April 2015 - Killearn Lakes Homeowners Association, Inc.

Save these Dates
April
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4
5
Good Friday/Passover
Easter Egg Hunt @ 11 am Tekesta Park
Easter Sunday – Epiphany Lutheran Church Easter
Sunrise Service at Tekesta Park
Monthly Board Meeting @ 7 pm in HOA office
IRS Tax Filing Deadline
9
15
May
“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.”
2015 Board of Directors
(Elected by general membership)
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Kid’s Fishing Content
National Day of Prayer
Mother’s Day
Quarterly Open Member Meeting @ 7 pm at
Bradfordville Community Center*
Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day – HOA office will be closed
Directors
Trina Searcy, President
Tom Martineau, Treasurer
Joe Barnett, Director
Gary Phillips, Director
Mark Reichert, Vice President
Joanie Trotman, Secretary
Dan King, Director
Administrative Staff
Nancy C. Johnson
Anne Marshall
Gregory Durant
Sharon Malloy
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: [email protected]
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:
The photo for this month’s cover of Lakes View Magazine was
submitted by Anna Trudeau Prentiss, a former KLHOA staff member.
Tommie McGraw recognized his photo submission which was used on
the February Lakes View cover (mystery solved).
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 [email protected].
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 70 / April 2015
*The Bradfordville Community Center has
a temporary meetings location:
Located in “Bannerman Crossings” @6668-14 Thomasville Road
Important
Phone Numbers
Fire Department & Leon County Sheriff
(non-emergency situations only):
606-3300
Talquin Electric (ex: Light out on your street)
(Bradfordville office):
893-6853
Outages (24-hour service):
Leon County Public Roads:
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG:
(1-888) 802-1832
606-1400
(1-800) 432-4770
Animal Control:
606-5400
Leon County Mosquito Control:
606-1400
Waste Pro:
606-1899
Leon County Storm Water Questions::
606-1400
Stay Connected with Killearn Lakes.
Like our Facebook page Killearn
Lakes Homeowners and for all the
latest news visit our website at
www.killearnlakeshoa.org.
taxation
The art of
consists in so plucking the
goose as to obtain the largest possible amount
of feathers, with the smallest possible
amount of hissing. – Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Editor’s Note
F
irst, I’d like to wish my 86- years- young mother in Georgia and all
other moms a Happy Mother’s Day!
This April issue is jam-packed with the Annual Kids Fishing Contest
event information, a synopsis of the “special member meetings” and the total proxy
ballot count as of March 5, 2015, the latest winner of the “Lake Friendly Yard,”
May’s Quarterly Member Meeting information about a “personal safety” program
being offered, and time tables from Talquin and the County regarding the
construction plans for the roundabout and road extension work beginning in May.
I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish my part of this issue by the deadline. I
recently received a notice to appear at the Leon County Courthouse for jury duty.
My first thought was how lousy this timing was! Didn’t I just report for jury duty
last year? I arrived at the courthouse at 7:30 am and, if you know me, I am not a
“morning person.” Having to report that early had me wondering how long I
would have to stay. I knew that there would also be another jury pool arriving
for the afternoon selections, but this was going to be a very long
morning. While I was waiting during the breaks between jury
selections, I thought about how impressive our legal process is
and of all the men and women who have given their time, and
sometimes their lives, in order for me to have the freedom to
participate in this legal process. With that thought in mind,
I listened intently to the judge and realized how appreciative
he and the court were for my time.
I sat through two selections, but for some reason I was
not chosen to serve on the jury for either trial. Along with a
handful of others, I was thanked by the judge and dismissed. I
had heard the counts against each of the defendants and I left
wondering how the trial results might be for each of them. When
I was leaving through the same doors where I had earlier gone through
the security check I looked down and was proud to see my juror sticker
was still there. My next thought…. where’s my coffee?
Nancy C. Johnson
Operations Director, Bookkeeper & Editor
Bryan's Brief
Spring is almost upon us! The
dogwoods and azaleas are blooming and
that dreaded pollen is painting the town
green and yellow – get out the allergy
pills. There are so many great events
looming near - Springtime Tallahassee
(March 28), Easter (April 5), high school
proms, graduation, Girl Scout cookies,
spring cleaning and getting the last of
leaves and debris out of our yards – ah
the many good things we have to look
forward to this time of year.
If you haven’t already, be sure to get out to some of our many
beautiful trails to walk, run or cycle. In case you’re not aware, we
now have trails that connect throughout the County for biking,
hiking, running or walking.
Visit Trailahassee at
http://www.trailahassee.com/ it’s the only resource residents or visitors
need to make the most of the trails in and around Florida’s Capital
City. Be sure to take the kids to some of our great playgrounds –
don’t miss Cascades park, especially at night. This is the perfect time
of year for it. Here are some updates for you.
Honor Flight – The next “Honor Flight” is scheduled May 2,
2015. We still have time to sign up any World War II or Korean War
Veterans who may not have made this flight. It’s a free, one day trip
for our veterans and we have doctors and EMT’s on board who will
care for their every need. If you know of any veterans who have not
joined us for this great program, I encourage you to help them
complete the application. You may also want to consider signing up
to join them as their guardian. For more information on the process,
go to http://honorflighttallahassee.org/ and click on Applications.
