-
In This Issue
Manager's Corner .......... Page 4Treasurer's Report .........
Page 5Calendar...........................Page 15Activities
.......................... Page
21Clubs/Classes...................Page 24
RiverWalk TalkRiverWalk Talk
Volume 25, Issue 1 A Newsletter Covering Life in RiverWalk
January 2021
When You Need Help:
In an Emergency, Call:
911911Non-Emergency
Police, Call:
822-1900 822-1900
Board Actions: Continued on page 30
MEETING DATES
Thursday, January 7, 7 p.m.Oak Tree/Hardscape Workshop
Tuesday, January 19, 7 p.m.Board Meeting
Monday, January 25, 10 a.m.Architectural Control Committee
What the Board Was Doing in November and December
By Fran Shay
To view the proceedings of all meetings described in this
article, links to videos are found in the homeowner log-in section
of the https://www.RiverWalkofwpb.connectresident.com website at
Forms and Documents. A Resident Backup Packet of these meetings was
distributed via email blast to homeowners.
An Annual Budget meeting and a regular Board meeting were held
on November 19, 2020, at 7:00 pm, with all Board members and the
General Manager Kathy Jean Pinchuk attending.
At the Annual Budget meeting, Treasurer Pete Reinhardt explained
some revisions made to the proposed 2021 budget that was mailed to
the homeowners. Chris Shead made a motion to approve the 2021
Budget, Myles Schack seconded it, and the motion passed with a
unanimous vote.
The Annual Budget meeting was adjourned.
At the regular Board meeting, President Tony Roman approved Hank
Nicoletti’s request to correct the October 22, 2021, Board meeting
minutes to depict that the six-month pickleball trial period would
end at the end of May since the trial had not as yet begun.
During the President’s Report, Tony Roman requested and obtained
a consensus of all Board members that the renovations to the Town
Center should have a plan for the entire building, but begin with
refurbishing of the downstairs main room and not the HOA Office.
Tony Roman also made a motion to add an open meetings policy to the
existing Committee Guidelines. Richard Keller seconded the motion,
but Hank Nicoletti made a motion to table it to add an exception
involving confidentiality and matters involving a non-disclosure
agreement. Myles Schack seconded it, and the Board unanimously
voted to table the motion.
During the Treasurer’s Report, Treasurer Pete Reinhardt
announced that the Reserve Study is going on, and the results will
be discussed at a workshop to be scheduled.
As Chair of the Environmental & Wildlife Committee, Paula
Graham, made a resolution for the HOA to allow them to create a
40-foot by 40-foot meandering-shaped Demonstration Garden of native
and butterfly-attracting plants with signage. Pete made a motion to
authorize up to $6,000 to build
-
Town Center RefurbishmentBy Marianne McCann, Facilities
Committee Chair
The Facilities Committee was given the task of recommending
improvements leading to the refurbishment of the first floor of the
Town Center building.
It all began on February 19, 2019, when the then Board President
and General Manager suggested simply placing new flooring and
painting for Town Center on the Board of Directors (BOD) meeting
agenda.
The Facilities Committee felt that, instead, there should be a
PLAN for the refurbishment, including a color palate and an overall
design recommended by professionals.
A subcommittee consisting of two men and three women began their
assignment in the summer of 2019 by researching, site visiting,
interviewing potential designers/decorators, and checking
references. Over a period of almost two years, this Committee
worked with two different General Managers and four different BOD
Presidents that led to various stops and starts and additional
assignments (e.g., the outside public bathrooms, the installation
of a playground, and possible exercise stations placed around the
perimeter of RiverWalk Circle).
The job of a design firm would entail being responsible for
everything. They would supply all the craftsmen/workers, and pay
all the bills. They would be able to take advantage of
relationships with various vendors, including those who specialize
in furniture. They would be responsible for obtaining all the
necessary permits and ensure that all Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) requirements would be met, as well as all safety
standards, such as fire retardant drapery and chair upholstery,
etc.
D&B Interiors, Inc. was selected. This mother-daughter team
was described as being willing to listen to their clients, being
conservative and non-dramatic, and taking into consideration budget
constraints in their recommendations. They employ top-quality
craftsmen and have a relationship with an experienced
architect who is familiar with permitting with the City of West
Palm Beach’s Building Division. All references were very positive,
and their clients felt that they were not overcharged for services
and that the designers earned their fee (20% over cost).
The Facilities Committee was told that they had a budget of
$150,000 for 2020 and $100,000 for 2021. The funds were to come
from the Reserves because much of this project dealt with
replacements. All four of the design firms that were interviewed
were incredulous that access to the office required individuals to
pass through Town Center, often distracting from whatever
activities were occurring in the main activity room. The
recommended architect, Kelly Yates of Yates Associates
Architecture, Inc., provided four different options for flipping
the front work stations in the office, therefore utilizing the
current exit door (by the fountain) as the new entrance.
On December 3rd and 4th, the Facilities Committee invited the
BOD, in small groups, to hear and see the overall plan for the
project. The BOD members had an opportunity to view, handle, and
heft various flooring samples provided by the designers, and to
understand the differences among the choices. The three women
Refurbishment: Continued on the page 40
RiveRWalk Talk Page 2 January 2021
-
RiverWalk Talk Mission StatementThe purpose of the RiverWalk
Talk newsletter is to provide community
information to the RiverWalk homeowners. The newsletter also
will do its best to include interesting articles and ads. However,
any claims in the ads have not been investigated by the staff, and
they are not endorsed in any way. It is the responsibility of the
reader to check the claims in the ads and whether the business’s
licensing is current.
Any report of the President, Treasurer, or Property Manager will
be printed with no changes by the editors but for spelling and
grammar thereby maintaining the integrity of the article and the
author’s meaning. Minor changes to an article’s length could be
requested by the editors. All other articles will be edited to
improve readability and fit available space.
No personal attacks will be printed, and coverage of Association
meetings will be reported as accurately as possible. No articles or
ads will be accepted that are about social or political issues or
are in support or against any candidacy at RiverWalk or for
government office.
A newsletter covering life in RiverWalk
Editor in Chief . . . . . . . . . Patricia BirdAssoc iate Edi
tor. .E la ine Conf inoAdvertising Manager . . . . . .Kathy
WolfActivities Director . . . . . . Ilissa Shannon Activities
Editor...............Fran ShayAccounts Manager . . . . . . . . Ron
FranoCalendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fran
ShayContributing Writers . . . . Steve Bucar,Greg Christoph,
Lourdes Ferris, Len Fintzy, Lisa Gammon, Dianne Golder, Betty
Handel, Marianne McCann, Marianne Martone, Sandra Masters, Pat
Minkler, Heather Sandarr, Steve WolfPhoto Editors..... . . .
.Elaine Confino, N a n c y O ' K e e f e , S t e v e W o l fGraphic
Design & Layout. . Patricia Bird
The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit all submitted
copy, except for the articles mentioned in the Mission Statement,
for fit and content according to policies set forth by the Board of
Directors of the RiverWalk of the Palm Beaches Homeowners
Association.
RiverWalk Talk will accept feature articles, news items, club
reports, photos and other items that are of interest to the
majority of our residents. All such pieces should be placed in the
RWT box in the main office or sent to the Editor at Patricia Bird
at [email protected] Ar ticles should be in Word format, photos in
.JPG or .PDF. Include your name, email address, & phone
number.
All queries concerning advertising should be directed to our
Advertising Manager Kathy Wolf at 242-0329.
RiverWalk Talk
Editor'sNote
I hope you are reading this. The RiverWalk Talk is now operating
with software five years newer than what we were using in the
December 2020 issue. Please be patient and give us time to get back
in stride.
Can you believe that the RiverWalk Talk is in its 25th year?
Back at the beginning, during the DiVosta time, the Activities
Director did the newsletter. The first one I got was ten pages for
March 1997. The title on the cover story was “Happy St. Patrick’s
Day!!! & A Glorious Easter!!!” It was written by Cindy Ann
Woodcum. With that issue, Cindy resigned and a new Activities
Director, Venesa Large, had been selected. Just some of the things
that were going on were a St. Patrick’s Day Party, Easter Egg Hunt,
shopping trips, trips to the Braves vs. Expos game, a ladies’
luncheon, blood drive, various seminars, exercise classes, bridge
lessons, tennis activities, personal gym training and instruction,
and more.
Bob Steckler was our Town Manager, and he was reminding
residents to always pick up after their pets. The more things
change . . .
