www.kpmaster.com A Winter Wonderland the Annual Celebration of the Holidays On December 9th, the North Clubhouse at Kings Point was once again transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland for the Fourth Annual Celebration of the Holidays. The event drew over 500 residents for an evening of festive cheer, sponsored by the Kings Point management teams (Master Association, Federation, COA, Vesta and FirstService). The clubhouse was adorned with beautiful holiday decorations, including sparkling trees and wreaths that created a magical atmosphere. Adding to the festive ambiance, Kings Point clubs lined the hallways to showcase and sell their goods, offering residents a chance to find unique gifts and support local groups. Adding to the magic, strolling carolers roamed the hallways,
filling the air with joyful melodies. Residents also enjoyed a special Santa photo booth, with Santa played by Mike Bardell, Chief of the SCC Emergency Squad, and sponsored by Anita Frank of REAL Broker, LLC. Many captured memorable holiday moments in this delightful setting. A major highlight of the evening was the dining experience, which offered a delectable selection of international cuisines. Attendees enjoyed flavorful dishes that catered to a variety of tastes, enhancing the festive mood.
In the spirit of the season, the event also showcased the generosity of the Kings Point community. Residents bid over $3,400 during the Festival of the Trees and contributed $336 through the Santa photo booth. In total, the event raised $26,289 for A Kid’s Place, a charity dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing home for foster children. This incredible success would not have been possible without the contributions of residents, volunteers, and sponsors. The Kings Point community’s commitment to creating a joyful holiday experience while supporting a meaningful cause is truly inspiring. As the holiday season continues, events like this remind us of the power of community, kindness, and shared celebration. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who played a role in making this magical evening a reality.
A Big Thank You to the Master Association Event Committee!
A special thank you to the committee members who went above and beyond: Barbara Streeter, Angela Maze, Peg Seropian, Eileen Torricelli, and Jonathon Iovino Your dedication to pounding the pavement to gather donations from local businesses, coordinating contributions from
Kicking Off the Holidays Fourth Annual Tree Lighting
Torricelli stole the show with her creative and joyful ensemble.
The excitement didn’t stop there. The raffle room was abuzz as attendees vied for over 100 incredible prizes. These included a $1,000 Amazon gift card, VIP Tampa Bay Lightning tickets, Apple iPads and watches, Smart TVs and gift cards worth $500 to Amazon and Visa. The grand prizes of the evening were a $1,700 Gasparilla Inn Weekend Getaway and a $1,000 Carnival Cruise Gift Certificate, leaving lucky winners thrilled.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing Master Association Event Committee for their tireless hard work in preparing for the Angel Tree, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Celebration of the Holidays charity event.
January 2025
the Master Association and FirstService vendors, assembling the baskets, decorating the raffle room, managing administrative tasks, and shopping was nothing short of remarkable. You also went the extra mile to procure entertainment and inspire others to volunteer and pitch in—truly embodying the spirit of teamwork and community. See the list to the right to recognize all the other wonderful organizations and volunteers who helped make these events a tremendous success. Your support and contributions brought the holiday spirit to life!
The 2024 holiday season at Kings Point began with a festive glow during the Master Association’s Fourth Annual Tree Lighting event, held on November 29th at Charles Hassell Park. Despite the cold and drizzling rain, over 300 dedicated attendees stayed to enjoy the evening’s festivities, brimming with holiday cheer and community spirit.
The evening also marked the unveiling of Kings Point’s entrance holiday lights, spreading the festive spirit throughout the community. This magical display set the tone for a holiday season filled with unity and celebration. The Fourth Annual Tree Lighting event was a testament to the resilience and camaraderie of the Kings Point community, who came together to create a memorable start to the holiday season. A heartfelt thank you to all the attendees, volunteers, and contributors who made the evening a glowing success.
