SOME UPDATES AND OTHER INFORMATION

We continue with the updating and re-formatting of the neighborhood monitoring program.
 As previously announced ,we have divided the Fairways map into eight different security zones.

The street map of the Fairways resembles a ''plate of spaghetti''.

  The conventional ''block'' terminology, does not fit well.---At our watch meeting, we asked for volunteers to be monitors and officers for each mapped out zone. We are now matching the volunteers to the zones in which they live. Some of the zones seem to have ample volunteers, while others are lacking. 

  When the assignment task is complete, we will have another watch meeting to implement the system, and advise residents of their neighborhood contacts. 

  Also of note is the volunteer''patrol''----We have some ''stick on suction cup'' signs for cars and a light bar to be loaned out for a golf cart.---Anyone interested in helping with the ''patrol'',--please contact Fairways Watch, and we will deliver one of the signs to you.

Planning for our first annual,--''NATIONAL NIGHT OUT''---party continues. After discussions with residents, it is believed that the October 6 date, best fit's the Fairways community. We factored in the cooler weather, fewer thunderstorms, and returning snow birds. We want this event to be something for ALL ages and interests. We have had some volunteers step forward ,--with more needed. We will keep the community informed as to our progress and needs.

There is also some good news to report on the ''crime fighting front''. June 1 was the date of the last filed sheriff lost property report! The hiring and patrolling of the extra deputies certainly seemed to make a difference. It seems that we got the ''cream of the crop''of deputies that got our extra duty assignments. Fairways Watch had the opportunity to talk to a number of the assigned officers. Without exception those folks were thoughtful and very pleasant.

ADDITIONAL NOTE

Early this past Sunday afternoon ,--our in-bound gates were hit and badly damaged. Both the right and left ,bottom beams of the gates were bent about 20 degree's.out of line. From all appearances the gates were hit very hard by a fast moving large vehicle! As of Monday afternoon the ''culprit'' had not yet been determined. The gates were removed and sent to the weld shop for repair and then reinstalled Thursday morning. 

  Also of note---The entry kiosk,--[damaged several months ago]--- is finally under repair--with scheduled completion---???

 YET ANOTHER POINT OF INTEREST----DOES ANYONE KNOW THE RESULT OF THE ''BIG'' SURVEY VOTE ON THE GATE ATTENDANT?

  GEE--GOLLY --WHIZ-- THE BALLOTS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE OFFICE BY JUNE 30 !

 The election results are probably covered under the infamous ''Fairways privacy law''

WHY NOT?

POOL GATE LOCKS----
  I believe that most residents would agree----- that among the Fairways nicest amenities [THAT WE HAVE LEFT!]---is our 3 very nice pools!
 It is truly a shame,the manner in which these pools are abused.---Most of the abuse and misuse of the pools comes from the outside of our gates.--- IF SOMETHING IS DONE ON GATE SECURITY--IT WOULD GO A LONG WAY IN HELPING THE POOL ISSUE.
  Beyond the main gate security there remains other issues around the pool.---It is possible that a severely handicapped person, could be ''imprisoned'' within any one of the pool enclosures. With the present type pool latches, a person in a wheel chair can not reach the latch to open the pool enclosures. This is also an issue of residents of small stature.
 A security card key system [as shown above] would go a long way to HELP solve these problems.
 Two years ago Fairways Watch, submitted a 13 page gate study and proposal to HTA. In this main gate proposal there was also information on a pool card lock system for the pools. 
  The answer to most requests for security and other issues is --''no money in budget this year''.

 I will bet that there was no money in budget for hiring off duty deputies either.----BUT---after 20 burglaries, and a negative TV story the money was found!

  YES---the deputies are still in here!

  As for money already spent around the pools--- Just take a look at the ''ALUMINUM STONEHENGE GAZEBO'' and the yellow ''dog bed'' under it, at the Greenbrier!----$$$$$$$$$
  The construction costs of that ''stupid ass'' structure alone,---could have put card locks on all of the pools!

  It now appears that they are planting more shrubs around the Greenbrier.---That will sure help,---everything is COSMETIC!