If I remember, and that, of course, is problematic, I will try
to find some other items found in the RiverWalk Talk about life
here in earlier years. Welcome to 2021! Please let it be better
than 2020! Happy 25th Anniversary, RiverWalk Talk!
Patricia BirdEditor in Chief
Due to computer problems, there will be no President's Report in
this issue. The President's Report will return in February.
RiveRWalk Talk Page 3 January 2021
-
Kathy Jean Pinchuk, CAM, CMCA, AMS General Manager for and on
behalf of RiverWalk of the Palm Beaches
One of the issues that frequently arises with any Board is the
question of fiduciary duty. The following should give you a good
idea as to what this means for the community:
Fiduciary Duty of a Board Member: The Key to Avoiding Conflicts
of Interest
In community associations, each board member is considered a
fiduciary and is duty-bound to act in the best interests of all
residents, not his or her own best interests. In general terms,
fiduciary duty is the highest standard of care imposed under law,
and it occurs when one or more persons are responsible for the
money or property of another. The fiduciary is expected to be
honest, free from fraud, and faithful to his or her
obligations.
Accusations of self-dealing or conflicts of interest sometimes
arise, in particular, during the vendor hiring process. Generally,
Board members who profit financially from hiring a vendor risk
putting their own interests before those of the community.
• What is our Association doing to ensure the community comes
first?
• We ask Board members to fully disclose a conflict when
objectivity cannot be maintained.
• We ensure the Board Minutes reflect the entire disclosure.
• We require conflicted Board members to sit out the Board’s
decision on the conflicting matter.
• We will seek multiple bids, frequently sealed, and carefully
review them before making a decision.
If you have any questions about fiduciary duty, conflicts of
interest or expectations for Board members, please ask.
As I write this during the mid part of December, we have so many
projects going on in the community. Our Reserve Study was just
completed, which will be presented to the community sometime in
January, and the ACC Committee has updated the ACC Guidelines,
which will be presented to the membership for review the first week
in January as well. We are having the sidewalks, swales, and
driveway aprons cleaned, the palms and hardwoods on resident lots
will be trimmed, and the painting of homes continues. The entry
drive has been trimmed and mulched, and there are new plantings at
Town Center and the tennis courts. The new playground has been
ordered and will be installed as soon as the permits are approved!
Lastly, the Board has approved moving forward with the renovations
for Town Center. There is certainly a lot going on at
RiverWalk!
My best wishes to each and every one of you for a Happy, Safe
& Healthy 2021!
RiveRWalk Talk Page 4 January 2021
-
Respectfully submitted,Pete Reinhardt,RiverWalkTreasurer
Let me start by apologizing for not having the customary
Treasurer’s Report ready in time for RiverWalk Talk. However, I
promise to complete it as soon as possible, and you should be
notified of its posting on the website before you have a chance to
read my apology. I am sure that many of you have been following a
flurry of activity around the community. Lots of tree trimming,
mulching, flower plantings, sidewalk cleaning and repairs, renewal
of contracts etc. We have been reporting a 2020 “underrun” of our
budget. Much of this is
an artificiality of our accounting system that assumes spending
is averaged evenly throughout the year. In fact, these expenses
happen when work occurs. On the flip side, in 2021 much of the work
will be front-loaded at the beginning of the year. So early 2021
Treasurer’s Reports will show “deficits.” I promise we will track
this closely.
In my last article, I talked about the Oak Tree/Hardscape
Committee and the Reserve Study. These will both be reported to the
Board and to residents at workshops in January. Right now the Oak
Tree/Hardscape Committee plans on having its final report presented
at 7:00 pm January 7th. The Report will be posted on the website
well in advance, and an email blast will go out to remind everyone.
This is a particularly important issue and I encourage as many of
you as possible to attend or Zoom in. This has a huge ramification
on RiverWalk both for street repaving and oak tree damage
mitigation. Later in January, our Reserve Analysis will be
presented to the Community. This Report will provide the basis for
determining not only Reserve contributions but lay out a plan for
future projects. I encourage all of you to stay tuned because on
the importance on pocketbook issues.
Again, I apologize for not having the Report completed on time
and will try to do better. Happy Holidays and to quote James
Taylor, “Shower the People You Love with Love.” Stay safe and
healthy.
RiveRWalk Talk Page 5 January 2021
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 6 January 2021
-
By Patricia Bird
Technophobia. I thought I made up that word. I was surprised
when Microsoft Word didn’t flag it. It’s what I’m suffering from
right now.
Many years ago, I found a suite of professional desktop
publishing programs that were supposed to be the best on the
market. I thought that our RiverWalk Talk deserved the best, so I
bought the software. When I switched from a PC to a Mac, I bought
another set. Both sets were on CDs with a one-time purchase price.
The programs had a high learning curve, and I was proud of myself
when I learned just enough of it to get our newsletter out. (The
programs are capable of doing much more, but I know when I’ve
reached my limit.)
Time passed. Then came what I thought was awful news, that the
desktop publishing software was changing to subscription software.
Microsoft had done this some time before with its Microsoft
Office., now Microsoft 365 That means a charge every month/year
instead of the one-time purchase price. I HATE subscription
software! Every little app on every device finds a way to keep you
paying by year instead of one time only. Even if the subscription
amount is small, that money adds up. The subscription price for our
desktop publishing software is not small. We have been using the
older version without any major problem for the last five
years.
A couple of years ago, my operating system informed me that it
had an upgrade. I upgraded it. I found out that my old RiverWalk
Talk software didn’t work quite so well. When I was making an
illustration for one of our PSAs, for example, and I tried to use
the shortcut to switch between folders, the program crashed, and I
lost all my work. Still to this day, I sometimes make that mistake.
(My vocabulary on these occasions sometimes rivals Captain Lee’s on
Below Deck.)
Technophobia: The New RiverWalk Talk Emerges
I thought I had the fix. I would stop upgrading the operating
system. The one
I was using macOS Sierra still worked perfectly. macOS High
Sierra and macOS Mojave, I never saw you. Then I started getting
error messages. The new versions of other software that I was
using, like Microsoft 365 and Quicken, would stop working if
they
were upgraded and the operating system was not. The
subscription
Adobe software was no longer an option; it was a necessity.
It’s been a while since I did an operating system upgrade. I
cringed at the thought. To upgrade the operating system and then
get a new suite of programs for the desktop publishing, learn the
changes, and have everything working in time to get out a
newsletter for January was daunting, but it was something that had
to be done.
One day late in November, I bit the bullet and upgraded the
operating system to macOS Catalina. It has a pretty background
screen. There were things that were different, many things, but I
guess that is what happens when you skip two upgrades. Every Apple
device in the house shrieked that there was an intruder trying to
get into the system. I don’t quite understand this; it was a new
operating system, not a new computer. Somehow, two-factor
identification got turned on. I have no idea what that means, but
I’m pretty sure I don’t want it. The worst thing was that every
desktop publishing software icon in the dock had that awful circle
with a line through it over its icon. I clicked on the one that
does most of the work for our newsletter, not giving up hope, but I
was told I needed to contact the software developer. Oops. We were
without software to do the RiverWalk newsletter.
The RWT went for the subscription software; the money was
available out of the profits that the RiverWalk Talk makes over and
above its cost. I got the
Technophobia: Continued on page 9
RiveRWalk Talk Page 7 January 2021
-
By Appointment Only!
RiveRWalk Talk Page 8 January 2021
-
programs we needed for our newsletter downloaded. I clicked on
the main one. It opened. That was a good start, but software
changes a lot in five years. Nothing looked familiar. Do I need to
say that my heart plummeted? Where are my tool bars? Where are the
links to those ads that pay for the entire newsletter? I searched,
and I clicked, and I despaired. Then I found the bar with the fonts
on it. I found the ad listing panel; it looked different, but it
was there.
Okay. I’ll try it. I opened up the template for the newsletter.
There were minor problems that I think I fixed. I tried to import
the one edited article I had already come in for the January issue.
I got it to set. I found a graphic to go with it, and after some
difficulty, I got the graphic edited in Photoshop. I imported that,
too. Looking good, until I tried to move the graphic into the
article. As soon as I put it over text, it disappeared! I don’t
believe that if something doesn’t work once, it won’t on a future
try. I did it again, and again, and again. All with the same
result.
I decided to get Internet help and went to the website for the
software. It had one of those live helps where you type in your
question and get answers. I hate those! I typed in my problem and
got asked some questions, back and forth, with lots of what I
thought was unhelpful dialogue. Suddenly I get the message, “If you
give me permission to remotely access your computer . . .”
