[HarmonyFL:662] Communicating with the Developer
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Geo
Apr 26, 2010, 9:11:13 PM4/26/10
to HarmonyFL
What follows is the last cordial email exchange between myself and
Shad Tome, the current president of Harmony Development Company (see
"- Show quoted text -" below). This is just one of many examples of
how I have tried over the years to work with the developer of Harmony
to get things improved here. Sadly the results have been mostly
insignificant.
My last attempted communication with Shad was blocked: "Should I
expect this to fall by the wayside now Shad?". But why? Why was it
blocked?
Here's how Shad responded just a few days before: "Got tied up. Will
reply as soon as I can". But Shad never replied again. What happened?
This is what happened. I attempted to get at the truth about a recent
major event in Harmony that intentionally excluded some children who
live here (not to mention Harmony residents in general). Even The
Harmony Institute tried to withhold the facts of this shameful
misdeed. The details will be forthcoming soon.
You will notice that at some point of our email exchange Shad added
this legal notice: "IMPORTANT: The information contained in this e-
mail message is confidential and is intended only for the named
addressee(s)". The notice was the direct result of another
conversation during which he threatened me with his attorney if I were
to divulge the contents of certain other emails. That's why I included
my own preemptive notice: "Note: This email is NOT confidential nor
will any replies be treated as confidential".
We will just have to see which one of us lines up on the right side of
our most fundamental freedoms.
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2010 5:12 PM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Should I expect this to fall by the wayside now Shad?
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 2:12 PM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
NP, thanks for the update.
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 1:34 PM
To: 'George Schiro'
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Got tied up. Will reply as soon as I can.
Shad Tome
President
st...@birchwoodacres.com
HARMONY
3500 Harmony Square Drive West
Harmony, FL 34773
407.891.1616
407.891.1620 (fax)
IMPORTANT: The information contained in this e-mail message
is confidential and is intended only for the named
addressee(s). This message may be protected by the
attorney/client privilege. If the reader of this e-mail
message is not the intended recipient (or the individual
responsible for the delivery of this e-mail message to the
intended recipient), please be advised that any re-use,
dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail
message is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail
message in error, please reply to the sender that you have
received this e-mail message in error and then delete it.
Thank you.
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 7:49 PM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
1. Chess, bridge, backgammon, risk, gin rummy. But I would
really like to see croquet properly done during winter
months (maybe too late now). Bocce would be nice too, but
most folks don't know what it is. The "Field Games" thing
was terribly done. That was my biggest turn-off about
Crystal and Bill.
How to get more participation? Let's be specific Shad and
talk about croquet as a good example.
First, it needs to be announced as one thing (ie. "Croquet"
not "Field Games", sadly this was told to Bill by Chrissy -
his quality former assistant - long ago to no avail). The
activity needs to be in a specific place and at a specific
time. Many folks don't know where the field is. You need to
provide a map to the exact spot.
Next, the activity needs to be all setup and ready to go at
the appointed time. The activities person should not wait
until people start arriving before setting up. This
happened time and again in my experience, but not just
croquet, other activities as well.
Make sure the rules are well understood by the activities
person and printed materials are available for participants
to read as needed.
What I've described so far is just the most basic and
minimal effort that anyone would expect upon arrival to any
activity. Yet this was too much to ask from either Crystal
or Bill.
What could be done to make this or any other activity
special rather than just the bare minimum of mediocrity?
How about a little tent setup with hors d'oeuvres? Maybe a
little Champagne? You think I'm joking?
I know that the CDD has a stupid "no alcohol" rule, but I
am sure that you can get them to change it for "events"
just like any other municipality does. How about some
fitting music for the occasion? I know that many would
consider chamber music a little highbrow, but what's wrong
with highbrow once in awhile? You already have plenty of
lowbrow going on here already. We need some balance, don't
you think? That said, the music would need quality audio
equipment to do it right, not just some cheap boombox that
Bill would likely carry.
To avoid any misunderstanding (based on past experience),
making such an event really work you would need the
following details: quality linen on the serving table,
quality linen napkins, high quality silverware, high
quality crystal flute glasses for the Champagne, high
quality china for those who might prefer tea or coffee with
sugar and half and half in high quality china serving
vessels. No big plastic vats, no paper napkins, no sporks,
no cheap crap anything like was used at the so-called
"Sunrise on the Lake" event (another failed execution).
To show my sincerity, I will even donate 2 bottles of
quality sparkling wine to the inaugural croquet event. You
can rest assured that I will not provide cheap crap wine
similar to what served at the New Years event this year in
the tavern (in cheap plastic "glasses").
I know that all of this costs money Shad. But do this a few
times with truly good food, drink and music and I guarantee
that you will have a good turnout and great word-of-mouth.