 In the past .--Several times Fairways Watch ,has been involved with pool issues when security and resident safety was involved. We do not hesitate to call 911 when there is a possible crime statute involved. However most pool problems are of a civil violation nature.---
ALL CIVIL VIOLATIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND HANDLED BY HOMETOWN-----___NOT PLACED ON THE BACKS OF RESIDENTS!

FRANKLY MY DEAR,--''WE DO GIVE A DAMN''

 ''GONE WITH THE WIND'' is truly a classic movie.   This descriptive phrase,also relates to the plight of the good residents of the Fairways.
 ''Gone with the wind'',---aptly describes the ''ROYAL RESIDENT SCREWING'' that has already taken place and is relentlessly continuing..
 CASE IN POINT:----The latest screw job---the library pending change issue. I recomend ,going to -- https://fairwaysfl.nextdoor.com/news_feed/    This blog has value for all Fairways residents.--Both blogs can and should work together on the many issues.
   A current comment on the fairways nextdoor blog, describes the library loss issue in detail.
  The loss of amenities in the Fairways, continues to grow---SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!--- Below is a partial list of losses under the present HTA ''REGIME''

  Loss of our beloved restaurant
  Loss of pool monitors
  Loss of the cable cost control to residents
  Loss of final scheduling of the halls
  Loss of a meaningful library
  The opening of our ''country club'' to UCF and the whole   wide world
  Denying outside food vendors, operating rights to our shut in residents---Reportedly-Billy Casper corp has exclusive food rights to the Fairways!
.
For sometime this blog administrator has been saying --''our HOA boards are no match for the conniving professional, expertise of the Hometown legal team.'' At last nights board meeting, this was quite evident---The majority of the board sat in place,''dumb struck'' while Priscilla rattled off the latest HTA ''manifesto''concerning the Masters renovation project..----With all due respect--2 board members made strong challenges and some intelligent counter points.
  I AM SINGING THE SAME OLD SONG TO THE BOARD---
''QUIT SCREWING AROUND AND HIRE THE DAMN LAWYER!''

 There will be no room for the library in the NEW Masters----BUT--- we will have ---a media room--a relaxation room---a game room---- and lord only knows what else that HTA and BILLY CASPER CORP will have dreamed up for us!---- BOY O BOY THOSE YOUNG PUNKS FROM DEERWOOD WILL LOVE THAT GAME ROOM,---the same way they like our pools.
  A vocal board member did point out that the residents had no input in all of the revamping.---BUT I WILL BET ONE THING----BILLY CASPER CORP. sure did.
  
  

LET US TAKE ANOTHER LOOK !

 THEY ARE IN HERE--AND THINGS ARE QUIETING DOWN!
  As most residents know, HTA has hired off duty Orange county deputies to patrol the Fairways at odd, rotating hours. Almost immediately at the inception of this program---the burglaries and known criminal activity STOPPED.
  HOW MUCH DO THE DEPUTIES COST ?  [Information from OCSO web site]----A uniformed,fully equipped officer, with marked patrol car--$38.00 per hour,-4 hour minimum.
 HTA could continue to hire the officers on a rotating basis, for each day--different hours-- providing great security for less money than a ''Barney Fife'' attendant!
  The deputies could continue to work indefinitely, on random night shifts,spending time around the entrance, as well as patrolling through the park.---This is the method that has brought our ''crime wave'' to a screeching halt.
 THIS IS THE SAME REMEDY THAT WORKED 2 YEARS AGO AT GULFSTREAM MOBILE HOME PARK, WHEN THEY WERE UNDER SIEGE!
  With the ever increasing lot rents,--HTA should cover this modest cost out of their pocket!
The vague, non descriptive proposal HTA sent out on the gate attendant issue,--raises more questions than it answers.----We know what the deputies can do and how they are doing it. ----WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT BARNEY FIFE?
  A nice sized custom made sign, with the sheriff star, mounted at the gate, with a warning to all , would be a strong deterrent.
 Folks----this is a classic example of why we need expert legal advice and mediation services.
  JUST TAKE ANOTHER LOOK ----IT IS OUR HOMES AND SAFETYAT STAKE!