Honor Flight is also seeking donations to help fund the trip as they’ve
not yet reached their goal – so any financial help would be much
appreciated. Information on how you can contribute can be found
at the same web site.
Operation Thank You 2015 – In Honor of Local Veterans of
the Korean War – This year marks the 65th anniversary of the United
States participation in the Korean War. According to the U.S. Census
approximately 1,710 Korean War veterans reside in Leon County.
The community is invited to honor and recognize local veterans of
the Korean War on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Korean War
Memorial located at Cascades Park. The day will also be celebrated
nationally as Armed Forces Day. The program for the event will
commence at 8:30 a.m. with a 30-minute ceremony that will include
the presentation of colors, performance of the National Anthem, a
moment of reflection for the 54,200 soldiers lost during the Korean
War, and brief remarks. Immediately following the ceremony, Korean
War Veterans and guests will be served breakfast on the lawn adjacent
to the Korean War Memorial. If you are a Korean War Veteran or
know a veteran, please join us for this event.
Tallahassee National Cemetery – Just want to make sure you
know the Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a public ceremony
to break ground and formally dedicate the Tallahassee National
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Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
April 2015
Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 5015 Apalachee
Parkway in Tallahassee. The new 250-acre cemetery in Tallahassee,
Fla., will serve the burial needs of more than 83,000 Veterans in the
cemetery's service area for the next 100 years. In addition to
gravesites, the cemetery will include other features such as a front
entrance on Apalachee Parkway, an administration building, a
maintenance building, a flag pole assembly area, a memorial walkway,
committal shelters, and a public information center with electronic
gravesite locator and restrooms. First burials are expected to begin in
the Fall of 2015.
Legislative Update – The County hosted the first of three
Community Legislative Dialogue regional meetings. We had a great
turn out with the Presidents of all three major colleges in attendance,
hospital and health care executives, social service representatives, the
Chamber of Commerce agencies, other regional and local
government agency representatives, etc. This meeting was highly
beneficial, as we engaged our community and regional partners in
identifying shared legislative priorities and interests and developed a
quick response process for contacting each other regarding changing
legislative issues. We’re doing everything possible to insure our
County’s and this region’s interests and needs are monitored and
hopefully addressed through the legislative process. A second meeting
will be held in the middle of the legislative session in the County
Commission Chambers on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 7:30 a.m. and
a last meeting at the end of the session on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at
7:30 a.m. These meetings are open to the public – so come join us!
Sales Tax Initiative Update – In April 2014 the
Intergovernmental Agency (IA) approved a list of projects to be
completed under the 2020 Penny Sales Tax program. In November
of 2014 voters approved a referendum to extend the sales tax that will
pay for these projects. The projects ranged from gateway, community
enhancement, connectivity and regional mobility – included were
three projects for District IV: the widening of Bannerman Road, the
Northeast Park and the Market Square initiative. It’s anticipated that
the IA will begin discussing the implementation of the 2020 penny
sales tax meeting during their April 1, 2015 meeting. Stay tuned!
DISTRICT IV UPDATE
Golden Eagle Homes Association – Congratulations go out to
Golden Eagle Homes Association residents as they have been accorded
the honor of being designated as the Nation's First Purple Heart
Community. On January 27th, a proclamation was signed by their
president Karen Griffin and they were presented with a plaque from
The Patriot Members of Chapter 758, Military Order of the Purple
Heart, USA. The Florida Veterans Foundation, Inc. held a Presentation
Ceremony on March 20 to honor Golden Eagle becoming the Nation’s
First Purple Heart Homeowners Association. I can't begin to tell you
how proud I am that Golden Eagle, a District IV neighborhood, has
been accorded this honor. I hope that other neighborhoods will also
consider seeking this prestigious recognition.
Killearn Lakes Stormwater Project – Repairs, cleanup and
landscaping are still needed on the Southbrook project but we can’t do
any of the work until the land dries out some. The water table is so
high, heavy equipment on the land will just increase the damage. The
plans for Unit 1 Phase 1 will be going out for bid soon and should be
under construction this summer pending no adverse weather. We will
be replacing the smaller drainage pipes under Chadwick connecting
Southbrook pond to Lake Iamonia with box culvert to reduce the
sensitivity to clogging which should reduce flooding impacts.
Bradfordville/Thomasville Rd Summit Group Commercial
Project – Construction of the commercial phase of the project will
commence on the south side of Bannerman Road west of the
intersection of Thomasville Rd the week of 3-23. This includes the new
HCA Urgent Care Center at the south east corner of the roundabout
and the 60,000 sq ft of new commercial retail space on the southwest
corner of the roundabout. You can view the architectural renderings
at http://www.summitgroupcommercial.com/bannerman-crossingsexpansion-now-leasing/.