Invest less in "look at all the great activities we have in
Harmony" signs and give more to the residents. It will pay
dividends in the long-term.
2. "trying new things is not always comfortable to that
particular group"
I have no idea what this means, but whatever. I am not much
of a folk music or country music fan. My tastes are what
most folks would call classical. But I also enjoy
progressive jazz occasionally. I know that there are
several others in Harmony who would appreciate more than
the music that we've heard here so far (I am sorry that I
missed the "Silver Clouds" the other day, so I can't
comment on them).
Getting a quality small jazz band would be nice and should
not be too difficult. Whereas, getting even a small chamber
group would likely be tough. How about soloists? We had a
wonderful flute soloist at my son's second birthday. It was
one of our most memorable moments of the past 15 years.
Let's try to get some quality live music here Shad, music
that Orlando area music critics would appreciate and write
favorably about.
In another area, what a great opportunity for Harmony was
lost recently! Take a look here:
http://www.harmonyinstitute.org/news.html
Whose idea was it to make this "invitation-only"? What a
slap in the face to Harmony residents! This is exactly the
kind of cultural activity that we need here, yet Harmony
residents were excluded. You guys are really clueless.
3. "It required a license ($1,500/year) which I am paying
for."
Wow! This has potential. Thank you for incurring the
expense and at least trying. If the execution is high
quality and not obviously over-priced, I will definitely
write about it online Shad. Good luck!
4. I have no idea who else might be interested in bridge.
This would be a good opportunity to use "The Point" to
measure interest:
http://ThePoint.com
I would be willing to pay money for a quality bridge
instructor. How much? Not sure, maybe 10 or 20 bucks. But
perhaps there is another way. I haven't looked, but there
must be online bridge communities that would reach out to
us with virtual meetings or some kind of remote
instruction. This would likely get us much more qualified
people at much less cost.
On another note, I am quite disappointed with Brock. I
think that you have both handled our recent exchange
poorly. The result is that I have been left with the
impression that you are trying to avoid scrutiny. This is
just goofy since I can get the same information elsewhere
anyway. Adding my email address back would show that you
have nothing to hide and you are not afraid of scrutiny.
Now I can claim that you are intentionally trying to keep
this information from me. People will naturally wonder why?
Can't you see that this stance simply fuels the fire or
animosity and suspicion? It achieves just the opposite of
what you intend. Sigh.
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 3:43 PM
To: 'George Schiro'
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Thank you for sharing!
1. Describe "games" to me? What does that look like to
you? How do we get more participation for one specific
program when everyone seems to have varying interests? We
have a tough time creating teams (basketball, volleyball,
etc) when the number of people to select from is limited.
The best activities "grow" from a small pre-establish group
that is looking for an organizer to provide the calendar
tools, outreach tools (eblasts), and access to the
facilities. If more small pre-established groups could
step forward this would surely speed up the process rather
than grow something from nothing.
2. Name some cultural activities that we could try? We
are very open to new ideas in this arena. We have done
some and they have been successful, but trying new things
is not always comfortable to that particular group - but
again, fire me some ideas.
3. The movies for adults is a good idea and we are
implementing it with a food and drink component. It
required a license ($1,500/year) which I am paying for.
4. Do you know of a chess or bridge instructor? We don't
know anyone that would drive to Harmony currently. Do you
know of others that would like to participate? We have not
seen this request in any of the prior surveys under
comments and things being requested; thus it will be
extremely important to know participation numbers if we are
going to try and land an instructor we can afford to pay.
Shad Tome
President
st...@birchwoodacres.com
HARMONY
3500 Harmony Square Drive West
Harmony, FL 34773
407.891.1616
407.891.1620 (fax)
IMPORTANT: The information contained in this e-mail message
is confidential and is intended only for the named
addressee(s). This message may be protected by the
attorney/client privilege. If the reader of this e-mail
message is not the intended recipient (or the individual
responsible for the delivery of this e-mail message to the
intended recipient), please be advised that any re-use,
dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail
message is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail
message in error, please reply to the sender that you have
received this e-mail message in error and then delete it.
Thank you.
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 9:24 AM
To: st...@harmonyfl.com
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Here you go!
-----Original Message-----
From: st...@harmonyfl.com
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 9:19 AM
To: George Schiro
Subject: Re: Harmony, FL
Yep
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "George Schiro"
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:14:50
To: <st...@harmonyfl.com>
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
NP. I currently have it in a couple of TIF files. Can you
read TIF files?
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 8:08 AM
To: George Schiro
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Please do share it with me. That is a great checks and
balances.