THE ''WATCH'' MEETING AND our ''TARGET HARDENING'' EFFORT

Our Fairways Watch meeting was held as scheduled, Monday evening at the Westchester indoor area. The meeting was well attended,--- the overflow crowd, was not a major problem.
  Several years ago ,a new term was given to me by Lt. Campina, of the Orange County Sheriff's office. The Lieutenant and I developed a personal friendship during the time that he was a Fairways resident.The ranking officer explained to me in detail, the term--''TARGET HARDENING''. This is law enforcement jargon simply for CRIME PREVENTION  measures. 
  In retrospect--that is exactly what so many Fairways residents have been doing during our recent ''crime wave''----What qualifies as ''target hardening''?---just listen and look around our awakened community. You will see ---more and more alarm system signs,--more lights on--- bars and screens on the duct vent holes---more sheriff deputies in the park--and even some ''silly old folks'',riding around on golf carts with ''unapproved'' flashing lights. 
  YES---my friends,--all of this is target hardening ,in it's purest form.
 At our meeting, last night, we wanted to increase our volunteer resident watch patrols, and then REVAMP our area  block watch system. We now have a list of folks that want to go out and ''look around'' ---We will provide these good folks with a simple ,removable sign that says---FAIRWAYS NEIGHBOR HOOD PATROL.This sign can be used on any type of vehicle,--it adheres with a suction cup.
  We are also in the final stages of dividing the Fairways street map into 8 geographical zones. We asked for 8 different groups of names to be ''zone officers''. Each group of zone officers, will appoint their own ''zone captain'', It is believed that this type of block watching will prove to be redundant,and will maintain backup personnel when residents leave the community

On a special positive note,concerning our possible ''NATIONAL NIGHT OUT'' celebration,--Our HOA social director, told the meeting that she would go before our HOA board and seek approval for $1000 to cover food costs and other expenses of the proposed party. We have a tentative date of October 6. ----THANK YOU MADAME DIRECTOR! 
 We will need volunteers and help from all groups to make this law enforcement function GO. This will not be something that can be confused as being ''another pool party''---BUT SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE OF ALL AGES!

STAY TUNED, ---WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO!
  

REMINDER----FAIRWAYS WATCH MEETING

MEETING TOMORROW AT WESTCHESTER  7PM --TOPICS WILL BE-- ON ''NATIONAL NIGHT OUT''
   VOLUNTEER PATROL--- AND FORMATION OF THE REVAMPING OF ''BLOCK ORGANIZATION''

ALARM SALESMAN WARNING!

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS A REPRINT FROM A FEATURE STORY FROM WFTV, CHANNEL 9--DATED JUNE 18.
There have been reports of unauthorized salesman, going door to door, in the Fairways.It is not known if they were connected to this type of activity.
BEWARE ! 

Related

If you have more information on this story, contact Todd Ulrich

View Larger 

Alarm

ORLANDO,Fla. — 

An Orange County man claims

that a knock at the door turned into a home alarm scam that cost him hundreds.

He thought technicians from ADT had come to upgrade his alarm and didn't discover who they really were until it was too late.

Ken Rolle has been a satisfied ADT alarm customer for 18 years. So when two techs said they came to upgrade his system, he opened the door.

“If he didn't say he was from ADT, I would have never let him in the house,” Rolle said.

They installed a new control panel, then asked for $55. Rolle wrote a check.

“And the time I gave Jamie the check, he disappeared, just like that,” Rolle said.

Suspicious, he called ADT and discovered the techs were really independent contractors who hijacked his alarm system. They signed him to a new 
three-year contract with a company Rolle never heard of before.

“You all told a bunch of lies and came into my home,” Rolle said.

ADT says hundreds of Florida customers were targeted and tricked into switching companies.

By the time customers realized what happened, they had paid hundreds of dollars in fees and then had to pay to reinstall the original alarm system.

ADT claims some alarm dealers hire aggressive independent contractors, trained to cross the line.

“(They are) teaching them how to lie to consumers, to get inside the door and switch out their security systems,” ADT attorney David Bleisch said.

