarding the proposed change. We will be advising you when the work takes place and how you will get your new keys. Please do not toss any keys because you will need your lanai key.
Please note: If you wish to have your lanai hardware changed at the same time the entry doors are done, it will cost $32.86 for one that does not lock. If you prefer new hardware with a lock, the cost is $47.70. Gulf Island is giving us a break if we change them now. However, if you decide later you want the lanai hardware changed, there will be a $40 service call plus the cost of the hardware. Note also that you can change your locks at any time at your expense, but they MUST be keyed to the master system. No other key systems are allowed and you will be directed to correct the situation at your expense. See order blank to order lanai closet hardware now.

SUMMERTIME is here, at least on Marco Island. Hot days and rainy nights. (We hear it has not been so great up north.) If your friends, children and grandchildren will be arriving to spend time in your unit, please make sure they understand that there are rules in place to keep The Sands a nice place to live. It is HOME to many of us. We would appreciate their cooperation.

OFFICE HOURS REMINDER: Beginning June 2 through September 30, the office will be open from 1:00 - 3:00 in the afternoon if you need to reach Tim. You can also reach Tim anytime by E-mail: tim@thesandsofmarco.com

SHIPP-MATES on Bald Eagle has closed. If you want to have the Sands’ logo put on a hat, shirt, sweatshirt or beach towel, give it to Tim and he will take care of it for you. (He has a connection!)

SCREEN DOOR, tile and shutter approval forms are all available from the web site and from Tim in the office. Also sale and lease approval forms.

FICUS TREE PROGRAM: In the past couple of weeks, there have been 6 ficus trees removed from inside the property. These were trees doing damage to the tennis court and the parking lot. A few were hiding other trees that were trying to grow under them. Some others were pruned. The Building & Grounds committee is working on a long-term solution to the ficus tree problem on San Marco and Collier but need to work with the city. The pruning of the 40 ficus trees on our property is costing about $4600 a year alone. And the damage to the sidewalks on San Marco is clearly evident. They will need to be replaced at our expense since they have been ground down or ‘feathered’ as far as they can be. A landscape architect was hired this spring to give us a plan for San Marco and Collier but we must work with the City Planner to determine what we will be allowed to do, especially on Collier. The City is looking at a multi-million dollar renovation of Collier Boulevard.

REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS: Last month we published the names of the Directors and Committee Chairpersons. We know there are many talented people out there and would appreciate your help on a committee from time to time. If you feel you can help in any way, please contact one of the chairpersons or Tim and he will pass on the information. This would not be a long-term commitment, but we could use your expertise in many ways.
Most of you are probably aware that Tim is on call 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week. He arrives before 7:30am to clean the pool and begin his day, leaving at 4:00pm. He comes back each night at 9:00pm to lock up the pool and check the grounds. This past year, several owners have taken it upon themselves to relieve Tim of the night duty whenever possible, especially ‘in season’. Several others volunteered to ‘open’ the pool on weekends. If you would like to volunteer when you are here, contact Richard Kaelin. It takes about 5 minutes at 9pm to “close” the pool but a little longer to ‘open’.

WATER HEATER REMINDER: Many of the old water heaters are failing. If you have an original, consider replacing it as soon as possible to avoid water damage. Many insurance companies are dropping water damage coverage, especially if you are not in residence!

WELCOME NEW OWNERS:
C-101        Frances & Bernard Sikorski        Manitou Beach MI

SOME of you received letters recently from the Building & Grounds committee regarding maintenance needed on your unit. Many of you have already completed the work noted on the form and it shows! These minor items can be completed at your convenience. Thanks to all for your cooperation. And if you need a referral for any work you would like to have done, contact Tim in the office.

E-MAIL: If you have E-mail and would like to be on our E-mail list, just send it to Joyce Kaelin at jrk8042@aol.com.

