Renaissance Times  -  July, 2005

BICYCLE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
As has been mentioned repeatedly in the Renaissance Times newsletter during the past few months, July 1, 2005 is the deadline for all bicycles stored in the bicycle room to be registered with the Association and a Renaissance bike registration decal affixed to the frame of the bike.

There is a serious lack of available storage space in the bike room, and the removal of unwanted and abandoned bikes will free up more room and allow the Association staff to construct additional storage racks.

As a failsafe for residents who will not be able to register their bikes by the July 1 deadline, unregistered bikes will have their locks cut and the bike and lock held in a secure storage area for up to 60 days before being permanently removed from the premises.

There will be a $2.00 per day storage charge for residents who claim bikes being held in the secure storage area after July 1. You may claim a bike through August 2005 by describing the bike, paying the $2.00 per day storage charge, and demonstrating ownership by opening the lock (if a lock was found attached to the bike).

Association employees are not permitted to act on behalf of residents to locate and register a bicycle before of after the deadline, so while the Administrative staff can answer questions about the bike registration program, they are not authorized to search for, identify, or attach a registration decal to any bike left on Renaissance I property.

Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter.

STORM DAMAGE UPDATE
In late June, the Association's Engineering consultant and testing company began a test on specimen windows, sliders, and façade elements.  An air chamber was constructed on site to cover the areas tested.  A suction hose was inserted into the chamber and any air that was trapped between the window and the chamber was removed.  Meanwhile, a hose attached to an apparatus with approximately 20 separate sprinkling devices was dropped from the roof and sprayed the areas of concern under pressure simulating storm conditions.  The test results will be provided to the Association's Attorney for his use during mediation.

Behind every great love is a great story. (July Movie "The Notebook")
As teenagers, Allie and Noah begin a whirlwind courtship that soon blossoms into tender intimacy.  Allie's upper-class parents who insist that Noah isn't right for her quickly separate the young couple.

Several years pass, and when they meet again their passion is rekindled forcing Allie to choose between her soulmate and class order.  This beautiful tale has a particularly special meaning to an older gentleman who regularly reads the timeless love story to his aging companion.

TRASH CHUTES
It's possible that some of our new residents are not aware of how our trash chutes work.  If you see the red light illuminated on the trash chute door, it means that someone on another floor is using the chute and your chute door is temporarily locked.  Please do not force the door open.  Wait a few moments and the light will go out and the chute door will unlock.

All trash must be placed in sealed plastic bags to avoid pest infestation.  Do not jam large boxes into the trash chute as those can cause a total blockage of the trash system on all floors above the obstruction.  Please bring all flattened boxes down to the recycling area in the Service Elevator lobby (via the Service Elevator) for disposal.

GRILLING STEAKS?
Summer is the perfect season for grilling and the food seems to taste better and it is healthier!  Please rememberno cooking or barbequing is permitted on any apartment patio terrace or balcony.  You may reserve the gas barbeque grill on the pool patio. Once you have finished grilling, you are responsible for cleaning the gas grill, as well as the patio area and tables that you use.

JULY'S SOCIAL EVENT
Mark Smith from the Sarasota Historical Society will speak here on "The Great Homes and the People Who Live in Them" on July 20, between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.  The Historical Society strives to create public awareness of the rich historical heritage of Sarasota and the State of Florida.  We hope you will have an enjoyable, educational, and entertaining experience.  A flyer will be delivered to your door with more information.

CRUISE DATE CHANGED
Reprint from June Newsletter
The Social Committee has reserved 50 places on the LeBarge Tropical Floating Island Cruise Charter Boat for Sunday, September 25 (note new date) from 6:30 p.m.  8:30 p.m.  The cruise will leave from Marina Jack Plaza.

You will enjoy an interactive narration while viewing spectacular waterfront homes, wildlife, the environment, and live entertainment.  A full cash bar, and light menu will be available.

LeBarge Cruises require their $$$ in advance so deliver your reservation payment of $15 per person to the front desk no later then August 31.  For info call Jeanne Sheldon951-6027.

Contact Numbers
Manager's office          941.957.3957 (phone)
Manager's fax          941.957.1256 (fax)
Manager's email           RenCondo@comcast.net
Manager's Assistant          941.957.1125
Website          http://RenCondo.homestead.com
Website password          ll2 (lower case L's plus a 2)
Resident fax (in the Business Center)          941.954.9964 (fax)
Reception Desk          941.957.1956
Building Security          941.957.1956
Emergency          911

HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS
Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan - identify ahead of time where you could go and choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. Keep the telephone numbers of these places, as well as a road map.

If we are advised to evacuate the building, the closest shelters to the Renaissance are:
§          Sarasota High School
1000 S. School
§          Tuttle Elementary School
2863 8th Street
The closest pet friendly shelter is
§          Brookside Middle School
3636 S. Shade Ave.

Call ahead because shelters can be moved or added. Do not go to the shelter until local officials announce that the shelter is open. Contact the American Red Cross at 941.379.9300 for the latest evacuation news.
After determining your meeting places:
§          Determine the two best escape routes.
§          Ask an out-of-town friend to be your "family contact". After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
§          Find out how to care for your pets. Many shelters do not allow them because of health regulations. For more information on how to care for your pets, visit the Animal Safety section at www.redcross.org.
§          Have a local road map. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes.
§          Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Take these items with you when evacuating:
§          Prescription medications/medical supplies
§          Bedding and clothing
§          Bottled water, battery-operated radio with extra batteries, first aid kit and flashlight
§          Car keys and maps
§          Documents, including driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit including:
§          First aid kit and essential medications
§          Food: non-perishable, high-protein items that require no refrigeration, no preparation or cooking and little or no water
§          Water: one gallon of water per person per day
§          Protective clothing, sturdy shoes, gloves and rainwear
§          Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
§          Special items for infants or the elderly
§          Sanitary supplies - toilet paper, towelettes, personal hygiene supplies, bleach, etc.
§          Personal items: eyeglasses or contact lenses and solutions; copies of important papers and comfort items (toys and books)
§          Money: have cash (ATMs and credit cards won't work if power is out)
§          Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise
Keep these items in an easy-to carry container such as a covered trash container or a duffle bag.

Know what to do when a Hurricane Warning is issued
§          Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
§          Complete preparation activities.
§          If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
§          Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
§          Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
§          Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road with waters rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Know What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over
§          Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
§          If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
§          Inspect your home for damage.
§          Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.

FLOOR COVERINGS
Many of our residents have been changing from carpeting to hardwood or tile floors.  Hard floor covering materials may create or transmit excessive noise to neighboring apartments. Therefore, an insulating material such as ¼" cork sheeting is required as an under-layment for wood, marble, stone, and ceramic floors.  Because the building has embedded post-tensioning cables in the concrete floor and ceiling, your contractor may not nail, screw or break the surface of any floor or ceiling without first getting approval from the Management Office.  An errant screw or concrete anchor can pierce or cut a cable and result in significant damage (and possible loss of life).  Please check first to avoid exposing yourself to major liability