The techs at Ken Rolle’s house worked for Capital Connect in Arizona. Channel 9's Todd Ulrich reached company CEO by phone. He said if they used ADT's name, they'll be fired, and said it's under investigation.

ADT has sued other companies.

Florida's attorney general ordered two dealers to refund "switched" victims and stop misleading sales.

Ken Rolle is still getting bills for a system he didn't want.

“They keep on nagging me for more money," he said.

The new company took another $150 out of Rolle’s bank account

 before he shut 

it down.

WE MAY HAVE TUNED THE'' CORNER''

THINGS ARE BECOMING A LITTLE QUIETER, IN OUR COMMUNITY!
Hopefully,the Fairways is slowly drifting back to a safer environment.
 There are several factors involved in the improving situation. Among the factors are--- the vigilant residents have changed to a proactive position.---THEY HAVE:
  Installed many alarm systems
  Various types of camera,s installed in all area,s
  911 is called, without hesitation, even on minor matters
  More home area lighting is turned on
  HTA is paying $38 per hour for off duty sheriff  deputies.---overdue but thank you HTA.
 The sector 2 commander has assigned additional patrol units to the Fairways
 Residents are also out WATCHING with marked golf carts.  
 The only incident report filed in over a week is a ''possible'' entry attempt made to a home in the Maidstone--Spyglass area. Some skirting was pulled out from the home, around the AC unit. No entry was made.
  PLEASE---WE CAN'T LET OUR GUARD DOWN NOW!
    IT'S JUST LIKE OLE YOGI SAID---''IT AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S OVER''

SOMETHING THAT WE SHOULD DO

The ''NATIONAL NIGHT OUT'' program is a national, growing, event that the Fairways has never participated in.

A brief description of the ''National Night Out'', is communities,all across this great country coming together, on the first Tuesday of August. The case in point is to take a strong, unanimous position against crime. This is done in conjunction with our law enforcement agencies. Typically, a meeting point [such as the Greenbrier or the Westchester parking lot] is chosen and all residents are asked and encouraged to come out for just ''an old fashioned, get together''. 

Some communities,turn the affair into a party with refreshments. One of the largest celebrations,in central Florida is the Avalon Park area. Last year I believe they won the local award from the Sheriff's office.

 During the evening, the meetings are visited by law enforcement officers, and even the Sheriff himself is out and around.

For an event like this to be successful, --it will take help and planning from some residents that KNOW how to plan FUN events.

 We would have about a month and a half to plan and pull this off. Planning and assistance help is available from the sheriff's office. I will be more than happy to contact the responsible officers, ---IF WE HAVE INTEREST___WHAT SAY YOU?

UPDATE----Since this posting was made,--there has been interest shown both here and the ''neighbor next door '' blog.

 I have contacted Deputy Belmont for detailed information. This program requires registration with Orange County.---I have also spoken to our HOA president Gary Doscher. Gary seemed interested. I understand that in most communities, their HOA takes the lead position, supported by other resident groups. This needs to be something of interest to ALL ages of our community,---From the ''BABY BOOMERS'' right up through ''THE GREATEST GENERATION'' The possibilities are unlimited--IF this community comes together on this.

Some suggestions include--''party food''-- and a raffle to benefit our legal fund.---The suggestion of using the Westchester parking lot and rest room facilities, seems to have merit--with it's unlimited space. 

FOLKS---our troubled community needs something like this.----Contact our HOA president and board--keep sending suggestions

WE NEED OUR HOA BOARD TO STEP FORWARD ON THIS AND LEAD OTHER SUPPORTING FACTIONS!

WE CAN DO !

FROM DEPUTY BELMONT

• Melissa.Belmont@ocfl.net
 
• Today at 8:27 AM

To

• fairwayswatch@yahoo.com

Good Morning Mr. Heldreth:

We are currently waiting for approval from the chain of command for the packet distribution. The event will be held on August 4^th, 2015. As soon as I get additional information I will send it out.

