FUN THINGS FIRST
The Annual Children’s Party in the Park is scheduled for Saturday, April 25th from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Masters Park. This event is open to residents and their guests and is fun for all ages. If you haven’t been, you have to stop by! Carnival type rides and games and, of course, prizes. There will also be popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones free of charge but if you want a hotdog or hamburger you have to buy a Food Pass in advance. The first official notification will be in the next issue of this newsletter and the postcards will be mailed to every address in PGA National on approximately March 27th so that you can RSVP in plenty of time. Hope to see you there!
THANK YOU
We wanted to thank you for your patience and cooperation during the last week of February and for another successful Honda Classic event! PGA POA appreciates the residents’ understanding and delaying projects on their homes that cause noise to carry along the Championship Golf Course.
SEASON ENDING
As the seasonal residents prepare to return to the summer homes, please take a moment to ensure the following items are addressed: If you have newspaper delivery, please remember to cancel it before you go. Nothing says “I’m not here so go ahead and break in” like several newspapers piling up on the driveway! Also, please remember that while you are at your other home enjoying the lower temperatures (and I wish I was too) that June 1 through November 30th is Hurricane Season. Please be sure that you have made arrangements for someone to secure your property in your absence. This means picking up and storing patio furniture as well as putting up or closing hurricane protection devices. I was shocked at how many owners left plywood in place last year after the storm passed and past the November 30th deadline. Shame on you if you were one! Aside from violating PGA POA deed restrictions, it is an insult to your friends and neighbors (and golfers along the courses) to have to look at the boarded up house and, again, is an announcement that you are not in residence.
The POA annual assessment is mailed on June 1st and payment is due July 1st so don’t forget to let us know if you need your mailing address updated (call 561-627-2800).
Here are some other reminders if you plan to be away for an extended time:
LIGHTS: Leave some exterior lights on and have your ‘house-sitter’ or a friend replace bulbs as needed. Remember, the “bad guys” like to hide in the dark. By lighting the outside of your house, your neighbors and the security patrols will be better able to see anyone who may be in your yard or near your home. Remember, POA Architectural Review (“ARC”) approval is needed for any exterior changes, including installing exterior lights. Inexpensive timers can be placed on lamps throughout the inside of your home. If anyone is watching the house, this will help give the appearance of someone being home.
AIR CONDITIONER: Under no circumstances should the air conditioning be turned completely off. Doing so will cause mildew inside your home! Set the thermostat at approximately 80 degrees and set the fan switch on ‘automatic’. You may want to place an anti-algae tablet in the drain pan below the Air Handler to help prevent a blockage in the drain line and subsequent water damage. If you have a humidistat, follow manufacturer’s directions.
REFRIGERATION: If you will be gone for an extended period, empty the refrigerator, clean it and turn it off but LEAVE THE DOORS OPEN on both the refrigerator and freezer.
WATER: Turn off the master valve if possible. Do this at least 3 hours before leaving and, after one hour, check the valve for leaks. If it is not possible to turn off the water, have your house-sitter or a friend check the washing machine valves when they inspect the home weekly. If you will be gone for a month or longer, it is suggested that your house-sitter run water in the sinks and flush the toilets to keep internal components from drying out and causing odors.
TOILETS: Remove bluing containers from the tanks, they are caustic and may cause rust or damage to components in the tank.
ELECTRIC: Unplug major appliances such as televisions, radios, etc. or turn off the breakers in the breaker (“fuse”) box. DO NOT TURN THE BREAKER OFF FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER OR FOR THE REFRIGERATOR (UNLESS YOU ARE CLEANING OUT THE REFRIGERATOR AS ABOVE). Please be sure breakers are left on for any circuits controlling exterior security lights and/or lamps placed on timers.
Have a wonderful summer!