This project also includes the exchange of properties associated
with future development on Bannerman Road. The Southside
Exchange Property has for several years been the site of the Bradfordville
Community Center, (the historic school house), and an adjoining
natural passive park area. In order to accommodate the construction
of the new Bannerman Road roundabout, the School House was closed
and the Community Center was temporarily relocated to a space in
the Developer’s adjacent shopping center. The School House will be
relocated by the Developer, at the Developer’s expense, to a portion of
the Northside Exchange Property adjacent to a stormwater
management facility and natural passive park area. The Northside
Exchange Property will be split by the Beech Ridge Trail Extension
roadway currently under construction by the Developer. The final
exchange of the properties is to occur upon completion of the
construction by the Developer and acceptance of dedication by the
County of the Beech Ridge Trail Extension, with the relocation of the
School House to be completed no later than 60 days thereafter.
Illegal Signs Enforcement – I’m regularly contacted about illegal
signage in the right-of-way and wanted to let you know of our new
enforcement efforts. On a monthly basis, our existing building and
environmental inspectors will implement a monthly sweep and remove
illegal signs from within the right-of-way (ROW) and the Sheriff ’s
Office has agreed to issue citations to repeat or egregious violators.
The Bannerman Bypass Road – The new round about to Quail
Commons is complete other than some additional landscaping that’s
needed. The Construction of Phase 1 B of the Bannerman Road
Widening Project, adding four lanes 900 feet west of Quail Commons,
is still on track to begin work this summer.
Beechridge Roundabout – Killearn Lakes Homeowners
Association Board members, and the Killearn Lakes residents in a
special vote, have accepted the County’s offer for the acquisition of
property to construct the roundabout. We thank the members of the
Homeowners Association Board and the residents of Killearn Lakes for
your partnership in this project. We will work to help make this a
highly regarded amenity with all safety issues addressed. If all goes
well, construction should be completed during the 2015 summer
break. The resurfacing of Kinhega will follow after completion of the
roundabout.
I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve as your District
IV Commissioner and I commit to you that I will continue to do the
best job I can in representing you and our community. As always, I
welcome your input and appreciate all of you who act as my eyes in
the District. Many of the improvements we’ve already made, or are
currently working on, came from citizen suggestions or observations.
As you plan for your neighborhood/homeowner’s association
meetings, please let me know the dates and times so that I may join
you. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions or
concerns, [email protected] or 606-5364.
Bryan Desloge
Leon County Commission
District IV
Leon County
Board of County Commissioners
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
5
Personal Safety Seminar
We are happy to announce Lt.
Charlie Strickland, the CEO of Talon
Training and Talon Range will be
speaking at the May 12th Quarterly
Members Meeting regarding a free
course on personal safety that will be
offered to our residents later in the year.
Charlie currently serves as the
Watch Commander on the night shift
and patrols our streets each night. He
also brings 25 years of law enforcement experience in a wide variety
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Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
of areas like Homicide and Robbery investigation, SWAT and
Financial Crimes. He has taught personal safety and firearms training
to thousands through Talon. The seminar will focus on how not to
be a victim of a violent crime. He will talk about the importance of
body language, eye contact and a host of other issues that will help
ensure you are not a victim. He will also address the laws regarding
use of force and will provide some information on property crimes
prevention as well. He has recently given this presentation to groups
like Talquin Electric Coop, Southwood HOA, and Big Bend Hospice.
We will provide more information on this free seminar as soon
as it is available.
Providing a Future for Dyslexic and
Aention Deficit Disordered Kids
Woodland Hall Academy – A Unique Program
By: Vic Aderhold
How much effort goes into helping bright kids with dyslexia or
Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) become successful in all areas of
their lives? Two administrators, eight teachers, two support staff,
parents, and grandparents focus on the needs of 25-35 students each
year at Woodland Hall Academy (WHA). This individualized focus
changes lives!
Before Woodland Hall: “We would end the (homework) session
in tears!... No matter how hard he tried, his efforts rarely met with
success. He stopped trying….
After being at Woodland Hall, a parent reports, “He is a much
happier child…. Now he takes responsibility for his actions… He
can handle most of the frustrations of dyslexia…He manages his time,
his homework, his life! All without the intervention of drugs!”
Is it just the adult/student ratio that turns this parent’s comments
from frustration to joy? It helps, but Woodland Hall offers more than
just a small adult/student ratio.
A Unique Program
Founded in 1975 by Dr. Patricia K. Hardman, Woodland Hall’s
program serves bright children who have dyslexia, Attention Deficit
Disorders, or related language/learning differences. Based on research
in the fields of biochemistry, psychology, and education, Dr.
Hardman has developed a nationally recognized program called The
Hardman Technique. This is a Multisensorial Structured Language
Education Program.
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Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
“We must learn to teach children the WAY THEY LEARN, not
expect them to learn the way we teach.” This is Dr. Hardman’s credo.
Children with dyslexia and ADD learn differently. Teachers at WHA
undergo rigorous training throughout the school year and earn a
Teacher Certification recognized by The International Multisensorial
Structured Language Education Council and International Dyslexia
Association.
A Different Atmosphere
When you enter WHA, a positive “learning hum” is in the air.
You notice the level of activity within each class. Some students are
working with math equipment, while others may be standing and
reciting information. Teachers shift activities within a class every
three minutes. Teachers are in constant motion with the students,
leaning over a shoulder, patting a back, demonstrating an idea. These
are children who must move to learn, so WHA has developed
techniques to allow them to do so productively.