Kind Regards,

Melissa

From: Bill Heldreth [mailto:fairwayswatch@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2015 6:38 AM
To: Belmont, Melissa
Subject: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

GOOD MORNING

  Is there any planing information available yet for this years ''National Night Out''?  I would very much like to get the Fairways involved this year/ [we have good reason to be] I know in years past there have been planing meetings at sector 2. Is there anything like that in the works this year?

Anything that you could Email me would be most appreciated. 

DOES ANYONE RECOGNIZE THIS PURSE ?

UPDATE----Fairways watch received a call from the ''snow bird'' victim of #19 burglary! ---She positively identified the purse as hers.--there were only small items taken of insignificant value in the Inverary burglary. The victim speculates that the small items were carried away in the purse. She went on to say that the purse had no damage when she last saw it--now--the main fastener snap is ripped loose.
  It is believed that the purse was found ,the same day that it had been thrown in the yard.----WHERE HAD THE PURSE BEEN BETWEEN THE BURGLARY AND THE DAY IT WAS FOUND?
 The lead detective will be notified of this information.

THIS EMPTY PURSE WAS FOUND IN A BACKYARD, NEAR SLIGO CT. AND WARWICK HILLS DR, TUESDAY!
  We have discussed this matter with the special projects officer at Sector 2.He advised us to post it in our web site. There is nothing to directly tie this purse to any recent burglary in our park. If no owner is found--then it can be picked up by OCSO and placed in their evidence locker room.
  The purse shows no wear or signs of uncleanliness.
 The only damage is to the closing snap at the top of the purse.
  We speculate that the item was thrown in the yard and possibly picked up and placed out of the way by the grass-cutters.--It is evident that the purse had not been out in the weather.
  In so many of the past burglaries---bags of similar size to this were used to carry off loot.
 This is not the first time an unclaimed purse was  found in our park.----About 2 years ago a purse was recovered, in the 14600 block of Pebble Beach. --A whole different story---It had about 5 different sets of ID's complete with IBT and medicaid  cards --all the way from Apopka!---It was placed in the sector 2 locker--I do not know the final disposition of that one.
 RESIDENTS IN THE WARWICK HILLS,--SLIGO AREA MAY WANT TO CHECK THEIR SNOW BIRD NEIGHBORS HOUSES.

SOME COMMENTS ABOUT AN ALARM SYSTEM

THERE APPEARS TO BE A LOT OF CURRENT INTEREST IN HOME PROTECTION SYSTEMS,--WITH GOOD REASON!
  After personally seeing, nice homes, one after another torn apart by the Fairways burglars, I decided to do some shopping. I wanted to see what systems and companies fit my needs and price criteria.
  I first called ADT, on a 800 number. I was connected to a fast talking ,hard sell sales person, some where out of the area. Before I had a chance to ask many questions--the sales person was talking $900 dollars of equipment, CONTRACTS, and tried to sell me a ''Fort Knox'' system.---Then they started throwing in all the''freebies'', faster than I could count. Soon after the salesman wanted a QUICK CLOSE--immediately, if not sooner.--Many years ago an OLD flying instructor told me---''When in doubt --don't''
  After my negative decision-- I politely excused myself and hung up.
  I was more determined than ever to find an affordable, custom system for our life style--[we have beloved pets]
  By chance I called Bright House, and was greeted by a friendly sales representative, who actually listened to me.. I was able to quickly decide on a very basic ,simple system, with monitoring.--Most important--there are NO CONTRACTS--and minimum cash outlay for installation.--And I own the equipment. 
  The installation was quick and done by a very pleasant Bright House employee. [not a contractor].If you already have Bright House internet --there is a $ 10 monthly discount.---The system is effective--And it works--I know--YEP!--- This ole dummy forgot to ''disarm'' the system this AM.
  I went to take the dog out and as soon as the front door was opened---guess what? The alarm went off--I then disarmed the system. Bright house security called to follow up--very professional--then I got follow up Emails and texts. 
  The system is wireless and has battery backup.and can be controlled and monitored from a ''smart phone''
  I am not trying to sell Bright House security--I am just saying--LOOK AROUND.