BTW - I am having issues with emails to birchwood going to
my blackberry. That are being delayed. We are working on
our server. Please use st...@harmonyfl.com Thanks George
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2010 11:00 AM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
I don't know if you receive all of the details of every
survey response. Assuming that you do, I have a copy of the
form I submitted. If you would like to compare mine to what
you received from Bill / WTS, it is available.
I am sure that whatever you receive from WTS will be
accurate. But it certainly can't hurt to help keep them
honest.
BTW, I showed my submission to my son Robin. He concurs
with only two minor differences of opinion.
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 9:33 AM
To: George Schiro
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Yes, Bill works for WTS.
The results, minus email addresses will be published.
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 8:58 AM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
BTW, the best and most comprehensive survey I have seen so
far was released yesterday by WTS International. That's the
company Bill Fife works for, right?
What are your plans to publish the results of this survey
online and when? Will everyone be able to see the full
details of each response online?
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 8:42 AM
To: George Schiro
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
I still disagree with your logic and your opinion. But you
already know that. George - it is simple... it is dollars
and cents. When the market recovers and more dollars and
cents will be available to "give" more.
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 9:42 PM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Shad,
I do appreciate your thoughtful response. But I'm afraid
that the issue is no longer merely the quantity of
amenities offered in Harmony.
Four years ago the issue was indeed missing amenities.
There are still plenty of amenities missing from Harmony
compared to what was originally promised. But the real
issue is the quality of the amenities being offered. Who
determines how these amenities are operated and maintained?
That is the real issue today.
As I have tried to express to you many times, the
fundamental problem in Harmony is the lack of transparency
and accountability. In my opinion, this is why the quality
of life here is not what it should be.
What we have in Harmony is mostly mediocrity. This is very
disappointing to me and to many others.
Harmony's current motto is "Accountable to Nature". But in
reality, the developer of Harmony is really accountable to
no one.
I believe that when people know in advance how many
thousands of dollars annually must be paid to live like
this, many will find this arrangement unacceptable.
My hope is that someone at Starwood will finally hear,
understand and heed this message. Only when the developer
and the residents of Harmony finally start working together
- as equals - can we hope to make Harmony equal to the
vision of its original developers.
Thank you anyway for your response.
'Geo
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 1:49 PM
To: George Schiro
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
George - I have said my peace repeatedly and have spoken
from the heart in regards to what we can do now (given
current market and economic conditions) and what we cannot
do just yet. Every action Starwood, Birchwood, or Harmony
Development has taken since April 2005 has been taken in an
effort to better the asset they own (Harmony) - including
adding additional amenities, adding an activities director,
and providing community solvency. Bob Geimer has been a
great leader for Harmony by confidently believing in its
vision and mission; and by providing the funds and support
necessary for this community to proceed forward during a
time most projects in the same infancy-stage (500 homes and
1,000 residents, but yet tons of amenities) are failing.
Everyday the Harmony Development Company Team works to
improve and advance Harmony. We have the largest vested
interest to do so; and we do it darn well in my (and many
others') opinion.
We will agree to disagree that your approach and strategy
of publishing negative jargon is helping your cause, or
ours to "improve the situation here".
Discouraging others from moving to Harmony, based on
TODAY'S marketed message and obvious existing amenities
(built and visible - not a promise to be here) doesn't make
sense in my mind. Today's buyer was not part of what
happened 6 years ago; thus they are basing their buying
decisions on what they see or are told today - not what was
here or said 6 years ago.
Recent sales (new and existing) demonstrate that Harmony is
a favored community - quality schools, tons of amenities,
well-maintained common areas, and an owner that is solid.
I hear 25 positive encouraging praises, compliments, and/or
comments to every one disappointment or dissatisfaction
comment. That includes emails, phone calls, letters, and
conversations- in the streets, at events, and in the
restaurant.
Our commitment to this project has never been less than
fully-committed; and the accomplishments we continue to
garner speak volumes.
I know this will fall on deaf ears, but I wish you would
reconsider your position and see that "success breads
success" and "positive energy leads to great
accomplishments".
Respectfully,
Shad Tome
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 12:06 PM
To: Shad Tome
Cc: thomaswer...
Subject: Harmony, FL
Note: This email is NOT confidential nor will any replies
be treated as confidential.
Shad,
I just wanted to give you the heads up before I contact
Starwood again. I want to be sure that you have every
opportunity to make changes to how Harmony Development
Company deals with residents before I go over your head. If
you would like to discuss any of this, I will make myself
available to you before I contact Starwood. Feel free to
respond by email with any new ideas that you would like to
share.
The letter below was emailed to Bob Geimer more than 4
years ago. About half of what was predicted then has
happened since. The other half is still a possibility. As
you know, Bob Geimer never took any of this seriously. I
think that he made a mistake. Perhaps others at Starwood
might agree.
