LA SCALA NEWS

4th Quarter 2004 from Andrew Fentiman (603)

 

Holiday greetings! It has been a busy quarter. Another buyer will be closing on WCI’s Unit 402 before the end of the year and this means that WCI only needs to sell one more unit before we start ‘turn-over’ negotiations with them. It’s budget time again and Joseph has done a sterling job of fine-tuning the figures. Our goal is to have ‘reserves’ included and to try to get a realistic 2005 budget voted on by the Board. As your lone representative – outvoted two-to-one by WCI – this may be a challenge. Meanwhile, do think about running for the new Board and/or as a committee member, once La Scala turns over…. I could use some help!

 

OUR WONDERFUL STAFF - At this time of year, I think you’ll agree it’s appropriate to consider our La Scala staff and the invaluable assistance they render to us all. I urge you to thank them all in your own way and to act upon whatever is in your heart. Joseph & Isabella are a great team at the helm and their every care and concern for us all is something we should not forget. Believe me, all Managers are NOT alike and this couple truly goes the extra mile for La Scala and all unit owners. Larry, Glen & Jeff are our valiant Three Musketeers who man the front desk, conduct security patrols and fulfill dozens of tasks that are outside their job description. We are fortunate to have three of the best. Fetty helps maintain the many systems at La Scala and undertakes repairs. You couldn’t find a better worker, always willing and eager to please (even after he fell off a ladder and seriously damaged his leg). Pilar is the one who keeps the building looking spotless, and she always has a ready smile.   

 

QUICK NEWS - Welcome to new owners John & Hazel Barnett (303) ☼ Joseph & Isabella are hosting a Get Together party at La Scala at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday January 18th (please R.S.V.P.) to them ☼ Visit our new La Scala website at www.lascalaatthecolony.com which has useful information, including these newsletters ☼ Joseph & Isabella’s Tree Lighting Party was a great success ☼ Otters have been sighted crossing the road near Palermo

 

HOUSE-KEEPING - Remember to put a new 9v battery in each of your smoke alarm detectors, during your winter visit ☺ Only park in your own space/s: each space belongs to someone ☺ The Media Room can only be used by reserving it on the appropriate form (found on the website or at the manager’s office) and bringing it to the office. Clean the room after use and if you can’t operate the media system, ask! ☺ If you borrow DVDs or books, return them a.s.a.p. to the appropriate room ☺ Leave the Galley Kitchen as you found it, also cleaning the microwave after use ☺ Don’t walk through the common areas with wet feet or wet bathing suits: wet marble gets very slippery and someone might fall ☺ La Scala towels must be left in the pool/fitness area and not taken up to your unit (costly to replace, if we run short) ☺ There is a designated dog-walking area. Don’t forget to pick up! ☺ Trash going down the chutes must be in a plastic bag with a tie. Don’t block the chute with an oversize item ☺ Boxes must be broken down and taken to the recycling room, as well as styrofoam, newspapers, glass, plastic and cans ☺ You can reserve a guest suite during the winter ‘holiday’ period (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year) by submitting your request on the appropriate form (found on the website or at the manager’s office) 90 days before Thanksgiving. If yours is the only request for a particular date, it’s yours. If there is more than one request for that date, there will be a lottery ☺ Add your personal family ornament to the small Christmas tree in the Social Room and it will be hung from the tree each holiday season ☺

 

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS AREA - On 11/17, Fort Myers News Press reported that Lee County’s economic growth leads the nation’s top 200 largest urban areas. Lee County has just been recognized as the number one destination in Florida for visitors. A recent Harris Poll of major investors showed that most respondents tagged real estate as the best of all investments. In-depth research indicates that 15 million out of the 70+ million baby boomers will buy in Florida over the next few years. Eleven waterfront high-rise projects are planned along the Caloosahatchie River in Fort Myers, bringing a total of 3,275 riverfront condos to market by 2007. Estero’s magnificent Coconut Point Town Center and the unique Rapallo community are already under construction. And no, WalMart will not be located at the north-west corner of U.S. 41 and Coconut Road. It’s an exciting time to live here!

 

E-MAIL ADDRESSES – I still do not have an e-mail address for every unit owner. This is the last newsletter that will be sent out via the mail and so please get your e-mail address to me without delay! Thank you.

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS - Please note that I will be out of the country from December 28th through January 6th. Otherwise, please call me on (239) 405-3455 or e-mail me at acfentiman@comcast.net if you need me. Meanwhile, enjoy the holidays with family and friends and remember how lucky we all are to have found La Scala!

 

ANDREW