Manager’s Corner

Bird Bay is really buzzing!!!!! The weather has been cooperating for all of our seasonal residents.

We have been notified of a few break-ins in the last couple of months. Please make sure you lock your cars, homes and sheds.

The community rooms have continuously been full of different events. Please read your bulletin which are in the library or go on our web site to see what is happening. The website is:

birdbayofvenice.com

Please keep in mind that if you’re a seasonal resident, please notify the office when you go back and where you want your mail delivered to. We do not change anything unless we hear directly from the owners.

Date: March 13, 2009

Time: 5:00 pm in the Clubhouse

Ticket: $8.00 per person

Includes salad-pasta and dessert

BYOB. . . . . . . . 50/50. . . . . . . Contests

Ticket Sales:

Every Tuesday in the Library from 10-12 and 1-3

Limited to 150 people

Any questions call

Vic: 485-7923 or Joan: 488-2744

Attention Sing-a-Long Gang

Gene Champe (485-8005)

Jack Houge will be playing our annual sing-a-long evening on March 1 in the Main Lounge. We will strike up the music from 6:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. or until there are no singers left. We will provide song sheets, ice, sodas, light snacks. Bring your own cough syrup or other medicinal vocal cord enhancers. Jack says that everyone who wants to join in on piano, uke, banjo or even tuba is welcome to join in. Tom Taylor, our resident piano man, will also lend his considerable talent to a great musical evening. Mark your calendar now! For more information call Gene @ 485-8005. E-mail address: gchampe@aol.com.

“Spring Fling”

March 21, 2009 is the date for our “Spring Fling” dance. It will be in our clubhouse from 7:30pm-10:30pm. Music will be provided by Bill Millner, who has been a long time favorite in Bird Bay. Our usual snacks, dessert and coffee will be served. BYOB once again and prizes will be awarded.

Tickets will be sold on March 4, 2009 for $8.00 per person in the clubhouse between 10:00am and 12:00 noon. Notices will be posted naming our Chairpersons, and you may purchase your tickets from them at any other time. I will be available if any questions.

Shirley Catalano, 488-1801

Remembering the

Early Days of Bird Bay Village

A stack of booklets entitled “The History of Bird Bay Village” was discovered one day in the library by Jane Iglehart. After sharing this with Denise Jacques, it was thought that perhaps some of “our” history could be shared in short segments in the Bird Bay Bulletin, so that many can enjoy the story of our community here.

The booklet was printed in 1994 after much research and effort by the Bird Bay History Writing Team. The chairman of this team was Tom Burger, and the editor was Geri Weinberg.

Tom first came to Venice in 1927 with his family, finding no route 41, no railroad, and only 35 families. The best feature was the wide open, beautiful, natural, beach. After other visits. Tom retired and he and Phyllis moved to Venice in 1974, after getting rid of the snow shovel in the north. More on Tom and early Bird Bay in the future.

However, while sharing some information with neighbors Evie Dubois and Hap Francis, they told Jane about the purchase of a condo in Phase 5 in 1986. Although the buildings were not constructed yet, the contractor was anxious to sell units. Evie bought a unit and part of the “deal” was that the contractor paid the condo fees for one year, and she also received a set of glasses with the Bird Bay logo on them. How many Bird Bay glasses remain in Bird Bay today?

To those with memories, please write them down or call Jane or Denise. They can be put by our front doors during March.

There was no election required at the annual meetings. The Slate of officers are as follows:

Chairman: Robert Jensen Chairman: Herb Lady Chairman: Robert Jensen

Vice Chair: Art Pollock Vice Chair: John. Eisenhower Vice Chair: Robert Korec

Treasurer: Carl Spahn Treasurer: Jack Barlow Treasurer: Lee Burns

Secretary: Lois Pendergast Secretary: Richard Gross Secretary: Dorothy Baich

Laurel Villas Sea Grape Villas

Chairman: Jack Gallagher Chairman: Art Pollock

Vice Chair: Tom Jean Treasurer: Diane Jones

Sec./Treas.: Lois Pendergast Secretary: Annette Ochsner

Thanks to all the owners who attended the meetings and showed an interest in your associations business, we need more owner participation. Board meetings are open for owners to attend, so please check your bulletin boards for dates and times of your associations meetings.

The Board Members would like to take this opportunity to thank the ladies of the Bird Bay Leisure Activities Committee. They have been doing a fantastic job of organizing social events from start to finish for Leisure and also helping out Bird Bay Village with events. THANK YOU!