The park was beautifully decorated, with luminaries lining the walkways courtesy of the Lawn Bowling Club, creating a magical ambiance. Attendees were treated to sing-along music performed by the KP Music Makers, which set the perfect festive tone. Santa Claus, delightfully portrayed by Mike Bardell, Chief of the SCC Emergency Squad, made a grand entrance in an elf-driven sleigh, delighting children and adults alike. Adding to the festive atmosphere, two food trucks served up delicious treats. Guests enjoyed sweet indulgences of ice cream and donuts, which perfectly complemented the cozy holiday vibe. The tree lighting ceremony featured special guest speaker Michael Owen, newly elected state representative, who shared inspiring words and led the crowd in a countdown to the grand illumination of the tree. A highlight of the evening was the festive attire contest, where individuals and groups showcased their holiday spirit in a lively parade around the park. The competition was fierce, but ultimately, Eileen We extend our deepest gratitude to the Master Association contractors and vendors, Federation contractors, FirstService vendors, and local businesses who generously contributed to our charity raffle and holiday events. Your support gave Kings Point residents an incredible experience and helped us raise over $26,000 for A Kid’s Place. None of this would have been possible without your generosity.
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The News of Kings Point
Spreading Holiday Cheer with Angel Trees
This year, the Kings Point Master Association Event Committee spearheaded an inspiring holiday initiative: two Angel Trees designed to bring joy to those in need. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our residents, this effort was a heartwarming success. One tree was dedicated to foster children at A Kid’s Place, and the other supported Kings Point seniors in need through KP Cares. This year, the foster children were primarily teenagers, resulting in requests for specific and higher-priced items such as AirPods, scooters, and name-brand shoes. For our seniors, thoughtful items such as lotions, puzzles, and soft blankets were requested to bring them comfort and joy.
To engage the community, the Event Committee hosted events in the clubhouse, where residents could pick an angel from the tree and shop for their requested gifts. The items for KP seniors were collected and will be delivered directly to the residents by the KP Cares Club. Gabrielle from A Kid’s Place picked up the gifts for the foster children, ensuring they’ll receive their surprises on Christmas Day. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our generous residents for making this holiday season brighter for those who need it most. Your kindness and compassion embody the true spirit of the season.
COA Holiday Light Contest 2024 The COA’s Holiday Light Contest brought festive cheer and dazzling displays to our community! Judging took place on Friday, December 21st, with 27 homes showcasing their holiday spirit through creative and beautiful decorations. Congratulations to this year’s winners who truly lit up the season!
1st Place - 1622 Nantucket Dr
January 2025
Celebration of the Holidays Grand Prize Winners
Mike F $1,000 Amazon Gift Card
Dennis Sargent $1,000 Carnival Gift Card
Claus Harde Premium Lightning Tickets
Gary Stubbendick Set of 4 Tires & Car Kit From Express Oil
William King Gasparilla Inn 2-Night Stay
Paul Kopf Four Premium Lightning Tickets
COA Golf Cart Parade 2024 The COA’s Golf Cart Parade was a festive celebration of creativity and community! Led by Master Association President Chris Robinson in the Master’s ATV— transformed into Santa’s Sleigh— the parade featured 24 beautifully decorated carts. Residents lined the boulevard and parade route, cheering on the incredible designs and holiday spirit. Here are the winners of this year’s parade! 1st Place Kelly Kendrick, 2nd Place Valerie Frayer, and 3rd place was a tie between Richard Carncross and Lynn Simmons.
