I have long believed that the mind always comes up with the answers. If you ask " why can't I do ....." your mind will give you reasons, thus feeding your limiting beliefs. But, if you ask "how can I do .....", your mind will tell you what you need to know.
I recently found this article which puts it in a different light. I believe that we'll all be asking a lot of questions over the next two years.
Asking yourself constructive questions allows you to overcome the following four barriers of change:
Barrier #1: Fear.
New things threaten both old practices and tightly held beliefs. When we feel threatened, we feel fear, which affects us both physically and emotionally. And, if we perceive the change as personally targeted, our sense of fear magnifies. Peter Senge said, “People don’t resist change. They resist being changed.” Once we feel the “victim” of change our perspective becomes narrow and self-centered: that’s why people going through change frequently seem self-absorbed. “This change is all about me.” In this state of mind, our response to change is often irrational.
But fear can be managed. Using reasoning skills, positive self-talk and other support systems - encouraging friends, supportive family - we can achieve our goals despite the presence of fear. Companies manage fear as well. Kodak Company was adrift when their traditional film products were threatened by the digital age. Kodak had to re-think their entire corporate purpose or die. They concluded that they weren’t just a film company as much as a company committed to saving memories. With this new mindset, organizational fear evaporated and a new energetic focus on innovation emerged. To confront fear and overcome the first change barrier, ask yourself:
- Why fear change if it leads to success just around the bend?- What are my talents, strengths and contributions that survive the change?- What value can I add? How can I be of service to someone else?
Barrier #2: The “What If” Game.
When things begin to change we waste an enormous amount of time looking back and reminiscing on the question of “What if…?” What if I hadn’t made that terrible career move? What if I had gotten my degree? What if I invested in better ventures? What if I had been a better parent or spouse? The “what if” game is like a big penalty box, paralyzing players from moving forward and taking action. To stop playing this game, fill your mind up with forward-looking, solution-centered questions:
- What positive effect on my life does going back to school deliver?- What favorable outcome would result by committing more time to an important priority?- What resources are available to me?- Where do I go for help? Where can I help out?
Barrier #3: Labels.
So you’ve lost your job and you’re no longer the VP at Widget Inc. Your role has been outsourced. Your corner office is gone. Your secretary is gone, too. You feel defeated by the events the world has thrown at you. But wait: You’re not your job. You’re not the corner office, or the title on your business card, or the plaques on the wall. These are just labels. You were an effective, happy, productive person before you acquired these accouterments, and that hasn’t changed. You still have skills and experience that serve you well. Your labels control you like a dog tethered to a tree:
It’s easy to confuse your reality with the length of the leash. Let go of the labels and be the CEO of your life. Ask yourself:
- What are my core competencies and how can they serve someone else?- Where do I find value in life, and where do I want to spend time?- How do I enhance my existing talents and be more useful to others?
Barrier #4: Lack of Focus.
Change clouds perceptions like a suddenly shaken snow globe. It seems that a clear course of action is needed, but swirling information and too many variables confuse the situation and push resolution just out of reach. Establishing an action plan is a great strategy during times of change, but oftentimes, poor execution hamstrings our best planning. The problem: not enough focus. Focus means having greater impact on fewer things. You cannot execute without focus. Those who survive change know that to deliver on essential goals; you have to decide to fail on non-crucial tasks. Ask:
- Where am I going to fail in order to maximize my chances of winning?- What is imperative? What do I absolutely have to do to succeed?- What is the very first thing I need to do? When do I need to get it done?
When change happens to you, the questions you ask yourself are as important as the answers you seek. Some folks ask themselves, “What’s to become of me?” Those who are successful ask, “What will I become?’
John Baker is author of the newly-released book, “READY Thinking - Primed For Change.” As a leadership expert, speaker and founder of READY Thinking, LLC, John has helped hundreds of organizations achieve success by adopting a practical framework of thinking during times of change and opportunity. He has over 20 years experience as a senior executive with companies including American Express and Ameriprise Financial, specializing in sales, client loyalty and customer service.
For more information, e-mail JohnBaker@ReadyThinking.com or visit www.ReadyThinking.com.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Still not ready for thanksgiving?
As promised, I would be updating you with a few suggestions to make this Thanksgiving a little more memorabe.
There are two approaches to holiday cooking - fancy and complicated, and simple and easy. (Guess which camp we're in?) Here is a colorful, simple harvest bake, with chopped butternut squash, tart apples, and cranberries. The hardest part is cutting up the butternut squash (it's a workout). But then all you have to do is put everything in a casserole and bake it in the oven for an hour. You can make it a day ahead of time and just heat it up in the oven (while the turkey's resting) before serving. We loved this, next time we may want to add maybe half a cup of toasted walnuts or pecans. Thanks Heidi H of Carlisle, MA for the recipe!
Butternut Squash Apple Cranberry Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 large tart cooking apples cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup (half a stick) butter
1 Tbsp flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mace (can substitute ground nutmeg)
Method
1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice and peel squash and apples.
2 Put squash cubes in ungreased 7x11-inch baking dish.
Place apples on top and then cranberries.
Mix the flour, salt, sugar, and mace and sprinkle on top.
Dot with butter.
Bake 50-60 minutes.
Serves 8.
Thank you Elise! www.elise.com
There are two approaches to holiday cooking - fancy and complicated, and simple and easy. (Guess which camp we're in?) Here is a colorful, simple harvest bake, with chopped butternut squash, tart apples, and cranberries. The hardest part is cutting up the butternut squash (it's a workout). But then all you have to do is put everything in a casserole and bake it in the oven for an hour. You can make it a day ahead of time and just heat it up in the oven (while the turkey's resting) before serving. We loved this, next time we may want to add maybe half a cup of toasted walnuts or pecans. Thanks Heidi H of Carlisle, MA for the recipe!
Butternut Squash Apple Cranberry Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 large tart cooking apples cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup (half a stick) butter
1 Tbsp flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mace (can substitute ground nutmeg)
Method
1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice and peel squash and apples.
2 Put squash cubes in ungreased 7x11-inch baking dish.
Place apples on top and then cranberries.
Mix the flour, salt, sugar, and mace and sprinkle on top.
Dot with butter.
Bake 50-60 minutes.
Serves 8.
Thank you Elise! www.elise.com
Monday, November 3, 2008
START PLANNING NOW!
It's never too early to plan something special for thanksgiving diner. Over the next couple of weeks I will bring you a few recipes that just might make this year a little more memorable.
If you are looking for a special pie for the holidays, this is it - a light pumpkin pie with beaten egg whites folded into the pumpkin custard, spiked with rum, set in a gingersnap cookie crust, and covered with whipped cream. The recipe comes from my friend Heidi who pulled it from the Boston Globe a few years ago. And as they say in New England, it's wicked good.
Chiffon Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
Crust:2 cups crushed gingersnaps (several pulses in a food processor)1/3 cup sugar1/4 teaspoon ground ginger6 Tbsp butter, melted
Filling:1 envelope gelatin
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs, separated (or 3 egg yolks and enough egg white substitute for 3 egg whites)
2 Tbsp rum (note original recipe called for 1/2 cup of rum, but I and several others think it's a bit much)
1/4 cup granulated sugarPurée made from 1/2 of one medium sugar pumpkin*
(1 3/4 cups)1 cup heavy cream, softly whipped (for topping)
Extra crushed gingersnaps (for garnish)
Method:
Crust:Set the oven at 325°F.
Have on hand a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Butter it lightly.
