June 2014 - Killearn Lakes Homeowners Association, Inc.

Save these Dates
June
12
14
15
21
Board Meeting at association office at 7 pm
Flag Day
Father’s Day
First Day of Summer
July
4
10
Fourth of July
Board Meeting at association office at 7 pm
“The Killearn Lakes ‘Lakes View’ Magazine is not partnered or affiliated
with any other publications. KLHOA Board and Staff request you please
support the advertisers who support your neighborhood.”
2014 Board of Directors
(Elected by general membership)
Directors
Trina Searcy, President
Tom Martineau, Treasurer
Joe Barnett, Director
Mark Worley, Director
Mark Reichert, Vice President
Joanie Trotman, Secretary
Dan King, Director
Administrative Staff
Nancy C. Johnson
Anne Marshall
Gregory Durant
Erin Murphy
Operations Director, Bookkeeper & Editor
Office Manager
Field Manager
Assistant Editor, Assistant Office Manager
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
T: 850-668-3231 | F: 850-894-1477
E: Admin@killearnlakeshoa.org
7110 Beech Ridge Trail, Tallahassee FL, 32312
Corporate Records are available upon written request.
www.KillearnLakesHOA.org
If you haven’t already, register your information with our NEW
website if you wish to continue to receive resident email alerts from
the association office. Directions to do so are directly beside the
registration box located on the ‘Contact Us’ page. Thank you!
Cover Photo Contest
Photographer:
Erin Murphy took this picture during the Kids Fishing Contest at
Lake Monkey Business park. Our field manager, Greg, waved Erin over
and pointed out this beautiful owl. He must have wanted to join in on
all of the fun, too!
Did you know that your photography could be showcased on
our cover? If you have a photo you would like to submit for
consideration, simply send it to admin2@killearnlakeshoa.org.
All submitted photos should be at the highest available quality {at
least 300dpi}. Entries will be reviewed by the editor and assistant editor.
The selected photo will appear on an upcoming issue of the “Lakes View”
Magazine. It would be helpful if you could share a personal story along
with the photo.
Call our office at (850) 668-3231 if you have any additional
questions. We look forward to “showcasing” your photo submissions!
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Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
Important
Phone Numbers
Fire Department Dispatch
(non-emergency situations only)
891-4310
Talquin Electric (ex: Light out on your street)
(Bradfordville office):
893-6853
Outages (24-hour service):
(1-888) 802-1832
Leon County Sheriff ’s
Office Dispatch:
922- 3300
Leon County Public Roads
(Limbs & Trees on KL roads):
606-1400
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG:
(1-800) 432-4770
Animal Control
606-5400
Leon County Mosquito Control
606-1400
Waste Management
574- 3000
Leon County Storm Water Questions:
606-1400
Stay Connected with Killearn Lakes. Like our
Facebook page Killearn Lakes Homeowners and
follow us on Pintrest and Twitter @KLHOA.
But it will become what you make it
JUNE
at least for me is turning out to be quite
a busy month. School is out for the
summer, a bit of a milestone anniversary for Barrett and me,
another couple of birthdays, Father’s Day, maybe a pool party or two
and engagement parties, weddings and time to plan vacations. Have
I left anything out?
In this edition we welcome two of our newest advertisers: Ken Hall
from ASP, who contributed helpful hints on pool safety, and Brad
Fantle from Tiger Rock Martial Arts, who gives suggestions on how
to handle bullies at summer camp.
We held our annual Kids Fishing Event at Lake Monkey Business
Park on May 3rd ; please check out the F&W Chairman’s article and
photos on page 16. Charlie Mesing, who is a Killearn Lakes resident
and marine biologist, has provided photos and information about
some nasty “Exotic Weeds” which sometimes show up in our lakes.
Sometimes we receive calls asking, “Just what do I pay my dues for
anyway? What do I get for my annual dues?” All of us in the office
collaborated with our Board Treasurer, Tom Martineau, and believe
we have outlined how your annual dues are spent and why we collect
them. Please see Tom’s article on page 12.
If you were unable to attend the May Quarterly Open Members
Meeting you really missed an eye-opening and informative
presentation by Deputy Tim Randolph from the Leon County
Sheriff ’s Office. One of the topics he covered was the latest news on
car theft rings. Not only do thieves break into unlocked cars, but
often locate a valet key from the glove box, then drive off with the
car. What’s left inside the vehicle is easily “fenced”. This results in
vehicle theft charges. There may be 20+ year-old thieves recruiting
younger ones and encouraging their participation by offering a cut
of what the items bring when fenced. Some of the items Deputy
Randolph mentioned that are being stolen from unlocked
automobiles are smaller electronic items (phones, laptops, cameras)
credit cards and even firearms! He also stated there is to be steppedup surveillance of the parks and areas where reports of drug trafficking
have taken place. The LCSO now also has increased its helicopter
service in the Northeast area of the county. Bottom line is, to avoid
all this happening to you and your family members, “Lock Your
Cars”!!!! It’s that simple.
For those of you who have been affected by the noise level at
“
“
It Is What It Is...
Editor’s Note
Hurricane Wings, good news! The owner has been working in
cooperation with the Sheriff ’s office and county commissioners to
lessen the decibel levels and sound- deadening materials are being
used successfully. The County noise ordinance is currently being readdressed.
In April I mentioned that our own Anna and husband Ryan were
soon to welcome a baby girl to their family. Raelyn Cay Prentiss
arrived early in May. Congratulations Anna & Ryan!
Although Anna no longer works at the association office, she is still
the photographer for our events ….. the exception being this year’s
Kids Fishing Contest. We didn’t know Erin was such a good
photographer, as well! The cover photo is one Erin took at Lake
Monkey Business during the Fishing Contest. I hope you enjoy this
edition of “Lakes View” Magazine.
Nancy C. Johnson
Operations Director, Bookkeeper & Editor
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Bryan's Brief
May is here already and June just
around the corner! Some of our children
are graduating high school and leaving
home for college and some are returning
home as college graduates! Life goes on!
The flowers are blooming and it’s
beginning to get hot. We had some
extreme weather over the winter and I’m
hoping for a mild summer. If you haven’t
already, be sure to get out to some of our
many beautiful parks to walk, run, cycle
or just to turn the kids loose on the playgrounds. Cascades Park is a
great place to spend an afternoon and it’s the perfect time of year for
it.
Killearn Lakes Stormwater Projects
I’ve had some calls and e-mails regarding the stormwater projects
the County have underway and I thought I would take some time to
talk about it. The Killearn Lakes community was developed as a sheet
flow subdivision to try and minimize the disturbance to the natural
environment. Unfortunately in this area with heavy clay/low
impervious soils, high groundwater and elevation changes, and the
lack of control and conveyance of stormwater runoff has created both
nuisance and structural flooding throughout Units 1, 2 and 3. The
HOA greenways between and behind many homes were designated
to be the stormwater runoff path from the roadway system and lots,
through and between properties to allow water to safely reach the
various stormwater ponds and lakes within the development.