THE SANDS SCOOP             April, 2003

FROM THE BOARD............
The owners’ annual meeting was held on March 6, 2003 at Mackle Park and the Board of Directors’ organizational meeting followed immediately. The names of the directors, officers and committee chairpersons appear elsewhere in THE SCOOP. The vote on the revised condo documents passed (with only 51 responses) and as soon as they are recorded in Tallahassee and Collier County, they will become our working documents. In the meantime, your old documents and amendments govern the Association. Please keep your draft copy date February 3, 2003 as your new docs. We will not be mailing new documents. However, once we have the recorded documents, you will be able to purchase a copy if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS - CONDO SHUT-DOWN LIST

• Set thermostat & humidistat as manufacturer recommends.
• Dishwasher - LIMEAWAY or salad oil in the bottom. Upon return, hot water and vinegar and drain.
• Garbage Disposal - 2 TBSP salad oil.
• Disconnect all TV’s, microwave, refrigerator. If you prefer to not unplug your refrigerator, and many people are recommending you don’t, empty in case of problems. Use it to store your spices, candles and batteries and set at low setting. Shut off icemaker.
• Empty ice cube trays and prop open refrigerator doors if unplugged.
• Open closet doors and cabinets under sinks.
• If you do not have storm shutters, put all lanai furniture inside unit.
• Lock all windows.
• Remove all batteries from flashlights, radios, VCRs.
• Remove phone adapter.
• Place DAMP RID in closets and baking soda in refrigerator.
• Place small amount of boric acid under sinks in corners.
• Place roach and ant motels in kitchen and baths.
• Pull plugs on computer and phone lines.
• Shades down in Master bedroom if applicable.
• Flush drain line for air conditioner (be sure drain is open).
• Make final "pit stop"; add bleach and stretch plastic wrap over commodes.
• Turn off main water valve. Upon returning, after water is turned on, run bathtub faucet for a few minutes to clear any debris from pipes. Then run other faucets and flush commodes.
• Switch off all circuit breakers EXCEPT air conditioner (and refrigerator if not unplugged).
• Put your outdoor mat inside.

Make sure your main water valve is shut off when you leave, even for a few days. We have had several water heaters fail with water damage. Many owners have changed to the single lever shutoffs because the older faucets do not shut off completely. Tim needs to be notified if you want this done because the plumber will need to shut off the stack valve. If you are having work done on your air conditioning unit, the serviceman usually needs to check the roof unit. Most of the refrigeration pipe insulation is worn away and should be replaced, so have the serviceman check while he is on the roof. Having little or no insulation causes a loss of efficiency and higher electric bills.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2003

The purpose of the Board of Directors is to maintain and enhance the value of The Sands and the quality of life for the owners.

COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPERSONS

WHEN YOU COME FROM THE BEACH, PLEASE DO NOT USE THE POOL TO WASH YOUR SHELLS, CHAIRS AND FEET. USE THE SHOWERS PROVIDED AT THE BEACH. USE THE SHOWER AT THE POOL BEFORE ENTERING TO GET RID OF THE SAND AND OIL ON YOUR BODY.

CONGRATULATIONS...

• Ed and Dottie Bartsch, E-105, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on February 27, 2003.
• Former owner, Joyce McDevitt, had a hole-in-one at Riviera Golf Course in Naples on #8! This was her first and was done while playing in the Sands golf league on Feb. 11th.
• Long-time lessee, Russ Cascio of Wood Dale, IL had a hole-in-one on #5 at Riviera Golf Course on March 11th while substituting in the Sands golf league. He used a 3 wood he just bought at the flea market in Bonita a couple of weeks ago.

CARPETING ON LANAIS
Carpeting installed or glued down over concrete floors can cause STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. No glued down carpeting is allowed on the lanai unless there is prior written board approval. And if you have loose carpet, please remember to roll it up and store it while you are gone. Mold and mildew can form underneath.

IN MEMORIAM...
We extend our deepest sympathy to Elvira Carccia on the loss of her husband, Gaetano "Tommy" Carccia in January.

WATER CONSERVATION...
Water and sewer remains our second largest expenditure behind insurance in the 2003-budget year. Thanks to everyone in The Sands, we kept our water & sewer charges below budget in 2002. Let us all work to improve and remember that for every $1.00 we save in water charges, we save an additional $1.55 in sewer charges. Two tips for the month:

1. Turn off the water while you are shaving or brushing your teeth.
2. Full loads are the most efficient way to run your dishwasher and clothes washer. You also save on electricity and soap.

ADDRESS AND PHONE CHANGES....
Please check the owner’s list and verify your address and phone numbers. If the information is incorrect, please notify Joyce at or Tim in the office.