Unhealthy Air Quality in the Aquarius Hallways 

Posted on June 2, 2025 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Unhealthy Air Quality in the Aquarius Hallways 

 

 

 

 

This post contains three documents regarding the air quality in the hallways of the North Tower at the Aquarius Condominium:

  1. A note from Arkady Chase, dated May 12
  2. A commitment from the Condominium Manager to provide a response
  3. A follow-up note from Mr. Chase, dated May 30

Notably, there is no mention of the air quality or temperature in the South Tower. Additionally, both the Lobby and the restaurant Aqua Bistro are experiencing air conditioning malfunctions, which further highlights the need for attention to the building’s overall climate control issues.

 

May 12

TO: Rami Zureick, Secretary of the Board of Directors

 

Subject: Urgent Action Required: Persistent Hallway Air Conditioning Issues

Dear Members of the Board,

I am writing to formally request immediate action regarding the ongoing issues with the North Building hallway air conditioning system at Aquarius Condominium. Despite repeated complaints from residents (see attached), the system continues to operate inefficiently, resulting in excessive humidity levels exceeding 78% (see attached).

Repeated temporary fixes have failed to provide a lasting solution, leading to continued discomfort and potential risks associated with prolonged humidity exposure, including mold growth and air quality concerns. Given the persistent nature of this issue, I urge the board to consider replacing the system rather than investing in further short-term repairs.

Florida condominium regulations emphasize the importance of maintaining common areas in a habitable condition. Additionally, under Florida’s condominium reserve fund rules are outlined in Section 718.112 (2) (f) of the Florida Statutes reserve accounts should be allocated for capital expenditures, including air conditioning systems serving multiple units.

I kindly ask for a formal response outlining the board’s plan to address this matter. If necessary, residents may explore further action to ensure compliance with condominium regulations and the well-being of all occupants.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Arkady Chase, PH5N

High Humidity Penthouse North Tower May 12, 2025

2  –  Answer

From: Maria Rentas [mailto:Maria.Rentas@fsresidential.com]
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2025 2:46 PM
To: Arkady Chase
Cc: ‘Rami Zureick’
Subject: RE: Urgent Action Required: Persistent Hallway Air Conditioning Issues

Good afternoon Mr. Chase,

Thank you for your message. We are currently looking into the matter and will provide an update once more information is available.

Maria Rentas  (Manager of Aquarius Condominium Association)

3  –  May 30, 2025

Urgent Action Required: Persistent Hallway Air Conditioning Issues

Arkady Chase    May 30, 2025

I am reaching out to share my latest correspondence with the management regarding the ongoing air conditioning issues in the North Tower hallways of the Aquarius Condominium Association.  Attached, you will find a snapshot of the Particle Meter recording taken on the penthouse floor on May 29, 2025, at approximately 12:52 PM. The data indicates high humidity and elevated pollution levels, highlighting the urgency of this matter.

Additionally, I consulted Microsoft Copilot regarding the Condominium Association’s liability for maintaining common elements, including the Board’s responsibilities. For your reference, I have attached a summary of the key points generated by Copilot.

“1. Fiduciary Duty:

  1. Core Principle: Florida condominium board members owe a fiduciary duty to the association and its unit owners. This means they must act in the best interests of the association as a whole, exercising reasonable care and diligence in their decision-making and oversight. This duty is enshrined in Florida Statute Chapter 718 (the Condominium Act).
  2. Breach of Fiduciary Duty:If board members grossly neglect their duty to maintain common elements (like the hallway AC system), they could be found in breach of their fiduciary duty.

     

  3. Business Judgment Rule: 

    Application: If the board genuinely tried to address the AC issue, but perhaps made a poor decision or faced unforeseen circumstances, the business judgment rule would likely protect individual members. However, if they consistently ignored complaints, refused to seek expert advice, or prioritized personal gain over the health of residents, this protection could be eroded.

  4. Common Element Maintenance:

    Association’s Responsibility: Florida Statute 718.113(1) clearly states that “Maintenance of the common elements is the responsibility of the association.” The association, as a legal entity, is generally the primary party responsible for ensuring the AC system (a common element) is functioning properly. 
  5. Board’s Role:The board’s role is to ensure the association fulfills its maintenance obligations. Their failure to do so can lead to liability for the association.
  6. When Personal Liability Might Arise:Gross Negligence or Willful Misconduct: If the board members’ inaction rises to the level of gross negligence (a reckless disregard for the safety and well-being of others) or willful misconduct (intentional wrongdoing), they could be personally liable.”