7 OCSO UNITS ON ''CODE 3''--GOOD NEWS--FALSE ALARM

THEY REALLY RESPOND! ----Tuesday afternoon around 5 PM, peace and tranquility in the Fairways was interrupted by seven OCSO units with light bars and sirens on.
 The dispatch was for ''burglary in progress'', on Forest Oak Dr. The many officers deployed around a home that was in the process of being vacated, by long time residents. After a complete and thorough investigation, it was determined that there had been a lack of communication between volunteer workers,  and the owners. After phone calls to the owners and check and recheck, the officers cleared the scene.
   A happy ending---BUT--this illustrates so well, just how vigilant our community is!
 This also illustrate how fast and forceful the Sector 2 guys can be!---THANKS GUYS and GALS.

THE GOOD GUYS NEED OUR HELP!

EVERY ONE IN OUR COMMUNITY IS ON EDGE!--WITH GOOD REASON!
The ongoing rash of crimes in our midst is a tragedy ,as well as a community disgrace. I have said it before and I will say it again. ---We are served by a great group of law enforcement officers. These folks, from Captain Garrison on down, do everything they can to protect us and our property. The extra patrols, both regular and off duty are certainly a welcome sight,--morning--noon--and night.
  We can and we should try, even in the smallest ways to help the ''good guys''. Anyone of us may see something, or better yet see someone that could lead to arrests and stop this mayhem.
 Fairways Watch has been fortunate to have established--a direct--2 way line of communication with the lead investigator of the recent burglaries.Recently we sent him a long detailed list of accumulated information, that might shed some light on the current perpetrators.  We received a quick response back of appreciation.
  Folks--you can also send information, direct to the detective, anonymously, if you so choose.
  DO THIS--send an email to this blog anonymously,--marked''NOT FOR PUBLICATION''---for OCSO detective.
  We will ''cut,copy and paste'' your exact wording to the officer. If you have good reason,--- do not be afraid to give names, addresses, license numbers--etc.
  Let the detectives look at your info.--- YOUR INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE MIGHT DO THE TRICK!
  THESE ''BASTARDS'' WILL BE CAUGHT AND PUNISHED---LET'S ALL DO OUR SHARE!

''GONE WITH THE WIND !''

Yesterday ,part of the front brick wall signage was removed.----------UP DATED---THE SIGN REMOVAL IS PART OF THE ''FRONT--UPGRADE''---- THANKS TO RICK HARRIS OF OUR HOA FOR CHECKING ON THIS ISSUE. ---THE STATED REASON IS THAT OUR FRONT AREA WILL BE REWORKED TO COINCIDE WITH THE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION!---WE CAN ALL BREATHE A LITTLE EASIER FOR NOW---THANKS AGAIN RICK FOR A QUICK ANSWER.

Since the early days--,the inscription, ''55+ community''
has graced the top area of the brick wall at the entrance to our community---.It was this part of the sign,--that brought so many of us into this park.
 We have a question--Is this a planned SIGNIFICANT CHANGE in our way of life---OR is it just part of the entrance change as described [but not detailed] in the letter we recently received from HTA.
  The HTA website makes no mention of any changes from an ''over 55 community''
  CLARIFICATION FROM HTA--THROUGH OUR HOA --would be most appreciated.---ASAP

IT WAS 19---NOW IT IS 20!

IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE ---BUT---VERY EARLY THIS AM,--THE THIEVES STRUCK YET AGAIN ON THE 2000 BLOCK OF PORT MARNOCK!

A VERY NICE, WELL KEPT ''SNOW BIRD'' HOME WAS ENTERED AND BURGLARIZED. Contact with the owner was attempted by OCSO, but at last report ,contact had not been made.The deadbolt was not completely in the recessed locked position. The ''jimmy'' of the handle latch lock was fairly easy. Door frame damage was slight.
  As in all others --drawers were dumped and a mess made. Losses have yet to be determined.
  Our community has been inundated with OCSO patrol units in the past week. There was a sheriff's unit in the park at the time of this crime. Three additional units responded,after the 911 call. Some alert neigbors noticed the front door open. the thieves exited out the back door.