1st Place - Kelly Kendrick #22
2nd Place - Valerie Frayer #7
2nd Place - 1907 Canterbury Lane
3rd Place - Richard Carncross #12
3rd Place - 2203 Canterbury Lane
3rd Place - Lynn Simmons #13
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the Festival of Trees! Not only did you transform the North Club hallways into a dazzling winter wonderland, but your generosity also helped raise an impressive $3,440 for A Kid’s Place. A special shoutout goes to Sue Martucci for her incredible efforts in coordinating this beautiful and meaningful part of our Celebration of the Holidays. Thank you to all who donated trees or wreaths. Eileen & Angel Torricelli KP Glass Arts Terrie Jacoby Mary Kate Palumbo Joanne E Finnay Robin St. Onge KP Art Legue Mike Galiszoski Carol Kock Janice Lockhart Bob & Pat Urban Nearly New Shop Dorina Schmidtknecht Lynn Corbin (in honor of Pat Bennett) Kings Point Krafters Marilyn Flack Marti McCosh Elaine Golding Kings Point Quilters Janice Dietz Sarah Cupples Cupples Family Ray & Kim Basham Horvath Family Martucci Family KP Shell Art Club Kathleen & Edward Bartolomeo, KP Lapidary Club Sally Anne Barclay (Coast Guard Aux) KP Wood Choppers TOPS 0845
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The News of Kings Point
Why Is My Grass Brown? Understanding Dormancy in Our Lawns
January 2025
Stormwater & Pond Committee
growth and regaining its lush green appearance. St. Augustine Grass and Mixed Lawns: For residents with St. Augustine grass or mixed lawns, the visual effects may vary. St. Augustine grass generally remains semigreen during winter but may also show signs of dormancy or reduced growth depending on the weather. Mixed lawns will exhibit characteristics of both grass types, with patches of brown (from dormant Bermuda grass) and some green areas (from St. Augustine grass).
The Master’s Stormwater and Pond Management Committee has been actively pursuing As the cooler months settle in, many grants, donations and additional residents may notice their lawns funding sources to implement turning brown. While this might the principles of the Hillsborough cause concern, it’s important to County Adopt a Pond throughout understand that this is a natural Kings Point. The designs meet the and expected process for certain requirements of the Southwest types of grass in our area. Here’s Florida Water Management why this happens and why there’s Common Concerns Addressed District and Hillsborough County no need to worry. It’s natural to worry about brown Environmental Commission. This grass, but rest assured, this change program assures compliance with Dormancy in Bermuda Grass Bermuda grass is a warm- is not due to chemical applications, Best Management Practices in season grass that thrives in high pests, or irrigation issues. Instead, it stormwater lake management. temperatures. When temperatures is a seasonal occurrence directly drop below approximately 50°F, tied to the grass’s biological With Master Association support in 2023 committee members Bermuda grass enters a dormant response to lower temperatures. received grants and raised money phase. This is a survival mechanism to assist with design and installation that helps it conserve energy and What to Expect protect itself from cold weather. As temperatures begin to rise in of plants in in three KP ponds. During dormancy, Bermuda grass: the spring, you’ll see your lawn •Slows Growth: Growth significantly come back to life. The brown or The Master Association was slows as the grass focuses on yellow appearance will fade as notified of four additional grants conserving resources rather than the grass resumes its active growth to entities benefitting the Kings cycle, bringing a fresh, green lawn Point pond system this past producing new blades. month. These grants include •Changes Appearance: The back into view. vibrant green color fades to brown By understanding the natural matching funds from the Master or yellow, giving the appearance dormancy cycle of our lawns, Association in-kind donations from of a dead lawn. However, the residents can feel confident that the County and from teams of grass is very much alive beneath their brown grass is simply a sign of volunteers from sponsoring HOAs. the season and nothing to worry the surface. •Revives in Spring: Once spring about. Embrace the beauty of This year the local Audubon brings warmer temperatures, nature’s rhythms and look forward Society, Eagle Audubon Society, has been awarded two grants to Bermuda grass will awaken from to the vibrant greens of spring! aid in pond enhancement that dormancy, resuming active can attract more birds, butterflies U of FL - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Bookstore and wildlife. One is from Florida Audubon and Florida Power and Lynn Barber, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Light “Plants for Birds program” True Recipes, Field to Feast and for $2500. The other is $1000 from Blueberries: 50 Tried & True Recipes. the Audubon Cooperative Grant There is also A Culinary History of program, with an additional $500 Florida that looks very interesting! gift from Eagle Audubon Society for a total of $4000. These grants The bookstore also has a large will allow an additional five ponds variety of