Suddenly, I typed, there is someone at the door; I’ve got to go.
(He probably didn’t believe me or care that people don’t come to
your door during a pandemic.) Later, I did get the answer on the
community boards for the software. My article now has a graphic.
I’m on my way.
If you are reading this, I guess I finally got it worked out.
It’s sort of a relief to be up to date on the software on my
computer. But guess what? There are already new upgrades for the
the operating system and for the desktop publishiing software. I'm
ignoring them.
What really upset me was that a little game I have been playing
since DOS days, Watson’s Map, had that same circle and line over
it. I was broken hearted until
I contacted the developer and he sent me the latest version
free. It worked, but the developer cautioned me to not upgrade to
macOS Big Sur—yet. In this awful time of stress that we are all
experiencing, there are still some nice people in the world.
You don’t know how much I hope you are able to read this!
Technophobia: Continued from page 7
RiveRWalk Talk Page 9 January 2021
-
R
RiveRWalk Talk Page 10 January 2021
-
A Time for RenewalBy Barbara Buchman of the Landscape
Committee
Where did year 2020 go? Some may think not quickly enough.
National elections and COVID-19 have been competing with each other
for media attention which has saturated the airways. But hope is on
the way. The elections are over, and a rollout of the COVID-19
vaccine has begun.
On a smaller, but not unimportant scale, RiverWalk has a new
Board of Directors and a new landscaping contractor. And, with a
flurry of activity, work is being done to solve past issues and
create new projects which will continue to enhance our
community.
Thankfully, through the diligence of the ad hoc committee tasked
to find a new landscaper for RiverWalk, Xtreme Landscaping was
selected, and they have begun to show us their talent and hard
work.
The following is an update:
The older hedges on RiverWalk Circle (arboricola) have finally
been removed and new replacements are in the ground. These are
young arboricola plants to which Xtreme has added colorful annuals
interspaced between them. The ligustrum trees on that site have
been cut back removing older growth which will encourage new
growth. Now that stretch in front of the parking lot has taken on a
new life. And, if some people are missing the taller hedges, fear
not. Here in Florida everything grows quickly.
Take a look at the southwest corner crossing of RiverWalk
Boulevard and RiverWalk Circle (sometimes referred to as “The
Tee”), and you will see it has been reconfigured by Xtreme
Landscaping to add color and design.
Along RiverWalk Boulevard, the fading ixora plants have been
removed and the lowest limbs of the ficus trees have been trimmed
back to create more light for
the understory plants. It’s a new, more sophisticated look that
allows us to admire the beautiful trunks of the amazing ficus trees
while giving the earth around them a needed rest.
At the front and back of the Town Center, you cannot help but
notice the colorful annuals that have been planted around the
palms. If you haven’t yet done so, check out the replanted flower
bed in front of the mailroom and gym.
Mulching, mowing, and the trimming of trees are
ongoing. The rains and storms are gone for a while. Our lakes
are at high levels, which means we will have an abundance of water
to keep our landscaping well-nourished.
If there is interest from RiverWalk residents, we welcome you to
attend our monthly meetings. The dates and times are posted at the
Town Center, in the Post Office, and in the RiverWalk Talk
calendar.
A view of the newly added flowers by Xtreme in the front of Town
Center on Riverwalk Circle. [Photo by Selma Wang.]
RiveRWalk Talk Page 11 January 2021
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 12 January 2021
-
Italian/Americans & Friends ClubBy Annette Caccamise
I think we all know that 2020 has been a very difficult year for
many, many people. The pandemic brought loss of employment and/or
working from home, schools closing, lack of socialization and, to
top it all off, a presidential election. No matter our age, it has
brought some level of difficulty for most people.
The IAFC has not held a meeting since last winter, and we were
certainly anxious for a get-together. Thanks to our president, Al
Formichella, and the Social Committee working together, they made
it happen. It was a perfect evening for a poolside concert. South
Florida’s own, Chuck LaPaglia, who bills himself as the Ultimate
Faux Diamond, Neil Zirconia, lives in Delray Beach. Throughout the
evening, as he sang many of Neil Diamond songs, such as “Cracklin’
Rosie” and “Sweet Caroline,” he told stories about his career. He
said that he was actually in a local music store when he was
“discovered.” An Elvis impersonator was in the store and heard him
sing. “Elvis” told him he could get gigs for him and that he should
go for it! “Neil” and his wife, Lori, who played the keyboard and
tambourine, obviously enjoy entertaining. As this was a Veterans
Day celebration, his last song of the evening was our national
anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”
On Monday, December 14th, we celebrated our club’s 25th year
anniversary as well as the joy of the holiday season. It was our
first dinner show at Centanni Café with Franco Corso as the
entertainer. Franco Corso has a loyal following in RiverWalk and
the IAFC. His classical renderings and romantic ballads are
passionate and powerful. Songs like “Be My Love,” “My Prayer,”
“Nessun Dorma,” and “Time to Say Goodbye” are just a few from his
songbook. For this special Christmas show, he sang classic
Christmas carols to get us all in the spirit of the season.
The meetings for January and February will be dinner show
meetings at Centanni Café. The January show will be Glen Foster’s
Comedy and Magic Show. The cost is $35 for members and $40 for
non-members. Please call Al Formichella at 561-697-9807 for more
information.
Neil Zirconia, the "Ultimate Faux Diamond." [Photo by Annette
Caccamise.]
RiveRWalk Talk Page 13 January 2021
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 14 January 2021
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 16 January 2021
-
Staying Ahead of COVID-19By Cheryl McDonald, Certified Nutrition
Coach
Are you wondering how to distance yourself from the dreaded
COVID-19?
This has been a year of uncertainty like none other. The most
interesting fact about that statement is that almost no one on the
planet has been untouched by it. It has forced all of us to face
the state of our health, whether good or bad. While no one is
exempt from a possible contraction of this virus, one can have a
level of confidence in how it manifests and eventually plays out in
the end.
Health – Everyone everywhere talks about it, hopes to protect
it, or wants to restore it. But we are bombarded with
advertisements from every side. The truth is, there’s a feeding
frenzy, with us—the consumer—as the bait. Just spend a few minutes
sitting in front of the television and you’ll understand what I
mean. Commercials for prescription meds are no longer
informational. They are cast in an idyllic setting with the
consumer portrayed as having a wonderful time, having taken their
miracle drug, which they clearly can afford, and experiencing no
side effects whatsoever. As far away from reality as this
made-for-television portrayal is, we hungrily gobble up the message
of multi-billion dollar corporations, not realizing that, with a
few lifestyle changes, we may not need their prescriptions at
all.
My story begins with being born and raised on the island of
Jamaica. Life was very simple for us as a family. We ate natural
foods every day. As a matter of fact, our yard had many fruit
trees, including the ackee tree on which grows the fruit that is a
part of our national dish, “ackee and codfish.” My mother would
give us herbs and green bush teas to either prevent us from
becoming sick or to heal us when we were sick.
Over 30 years ago when I was starting my own family, having
migrated to the United States by then and, in the course of time,
moved away from my roots and culture, it wasn’t long before I
started feeling
the effects of my less-than-ideal food choices. It started with
gestational diabetes, which occurred with my first pregnancy at the
age of 23. Then came chronic gut problems, heavy metals and
environmental toxicity, nutritional deficiencies, food allergies,
stress, and depression. It is quite sobering when we consider that
our mental health is directly impacted by the state of our physical
health, which has a direct connection to
the foods we eat.
Keep in mind, as well, that the interferences that allow disease
to creep up on us and block the body’s healing ability are
different today than they were 30 years ago. When we begin to
understand the assault we’re under by toxins in our environment,
our food, our homes, and our workplaces, we begin to understand why
disease is at an all-time high, and we also begin to understand
that we must do everything in our power to protect ourselves.
Unfortunately, there is a disconnect between our ailments and
the food/lifestyle choices we make. My own life experience has
propelled me to explore that connection and make amazing
discoveries that have changed my life, my family, and
clients—cancer patients among them.
This is so important now more than ever, with COVID-19 having
such devastating effects on us. I can tell you that by making small
and simple changes, we can boost our immune system and reduce our
susceptibility. The key is to start with the “lowest hanging
fruit.”