     

I appreciate your time and attention to this issue and look forward to discussing potential solutions with you and other members of the association.

 

With best regards,

Arkady Chase, PH5N

High Humidity PH North Tower May 30th. 2025

 

Unhealthy Air and High Humidity PH North Tower 06/02/2025

 

 .o0o.

Posted in Amenities, Hallways | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Aquarius Beauty Parlor Operation Statements

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Aquarius Beauty Parlor Operation Statements

 

 

This post features two key correspondences related to the lease renewal of the Aquarius Beauty Parlor. The first is a formal response from the tenant, Betty Harroch, addressing the lease proposal put forth by the Board. The second, issued by the Aquarius Condominium Association Board of Directors, details the Board’s efforts to negotiate a new lease agreement. Each document is accompanied by a concise abstract for readers seeking a summary of the content.

__________________________________________________

April 30, 2025         Betty Harroch 

Dear Board Members,

I am writing in response to your recent email concerning the rental of the hair salon to a Canadian Company.

First and foremost, I must express my disappointment regarding the accusation that I kept the salon in an unsanitary condition. This is not only untrue but also a personal attack and defamation of character which is illegal. The salon was delivered to me in poor condition, with torn, dirty chairs (which I replaced), stained and damaged countertops ( which I covered with heavy duty material) and old, discolored counters near the sinks  that were impossible to restore due to age and wear. Despite these challenges, I ensured the salon was swept and mopped daily, and once a month I hired a professional cleaner for deep cleaning.

Additionally, I was always careful not to bring food into the salon to avoid attracting pests. To label the space a health risk or liability to the community is both unjustified and unfounded.

I also want to address an ongoing financial matter,  My original lease stated that electricity was included in my rent. Yet, for the past several years, I received monthly charges from the office averaging $200 a month which I continued to pay despite the terms of the original lease agreement.

While I understand and respect your right to rent the salon to whomever you choose, it is clear that your decision had already been made prior to any open discussion.  I would like to state for the record that I offered $1000 per month in rent along with a full renovation, not a partial one.  I was never given the opportunity to counter the other offer for a new floor.

Furthermore, I made genuine efforts to enhance the services in the salon.  I attempted to bring in an esthetician, but she was declined due to her inability to meet the increased rent you requested despite my personal appeal to allow her a few months to build a clientele, especially as a single mother with no  current income.  I also brought in two different nail technicians to work Fridays. After being told they needed their own insurance, they both promptly obtained it. Unfortunately, due to low demand, they both were unable to continue.

Lastly, as is standard practice in this industry, the salons operate strictly by appointments. Living in the building, I have never refused service to anyone in the building.

I hope this clarifies the reality of the situation and offers a more accurate representation of my time managing the salon.  I have always operated with professionalism and integrity, and I’m disappointed by the mischaracterization I received in your email/letter.

Sincerely,

Betty Harroch 

Here’s a concise abstract of Betty’s message:
The current lessee of the beauty salon responds to the Board’s email regarding the rental decision, expressing disappointment over accusations of unsanitary conditions, which they claim are false and defamatory. They describe the initial poor condition of the salon and their consistent efforts to maintain cleanliness.
Additionally, the lessee raises concerns about unexpected electricity charges that contradict their original lease terms. They argue that the Board had already decided on the new tenant before open discussion and state that their proposal included a full renovation, not a partial one.
The response also highlights their efforts to expand services, including attempts to hire an esthetician and nail technicians, which were hindered by financial constraints and low demand. Finally, they affirm that salon services are appointment-based and that they have always operated professionally and with integrity.

__________________________________________

Wednesday, April 30, 2025    Board of Directors of Aquarius Condo. Ass. 

Dear Aquarius Unit Owners, 

Some individuals from prior Boards have raised concerns that the current Board is not seeking input from the unit owners. There are many committees in which unit owners actively participate at this time. After the Board Elections, an email was circulated requesting individuals to contact the management office if they are interested to participate. However, we do understand that this is our collective home, and we want to ensure that every owner has a chance to understand and question any decisions that are made. 

The beauty salon contract expired in March 2025 at which point the current lessee signed a two-month agreement ending on May 31, 2025, while the considerations of the future of the salon occur. 

During the April 4, 2025, Board meeting, the beauty salon contract was raised for discussion. As of the date of this email, no contract has been signed. 

The current lessee was given the opportunity to negotiate first. However, upon initial discussion, the lessee stated that they only service a handful of residents and could not afford more than $350/month for rent. 