UF clothing items: shirts, to be planted as part of the t-shirts, hats, jackets, and more. program. Eagle Audubon recently Picture an alligator or chicken hat, won a Statewide Conservation alligator plush key ring, bee, piggy Award for their support for bank, sea turtle and alligator last year’s grants for ponds in which at least will make you smile the Inverness neighborhood. if not laughing out loud. You can view products for sale Additionally the Master Association and make purchases online, has been awarded a Tampa Bay https://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/. To Estuary Program Bay Mini-Grant make an in-person appointment, for $3,825 that will be used along go to: https://outlook. with matching funds for ponds in office365.com/book/bookings- the Acadia Greens and nearby For those of us that love to read, ifasbooksifasufledu@uflorida. neighborhood ponds. The B you should check out the University onmicrosoft.com/. The bookstore is M-G grant is primarily concerned of Florida - Institute of Food and located on campus at: 1374 Sabal with the greater Tampa Bay Agricultural Sciences (UF IFAS) Palm Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611- watershed that Kings Point’s mostly Bookstore in Gainesville. There is 0011. Their telephone number interconnected 87 ponds feed into. a large variety of educational is 352-392-1764, and a toll-free materials. They include topics phone number is 800-226-1764. 2024 COA Year End Wrap Up such as 4-H, agriculture, boating You can also FAX to 352-392-2628. On December 3rd, 2024 the COA and fishing, Florida-Friendly Membership wrapped up the LandscapingTM, gardening, lawn The travel time from Brandon to year at a Membership meeting and landscapes, health, nutrition, Gainesville is about 2 hours 10 with a visit from Santa, drawing for family and community, homes and minutes using I-75 North. There is gift baskets and Sharing cookies home maintenance, horticulture more good news. Antique malls from Marino Bakery Looking and plant diseases, insects, natural and great restaurants are on both forward to the coming year... resources and wildlife, pollinators sides of the interstate. There are also amazing restaurants in Gainesville. and native plants and more. 2025 COA Monthly Membership There is a section on health, & Board Metting nutrition, family and community If you are looking for Gator garb, Happy New Year Everyone! The that includes books on family great recipes and a fun day, COA will have our first meeting and relationships, community, head to the UF/IFAS Bookstore in of the New Year at 2pm in the SMART- strengthening marriages Gainesville. I may even see you Banquet Room in KPNCH, on and relationships training there! Thanks. January 7th, 2025. We look and financial management. forward to seeing our COA Members as we kick of 2025! There is a great selection of cookbooks. Some include the Mark your calendars for the Florida Vegetarian Cookbook, upcoming meetings: All are Simply Florida: A Taste of Flavors 2pm in the Banquet Room from the Sunshine State, Pickled, of KPNCH on Feburary 4th, Fried, and Fresh: Bert Gill’s Southern March 4th, April 1st & May 6th. Flavors, My Plate for Older Adults, Honey: 50 Tried & True Recipes, Small 2025 Calendars have arrived Good Catch: Recipes and Members have requested the Stories Celebrating the Best of small 2025 pocket calendars Florida’s Recipes, Eggs: 50 Tried &
You can support Tampa Bay Recovery efforts by purchasing a Tarpon Tag for $17. The tarpon was chosen as a symbol for Tampa Bay because being able to fish, swim or just enjoy beautiful sunsets and glistening waters is a result of healthy bay waters. Over the past four years, with help from Hillsborough County’s Adopt A Pond program and personnel, the Master Association of Kings Point has recognized the need for ongoing maintenance and enhancement of our ponds. The purpose is multilevel: •40% of our rainwater percolates into the ground to supply our aquifers for water for drinking and other purposes. Filtration with biological controls (plants) of runoff into ponds is healthy for our drinking water supply. •Re-attracting the wildlife that used to abound in this area before overly manicured grounds wiped out many nesting areas and food sources •Filtering sediment and pesticides from waters decreasing pollutants and preventing shoreline erosion and forestalling expensive dredging •Meeting State and Federal laws and regulations •Being responsible for local water flow that helps the greater Tampa Bay watershed While planting is best done in the Spring, preparation for planting during the winter months is ongoing now. The Committee will again offer 3-4 seminars on ponds and stormwater systems this winter with the first on January 16th (check date)in the Veterans Theater on vegetative buffer zones. The Kings Point Stormwater and Pond Management committee meets monthly on the third Thursday at 11 AM, in the Culinary Room on the second floor of the 2020 building. Please contact robdaviessailing@gmail.com if you have an questions on the activities of the committee.
many people still use them in addition to their cell phones. Stop in at the COA office, 1902 Clubhouse Dr to pick one up. Shredding Day 29th from
is April 9am-Noon.