The county has drainage easement over these green spaces and
has averaged about 20,000 man hours a year responding to
stormwater issues within Units 1, 2 and 3. Obviously this level of
effort is not economically viable. Our Operations Maintenance
Division does what it can, but most of the remaining issues cannot
be remedied without a major capital project.
Engineering has spent the last several years holding numerous
outreach meetings to seek input and to develop design alternatives.
We tried wherever possible to minimize the impact to trees and have
included significant re-plantings within the areas that had to be
cleared to provide stormwater benefits. Some of the greenways are
narrow and there simply isn't enough room to construct a viable
stormwater conveyance system and keep all the trees. In Unit 3, our
project called Southbrooke, the stormwater issue becomes not only
conveyance but also the volume of the water that is trying to get to
Lake Iamonia and it has required a more aggressive approach with a
significant expansion of the stormwater storage facility.
In some areas, in order to provide the much needed stormwater
storage, we had to lower the greenway by several feet and to do that
it required clearing the greenway and then replanting. Our replanting
plan relies heavily on native trees and shrubs. We do not have the
funds at this time to address all the stormwater issues that are not
within this project scope. If you are having stormwater issues and
your home is not in the area of planned work, call us and we’ll try to
determine if there’s anything that can be done on a temporary basis
to improve the situation until funding becomes available.
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Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
May-June 2014
The stormwater project has had some input and suggestions
from the HOA and is a balancing act of maximizing the stormwater
conveyance, providing storage where needed, and minimizing the
impacts to the wetlands and vegetation. County Engineering always
considers the natural vegetation, understory/trees and works hard to
minimize our impacts to it while still meeting the project goals.
Prior to construction, our Engineering staff hand-delivered door
tags to everyone in Units 2 and 3 and provided contact information
and the HOA has maps of the areas where we’re working. We’re also
staying in touch with them as the project moves forward. The
inspector for this project has changed but the two project managers
remain the same: Inspector Chris Bass (556-4759); For Unit 2, Kim
Wood (606-1545); For Southbrooke/Unit 3, Felton Ard (606-1515).
Chris is in the field pretty much full time and Kim or Felton will
make themselves available for meetings as needed. Please feel free to
contact them if you have any questions or concerns.
Bannerman Road Improvements Coming Soon
A public private partnership (P3) between the Summit Holdings
VIII, LLC, owner and developer of the 27 acre parcel lying north of
the Bannerman Crossings Shopping Center, and Leon County will
expedite widening a portion of Bannerman Road to 4 lanes and
construction of a new intersection.
During public hearings and meetings with neighborhoods
and various homeowner association representatives, the following
concerns were raised:
• Location about how close the proposed signal was to
Thomasville Road and how it would affect traffic backing
up to and through the Thomasville Road intersection.
• Need to widen Bannerman to four lanes to ease congestion
adjacent to the commercial development
Leon County and the developer, Summit Holdings VIII, took
the residents’ concerns to heart and worked together to do the
following:
• Developer donated the necessary right of way to 4 lane
Bannerman for their portion of Bannerman frontage.
• Leon County was able to secure funding for four laning of
Bannerman to the west or 900’ west of Quail Common
Drive using concurrency and gas tax money.
• It was determined that a roundabout at the new Bannerman
Road intersection would better address the citizen concerns
as well provide overall mobility, safety, operational,
environmental and aesthetic benefits over a traffic signal.
• Developer, Summit Holdings VIII modified their
commercial development to allow for the construction of a
roundabout and facilitated the redesign of the signalized
intersection to a roundabout on Bannerman Road.
See Bryan’s Brief continued on page 6
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Bryan's Brief
continued from page 4
We know that construction on this heavily traveled Bannerman
Road can be disruptive. In order to minimize the inconvenience Leon
County and Summit Holdings VIII have worked together on the
following plan:
• A construction schedule was established to begin during the
2014 summer months when traffic is at its lightest.
• A temporary bypass road on the south side of Bannerman Road,
outside of the public right-of-way and west of the existing
Bannerman Crossings shopping center, will be provided.
• Initially, construction of this temporary bypass road will
begin in early June without any disruption to current traffic
patterns.
• Traffic will then be rerouted along this temporary bypass
road during the construction of the 2-lane (each way)
roundabout.
• This bypass road will keep similar merging lengths etc. for
Bannerman just on a slightly different path and allow the
roundabout to be built without traffic routed through it.
Much safer for all.
• The widening of Bannerman Road will begin shortly after
the roundabout is complete.
www.summitgroupcommercial.com/
• Please
visit
bannerman-maps for a map drawing of this project.
• Summit Holdings VIII will construct the Beech Ridge Trail
extension road to their north property line and stop. The
connection of this roadway to Kinhega is a separate Leon
County Project and its schedule is to be determined.
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Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
Other construction Notes
The majority of the Bannerman Road widening will be to the
south side of the existing 2-lane road, with 2 way traffic proposed to
be maintained at all times. This 0.4 mile widening of Bannerman
Road, is part of a future widening to extend the 4 lanes to Tekesta
Drive. Widening will include a 4-lane divided roadway section with
5’ paved shoulders and a 10’ wide multi-use trail on the north side
of the roadway as identified during the Preliminary Design and
Environmental (PD&E) study. Construction is expected to be
completed by August of 2015. For more information, please refer to
the following website: www.summitgroupcommercial.com/
bannerman-maps.
I realize I've not covered as many District IV issues in my
Killearn Lakes Newsletter, but I felt you would want more
information on these two projects than all the others. Much thanks
to all of you for your continued support. I appreciate all of your calls,
e-mails and letters advising me of service or operational issues in
District IV. It's because of you and your continued contact with me
that I am able to identify opportunities for improvement and it’s with
your help we are able to address District IV issues. Please call me if
you have any questions, concerns or suggestions - 606-5364 or
deslogeb@leoncountyfl.gov.
Leon County
Board of County Commissioners
Bryan Desloge
Annoying Neighbors? What You Can
(and Can’t) Do About It
By Phil Corso
www.legalzoom.com/everyday-law/home-leisure/annoying-neighbors-what-you-can
Love thy neighbor, or just sue them. Sharing property lines can land
you some legal problems.
Neighbor disputes are nothing new, but the ways people deal with
them are constantly evolving. A simple fence-side conversation might do
the trick. But if it doesn’t, you might be asking a judge to build a fence
out of legal fees instead.
Does your neighbor have issues?
There are varying degrees of delinquent neighbors and even more
ways to they could turn your dream home into a nightmare. At the end
of the day, the offense ultimately depicts the kinds of remedies at your
disposal.
Real estate expert Barbara Corcoran broke down some of the worst
offenders in an interview with Today Home & Garden, starting with
something fairly simple, but loud: the racket maker. Screaming moms,
horn honking, music fanatics, and partiers. It’s typical. Corcoran goes all
the way down the line, too, including the property line fanatic, the slob,
the careless pet owner, the weirdo, and more.