In a bowl, combine the crushed gingersnaps, sugar, ginger, and butter.
Press the mixture into the pie plate with the back of a spoon, making the top edge even all around.
Bake the crust for 8-15 minutes, until it is lightly browned (baking time depends on the oven and on the type of pie dish you are using - a ceramic dish will take longer because it takes longer to heat up).
Filling:
In a heavy-based saucepan, combine the gelatin, brown sugar, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, milk, and egg yolks. Stir thoroughly.
Set the pan over medium heat and cook gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. Do not let it boil!
Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool.
Add the pumpkin purée and the rum.
Refrigerate the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to form mounds.
In an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and granulated sugar until the form stiff peaks.
Stir a few spoonfuls of the egg whites into the pumpkin mixture, then fold in the remaining whites. (If you are concerned about eating raw egg whites, use egg white substitute, dried egg whites, that you can find in the grocery store.)
Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Refrigerate for several hours.
Just before serving, spoon the whipped cream onto the filling and garnish with crushed ginger snaps. Cut the pie into wedges.
Makes one deep 9-inch pie.
*To make pumpkin purée, cut a sugar pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, lie face down on a tin-foil lined baking pan.
Bake at 350°F until soft, about 45 min to an hour. Cool, scoop out the flesh.
Freeze whatever you don't use for future use.
Enjoy!
If you are looking for a special pie for the holidays, this is it - a light pumpkin pie with beaten egg whites folded into the pumpkin custard, spiked with rum, set in a gingersnap cookie crust, and covered with whipped cream. The recipe comes from my friend Heidi who pulled it from the Boston Globe a few years ago. And as they say in New England, it's wicked good.
Chiffon Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
Crust:2 cups crushed gingersnaps (several pulses in a food processor)1/3 cup sugar1/4 teaspoon ground ginger6 Tbsp butter, melted
Filling:1 envelope gelatin
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs, separated (or 3 egg yolks and enough egg white substitute for 3 egg whites)
2 Tbsp rum (note original recipe called for 1/2 cup of rum, but I and several others think it's a bit much)
1/4 cup granulated sugarPurée made from 1/2 of one medium sugar pumpkin*
(1 3/4 cups)1 cup heavy cream, softly whipped (for topping)
Extra crushed gingersnaps (for garnish)
Method:
Crust:Set the oven at 325°F.
Have on hand a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Butter it lightly.
In a bowl, combine the crushed gingersnaps, sugar, ginger, and butter.
Press the mixture into the pie plate with the back of a spoon, making the top edge even all around.
Bake the crust for 8-15 minutes, until it is lightly browned (baking time depends on the oven and on the type of pie dish you are using - a ceramic dish will take longer because it takes longer to heat up).
Filling:
In a heavy-based saucepan, combine the gelatin, brown sugar, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, milk, and egg yolks. Stir thoroughly.
Set the pan over medium heat and cook gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. Do not let it boil!
Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool.
Add the pumpkin purée and the rum.
Refrigerate the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to form mounds.
In an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and granulated sugar until the form stiff peaks.
Stir a few spoonfuls of the egg whites into the pumpkin mixture, then fold in the remaining whites. (If you are concerned about eating raw egg whites, use egg white substitute, dried egg whites, that you can find in the grocery store.)
Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Refrigerate for several hours.
Just before serving, spoon the whipped cream onto the filling and garnish with crushed ginger snaps. Cut the pie into wedges.
Makes one deep 9-inch pie.
*To make pumpkin purée, cut a sugar pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, lie face down on a tin-foil lined baking pan.
Bake at 350°F until soft, about 45 min to an hour. Cool, scoop out the flesh.
Freeze whatever you don't use for future use.
Enjoy!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
know both sides- keep informed!
In an effort to make everyone aware of all aspects of important issues in an unbiased manor, I am posting this email I received from Scratch Golf today.
Dear Friend of Jacaranda Golf Club,
The attached article, South Florida Courses Face Financial Hazards, appears in the October edition of The Tee Times, a South Florida golfing news publication. The article quotes several area golf course owners and managers regarding unfair competitive advantages that municipal courses enjoy over privately owned courses (bold added).
Faced with unfair competition from City of Plantation-owned Plantation Preserve municipal golf course, Jacaranda Golf Club has proposed adding new upscale residences to our golf course property. These new residences, spread over 5 new buildings and townhomes, will enhance the Jacaranda community and provide needed revenues to preserve and protect our golf course lifestyle.
If you have not done so already, please help support our efforts by logging onto our website at http://www.PreserveJacaranda.com and send a pre-written email of support to local elected officials.
Thank you for your support,
Brent Bender
General Manager/Director of Golf, Jacaranda Golf Club
*********************************************************************************
S. FLORIDA COURSES FACE FINANCIAL HAZARDS
By Nick Pugliese
John Francis has seen the future of public-course golf in South Florida and he doesn’t like what he sees.“In 10 years, it will be all municipal courses. The independent guys will be all gone,” said Francis, one of those independent guys as the owner of Sunrise Country Club.
“We’re trying to survive,” he said. “Talking long-term, how much longer can you continue to keep greens fees the same? We lowered our fees this summer in light of everything. The consumers are facing the same pressures we are – rising food prices, electric bills, insurance. We took a chance and it worked for us. It does not work when you say it’s a long-term solution.“We’re kind of plugging the leaky dike and running out of fingers. I don’t want to sound negative. I love golf and don’t regret for a moment being in this business. But, like they say, if there is light at the end of the tunnel, it’s another train coming.”
Francis is not alone in his assessment of the turbulent economic state of golf in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, especially when it comes to privately held public courses.
An economy that continues to miss the green, changing demographics, aging courses, higher insurance premiums, water restrictions and ever-rising property taxes are hurting those courses. Meanwhile, greens fees remain static.
The tax issue is a particular sore spot because municipal courses do not pay property taxes.“We have 600 acres and two clubhouses, and we have averaged 10 to 12 percent increases in property taxes for the last 10 years in a row,” said Rick Weber, general manager of Palm-Aire Country Club. “Last year, the taxes on the Oaks course went up 50 percent. We’ve already received our trim [property tax] notices and it’s up another 30 percent. They are lowering property taxes for homeowners and hammering businesses. There is no relief.”Weber and Francis both have sought breaks from the Broward County Commission and the county’s tax department to no avail. Francis said he was disappointed that the United States of America would allow a local government to compete against a small business while giving the former an unfair advantage.“I had an $18,000 raise in property taxes in one year; they are paying not a penny,” Francis said. “I’m willing to accept the risk of running a small business, but it would be nice to have a level playing field. I work awfully hard. I’ve been a PGA pro for 30 years. This has been a lifelong dream. I share the same feelings with a lot of other owners.”Two other factors hurting all courses in South Florida are higher insurance premiums and water restrictions.
Weber said he cannot get insurance for wind-storm damage and his rates keep rising. Francis said his course had a 45 percent water reduction in January and the rest of the year hasn’t been much better.“The course is 50 years old and if you can’t water, it’s awfully hard to maintain the grass we have,” he said.
According to a recent survey by Golf Magazine, the most important element for a golfer was not price, location or difficulty of the course, but the condition of the tees, fairways and greens.
That’s one reason Okeeheelee Golf Course in West Palm Beach renovated 18 greens this summer at a cost of $180,000 and West Palm Beach Country Club is planning a major restoration in 2009.“When you are looking at how to drive golfers to your course, the No. 1 reason is how are the greens,” said Elise Gentile, manager at Okeeheelee. “In non-peak times, we have to create incentives for golfers to come back. We’re always thinking about putting money back into the course. We renovated all of our bunkers last year and the greens this year. We’ll update the clubhouse down the road.”