Since that time the information posted online has been
steadily increasing and rising in popularity (ie. it keeps
getting easier to find on Google). For example, this search
term:
Harmony, FL
now finds the Wikipedia entry on Harmony in position #3.
Since Wikipedia is widely seen as an independent credible
source of information on any topic, this means that anyone
serious about Harmony will likely find the information that
I have posted over the years via Wikipedia.
I will be actively adding new pertinent information to the
online postings. I think any prospective Harmony home buyer
will find this new information eye opening. This should at
least make people reconsider any decisions they would
otherwise easily make with fewer facts available.
I would rather work with the developer to improve Harmony.
But I will do whatever it takes to improve the situation
here with or without your help.
Sincerely,
George Schiro
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2006 5:13 PM
To: BobG; BobE
Cc: BethU; BobK; BrookeS; CarlaP; Cathy; CyndiC; GabrielaP;
IshbelI; JanetT; JoanP; JohnO; JohnP; LesterM; MikeA;
MikeF; MiltonM; RoyS; SandraS; SteveT; TomR
Subject: Last Call
Hi Bobs!
The train is leaving the station.
As a courtesy (more than you have shown us), we thought we
would give you one last chance to try to develop a real
rapport with the residents of Harmony.
First we will proceed to track down your boss (ie. Geimer's
boss. We know that as a consultant Bob Evans apparently has
no boss, as he also appears to have no real concern about
the upkeep of Starwood's good image). But before doing so,
we thought we would give you a final opportunity to create
a real partnership with the residents of Harmony in a
mutual effort to improve Harmony and to expand it to new
residents. Alternatively, you can choose to continue to
dismiss the needs and the concerns of current residents.
But as a result, instead of partners you will have
adversaries, very active, very loud and very motivated
full-time on-site adversaries who will also serve to bear
witness to anyone else who will listen.
Of course you can choose the latter. You can also choose to
simply marginalize us as a fringe group of malcontents and
then hope for the best with your prospective residents in
the future. But you must know before proceeding that as a
result, you will be gambling with Starwood's image into the
long-term.
What follows will be in store for Starwood, should you
decide to make this gamble on behalf of your employer:
..) We will consult with a member of Bob Geimer's
profession (this is already underway) to discuss the
ramifications of the clear and documented violation of
statue 720.402 vis-à-vis the class of hundreds of residents
who made the good faith commitment to move to Harmony based
on HarmonyFL.com representations (as well as those of other
brochures) prior to the recent HarmonyFL.com revisions. We
will track down everyone who has moved away to be sure that
they are included in this action.
..) We will create an easily accessible web site that
documents in vivid detail all that has gone on in Harmony
over the past few years. It will also serve to document the
status of any current action. Documentation will include
photos, email exchanges and copious notes detailing
conversations with Harmony Development employees, utility
employees, regulators, etc. The documentation will clearly
demonstrate an indisputable pattern of behavior, a clear
pattern of deception.
..) We will contact the Orlando Sentinel newspaper as well
as local TV and radio stations about the apparent fraud
that has been perpetrated here. We will make every effort
to capture the interest of the national and the
international media as well.
..) We will issue press releases questioning Starwood's due
diligence prior to making its Harmony investment as well as
its subsequent mishandling thereafter.
..) We will create an independent newspaper (with a
reference to the web site) that will also document the
goings on in Harmony, past and present. This newspaper will
be made available as handouts to anyone who visits Harmony.
The newspaper will also tie in with anything published by
the mass media.
..) We will paint our cars, minivans and SUVs with direct
slogans of the truth about Harmony and directing onlookers
to the web site. This signage will appear at various
strategic locations along the public streets of Harmony.
..) We will picket every entrance to Harmony, interacting
with onlookers and passing out newspapers.
What has heretofore remained a "private matter" between
residents and the developer will be made public for all the
world to see and to judge. We hope that you can foresee the
unfortunate future for you and your employer, should all of
this come to pass.
You may think that you can silence us, but you can't. You
may think that a few verbal promises will quiet some, but
many of us will continue to clamor none-the-less. You may
think that this will eventually all blow over, but it
won't. You fail to understand the enduring nature of our
new cultural memory.
The internet never forgets. Whatever is published there
will never go away, even if all of the problems eventually
get resolved. You will be making a very big error in
judgment if you fail to recognize this simple truth:
The truth cannot be so easily suppressed by large
corporations as may have been done in the past.
