TIPS FROM WANDA & BOB BANKS #306

"Thought this might be something for the blog," wrote the Banks in #306. I agree.
Some are oldies but goodies that deserve a repeat and others are new to me. All my best in 2008 and hoping this will make your life a little easier!

CONSTANCE'S KITCHEN

How many of these did YOU know about?

A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then
slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.
(hmmmmmm).
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Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps
them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
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For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and
put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They
won't refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years)!
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To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the
freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
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Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag,
dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is)!
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Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt
BLUE)! Rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
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Whenever I purchase a box of SOS Pads, I immediately take a
pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. Now a box of SOS pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened' this way!
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Blood stains on clothes! Not to worry! Just pour a little
hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time!
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Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and
horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.
Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash
windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
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Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create
a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
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Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your
clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.
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Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at
least 3 hours prior to burning.
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To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag
and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
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To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a
drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.
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Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before
pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
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Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator
and it will keep for weeks.
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When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help
bring out the corn's natural sweetness
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Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on
your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
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Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes
for future use in casseroles and sauces ........
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To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on
the area and you will experience instant relief.
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Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never
cross a chalkline. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.
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Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and
better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
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When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before
resorting to tweezers or a needle.

Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it
off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
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Now look what you can do with ALKA Seltzer........ Clean a
toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and
flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.
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Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass
vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
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Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of
water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
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Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in
four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if
necessary).
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Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka
Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar.
Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.
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Makes you wonder about ingesting Alka Seltzer, doesn't it?

CONSTANCE'S KITCHEN

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT....

CONSTANCE'S KITCHEN is about living effectively and pro-actively in Pelican Point and will become a monthly column with your help.

I did not graduate from college until 1990, but I did attend the Cordon Bleu in Paris while pursuing my third career as a fashion model. I learned a lot there. I’m hoping you will share your tips of a lifetime in this new column.

THIS AND THAT

of pipes and drains, kitchens frustrations and being “green”

Water

Keep a bucket in the shower to catch the 2-3 gallons of cold water before the water runs hot. This can be thrown in the wash machine, used to mop floors or water plants.

To unclog a drain and keep them clean, mix 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of baking soda. Pour it into the drain, then follow with a pot of boiling water. If we all did this every fourth Monday of the month, it would help keep our pipes in shape.

Run garbage disposal with cold water only. Hot water lets the grease scale up in the pipes.

Using liquid soap instead of bars will help your drains and lessen soap scum deposits.

Never pour grease down a drain.

Baking Soda

has a million uses besides eliminating refrigerator odors.

A 1/4 teaspoon gives better consistency to gravy.
A paste of baking soda will remove black heel marks.
A paste of baking soda and lemon cleans copper.
A 1/4 teaspoon to cranberries while cooking and you will need less sugar.
To check whether baking soda is still active before baking, mix 1/4 teaspoon with 2 teaspoons of of vinegar. If it bubbles, it’s still good.

Pinch Hitting In The Kitchen

Buttermilk in a pinch. For one cup, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 cup of regular milk. Lemon juice will also work.

Bitter Chocolate Squares in a pinch. 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon cooking oil =1 square.

Cornstarch in a pinch. 1 tablespoon=2 tablespoons of flour (all purpose)


SHARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND ENVIRONMENTAL TIPS. Write me at ConStumin5@aol.com.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Marion Crawford in #1501 recently wrote:

Will the new website include any kind of community bulletin board? I am travelling to Sao Paulo Brazil and Santiago Chile for the first time at the end of Jan 2008 and I would love to get hotel, etc. recommendations from one of the many travelers in PP that I am always meeting people in the elevator who travel extensively.

Kind Regards,

Ms. Marion D. Crawford

1901 North First St. #1501Jacksonvile Beach, FL 32250USA904 247.7131

skysandsea@aol.com

travel log click on address below:RamblinMe.blogspot.com

EDITOR: Thanks for the suggestion, Marion. Now the Pelican Brief has a Community Bulletin Board. Can anyone out there in cyber space help Marion out?