According to Johnny LaPonzina, whose company, Professional Course Management, oversees four South Florida courses, you have to spend money to make money. Pembroke Lakes Golf Course revenue is up more than $700,000 after undergoing a $6 million renovation and re-opening in December 2007. Another PCM-managed course, Miami Beach Golf Club, underwent a $10 million renovation and its revenues are up $2 million over the last several years.
“Those courses are doing fabulous because they made the investment and they’re reaping the benefits despite the economy,” LaPonzina said.
LaPonzina said it’s particularly prudent for the older courses, many losing golfers due to changing demographics and neighborhoods, to modernize their facilities, which often have aging clubhouses and antiquated irrigation systems. “If you make an investment, it’s a windfall,” he said.
Francis said it’s not that simple.“Spending money to make money is fine, but you are going to have to charge $50 for greens fees rather than $35 and people will not pay that,” he said.
All of the golf managers agree a key to survival is attracting new golfers. One of the programs that apparently has been succeeding is the discount golf cards that cover greens fees at numerous courses over a period of time.
Sales of the South Florida PGA GolfPass are up 21 percent compared with the same time in 2007, according to Andrea LaBlanc, senior director of marketing and communications for the organization.
“Any kind of program like the Golf Pass is good for consumers because they can see the value and it can help drive meaningful business to facilities,” she said.
PCM’s Premier Card, which cost $225 to play any of 18 courses for six months, has seen an increase in sales of 25 percent for five consecutive years, including this year when 5,400 cards brought in more than $1 million. LaPonzina said the Premier Card is going to be offered year-round; for $250, greens fees will be free for seven months and reduced for the other five. It also will be accepted at several new venues, including some top resort and semi-private courses.“We need to grow the game of golf from the grass roots up,” LaPonzina said. “Not very many people can afford annual memberships. This is a pay-as-you-play plan.”LaPonzina also has come up with other ideas to promote golf, including the formation of the Dade-Broward Public Golf Course Association. That group includes a marketing committee and a Canadian golf pass committee “to try to attract more Canadians” to play golf when they are in South Florida.
Canadian golfers helped Francis’ Sunrise course post its best winter with rounds up 10-15 percent from the year before.“The Canadian dollar was much stronger,” he said.
Still, Francis and the others see more and more courses struggling and closing as the years pass. LaPonzina laments that about 20 courses in Dade and Broward counties have closed during the past five years and 75 to 80 percent of the public courses are reporting declining revenues and rounds.“Over the next three to five years, we’ll probably have another 10 or 12 courses closing down because they can’t make it economically,” LaPonzina said. “Ultimately, if they keep closing down and shrinking the inventory, it may stabilize some of those losses. “That’s a hell of a way to grow your business, by having courses shut down.”
Gentile has noticed a slight decline in golfers at Okeeheelee during the week. “The regular golfers are coming out once a week instead of two or three times,” she said. “It’s not our product. It’s the economy.”
Weber, who has seen the number of golfers continue to drop for Palm-Aire’s many corporate, charitable and civic tournaments, remains hopeful that privately owned public course golf has a future in South Florida.“If I wasn’t hopeful, they got the wrong guy,” he said. “Everyone has to tighten their belt because we cannot cut back on services or conditions of the golf course. You get a downward spiral, conditions get worse and you start charging less to attract people. We can’t get in that cycle.”Send e-mail to LH@teetimesnews.com or call (954) 607-6325 to comment on this article.
Dear Friend of Jacaranda Golf Club,
The attached article, South Florida Courses Face Financial Hazards, appears in the October edition of The Tee Times, a South Florida golfing news publication. The article quotes several area golf course owners and managers regarding unfair competitive advantages that municipal courses enjoy over privately owned courses (bold added).
Faced with unfair competition from City of Plantation-owned Plantation Preserve municipal golf course, Jacaranda Golf Club has proposed adding new upscale residences to our golf course property. These new residences, spread over 5 new buildings and townhomes, will enhance the Jacaranda community and provide needed revenues to preserve and protect our golf course lifestyle.
If you have not done so already, please help support our efforts by logging onto our website at http://www.PreserveJacaranda.com and send a pre-written email of support to local elected officials.
Thank you for your support,
Brent Bender
General Manager/Director of Golf, Jacaranda Golf Club
*********************************************************************************
S. FLORIDA COURSES FACE FINANCIAL HAZARDS
By Nick Pugliese
John Francis has seen the future of public-course golf in South Florida and he doesn’t like what he sees.“In 10 years, it will be all municipal courses. The independent guys will be all gone,” said Francis, one of those independent guys as the owner of Sunrise Country Club.
“We’re trying to survive,” he said. “Talking long-term, how much longer can you continue to keep greens fees the same? We lowered our fees this summer in light of everything. The consumers are facing the same pressures we are – rising food prices, electric bills, insurance. We took a chance and it worked for us. It does not work when you say it’s a long-term solution.“We’re kind of plugging the leaky dike and running out of fingers. I don’t want to sound negative. I love golf and don’t regret for a moment being in this business. But, like they say, if there is light at the end of the tunnel, it’s another train coming.”
Francis is not alone in his assessment of the turbulent economic state of golf in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, especially when it comes to privately held public courses.
An economy that continues to miss the green, changing demographics, aging courses, higher insurance premiums, water restrictions and ever-rising property taxes are hurting those courses. Meanwhile, greens fees remain static.
The tax issue is a particular sore spot because municipal courses do not pay property taxes.“We have 600 acres and two clubhouses, and we have averaged 10 to 12 percent increases in property taxes for the last 10 years in a row,” said Rick Weber, general manager of Palm-Aire Country Club. “Last year, the taxes on the Oaks course went up 50 percent. We’ve already received our trim [property tax] notices and it’s up another 30 percent. They are lowering property taxes for homeowners and hammering businesses. There is no relief.”Weber and Francis both have sought breaks from the Broward County Commission and the county’s tax department to no avail. Francis said he was disappointed that the United States of America would allow a local government to compete against a small business while giving the former an unfair advantage.“I had an $18,000 raise in property taxes in one year; they are paying not a penny,” Francis said. “I’m willing to accept the risk of running a small business, but it would be nice to have a level playing field. I work awfully hard. I’ve been a PGA pro for 30 years. This has been a lifelong dream. I share the same feelings with a lot of other owners.”Two other factors hurting all courses in South Florida are higher insurance premiums and water restrictions.
Weber said he cannot get insurance for wind-storm damage and his rates keep rising. Francis said his course had a 45 percent water reduction in January and the rest of the year hasn’t been much better.“The course is 50 years old and if you can’t water, it’s awfully hard to maintain the grass we have,” he said.
According to a recent survey by Golf Magazine, the most important element for a golfer was not price, location or difficulty of the course, but the condition of the tees, fairways and greens.
That’s one reason Okeeheelee Golf Course in West Palm Beach renovated 18 greens this summer at a cost of $180,000 and West Palm Beach Country Club is planning a major restoration in 2009.“When you are looking at how to drive golfers to your course, the No. 1 reason is how are the greens,” said Elise Gentile, manager at Okeeheelee. “In non-peak times, we have to create incentives for golfers to come back. We’re always thinking about putting money back into the course. We renovated all of our bunkers last year and the greens this year. We’ll update the clubhouse down the road.”