Study skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills are
modeled and practiced in all classes in a consistent manner.
Courteous behavior is taught and expected of all the students towards
the adults and each other. “Yes, ma’am” and “Yes, sir” float through
the air.
One visitor asked, “Where are the ADD kids?” The
administrator pointed to all of the children in a group. “But they are
focused and on-task. Are they all on medication?”
“None of the ADD students at WHA are on medications to
control their behaviors.” according to Ms. Rennick, the program
director replied. “Changing the way the teachers instruct the
students, and working with parents on behavioral, nutritional and
biochemical issues, children with ADD can learn to control and focus
on their own.”
Parent Interaction a Positive
Prior to enrollment at WHA, if a parent was called by their
child’s school, they immediately flinched and wondered what their
child had done this day. Rarely did a parent get called with good
news.
Before coming to Woodland Hall, one frustrated parent received
a note from the teacher saying, “J needs help with his homework,
please spend some time reviewing it with him.” The parent had spent
4 hours the previous night working with J on his homework!
Needless to say, the frustration level of parents with their child’s
school is high. One parent says, “He wasn’t disruptive, (he just
withdrew) so it was easy to push him away from the “normal”
learners.”
At Woodland Hall parents are involved in workshops, individual
consultations, and observations of their children in the classroom.
Parents learn the unique way their children process information and
learn. They are taught techniques to help their children develop better
and more positive habits and behaviors.
My Child has a Future
“My child couldn’t read a word in 4th grade, but let him listen
to the History Channel and he could tell you all about inventions
and historical subjects. We moved from Port St. Joe because we knew
he wasn’t learning where we were. He is a junior in high school; he’s
reading and he has plans for college. This would not have happened
without Woodland Hall.
Woodland Hall Academy’s goal is to teach children how to
become independent learners. Some children graduate from
Woodland Hall, but many return as successful students to public or
private schools after an average three year stay.
If your bright child has dyslexia or Attentions Deficit Disorders
or he/she is SMART BUT……struggling in school call Woodland
Hall Academy at (850) 893-2216. This unique program could open
the future for your child.
Accepting Applications for Summer and Full Time Program:
Woodland Hall Academy is approved for the McKay Scholarship
and the Personal Learning Savings Account Scholarship.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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2015 KLHOA Kids
Fishing Contest Rules
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND, 2015
All Killearn Lakes Homeowners’ Association members in good standing are invited to participate, so bring your kids out to
Lake Monkey Business for a day of great fun, food and prizes! The rules for the contest are listed below.
1.
The fishing contest is open to all Killearn Lakes residents ages
16 and under and their guests. Parents can assist their children
only. Please let the kids do the fishing!
2.
The contest begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at noon.
3.
Fishing within the netted area is available in shifts, from either
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. or from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. The netted
area is open to all contestants from 11:00 a.m. - noon.
GREEN is designated for the 8:00 to 9:30 time slot.
RED is designated for the 9:30 to 11:00 time slot.
4.
5.
6.
7.
There are approximately 50 tagged fish within the netted area.
If a tagged fish is caught, you are guaranteed a prize. (You can
only win one prize regardless of the number of tagged fish you
may catch.) If you catch a tagged fish, locate one of the Fish and
Wildlife Committee volunteers or bring it to the tent in order
for your catch to be logged. Please DO NOT remove tags from
the fish.
Prizes will be awarded for tagged fish only, with the exception
of the biggest (by weight) fish of the day. The child who catches
the biggest fish wins the grand prize. If you would like your fish
considered for The Biggest Fish of the Day Contest bring it to
the tent to have the fish weighed and logged.
Any remaining prizes will be awarded by raffle. You must be
present to win a raffle prize.
Casting Contest Rules
If you cast a plug into the ring, your name goes into a drawing for a
limited number of prizes.
The Killearn Lakes Homeowners’ Association Fish and Wildlife
Committee recommends a catch and release of all bass.
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 the fishing contest. It doesn’t take much of an investment. A
decent rod and reel combo can be purchased for around $25.00. And
as a young girl with a Barbie fishing pole can attest, you don’t need
any fancy equipment to catch a large fish.
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.
Most importantly,
HAVE FUN!!!
All prizes will be awarded at the culmination of the contest
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
11
Don’t Forget
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 10th
Mother's Day in the United States is an
annual holiday celebrated on the second Sunday in
May. Mother's Day recognizes mothers,
motherhood and maternal bonds in general,
as well as the positive contributions that they
make to society. Although many Mother's Day
celebrations world-wide have quite different origins
and traditions, most have now been influenced by the
more recent American tradition established by Anna
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Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
Jarvis, who campaigned for the holiday. Organized by
Jarvis, the first official Mother's Day was celebrated
at St Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West
Virginia, which now holds the International
Mother's Day Shrine. Previous attempts at
establishing Mother's Day in the United States
sought to promote peace by means of honoring
mothers who had lost or were at risk of losing their
sons to war.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
13
Trina’s TidBits
The Survey Says –“It’s time for spring cleaning!”