PROXIES

We now have the necessary proxies and you have approved the following:
ITEM VOTES
Removing garage planters 79
Waiving the Audit 71
New Condo Docs 72
We appreciate your confidence in approving these very important items. Constance has agreed to become our Docs guru, so you can ask her any questions or, of course, you can come directly to me with any questions, comments or concerns..

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

On behalf of your entire Board, I want to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a GREAT 2008.
I will be out of the Country for the two weeks of Christmas and New Years, so I wanted to get this out prior to the Holidays.
As you are all more than aware, a lot happened with us and the building during this year . . . some good and some not so good. We are finally moving along with the concrete construction on the building itself. You will see more on that and the painting in that section on this page.
I want you to know that your patience, positive comments and understanding are sincerely appreciated. Running this Association, either as a Board member or President, is no easy task, but what makes it worthwhile is the huge amount of money you pay us . . . a little humor never hurts!
On a positive note, we have a new part-time employee for 4 hours a day, five days a week, and for the same price we were paying maids for 3 hrs one day a week. His name is Chris and I know you will like him. He is a senior at Fletcher, and a courteous, clean-cut young man. Introduce your selves.
All unit keys are now locked up in a combination safe to which only Bill, Ron, Rod and I have the combination. Also, Bill will now be entering the units with pest control and other persons needing access, so please, we must have access...
Don’t forget to check out our new Blog on the web and share things with Constance to make it more enjoyable. I would really like your email addresses, send to dane@clearwire.net
HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!
Dane Lucas, President

PELICAN POINT Board of Directors’ Meeting/8/27/07

PELICAN POINT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.
Board of Directors’ Meeting
August 27, 2007

THE MINUTES

President Dane Lucas chaired this monthly meeting. Additional directors present were Mrs. Sellers, Ms. Loucks, Mr. Rolland, Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Bushman. Mr. Parsons did not attend.

MINUTES – Mr. Montgomery moved to accept the minutes of the July meeting. Ms. Sellers provided a second. No discussion, additions or corrections. Six approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT – None given.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Suggested that non-payers of special assessment be charged interest and late fee. Government officials inspected the rooftop and were favorably impressed. A section of our building public address system does not work due to a bad amplifier. Secure One searching for a replacement before proceeding with the annual alarm inspection.

COMMITTEE REPORT
Beautification & Security – Colette Sellers reported that a group visited several area condos to get some ideas and see how we compare with them. G. Koury product.

PRESIDENT’S TIME – The second notice of the annual membership meeting, documents, and proxies have been sent out. We hope to get a prompt response from the owners. Two youths who participated in vandalism and malicious mischief were arrested. Damage amounts to several thousand dollars. The owners of #206 refuse to cooperate with plan suggested but they did remove the two adults from the building. Vicki Loucks and RichParsons are leaving the Board. Michael King #1604 and Constance Stumin #406 will join the Board.

SPECIAL GUEST – Attorney Lee Haramis with Gray Robinson, P.A. covered several areas of interest particular to our community. See questions, answers and references available on request.

Old / Continuing Business
Status of concrete and painting projects – The relationship with contractor is deteriorating. May end up terminating his contract.
Non-payment of special assessment – Mr. Bushman moved to charge late fee of 5% or $25 and interest at 18%. Second by Mr. Rolland. No discussion. Six votes in favor.

Security – Mr. Bushman moved to follow the attorney’s advice and file a petition with the State for arbitration. Mr. Bushman will consult with attorney. Board consensus is to move forward.

Walkover - Two quotations were received. A third informal offer was for labor only with the association buying the materials. No dollar amount was suggested. The consensus is to select the less expensive quote.

New Business – No new business items were considered.

The meeting adjourned with no date set for the next meeting.