The reality is that nuisance neighbors can come in many shapes and
sizes. Some offenses you might just have to accept: noise during the day,
the occasional yappy dog, or the outside cigarette smoker. Other issues,
however, could mean the beginning of a legal pursuit: illegal construction,
disobeying city ordinances or failing to obey specific property boundaries.
How bad can it really get?
A neighbor dispute in April shed some light on exactly how out of
hand certain instances can become. An Ohio man was ordered by a
municipal court judge in a disorderly conduct case to stand on a corner
holding up a sign listing the offense he was found guilty of, which
happened to be bullying disabled children.
“The judge destroyed me,” 62-year-old Edmond Aviv told CBS
News in a story about his humiliating venture.
According to CBS, Aviv was accused of bullying his neighbor Sandra
Prugh’s disabled children for years and was ordered to display the sad sign
for five hours as part of his sentence, which included 15 days in jail and
anger management classes.
“I AM A BULLY! I pick on children that are disabled, and I am
intolerant of those that are different from myself. My actions do not
reflect an appreciation for the diverse South Euclid community that I
live in,” the sign read.
Perhaps he will think twice next time he has a word with his neighbors.
How to handle your hazardous neighbor?
Corcoran listed nine smart tips on how to handle nasty neighbors
in her Today Home & Garden interview. Consider it a starter’s guide for
stomping out a neighbor dispute before another cardboard sign is being
etched in Sharpie.
Call ahead, pick a time to talk. Meet on the sidewalk, or on your
property line. Don’t accuse. These were the top-three tips Corcoran
suggested. They also happen to avoid any fine print or legal remedies.
But if those don’t work, it is time to get out the reading glasses. Read
up on local noise and disturbance ordinances, she said.
Is your neighbor running a construction company out of their
garage? Did the neighbor’s dog chew through your fence and wreck your
backyard? Offer a solution. If that doesn’t work, give the local police
precinct a call.
One of the best solutions, she said, included calling in an expert
mediator, which can be acquired through your local courthouse, police
precinct or bar association.
What is a mediator?
Mediators can charge anywhere from $150 to $300 an hour,
depending on the dispute, Got-Peace.com reported. Mediators are a
voluntary process, but could prove lucrative if the hired neutral party
could help find a solution that benefits both parties involved.
“The solution to a mediated dispute comes from the parties, in stark
contrast to litigation, where the outcome is imposed upon parties by a
judge, jury, or arbitrator,” the site reported. “In mediation, participants
also have the power to shape the process by selecting the mediator, and
determining the length of the sessions, who will participate and whether
attorneys will represent the parties.”
This land is our land.
At the end of the day, coexisting peacefully is the goal. That means
keeping note of your boundaries, whether it is a fence or another structure.
The worst kinds of disputes can be settled early on by no more than
a simple conversation, which most sources agreed is the best solution
before things get heated.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
9
Did You Know at Dyslexia Research
Institute Works with Adults?
By: Victor Aderhold
Dyslexia Research Institute (DRI) is a non-profit organization
which has served the Big Bend area since 1975. Its largest program is
its lab school, Woodland Hall Academy which provides a full day
school for students with dyslexia, ADHD and related learning
differences, 1st – 12th grade. But Dyslexia Research Institute also
provides consultations to adults with these learning issues.
Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders and their
effects do not go away just because one becomes an adult. Not only
can the reading and academic problems linger on and create barriers
to employment, but adults with dyslexia also face health, social and
emotional issues.
Dyslexia Research Institute provides consultations to adults with
dyslexia/ADHD and related learning disabilities. Consultation may
take the form of sessions with the adult to help them understand how
dyslexia/ADHD affects their life: socially, academically, health-wise,
and career-wise. DRI also provides diagnostic testing which can help
identify whether an individual is dyslexic or has ADHD and identifies
the strengths and weaknesses which can be addressed to enable the
adult to achieve his/her goals.
Sometimes individuals with these types of learning differences
find their career or educational goals blocked because they have never
learned to learn their way. Alicia was one such individual. Alicia had
earned her Ph.D. in Physical Therapy but she could not pass the
licensure exam.
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Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
“My goal was to successfully prepare for and pass my licensure
exam which I had failed several times previously. I noticed that
I had organizational issues and decreased comprehension of
studied materials. The tutoring sessions (with DRI) helped my
ability to organize study materials which decreased my
frustration.”
“Most importantly, I was able to incorporate and utilize the
Visual, Auditory, Auditory Motor, Kinesthetic and Tactile
(VAAKT) techniques which helped me immensely in
comprehension of study material using all my senses. I applied
the techniques to every aspect of my study process.”
“ With the help of Dyslexia Research Institute, I was able to
successfully pass my Physical Therapy Assistant licensure exam.
I would like to say thank you to Ms. Rennick and all the staff
at Dyslexia Research Institute.”
Alicia is working as a Physical Therapy Assistant in Texas and is
using the techniques she learned at DRI to prepare for her final
Physical Therapy exam.
Adults who are interested in learning more about
dyslexia/ADHD and how these might be affecting their lives can
contact Dyslexia Research Institute at (850) 893-2216.
Power in the Park
Christine Wright, Deer Lake United Methodist
The churches of Bradfordville are excited to announce Power in the
Park, a community event for all ages! It will be held at Tekesta Park,
in Killearn Lakes, on June 7th, 10am-4pm. Sponsored by area
churches, the festival will include children’s activities, as well as a
community service event all can participate in. There will be bounce
houses, a food court, and live music throughout the day. We hope to
see you there!
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
11
What do I get for my annual dues
(It’s all about maintaining property values)
In last issue’s article on “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” we promised to follow-up
with an article that lets you know what you get for your dues money.
If you’re like most Killearn Lakes residents, you pay $96 a year per
lot - $8 per month. (Some of you with the special responsibility for a
lakefront lot pay a little more.) So, how much does this buy you at the
supermarket? Disneyworld? Lowe’s? Doak-Campbell Stadium’s
concession stand? The dog track? (Add your own favorite “toll station”
here.)
First, it’s all about property values! Just about everything we do is
aimed at making sure that your property’s value is maintained and
enhanced.
Because new situations arise daily, we can’t give you a complete list
of what you receive for your annual KLHOA dues, but we will give it
our best shot:
A. Lakes View Magazine
We prepare an impressive, informative and entertaining magazine
about and for our community six times per year. The actual costs of
layout and production require little and sometimes no dues money, but
a portion of the salaries of our staff, who serve as able editors and ad
salespersons, do come from your dues. What does this magazine look
like? Well…you’re reading it. Do you think it helps “sell” potential
homebuyers on Killearn Lakes?