According to Johnny LaPonzina, whose company, Professional Course Management, oversees four South Florida courses, you have to spend money to make money. Pembroke Lakes Golf Course revenue is up more than $700,000 after undergoing a $6 million renovation and re-opening in December 2007. Another PCM-managed course, Miami Beach Golf Club, underwent a $10 million renovation and its revenues are up $2 million over the last several years.
“Those courses are doing fabulous because they made the investment and they’re reaping the benefits despite the economy,” LaPonzina said.
LaPonzina said it’s particularly prudent for the older courses, many losing golfers due to changing demographics and neighborhoods, to modernize their facilities, which often have aging clubhouses and antiquated irrigation systems. “If you make an investment, it’s a windfall,” he said.
Francis said it’s not that simple.“Spending money to make money is fine, but you are going to have to charge $50 for greens fees rather than $35 and people will not pay that,” he said.
All of the golf managers agree a key to survival is attracting new golfers. One of the programs that apparently has been succeeding is the discount golf cards that cover greens fees at numerous courses over a period of time.
Sales of the South Florida PGA GolfPass are up 21 percent compared with the same time in 2007, according to Andrea LaBlanc, senior director of marketing and communications for the organization.
“Any kind of program like the Golf Pass is good for consumers because they can see the value and it can help drive meaningful business to facilities,” she said.
PCM’s Premier Card, which cost $225 to play any of 18 courses for six months, has seen an increase in sales of 25 percent for five consecutive years, including this year when 5,400 cards brought in more than $1 million. LaPonzina said the Premier Card is going to be offered year-round; for $250, greens fees will be free for seven months and reduced for the other five. It also will be accepted at several new venues, including some top resort and semi-private courses.“We need to grow the game of golf from the grass roots up,” LaPonzina said. “Not very many people can afford annual memberships. This is a pay-as-you-play plan.”LaPonzina also has come up with other ideas to promote golf, including the formation of the Dade-Broward Public Golf Course Association. That group includes a marketing committee and a Canadian golf pass committee “to try to attract more Canadians” to play golf when they are in South Florida.
Canadian golfers helped Francis’ Sunrise course post its best winter with rounds up 10-15 percent from the year before.“The Canadian dollar was much stronger,” he said.
Still, Francis and the others see more and more courses struggling and closing as the years pass. LaPonzina laments that about 20 courses in Dade and Broward counties have closed during the past five years and 75 to 80 percent of the public courses are reporting declining revenues and rounds.“Over the next three to five years, we’ll probably have another 10 or 12 courses closing down because they can’t make it economically,” LaPonzina said. “Ultimately, if they keep closing down and shrinking the inventory, it may stabilize some of those losses. “That’s a hell of a way to grow your business, by having courses shut down.”
Gentile has noticed a slight decline in golfers at Okeeheelee during the week. “The regular golfers are coming out once a week instead of two or three times,” she said. “It’s not our product. It’s the economy.”
Weber, who has seen the number of golfers continue to drop for Palm-Aire’s many corporate, charitable and civic tournaments, remains hopeful that privately owned public course golf has a future in South Florida.“If I wasn’t hopeful, they got the wrong guy,” he said. “Everyone has to tighten their belt because we cannot cut back on services or conditions of the golf course. You get a downward spiral, conditions get worse and you start charging less to attract people. We can’t get in that cycle.”Send e-mail to LH@teetimesnews.com or call (954) 607-6325 to comment on this article.
Monday, September 22, 2008
More Easy Fixins
Let me know if there is a certain type of recipe you would like to see more of. I'm not even sure you like recipes at all. I could post them more often or not at all. If you would prefere, I could list my private political views, or prayers, or dirty jokes...just kidding!
Here is an easy one for you.
Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound top sirloin or chuck steaks (about 1/2 inch thick), trimmed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large garlic clove, minced
Olive oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil
2 medium bell peppers, one red, one green, sliced into 1/4-inch strips
1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced lengthwise (root to top)
A dozen cherry tomatoes, cut in half, or one large tomato, roughly chopped
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Method
1) Season the steaks with salt and pepper and rub minced garlic over them, both sides.
Place the steaks between two sheets of plastic wrap.
With a meat pounder, pound the steaks to a 1/4 inch thickness.
Let the steaks sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavor of the garlic.
Then cut them across the grain in 1/2-inch wide strips.
2) While the steak is sitting, heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet on medium high to high heat.
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cook, stirring, until just barely tender, about 1-2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Remove the vegetables from the pan to a bowl and keep warm.
3) Heat an additional 2 Tbsp of oil in the skillet on medium high to high heat, until the oil is shimmering, but not smoking.
Add the strips of beef let the beef brown initially, without stirring, but as soon as it is brown on at least one side, then stir.
Cook for no more than a minute (for rare).
Add the vegetables and Worcestershire and cook for a half minute longer, stirring.
Remove from heat.
Serve alone (low carb), or with steamed rice.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Serves 4.
Here is an easy one for you.
Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound top sirloin or chuck steaks (about 1/2 inch thick), trimmed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large garlic clove, minced
Olive oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil
2 medium bell peppers, one red, one green, sliced into 1/4-inch strips
1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced lengthwise (root to top)
A dozen cherry tomatoes, cut in half, or one large tomato, roughly chopped
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Method
1) Season the steaks with salt and pepper and rub minced garlic over them, both sides.
Place the steaks between two sheets of plastic wrap.
With a meat pounder, pound the steaks to a 1/4 inch thickness.
Let the steaks sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavor of the garlic.
Then cut them across the grain in 1/2-inch wide strips.
2) While the steak is sitting, heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet on medium high to high heat.
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cook, stirring, until just barely tender, about 1-2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Remove the vegetables from the pan to a bowl and keep warm.
3) Heat an additional 2 Tbsp of oil in the skillet on medium high to high heat, until the oil is shimmering, but not smoking.
Add the strips of beef let the beef brown initially, without stirring, but as soon as it is brown on at least one side, then stir.
Cook for no more than a minute (for rare).
Add the vegetables and Worcestershire and cook for a half minute longer, stirring.
Remove from heat.
Serve alone (low carb), or with steamed rice.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Serves 4.
Friday, August 29, 2008
American Chop Suey
Forget about chinese. This has nothing to do with Chinese food.
Growing up in Northern New England, along with Baked Beans on Saturday night, American Chop Suey was a popular favorite (but not on Saturday- that was bean night). I still like it today and yes, it's one of those dishes that never gets wasted because it tastes better the next day. We sometimes make a large batch and freeze portions. Try it once and you'll be hooked. Don't be afraid to experiment. I even add alittle maple syrup to the mix!
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 spanish onion -finely chopped
1 large green bell pepper cored, seeded, and chopped
2 cloves garlic -- finely chopped
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 can (28 ounce size) whole tomatoes with their juices
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
salt and black pepper -- to taste
1 pound macaroni, ziti, or penne
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese!
Directions:
In a large, flameproof casserole, heat the oil. When it is hot, cook the onion and green pepper over medium heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until the vegetables soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for half a minute. Add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the meat loses its pink color. Tip the pan and spoon off any fat. Add the tomatoes and their liquid to the meat mixture. Stir in the tomato paste, water, oregano, red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pan and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a soup pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, ziti, or penne and stir well. Cook the pasta for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until it is tender but still has some bite. Drain the pasta into a colander and stir it into the meat sauce. Spoon into deep bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve at once.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 742 Calories; 37g Fat (45.8% calories from fat); 37g Protein; 62g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 114mg Cholesterol; 155mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 1/2 Grain(Starch); 4 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 5 Fat.