By: Trina Searcy, President
The surveys are in and the votes are tallied! Thank you to all those
residents who responded to the survey questions.
The survey was attached to your dues invoice and a large majority
responded that they want us to do a better job enforcing the covenants.
You may have noticed that the response to violations has really stepped
up.
We remain a complaint driven neighborhood and have been
diligent in our efforts in responding to reports of possible or perceived
violations by other homeowners. This task is daunting at best. We have
come to realize in doing this that this is one more reason why we need
to update our Declarations of Covenants and Restrictions (C&R). For
example, mailbox violations are no longer as important as they once
were. If your area C&R states that you are to have a brick mailbox and
you have a wood mailbox stand with a aluminum box, we are over
looking that and pooling our resources to remove boats and RVs from
driveways. Little by little we are making progress. I am proud of our
homeowners working along with our ACC to rectify these situations in
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Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
a positive manor and have happy homeowners in the end!
There is lots of work to be done and having updated C&Rs would
be very helpful. I have made it my commitment to do this along with
the help of the Board of Directors and our attorney. I see another survey
in your future.
We did have more than 40% of the homeowners answer the survey
with “thank you” and “you are doing a great job”. On behalf of the staff
of KLHOA and the Board of Directors, thank you for taking the time
to respond and thank us. It’s nice to hear. We appreciate your support!
If you would like to volunteer we have lots of areas we could use
your help. Please contact the office at 668-3231 and let them know how
you would like to help. If you are not sure, Anne, Sharon or Nancy will
find the right and perfect committee to put you on.
Happy Spring!
Trina Searcy, your Board President.
FareShare
Oriental Salad
By: Sharon Malloy
Dressing Ingredients:
4 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. Accent
1 tsp. pepper
4 Tbsp. rice vinegar
Salad Ingredients:
1 head of cabbage – grated (or 1 large package of prepared cole
slaw)
2 pkgs. Raman noodles (coarsely crushed, discard seasoning
package)
8 green onions, sliced
2 oz. pkg. slivered almonds (brown in 1 Tbsp. oil)
Directions:
Mix all dressing ingredients in container with lid. Shake well.
Store dressing at room temperature for at least two hours for the
sugar to dissolve and flavors to mix. (I make my dressing and
store it overnight)
In large bowl toss cabbage, onion and nuts together and set aside.
Just before serving add crushed noodles, toss well and then add
dressing. Serves 8 – 10.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
15
Talquin, You’ve Come a Long
By Kim Gay
When we think about how electricity impacts and improves our
lives, we realize how truly remarkable it is. In today’s world, going
without electricity may sound impossible; but, just a few generations
ago, there was no electricity, no air conditioning and, of course, no
internet!
While larger, more populated cities were using electricity by the
1930s, a majority of rural America was still living in the dark. On
the farm, men and women, and boys and girls worked by hand. Daily
jobs included hauling water, milking cows, pitching hay, picking
vegetables, and washing clothes by hand. Farmwomen cooked meals
on a stove that burned wood and families heated water on the stove
to take baths. Before electric irons, women pressed clothes with a
wedge of iron heated on the stove and the family's bathroom was
outdoors – a far cry from today’s comforts.
Talquin’s cooperative roots go back more than 75 years to 1920
when President Franklin D. Roosevelt built a home near Warm
Springs, Georgia. The springs were instrumental in his recuperation
after an attack of polio. The president wanted electric lights in his
home, but at the time, if you lived out of town, you had to pay for
the whole cost of constructing the power lines to your home from
the city. President Roosevelt learned that it would cost thousands of
dollars to have electricity and realized it was nearly impossible for a
farm family to afford power and the many advantages that it brought
to homes and businesses.
He then began planning the REA program. When the program
was presented to Congress, he gave his all-out support. The Program
was born by an executive order of President Roosevelt on May 11,
1935 to “administer and supervise a program of approved projects
with respect to the generation, transmission and distribution of
electric energy in rural areas”.
During this time, Gadsden County visionaries began to work
together to begin the process of providing electricity for families in
our rural communities. Approximately 200 people in Gadsden
County gathered on June 26, 1940 upon invitation of H.E. Hudson,
County Agent, and Elise Laffitte, Home Demonstration Agent, to
discuss the ways and means of getting rural electrification extended
in Gadsden County. Committeemen were appointed to solicit
16
Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
Members throughout the county and traveled around encouraging
families to join the new cooperative. The cost of membership has
not changed in 75 years – it’s still just $5.00! After all these years,
some things have changed drastically, but not our commitment to
service and to our Members.
The idea of lighting a room with the flip of a switch may have
seemed unbelievable to our ancestors, but today, electricity is a
resource we all have come to depend on. The discovery of electric
current, the REA, and previous community leaders working to bring
power to rural areas all played a critical role in how we live our lives
today. From charging our electronic devices to powering the
appliances around our home, electricity keeps us connected morning,
day, and night and improves the quality of life for those we serve.
You have come a long way, Talquin!
Project Update
As part of the new Beech Ridge Trail-Kinhega Drive roundabout
project, Talquin Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TECI) will be relocating
and installing new underground electric facilities in cooperation with
the project scheduled to begin in June 2015.
