By: Sharon Aron Baron
Today my seven-year-old daughter has been getting her first lesson in sales and in the power of what bitter neighbors can do.
Today my daughter and I set up her Girl Scout Cookie stand outside our house. She dressed up in her uniform after school and helped with signs that were posted on Woodlands Blvd to let people know that she was selling cookies since we’re pretty far back into the Woodlands. Proceeds go to her local Sunrise troop which doesn’t have a lot of money for activities and field trips. Besides the fact that my daughter went door to door securing over 50 pre-sales, I picked up an additional 100 boxes to help the troop.
We set up the cookie stand at 4:45 and at 4:55 we put up the three signs. At 4:57 pm, I received a phone call from a Section 5 resident, who is also the president of a real estate company (which, incidentally, has “for sale” signs on properties throughout the Woodlands) She asked me who put the signs up. I didn’t deny that we put them up. She explained that we aren’t allowed to have signs in the Woodlands. I told her this was for Girl Scouts and I would be picking them up shortly. I told her if she had a problem, she could report me to the city of Tamarac. Ten minutes later, a BSO officer pulls up in front of our cookie stand and tells me and my daughter that someone called and we couldn’t have signs. I told him I would be picking them up at 5:45 pm. After making a few sales from neighbors that stopped by, we promptly picked up the signs at 5:45 with BSO watching. A fine use of BSO’s time and energy!
Shortly after, I also received an email from the Architectural Committee Chair, who must have had this “Architectural Emergency” reported to her. She wrote: “…I could have taken down the signs in accordance with our overlays, obviously you did not have permission from us nor the city to put them up.”
Permission? Like in a written permission slip?
It’s a cookie stand.
Has it been so long that these women ever had a lemonade stand? Do people know what it’s like to have children? Surely, this Section 5 resident, who owns a real estate company and sells the Woodlands to families would be a little sensitive to people who are doing things such as these for children. If we do not keep the Woodlands an attractive community for families, who is going to buy here?
I decided to take this matter to a higher authority. Jennifer Bramley, who is Director of Community Development and oversees code compliance for the City of Tamarac, and had a saner take on the matter, “I think it’s just fine if a girl scout puts up a sign, especially if she makes sure she takes it down.”
Last year, I spoke with her when I wanted to put up a sign advertising our section meeting. The Section 5 resident was adamant that the city would not allow signs. The city, however, told me that certain signs were fine. Just use your best judgment and make sure the sign gets picked up promptly after the event. Imagine that! The city even has common sense!
What about “Lost Dog” or “Found Dog” signs or birthday party signs. How about political signs? Oh yes, let’s not forget our security signs in front of our lawns. What about Real Estate signs? Of course, these are acceptable neighborhood signs and are up for a far longer duration than the one hour these girl scout cookie signs would have been up.
Yet somehow these cookie sale signs drew the ire of a few, petty residents with obviously some axe to grind with me and this website. We need some members on our board and our committees that don’t call BSO and waste their time for small issues such as this.
Author Profile
Latest entries
NewsDecember 17, 2024School Board Approves 2025/26 School Calendar
NewsDecember 17, 2024Margate Crime Update: Grand Thefts, School Disruptions, and Multiple Arrests Reported
NewsDecember 12, 2024Gentle Dog and Shy Kitten Seek Loving Forever Homes at Broward County Humane Society
NewsDecember 8, 2024Margate to Sparkle with Holiday Cheer During 2024 Winter Festival
34 comments
You wrote “It seems to me that every time you want to circumvent one of our Woodland’s Overlay Ordinances, you go directly to the city to ask for an exception. Whether it’s parking on the grass for a party that you are hosting or posting signs, why shouldn’t these ordinances apply to you.”
I don’t know where you are getting your information from, however, I will clarify it so this rumor stops here.
In October, both Ilene Lieberman and I hosted a party for a neighbor who was running for re-election for Circuit Court Judge. We invited every single resident and posted our invitation in the “Neighbors to Neighbors” . We wanted to help this very wonderful neighbor with some support!
Since Ilene is our section president, we discussed how our residents should park since we both live on the boulevard. We asked BSO who told us to ask the clubhouse if we could park on THEIR property……the edge of the golf course in which I am a dues-paying member. The Country Club president agreed as this was only going to be a 2 hour party. I then informed the head of our roving patrol at BSO where we would be parking. I received his OK from them as long as we were not blocking the street.