This recipe from CDKitchen for American Chop Suey serves/makes 6
Growing up in Northern New England, along with Baked Beans on Saturday night, American Chop Suey was a popular favorite (but not on Saturday- that was bean night). I still like it today and yes, it's one of those dishes that never gets wasted because it tastes better the next day. We sometimes make a large batch and freeze portions. Try it once and you'll be hooked. Don't be afraid to experiment. I even add alittle maple syrup to the mix!
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 spanish onion -finely chopped
1 large green bell pepper cored, seeded, and chopped
2 cloves garlic -- finely chopped
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 can (28 ounce size) whole tomatoes with their juices
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
salt and black pepper -- to taste
1 pound macaroni, ziti, or penne
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese!
Directions:
In a large, flameproof casserole, heat the oil. When it is hot, cook the onion and green pepper over medium heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until the vegetables soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for half a minute. Add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the meat loses its pink color. Tip the pan and spoon off any fat. Add the tomatoes and their liquid to the meat mixture. Stir in the tomato paste, water, oregano, red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pan and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a soup pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, ziti, or penne and stir well. Cook the pasta for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until it is tender but still has some bite. Drain the pasta into a colander and stir it into the meat sauce. Spoon into deep bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve at once.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 742 Calories; 37g Fat (45.8% calories from fat); 37g Protein; 62g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 114mg Cholesterol; 155mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 1/2 Grain(Starch); 4 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 5 Fat.
This recipe from CDKitchen for American Chop Suey serves/makes 6
Monday, August 18, 2008
Hey get in the kitchen!
Not very many residents seem to get very enthused about Real Estate blogs, so I thought I would try something new. Each week I will post a new recipe and see how that works!
This weeks' comes from Elise. She can be found at www.elise.com/recipes
Peach Cobbler Recipe
Use ripe, sweet, flavorful, firm peaches. The cobbler will only be as good as the fruit going into it, so taste test your fruit first. The best peaches to use with this recipe are yellow peaches. White peaches, although delicious on their own, are too delicate and don't hold their flavor as well as the yellow when cooked.
Preparation and cooking time: 1 1/2 hours.
Ingredients:
4 lbs of ripe yellow peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced into 1/2 inch thick wedges
1 cup sugar, divided 2/3 cup and 1/3 cup
1/2 cup quick cooking (instant) tapioca
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup (6 oz) butter, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
2/3 cup whipping cream
Method
1 In a large bowl, mix peaches, 2/3 cup sugar, and the tapioca, lemon peel, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let stand at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes to soften the tapioca, stirring several times.
2 In another bowl, combine flour with remaining 1/3 cup sugar, the baking powder, and nutmeg. With a pastry blender or your fingers, incorporate butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cream and stir just until dough holds together.
3 In a buttered shallow 2 1/2 to 3 quart baking dish, spread fruit level. Using your hands, crumble dough evenly over fruit.
4 Bake in 350°F oven until fruit mixture bubbles in center and topping is golden brown, 50-60 minutes.
Delicious with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Serves 8.
This weeks' comes from Elise. She can be found at www.elise.com/recipes
Peach Cobbler Recipe
Use ripe, sweet, flavorful, firm peaches. The cobbler will only be as good as the fruit going into it, so taste test your fruit first. The best peaches to use with this recipe are yellow peaches. White peaches, although delicious on their own, are too delicate and don't hold their flavor as well as the yellow when cooked.
Preparation and cooking time: 1 1/2 hours.
Ingredients:
4 lbs of ripe yellow peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced into 1/2 inch thick wedges
1 cup sugar, divided 2/3 cup and 1/3 cup
1/2 cup quick cooking (instant) tapioca
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup (6 oz) butter, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
2/3 cup whipping cream
Method
1 In a large bowl, mix peaches, 2/3 cup sugar, and the tapioca, lemon peel, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let stand at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes to soften the tapioca, stirring several times.
2 In another bowl, combine flour with remaining 1/3 cup sugar, the baking powder, and nutmeg. With a pastry blender or your fingers, incorporate butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cream and stir just until dough holds together.
3 In a buttered shallow 2 1/2 to 3 quart baking dish, spread fruit level. Using your hands, crumble dough evenly over fruit.
4 Bake in 350°F oven until fruit mixture bubbles in center and topping is golden brown, 50-60 minutes.
Delicious with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Serves 8.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Scratch Golf
Recently I was contacted by a consultant for Scratch Golf. He asked me if I would display their web address and or say some things about the project. As I have always said, anyone can use this medium if it concerns or is of interest to the community. That being said, I told him that he is free to comment below. (as are all of you)!
Friday, June 27, 2008
How Bleak is it?
Are homes selling? Yes, but below market value and that's a moving target. It's tough to sell, but it's a great time to buy!
In our area ( South of Broward, North of 595, and West of University) home sales were as follows:
For Sale 110
Under Contract 4
Closed 3
The average days on market was: 232
The average sold price was: 839,000
The median sale price was: 533,000
For Multi Family Homes-
For Sale: 86
Under Contract: 1
Closed: 4
Average days on market: 241
Average sold price: 205,000
Median sold Price: 191,000
In general Single family homes are selling for about 92% of the asking price and multi family homes are selling for about 95% of their asking price.
I hope you have a wonderful summer!
In our area ( South of Broward, North of 595, and West of University) home sales were as follows:
For Sale 110
Under Contract 4
Closed 3
The average days on market was: 232
The average sold price was: 839,000
The median sale price was: 533,000
For Multi Family Homes-
For Sale: 86
Under Contract: 1
Closed: 4
Average days on market: 241
Average sold price: 205,000
Median sold Price: 191,000
In general Single family homes are selling for about 92% of the asking price and multi family homes are selling for about 95% of their asking price.
I hope you have a wonderful summer!
Friday, May 30, 2008
What's your opinion?
Only 2 homes have closed in '08 in the Country Club? How much does our local economy have to do with it?
Here's what our legislators think.
Both represent parts of Broward County. Both are members of the state Senate. And both spent the same 60-day legislative session in Tallahassee.
But state Sen. Jeremy Ring, D- Parkland, and state Sen. Jeff Atwater, R- North Palm Beach, who represents much of coastal Broward, have far different assessments of the session that wrapped up early this month.
Overriding everything at the session was the state budget. The spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1 is $66.2 billion, about $7 billion less than the state budget passed a year ago."We could have closed the gap. Tallahassee didn't have the political will to close the gap this year because it's an election year," Ring said recently to a largely Democratic crowd at Kings Point in Tamarac. "During the difficult times, the government has to step up."
Atwater, speaking to the Broward Republican Party, said the Legislature did just what it should in tough economic times."I have read the thousands of e-mails coming from Floridians who work across all the job sectors that you can imagine. The painter is painting fewer houses. The carpet layer is laying fewer carpets. The car salesman is selling fewer cars," he said."And all are asking for a common request at this time: Please allow me to maintain the resources that I have for the needs of my small business or the needs of my family," Atwater said. He said the Legislature "carefully tried" to honor that demand from the public.
Ring acknowledged the impact of the poor economy. "The budget crisis is real. That money is not there."But he disagrees with the approach outlined by Atwater.
He said the Republican majority should have been willing to consider ways to bring in more money.