The Board has a duty to ensure that we get the best value both financially and via amenities which benefit the entire community (rather than just a handful of individuals). As such, we began the search for new potential lessees in order to determine what value we could get from this space. 

At this time, the Board has a proposal from a Florida Licensed Cosmetologist with over 30 years experience  and 16 years experience owning a salon in Canada. Since they have moved to Florida they are looking to operate a salon in the area. The proposal includes a starting rent of $1200/month with $50 annual increase, a full renovation of the space at the lessee’s own expense (mood photos attached) and a 5 year contract with a 5 year extension option. The final salon design will be shared with the Board for approval before any renovation begins. They are offering a wide range of services including hair cuts, color, blowouts, extensions, manicure, pedicure, massage & facials. They will also offer special promotions to the community. The hours will be approximately from 10am to 8pm to allow for individuals to have flexibility in scheduling. Finally, they are willing to offer the current salon tenant the ability to rent a chair, for a reasonable price, so she can continue to service the individuals in the community that prefer her services.

The current lessee has since come back to the Board with a new offer which is a 3-year lease at $1000 per month and no extension. They are offering to do a minor renovation but would not change the floors or the fixtures. At this time only hair services are available, and hours of operation are by appointment only. 

The community should also be made aware of the following. Upon inspection of the current state of the salon it was visible that the space had been neglected and lacked regular cleaning. This poses both a health risk and potential liability to the community. Also, the lessee breached their contract twice by subleasing the space both in 2022 and 2024 without first informing the Board. In both instances, the Board tried to work with lessee to accommodate the sublease. However, the Board required that the proper contractual agreement be put in place and insurance documentation for the vendor shared. In both cases, the lessee opted instead to remove the sublessee from the premises. 

Finally, the original beauty salon contract was a one-year lease term ending on March 2022. Two months prior to the lease end date, on January 17, 2022, Mr. Gupta (the Board President) signed a lease extension addendum for three years at $200/month. This was signed one day prior to the Board Elections held on January 18, 2022. The approval of the extension should have been brought to a Board meeting for discussion and the community made aware of the decision-making process. According to the Association records this did not occur prior to January 17, 2022. Please download the attachment included with this message. 

Please contact the Board directly with any questions, comments or concerns.

Sincerely,

Aquarius Condominium Association, Inc.

Board of Directors

 

Here’s a concise abstract of the Board Message:

The Aquarius Board recognizes concerns about transparency and community involvement in decision-making. While unit owners actively participate in committees, the Board aims to ensure open dialogue. The beauty salon contract expired in March 2025, leading to a temporary agreement while future lease options were considered.
During the April 4 Board meeting, discussions began about lease proposals. The existing lessee initially offered $350/month but later revised their proposal to a 3-year lease at $1000/month with minor renovations and limited services. Meanwhile, a Florida Licensed Cosmetologist proposed a 5-year lease at $1200/month with extensive renovations, expanded services, and promotional offers for the community.
The Board seeks to maximize value for the residents, considering both financial benefits and service offerings. Inspections revealed maintenance concerns and prior contract breaches by the current lessee. Additionally, a previous lease extension signed by the former Board President raised transparency issues. The Board remains committed to making an informed decision while keeping the community engaged.
Let me know if you’d like any refinements

.o0o.

Posted in Amenities, Board of Directors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Additional reactions to the Letter “Concerned Owners of Aquarius document to the Board”

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Additional reactions to the Letter “Concerned Owners of Aquarius document to the Board”

 

Nathan Weinstein and Frida Abrahamian have additional comments on the Letter

The comments of Mr. Weinstein are followed by a note from Ms. Abrahamian

________________________________________________

Nathan Weinstein

Dear Mr. Gupta,
I do know better and can assure you that our Board didn’t designate me to be PIO, and the letter was prepared by me. I should admit that previously, I did tell the Board that I was ready to join if they would consider restoring and assigning to me a previous Food Taster (FT) position, but unfortunately for everybody, they refused.
For those of you who are new to the building, Mr. Gupta’s board had a provision in the restaurant contract to allow Board members free food as “taste testers”.

Yes, I thought hard before my “spin” of events that you are not refuting, except the transparency claim of the current 50-year recertification construction schedule and stairs installation.

I was satisfied with the responses at the town hall meeting regarding the schedule. I heard your questions, and they have all been addressed. I understand that owners are not happy not being able to use the balconies for almost four months. But please remind our neighbors that during the 40 years project, which you oversaw, Mr Gupta, they were not able to use them for a couple of YEARS. Yes, the balconies’ sealant, like you noted, should have been established, and it was, but later the board found a better material, and the approval with the manufacturer caused the delay. Don’t we all want an installation that would last long, not like it was done previously? Can you answer why your balcony reconstruction was so poorly done that only a few years later we have to redo the work?