B. Community Events
We organize three major community events –
o The Fall Festival
o The Kids’ Fishing Contest
o The Easter Egg Hunt
Once again, much of the cost of these events is supported by
sponsors. Many homeowners and community organizations serve as
volunteers. Former issues of Lakes View Magazine contain articles
describing past events. Typically, these events bring us all together as a
community. This does help to solidify property values. (KLHOA also
held a Fourth of July Fireworks until the safe location at Lake Monkey
Business became developed and no longer available. At the moment,
fireworks are too much of a liability to conduct: we do not have a safe
place and cannot risk your money on a potential disaster, which could
affect property values.)
C. Attractive Entrances and Landscaping
We hire professionals to weed, cultivate and plant flowers at the
entrances. We hire others to mow, pick up trash, and remove pine straw.
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Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
(Some of you also help collect pine straw under the cover of twilight!)
We pick up the trash left behind at all of the parks and mow as needed.
We use a wood chipper purchased with your dues money to create mulch
from cleared underbrush to make Lake Arrowhead and Tekesta Park
visible from the street (it has reduced crime and vandalism at the park,
and enhanced the landscape). It is no doubt a property value enhancer.
D. Safeguarding Killearn Lakes from Harmful Development
Your volunteer Board of Directors has worked diligently with our
Operations Director and Board attorney to safeguard the interests of
Killearn Lakes as new commercial development will soon become visible
along Bannerman Road. We negotiated a development agreement with
Summit East Development as they are expanding Bannerman Crossing
and add offices and residential properties. We have reached an agreement
that will safeguard property values, and potentially enhance them as this
new development is realized in the coming years. Summit East has proven
itself to be a reasonable and trustworthy partner. We have thus entered
into a sponsorship agreement with Summit East. We will detail this
sponsorship in a business spotlight on Summit East in a future Lakes
View edition, and also on our Website.
E. Governing with the Covenants and Restrictions
A select committee of your Board of Directors meets every Friday
from 11 AM until “done.” Called the “ACC” - Architectural Control
Committee – the committee members review requests for such items as
tree removal, fence installation, building additions, swimming pools, new
home construction, and other physical changes governed by the
KLHOA’s many covenants and restrictions (C&Rs). The ACC also
reviews other violations of the C&Rs where homeowners have not
brought their properties into compliance after several attempts by the
ACC. Homeowners are invited to explain their violations during ACC
meetings, and problem resolutions are actively sought. KLHOA’s
Operations Director and Field Manager serve as staff to the ACC,
presenting the applications and cases, and making recommendations for
resolution, all in the name of property value enhancement.
F. Administrative Tasks
Killearn Lakes is a community of over four thousand and two
hundred families. At an average family size of three, this amounts to over
twelve thousand persons. Although we are unincorporated and within
the governmental jurisdictions of Leon County and the State of Florida,
there are laws that govern how communities like ours must conduct their
homeowner association activities. We must
s?
- Collect property owner dues and lien properties that are
delinquent;
- Identify property owners in rare cases when properties have
been abandoned;
- Go to court to collect owed funds and release property liens;
- Conduct formal correspondence concerning past due monies,
C&R violations, ACC approvals or denials, etc.;
- Hold annual Board of Directors elections, unless all current
members remain and no one else seeks office in opposition;
- Comply with all laws concerning the employment of staff and
the hiring of contractors and consultants;
- Coordinate with Leon County growth management on
changes requiring construction permits;
- Levy fines if property owners remain in violation of the C&Rs;
An afterthought on limits…
We do a lot for your $96 annual dues. In fact, we probably do more
than we have listed above. However, we do have our limits. These limits
can be described in these easy commonsense boundaries:
1. We are not the sheriff, the fire brigade, or the ambulance. Please
call 911, not us. Time is of the essence.
2. We do not maintain the road pavements in Killearn Lakes. We
cannot afford to correct a problem of potholes, penetrating roots,
erosions, or other road damage. You are welcome to call us about a road
pavement problem, but please understand that Leon County road
maintenance must come out and do the work.
3. We pick up trash along the major roadways (Tekesta, Kinhega,
Deerlake, etc.) as part of mowing, sidewalk blowing, and pine straw
removal. However, if you find trash along a side road, please help us by
picking it up and placing it in your own trash bin. We’ll pick up whatever
our staff encounters on trips to the parks for mowing or trash removal.
But we’re all in this together, so please help us when you can.
4. We don’t do what the County - or the State - does, but we will
do our best to get you in touch with the right person if you do not know
how.(Every Lakes View has a list of phone numbers you can cut out and
post.) We are not animal control. We are not the health department. We
are not FDLE. We are not child services. We don’t remove trees on county
rights-of-way. We don’t confront property owners who violate noise
ordinances or other laws. We do not intervene in neighbor-to-neighbor
disputes. If the County has staff to assist you, your property taxes justify
you asking for the County’s assistance. If the State has an agency to assist
you, your sales taxes and other taxes justify you asking for the State’s
assistance.
5. We are not omnipotent. We have been challenged to stop the
spreading of smoke that, after inquiry, was being carried by winds from
its origins in central Florida. We have been asked to reschedule the Easter
Egg Hunt a week later, after it was rained out on the Saturday before
Easter. We consider being asked to do the impossible a compliment – up
to a point.
6. We won’t cut your grass, unless we do so after many attempts
to get you to do it like any property owner should. Then we charge you
for the service and lien your property until you pay us. It doesn’t happen
often. But keeping property values up makes us do it.
7. If you are calling to voice concern or lodge a complaint please
provide the address of the property you are calling about- it helps us help
you. As a side note- we do not respond to anonymous complaints.
8. Flooding is a major problem out in Killearn Lakes however, we
can listen and empathize but ultimately it is the County’s responsibility
to assist you.
9. We do not pick up trash left from residents who have
abandoned or re-located during the dark of night. You may call “Waste
Pro” at 606-1899 for that service. And your HOA did not hire “Waste
Pro”; we are customers just like you.
10. We won’t trespass to clean up eyesore properties, but we will
call the health department for help. Property values, yup.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
13
By: Ken Hall
It is essential for pool or spa owners to adopt critical water safety
steps to assure the safety of children in and around the water. By
installing safety devices and observing proper water safety behaviors,
parents can secure their pools and spas for use by their families,
friends and neighbors.
Some safety suggestions include:
• Teach children water safety and swimming skills as early as
possible.
• Appointing a “designated watcher” to monitor children
during social gatherings in or around pools.
• Keeping rescue equipment and a first-aid kit poolside.
• Maintain constant visual contact with children in a pool or
pool area. If a child is missing, check the pool first.
• Don’t use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
Never allow a young child in a pool without an adult.
• Don’t leave objects such as toys that might attract a child
in the pool and pool area.
• Never assume someone else is watching a child in a pool area.
• Don’t think you’ll hear a child who’s in trouble in the water;
child drowning is a silent death, with no splashing to alert
anyone that the child is in trouble.
14
Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
When combined, these safety strategies help ensure that both
adults and children are amply protected in and around the water.
Also, take a look at the questions below. By asking and answering
these critical questions, you can gauge the effectiveness of your water
safety measures, and determine what steps need to be taken to protect
children from drowning and submersion injuries:
• Is there a fence around the perimeter of your pool or spa?