After all this work, and our OWN money spent on the party including a lot of publicity to help our neighbor, hardly anyone showed up…..including you!
So as you can see, our Section President was involved, BSO was involved and I did not go to the city.
Hope this clarifies this misinformation.
Sincerely,
Sharon Aron Baron
Web Administrator
Stephanie, One more clarification. I removed myself almost immediately from the Architectural Committee right after I joined. I noticed that the processes were inconsistent among the sections and the attitude was negative. Also, when I turned in code violations in my section, it was being shared with everyone and was not confidential. That type of practice turned me off on the whole committee. It’s just not for me. It was way too negative….now this may be for you and I respect that. But not me. I was really hoping it would be about what it’s name implied…..architectural matters!
I was the head of our covenant committee for 10 years in my prior neighborhood in Davie. We relied on our management company to do the dirty work…not the neighbors. We only reviewed what they did and listened to homeowners who wanted to discuss their issues. We always gave them a break when they finally complied to their issues and we NEVER called the police for something as petty as a sign for cookies, or parking on the grass! In fact, the police were never called for code issues. This is just unheard of! These people were our neighbors and we all worked together.
After hearing about the petty matters that were discussed at this week’s Architectural meeting in the Woodlands. I know I made a good decision.
Sincerely,
Sharon Aron Baron
Web Administrator
You wrote “It seems to me that every time you want to circumvent one of our Woodland’s Overlay Ordinances, you go directly to the city to ask for an exception. Whether it’s parking on the grass for a party that you are hosting or posting signs, why shouldn’t these ordinances apply to you.”
I don’t know where you are getting your information from, however, I will clarify it so this rumor stops here.
In October, both Ilene Lieberman and I hosted a party for a neighbor who was running for re-election for Circuit Court Judge. We invited every single resident and posted our invitation in the “Neighbors to Neighbors” . We wanted to help this very wonderful neighbor with some support!
Since Ilene is our section president, we discussed how our residents should park since we both live on the boulevard. We asked BSO who told us to ask the clubhouse if we could park on THEIR property……the edge of the golf course in which I am a dues-paying member. The Country Club president agreed as this was only going to be a 2 hour party. I then informed the head of our roving patrol at BSO where we would be parking. I received his OK from them as long as we were not blocking the street.
After all this work, and our OWN money spent on the party including a lot of publicity to help our neighbor, hardly anyone showed up…..including you!
So as you can see, our Section President was involved, BSO was involved and I did not go to the city.
Hope this clarifies this misinformation.
Sincerely,
Sharon Aron Baron
Web Administrator
Stephanie, One more clarification. I removed myself almost immediately from the Architectural Committee right after I joined. I noticed that the processes were inconsistent among the sections and the attitude was negative. Also, when I turned in code violations in my section, it was being shared with everyone and was not confidential. That type of practice turned me off on the whole committee. It’s just not for me. It was way too negative….now this may be for you and I respect that. But not me. I was really hoping it would be about what it’s name implied…..architectural matters!
I was the head of our covenant committee for 10 years in my prior neighborhood in Davie. We relied on our management company to do the dirty work…not the neighbors. We only reviewed what they did and listened to homeowners who wanted to discuss their issues. We always gave them a break when they finally complied to their issues and we NEVER called the police for something as petty as a sign for cookies, or parking on the grass! In fact, the police were never called for code issues. This is just unheard of! These people were our neighbors and we all worked together.
After hearing about the petty matters that were discussed at this week’s Architectural meeting in the Woodlands. I know I made a good decision.
Sincerely,
Sharon Aron Baron
Web Administrator
Sharon,
As a board member of the Woodlands Architectural Control Committee (ACC), a committee which I believe that you were also once a board member, you are aware that there is an ordinance specific to the Woodlands that will only allow for signs to be posted that are either political, a warning or security sign, or a for sale sign that is posted in your yard. All of these signs have to meet certain size and height guidelines.
I don’t believe that anyone has a problem with the wonderful girl scouts, and I personally believe that they are a very worthy organization.