I am not sure what valid information you are looking for when all the questions were addressed at the meeting. You need to be more specific.

I will respectfully disagree regarding blaming the current board for the 4 years stairs installation project delay. 4 years ago would have been April 2021, at which point you were still Board President. These stairs could have been installed, but were removed from the contractor’s work scope during the previous board. At that time, the contractor didn’t apply for a permit, so we couldn’t have known that the design had to be revised.
At the current board monthly meetings, it was explained that the Hillman Eng. stairs design was not sufficient for the city. The LTM Eng. had to redesign and get the city’s approval on stairs installation in order to get the permit.

So I don’t see any spin on facts that can’t be refuted just by rejecting them.
I don’t understand why some people in a condominium would want to create a distraction for owners by asking to sign a letter with misleading information. We should be judging and guided by the results of work accomplished by current board: installed roof (please note without excessive assessment and with the change orders presented); prepared by the board current 50 year recertification project with open bid process and transparent conduct and contractor selection; selecting and assigning new management contracts benefiting association, etc., greatly contributed to so much neglected in the past Aquarius buildings.

Nathan Weinstein, Apt 807S

___________________________________________________

Frida Abrahamian

Please post my response in your blog. I sent you this before and asked you to post it, but it appears that you are selective as to whose letters you post.

I would like to contribute my response to “concerned Aquarius owners”.

This letter should not have been published until all the signatures were collected, or at least it required the signature of it’s author. Otherwise it remains an anonymous accusation. We all know that construction can uncover un-anticipated problems and that was explained in the last board meeting with the construction company.

Many such issues also came up with the 40 year certification, such as pool construction problems, and lack of beach stairs construction which was supposed to happen at that time. The balcony waterproofing process was not adequate, and now we are paying the price.

I understand that people are impatient with the inconvenience of the construction and not having use of their balconies. But it doesn’t seem fair to hurl accusations at the current board who are working hard and in good faith on our behalf, just like the previous board has done.

Thank you for your attention.

Frida Abrahamian  502S

.o0o.

Posted in Board of Directors, Construction & 50 & 40 Year Recertifications | 3 Comments

Notes on the Concerned Owners of Aquarius document to the Board

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Notes on the Concerned Owners of Aquarius document to the Board

 

Bhagwan Buck Gupta (804S) and Nathan Weinstein (807S) have contributed their feedback on the document “Concerned Aquarius Owners Write to the Board,” referenced in an earlier post.

We wish to clarify that the document is still in the process of collecting signatures. With approval from the Board of Directors, the complete list of signatories will be disclosed publicly. Describing the document as “anonymous” at this time is inaccurate and premature, as transparency remains a priority once formal authorization is granted.

Thank you for your understanding as we follow due process.

Bhagwan Gupta 804S   wrote 

To all my neighbors:

If I did not know any better, I would think that Mr. Weinstein has been designated as a Public  Information Officer (PIO) for the current Board. No matter what the nature of enquiry is, he has the ability to spin it in such a way that a reader would be easily distracted to the past now three plus years old without addressing any current issues.
In regards to the so called transparency, there is not a single item mentioned in the letter that can be refuted with facts. 

The Town Hall meeting did not give out any valid information for the progress of the Phase One issues raised by the impacted residents living in line 4 & 5 . We have been suffering with no access to our balconies for nearly 5 months and with no relief in sight. We are still waiting on LTM staff to decide on a product to be used for filling cracks in the balconies.  It should come as no surprise that a product should have been identified prior to even going out to bid, as part of the specifications for  the stated purpose to be used  by the contractor.

In the case of making a claim for not having initiated the proposed Stairway to the Brach Project, which is now  4 years old,  there has been no details shared with the unit owners stating that the City of Hollywood had rejected the submittal. These drawings were developed by a licensed engineering firm, who were paid for delivering a set that would result in  receiving a permit from  all governmental agencies.  Instead of approaching the responsible party for making the necessary changes to get the permits, it was decided to simply trash the fully paid drawings.  Again, was this fact ever shared with the unit owners? We are still waiting to see any conceptual drawings for the proposed stairs . Is this called being transparent by the current Board?

Please address the issues raised in the letter, instead of beating the old drum, by blaming everything on the previous Board.