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I encourage people to focus on
this all-important fact and never forget it: Our bodies come
complete with the ability to heal. Here’s what I know. The power to
restore your best health is within you. The solutions are not
complicated. Life and
Staying Ahead: Continued on page 20
RiveRWalk Talk Page 17 January 2021
-
The Social Committee welcomed the children and grandchildren of
RiverWalk to take a tour of the North Pole on Saturday, December
12. The event was held under a big white tent, behind the Town
Center. The guests were greeted with masked and gloved elves,
as the children went from table to table to collect their
holiday goodies. All tours were scheduled to ensure social
distancing. The families took a socially distanced picture with
Santa Claus and the children become an elf in a photo op. Larry
Campanella, a RiverWalk resident and singer, sang holiday songs to
bring in the holiday cheer. Some goodies were donated by Jayne and
Carol with Illustrated Properties for the Holiday Book and Toy
Drive for the students at Barton Elementary School. Thank you to
the RiverWalk Social Committee and all the volunteers who helped
make this event a big success!
A Visit to the North Pole!
-
2020: A RetrospectiveBy Marianne Martone
We started this new decade of the 2020s with such high hopes
after such a successful New Year’s Eve celebration. We were
planning to have a banner year of events that would make everyone
proud and glad to live in beautiful RiverWalk.
But little did we know what was lurking around the corner that
would bring everything to a screeching halt.
When we emerged from the lockdown, the Social Committee started
thinking of ways to bring the community safely back to life.
We want to thank all those who generously donated life-saving
blood during our two OneBlood drives.
We want to thank all those who support our monthly Food Truck
Nights.
We want to thank all those who participated in our largest
Halloween Trunk or Treat.
We want to thank all those new residents that came out to shiver
with us at our New Resident Welcome.
Lastly, we want to thank all those adorable children and their
parents who came to “A Visit to the North Pole” holiday party.
We have all learned a new vocabulary in 2020: mask mandates,
social distancing, lockdowns, symptomatic/asymptomatic, and
quarantine.
But hopefully, we have not forgotten the meaning of community.
While most of us are missing our extended families, we must lean on
our friends and neighbors.
To all of RiverWalk, your Social Committee wants you to stay
safe, and we all hope for a much better 2021!
RiveRWalk Talk Page 19 January 2021
-
RICK L PLATZ, LUTCF(561) 684 8801 8480 OKEECHOBEE BLVD. STE
6WEST PALM [email protected]
IT PAYS TOSWITCH.
Savings based on national customer-reported data for new
policies in 2011. Actual savings vary. AllstateFire And Casualty
Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2012 Allstate Insurance
Company
Drivers who switched to Allstatesaved an average of $375 a
year.Call me today.
health are found in the foods we eat and the lifestyle we live,
and by making some simple adjustments to how, what, and when we
eat. Incremental changes are akin to the bricks used in the
building of a house. Let us intercept the decline.
[Editor’s Note: Cheryl McDonald has been certified by Precision
Nutrition as a Level 1 Nutrition Coach.]
Staying Ahead: Continued from page 17
RiveRWalk Talk Page 20 January 2021
-
Riv
erW
alk Activities
At the time of this printing, all activities in the Town Center
are temporarily CANCELLED due to the HOA Board’s decision at the
June 16, 2020, Board Meeting in an effort to follow CDC guidelines
and practice social distancing.
Stay tuned to Comcast Channel 63, the Post Office and Town
Center bulletin boards, the RiverWalk website
(www.RiverWalkofwpb.com) and your emails for updates. Please
provide your email address to the RiverWalk Office to receive
updates via email.
Happiness is not about getting all you want, it is about
enjoying all you have. – Yourpositiveoasis.com
Food Truck Night! How would you like a break from cooking
dinner? Come on out to the Town Center on Monday, January 4, from
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, for our next Food Truck Event. Masks and six
feet of social distancing is required. Please check your emails,
the RiverWalk website, the Post Office and Channel 63 for updates.
Food Truck Night will be held the first Monday of every month from
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Italian/Americans and Friends Club (IAFC): Our IAFC dinner/show
will be at Centanni Cafe on Monday, January 11, at 7:00 pm,
starring Glen Foster with his comedy and magic. Tickets were sold
in advance. If you have any questions, please call Al Formichella
at 561-697-9807.
Please contact Ilissa Shannon at the RiverWalk Office with any
questions or suggestions at: [email protected];
Phone: (561) 697-7712.
Please Note: Events and trips fill up quickly. All events are on
a first-come, first-serve basis for seating. Some events/trips may
require pre-payment, by check only. Thank you in advance!
At this time, the RiverWalk HOA Office has suspended the receipt
of donations for Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League.
If you are interested in donating, please contact Peggy Adams at
561-686-3663.
RiveRWalk Talk Page 21 January 2021
-
Clematis Street: (Top to bottom, left to right) Weekend Outdoor
Chessboard; Einstein Mural Outside Subculture Coffee; Restaurant
Weekend Street Scene; Kismet Vintage Clothing; Subculture Coffee, a
community gathering spot. [Photos by Dianne Golder.]
RiveRWalk Talk Page 22 January 2021
-
The Quieter Side of Clematis StreetBy Dianne Golder
If you go to the 100 block of Clematis Street on a Saturday
night or Sunday afternoon, there is a lot going on. People are
milling around on the street, the restaurants are crowded both
inside and out, and music played by a disc jockey or band provides
a noisy backdrop for the street scene.
It would be great for people to be enjoying themselves in this
way in normal times, but these, unfortunately, are not normal
times. If the thought of being surrounded by so many people makes
you uneasy, there is a way to enjoy Clematis Street with less noise
and congestion, and that is by going to the west side of town to
the 500 block of Clematis Street near the Brightline station.
This area was part of the third and final phase of the Clematis
Streetscape project that was started in 2018 and which has resulted
in wider sidewalks, curbless streets and more shade trees. The
purpose of the renovation was to provide a more pleasant pedestrian
experience, and the shops and restaurants on this block have taken
full advantage of it.
During the week, cars can travel down the street but, from
Friday through Sunday, the street is closed, and it becomes a
pedestrian mall. Restaurants extend their tables into the street,
and games like ping pong, chess, and bean bag toss are placed
outside for people to play. Plans are afoot for a flea market and
an artist collective in the near future.
Any number of around-the-world dining experiences can be had
here. Dr. Limon Ceviche Bar is a Peruvian restaurant, Keese’s
Simply Delicious is Mediterranean, Kapow! Noodle Bar is an Asian
Fusion Restaurant, Hullabaloo is Italian, Lost Weekend serves
mostly Mexican, and Clematis Pizza Italian Restaurant is there, as
well. For coffee and a quick snack, there is Subculture Coffee,
which reminds me of the Greenwich Village coffee shops from the
1970s, but with patrons working on their laptops instead of reading
newspapers. There is also O’Shea’s Irish Pub for serious drinking,
and even a café/cum dog park called BRK Republic, where owners can
enjoy a snack while their pets enjoy the company of other dogs.
In addition to the restaurants, there is an interesting shop,
Kismet Vintage, that sells recycled vintage and designer clothing
that is sure to bring back memories of wardrobes past. “We sell the
most interesting, coolest, and finest pieces, both past and
present,” according to
Clematis Street: Continued on page 36
RiveRWalk Talk Page 23 January 2021
-
Clubs 'n Classes: Continued on the next page
RiverWalk Clubs ‘n Classes[Ed. Note: Club contact people may
notify Activities Editor, Fran Shay, [email protected], by the 15th
of the month prior to publication
with updates for the next issue.] All RiverWalk residents and
their accompanied guests are invited to attend the activities
listed below. For
additional information, please contact the Activities Director,
Ilissa Shannon, at 561-697-7712.
At the time of this printing, all activities in the Town Center
are temporarily CANCELLED due to the HOA Board’s decision at the
June 16, 2020, Board meeting in an effort to follow the CDC
guidelines and social distancing guidelines.
For status and updates on meetings and classes, please call the
club or class contact person or Ilissa Shannon at the HOA Office.
Stay tuned to Comcast Channel 63, the Post Office, and Town Center
bulletin boards, the RiverWalk website (www.RiverWalkofwpb.com) and
your emails for more updates.
Adult Coloring: Please join your fellow RiverWalk residents,
with purchase of your lunch, at Centanni Cafe every second and
fourth Wednesday at noon. Please bring your own supplies and enjoy
a relaxing afternoon.