The project will also involve the removal of five (5) decorative
lights that TECI currently serves along Kinhega Drive, which are
located in proximity to the Beech Ridge Trail-Kinhega Drive
intersection.
Prior to the construction phase of the roundabout, TECI will
complete the removal and relocation of our electric facilities and
existing lights by the end of May 2015. TECI will strive to ensure a
reasonable transition in the relocation and removal of electric facilities
being impacted by this construction project.
Please contact us at 850-627-7651 for any questions or concerns
regarding this matter.
Way, Baby…
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
17
Who 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- 850-606-3300
•
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- 850-606-3300
•
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
18
Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
Special Membership
Meeting Results
Thank you to all KLHOA members who participated in the special
meeting process to allow the KLHOA board to settle the eminent domain
proceeding with Leon County for the taking of the common area
property in Killearn Lakes Unit1 for the County’s “Beech Ridge Trail
Road Extension Project”.
Two membership meetings were held to determine whether the
KLHOA should settle the eminent domain proceeding outside of court
and accept the County’s offer to settle or KLHOA should not settle and
allow the court to decide the matter. The first meeting was held on
February 11, 2015, and the matter was suspended because a quorum of
the membership was not reached; the second meeting was held March
5, 2015 with a quorum of the membership reached by proxy and/or in
person.
The results of the final membership meeting as of 8:05pm, March
5, 2015, were as follows:
*738 MEMBERS VOTE YES, KLHOA should settle outside
of court.
*96 MEMBERS VOTE NO, KLHOA should not settle outside
of court.
The KLHOA board has certified the results and the final settlement
agreement shall now be finalized with the County.
Thank you, again, to all members who participated and offered their
valuable time and comments.
KLHOA Board of Directors
*(These calculations were in accordance with the C&R’s and under
Florida Statute Section #720.303(1).)
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
19
Lake Friendly Yard
A
By Joe Barnett
s I was bicycling past Lake Monkey Business, I saw
a couple of families playing football in the park. It
was so beautiful that I just had to get off my bike
and walk. Along the shore several small birds
quickly dove right under my feet into the brushy
shoreline. After giving up on finding them, I looked
around and noticed most of the brushy bird habitat
had pretty much been mowed down to the
shoreline, except one home.
So I walked over to see what kind of family
cared so much about our lake and wildlife. In
the backyard was a young man who was
working hard cutting down a LOT of
small trees. He said his dad was a forester
and that these trees were non-native
invasive trees. I told him that we have
a Killearn Lakes Friendly Yard
program and that I would like to
meet his dad, Richard Shelfer. So
I called for a meeting and yard tour.
In his back yard was a big tree
laying across the yard. He left
it natural and it has been used
by all kinds of animals...
The first thing I noticed was that the front yard was left natural.
Mr. Shelfer said he had worked many years removing the very invasive
Tung Oil tree, planted for furniture oil. This poisonous tree has
spread throughout the Killearn Lakes area. Its seed pods float on water
and are carried through ditches and streams spreading all over Killearn
Lakes.
He said another thing bad about the Tung Oil tree is that its
dense leaf canopy shades out the native ground cover exposing soil
erosion and creates a moist environment for mosquitoes. After a
rain the smaller shoots are easiest to remove by pulling them up
allowing native groundcover to grow and prevent sediment from
entering the lake.
He is also trying to remove the Class I invasive Coral Ardesia.
It is has dark green leaves and beautiful red winter berries. His wife,
Emma Guilarte, spends hours pulling up the small Ardesia and Tung
Oil plants and seeds. Coral Ardisia shades out native seedlings and
plants like our beautiful Trillium. The herbicide Triclorpyr is
recommended for killing Coral Ardesia, Tung Oil and the extremely
invasive Chinese Tallow trees (popcorn tree).
Richard and Emma have left native trees like sweet gum that
gold finches like, sugarberry, spruce pine, dogwood, laurel oak, water
oak, american holly and a big cherry tree, I asked how old his big live
oak trees were. He said his great grandfather planted a lane of live
oaks in 1880 at the family cemetery. They would now be about 130
years old. The trees on his lot are slightly larger so he estimates they
are about 200 years old.
In his back yard was a big tree laying across the yard. He left it
natural and it has been used by all kinds of animals as it slowly turns
back into good compost soil. Another dead tree was used by many
birds like the large pileated woodpecker we all love to hear making
“jungle” noises.
He planted Florida Anise, but the deer have been browsing the
smaller plants. He also leaves the native yaupon holly throughout
his lot. He has observed many song birds, hawks, owls and recently
saw four bald eagles circling overhead. Restoring and maintaining
native trees and plants will provide these natural gifts for all to enjoy.
As with most Lake Friendly families, Mr. Shelfer also had an
interesting history. The Shelfers came to Florida from North Carolina
and settled in Gadsden County in the 1820’s. As a kid he worked in
his dad’s old feed and hardware store. He retired as a forester from
the U.S. Forest Service
He had an old 1952 Ford pickup truck in his garage that he is
restoring. He said he knew the original owner as a kid. It had good
memories for him growing up. And the exact same color, year and
model was owned by his wife’s family growing up in Cuba. .