However, there are numerous worthy organizations. If you are allowed to post signs throughout the Woodlands, then every resident should also be allowed to post signs advertising their worthy organization. Who determines “Worthy”?
Anyone driving down Woodlands Blvd would have noticed your lovely cookie stand and they would have purchased cookies without the signs directing them to your location.
I have young children that go to a Catholic school. Should I be allowed to advertise their school fundraising projects by posting signs throughout the community? If you know how Catholic schools operate, there is always a fundraising activity going on.
It seems to me that every time you want to circumvent one of our Woodland’s Overlay Ordinances, you go directly to the city to ask for an exception. Whether it’s parking on the grass for a party that you are hosting or posting signs, why shouldn’t these ordinances apply to you. If they don’t apply to you, then who should they apply to? Shouldn’t everyone be able to get an exception for whichever ordinance they need to break? What would be the purpose of having ordinances and deed restrictions? There will always be an ordinance that someone does not agree with at some point in time. This is why many people do not live in communities such as the Woodlands. They do not want restrictions placed upon them, but when you willingly choose to move into a deed restricted community, please be willing to abide by the same rules that all of your neighbors must abide by.
By the way, several years ago prior to you moving into the Woodlands, there use to be all kinds of signs, including open house signs, that were constantly being displayed throughout the community. This made the community look trashy. Hopefully this problem will not reoccur.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephanie Brandon
Sharon,
As a board member of the Woodlands Architectural Control Committee (ACC), a committee which I believe that you were also once a board member, you are aware that there is an ordinance specific to the Woodlands that will only allow for signs to be posted that are either political, a warning or security sign, or a for sale sign that is posted in your yard. All of these signs have to meet certain size and height guidelines.
I don’t believe that anyone has a problem with the wonderful girl scouts, and I personally believe that they are a very worthy organization.
However, there are numerous worthy organizations. If you are allowed to post signs throughout the Woodlands, then every resident should also be allowed to post signs advertising their worthy organization. Who determines “Worthy”?
Anyone driving down Woodlands Blvd would have noticed your lovely cookie stand and they would have purchased cookies without the signs directing them to your location.
I have young children that go to a Catholic school. Should I be allowed to advertise their school fundraising projects by posting signs throughout the community? If you know how Catholic schools operate, there is always a fundraising activity going on.
It seems to me that every time you want to circumvent one of our Woodland’s Overlay Ordinances, you go directly to the city to ask for an exception. Whether it’s parking on the grass for a party that you are hosting or posting signs, why shouldn’t these ordinances apply to you. If they don’t apply to you, then who should they apply to? Shouldn’t everyone be able to get an exception for whichever ordinance they need to break? What would be the purpose of having ordinances and deed restrictions? There will always be an ordinance that someone does not agree with at some point in time. This is why many people do not live in communities such as the Woodlands. They do not want restrictions placed upon them, but when you willingly choose to move into a deed restricted community, please be willing to abide by the same rules that all of your neighbors must abide by.
By the way, several years ago prior to you moving into the Woodlands, there use to be all kinds of signs, including open house signs, that were constantly being displayed throughout the community. This made the community look trashy. Hopefully this problem will not reoccur.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephanie Brandon
This is the most ridiculous story I have heard. Why would BSO be involved and have authority to tell someone to take down a sign? This is a civil matter not criminal!
Doesn’t this president realize that if someone was driving in the neighborhood to buy a home, in a family development, they would say, “Oh look honey, someone your age is selling girl scout cookies”. This lady needs “Help me Howard”.
I bet the HOA documents state real estate for sale signs are allowed, as this president probably made sure that for sale signs were allowed. Any prestigious HOA does NOT allow For Sale/Rent signs up. I would consider moving, and make sure to read those documents beforehand and put the president’s feet to the fire with every little move she makes that is not in compliance with the documents.
This is the most ridiculous story I have heard. Why would BSO be involved and have authority to tell someone to take down a sign? This is a civil matter not criminal!
Doesn’t this president realize that if someone was driving in the neighborhood to buy a home, in a family development, they would say, “Oh look honey, someone your age is selling girl scout cookies”. This lady needs “Help me Howard”.