Aqua Aerobics: All classes are held at the Resort Pool, weather
permitting. Morning classes are held at 10:00 am on Mondays, at
10:45 am on Tuesdays through Fridays, at 10:45 am on Sundays, and
afternoon classes at 4:00 pm Mondays and Thursdays. Afternoon class
time may change to conform to sunset hours. Please bring your own
equipment, such as: aqua barbells, sturdy pool noodles, swim belts,
aqua shoes (if you have them) and drinking water. This class uses
the “Remind” app for last-minute cancellations and class updates,
as well as notifications. Please see the Remind app instructions
below. At this time, class attendance is restricted, and you must
sign up for the classes using the Sign-Up link provided when you
join the class on the Remind app. A waiver must be signed before
joining the class.
Bocce (Men’s): Bocce courts are now open. Contact Al Formichella
at 561-697-9807 if interested in playing Bocce.
Bocce (Women’s): Women’s Bocce will be held every Saturday at
9:00 am at the RiverWalk Bocce court. All are welcome. If you have
any questions, please call Sadie at 561-616-8815.
Book and Film Club: Meetings are generally held the second
Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm downstairs in the Town Center.
However, we have been meeting through Zoom beginning 1:30 pm. At
our January 14th Zoom meeting, we will discuss the book Know My
Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller. Contact: Fran Shay at 561-685-2354
for updated information.
Bowling League: The bowling league will meet every Tuesday at
9:30 am, at Verdes Tropicana Lanes (near PBI Airport) all year
round at $15 per week. If you are interested, please contact Walter
Carney at 561-644-1005. Everyone is welcome!
Bunco: It’s a dice game that is easy to learn and lots of fun!
Bunco meets the third Wednesday at 7:00 pm and the fourth Friday at
1:00 pm downstairs in the Town Center. For more information, please
contact LeAnna, 561-684-6563.
COP (Citizens Observer Patrol): COP Meetings are cancelled until
further notice. Contact Lt. Buz Wyman at 401-326-9924 or Sgt. Peter
Lundquist at 561-684-6617.
Crafters and Knitters: Are you feeling creative? Come join the
group every Tuesday at 10:00 am, downstairs in the Town Center.
Just bring your supplies and a project you would like to work on.
For more information, contact Dolores Castilonia at
561-478-8293.
Duplicate Bridge: Meets at 6:30 pm promptly each Thursday
evening downstairs in the Town Center. All players are welcome.
Cost: $1. For meeting information and updates, or if you need a
partner, contact Ginger Taylor at 561-242-0041.
Golf (Ladies League): Ladies golf meets every Thursday at 8:30
am. If you are interested, please call Annette Caccamise at
561-683-0829 for more details.
Golf (Men’s League): Golfers play every Wednesday at 7:40 am on
our home course, Okeeheelee Golf Course. During the summer months,
the league travels to various private clubs and other golf courses.
After golf, members stay for lunch and enjoy the
RiveRWalk Talk Page 24 January 2021
-
Clubs 'n Classes: Continued from the previous page
Clubs 'N Classes: Continued on page 36
Nineteenth Hole. If you are interested or would like more
information, contact Andy Braica at 561-478-9480.
Grief and Loss: If someone is in need, please contact LeAnna
Collier at 561-684-6563 for a private discussion.
Italian/Americans and Friends Club (IAFC): Our IAFC dinner/show
will be at Centanni Cafe on Monday, January 11th, at 7:00 pm,
starring Glen Foster with his comedy and magic. Tickets were sold
in advance. If you have any questions, please call Al Formichella
at 561-697-9807.
Karate: Meets Wednesdays from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, upstairs in the
Town Center. A waiver must be signed before joining the class.
Contact: Joel Cohen at 561-712-0554.
Pickleball: The trial period for Pickleball has begun at the
RiverWalk Tennis Center. Proper tennis shoes made for clay courts
must be worn prior to stepping on the court. For court play
policies and if you have any questions, please refer to the Tennis
Center website at www.RiverWalktennis.com, or call 561-689-6465, or
send an email to [email protected].
Ping Pong: Meets in the Town Center every Monday and Thursday
evening from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (upstairs). Please bring your own
paddle. If you are interested in attending, please contact Naum
Kats at 561-389-0605.
Singles Mingle: Please check for updates on upcoming outings.
For more information, contact LeAnna Collier at 561-684-6563.
Social/Activities Committee: Meets on the first Monday of every
month at 3:30 pm upstairs in the Town Center to plan social
functions, excursions and fun events. Please email all of your
activity and social committee suggestions to Ilissa Shannon,
[email protected]. Currently our committee is full.
However, we welcome all event ideas from the community.
Tennis: Mixed Doubles are played at the Village Tennis Center
every Wednesday 6:30 pm and every Sunday at 8:30-10:00 am. These
FREE events are open to all levels. Also, join us for a “Hitting
Frenzy” ($15/$12 with a series) for one hour every Saturday at
10:00 am. All levels are welcome. See the full offering of
clinics and round robins online at RiverWalktennis.com. Register
online, call 561-689-6465 or send an email to
[email protected] to join the fun.
Walking Group: Join RiverWalk residents for a walk around
RiverWalk. The group meets 5 days a week at 6:20 pm near the stop
sign by the Tennis Courts. For more information, please contact
Donna (resident) 561-801-2583.
Yoga: Until we can meet for in-person classes, our yoga
instructor, Denise Carraro, is holding our Tuesday evening 6:45 pm
gentle class and Saturday morning 9:00 am active class, as well as
a Wednesday evening 6:45 pm vinyasa flow class, all online on Zoom.
There will be no class on Saturday, January 2nd, but a free special
class on Friday, January 1st, at 9:45 am. Please contact Fran Shay
at (561) 685-2354 for information on these and Denise’s additional
online classes. Please see the Remind app instructions below. The
Remind app provides class updates, attendance requests, and any
last-minute cancellations. A waiver must be signed before attending
any yoga class. $5/class.
Remind App/Website Information
The instructors of the RiverWalk classes listed below use a
smartphone/tablet app to communicate with their students,
especially to notify students of class cancellations. Therefore, if
you are a prospective or current student, please download the
“Remind: School Communication” app (look for the icon of a white
cloud in a blue-sky background) on a smartphone and/or tablet, or
visit www.remind.com on a computer. Register with Remind by
providing your name, cellphone number (for text notifications) and
other requested information, and join the following classes by
using the respective class codes below. Call Fran Shay at (561)
685-2354 if you need help using Remind.
Aqua Aerobics (name: RiverWalk PB Aqua Aerobics) New Class Code:
rivaqua.
RiveRWalk Talk Page 25 January 2021
-
Birds of RiverWalk: Sexual Dimorphism in BirdsText and
photographs by Greg Christoph
Sexual dimorphism is a technical term in biology that literally
means two different forms for males and females. The term can be
applied to any sex-dependent difference, some of which are obvious
like outward appearance or overt behavior, as well as less readily
apparent features such as microanatomy of the brain, biochemistry,
endocrinology, and so on. Regarding gross appearance, a popular
view among casual observers of birds is that males are more
colorful and have more distinctive feather patterns than females.
This view is hardly true for all birds, and it is not even accurate
for most of the large bird species commonly observed in RiverWalk.
For example, male and female great blue herons (Ardea herodias) are
essentially identical in appearance. Although male great blue
herons are slightly larger on average, the size distributions
overlap, so the only way to determine sex is by an invasive
clinical examination or by observing differences in behavior that
are apparent only in the vicinity of a nest during the bird’s
breeding season. The same is true for all the various heron species
that visit RiverWalk. While the average size of herons is greater
for males, do not assume this is true for birds generally. For
example, female raptors like red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus)
or most female hummingbirds are larger and heavier than the
males.
Even though the generalization that male birds are more colorful
and more distinctive than females is not universally correct, it is
undeniably true that this is the case for many species of birds.
This diversity in degree of sexual dimorphism raises the question
of how it developed for some species but not others. Evolutionary
biologists tackle a question like this under the assumption that
the presence of a given trait, in this case, sexual dimorphism in
feather patterns or coloration, confers some survival value for the
species. Resolving this question involves three key points.
The first key involves appreciating that in the species where
sexual dimorphism is prominent, it is the female of the species
that selects her mate. If the male does not meet her standards, the
female rejects her suitor, and no pairing occurs. Parenthetically,
the female most often also does the selecting where there is little
or no
sexual dimorphism, but this is not always the case as, for
example, in herons where the male is the choosey one.