Signed by BGupta, Unit 804-S

Nathan Weinstein, 807S  wrote:

From Concerned unit 807S owner response to “concerned unit owners”.

 

I wasn’t going to respond to incognito owners insinuations at first but since it was distributed to all owners I decided to address some of their construed concerns.

Before I do it let me just briefly point out a few examples from the former boards “achievements” :

I do agree that the Aquarius buildings were neglected for a longtime until current board was elected:

  • As far as I’m concerned we didn’t pass the 40 years recertification as it was required by the state because: the columns work repairs and roof replacement (roof was w/o insurance for more than ten years) was done only later during current board. We all know that we did obtain a signature on 40 years recertification completion, but I can’t explain how and why.
  • The elevators and the AHU’s on the roof serving common areas and corridors, were purchased by the previous board, and were the worst possible selection of cheap and faulty equipment choice and companies to install them. There is not much current board could do now but to keep constantly repairing many costly break downs. It’s now easy to blame this board but if you are knowledgeable and fair you would know who should be blamed.

 

Now let me address just a few unfair and ridiculous claims:

 

“Lack of management causing major delays in Phase I of the construction project…”

 

  • The recent Town Hall with contractor and engineer presented clear and detailed account of current construction phase and all owners’ questions were addressed. It should be understandable to everybody that the 50year recertification project is conducted under daily supervision by contractor’s supervisor and fully and daily managed by engineering company. You should remember that the former board didn’t hire a management company for a $15 million assessed 40 years recertification project. As a result of that the association overpaid additional $5.2 million w/o any approved change orders. Currently with new assessment we are paying for lots of repairs to installations done under previous board rein: balconies, columns, structures, etc.

 

“overdue completion of the new beach stairs, ramp and access door;”:

-The stairs replacement that is certainly long overdue does have a history:

 some may remember that about four years back under previous board at one of the meetings board announced that the stairs work portion cost about $175K would be removed from contractor scope of work explaining that it could be done at a lesser cost. The funds, we were told would be set aside until new contractor selected. Unfortunately stairs were never installed and money disappeared w/o any explanation to the owners. Therefore in the current assessment, that we are paying now, funds were included again to get stairs work done. As a member of engineering committee I was partially involved with that work and can inform you that the previous engineer stairs design that we paid for was rejected by the city. Current engineer company LTM had to redesign the stairs, the door, etc. and get the city approval. Currently we are awaiting the environmental agency lengthy delay in approval and only than work can start.

 

I am not going to respond to all claims in a disgruntled owner’s letter because they don’t have any merit. However I certainly need to touch on ridiculous “Total lack of transparency”.

 Current board is fully transparent on any and every action, work, etc: board monthly meetings present all pertinent information about new and existing problems, projects and financial standing; town hall meetings for roof installation project and current ongoing project were new form of reporting to owners, providing a complete and unique way to enlighten and explain interested owners.

 

In conclusion from my standpoint I feel lucky that we have now this responsible board that already made so many substantial improvements to Aquarius buildings and grounds. They had to work hard and spent their personal valuable time and a lot off efforts to make necessary improvements especially mandated by the state lows. All our board members are real altruists and I can’t understand our “concerned residents” who instead of praising board work and offering any help to improve their home and community, they coming up with untruthful accusations in a  smear campaign.

 

If anybody has any questions regarding my standing on the issues brought up and require more explanations, I can be easily found and will be happy to explain and discuss anything that I know further.

Just for you to know I treat Aquarius as my house and won’t be easily swayed away from reality with baseless claims and accusations.

Concerned owner,

Nathan Weinstein, 807S

.o0o.

Posted in Board of Directors, Construction & 50 & 40 Year Recertifications, Social | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Group of Concerned Aquarius Owners Writes to the Board of Directors

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

A Group of Concerned Aquarius Owners Writes to the Board of Directors

 

 

The original letter to the Board of Directors may be seen here. Bellow modified version of similar content is presented . If you agree with the content of these remarks you may join in and let the Board know these issues are very important. 

To the Board of Directors:

A group of unit owners of Aquarius Condominium, formally express their collective concern regarding critical operational, managerial, and governance deficiencies that urgently require attention. The following issues have significantly impacted the community’s safety, functionality, and trust in leadership:

I. Operational and Maintenance Failures

  1. Construction Delays: Phase I of the construction project remains incomplete due to inadequate oversight, including overdue deadlines for the new beach stairs, ramp, and access door.

  2. Neglected Facilities:

    • Broken beach chairs and umbrellas remain unrepaired or unreplaced.

    • Persistent water leaks in the beauty salon and malfunctioning air conditioning in common areas and the restaurant.