I bet the HOA documents state real estate for sale signs are allowed, as this president probably made sure that for sale signs were allowed. Any prestigious HOA does NOT allow For Sale/Rent signs up. I would consider moving, and make sure to read those documents beforehand and put the president’s feet to the fire with every little move she makes that is not in compliance with the documents.
Like I always say, I love this neighborhood and I believe we have the friendliest neighbors anywhere.
In my last neighborhood which was a HOA managed by Century Management, if something like this happened they would have sent the neighbor a letter reminding them of the rules. Not harass them and definitely not call the police over something as trivial as this. That is my issue. Even the City of Tamarac doesn’t see the issue.
I have asked the Section 5 President to apologize for calling the police. This was sent at 8:25 am and so far I haven’t heard back.
Good luck waiting for the apology she seems to think she is above common decency.
Someone needs to give her a wake up call to be reminded she works for her community and is a mere servant to The Woodlands. If that was my child I would have her fired A.S.A.P!
While calling the police was ridiculous, I have to agree with a previous writer that setting a precedent is the problem Yes, it was an innocent cookie sale, but then the next person that has a garage sale, car for sale, etc. will put up signs too, and then there will be paper signs everywhere, and if you look in other ares they never take down the signs when the sale is over. Hell, there are still political signs up on Rock Island Road from last November.
By the way, For Sale signs are allowed if they are a certain size and kept 10′ from the road. Open House and Garage Sale type signs are not allowed. If in doubt of what you can and can’t do, ask first!
Like I always say, I love this neighborhood and I believe we have the friendliest neighbors anywhere.
In my last neighborhood which was a HOA managed by Century Management, if something like this happened they would have sent the neighbor a letter reminding them of the rules. Not harass them and definitely not call the police over something as trivial as this. That is my issue. Even the City of Tamarac doesn’t see the issue.
I have asked the Section 5 President to apologize for calling the police. This was sent at 8:25 am and so far I haven’t heard back.
Good luck waiting for the apology she seems to think she is above common decency.
Someone needs to give her a wake up call to be reminded she works for her community and is a mere servant to The Woodlands. If that was my child I would have her fired A.S.A.P!
While calling the police was ridiculous, I have to agree with a previous writer that setting a precedent is the problem Yes, it was an innocent cookie sale, but then the next person that has a garage sale, car for sale, etc. will put up signs too, and then there will be paper signs everywhere, and if you look in other ares they never take down the signs when the sale is over. Hell, there are still political signs up on Rock Island Road from last November.
By the way, For Sale signs are allowed if they are a certain size and kept 10′ from the road. Open House and Garage Sale type signs are not allowed. If in doubt of what you can and can’t do, ask first!
Gee, who keeps these fools in power…oh yeah..never mind.
Gee, who keeps these fools in power…oh yeah..never mind.
First of all, we just finished an election where all we heard is that we need to cut services because there are insufficient funds for police, fire, etc. I think in view of the Girl Scout Caper, there is not much for BSO to do in Tamarac, so perhaps they can go to where there really is crime or the County can re-evaluate how it spends taxpayers dollars chasing after little girl scouts. Has this society gone bonkers? Do we prefer seeing young people with their pants down to their knees hanging out in shopping malls looking for their next pick pocket victim (who probably is a little old lady from Woodlands)? I lived in the Woodlands and raised 4 fine boys who went to Ivy League Universities and become fine citizens. If my husband had not passed away, I would still be living there. We had Lemonade stands, we picked up golf balls and brought them back to the pro-shop, picked up our neighbors newspaper if it layed in the driveway too long etc.. Of course, at that time, we were restricted on where people with children could live, but we fixed that, Thank G-D. I applaud you for taking the time, for caring, for not being afraid of the backlash of certain people who really don’t have a clue as to what’s it all about. Just because they live and play and derive most of their income from the neighborhood, does not make them Good People, or Good Neighbors. Just my opinion! At least we are still allowed to have one, Right? They did not take that away yet, although I am sure they are working on it. Sorry for any spelling errors, I am busy selling Real Estate in the Beautiful Woodlands CC area.