COA membership Directory will go to print in early 2025. KP COA Volunteers Needed If you would like to become a Volunteer in the KP COA Office, Please stop in the office at 1902 Clubhousae Dr, Suite B between 9am - Noon to meet the volunteers and fill out an application.
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January Volunteer of the Month Susan Harju
January July 2025 2021
January Crossword
The Master Association is pleased to honor Susan Harju as our Volunteer of the Month for January. Susan is the president of Nantucket 1 HOA. For twelve years she was a full time RV’er, traveling around the country. After her parents purchased a home in Cambridge A, she fell in love with Kings Point and in 2021 they purchased their home and moved to Kings Point permanently. She became the president of Nantucket at the beginning of 2024. She also cooks for the SCC Ermengency Squad and volunteers cooking and cleaning for Nantucket 1 monthly dinners. She is always willing to help when asked. Her kindness and willingness to help has made her stand out as our Volunteer of the Month congratulations Susan.
Congratulations Susan Harju!!!!!
Master Maintenance Updates
Irrigation and Maintenance Repairs December 2024
114 Irrigation Inspections 268 Work Orders 7 Emergency Calls 23 Alteration Requests 14 Mainline Repairs 9 Lateral Line Breaks 7 Lateral Reroutes 13 Valves Repaired/Replaced 2 Recharge Pump Repairs 2 Presure Release Valve Replaced 5 Control Boxes Replaced 1 Badger Meter Replaced 2 Antennas Replaced
6 Breakers Replaced 16 Wire Issues 3 Pump Station Repairs 4 Control Boards Replaced 3 Drain Repairs 7 Sidewalk Repairs 18 Tree Removals 4 Signs Repaired/Replaced 4 Benches Repair/Replaced 6 Potholes Repaired 1 Fence Repair 5 Golf Course Clean up 2 Landscape Projects
Healthy Ponds for Healthy Communities - Pond Seminar
Kings Point Michigan Club Welcome Back Dance
Michael will be the guest speaker for the January 16th Seminar at 10am in KPNCH Veterans theater. This Seminar is part of the Master’s Pond series. Michael serves as the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Community Association Liaison for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. In this role, they connect science-based research from the University of Florida with community associations and the general public.
KP Michigan Club will sell tickets to its Welcome Back Disco Party on Tuesday, January 7 beginning at 9am with ticket sales to members only until 11 am. Tickets for Guests will be sold thereafter. Tickets will be sold in the NC Lobby and the price is $5 for members/$12 for non- members.
With a passion for sustainable landscapes, Michael educates HOA board members, residents, and community groups on creating attractive, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly landscapes that conserve water and protect natural resources.
Happy New Year from the Master Association! As we welcome 2024, let’s celebrate new beginnings, set inspiring resolutions, and continue building a vibrant and connected community here in Kings Point. Wishing everyone a year filled with health, happiness, and success!
Kings Point Art Show
On Saturday, January 18 the Michigan Club will hold its Welcome Back Disco Party dance serving 1/2 a Publix sub and cookies. Doors open 5:30pm at the NC Veterans Theatre and dancing will begin to the sounds of SoulRCoaster at 6pm until 9pm. BYOE (including glasses) Ice and water provided. I am delighted to invite you to the Kings Point Annual Art Show, “The Dance of Light and Shadow.” This much-anticipated event will be held in the Kings Point North Clubhouse, Banquet Room, from February 27 to 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The exhibition will showcase an array of artistic expressions, highlighting the interplay between light and shadow through various mediums. This show will captivate and inspire all attendees, providing a unique experience for art enthusiasts and newcomers. The art show is free and open to everyone. Your presence would be greatly valued, and we look forward to celebrating this artistic journey together.
UPCOMING MEETINGS January 8th @ 9:30am Master Assoc. Board Meeting KPNCH - Veterans Theater
Jan. 15th, 22nd & 29th @ 9:30 am Master Association Workhop North Forum in 2020 Building Open to All Residents