    • Elevator failures, including the gym elevator being out of service for 13 days.

  3. Landscape Deterioration: Common areas suffer from decaying landscaping due to insufficient irrigation and maintenance.

II. Staffing and Resource Mismanagement

  • High Staff Turnover: Frequent personnel changes disrupt operations.

  • Misuse of Staff Roles:

    • Assigning the maintenance supervisor to non-core duties (e.g., accompanying exterminators).

    • Delegating custodial supervisors to cover office staff vacancies.

  • Security Concerns: Inadequate staffing and oversight compromising resident safety.

III. Lack of Financial and Operational Transparency

  • Budgetary Noncompliance: No annual operating or capital expenditure budget for fiscal year 2024 has been presented to owners, violating governance standards.

  • Exclusionary Governance:

    • Board agenda items and supporting materials are not shared with owners in advance, depriving stakeholders of meaningful review or input.

    • Decisions are routinely approved without owner consultation, fostering distrust.

IV. Request for Immediate Action

We suggest the following actions to restore accountability and functionality:

  1. Timelines for Resolution:

    • Provide a detailed schedule for completing Phase I construction and overdue projects (beach stairs, ramp, salon leaks, elevator repairs).

    • Submit a maintenance plan for landscaping, furniture, and common areas.

  2. Staffing Review: Restructure roles to align with expertise and ensure adequate security coverage.

  3. Transparency Measures:

    • Distribute budgets, agendas, and supporting materials at least 7 days prior to meetings.

    • Establish a formal process for owner feedback prior to Board votes.

  4. Special Meeting: Convene a forum  to address these concerns and present actionable solutions.

We expect written acknowledgment of this letter and a plan of action.

.o0o.

Just for laughing: Sense of Comunity

.o0o.

 

Posted in Construction & 50 & 40 Year Recertifications, Social | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

City of Hollywood Sun Shuttle

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

City of Hollywood Sun Shuttle

 

 

We can ride in many parts of Hollywood using the Hollywood Sun Shuttle operated by CIRCUIT. This is a partnership among the City of Hollywood, CRA and CIRCUIT.

 

How it Works

Riders can download the “Ride Circuit” application from GooglePlay or the App Store to request a ride. The app enables users to specify pick-up and drop-off locations and facilitates connections between different zones. There are two zones of service. Additionally, during operating hours, riders can text or call 561-281-7236 to contact a driver and request a ride in the WEST zone only.

Zone 1 – East Hollywood

Zone 1 offers on-demand service throughout East Hollywood, Downtown, and the Hollywood beach area. This service area primarily utilizes all-electric, zero-emission GEM vehicles capable of accommodating up to 5 passengers each. Additionally, the fleet includes a 12-passenger electric van

Zone 1 primarily operates within the City of Hollywood’s CRA District, offering connectivity to major hotels, beach attractions, restaurants, and various popular points of interest. This service also facilitates connections between other public transportation services, downtown parking garages, and the beach area.

Zone 2 – West Hollywood

 Zone 2 offers services connecting City Hall to West Hollywood. This area spans approximately 4.6 square miles and features ADA accessible 12-passenger all-electric van and  a 4-passenger electric sedan (see Figure 3).

Contact & Support

For more information about Circuit, their vehicles, and their technology, please visit their website by clicking this link: https://www.ridecircuit.com.

If you have an issue with booking a ride, please   Click Here  or call or text 561-281-7236. To contact the City of Hollywood about this service, please email transit@hollywoodfl.org.

.o0o.

Laughing matter

I think the seller will accept your offer, but the Homeowners Association will never approve your shirt.

.o0o.

Posted in Social | Leave a comment

Many New Books at the Aquarius Library – Russian Books

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Exciting News: A Large New Collection of Russian Books at the Aquarius Library!

We are thrilled to announce that the Aquarius Library has received a generous donation of Russian-language books! This remarkable collection includes a wide range of titles that deserve your attention. In fact, the number of books is so substantial that we are requesting the Board of Directors to approve additional bookshelves to accommodate them.

We invite you to visit the Aquarius Library and explore this valuable new addition to our diverse collection. As always, our library offers something for everyone. With thousands of fiction titles, including bestsellers, and a rich selection of non-fiction books covering history, biography, finance, cooking, travel, medicine, self-help, and more, you’re sure to find something of interest.

Our library operates on an honor system—borrow what you need and return it when you’re done. We also welcome donations at any time. Books that are torn, duplicate, or no longer needed are periodically donated to charities for resale, ensuring that our collection remains fresh and beneficial to all.

Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? At the Aquarius Library, knowledge is always free!

Come visit and enjoy the gift of reading.

.o0o.

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Aquarius Holiday Party – December 16, 2024 6pm

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Aquarius Holiday Party
Monday, December 16, 2024 at 6:00 PM

 

Join us for an evening of community fun, delicious food, desserts, and plenty of water! Feel free to bring your favorite beverage to share.

To ensure entry, please contact Emma at 646-220-1150, Taisa at 347-524-6978, or notify the Aquarius Management Office to receive your wristband. Your RSVP is important for an accurate headcount.

Looking forward to celebrating with you!

Holiday Raffle!
Chip in just $5 for a chance to win multiple exciting prizes! Optional

This event is an initiative of the Aquarius Social Committee.

.o0o.

Posted in Social | 1 Comment

She is 102 years old, thriving, active

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

 She’s 102 years old, thriving, active and living life on her own terms

Hilda Jaffe is an extraordinary example of a ‘superager.’ What sets her apart?

Washington Post, KFF Health News, December 8, 2024  

 

Hilda Jaffe, 102, in her apartment in New York. Jaffe enjoys doing puzzles, reading, volunteering and attending cultural events. (Jackie Molloy for KFF Health News)

Guest column by Judith Graham

“The future is here,” the email announced. Hilda Jaffe, then 88, was letting her children know that she planned to sell the family home in Verona, New Jersey. She’d decided to begin life anew on her own in a one-bedroom apartment in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan.

Fourteen years later, Jaffe, now 102, still lives alone — just a few blocks from the frenetic lights and crowds that course through Times Square.

She’s the rarest of seniors: a centenarian who is as sharp as a tack, who carries grocery bags in each hand when she walks back from her local market, and who takes city buses to see her physicians or attend a matinee at the Metropolitan Opera.

Jaffe is an extraordinary example of an older adult living by herself and thriving. She cleans her own house, does her own laundry, manages her own finances, and stays in touch with a far-flung network of family and friends via email, WhatsApp and Zoom. Her 78-year-old son lives in San Jose. Her 75-year-old daughter lives in Tel Aviv.

“My primary-care doctor says, ‘You’re the only centenarian who walks in without an assistant or a cane. You’re off the charts,’” Jaffe said. (Jackie Molloy for KFF Health News)

I’ve spoken with dozens of seniors this past year for a series of columns on older Americans living alone. Many struggle with health issues. Many are isolated and vulnerable. But a noteworthy slice of this growing group of seniors maintains a high degree of well-being.

What might account for this, particularly among people in the farthest reaches of old age?

Sofiya Milman is the director of human longevity studies at the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She studies people known as “superagers” age 95 and older. “As a group, they have a very positive outlook on life” and are notably resilient, like Jaffe, she told me.

Qualities associated with resilience in older adults include optimism, hopefulness, an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, meaningful relationships, community connections and physical activity, according to a growing body of research on this topic.

Jaffe has those qualities in spades, along with a “can-do” attitude.

“I never expected to be 102. I’m as surprised as everybody else that I am here,” she said recently over lunch at a Chinese restaurant just steps from her 30-story apartment building.

Jaffe shops for groceries in New York. She purchases items that she knows she can carry. (Jackie Molloy for KFF Health News)

She’s ‘pragmatic’ and keeps moving

Jaffe’s perspective on her longevity is unsentimental. She credits her genetic heritage, luck and her commitment to “keep moving,” in that order. “You don’t work toward it; it happens. Every day, you get up and you’re a day older,” she said.

This matter-of-fact stance is characteristic of Jaffe’s approach to life. Asked to describe herself, she quickly responded with “pragmatic.” That means having a clear-eyed view of what she can and can’t do and making adjustments as necessary.

Living alone suits her, she added, because she likes being independent and doing things her way. “If a problem comes up, I work it out,” Jaffe said.

In this, she’s like other older adults who have come to terms with their “I’m on my own” status and who, for the most part, are doing quite well.

Still, Jaffe is unusual, to say the least. There are only some 101,000 centenarians in the United States, according to the most recent Census Bureau data. Of this small group, 15 percent live independently or conduct their lives independently while living with someone, according to Thomas Perls, the founder and director of the New England Centenarian Study, the largest study of centenarians in the world. (Jaffe is one of about 2,500 centenarians participating in the study.)

About 20 percent of centenarians are, like Jaffe, free of physical or cognitive impairments, Perls said. An additional 15 percent have no age-related illnesses, such as arthritis or heart disease.