First of all, we just finished an election where all we heard is that we need to cut services because there are insufficient funds for police, fire, etc. I think in view of the Girl Scout Caper, there is not much for BSO to do in Tamarac, so perhaps they can go to where there really is crime or the County can re-evaluate how it spends taxpayers dollars chasing after little girl scouts. Has this society gone bonkers? Do we prefer seeing young people with their pants down to their knees hanging out in shopping malls looking for their next pick pocket victim (who probably is a little old lady from Woodlands)? I lived in the Woodlands and raised 4 fine boys who went to Ivy League Universities and become fine citizens. If my husband had not passed away, I would still be living there. We had Lemonade stands, we picked up golf balls and brought them back to the pro-shop, picked up our neighbors newspaper if it layed in the driveway too long etc.. Of course, at that time, we were restricted on where people with children could live, but we fixed that, Thank G-D. I applaud you for taking the time, for caring, for not being afraid of the backlash of certain people who really don’t have a clue as to what’s it all about. Just because they live and play and derive most of their income from the neighborhood, does not make them Good People, or Good Neighbors. Just my opinion! At least we are still allowed to have one, Right? They did not take that away yet, although I am sure they are working on it. Sorry for any spelling errors, I am busy selling Real Estate in the Beautiful Woodlands CC area.
The president is a real piece of work and her position as section 5 president is less about community activism and more about aligning herself and her employees to sell homes in the woodlands ,just look at her committee and you will see her employees placed in position. Many residents who have placed their names on the ballot for delegates are ignored if you don’t sell homes for her.
I see a real conflict of interest and can only wonder what can be done to take her out of office.
Sharon, I have two elementary school age children and I can understand your point entirely; as a parent. However, from reading your article I am still left with the unanswered question “what do the regulations really say.” Are signs, such as the ones we are discussing here, in public areas, allowed in the community? You quote some individuals who seem to think they are allowed and you quote some who seem to think they are not allowed but the real question here is, what does the regulation really say about this. If the regulations say no, then we all have to respect that and abide by it. Again, I have to say that, although I sympathize with your point as a parent, I also have to say that although I live much further inside the community than you do, I personally would not have chosen to place the signs where they were placed. If other parents decide to do the same thing, on the same day and at the same time, it would not look very attractive for our community. It also raises the issue of “precedence,” who will follow and do the same thing, with what kind of signs and where. Also, where and when does the community draw the line? My opinion, for whatever is worth, is that I find it just fine and cute and wonderful that you help your daughter sell cookies in front of your house and that you help her put up the signs in front of your yard. It is a wonderful teachable moment for her and useful to connect. Nevertheless, I disagree with the assertion that we should have the right to set up signs around the community, in public areas of the community, directing traffic to where a product may be purchased, even if we are talking about girl scout cookies. I think it sets a bad precedent for others to follow and then where do you stop. Obviously, no one should have a problem with a private property having a for sale sign or a political sign within the parameters of that private property. I do think it is inappropriate to have signs being placed at the entrance of the community, in the middle of the community, etc. telling me which way to go to purchase a product, such as a sign telling me “house for sale ahead” or “political sign ahead,” or “girl scout cookies ahead.” Again, there is a big distinction to be made between signs in your property and signs in the public areas and this helps preserve the attractiveness, the uniqueness and the civility of our community. We have to respect the public areas because they are, after all, “public” and for all of us. Let me qualify all this by adding that I don’t have a problem, nor do I think anyone has a problem, with small signs and business cards left on a public area such as a bulletin board at a club house. This is entirely of a much different nature than what we are talking about here. I will add that your stand in front of your house with you and your daughter had a wonderful community feel and the only reason why I did not stop was because I did not have cash with me.