Sincerely,
Carla Poirier
George Schiro
Joan Pancratz
John Pozzi
Kathy Mravic
Milton Mravic
Richard Russell
Rick Pancratz
Roy Sampson
--
Subscription settings: http://groups.google.com/group/harmonyfl/subscribe?hl=en
Shad Tome, the current president of Harmony Development Company (see
"- Show quoted text -" below). This is just one of many examples of
how I have tried over the years to work with the developer of Harmony
to get things improved here. Sadly the results have been mostly
insignificant.
My last attempted communication with Shad was blocked: "Should I
expect this to fall by the wayside now Shad?". But why? Why was it
blocked?
Here's how Shad responded just a few days before: "Got tied up. Will
reply as soon as I can". But Shad never replied again. What happened?
This is what happened. I attempted to get at the truth about a recent
major event in Harmony that intentionally excluded some children who
live here (not to mention Harmony residents in general). Even The
Harmony Institute tried to withhold the facts of this shameful
misdeed. The details will be forthcoming soon.
You will notice that at some point of our email exchange Shad added
this legal notice: "IMPORTANT: The information contained in this e-
mail message is confidential and is intended only for the named
addressee(s)". The notice was the direct result of another
conversation during which he threatened me with his attorney if I were
to divulge the contents of certain other emails. That's why I included
my own preemptive notice: "Note: This email is NOT confidential nor
will any replies be treated as confidential".
We will just have to see which one of us lines up on the right side of
our most fundamental freedoms.
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2010 5:12 PM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Should I expect this to fall by the wayside now Shad?
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 2:12 PM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
NP, thanks for the update.
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 1:34 PM
To: 'George Schiro'
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Got tied up. Will reply as soon as I can.
Shad Tome
President
st...@birchwoodacres.com
HARMONY
3500 Harmony Square Drive West
Harmony, FL 34773
407.891.1616
407.891.1620 (fax)
IMPORTANT: The information contained in this e-mail message
is confidential and is intended only for the named
addressee(s). This message may be protected by the
attorney/client privilege. If the reader of this e-mail
message is not the intended recipient (or the individual
responsible for the delivery of this e-mail message to the
intended recipient), please be advised that any re-use,
dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail
message is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail
message in error, please reply to the sender that you have
received this e-mail message in error and then delete it.
Thank you.
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 7:49 PM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
1. Chess, bridge, backgammon, risk, gin rummy. But I would
really like to see croquet properly done during winter
months (maybe too late now). Bocce would be nice too, but
most folks don't know what it is. The "Field Games" thing
was terribly done. That was my biggest turn-off about
Crystal and Bill.
How to get more participation? Let's be specific Shad and
talk about croquet as a good example.
First, it needs to be announced as one thing (ie. "Croquet"
not "Field Games", sadly this was told to Bill by Chrissy -
his quality former assistant - long ago to no avail). The
activity needs to be in a specific place and at a specific
time. Many folks don't know where the field is. You need to
provide a map to the exact spot.
Next, the activity needs to be all setup and ready to go at
the appointed time. The activities person should not wait
until people start arriving before setting up. This
happened time and again in my experience, but not just
croquet, other activities as well.
Make sure the rules are well understood by the activities
person and printed materials are available for participants
to read as needed.
What I've described so far is just the most basic and
minimal effort that anyone would expect upon arrival to any
activity. Yet this was too much to ask from either Crystal
or Bill.
What could be done to make this or any other activity
special rather than just the bare minimum of mediocrity?
How about a little tent setup with hors d'oeuvres? Maybe a
little Champagne? You think I'm joking?
I know that the CDD has a stupid "no alcohol" rule, but I
am sure that you can get them to change it for "events"
just like any other municipality does. How about some
fitting music for the occasion? I know that many would
consider chamber music a little highbrow, but what's wrong
with highbrow once in awhile? You already have plenty of
lowbrow going on here already. We need some balance, don't
you think? That said, the music would need quality audio
equipment to do it right, not just some cheap boombox that
Bill would likely carry.
To avoid any misunderstanding (based on past experience),
making such an event really work you would need the
following details: quality linen on the serving table,
quality linen napkins, high quality silverware, high
quality crystal flute glasses for the Champagne, high
quality china for those who might prefer tea or coffee with
sugar and half and half in high quality china serving
vessels. No big plastic vats, no paper napkins, no sporks,
no cheap crap anything like was used at the so-called
"Sunrise on the Lake" event (another failed execution).
To show my sincerity, I will even donate 2 bottles of
quality sparkling wine to the inaugural croquet event. You
can rest assured that I will not provide cheap crap wine
similar to what served at the New Years event this year in
the tavern (in cheap plastic "glasses").
I know that all of this costs money Shad. But do this a few
times with truly good food, drink and music and I guarantee
that you will have a good turnout and great word-of-mouth.