• Are there self-closing and self-latching gates?
• Are there door, gate or pool alarms in use?
• Do your pool and spa have an anti-entrapment drain cover
that is compliant with the Pool & Spa Safety Act?
• Is your spa cover in working order?
If you’ve answered no to any of these questions, please don’t
hesitate to call ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company. Our
qualified pool professionals can help you ensure that your pool or spa
is operating safely. By properly installing safety devices or accurately
measuring the water flow rate through a spa or hot tub, our
professionals will help maintain the security of your pool or spa.
Whom Should You Call If…
•
You are having problems with trash-pick up?
Waste-Pro 850-606-1899
•
Your neighbor is burning leaves in an unsafe manner?
Leon County Fire Department- 850-891-4310
•
Your neighbor is playing their music too loud?
Leon County Sheriff ’s Office- 850-922-3300
•
There is a street light out, or there are problems with your
electricity or water?
Talquin- 850-893-6853
•
There is a pot hole in the street, a downed tree, problems with
the sidewalk, or a dead animal on the side of the road?
Leon County Public Works- 850-606-1400
•
You are having problems with your neighbors dog barking?
Leon County Animal Control- 850-606-5400
or
Leon County Sheriff Department- 850-922-3300
•
Your house is on fire or your life is in danger?
911
•
You have problems with flooding in your yard or on your street?
Leon County Public Works- 850-606-1400
•
You have a mosquito problem?
Leon County Public Works- 850-606-1400
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
15
2014 Annual Kids
Fishing Contest
By Mark Reichert, Fish and Wildlife Chairman
Although we had a bit of a controversy during this year’s Annual
Kids Fishing Contest and the weather turned wet for about 10
minutes halfway through, everyone who participated seemed to have
a grand time and dozens of kids went home with a prize. But first,
let me address the controversy.
For the first time in roughly 25 years of my participation in this
event we had an allegation of cheating presented to us. I’m not sure
whether to take this as a sign of the times we live in or just a onetime transgression, but I want to be perfectly clear on this issue. We
will not tolerate any cheating in this contest. And anyone caught
cheating will not be able to participate in any future fishing contests.
It was alleged that one participant in the contest had actually
rigged plastic bottles with fishing tackle and set them out around the
island in Lake Monkey Business the day before the contest. One of
these contraptions landed a catfish, which was the biggest fish of the
day until near the end of the contest. Fortunately, one of our most
prolific fishermen and the winner of this year’s grand prize landed a
bass that weighed in at two pounds eleven ounces. So the cheating
allegation became moot. However, because of the allegation we will
be more diligent in future years by making a sweep of the lake prior
to the official starting time and checking the contents of all boats
before they are launched. The bottom line is this…to be eligible for
the Grand Prize, fish HAVE to be caught between the hours of 8:00
a.m. and noon IN Lake Monkey Business.
Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest; on to the contest results.
Despite the short rain shower we had to deal with it was an almost
perfect day for fishing; overcast and a little cool at first, but eventually
clearing, warm and sunny. After many years of borrowing a large seine
net in which to corral the fish, your Killearn Lakes Homeowners
Association decided to make the investment to purchase its own. The
old net had been deteriorating the past few years and had many
patches in it. Some holes were big enough that we feared fish were
actually making a run for it. So now we have our own brand new
state of the art fishing net and it worked perfectly.
Once again we placed about 500 small bass, 50 of which were
tagged, in the netted area. Charlie Messing also placed a few large
bass within the net which he had caught during his survey of the
lakes. The largest of which was nine and a half pounds, meaning that
the biggest fish of the day could have been caught inside of the net.
However, the “big guy” was being elusive and Danny Andzel (who
also won last year’s Grand Prize) ended up with the two pound eleven
16
Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
ounce bass I previously mentioned which he caught near the island
while fishing from his boat. Congratulations to Danny again.
Someone needs to up his/her game next year to knock Danny off the
pedestal. About 14 young fishing enthusiasts caught a fish with a tag
which guaranteed them a prize and another half dozen who
participated in the casting contest won a rod and reel combo. That
left us with about 40 prizes for the raffle. The raffle is a lot of fun
and, as you can see, with so many prizes the chance of going home
with a prize is in your favor.
As I close, just a few words about next year’s contest and a big
“shout out” to all the volunteers. We try to make catching a fish as
easy as we can, which is why we use the net and place so many fish
inside the netted area. Our main purpose is to encourage our young
folks to learn to fish and experience the thrill of actually landing a
bass. Already having experience is not required to participate in the
contest. The odds of landing a tagged fish within the net are equally
distributed among all age groups, gender, and experience. In fact, a
few years ago a young girl about three or four years old actually landed
the biggest fish. And she caught the fish using a Barbie fishing pole.
Which brings up another point.
We provide worms and some fishing tackle (bobbers and hooks)
during the event. We do not have the resources to provide fishing
poles to participants. So please remember to bring your own rod and
reel to future fishing contests. It doesn’t take much of an investment.
A decent rod and reel combo can be purchased for around $25.00.
And as the young girl with the Barbie fishing pole can attest, you
don’t need any fancy equipment to catch a large fish.
Many thanks go out to the volunteers who help with this event
every year. It’s usually the same folks and I really appreciate their
commitment. Charlie Mesing deserves much of the credit for making
the fishing contest such a great event. He has been helping with the
contest longer than I have. He is the one who places the net in the
lake and arranges for the delivery of the bass. Also, the staff of the
Association always do a great job. They have the coordination of all
aspects of the fishing contest down to a science and make my job
extremely easy.
One last note. We have a number of benefactors who contribute
funds or prizes to this event, which greatly reduces the cost of putting
on the annual contest. See the list on the next page. Please take time
to thank the individuals for their contributions and to frequent the
businesses that so graciously help us out. See you next year!
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
17
How to Keep Your Child Bully Free
in Summer Camp?
By Brad Fantle
The summer is quickly approaching and a lot of children will
be involved in different summer camp activities. Unfortunately, if
you have large groups of children together you might also have
bullying. Below you will find some statistics and basic tips to keep
your child safe this summer.
might be for them to fully understand.
5. Ask them specific questions each day to see if there is
anything you need to know about, that they are not telling you.
How was camp today or what did you do today are not specific.
Did you meet any new friends that you might want to have a
play date with? And why? Anyone you would not want to invite?
And why? What is your favorite part of the camp day? What
would you improve or leave out of camp if you could? These are
Some research shows that up to 60% of bullying incidents are
not reported because children don’t think adults can do anything
about it. The American Camp Association (ACA)
has identified the need to protect the emotional and
physical safety of our children as a critical mission
Some research shows that up
for good reason. Research of summer camps reveals
that bullying behavior can exist in all summer camps
of bullying incidents are
— and based on surveys of twenty summer camp
reported because children
directors, it is one of the top three reasons children
don't return to camp the following year.
to 60%
not
don’t
think adults can do anything about it.