Raising the cigarette tax $1 a pack, an idea sponsored by two Broward legislators — state Rep. Jim Waldman, D- Coconut Creek, and state Sen. Ted Deutch, D- Boca Raton — would have added $1 billion; taxing Internet sales would have brought in $3 billion, and eliminating loopholes in the state sales tax would have added almost $1 billion, Ring said.
Both senators said some good non-budget policy emerged from the session.
Ring said passing energy legislation was positive. And he cited the failure of several proposals — requiring women contemplating abortions to first have an ultrasound of the fetus, allowing the possibility of teaching intelligent design, and allowing an "I believe" Christian license plate.
Atwater praised measures designed to provide low-cost health insurance and to push insurance companies to pay claims more promptly.
Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4550
Let's hear from you.
Here's what our legislators think.
Both represent parts of Broward County. Both are members of the state Senate. And both spent the same 60-day legislative session in Tallahassee.
But state Sen. Jeremy Ring, D- Parkland, and state Sen. Jeff Atwater, R- North Palm Beach, who represents much of coastal Broward, have far different assessments of the session that wrapped up early this month.
Overriding everything at the session was the state budget. The spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1 is $66.2 billion, about $7 billion less than the state budget passed a year ago."We could have closed the gap. Tallahassee didn't have the political will to close the gap this year because it's an election year," Ring said recently to a largely Democratic crowd at Kings Point in Tamarac. "During the difficult times, the government has to step up."
Atwater, speaking to the Broward Republican Party, said the Legislature did just what it should in tough economic times."I have read the thousands of e-mails coming from Floridians who work across all the job sectors that you can imagine. The painter is painting fewer houses. The carpet layer is laying fewer carpets. The car salesman is selling fewer cars," he said."And all are asking for a common request at this time: Please allow me to maintain the resources that I have for the needs of my small business or the needs of my family," Atwater said. He said the Legislature "carefully tried" to honor that demand from the public.
Ring acknowledged the impact of the poor economy. "The budget crisis is real. That money is not there."But he disagrees with the approach outlined by Atwater.
He said the Republican majority should have been willing to consider ways to bring in more money.
Raising the cigarette tax $1 a pack, an idea sponsored by two Broward legislators — state Rep. Jim Waldman, D- Coconut Creek, and state Sen. Ted Deutch, D- Boca Raton — would have added $1 billion; taxing Internet sales would have brought in $3 billion, and eliminating loopholes in the state sales tax would have added almost $1 billion, Ring said.
Both senators said some good non-budget policy emerged from the session.
Ring said passing energy legislation was positive. And he cited the failure of several proposals — requiring women contemplating abortions to first have an ultrasound of the fetus, allowing the possibility of teaching intelligent design, and allowing an "I believe" Christian license plate.
Atwater praised measures designed to provide low-cost health insurance and to push insurance companies to pay claims more promptly.
Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4550
Let's hear from you.
Monday, May 5, 2008
I can't hear you!
Let's hear it!
Got something on your mind? Spill it out here. Any one can comment and you don't have to identify yourself.
Two weeks ago a gentleman from a marketing company that represents Scratch Golf called me. He wanted my help in promoting the re-zoning effort. I explained that I didn't want to take sides and that I was supposed to be neutral. I did tell him however, that he would be free to add his comments here on the blog. He never did.
I also had some calls from residents about the condition some people keep their property in. (or don't). I posted a blog about that, but no one commented.
I have also made it clear that you can make announcements (birth, birthday, marriage, or whatever) here.
OK! Enough of that. Real Estate. Whats happening in the Country Club? In the past 12 months 17 homes have closed. None in 2008! 3 are now pending and there are 53 for sale. This does not count For Sale by Owners.
Prices are still falling (mostly because they were overpriced to begin with). I don't look for price improvement until the excess inventory is gone and that may be a year or more away.
That's just my opinion. What's yours?
Got something on your mind? Spill it out here. Any one can comment and you don't have to identify yourself.
Two weeks ago a gentleman from a marketing company that represents Scratch Golf called me. He wanted my help in promoting the re-zoning effort. I explained that I didn't want to take sides and that I was supposed to be neutral. I did tell him however, that he would be free to add his comments here on the blog. He never did.
I also had some calls from residents about the condition some people keep their property in. (or don't). I posted a blog about that, but no one commented.
I have also made it clear that you can make announcements (birth, birthday, marriage, or whatever) here.
OK! Enough of that. Real Estate. Whats happening in the Country Club? In the past 12 months 17 homes have closed. None in 2008! 3 are now pending and there are 53 for sale. This does not count For Sale by Owners.
Prices are still falling (mostly because they were overpriced to begin with). I don't look for price improvement until the excess inventory is gone and that may be a year or more away.
That's just my opinion. What's yours?
Friday, March 28, 2008
The Hood!
I was recently asked what I think of the direction of the neighborhood (appearance-wise). I was asked because I have been in many of the homes here, sold more than 40, and owned two for nearly twenty years.
What would your answer be?
I have several opinions. First of all, driving through the country club is a pleasure. To a stranger it looks awesome. That makes property values go up and even if you're not thinking of selling, increased desirability for the neighborhood is good.
Next, I would have to say that the majority of people moving in tend to improve their homes both inside and out. That's good. It's rejuvenation.
The long time residents for the most part have kept the area looking good and show pride.
What about the few that run against the grain? The ones that make you wish your guests could arrive via a different route! They seem not to care what others think of them selves or they just don't consider their neighbors' right to enjoy their environment.
Country Club residents value their freedom. Rules and covenants are minor, architectural committees are near non-existent. It is the opposite of Hawks Landing and Jacaranda folks prefer it that way.
On the other hand, in Hawks one is not ashamed of their neighbor.
So what is the answer? You can't just start up an HOA or if you already have one, make up new rules without consent. Are there rules already there that are not being enforced?
We would like to hear you opinion. You can post it here anonymously. But let's hear it.
What would your answer be?
I have several opinions. First of all, driving through the country club is a pleasure. To a stranger it looks awesome. That makes property values go up and even if you're not thinking of selling, increased desirability for the neighborhood is good.
Next, I would have to say that the majority of people moving in tend to improve their homes both inside and out. That's good. It's rejuvenation.
The long time residents for the most part have kept the area looking good and show pride.
What about the few that run against the grain? The ones that make you wish your guests could arrive via a different route! They seem not to care what others think of them selves or they just don't consider their neighbors' right to enjoy their environment.
Country Club residents value their freedom. Rules and covenants are minor, architectural committees are near non-existent. It is the opposite of Hawks Landing and Jacaranda folks prefer it that way.
On the other hand, in Hawks one is not ashamed of their neighbor.
So what is the answer? You can't just start up an HOA or if you already have one, make up new rules without consent. Are there rules already there that are not being enforced?
We would like to hear you opinion. You can post it here anonymously. But let's hear it.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
No Re-Zone - Winners!
Congratulations to all who stood up and fought. Solidarity wins again. A special thanks goes out from everone to those who championed the cause.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Plantation rejects 230 condos at Jacaranda Country Club golf course
BY ROBIN BENEDICK
Sun-Sentinel.com
1:51 PM EDT, March 12, 2008
PLANTATION
The city's planning and zoning board unanimously rejected a request to put about 230 condos at the Jacaranda Country Club golf course on Tuesday night but neighbors said Wednesday their battle may not be over.
The board voted 7-0 to reject a land-use amendment that would have allowed multifamily units to be built in the heart of the 36-hole, semi-private golf course that surrounds an upscale neighborhood of single-family homes. The vote is a recommendation to the city council, which will consider the amendment at a future meeting.