Sharon, I have two elementary school age children and I can understand your point entirely; as a parent. However, from reading your article I am still left with the unanswered question “what do the regulations really say.” Are signs, such as the ones we are discussing here, in public areas, allowed in the community? You quote some individuals who seem to think they are allowed and you quote some who seem to think they are not allowed but the real question here is, what does the regulation really say about this. If the regulations say no, then we all have to respect that and abide by it. Again, I have to say that, although I sympathize with your point as a parent, I also have to say that although I live much further inside the community than you do, I personally would not have chosen to place the signs where they were placed. If other parents decide to do the same thing, on the same day and at the same time, it would not look very attractive for our community. It also raises the issue of “precedence,” who will follow and do the same thing, with what kind of signs and where. Also, where and when does the community draw the line? My opinion, for whatever is worth, is that I find it just fine and cute and wonderful that you help your daughter sell cookies in front of your house and that you help her put up the signs in front of your yard. It is a wonderful teachable moment for her and useful to connect. Nevertheless, I disagree with the assertion that we should have the right to set up signs around the community, in public areas of the community, directing traffic to where a product may be purchased, even if we are talking about girl scout cookies. I think it sets a bad precedent for others to follow and then where do you stop. Obviously, no one should have a problem with a private property having a for sale sign or a political sign within the parameters of that private property. I do think it is inappropriate to have signs being placed at the entrance of the community, in the middle of the community, etc. telling me which way to go to purchase a product, such as a sign telling me “house for sale ahead” or “political sign ahead,” or “girl scout cookies ahead.” Again, there is a big distinction to be made between signs in your property and signs in the public areas and this helps preserve the attractiveness, the uniqueness and the civility of our community. We have to respect the public areas because they are, after all, “public” and for all of us. Let me qualify all this by adding that I don’t have a problem, nor do I think anyone has a problem, with small signs and business cards left on a public area such as a bulletin board at a club house. This is entirely of a much different nature than what we are talking about here. I will add that your stand in front of your house with you and your daughter had a wonderful community feel and the only reason why I did not stop was because I did not have cash with me.
Are Bonnies Real Estate signs considered under these guidelines?
What a shame! Kudos to you for standing up for your daughter and instilling the moral values of hard work and salesmanship. The President needs to take a refresher course from your daughter. Thanks for letting us know.
The Section 5 president has been abusing her power frequently and regularly. One has to question her personal ideological motives given her reaction to minor irritants. I’ve never met her personally but that didn’t stop her from lying and addressing me using this forum which only proved my original point,
I was not aware of her real estate business and it now clears up how she has ignored delegate nominations to write in her own employees to sell more homes. Voyeurism with high powered binoculars is illegal but She spy’s on her neighbors like some type of storm trooper, so she isn’t always concerned with doing things by the book.
I think her real estate signs are more of a legal issue than your little one selling girl scout cookies.
What a shame! Kudos to you for standing up for your daughter and instilling the moral values of hard work and salesmanship. The President needs to take a refresher course from your daughter. Thanks for letting us know.
The Section 5 president has been abusing her power frequently and regularly. One has to question her personal ideological motives given her reaction to minor irritants. I’ve never met her personally but that didn’t stop her from lying and addressing me using this forum which only proved my original point,
I was not aware of her real estate business and it now clears up how she has ignored delegate nominations to write in her own employees to sell more homes. Voyeurism with high powered binoculars is illegal but She spy’s on her neighbors like some type of storm trooper, so she isn’t always concerned with doing things by the book.
I think her real estate signs are more of a legal issue than your little one selling girl scout cookies.
I hope you’re putting up your stand today! You should request a fax from Jennifer B. indicating that the signs are fine… Then when the BSO shows up, you can show them and then they go about their merry way and deal with actual crime. BTW ~ I am all over with assisting with a grassroots effort to replace the negative elements on the board…
Jennifer please contact me we are interested in doing something positive as well.
I hope you’re putting up your stand today! You should request a fax from Jennifer B. indicating that the signs are fine… Then when the BSO shows up, you can show them and then they go about their merry way and deal with actual crime. BTW ~ I am all over with assisting with a grassroots effort to replace the negative elements on the board…
Jennifer please contact me we are interested in doing something positive as well.
What a sad commentary…. this generational power struggle only further alienates us from one another, and divides this beautiful community into ‘us’ vs.’them’. I wonder if these folks have grandchildren and how irate they would be if someone did this to them….
What a sad commentary…. this generational power struggle only further alienates us from one another, and divides this beautiful community into ‘us’ vs.’them’. I wonder if these folks have grandchildren and how irate they would be if someone did this to them….
Are Bonnies Real Estate signs considered under these guidelines?
The president is a real piece of work and her position as section 5 president is less about community activism and more about aligning herself and her employees to sell homes in the woodlands ,just look at her committee and you will see her employees placed in position. Many residents who have placed their names on the ballot for delegates are ignored if you don’t sell homes for her.
I see a real conflict of interest and can only wonder what can be done to take her out of office.
Comments are closed.