If bullying occurs it usually starts out mildly to
see how the victim reacts. If the victim does not let
the bully know immediately that this behavior is unacceptable it will
most likely increase its severity.
Here are a few tips to help your child feel confident at summer
camp:
1. Enroll in camp with a friend. Already knowing someone
you can pal around with makes any new situation better.
2. Get to know your camp counselors a little better. The larger
summer camps have many counselors. Several of them might be
high school or college aged. If they know more about you then
just a name, it is a little easier to keep a sharper eye on you
especially in larger groups.
3. Role play. What would you do in this situation? Your child
will probably not like this one, but it is one of the most effective
ways to ensure they react correctly in a bad situation.
4. Make sure your child knows the most common places kids
get bullied: corners or secluded areas of the playground,
bathrooms and lunch areas. Encourage them to play in the open
areas or play in site of the counselors. These are the so-called safe
zones. You will probably need to show them where that area
18
Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
great questions and motivate your child to think harder because
there is a benefit to them.
6. Ask your child to start a camp journal. They might write
things in their journal they would not tell you directly.
7. Teach your child to “not sweat the small stuff ” and learn to
laugh and play along with the little stuff. We all “pick” or mess
with each other a little. Make sure they know when to stay stop
and when to go with it.
These are a few helpful techniques that should help them have
a great camp experience.
If you have additional questions you may email Brad Fantle
tallytkd@gmail.com for more tips and recommendations.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
19
Cyndy’s Ruminations
By: Cyndy Reichert
“MISSING YOU”
By: Harlan Coben
It’s been eighteen years since NYPD Detective Kat Donovan
suffered the devastating loss of her beloved father, who was also an
NYPD detective, to a mob shooting in the line of duty. Shortly after
her father’s death Kat was inexplicably left by the “soul-mate of her
life,” her fiancé, Jeff Raynes. Not only did he
drop out of her life, Jeff appeared to have
dropped off the face of the earth, leaving no
clues over the past 18 years as to where he
might be.
Kat has never believed that her father’s
murder was a mob hit by Corzone. His
employee, Monte Leburne, had been convicted
of two other murders and she found it
suspicious, with little evidence that he
confessed to her father’s murder. Her boss,
Captain Stagger, her father’s former partner,
lets Kat know that the end is near for Leburne,
as he is dying of cancer on death row. Kat
decides that she needs to know the truth. Even
though Leburne was a murderer, Kat believes
his confession for her father’s murder was the
result of a deal to help his family. She goes to
meet him, and is convinced that he did not
murder her father.
Fast forward to the present and we find
that Kat has never completely gotten over the
losses associated with either event. She never married and rarely dates.
Meeting her best friend, Stacy, at O’Malley’s Pub (which used to be
an old school cop bar, but is now a preppy, yuppie, poser bar) she sits
in her father’s/grandfather’s old seat… which she does far too often.
This day Stacy, while not making eye contact, gives Kat a most
unusual gift… a year subscription to an on-line dating service called
“You Are Just My Type.” This will change Kat’s future… and her past.
With much hesitation (and fueled by red wine) Kat logs on at
home. Stacy has uploaded Kat’s photos with the byline “Cute and
Perky.” The site has many “matches” for her. She reads a few, wonders
about the people behind their profiles, then quickly flashes through
the others until she sees a photo that takes her breath away. She
rewinds… and there he is…Jeff; a widower with a child, staring back
at her.
Kat picks up the courage to make contact with Jeff. She sends
him an anonymous message that only he will understand. It’s a link
to a video of their favorite song while they were together…“Missing
You” by John Waite. He responds and Kat finds it disturbing and
weird that her former fiancé doesn’t recognize it. Soon her reawakened
hope quickly darkens into suspicion and then to horror as an
unspeakable conspiracy comes to light in which sociopathic monsters
prey on the most vulnerable.
20 Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
At the same time that Kat was using the on-line dating service,
a man by the name of Gerard Remington, a very wealthy scientist
with social challenges, goes on-line to find the woman of his dreams.
He is matched with a woman named Vanessa Moreau. He has
planned, shopped and was making his way to
meet and propose to Vanessa along the beach
in St. Maarten. However, he never made it.
Instead, he ends up bound and gagged in a box
buried under the earth.
Two weeks later, Kat has a special visitor,
nineteen year old Brandon Phelps who had lost
his father three years earlier. While away at
school, his mother, a wealthy widow, had
registered on an on-line dating site…“You Are
Just My Type.” She was off to meet the man of
her dreams for a Caribbean vacation. Brandon
had not heard from her in three days. This may
not sound all that unusual for a woman on a
cruise, but Brandon regularly e-mailed or called
his mom. They ALWAYS ended their
conversations or texts with an “I love you.”
Brandon contacted his local police department,
but they were not receptive to his concerns
regarding his mother taking a vacation with a
man. So Brandon contacts Kat. It turns out the
eligible bachelor his mother is with is none
other than a man named Jeff Raynes… and he has also taken quite a
few such other paradise vacations.
On-line dating has become big business. Through this novel we
become aware of some sociopaths who develop “personalities” and
“borrow” good looking men and women’s pictures on-line to prey on
the dreams of lonely, wealthy people, scamming and bilking them of
their assets before murder ensues. Titus is one of them, kidnapping
wealthy people looking for “the love of their life,” but ends up
trapping and locking them in underground boxes on a remote Amish
farm in Pennsylvania. He then threatens these men and women who
were looking to meet their “perfect mate” into transferring millions
of dollars into offshore accounts, then terminating them once they
are no longer of value to him. What’s the connection between Titus
and Jeff Raynes, you ask? That’s for you to find out by reading the
book. Hopefully, I’ve piqued your interest. The rest is up to you to
untangle in Coben’s web of deception.
I haven’t read Coben in quite some time, but the way he mixes
these seemingly unrelated story lines into this plot that involves
betrayal, cover-ups, mental illness, kidnappers and the mob… I had
to read it twice.
FareShare
By: Erin Murphy
Lemon
Blueberry Bars
Makes 16 Bars
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Zest of one lemon
6 tablespoons butter, melted
For the filling:
2 large egg yolks
1 (14 ounce can) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup fresh blueberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º. Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with
cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar
and lemon zest. Stir in the melted butter until all the crumbs are
moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 10 minutes, then cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolks and condensed milk in
a medium bowl. Then whisk in the lemon juice and zest and stir until
smooth. Gently fold in blueberries. Pour the filling over the cooled
crust and bake for 15 minutes, until just set.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour
before cutting and serving. Bars are best served chilled and will keep
in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
21
Our Five Point Eight
Percent
By Tom Martineau, Board Treasurer
As of this writing, 245 owners of our more than 4,200 properties
have not yet paid their 2014 annual dues. Reminder Post Cards have
been sent to these property owners, announcing that liens will be
filed on properties that remain delinquent starting Monday, June
30th. Liens prevent the sale of such properties, and they incur
additional costs such as filing fees, court costs, legal fees, and lien
release fees. All of these expenses and possibly others will be owed by
the property owner. Interest on monies owed will also accrue. Liens
must be released before ownership of a property can be transferred.