About 300 people, many wearing red shirts to show their opposition to the development proposal, attended the meeting.
Some said the project would overwhelm the neighborhood, create traffic problems, lower property values and reduce open space. They fear Scratch Golf Co., the course's owner and applicant for the amendment change, will be back with a scaled-down proposal. They vowed to fight any new plan.
"We're extremely satisfied with the board's vote, but we're expecting something else to come forward,'' said Elisabeth Small, an 11-year Jacaranda resident and representative of a nonprofit coalition of more than 2,000 homeowners formed to fight the development. "We don't think this belongs there. It's too intense for the character of our neighborhood.
''Bill Laystrom, a Fort Lauderdale lawyer representing Scratch, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Small said Laystrom showed plans at a meeting last Thursday for 229 units to be built in 20 buildings, half of them six stories tall and half four stories tall.
Plantation City Councilman Rico Petrocelli complimented homeowners on presenting a unified case to the board. "It's really about what the people in Jacaranda wanted for their whole community and that's what their wishes were,'' he said.
Mike Gimbel, who has lived in Jacaranda since 1989, said the prospect of development and the sea of red "no rezone'' signs dotting the neighborhood has prevented owners from being able to sell. He also said the development is planned in the wrong place. It should be at the edge of the property near Broward Boulevard and not in the heart of it, he said.
"They're basically telling us we've got to do away with our green space and once it's gone, it's gone,'' Gimbel said. "We all bought into a country club community. We didn't buy into a blue collar golf course.
''Robin Benedick can be reached at rbenedick@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7914. Copyright © 2008, South Florida Sun-Sentinel <http://www.sun-sentinel.com/>
Robin Benedick
South Florida Sun-Sentinel Staff Writer
Phone: 954-385-7914
Fax: 954-385-7979
E-mail: rbenedick@sun-sentinel.com
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Plantation rejects 230 condos at Jacaranda Country Club golf course
BY ROBIN BENEDICK
Sun-Sentinel.com
1:51 PM EDT, March 12, 2008
PLANTATION
The city's planning and zoning board unanimously rejected a request to put about 230 condos at the Jacaranda Country Club golf course on Tuesday night but neighbors said Wednesday their battle may not be over.
The board voted 7-0 to reject a land-use amendment that would have allowed multifamily units to be built in the heart of the 36-hole, semi-private golf course that surrounds an upscale neighborhood of single-family homes. The vote is a recommendation to the city council, which will consider the amendment at a future meeting.
About 300 people, many wearing red shirts to show their opposition to the development proposal, attended the meeting.
Some said the project would overwhelm the neighborhood, create traffic problems, lower property values and reduce open space. They fear Scratch Golf Co., the course's owner and applicant for the amendment change, will be back with a scaled-down proposal. They vowed to fight any new plan.
"We're extremely satisfied with the board's vote, but we're expecting something else to come forward,'' said Elisabeth Small, an 11-year Jacaranda resident and representative of a nonprofit coalition of more than 2,000 homeowners formed to fight the development. "We don't think this belongs there. It's too intense for the character of our neighborhood.
''Bill Laystrom, a Fort Lauderdale lawyer representing Scratch, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Small said Laystrom showed plans at a meeting last Thursday for 229 units to be built in 20 buildings, half of them six stories tall and half four stories tall.
Plantation City Councilman Rico Petrocelli complimented homeowners on presenting a unified case to the board. "It's really about what the people in Jacaranda wanted for their whole community and that's what their wishes were,'' he said.
Mike Gimbel, who has lived in Jacaranda since 1989, said the prospect of development and the sea of red "no rezone'' signs dotting the neighborhood has prevented owners from being able to sell. He also said the development is planned in the wrong place. It should be at the edge of the property near Broward Boulevard and not in the heart of it, he said.
"They're basically telling us we've got to do away with our green space and once it's gone, it's gone,'' Gimbel said. "We all bought into a country club community. We didn't buy into a blue collar golf course.
''Robin Benedick can be reached at rbenedick@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7914. Copyright © 2008, South Florida Sun-Sentinel <http://www.sun-sentinel.com/>
Robin Benedick
South Florida Sun-Sentinel Staff Writer
Phone: 954-385-7914
Fax: 954-385-7979
E-mail: rbenedick@sun-sentinel.com
Thursday, January 31, 2008
No Re-Zone
Well Amendment 1 passed! That's good and thanks for all who voted.
Now. ReZoning. There are 46 single family homes for sale in the Country Club. That's down from 60 something. The bad news is that most have just been taken off the market - not sold.
Price are still falling and your values are shrinking. One of the reasons is the hundreds of red "No Re-Zone" signs out there. Take them down.
There isn't a resident in here that is not aware of the situation. But the folks that are trying to sell their homes are being hurt because prospective buyers see the signs and see trouble. They don't know what it is all about, so they think the worst.
The problem has to be disclosed to them before they buy anyway, so removal of the signs doesn't hide anything and at least they might show interest.
I suggest the signs be put up once a month for a day or two or before a meeting, but to leave them up is just hurting values.
Please feel free to add your comments.....and don't forget to tell a neighbor about this site!
Now. ReZoning. There are 46 single family homes for sale in the Country Club. That's down from 60 something. The bad news is that most have just been taken off the market - not sold.
Price are still falling and your values are shrinking. One of the reasons is the hundreds of red "No Re-Zone" signs out there. Take them down.
There isn't a resident in here that is not aware of the situation. But the folks that are trying to sell their homes are being hurt because prospective buyers see the signs and see trouble. They don't know what it is all about, so they think the worst.
The problem has to be disclosed to them before they buy anyway, so removal of the signs doesn't hide anything and at least they might show interest.
I suggest the signs be put up once a month for a day or two or before a meeting, but to leave them up is just hurting values.
Please feel free to add your comments.....and don't forget to tell a neighbor about this site!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Take Action
Hello Jacaranda friends - thanks for stopping in.
Today I want to urge you to vote on the 29th. More important - vote yes on amendment one. We need a 60% yes to win. It is important. We all know that it is not the best possible solution, but it IS a step in the right direction and is far better than nothing. As always, your comments are welcome at the bottom ... and you can post anonymously!
The key components are:
Portability -Save our Homes-Homestead Exemption -10% Cap on non-Homestead Tax Increases-and Personal Property Tangible Tax
Here is an primer from the Sun Sentinel that will help explain.
That proposal, known as Amendment 1, includes several features. It would increase the existing homestead exemption for permanent Florida residents on their primary residences. Currently, the exemption is $25,000. The proposal would increase the exemption to $50,000 for all local taxes except those for schools.
The amendment also would let Floridians keep their existing Save Our Homes tax cap, which limits increases in property value assessments on homesteaded properties to no more than 3 percent a year. The plan would allow voters to transfer up to $500,000 of those savings if they move to a higher-value home elsewhere in Florida. If the new home has a lesser value, the amount of SOH tax savings that could be transferred would be determined on a percentage basis.
For non-homesteaded properties, such as rental units and houses and apartments owned by seasonal residents, the amendment would provide a 10-percent cap on annual assessment increases. Businesses would also get a $25,000 reduction on taxes paid on tangible personal property, such as office furniture.
I hope this helps!
Today I want to urge you to vote on the 29th. More important - vote yes on amendment one. We need a 60% yes to win. It is important. We all know that it is not the best possible solution, but it IS a step in the right direction and is far better than nothing. As always, your comments are welcome at the bottom ... and you can post anonymously!