 

Practically, that means Jaffe doesn’t know anybody like her. Nor do her physicians. “My primary-care doctor says, ‘You’re the only centenarian who walks in without an assistant or a cane. You’re off the charts,’” Jaffe said.

She has only a few medical conditions: reflux, an occasional irregular heartbeat, osteoporosis, a touch of sciatica, and a lung nodule that appeared and then disappeared. She monitors those conditions vigilantly, following her doctors’ advice to the letter.

Jaffe carries groceries back to her apartment. (Jackie Molloy for KFF Health News)

Every day, Jaffe tries to walk 3,000 steps — outside if the weather is good, or inside, making laps in her hallway, if the weather is bad. Her diet is simple: bread, cheese and decaffeinated coffee for breakfast; a sandwich or eggs for lunch; often chicken and a vegetable or restaurant leftovers for dinner. She never smoked, doesn’t drink alcohol and sleeps an average of eight hours each night.

Even more important, Jaffe remains engaged with other people. She has subscriptions to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic and a chamber music series. She participates in online events and regularly sees new exhibits at four of New York’s premier museums, where she has memberships. She’s in regular contact with family members and friends.

Jaffe also belongs to a book club at her synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and serves on the synagogue’s adult education committee. For more than a decade, she has volunteered several times a week as a docent at the New York Public Library’s main branch on Fifth Avenue.

“Loneliness, it’s not an issue,” she said. “I have enough to do within my capability.”

Jaffe works on a word puzzle. She remains engaged with other people and has subscriptions to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic and a chamber music series. (Jackie Molloy for KFF Health News)

A focus on the future

 

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, I followed Jaffe as she led visitors from Mexico, England, Pennsylvania and New Jersey through the library’s “Treasures” exhibit. She was a wealth of information about extraordinary objects such as a Gutenberg Bible from the mid-15th century (one of the first books printed in Europe using movable type), Charles Dickens’s writing desk and an enormous folio of John James Audubon’s “The Birds of America.” She spoke fluently, without notes.

When I asked about the future, Jaffe said she doesn’t worry about what comes next. She just lives day to day.

That change in perspective is common in later life. “Focusing on the present and experiencing the here and now becomes more important to older adults,” said Laura Carstensen, founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, who has studied emotional changes that accompany aging for decades. “As does savoring positive things in their lives.”

Carstensen’s research group was the first to show that older adults were more resilient emotionally in the coronavirus pandemic than young or middle-aged adults. “Older people are better able to cope with difficulties,” she said. In part, this is because of skills and perspective gained over the course of a lifetime. And, in part, it’s because, “when we see our future as shorter, it feels more manageable.”

Jaffe has lunch at a diner in New York. She said she doesn’t worry about what comes next and she just lives day to day. (Jackie Molloy for KFF Health News)

Jaffe certainly understands the value of facing forward and letting go of the past. Losing her husband, Gerald Jaffe, in 2005 after 63 years of marriage was hard, she admitted, but relinquishing her life and most of her belongings in New Jersey five years later was easy.

“It was enough. We had done what we had wanted to do there. I was 88 at that point, and so many people were gone. The world had changed,” she told me. “I didn’t feel a sense of loss.”

“It was so exciting for me, being in New York,” she continued. “Every day you could do something — or nothing. … In a house in New Jersey, I would be isolated. Here, I look out the window and I see people.”

As for the future, who knows what that will hold? “My joke is I’m going to be done in by a bicycle delivery person cutting through the pedestrian crosswalk,” Jaffe said. Until that or something else happens, “I live in a state of surprise. Every day is a new day. I don’t take it for granted at all.”

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF.

Aging Well

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Tomorrow, December 12 – Last Day to Register Candidates to Aquarius Board of Directors

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Reminder: Tomorrow, December 12 – Last Day to Run for Aquarius Board of Directors

 

 

A strong community thrives on the active participation of its members. The deadline to register as a candidate for the Aquarius Board of Directors is tomorrow. It’s an easy process—forms and instructions are available at the Aquarius Management Office.

Have you considered running in this election?

Of course, if you’re not a full-time resident or if your full-time job makes serving as a director challenging, there are still plenty of ways to contribute. After the elections, the new Board often invites residents to join advisory committees, such as those for Construction, Beautification, Information Technology, Social Events, and Grievances.

Annual Elections to be held in January 2025

If you’re not ready to run for a Board position, would you consider helping with one of these committees?

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The only good fight is the fight for peace.

Albert Camus

 

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