We owe it to our diligent dues payers to be proactive in our attempts
to collect from those who have not paid their dues.
22 Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
What is a Lien?
By Susan W Harnden, Esquire
Each KLHOA Declaration contains provisions holding all
parties in title personally responsible for paying their assessments on
time to the Association(s); the property itself is charged the same
assessment. This “charge” against the property is what is referred to
as a lien. The right of any association to record a lien for unpaid
assessments is only after a 45-day written notice of the intent to lien
the property is sent in accordance with the law. Once the notice is
provided and the required time period has lapsed, the KLHOA is
allowed to “claim the lien” by way of foreclosure proceedings in the
same fashion as a mortgage or “bank” foreclosure action. Even if a
KLHOA property is under mortgage foreclosure proceedings (barring
any applicable bankruptcy proceedings or applicable court orders),
the assessments remain the personal obligation of the title holders
who held title at the time the assessments became due.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each KLHOA member to
pay their dues on time, to advise the Association if they are unable
to pay on time, or if the member plans to move, forfeit, or rent their
property, to apprise the KLHOA staff and to maintain their property
in accordance with the governing documents for as long as they hold
title.
Lakes View……
By: Charlie Mesing
All the lakes look good in terms of aquatic "Exotic Plant/"weed
control". Alligator Weed and Water Hyacinths were the primary
plants treated in 2014. The grass carp are doing an excellent job
controlling most submersed plants such as Southern naiad, Coontail,
Fanwort, and Hydrilla.
Hydrilla was observed in small localized areas of Lakes Pine Hill
and Pettygulf...Lakes Pine Hill and Blue Heron received 10 triploid
grass carp per acre in Dec 2013...Grass carp love to eat Hydrilla as
well as other submersed plants... These grass carp must be replaced
every 5-6 years. Lakes Arrowhead, Monkey Business and Pettygulf
are scheduled to receive 10 triploid grass carp per acre in Fall 2014.
Our dams are permitted and regulated by the Florida
NWWMD. Vegetation was treated on all dams within KLP in
2014...The maintenance of all KLP dams is the responsibility of our
KLP Homeowners Association because of the NWWMD permits.
Dams should be free of trees, shrubs and other structures and mowed
at least 3 times per year...
Conducting best management practices (BMPs) for tree removal
and vegetation maintenance is recommended for all dams on lakes
and holding ponds everywhere to minimize dam failure during large
storms and heavy rain events...
Lake Blue Heron (LBH) has experienced filamentous algae
growth lake-wide for at least 2 decades. The annual filamentous algae
outbreak in Lake Blue Heron during spring/summer is a “symptom”
of “too many nutrients” entering a shallow lake/holding pond for
storm-water runoff. The combination of sunlight penetration to the
lake bottom and high nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) usually
results in excessive aquatic plant growth. In the case of Lake Blue
Heron, the growing plants are filamentous algae and shoreline
vegetation. The filamentous algae persist, until the water color is
sufficiently “dark green” to block sunlight to the bottom where
filamentous algae grows. Once the water color is dark preventing
sunlight penetration, the “microscopic algae” grows on the surface
and the filamentous algae dies slowly. Grass carp help control the
filamentous algae in the long-term.
In comparison, Lake Monkeybusiness (LMB) has DARKER
("from green microscopic" algae) than LBH. Filamentous algae
doesn't grow well in LMB compared to LBH because of the dark
green water in early spring. Filamentous algae does not grow rapidly
on the LMB bottom due to limited sunlight penetration. The dark
green "microscopic algae” growth occurs at the surface. That's why
so many small shallow holding ponds/lakes appear dark "green" from
microscopic algae.
I suspect that the GE golf course and the KLP & GE stormwater
runoff into the very shallow upper end of LBH contributes to the
filamentous algae growth as well as other plants because of the over
abundance of "fuel" such as nitrogen and phosphorus entering from
the discharge drain pipes.
calculations suggested it would be very expensive and one extended
rain/storm may wash out the dark blue color resulting in pouring
money down the KLP drainage system...The costs were very high to
color the water in the 58 acre lake averaging 4-6 ft deep...
At this time, we do not have a "feasible" and "cost effective"
solution to this annual and temporary filamentous algae occurrence
in Lake Blue Heron... I'm not opposed to anything new or “out of
the box” that is feasible and effective to control filamentous
algae...The main question the KLP homeowners must ask is “How
much do you want to spend for temporary relief of filamentous algae?
We will review and consider any reasonable suggestions, please send
them to admin@killearnlakeshoa.org
Please check and clean your boats, trailers, and live wells for any
aquatic plant fragments before launching or leaving any KLP & GE
lakes. Do not introduce any aquarium or garden pond aquatic
vegetation into any KLP or GE lakes. The establishment of exotics
plants can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in maintenance
expenses such as annual herbicide treatments and additional grass
carp introductions. If anybody observes any exotic plants in KLP or
GE lakes, please confirm the plant ID with the photos and contact
the Fish and Wildlife Committee members on your lake.
Exotic- Alligatorweed
Exotic- Coontail
Exotic- Southern Naiad
Hydrilla & Hyacinth
Exotic- Taro (Elephantear)
Last year we discussed "Coloring" (not a chemical) the LBH
water blue to make it DARKER like many golf course ponds. My
Filamentous Algae
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 23
e Main Event at Talquin…
By Kim Gay
What happens when you bring about 1,000 people together on
a beautiful Saturday morning to celebrate common purpose,
democratic control and give away about 100 great door prizes? The
74th Talquin Annual Meeting!
Talquin’s purpose is to serve the community by providing
electric, water and wastewater services. A simple question was posed
in General Manager Bensley’s address: “Why is Talquin Electric here
now, and why will Talquin Electric always be here in our future?”
The simple answer is that Talquin is here to serve this
community. The original Members of Talquin Electric started this
cooperative to meet a need in this region. They knew cooperatives
offered the power to change the community. However, a few highlights
mentioned in his update from 2013 provide a more complete answer:
• Employees contributed over $3,150.00 to charitable
organizations such as Relay for Life, Homes for our Troops,
the March of Dimes, and many other worthwhile causes.
• Critical technology and process improvements were
implemented that allowed Talquin to improve services while
at the same time saving Members money.
• Talquin utilizes a diversified energy portfolio that shows
commitment to energy delivery while sustaining
environmental integrity. Talquin has a mix of 13%
renewable energy in its portfolio which is one of the highest
in the state. (See chart below)
Top prizes given away included a 42 inch LED television and an
iPad, but the best prize of the day was delivered in Board Treasurer,
Joe Alexander’s financial update: Effective June 1, the Wholesale
Power Cost Adjustment will be reduced by 3 Mills for Talquin
Members! This reduction will mean about a $3.00 to $6.00 reduction
per month for most residential electric bills. Not only does Talquin
work hard to provide services that enable Members to improve the
quality of their lives, but we also provide utility services using sound
business practices. Talquin works diligently to provide these services
at the most reasonable cost possible.