The key components are:
Portability -Save our Homes-Homestead Exemption -10% Cap on non-Homestead Tax Increases-and Personal Property Tangible Tax
Here is an primer from the Sun Sentinel that will help explain.
That proposal, known as Amendment 1, includes several features. It would increase the existing homestead exemption for permanent Florida residents on their primary residences. Currently, the exemption is $25,000. The proposal would increase the exemption to $50,000 for all local taxes except those for schools.
The amendment also would let Floridians keep their existing Save Our Homes tax cap, which limits increases in property value assessments on homesteaded properties to no more than 3 percent a year. The plan would allow voters to transfer up to $500,000 of those savings if they move to a higher-value home elsewhere in Florida. If the new home has a lesser value, the amount of SOH tax savings that could be transferred would be determined on a percentage basis.
For non-homesteaded properties, such as rental units and houses and apartments owned by seasonal residents, the amendment would provide a 10-percent cap on annual assessment increases. Businesses would also get a $25,000 reduction on taxes paid on tangible personal property, such as office furniture.
I hope this helps!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year
OOPS! I haven't updated in a while. But with the Holidays and all you were probably too busy to notice! This week I am going to re-print a letter from our president that should be of interest to most of us. Here goes...
To Our South Florida Friends….
As we wrap-up 2007 and turn our thoughts toward 2008, the common question that I am being asked by many of our home buyers and sellers is, “How much longer will this sluggish market last”?
While many factors help to answer this question, the simple answer is that the first signs of a recovery will be a decline in our inventory levels. The build-up of South Florida inventory began in April 2005 when Realtors® had 14,000 single-family homes and condos for sale in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. By November 2007, we had 82,000 homes and condos in inventory. These numbers are expected to increase slightly into 2008, but at monthly increases far less then the double-digit increases of 2006. Once the inventory levels show sustained monthly decreases, values will then have a chance to begin re-building. Some higher-end price ranges have already begun to see reductions in the number of properties for sale; therefore, some are saying that the recovery in selected markets has already begun.
In the short term, we’re going to continue to see value adjustments. These adjustments will not be uniform across all markets, or all across all product types. Neighborhoods and/or buildings with high concentrations of investors and speculators will have greater adjustments. More desirable properties in neighborhoods or buildings with higher percentages of owner/occupants will maintain their values, while some will even experience modest increases during 2008. We forget that we have seen steep downturns in our volume of sales in past market cycles… only to see the turn-arounds come ever-so-quickly as buyer confidence re-kindles. Our sales associates have spoken first-hand to many potential buyers over this past year who have told them that they are “sitting out” the market, waiting for a final settling of values. The number of properties rented monthly through our Multiple Listing System is up 54% from two years ago… another good indication of the demand that is “waiting in the wings”.
By 2011, Florida is projected to bypass New York as the third most populated state in the nation behind California and Texas… which will create additional housing demand. The # 1 driver of real estate activity is population growth, and no one is suggesting that our growth will not continue. New full-time residents, as well as our part-time residents, will continue to create solid long-term demand for housing.
South Florida’s market fundamentals are still very strong: solid interest from international and second-home buyers, good corporate growth, low unemployment, mortgage rates still at historically low levels, a dwindling supply of developable land, and a permanent population that is still growing by almost 70,000 new permanent residents per year in just Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Add ample housing inventory, a dose of sunshine and the attention of the entire globe… and you have all the ingredients for a world-class region that will continue to grow!
So… what should we be doing to ease the anxiety that comes with each new alarming front-page article or national news segment about our marketplace? We need to inform ourselves with accurate information. There are many great opportunities today to own a single-family home or condominium that didn’t exist just a few months ago, but it takes a little extra effort to find that fair value for both buyer and seller. One of our associates can share with you many examples of the great deals which are now available… or you can spend a few minutes on your own at http://ewm.com/properties/ to see firsthand the hundreds of South Florida properties from which you can choose.
Our future today is as bright as it has ever been. Those who have the vision to make a move today will be the ones who participate in South Florida’s vibrant future. There are many great opportunities spread across all our markets.
Our EWM Family wishes you a joyous, healthy and prosperous New Year. We all have much in which to look forward. South Florida is a wonderful place to call home.
Sincerely,
Ron Shuffield, President
Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc.
A Member of the HomeServices of America Family of Companies
An Affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway
To Our South Florida Friends….
As we wrap-up 2007 and turn our thoughts toward 2008, the common question that I am being asked by many of our home buyers and sellers is, “How much longer will this sluggish market last”?
While many factors help to answer this question, the simple answer is that the first signs of a recovery will be a decline in our inventory levels. The build-up of South Florida inventory began in April 2005 when Realtors® had 14,000 single-family homes and condos for sale in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. By November 2007, we had 82,000 homes and condos in inventory. These numbers are expected to increase slightly into 2008, but at monthly increases far less then the double-digit increases of 2006. Once the inventory levels show sustained monthly decreases, values will then have a chance to begin re-building. Some higher-end price ranges have already begun to see reductions in the number of properties for sale; therefore, some are saying that the recovery in selected markets has already begun.
In the short term, we’re going to continue to see value adjustments. These adjustments will not be uniform across all markets, or all across all product types. Neighborhoods and/or buildings with high concentrations of investors and speculators will have greater adjustments. More desirable properties in neighborhoods or buildings with higher percentages of owner/occupants will maintain their values, while some will even experience modest increases during 2008. We forget that we have seen steep downturns in our volume of sales in past market cycles… only to see the turn-arounds come ever-so-quickly as buyer confidence re-kindles. Our sales associates have spoken first-hand to many potential buyers over this past year who have told them that they are “sitting out” the market, waiting for a final settling of values. The number of properties rented monthly through our Multiple Listing System is up 54% from two years ago… another good indication of the demand that is “waiting in the wings”.
By 2011, Florida is projected to bypass New York as the third most populated state in the nation behind California and Texas… which will create additional housing demand. The # 1 driver of real estate activity is population growth, and no one is suggesting that our growth will not continue. New full-time residents, as well as our part-time residents, will continue to create solid long-term demand for housing.
South Florida’s market fundamentals are still very strong: solid interest from international and second-home buyers, good corporate growth, low unemployment, mortgage rates still at historically low levels, a dwindling supply of developable land, and a permanent population that is still growing by almost 70,000 new permanent residents per year in just Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Add ample housing inventory, a dose of sunshine and the attention of the entire globe… and you have all the ingredients for a world-class region that will continue to grow!
So… what should we be doing to ease the anxiety that comes with each new alarming front-page article or national news segment about our marketplace? We need to inform ourselves with accurate information. There are many great opportunities today to own a single-family home or condominium that didn’t exist just a few months ago, but it takes a little extra effort to find that fair value for both buyer and seller. One of our associates can share with you many examples of the great deals which are now available… or you can spend a few minutes on your own at http://ewm.com/properties/ to see firsthand the hundreds of South Florida properties from which you can choose.
Our future today is as bright as it has ever been. Those who have the vision to make a move today will be the ones who participate in South Florida’s vibrant future. There are many great opportunities spread across all our markets.
Our EWM Family wishes you a joyous, healthy and prosperous New Year. We all have much in which to look forward. South Florida is a wonderful place to call home.
Sincerely,
Ron Shuffield, President
Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc.
A Member of the HomeServices of America Family of Companies
An Affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway
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