Bingo will continue until April 15, if our volunteers are still available.

Thanks to Diana and Richard Boyer, Marge and Lou Goldberg, and Kathy and John lsenhouer for making Bingo possible.

We need more volunteers!!!! If three or more people would offer their services, it would mean being needed once every three weeks. Call me????

March 2nd A Foreign Field, a wonderful British movie about Memories of D-day 50 years later. Alec Guinness, Lauren Bacall, Jeanne Moreau, Leo McKern and John Randolph

March 9th Cabaret - Liza Minnelli & Joel Grey

March 16th Evil Under The Sun - Peter Ustinov, James Mason

March 23rd The First Wives Club - Bette Midler & Goldie Hawn

March 30th Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2007, live from Edinburgh Castle

For information or movie suggestions call Gene at 485-8005 or

Betty at 483-3564.

The 2009 Bird Bay Golf Club Championships will be held during March. It is open to all golf club members. The format is singles match play by flights for men and women. Stop by the pro shop for more information and to sign up.

The Red/Blue Tournament was held in February. The tournament was not completed as of this writing so the details and winners will be reported next month. As of this writing, there were 36 members signed up to play.

The Monday night Nine and Dine Tournaments will be held three times in March on March 2nd, March 16th and March 30th. It is open to everyone. Golf Course membership is not required. Stop by the pro shop to sign up in advance. Check in on Monday is 3:30 p.m., tee time at 4 p.m. with dinner to follow at Left Coast Seafood. It has been a fun time for everyone. If you would like more information, please call the pro shop at 485 -9333.

The course is in very good condition. Extra efforts on our #14 green are starting to show results.
Bird Bay Travel Club

The Bird Bay Travel Club has been busy lately. A group of people spent a day at Tampa Downs and from all accounts everyone had a good time. We also had a four day trip to The World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Amelia Island and Jacksonville. Included in this outing was a delicious meal at the famous Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, a guided tour of Amelia Island, dinner at the River City Brewing Company, a day at the Golf Hall of Fame, a Luau dinner party and concluded with a River Boat cruise on the St. Johns River. A good time was had by all.

Looking ahead to 2010 WE HAVE RECEIVED AN INCREDIBLE OFFER FROM LEGENDARY JOURNEYS!

A 4-night round trip cruise from Miami visiting Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirup Cay on the Norwegian Sky leaving on February 22, 2010. This is a casual cruise with no formal nights and with freestyle dining which means you can dine at whatever time you like and wherever you like. Nassau is home to the new and impressive Atlantis Hotel with a 50,000 square foot Casino which is a must see. It is also a British protectorate complete with English bobbies for police protection. Grand Bahama boasts beautiful beaches, outstanding sunsets and, of course, a Casino. Great Stirup Cay is their private island with all the water amenities you could ask for. The following are prices for various cabins:

Inside Cabin - $309.00 (Insurance option $29.00)

Ocean view - $369.00 (Insurance option $59.00)

Balcony - $479.00 (Insurance option $59.00)

No transportation is included but Cruise Connection buses are available at $75.00 return per person. Some people who are driving may want to car pool and share the gas.

Deposit due by March 31, 2009 and is $100.00 per person. Don’t miss this great opportunity.

Call Linda at 941 953 7988 ext. 193 to reserve.

The cruise is in lieu of our annual land tour.

For the remainder of the year Happy Hearts is offering the following day outings:

Call Becky at 484 7568.

Our next meeting is March 18 at 3 p.m. in the Craft Room.

Bea Sage

Art Show

On March 12, 2009 Thursday, Bird Bay Artists will again be holding their annual open house in the craft room. Please come and view “our new master pieces”. Open from 10 am to 2 pm.

A Big THANK YOU to JIM LAIRD for decorating our Gazebo with all the beautiful Christmas lights - THANK YOU, Jim!!!! Somehow he was overlooked last month.

The 7th Annual Phase VI Pot Luck Supper is scheduled for Sunday March 15 in the clubhouse. Social Hour at 5:30/supper at 6:30 p.m. Call Mary Goodell 485-2367 or Dorothy Mohr 484-4775 for reservations and to volunteer to help with arrangements.

Our property manager schedule has been changed. Justine Mackie is on site in the conference room off the clubhouse EACH FRIDAY from 1:30 to 2:30 to meet with unit owners on their concerns.

Orientation for new owners and/or renters is scheduled for the 4th Friday of each month during the managers hours. All owners and renters are expected to attend an orientation session asap after moving in.