He looked great so I asked him his secret. He said he was
healthiest when he walked to work in Atlanta for 3 years. He said as
long as he keeps walking our neighborhood and pulling up nonnative vegetation his health stays good. At our May 12th Quarterly
Meeting I will be presenting Richard and Emma our yard sign and a
$100.00 gift certificate from a local nursery.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
21
Master Builder Best Practices Presents:
Common Mistakes and Easy Cures
(DO YOUR HOMEWORK)
By: Mark Worley
A successful building or remodeling project requires research,
careful planning, attention to detail and patience. By avoiding the
following mistakes your project will have a better chance of
completion in a timely manner with fewer complications while
supporting your budget.
• Hiring the wrong contractor. Ask for references of completed
projects that are similar in scope and size to yours, also require
bank and vendor/supplier references. Your contractor should
have a comprehensive history of successfully completed projects
and be financially secure. While bidding is usually seen as a way
to get the lowest price, it often leads to an adversarial situation
between owner and builder, or architect. Many people have had
excellent results by selecting a builder early in the process based
on the builder’s reputation, since their experience can be
integrated into the design, and costs can be controlled by creating
a team for your project.
• Selecting inferior products to save money. Low-quality products
can end up costing more in the long run. Both the designer and
the builder have extensive knowledge of products and options
beyond the Big Box selection. Their knowledge can be used to
specify products that are well made, cost-effective and work well
for your needs.
• Inadequate planning. The finished project will only be as good
as the contract, plans and specifications. Without proper
construction documents you are sure to have problems and
conflicts that will result in additional costs and delays.
Construction documents should include a comprehensive
description of the project, payment schedule, timetable and
detailed product description, including make and model. The
responsibilities of contractor, sub-contractors and owner should
22 Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
be included. A contract also needs to list provisions for
warranties, changes in procedures and, should problems arise,
alternative dispute resolution clauses. This advice is good for any
design contract as well, which should spell out and define the
scope of services being provided, including a conceptual time
frame, fees and contractual terms
• Starting a project at the wrong time. Your project can be divided
into three stages; design, permitting, and construction. Allowing
sufficient time for each phase will help reduce stress and ensure
a timely completion date. It also means not planning for
completion at a holiday, where schedule delays can wreak havoc
on a family’s plans.
• Not managing the budget. Prior to signing your construction
contract make sure that specified budgets are realistic in order to
meet your expectations. Nothing ruins the building experience
more than finding out your appliance budget is only adequate
for a starter home while your goal was a commercial grade kitchen.
Even with the best research and specification development
changes occasionally happen. All changes, no matter how small,
should be documented for any additional cost or credits and include
any altered completion date. This will ensure that there are no
surprises at the end.
Mark Worley is the only Graduate Master Builder in Tallahassee
and holds a Certified Aging-in-Place and Green Building
Professional designation by the National Association of Home
Builders. You can reach him through his website at
www.worleyconst.com or at 850-668-3438 for help with your
construction problems.
7 Steps To A Happier Pet
The Humane Society of the United States, in it’s constant battle to end animal neglect, cruelty and abuse,
encourages all its members to take the following actions in support of animals.
•
Have a heart, be smart and make sure your pet is spayed and
neutered.
•
Plan for your pet’s future in case something happens to you and
visit humanesociety.org/petsinwills for more information.
•
Make sure your pet wears an identification tag, and consider
having your pet microchipped to enable him to be returned to
you if he loses his collar.
•
Learn how to avoid dog bites, and how to prevent your dog from
biting, by going to humanesociety.org/avoidbites.
•
•
To prevent animal behavioral problems, make sure you enroll
your new puppy or dog in behavioral training classes.
You are having problems with your neighbors dog barking?
Leon County Animal Control- 850-606-5400
or
Leon County Sheriff Department- 850-606-3300
•
Animal behavioral problems can be health-related. Make sure
your pet has a complete medical exam by a veterinarian at least
once a year.
•
Your house is on fire or your life is in danger?
911
•
Prepare for disasters. Make sure you have a plan for your pet in
the event of a hurricane, tornado, fire or flood.
For more information, visit humanesociety.org.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 23
Cyndy’s Ruminations
By Cyndy Reichert
“THE ESCAPE”
By David Baldacci
David Baldacci is one of the world’s most popular fiction
writers… and one of my favorite authors. In his blockbuster thrillers
ZERO DAY and THE FORGOTTEN we first met John Puller, a
combat veteran and special agent with the U.S. Army’s Central
Intelligence Division who is the man they call to investigate the
toughest crimes facing our country.
The story starts at our country’s foremost prison in Fort
Leavenworth, the United States Disciplinary Barracks (commonly
known as the DB). It sits on nearly 40 acres surrounded by a mound
of brick and razor wire, buffeted by the Missouri River and forested
Kansas acres. It is the only formidable maximum security military
prison for males in the country. Military discipline rules and the
security is unsurpassed. It is also impossible to escape from…or so
the military thought.