The second element to understanding the species survival value
of sexual dimorphism in plumage is to recognize that the color and
quality of feathers is related to health, fitness, and good genetic
stock. Red and yellow feathers owe their color to naturally
occurring chemicals in the bird’s diet, so bright reds and yellows
signal that a bird has eaten well. It also means that the genes
that control biochemical metabolism of the dietary compounds which
eventually produce those dye-like compositional colors are working
in a robust manner. Green and blue feathers and iridescent feathers
that shine different colors depending on the direction of light do
not attain those properties by the chemical composition of the
feathers, but rather by the microscopic structure of the surface of
the feather elements that selectively reflect different wavelengths
of light. If these structural colors are vibrant, it signals that
the male bird has the behavioral perseverance to groom and maintain
the feathers in a way that preserves the integrity of the
microscopic features that create those colors, and it also means
that the genetic machinery that is ultimately responsible for
creating the microstructures is functioning optimally.
The final point in the evolutionary argument for sexual
dimorphism in plumage is that a female who is selecting a colorful
male, and thus the one most likely to be fit for successful mating,
is giving her eggs the best chance of survival. A healthy male is
more likely to be able do his part in rearing the young than a less
healthy one. And selecting a male with good genetic stock means
those genes will be passed onto her offspring, who are more likely
to survive and pass those genes onto offspring of their own. Over
thousands of years and generations, this process progressively
moves the gene pool of the species to greater and greater degrees
of sexual dimorphism in plumage.
The evolutionary logic outlined above accounts for the adaptive
value of sexual dimorphism in birds but fails to explain why so
many bird species do not show much dimorphism at all. New World
warblers are a
Birds of RiverWalk: Continued on page 41
RiveRWalk Talk Page 26 January 2021
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 27 January 2021
-
By Pat Minkler
Who doesn’t like the ubiquitous artichoke and spinach dip, with
all that gooey cheese, scooped up with commercial tortilla
chips?
But sometimes it’s fun to try a variation of an old “friend,”
especially if the new version is more flavorful because it uses
updated cooking techniques and ingredients.
Such is the case with a new kind of EASY roasted artichoke dip,
with homemade pita chips.
Note: Please don’t be intimidated by the number of steps in
these recipes. I wrote the recipes this way for ease of
reading.
Roasted Artichoke Dip12 ounces of frozen artichoke hearts
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup of onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup mayonnaise
4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided into 1/2 cup
and 1/4 cup
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
(Note: This recipe does not contain spinach, which can be bitter
and overpower the artichokes. However, if you prefer, add chopped
fresh spinach, to taste, when you add the cream cheese.)
Prep:Adjust rack of oven to middle position. Preheat
oven to 450º F. Butter a 1-quart baking dish. TIP: Line a rimmed
baking sheet with foil for easy clean up.
Toss the frozen artichoke hearts with 2 tablespoons of the olive
oil, right in the prepared pan.
Roast, stirring around occasionally, until the edges begin
browning, about 20-25 minutes.
Simply Delicious: An Update of an Old Favorite—Roasted Artichoke
Dip and Homemade Pita Chips
When cool enough to handle, chop the artichoke hearts coarsely,
and put them in a small mixing bowl to the side.
Reduce the oven to 400º F.
In the meantime, put the onion and the remaining 1 tablespoon of
olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook until
softened, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t let them brown. (Note: In
French cooking, this method is referred to as “sweating” the onion,
the point being that you don’t want crunchy bits of bitter onion;
rather, you do want softened onion that will retain its shape but
have a soft texture in this creamy dip.) Stir in the garlic and
cook about 30 seconds. Put this onion mixture into a large mixing
bowl.
Into this large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, cream cheese,
1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, thyme, and cayenne.
Stir with a rubber spatula until uniformly combined. TIP: If you
have lumps of cream cheese, smear them against the side of the
mixing bowl with the spatula to get the cream cheese
incorporated.
Gently fold in the roasted artichokes.
Add the mixture to the prepared 1-quart baking dish, smooth the
top, and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the
top.
Bake until dip is heated through and the cheese is lightly
brown, about 20 minutes. TIP: At 15 minutes, check to be sure
cheese is not getting too brown. If it is, loosely cover the baking
dish with a piece of tented foil to protect the cheese.
Artichoke Dip: Continued on the next page
RiveRWalk Talk Page 28 January 2021
-
Note: To make ahead, for up to three days, prepare the dip
through step 9. Using plastic wrap, tightly cover the baking dish
containing the unbaked dip, and refrigerate. Remove the plastic
wrap before baking. You can take the baking dish out a few minutes
before baking; otherwise, the cold dip probably will take 10-15
minutes longer to bake. So be sure to use the tented foil trick
described in step 10, above.
Homemade Pita ChipsFour 8-inch pita breads
A pair of clean scissors
TIP: Keep several pairs of inexpensive, dishwasher-safe scissors
in the drawer with your cooking utensils. You will find all sorts
of uses for them.
A large knife
TIP: For this recipe, I use my bread knife on a cutting board,
rather than a chef knife, because I find that the sawing action,
once again, is more effective and the knife is less-likely to
slip.
Pastry or BBQ brush
TIP: I use a silicon brush, rather than boar’s hair brush,
because the silicon brushes can be washed in the dishwasher and
don’t shed.
1/2 cup olive oil
Sprinkle of salt
TIP: if you use sea salt or kosher salt, you won’t have to add
as much salt because they taste saltier than regular table
salt.)
:Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle.
Preheat oven to 350º F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with
foil.
Using the scissors, cut about 1/2 inch around the perimeter of
each pita bread, one at a time. Then carefully separate into two
thin rounds.
Working one round at a time, brush the rough side generously
with olive oil, and lightly sprinkle with salt.
Stack the prepared rounds on top of each other, rough side up,
as you go. Use a bread knife or chef knife to cut the stacked
rounds into eight wedges.
Spread the wedges, rough side up, in a single layer, on the
rimmed baking sheets.
Bake until the wedges are golden brown, about 8 minutes,
rotating and switching the sheet pans halfway through baking. Watch
carefully. TIP: In my experience, the pita chips don’t brown
uniformly, but don’t be concerned, as they will taste good! Let
cool.
Note: To make ahead, for up to three days, store the cooled,
baked pita chips in a plastic container with a tight lid, at room
temperature. TIP: I suggest hiding these pita chips, as they are
addictive on their own!
Happy Cooking!
Artichoke Dip: Continued from the previous page
RiveRWalk Talk Page 29 January 2021
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 30 January 2021
the garden at the south side of the playground site with
signage. Chris Shead seconded it, and the motion passed with a
unanimous vote.
As Chair of the Governing Docs Revision Committee, Fran Shay
presented a resolution for the Board to approve a revised Committee
Charter to incorporate into the Committee the Policy Revision
Project Team as an ad hoc sub-group, and upon its demise due to
project completion, a permanent Policy Review Section. Chris Shead
made a motion to approve the resolution, Pete Reinhardt seconded
it, and the motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Fran Shay also presented a resolution for the Board to direct
the General Manager to mail to the homeowners the proposed
amendments voting package that was prepared by the HOA Attorney as
directed by the Board at its September and October Board meetings.
After discussion, Richard Keller made a motion to approve the
resolution, Myles Schack seconded it, and the motion failed with
Directors Keller, Reinhardt, Schack in favor, and Directors
Mahanes, Nicoletti, Roman, Shead opposed.
Myles Schack made a motion that the Board interview for and then
hire an attorney to work on drafting for homeowner approval a
complete rewrite of the Bylaws and Declaration. Pete Reinhardt
seconded it, and the motion passed with a unanimous vote.
As Lead of the ad hoc Policy Manual Revision Project Team,
Phyllis Kingsbury presented to the Board a proposed Holiday
Lighting and Decorations Policy. Richard Keller made a motion to
approve the policy, Evelyn Mahanes seconded it, and the motion
passed with a unanimous vote.
Hank Nicoletti made a motion to approve the General Manager’s
request for the Board to formally approve the Recreational Release
and Waiver that the HOA Attorney had drafted and the homeowners
have been signing. Chris Shead seconded the motion, and it passed
4-3 with Directors Nicoletti, Reinhardt, Roman, Shead in favor, and
Keller, Mahanes, Schack opposed.
Myles Schack made a motion to approve the General Manager’s
request for the Board to approve a contract add-on and payment for
Hulett to apply herbicides and nutrients for turf treatment in
December 2020 and in April 2021 at the rate of $14,400 for each
treatment.
