Welcome Home
Our seasonal residents are starting to return. This means that traffic will be just a little busier and with everyone in residence, we will have more walkers, joggers, bicyclists, etc. sharing the roads and walkways. Please be courteous to pedestrians (they have the right of way) and watch your speed within the community. The new sensors and cameras on vehicles sometimes cause us to forget that our head is on a swivel for a reason: When backing up, don’t rely solely on your vehicle camera – look behind you!
It’s a Bird-Brain Thing
If you have ever spoken with me, you probably know that I like all animals. I don’t eat anything with a face and I enjoy, but respect, wildlife. Before I fall off my soapbox, I thought I’d take an opportunity to remind you that you should not be feeding any wildlife – and this includes birds. A couple months ago I explained how feeding birds may bring rats (to eat the left over seeds), bunnies (to nibble on the seeds that sprout), foxes (to nibble on the bunnies) and on up the food chain. I admit that I had a bird feeder on my property but way, way far away from the house (I live on well over an acre) so all that wildlife can stay out there…..or so I thought. The woodpeckers decided that my chimney had a fun metal piece to bang on (usually about 5:00 am); the squirrels decided to play tag on my roof and there is a rumor they are eating the wires for my satellite dish; and the neighbor’s cat is really getting fat. Last week my neighbor asked me if I noticed his cat bringing mice over as presents for me. “Uh, do you think they came from my bird feeder?” I asked. He probably thought I was nuts asking about a bird feeder when he was talking about rodents but guess what? I no longer have a bird feeder. Oh, and the cat is now giving me dirty looks.
Lock It Up
The residents of PGA National have always had the pleasure of experiencing little to no crime and as a result, we tend to forget to lock our car (or house) doors and we sometimes leave valuables in the car in plain view. Unfortunately, in mid-October, a number of residents had items stolen from their cars and in one case the car was taken (but recovered within PGA a few hours later). I believe I am correct in stating that all of the cars were unlocked.
This is a good reminder for everyone to keep doors locked and reiterates the reason why the POA cites owners for leaving garage doors open: It only takes seconds for items to be taken. Please do not leave spare keys in your car; keep your car and house doors locked and set alarms. Also, as I’ve said in the past, if you see anything suspicious, call the Palm Beach Gardens Police and/or PGA Security. Obviously, if it is an emergency, call 911. We want everyone to continue to enjoy the beautiful safe community PGA National has always been.
Counting Down to Fun
The annual Art Festival & Craft Fair will be held Saturday, December 12th in Masters Park from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. All PGA residents should be spreading the word and of course stopping by to shop! It is a one day event but some of the best artists and crafters will be right here in your community offering fabulous hand-made one of a kind items at very reasonable prices: Just in time for the holidays! Of course I plan to be there selling my jewelry (Look for “Dawn’s Designs” …. not that I’m soliciting or twisting your arm …. much). Truly, there is something for everyone and “Jammin’ Jim” will have some wonderful music mixes of all kinds for you to enjoy while you stroll through the park. Please mark it on your calendar and don’t miss it!