Invest less in "look at all the great activities we have in
Harmony" signs and give more to the residents. It will pay
dividends in the long-term.
2. "trying new things is not always comfortable to that
particular group"
I have no idea what this means, but whatever. I am not much
of a folk music or country music fan. My tastes are what
most folks would call classical. But I also enjoy
progressive jazz occasionally. I know that there are
several others in Harmony who would appreciate more than
the music that we've heard here so far (I am sorry that I
missed the "Silver Clouds" the other day, so I can't
comment on them).
Getting a quality small jazz band would be nice and should
not be too difficult. Whereas, getting even a small chamber
group would likely be tough. How about soloists? We had a
wonderful flute soloist at my son's second birthday. It was
one of our most memorable moments of the past 15 years.
Let's try to get some quality live music here Shad, music
that Orlando area music critics would appreciate and write
favorably about.
In another area, what a great opportunity for Harmony was
lost recently! Take a look here:
http://www.harmonyinstitute.org/news.html
Whose idea was it to make this "invitation-only"? What a
slap in the face to Harmony residents! This is exactly the
kind of cultural activity that we need here, yet Harmony
residents were excluded. You guys are really clueless.
3. "It required a license ($1,500/year) which I am paying
for."
Wow! This has potential. Thank you for incurring the
expense and at least trying. If the execution is high
quality and not obviously over-priced, I will definitely
write about it online Shad. Good luck!
4. I have no idea who else might be interested in bridge.
This would be a good opportunity to use "The Point" to
measure interest:
http://ThePoint.com
I would be willing to pay money for a quality bridge
instructor. How much? Not sure, maybe 10 or 20 bucks. But
perhaps there is another way. I haven't looked, but there
must be online bridge communities that would reach out to
us with virtual meetings or some kind of remote
instruction. This would likely get us much more qualified
people at much less cost.
On another note, I am quite disappointed with Brock. I
think that you have both handled our recent exchange
poorly. The result is that I have been left with the
impression that you are trying to avoid scrutiny. This is
just goofy since I can get the same information elsewhere
anyway. Adding my email address back would show that you
have nothing to hide and you are not afraid of scrutiny.
Now I can claim that you are intentionally trying to keep
this information from me. People will naturally wonder why?
Can't you see that this stance simply fuels the fire or
animosity and suspicion? It achieves just the opposite of
what you intend. Sigh.
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 3:43 PM
To: 'George Schiro'
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Thank you for sharing!
1. Describe "games" to me? What does that look like to
you? How do we get more participation for one specific
program when everyone seems to have varying interests? We
have a tough time creating teams (basketball, volleyball,
etc) when the number of people to select from is limited.
The best activities "grow" from a small pre-establish group
that is looking for an organizer to provide the calendar
tools, outreach tools (eblasts), and access to the
facilities. If more small pre-established groups could
step forward this would surely speed up the process rather
than grow something from nothing.
2. Name some cultural activities that we could try? We
are very open to new ideas in this arena. We have done
some and they have been successful, but trying new things
is not always comfortable to that particular group - but
again, fire me some ideas.
3. The movies for adults is a good idea and we are
implementing it with a food and drink component. It
required a license ($1,500/year) which I am paying for.
4. Do you know of a chess or bridge instructor? We don't
know anyone that would drive to Harmony currently. Do you
know of others that would like to participate? We have not
seen this request in any of the prior surveys under
comments and things being requested; thus it will be
extremely important to know participation numbers if we are
going to try and land an instructor we can afford to pay.
Shad Tome
President
st...@birchwoodacres.com
HARMONY
3500 Harmony Square Drive West
Harmony, FL 34773
407.891.1616
407.891.1620 (fax)
IMPORTANT: The information contained in this e-mail message
is confidential and is intended only for the named
addressee(s). This message may be protected by the
attorney/client privilege. If the reader of this e-mail
message is not the intended recipient (or the individual
responsible for the delivery of this e-mail message to the
intended recipient), please be advised that any re-use,
dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail
message is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail
message in error, please reply to the sender that you have
received this e-mail message in error and then delete it.
Thank you.
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 9:24 AM
To: st...@harmonyfl.com
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Here you go!
-----Original Message-----
From: st...@harmonyfl.com
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 9:19 AM
To: George Schiro
Subject: Re: Harmony, FL
Yep
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "George Schiro"
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:14:50
To: <st...@harmonyfl.com>
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
NP. I currently have it in a couple of TIF files. Can you
read TIF files?
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 8:08 AM
To: George Schiro
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Please do share it with me. That is a great checks and
balances.