“Working together, we are
still building our communities,
bringing dreams to reality,
and giving youth a better
future,“ reported General
Manager, Tracy Bensley.
Over the last few years, during declining revenues, Talquin has
worked to implement new technologies, such as the metering system,
upgraded microwave communications, and a new text outage
reporting system, among many others. These systems have been
implemented to help hold costs down while the co-op continues to
provide reliable service.
24 Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
•
Commitment to community, cooperation, programs to help
people in need, and education.
Talquin serves a purpose beyond just providing utility services.
Cooperatives are not like other businesses in the community. Talquin
does not exist to make a profit — but to meet community needs.
“Working together, we are still building our communities, bringing
dreams to reality, and giving youth a better future. Cooperatives offer
the perfect tool for tackling tasks too big for one person to handle
alone. Our purpose is to enhance and maintain the quality of life in
the community we serve by providing electric, water and wastewater
services to our member-owners in a safe, reliable and efficient
manner,” concluded Tracy Bensley. “Because of the Board, employees,
and membership here at Talquin, there should be no doubt in your
mind that this is a great organization, and you are a significant part
of what makes Talquin great.”
Questions to the
Master Builder
Q.
A.
“Our pressure treated wood deck is over 10 years
old and looks weathered. Should we be concerned about
it’s structural integrity?”
The deck is one of the most popular places for people
to gather during the summer months. Whether it's a
backyard BBQ, enjoying the sunshine with friends, or a
family reunion, the deck is a focal point. An unsafe deck
- which often has weakened joists, rotted boards and loose
fasteners - is a recipe for disaster. Did you know that only
40% of the 45 million existing decks are considered
safe?
Deck collapses are far too common and these tragic
events can be avoided by simple inspections coupled with
annual maintenance and repairs. When it comes to
assessing a deck's safety, the single most important thing
to take a close look at is its joist structure from below and
determine if there is any wood rot, or fastener corrosion.
In the past many decks were built without galvanized joist
supports (joist hangers) and were dependent on wood
ledgers to support the floor joist, which are susceptible to
wood rot.
If moisture is trapped against a deck board, it can
cause the board and joist to rot and decay much quicker
than it should. This places your deck's strength and
integrity at risk.
Also inspect handrails and balusters to make sure they
can support any “leaning” pressure from quest and serve
as an adequate barrier for safety. Since your deck is older
the balusters may not meet current building codes for
child safety that require spacing to be no greater than 4”
between balusters.
Do yourself, friends and insurance agent a favor,
before you invite anyone over to enjoy your backyard
retreat, spend some time to ensure your deck is safe and
strong by making any needed repairs. If you need help you
might try contacting a certified building contractor from
the Tallahassee Builders Association, www.tallyba.com.
Mark Worley is the only Graduate Master Builder in
Tallahassee and one of only 13 statewide as recognized by the
National Association of Home Builders. You can reach him
through his website at www.worleyconst.com or at (850) 6683438 for help with your construction problems.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 25
April Cover Photo
Contest
The photographer for the April cover photo has stepped
forward! We would like to thank Tommy McGraw for the beautiful
photograph of the caterpillar. We were very pleased when he
reached out to us, and we’re also glad we could give him a great
surprise when he opened his mailbox to find his photograph on
the cover.
If you see anything in our publication that needs to be
corrected or added please let us know! Our email address is
admin2@killearnlakeshoa.org and our phone number is
850-668-3231.
26 Lakes View / Issue 65 / June 2014
Designated printer of the “Lakes View” Magazine
een Corner Classifieds
PET SITTING AND DOG WALKING – Pet Sitting and Dog
Walking Day or Night Call Karlee Jones at 933-1610
children (of all ages) and pets (of all types) please don't hesitate to
call me at 727-742-3856. :)
PETSITTER – Reliable and experienced 17 year old petsitter. I have
my own transportation. Please call Christine at 545-4612.
BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – Responsible, mature and
enthusiastic 16 & 17 year old Chiles High School students, TMH
certified available for babysitting and/or pet sitting. Please call Gabby
& Claudia (850) 893 2342.
BABYSITTER – Hello, my name is Robyn Szczerba. I'm a 17-yearold senior at Chiles High School, an experienced babysitter, and I
absolutely love kids. I am also CPR and First Aid certified and I have
my own transportation. I'm available for babysitting as well as
driving kids to and from activities. References provided upon request.
Please contact me at (602) 510-4787
BABYSITTERS – Experienced 12-year-old Sitter and Mothers
Helper. Prefer watching ages 4-9yrs. I love kids and I am very
responsible. Bonus: household jobs such as folding laundry, dishes
or tidy up your home. $3-5/hour. Available weekdays from 4-8 p.m.
Sat. 10:30-4:30 p.m. and Sun. 1-8 p.m. Summer hours are more
flexible. Can provide my own transportation. Call Emily at (850)
894-0421.
BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – Need a 17 year old with CPR and
TMH Babysitter's course certification to entertain your kid's for the
night out, or the summer? Need a petsitter with lots of experience
and patience? Call Brittany at (850)-688-4287 for a break!
BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – ATTENTION to anyone who
needs a reliable, hardworking, and responsible baby or petsitter! My
name is Rachel Stadtfeld and I would love to come and watch your
precious kiddos or pets! Call me anytime, even on short notice, for
any occasion you may need to go out for! I am 17 years old and have
much experience with children (past nanny) and pets (have 3)! I
attend school at Chiles High and live in Golden Eagle. I am a
licensed driver and a great student. For a fun and safe time for your
BABYSITTERS – My name is Delaney Stoner and I am a 18 year
old senior at Chiles High School student. I love kids, I am great with
them, and I have references available upon request. I am able to
babysit in the Golden Eagle-Killearn Lakes area at anytime! Please
feel free to call me whenever you need a babysitter at 850-841-0837!
BABYSITTER - Reliable and experienced 13 year old; certified as
babysitter by American Red Cross. Available most times during the
summer and nights/weekends during the school year. Can provide
my own transportation. Please call (850) 508-6819.
Teen girl, available for petsitting,
house-cleaning, babysitting, or mother's
helper. Very responsible, and has
experience. Call Bethany at 893-9313. MOTHERS HELPER & BABYSITTER
Experienced 11 year old babysitter and mothers
helper! Loves kids and very responsible.
Available Saturdays and Sundays anytime!
Ages 3- 8 only. Will provide own transportation.
Please call Maisy Ivory at 850-385-7717
Note: These ads are complimentary and available to student teens of our community involved in weekend and after school entrepreneurial projects. Ads must
be renewed for each issue. Please call the office at 668-3231, if you want to edit or continue your ad. Thank you.
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Tallahassee, FL 32312
Tallahassee, FL
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