The January 2021 treatment will be complimentary. Chris Shead
seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous vote.
Hank Nicoletti made a motion to approve the General Manager’s
request for the Board to renew its contract with Hoover for
servicing of pump stations at a minor fee increase from the 2020
contract. Richard Keller seconded the motion, and it passed with a
unanimous vote.
Chris Shead made a motion to approve the General Manager’s
request to renew its contract with Treasure Coast Irrigation at an
increase of $96 per month for the year 2021. Pete seconded the
motion, and it passed with a unanimous vote.
Chris Shead made a motion to approve the General Manager’s
request to accept Xtreme Landscaping’s $22,450 proposal for front
entrance trimming of all hardwoods and palms, with a 3% discount if
paid by cash or check. Evelyn Mahanes seconded the motion, and it
passed with a 6-1 vote with Directors Keller, Mahanes, Nicoletti,
Reinhardt, Roman in favor, and Myles Schack opposed.
Hank Nicoletti made a motion to approve the General Manager’s
request to accept Xtreme Landscaping’s $199,926 proposal to trim
the 4,596 coconut trees in homeowners’ front and rear yards and
common areas that have not already been trimmed the previous month,
with a 3% discount if paid by cash or check. Chris Shead seconded
the motion, and after a discussion of whether it should go out for
bid, the motion passed with a 5-2 vote with Directors Mahanes,
Nicoletti, Reinhardt, Roman, Shead in favor, and Directors Keller
and Schack opposed.
The Board meeting was adjourned.
A regular Board meeting was held on December 15, 2020, at 7:00
pm, with all Board members and the General Manager Kathy Jean
Pinchuk attending.
During the President’s Report, Tony Roman presented proposed
changes to the Committee Guidelines, Hank Nicoletti made a motion
to adopt the changes, Chris seconded, it and the motion passed
unanimously. Also, Tony Roman selected Hank Nicoletti to chair the
Election Committee. The available Board
Board Actions: Continued from page 1
Board Actions: Continued on the next page
-
Welcome,RiverWalk
Newcomers!
Joseph Borzillieri & Amy Borzillieri7720 Spring Creek
DriveFrom: California
Monica Carcheri & Alex Ladd1937 Tigris DriveFrom: Deerfield
Beach, FL
Rafael Gomez2658 Muskegon WayFrom: Spain
Frank & Evelyn Palmeri7116 Elkhorn DriveFrom: Telogia Court,
RiverWalk
Kathy Ryan7081 Deer Point LaneFrom: Maui
RiveRWalk Talk Page 31 January 2021
seats are currently held by Richard Keller, Evelyn Mahanes, Tony
Roman, and Chris Shead. Hank Nicoletti presented a proposed Board
member elections schedule: Intent to Run Submittal Deadline:
January 22nd; Candidates Resume Submittal Deadline: January 28th;
Ballots Mailed to Homeowners: February 8th, Candidates Night:
February 9th, Annual Meeting: March 10th.
During the Treasurer’s Report, Pete Reinhardt made a motion for
the Board to adopt a proposed Committee Annual Budget Request
Policy. After a second to the motion, it passed with a unanimous
vote. Also, Chris Shead made a motion on Pete Reinhardt’s proposed
revision to the Purchasing Policy to increase from $10,000 to
$15,000 the maximum in expenditures that the President may
authorize without Board approval. Evelyn seconded the motion, and
it passed with a unanimous vote.
After Marianne McCann, Chair of the Facilities Committee,
presented a resolution to proceed with hard surface flooring in the
Town Center so that the designer can work on a color palate for
painting and suggested furnishings, Hank Nicoletti made a motion to
approve the resolution. Evelyn Mahanes seconded it, and the motion
passed with a unanimous vote.
Tony Roman made a motion to approve a Parking Pass Policy, Pete
Reinhardt seconded it, and the motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Proposed revisions to the Towing Policy for a future motion and
vote was also discussed.
Chris Shead made a motion to accept the Solitude Lake
Maintenance Agreement, Richard Keller seconded it, and the motion
passed with a unanimous vote.
Chris Shead made a motion to accept Xtreme Landscaping’s
proposal in the amount of about $360,000 for hardwood tree trimming
(excluding holly trees and other specific trees), to be paid in
three incremental payments. Hank Nicoletti seconded it, and the
motion passed 5-2 with Directors Mahanes, Nicoletti, Reinhardt,
Roman and Shead in favor, and Directors Keller and Schack
opposed.
Richard Keller made a motion to approve the T-Street landscape
renovation project for both common areas
and private properties frontage in an initial amount of about
$25,000 to purchase materials, for a total of $50,000. Tony Roman
seconded it, and the motion passed with a unanimous vote.
The Board meeting was adjourned.
Board Actions: Continued from the previous page
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 32 January 2021
-
New Year’s Resolutions for 2021By Sandra Masters
Resolute and determined: New Year’s resolutions for 2021 I will
undoubtedly break:
1. Improve my gardening skills. Parsley, sage, rosemary, and
thyme is a song, isn’t it?
2. Walking - I must get out and walk more with my two little fur
babies. If only I could keep their leashes untangled.
3. Eat healthier - I can’t wait for the Greek restaurant to open
across the street. I hope they deliver.
4. Cut back on vices (a/k/a drinking) – Okay, the holidays are
over. Time to put water back in the water cooler.
5. Declutter the house - This does not mean moving stuff from
the garage to the attic and vice versa. Goodwill picks up,
right?
6. Absolutely get rid of any article of clothing I have not worn
in two sizes, I mean two years. Maybe I can ask the Social
Committee if we could organize a Swap Shop in Town Center once it’s
renovated.
7. Learn something new - Perhaps a new language. One that Siri
understands.
8. Learn how to drive my car - It can stop itself and park
itself. It adjusts my seat, knows my voice, and sets the
temperature to my liking. It warns me if I am too close to
anything, it plays my favorite music according to my lipstick
color, and it shines a light on the floor of my garage so I can
step out safely. I just need to learn how it all works.
9. Find a better news source - The Palm Beach Post, The New York
Times, The Boston Globe, Fox News, CNBC, NPR . . . I am switching
to the Utne Reader and Mad Magazine.
10. Enhance my music knowledge - Between the Gator and Legends
radio I think it’s time to try Ozzie’s Boneyard and Willie’s
Roadhouse on Sirius XM satellite radio. I’ll ask Siri, or my
car.
11. Cultivate my inner spirit – Zoom, Yoga, meditation apps for
the phone, family FaceTime gatherings, and Zoom medical
appointments can all be done safely in the privacy of my own home
without a mask and allowing for proper hydration. Maybe I shouldn’t
switch out the water cooler quite yet.
12. Read more books and expand my horizons. I’m thinking the
entire Carl Hiaasen collection, Elmore Leonard, and of course, Papa
Hemingway. I need to be literate when I get back to Duval
Street.
I doubt I will accomplish any of this with the possible
exception of # 3, and only if they deliver.
RiveRWalk Talk Page 33 January 2021
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 34 January 2021
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 35 January 2021
-
its owner Aly Gore. The shop also sells a mix of jewelry,
accessories, cameras, and books from 1910 on.
If you like the idea of going to Clematis Street but are turned
off by the crowds, this part of Clematis Street might be a good
alternative.
Parking on the 500 block of Clematis Street is easy, too. There
is a parking garage on the 500 block of Clematis Street just west
of the railroad tracks where parking is $1.00 for up to two hours
and $1.00 for each additional hour.
Clematis Street: Continued from page 23
Clubs 'N Classes: Continued from page 25
Yoga/Tues. Evening (name: RiverWalk Candlelight Yoga) Class
Code: rvwcan.
Yoga/Wed. Evening (name: Organic Vinyasa) Class Code:
yogadc.
Yoga/Sat. Morning (name: RiverWalk Yoga) Class Code:
RiverWalky.
While classes are in session, please refrain from using the
rooms until the classes are finished. Thank you!
RiveRWalk Talk Page 36 January 2021
-
What is a “Native” Plant and Why Plant Them?By Bernadette
Macy
“Native” plants are those that occur naturally in a particular
region, ecosystem, or habitat. These plants have adapted and
evolved over thousands of years to a specific location. They remain
genetically unaltered by humans.
Florida native plants are adapted to heavy rains, droughts, and
soil conditions. They generally require less maintenance, no
fertilizer or pesticides, thereby helping the environment and
saving you time, water, and money.