BTW - I am having issues with emails to birchwood going to
my blackberry. That are being delayed. We are working on
our server. Please use st...@harmonyfl.com Thanks George
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2010 11:00 AM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
I don't know if you receive all of the details of every
survey response. Assuming that you do, I have a copy of the
form I submitted. If you would like to compare mine to what
you received from Bill / WTS, it is available.
I am sure that whatever you receive from WTS will be
accurate. But it certainly can't hurt to help keep them
honest.
BTW, I showed my submission to my son Robin. He concurs
with only two minor differences of opinion.
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 9:33 AM
To: George Schiro
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Yes, Bill works for WTS.
The results, minus email addresses will be published.
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 8:58 AM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
BTW, the best and most comprehensive survey I have seen so
far was released yesterday by WTS International. That's the
company Bill Fife works for, right?
What are your plans to publish the results of this survey
online and when? Will everyone be able to see the full
details of each response online?
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 8:42 AM
To: George Schiro
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
I still disagree with your logic and your opinion. But you
already know that. George - it is simple... it is dollars
and cents. When the market recovers and more dollars and
cents will be available to "give" more.
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 9:42 PM
To: Shad Tome
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
Shad,
I do appreciate your thoughtful response. But I'm afraid
that the issue is no longer merely the quantity of
amenities offered in Harmony.
Four years ago the issue was indeed missing amenities.
There are still plenty of amenities missing from Harmony
compared to what was originally promised. But the real
issue is the quality of the amenities being offered. Who
determines how these amenities are operated and maintained?
That is the real issue today.
As I have tried to express to you many times, the
fundamental problem in Harmony is the lack of transparency
and accountability. In my opinion, this is why the quality
of life here is not what it should be.
What we have in Harmony is mostly mediocrity. This is very
disappointing to me and to many others.
Harmony's current motto is "Accountable to Nature". But in
reality, the developer of Harmony is really accountable to
no one.
I believe that when people know in advance how many
thousands of dollars annually must be paid to live like
this, many will find this arrangement unacceptable.
My hope is that someone at Starwood will finally hear,
understand and heed this message. Only when the developer
and the residents of Harmony finally start working together
- as equals - can we hope to make Harmony equal to the
vision of its original developers.
Thank you anyway for your response.
'Geo
-----Original Message-----
From: Shad Tome
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 1:49 PM
To: George Schiro
Subject: RE: Harmony, FL
George - I have said my peace repeatedly and have spoken
from the heart in regards to what we can do now (given
current market and economic conditions) and what we cannot
do just yet. Every action Starwood, Birchwood, or Harmony
Development has taken since April 2005 has been taken in an
effort to better the asset they own (Harmony) - including
adding additional amenities, adding an activities director,
and providing community solvency. Bob Geimer has been a
great leader for Harmony by confidently believing in its
vision and mission; and by providing the funds and support
necessary for this community to proceed forward during a
time most projects in the same infancy-stage (500 homes and
1,000 residents, but yet tons of amenities) are failing.
Everyday the Harmony Development Company Team works to
improve and advance Harmony. We have the largest vested
interest to do so; and we do it darn well in my (and many
others') opinion.
We will agree to disagree that your approach and strategy
of publishing negative jargon is helping your cause, or
ours to "improve the situation here".
Discouraging others from moving to Harmony, based on
TODAY'S marketed message and obvious existing amenities
(built and visible - not a promise to be here) doesn't make
sense in my mind. Today's buyer was not part of what
happened 6 years ago; thus they are basing their buying
decisions on what they see or are told today - not what was
here or said 6 years ago.
Recent sales (new and existing) demonstrate that Harmony is
a favored community - quality schools, tons of amenities,
well-maintained common areas, and an owner that is solid.
I hear 25 positive encouraging praises, compliments, and/or
comments to every one disappointment or dissatisfaction
comment. That includes emails, phone calls, letters, and
conversations- in the streets, at events, and in the
restaurant.
Our commitment to this project has never been less than
fully-committed; and the accomplishments we continue to
garner speak volumes.
I know this will fall on deaf ears, but I wish you would
reconsider your position and see that "success breads
success" and "positive energy leads to great
accomplishments".
Respectfully,
Shad Tome
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 12:06 PM
To: Shad Tome
Cc: thomaswer...
Subject: Harmony, FL
Note: This email is NOT confidential nor will any replies
be treated as confidential.
Shad,
I just wanted to give you the heads up before I contact
Starwood again. I want to be sure that you have every
opportunity to make changes to how Harmony Development
Company deals with residents before I go over your head. If
you would like to discuss any of this, I will make myself
available to you before I contact Starwood. Feel free to
respond by email with any new ideas that you would like to
share.
The letter below was emailed to Bob Geimer more than 4
years ago. About half of what was predicted then has
happened since. The other half is still a possibility. As
you know, Bob Geimer never took any of this seriously. I
think that he made a mistake. Perhaps others at Starwood
might agree.