We have submitted for bids to have our streets and driveways sealed After bids are let and the work is scheduled, it will be posted on our bulleltin boards.

Our new irrigation schedule has also been posted on our bulletin boards.

Our next board meeting is Wednesday, March 25 in the Craft Room at 1:30 p.m. We hope to see you there.
Line Dancing

Every Wednesday afternoon, 3:30 - 4:30, in the Clubhouse. Come join us for fun and good exercise!

We are fortunate to have an excellent, qualified instructor, Debbie Hornyak. Even if you don’t dance, it is easy to learn and is a great way to stay physically and mentally active.

No partner necessary. All Bird Bay residents and guests, men and women, are welcome. Please join us for this great way to stay fit.

More information: 412-9720.
“Tennis Picnic”

Join your friends for an afternoon of good fun, games, food, entertainment, prizes and much more. March 16th at Nokomis Beach Pavilion. Tickets are $5.00 per person.

Call Jim Whyatt at 484-3338 or Dan Kit at 480-9542.

Phase 2 Gardening and Gardeners

From Jane Iglehart, Gardener

Oleander shrubs are a familiar sight in Bird Bay. Originating in the Middle East and the Mediterranean area, the shrub has been used medicinally for more than 3500 years by the Mesopotamians, the Babylonians, Roman soldiers, and later in Arabia for treating cancer. Officially named Nerium Oleander by Carolus Linnaeus, and also called rose bay, most parts of the shrub are highly toxic, and so it is not planted in playgrounds, pastures, etc. When trimmed by the landscape companies, the branches are safely and quickly removed.

Many of the hibiscus bushes in Phase 2 are starting to bloom after the severe cutting. To help the plants gain strength and bloom more, “deadhead” or cut the dead blooms off. If you have a sickly looking bush, or a deceased one, inform the landscape company by filling out a form in the office. It will only take a minute to do it.

The gardeners (and please be one, too) will concentrate on the five entrances and common areas of Phase 2. Plants, like everything, have gone up in price, so costs will be carefully considered. Our budget allows $1000. for new and replacement plantings, and our fiscal year is from Jan. to Dec. 31. Some of our plants were frost damaged. They will be left untouched for awhile, as they may recover. The gardeners will meet on the 1st Friday of the month until June at 9:00 in the meeting room.

Many thanks to all our vendors and guests for participating in our yearly Flea Market. This is a long standing event and has always been well received. The set-up of tables on Friday went smoothly and Saturday’s closing was very organized. Many thanks to Pat Gallagher and Lois and Jack Hammond for all their effort. We were delighted by the response to our “coffee corner” served by our smiling and pleasant hostesses, Mary Ann Collier, Carolynne Smith and Lois Pendergast. I personally thank my dear friend Marisa Bassett for co-chairing this undertaking with me as it was a new challenge in our schedule.

Once again, our thanks to our husbands, Jim and Charlie for their patience and support.

Shirley Catalano

Activities Chairperson
Welcome Back

Our January “Welcome Back Party” was once again a very happy event. This is always a wonderful way to see all our friends and neighbors who have returned to our “Winter Wonderland.” We appreciate your attendance and enjoy seeing you.

Many thanks to our hostesses and helpers for the varied selection of food and snacks, plus all the time spent in preparation. More importantly, the warmth and friendliness in all of them: Marisa Bassett, Dianne Bartolotta, Donna Carlson, Mary Ann Collier, Joanne De Groot, Pat Gallagher, Sally Jensen, Peg Lady, Sheila Lapkin, Lois Pendergast, Joan Pollock and Doris Reid.

The rededication of the piano by Joan Pollock representing the Leisure Activities Committee was also a reminder for all to use and enjoy this great addition to our clubhouse.

Tom Taylor entertained us with a fine selection of songs and we had a group sing-a-long led by Lara Resetar. Thank you, Tom.

To those of you who took the time to personally thank us, we are extremely grateful --- a kindness that goes a very long way.

Reserves are part of your investment in your community. In an effort to provide answers to commonly asked questions about funding reserves, Petra Stambaugh, Jim Donahoe, David Richards and Dan Rogers will host a meeting and share their insights on this important topic.

No other business of Master Condo will be discussed. Discussion will only cover funding reserves. Topics will include definitions, Florida Laws, calculations, accounting, reserve budget status of each phase, special assessments, and the role of reserves in conjunction with insurance settlements after natural disasters.

