WINTER 2019
4025 North Federal Highway | Oakland Park, FL 33308
History: Building B Fire of 1997
It was Thursday, December 16, 1997 around 11:00 AM – when the first sparks of what would become a devastating condominium fire consumed the entire third floor of Building B. While firefighters were quick to respond, it would take another two hours to put out the flames, because the nearest fire hydrant was 200 yards away from the building. In surrounding neighborhoods, firefighters cut through fencing and trampled lawns of private homes to provide enough water to stop the blaze. The Oakland Park Fire Department requested assistance from nearby cities – but they had difficulty reaching the fire due to heavily clogged traffic on Federal Highway, and crowds of onlookers from neighboring towns. All of the residents of Building B became homeless that day. Snowbirds returned to their northern homes and residents with insurance were housed in a nearby condominium. Others found temporary residence with family or friends. Many were assisted by churches, which provided temporary housing for occupants with nowhere else to go. Some neighbors spent many nights at the Howard Johnson’s Hotel on Pompano Beach. Belongings that were not incinerated were damaged by smoke or water. Local newspapers reported stories about elderly residents “losing everything” and young families losing all their holiday gifts. Gifts that were intended for a Christmas Day visit by Santa. On the evening of the fire, the Red Cross provided newly homeless neighbors with vouchers for food and clothes, as well as toothbrushes and soap to assist them through the next few days. The residents of Building B would not return to Kings Park until three years later.
Our neighbors remember… Mary Hillman, who lives in Building B today, was living in Building C at that time. Mary was at a doctor’s appointment when the fire broke out. “I don’t remember how far south on Federal Highway I was able to drive before the road was blocked. I saw the smoke and thought the fire was coming from Bobby Rubino’s across the street -- but that was wrong. At some point I had abandoned my car and ran the rest of the way home. By then I was wheezing, and the fire chief handed me his phone to call my daughter and let her know I was okay. That sort of kindness happened again and again.” Continued on next page...
Welcome | Bienvenue | Bienvenido | Bem vinda | Herzlich willkommen | Byenveni Welcome to Kings Park. No matter where you came from -- we welcome you. Whether you’re a renter, first-time home buyer, snowbird or longtime resident, Kings Park is proud of the diversity in our community, from the smallest child to our most seasoned residents.
Building B Fire Image: MotherNiche.com
Continued from page 1.
Barbara Lund, a Building A resident, had this to say: “I was at work when I heard about the fire.
Winter Good Neighbor Award: Warren Cassidy Submitted by Michael Walker If you frequent the poolside you’ve likely enjoyed Warren Cassidy’s light-hearted spirit as he holds court (L-R) Michael Walker, Warren Cassidy and regales people with his tales of days gone by. With his keen memory for movie details, and the lives of actors and actresses, he is very entertaining company. As a retired banking and finance professional, Warren also offers good insight regarding current news and events. Most importantly, Warren acts a guiding light for our community -- his generous spirit is always willing to help a neighbor. He is available to lend an ear, go to dinner or a show, and share treats in the evening while watching TV. Warren is a good friend to many Kings Parklandians and he provides them with great ideas on how to improve life here at Kings Park.
All the residents of buildings A, B, and C were told to get out immediately by firefighters pounding on their doors. Blessed Sacrament Church allowed our residents to hole up in their cafeteria that day. By the time we were allowed back on the property it was dark and I could see a few smoldering embers remaining.” Edith O’Rourke, was a Building B resident in 1997 and still lives there today. She had this to say, “We all did the best we could elsewhere. We can count our blessings that no one was seriously injured.”
Graphic Design Christa Grant Design
Graphic Design Photography | Social Media 631.365.6122 info@christagrant.com christagrant.com
Companion
Doors Ardent Door and Millwork, Inc. Quality Door Installations and Repairs 954.536.4884 | Michael Spector service@ardentdoor.com ArdentDoor.com
Mature woman for companion / sitter to shut-in or senior. Non-smoker. Will do errands, shop, pick up prescriptions, prepare lite meals. Accompany to doctors or social events, movies, restaurants. Call Marlene 954-854-8017
kingsparknews@gmail.com
Important Notices for Every Resident
Upcoming Events
Got a bicycle in the bike room? Tag it now (and inflate those tires). On January 31, any bicycle that is not tagged with your name, phone number and unit number will be donated to charity. Please use a semi-permanent tag, such as a luggage tag, or something that won’t easily fall off when bumped by neighboring bicycles. Also, be sure the tires are properly inflated. Got a rug on your patio? Remove it right away. The standing water on our patios resulting from rainfall is often trapped beneath our patio area rugs. While mold is certainly a concern, the integrity of our concrete patio floors is a greater problem. Please remove your area rug and keep our concrete dry.
A Conversation with the Door Man
Saturday, January 12 @ 10:00-11:00 AM Community Room | All are welcome
Annual Members Meeting
Monday, February 11 @ 7:00 PM Community Room | Homeowners only
Lifetime Achievement Award Honoring Mary Hillman
Saturday, March 23 | By invitation only To request an invitation contact kingsparknews@gmail.com
Have you witnessed unusual activity? Say something now. Safety and security is every resident’s responsibility. Communications about suspicious activities can be submitted to the Board Mailbox in Building B (small gray box next to the mailboxes).
Computers Computer Rescue, Inc. On-Site Computer & Networking Services 954.804.4344 fix@computerrescue.net • • • • • • • •
Computer/Laptop Repair Virus and Infection Removal Networking Data Recovery Upgrades and Installations Backup Solutions Gaming Configuration Security Cameras
Spring Issue Deadline: March 8 Contact kingsparknews@gmail.com for more information.
Meats and Wines Smitty’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop 1980 NE 45th Street | Oakland Park 954.771.9341 info@smittysmeatsandwines.com smittysmeatsandwines.com kingsparknews@gmail.com
Everyone had a great time at the 2018 Holiday Open House
The Condominium Association of Kings Park thanks everyone who attended this memorable evening last month. Additionally, we want to extend a very special thank you to neighbors who made this event possible: William Shapton, Barbara Lund, Cinzia Guise Furnari, Bob Koch, Erica Vanyi, Sara Vanyi, Mary Hillman, Kim Beers and Holly Leppert.
Professional photography courtesy of Christa Grant
Wine Lounge
$5
Off
ONE GLASS
OF WINE Offer expires January 31, 2019. Coupon must be presented. Limit one coupon per Kings Park resident. You must be 21 years of age with valid ID.
Modern Wine Lounge Next to Gateway Theatre 1828 East Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
954.616.5216 ModernSixtiesWine@gmail.com ModWineLounge.com
kingsparknews@gmail.com
Ideal venue for... • Boys Night Out • Girls Night Out • Charity Events • Bridal Showers • Birthday Parties