Board of Directors’Meeting/ December 3,2007

PELICAN POINT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.

Minutes

President Dane Lucas chaired this last board meeting of calendar year 2007. Six other directors present were: Jeff Rolland, Colette Sellers, Constance Stumin, Gerard Montgomery, Michael King, and Steve Bushman.

MINUTES – The minutes of the August 27, 2007 meeting were approved without additions or corrections.

REPORTS - Treasurer (to follow)

MANAGERS MESSAGE
Bill Stefanowitz
We are about to close the book on another interesting and educational year. A lot was accomplished, but there’s more to do. 2008 promises to be busy as we finish the garage, building and repave blacktop.
The membership approved the new governing documents, but I wonder how many actually took the time to read them? There may be some things that need to be revised or added, but that will happen over time. Your ideas and input are welcomed by whatever means you choose. Our blog site should help tremendously in keeping everyone informed. Constance Stumin has agreed to be your ombudsman if you have an ideas or problems that you want handled. There are also forms on the table outside the management office to record your suggestions, work requests, complaints, etc. They are not utilized very often, but could be.
It appears that our 2007 budget served us well as we should finish the year within budget. In my eight years here, we have not had any financial difficulties. This year was a real test because the insurance line item was under budget by $50,000. The good news is the monthly assessment is not expected to increase in 2008! Coupon books may be a little late as the budget was just adopted.
Ron Dombrowski, maintenance supervisor, has done a great job for four years now, and I hope he finds his job as rewarding as I do mine. We thank everyone for your support and offer our best wishes to all of you for the Holidays.
Security – unit keys are secured in a safe in the Management Office. The alarm inspection was completed and defects will be corrected. PA system was restored by replacing two amplifiers in the system.

BUILDING

CONCRETE & PAINTING
I realize that some of you are rightfully getting upset with the lack of activity on the building. We just got the final specs on the remainder of work to be done on the concrete. We are in the process of getting a minimum of 3 bids for set amounts to complete that work.
We have contracted with the painter, who will begin as soon as the concrete is done. He will first reseal the windows and doors, except the west walkways, then pressure wash and begin the waterproofing/painting process.
We have held off on contracting anyone to do the garage until we determine exactly what to do with the planters. We now have the permission to move forward and we have a committee working on exactly what and how to handle them.
You will see a lot of activity beginning next month and the building should be done by spring. Most of you have been very patient and it is greatly appreciated. Things just sometimes take longer than anticipated and sometimes, things happen that shouldn’t happen.
We are finally moving forward again.

PRESIDENT’S TIME – Walkover walls are almost finished. The association engaged a construction attorney to negotiate with Florida Coastal Construction, Inc. (contractor) The building needs to be finished before painting. There will be greater member participation and oversight by more committees.
UNFINISHED / CONTINUING BUSINESS
Building Repairs & Renovation – work was halted the end of September. Our engineer inspected completed work and what needs to be done. Unfinished work will be completed for a fixed price by another company.
Results of Issues (3) voted on by membership: all three approved / passed.
NEW BUSINESS – Treasurer C. Sellers summarized the budget presentation. There were no questions. All seven directors approved the adoption of the budget for CY 2008 as presented.

CLOSING & SUMMARY – The next meeting of the board will be Monday, Jan. 28, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT

Rod Montgomery, chairman

Do not admit anyone into the building that you do not personally know.

Please have anyone using your unit in your absence check in at the office.

The repair of the walkover is almost complete.

Problems with the intercom system and trouble lights on fire panel are being resolved.

The yearly fire inspection is being completed. Some owners have disconnected parts of the alarm system. They are being contacted and informed they must re-connect or reinstall the missing components.

The Office does not have keys to all units. (The keys we have are secured in a safe for which only the Manager and the President have the combination.)
These owners will receive letters asking how Management is to gain entrance to their units in an emergency.

The lighting problem in the Garage (3 lights not working) is being addressed.