Mark your calendar, tell your neighbors, bring your questions and come to this Master Condo Reserve Funding Informational Meeting to be held on Monday, March 23, 2009, 9A.M. in the Bird Bay Clubhouse.

Any questions, please contact Dan Rogers at 485-5915 or anndan970@aol.com.

Dan Rogers, President, MCB

Bird Bay Knitters

This year we had 26 active members and what a pleasant and productive season we’ve enjoyed! We completed three attractive afghans and a beautiful baby blanket which were all donated to local charities. In addition we donated 27 lap robes to the residents of Village on the Isle and Heritage Health Center - two of whom are personal friends from Bird Bay. Those warm blankets were very much appreciated during the cold winter days!

Each Tuesday morning we bring along our knitting to the patio overlooking the pool and while we knit we share ideas. We supply the yarn (leftovers donated by Bird Bay residents), easy patterns and we can probably lead you a pair of needles if you can’t find yours. We might even be able to teach you how to knit! Thank you to all our knitters and to everyone who donated yarn. Give as a call if you’d like to he a Bird Bay Knitter or if you have yarn you would like to donate - and make a note to join us next season!

Nancy MacKay -486-1697

Maria Milker - 488-0907

Helen Ryan -485-1768

Why So Many

Bird Bay Associations

Jack Gallagher, Laurel resident

The most common question from new Bird Bay owners is “Why are there so many different associations in our community?” To find the answer, it’s necessary to go back to the very beginning of Bird Bay Village. Most of us weren’t here at that time. So, any information on the subject relies upon existing verbal and written documentation.

In 1973, the first developers began a new community. Plans called for a recreation area which would include a clubhouse, office building, library, exercise room, swimming pool, tennis courts and a golf course. The project was called Bird Bay Leisure. It was to have five distinct groups of condominiums. Seagrape and Laurel villas were to be built along White Pine Tree Road. And, Cardinal, Sandpiper, and Kingfisher apartments were to be constructed along Bird Bay Drive South. It should be noted that, due to a recession in 1974 and 1975, the developer went broke and the Kingfisher apartment was never built. At this point, Seagrape, Laurel, Cardinal and Sandpiper condominium associations had been established and Bird Bay Leisure was the umbrella homeowners‘ association for them. There were a total of 201 units.

In 1977 and 1978, a new developer began building what is now known as Phase I. This was followed by Phase II, Phase IV, and Phase V. Each of those Phases, has its own advisory association. These four Phase Associations make up the Bird Bay Condominium Association which is also commonly known as “Master Condo”. Because of its name, many people mistakenly assume that Master Condo covers all units within Bird Bay. This is not the case.

The reason why there is no Phase Ill seems to be one of those mysteries of the universe.

In the late 1970’s, the Community Board of Bird Bay Village was established. So that the amenities could be shared with all Bird Bay owners, Bird Bay Leisure turned the land and facilities of the recreation area over to the newly created Community Board. Since space was needed for both Leisure and Master Condo offices, it was necessary for Leisure to build and relocate their offices to space between the Cardinal and Sandpiper apartments.

Phase VI (Bird Bay North) was established in 1984. Fairways, Waterside, and Bird Bay Estates followed. Those developments resulted in the creation of additional associations.

The Community Board is the only Association that has the fiduciary responsibility to represent the needs of all 1,025 Bird Bay owners, as they relate to the recreational area. Any other association within Bird Bay has the fiduciary responsibility to only represent the needs of owners whose units fall within that particular association.

At the Master Condo Board meeting on January 30, 2009, the Board adopted the following Master Condo Board Meeting Guidelines:

Thank you for attending this business meeting of the Master Condo Board.

We value your input and look forward to hearing our questions, comments or concerns regarding today’s agenda.

The following guidelines have been adopted by this Board and established to make the best use of this business meeting:

* When recognized, you must come up to the microphone and identify yourself. You may only speak on the agenda item being debated.

* Please keep your comments short and to the point. Please plan on being allowed three minutes to speak.

* You are free to make your point for all to consider. However, engaging in active debate with individual board or audience members will not be allowed. All comments must be directed to the Chair.

* All remarks must be respectful and courteous, free of name-calling and personal attacks. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.

Remember that comments presented in a dignified manner have more credibility.

Board members are neighbors, fellow homeowners, and volunteers serving without compensation and appreciate your cooperation in honoring these guidelines and allowing us to conduct your business in a professional manner.

Authority for this document is FAC 61B-23.002(9); FS 718-112(2)(C)”.