Then the unthinkable happens
as both generators fail, shots
are fired, an explosion
occurs... and then all the
prison cell doors open.
On one very stormy night, the ordinary goes awry. The prison
went into momentary darkness as two transformers at a nearby
substation blew up. No one was overly concerned as the backup
generators would take over their responsibility. Then the unthinkable
happens as both backup generators fail, shots are fired, an explosion
24 Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
occurs… and then all the prisoner cell doors open.
By the time order has been restored by MPs swarming the
prison, it becomes transparent that something serious has happened.
In one cell there is a dead body with no apparent identity, but it’s
not the prisoner assigned to that cell; a former major in the USAF,
Robert Puller, who was convicted of treason and national security
crimes. He was serving a life sentence. This inexplicable escape from
the DB makes Robert Puller the most wanted man in the country
and the first man to ever escape from the DB.
John Puller hears of his older brother’s escape shortly after he
returns to the country from a special mission. His CO commands
him to stay away from the case, but then Puller is formally asked to
visit the Pentagon for a meeting with General Rinehart (Army),
General Daughtrey (Air Force) and James Schindler (National
Security Council). The government and these three men think that
John is their best resource for finding his brother. Foregoing military
protocol they assign him to investigate. They expect Puller to
recapture and arrest his brother, who will return to his life sentence
at the DB and then to identify the corpse left in the vacated cell. He
is also instructed to find out how the breach in military security
occurred that allowed an inmate to escape from the maximum
security prison.
Against John Puller’s will, Captain Veronica Knox is assigned to
help him in the investigation. Knox’s assignment, which is with the
United States Army’s Intelligence and Security Command
(INSCOM), is not a coincidence. She is also there to keep tabs on
Puller. Mistrust abounds between Puller and Knox.
While they proceed with the investigation, Robert Puller begins
looking into his own case and to find out who had set him up just
before he was to receive a major promotion in security. After
changing his appearance to “disappear” he uses his superior computer
skills to seek out the two witnesses he believes set him up for the
charge of treason.
As Knox and Puller dig deeper into their investigation, it appears
that there are troubling details about his brother’s conviction… and
there are people out there that don’t ever want the real truth to come
to light. It soon becomes apparent that there has been a great
conspiracy involving leaks in intelligence, security, betrayal of our
country, nuclear weapons and loss of innocent lives.
I’ve been asked by one of my daughter’s bosses not to spoil the
ending by giving up too much. For that, I will say the Puller brothers
and Knox race to stay alive and to save thousands of lives with only
seconds to spare.
Baldacci has done it again… created a masterful thriller with
relevance to this chaotic time in our country that will keep you up
all night, turning the pages.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 25
OF KILLEARN LAKES
KLHOA is offering rewards up to $2,000.00 for information that
leads to the arrest and conviction of person or persons committing
acts of vandalism and property damage within Killearn Lakes. The
Board does not take this lightly as we are spending at least $12,000
to $15,000 of your dues money each year correcting vandalism and
property damage incidents.
26 Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
Designated printer of the “Lakes View” Magazine
een Corner Classifieds
BABYSITTER, MOTHER’s HELPER & PETSITTER – Hi! I am
a 13 year old Deerlake Middle School student available to babysit,
pet sit, or provide an extra hand to a busy mom! I am the oldest of
4 children and have experience caring for my younger siblings before
& after school. I also serve weekly as an Awana leader for the 3-4
year olds at Canopy Roads Baptist Church. I have completed the
TMH Babysitter Training Course and prefer to work with children
ages 2-10. I am mature, responsible, caring & fun and have
experience cooking, cleaning, and taking care of variety of indoor
and outdoor chores. I am also an experienced pet sitter and can
provide my own transportation – 24 hours advance notice please.
Call Emily Lipian at 912-346-7314.
PET SITTING AND DOG WALKING – Pet Sitting and Dog
Walking Day or Night Call Karlee Jones at 933-1610.
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 – 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 – 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.
BABYSITTER – Hi! My name is Katelyn McClellan and I am 19
years old. I am great with kids and have babysitting experience. I
prefer to babysit kids 4 & older. I live in Golden Eagle and I have a
car so I can drive to your house to babysit. Please Call :). My phone
number is : (850)228-6339.
BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – Hello my name is Nina, and I am
18 years old.. I'm responsible, good with kids and I can also dog sit!
Please Contact me at: (850)228-3669.
BABYSITTER – You do so much for your kids you need a break. I
am an experienced 12 year old babysitter. I am CPR trained, American
Red Cross certified, reliable, and most of all funJ! I am available
weekdays 4-7:30 p.m and weekends at any time. I will babysit ages 19 and will also babysit babies or toddlers with permission from my
parents. Please call Molly Siddall at (850)445-9143.
BABYSITTER – Experienced, Mature and Responsible recent
Chiles Graduate is available for babysitting. Reasonable rates.
References available. Call Susanne Childers at (850) 459-4647.
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
children (of all ages) and pets (of all types) please don't hesitate to
call me at 727-742-3856. :)
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.
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE
PAID
7110 Beech Ridge Trail
Tallahassee, FL 32312
Tallahassee, FL
PERMIT NO. 498