Native plants help the environment the most when planted in
places that match their growing requirements. “Right plant, right
place!” The key to getting started is picking the right
groundcovers, plants, or shrubs for your area. The HOA and ACC
(Architectural Control Committee) have a list of recommended native
trees.
“Exotic” plants are from other parts of the world or were
cultivated by humans into forms that don’t exist in nature. In
Florida, some of these exotic plants have become very invasive, are
destroying natural habitat, and require huge amounts of irrigation
and water. The Australian pine tree is an example of an exotic that
emits an herbicide that kills most any other plant that grows
within its collective drip lines and has overrun some of the beach
areas in Florida.
Do not plant exotics, such as: Asian sword fern (Nephrolepis
brownii), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), glossy privet
(Ligustrum lucidum), or lantana (Lantana camara), which are listed
on the University of South Florida’s (USF) “Florida Invasive Plant
Species Mobile Field Guide,” and can be confused with Florida
native plants.
Most of the plants sold at the large home improvement stores may
be labeled “lantana” or “sword fern” but they are most likely the
exotic or invasive species.
Instead, shop at the local native plant nurseries that have
Florida native plants and include the botanical name of the plant,
such as:
• Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) or giant sword fern
(Nephrolepis biserrata)
• Florida native privet (Forestiera segregata)• Gold lantana
(Lantana depressa var. depressa) or
Lantana involucrata• Powderpuff ground cover (Mimosa
strigillosa)
also known as sunshine mimosa
It’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between the
native and non-native plants.
The botanical name—Nephrolepis biserrata—tells you that the
giant sword fern is the Florida native plant.
The Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN) has a good
website, www.plantrealflorida.org, with photos of plants, shrubs
and trees for our area, Hardiness Zone 10a, with their botanical
names, and also lists native nurseries. Or go to local sites, such
as: http://meadowbeautynursery.com and
https://indiantrails.vpweb.com.
If you are interested in doing your part to protect Florida’s
environment, consider learning more about native plants.
Sources: National Wildlife Federation; Audubon Society; Florida
Native Plant Society; USF; and FANN.
RiveRWalk Talk Page 37 January 2021
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 38 January 2021
-
RiveRWalk Talk Page 39 January 2021
-
on the subcommittee made a presentation explaining the process
and due diligence the Committee had expended to date, and reviewed
each type of flooring’s pros and cons. They asked the BOD to make a
decision but, instead, the BOD wanted the Committee’s
recommendation. Even though the designers recommended glue-down
commercial carpet sections (often used in airports) because of
beauty and sound issues, the Facilities Committee had voted (4-3)
for hard flooring. The Social Committee had also recommended
this.
The plan also included new sturdy folding tables and stacking
chairs. The community had an opportunity to view and sit on two
recommended stacking chairs and vote on the one they liked. Chair A
(pictured)—dark green with sturdy frame—was favored 194-74. The
Committee had been informed that the color and upholstery would
change depending on the designers’ color palate. In addition, the
Facilities Committee recommended new cabinetry, sink, and faucet in
the Lakeview Room and, for the Library, new shelving and the
installation of a storage cabinet for those organizations that use
the Lakeview Room for a buffet set-up area.
Also presented was the idea of installing an additional patio
area in the back, right outside the main activity room. Potted
plants, tables, and chairs, an awning, and a possible hookup for a
television could expand the use of the main rooms for meetings and
social events.
A caveat regarding flooring was the designers’ recommendations
for purchase of good quality, specific maintenance equipment to
ensure whatever flooring was selected would be cleaned
appropriately. They would supply instructions in order to prevent
damage and ensure longevity.
At the full BOD meeting on December 15, 2020, the Facilities
Committee submitted a Resolution to accept hard flooring for the
Town Center activity area and to continue forward with the
refurbishment of Town Center based on D&B’s
recommendations.
Refurbishment: Continued from page 2 And the winner is . . .
RiveRWalk Talk Page 40 January 2021
-
Happy New Year from the
RiverWalk Talk Staff!
good platform from which to examine this problem. Only a dozen
or so different warbler species show up in RiverWalk during the
fall and winter but, altogether, there are over 150 species of
warblers in North, Central, and South America. They are all closely
related to each other, they are all similar in size, and they all
carry a core set of genes that bind them to each other as a matter
of their evolutionary heritage. Despite their genetic similarities,
however, there is great variation in the degree of sexual
dimorphism among the different species. The accompanying
photographs show one warbler species, the black and white warbler
(Mniotilta varia), for which males and females look almost
identical, and another warbler species, the common yellowthroat
(Geothlypis trichas), where the male and female look distinctly
different. The degree of sexual dimorphism among the 150 warbler
species is a graded continuum, consisting of species with almost
identical males and females on one extreme and species with
progressively greater and greater dissimilarity between the sexes
until they look completely different on the other extreme. For some
of the latter species, the differences are so great that males and
females were initially thought to be different species.
All the warblers have excellent vision, both in terms of acuity
and color detection. It turns out that in warbler species for which
there is no sexual dimorphism in plumage, males and females have
equally good vision as indicated by equal amounts of photoreceptive
substances in the eyes. For those species that have greater degree
of sexual dimorphism, however, the females have better vision,
especially color vision, than the males. Furthermore, the
difference in the degree of female vision superiority correlates
nicely with the extent of sexual dimorphism. In other words, the
females that select the more prominently feathered males are
literally able to see better and make finer color discriminations
than females of species that do not. This result suggests it is the
females who drove the evolution of sexual dimorphism in plumage, at
least in warblers. Whether this is true for sexually dimorphic
birds generally remains to be determined.
The principles concerning the species survival value of more
colorful plumage in male birds does not require the birds’
conscious awareness of gene
pools and survival probabilities, or even knowledge that a
healthy mate is a more reliable reproductive partner than a sickly
one. For all we know, the birds are simply responding to what they
perceive as beautiful or handsome, just as we see our own mate
choices as beautiful or handsome without thinking much about how
their apparent physical fitness contributes to child-rearing or how
their genetic composition affects the overall success of our
species gene pool. Consider, however, that on a fundamental level
these evolutionary principles of species survival may also be what
unconsciously drives our own concepts of human beauty and
attractiveness.
Birds of RiverWalk: Continued from page 26
RiveRWalk Talk Page 41 January 2021
-
By the time you read this, the trial period for pickleball will
have begun at the RiverWalk Tennis Center.
As the fastest growing sport in America, I can tell you the
level of interest in the community has been high. Many communities
have integrated pickleball due to the excellent social aspects and
the nature of the game which allows many age levels to play
together. The only way the HOA will know the interest level is if
you play.
Court 1 is being converted into two pickleball courts:
Pickleball North (PN) and Pickleball South (PS). There will be no
advance reservation required for now, but all players must register
inside the pro shop prior to stepping on the court. Eventually, we
may move to a pickleball reservation system on the Tennis Center
website www.RiverWalktennis.com. This is a private website so, once
you visit the site, register as a “New Player,” and after you are
approved, you will have full access to the site.
The general rules of the Tennis Center will be in effect for all
pickleball players: tennis shoes specifically made for clay court
surfaces are required as running shoes with “waffle” soles will
damage the surface and create bad bounces. No tank tops for men,
etc. For a complete set of rules send your request via email to
[email protected]. If you wish to be placed on my pickleball
email blast, let me know as well.
Eight paddles and balls will be available to use through the pro
shop on a first come, first serve basis. They will be stored in the
outer pro shop area and must be signed out. You will need your FOB
to enter the pro shop.
Pickleball Makes Its Debut at the Tennis CenterKeep in mind
masks must be worn in the pro shop
and you must bring your own beverage as the water fountains are
covered.
Private lessons are available, and starter pickleball clinics
will be listed on www.RiverWalktennis.com. Maybe I will have to
change the domain name to: www.RiverWalktennis&pickleball.com??
That’s a lot to type!
See you on the courts,
Stephen T. Bucar, USPTA
Director of Tennis
RiverWalk of the Palm Beaches
561 689 6465
RiveRWalk Talk Page 42 January 2021
-
Let us
Cater Your Next Event!
AT R I V E R WA L K
Hours:Tuesday Thru Sunday
11am -9pm(561) 815-5060
Happy Hour2 for 1
Beer & WineFridays & Saturdays
All Day
w w w. c e n t a n n i c a f e . c o m
Want To Stay Home?The Family Meals are a Great Choice
BottomlessMimosasSundays
11-1pm
w w w. c e n t a n n i c a f e . c o m