Since that time the information posted online has been
steadily increasing and rising in popularity (ie. it keeps
getting easier to find on Google). For example, this search
term:
Harmony, FL
now finds the Wikipedia entry on Harmony in position #3.
Since Wikipedia is widely seen as an independent credible
source of information on any topic, this means that anyone
serious about Harmony will likely find the information that
I have posted over the years via Wikipedia.
I will be actively adding new pertinent information to the
online postings. I think any prospective Harmony home buyer
will find this new information eye opening. This should at
least make people reconsider any decisions they would
otherwise easily make with fewer facts available.
I would rather work with the developer to improve Harmony.
But I will do whatever it takes to improve the situation
here with or without your help.
Sincerely,
George Schiro
-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2006 5:13 PM
To: BobG; BobE
Cc: BethU; BobK; BrookeS; CarlaP; Cathy; CyndiC; GabrielaP;
IshbelI; JanetT; JoanP; JohnO; JohnP; LesterM; MikeA;
MikeF; MiltonM; RoyS; SandraS; SteveT; TomR
Subject: Last Call
Hi Bobs!
The train is leaving the station.
As a courtesy (more than you have shown us), we thought we
would give you one last chance to try to develop a real
rapport with the residents of Harmony.
First we will proceed to track down your boss (ie. Geimer's
boss. We know that as a consultant Bob Evans apparently has
no boss, as he also appears to have no real concern about
the upkeep of Starwood's good image). But before doing so,
we thought we would give you a final opportunity to create
a real partnership with the residents of Harmony in a
mutual effort to improve Harmony and to expand it to new
residents. Alternatively, you can choose to continue to
dismiss the needs and the concerns of current residents.
But as a result, instead of partners you will have
adversaries, very active, very loud and very motivated
full-time on-site adversaries who will also serve to bear
witness to anyone else who will listen.
Of course you can choose the latter. You can also choose to
simply marginalize us as a fringe group of malcontents and
then hope for the best with your prospective residents in
the future. But you must know before proceeding that as a
result, you will be gambling with Starwood's image into the
long-term.
What follows will be in store for Starwood, should you
decide to make this gamble on behalf of your employer:
..) We will consult with a member of Bob Geimer's
profession (this is already underway) to discuss the
ramifications of the clear and documented violation of
statue 720.402 vis-à-vis the class of hundreds of residents
who made the good faith commitment to move to Harmony based
on HarmonyFL.com representations (as well as those of other
brochures) prior to the recent HarmonyFL.com revisions. We
will track down everyone who has moved away to be sure that
they are included in this action.
..) We will create an easily accessible web site that
documents in vivid detail all that has gone on in Harmony
over the past few years. It will also serve to document the
status of any current action. Documentation will include
photos, email exchanges and copious notes detailing
conversations with Harmony Development employees, utility
employees, regulators, etc. The documentation will clearly
demonstrate an indisputable pattern of behavior, a clear
pattern of deception.
..) We will contact the Orlando Sentinel newspaper as well
as local TV and radio stations about the apparent fraud
that has been perpetrated here. We will make every effort
to capture the interest of the national and the
international media as well.
..) We will issue press releases questioning Starwood's due
diligence prior to making its Harmony investment as well as
its subsequent mishandling thereafter.
..) We will create an independent newspaper (with a
reference to the web site) that will also document the
goings on in Harmony, past and present. This newspaper will
be made available as handouts to anyone who visits Harmony.
The newspaper will also tie in with anything published by
the mass media.
..) We will paint our cars, minivans and SUVs with direct
slogans of the truth about Harmony and directing onlookers
to the web site. This signage will appear at various
strategic locations along the public streets of Harmony.
..) We will picket every entrance to Harmony, interacting
with onlookers and passing out newspapers.
What has heretofore remained a "private matter" between
residents and the developer will be made public for all the
world to see and to judge. We hope that you can foresee the
unfortunate future for you and your employer, should all of
this come to pass.
You may think that you can silence us, but you can't. You
may think that a few verbal promises will quiet some, but
many of us will continue to clamor none-the-less. You may
think that this will eventually all blow over, but it
won't. You fail to understand the enduring nature of our
new cultural memory.
The internet never forgets. Whatever is published there
will never go away, even if all of the problems eventually
get resolved. You will be making a very big error in
judgment if you fail to recognize this simple truth:
The truth cannot be so easily suppressed by large
corporations as may have been done in the past.
Sincerely,
Carla Poirier
George Schiro
Joan Pancratz
John Pozzi
Kathy Mravic
Milton Mravic
Richard Russell
Rick Pancratz
Roy Sampson
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