BEACON VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
WWW.BELLALAGOHOA.COM
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | BELLALAGO BEACON
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D E PA R T M E N T : CO M M U N I T Y M A N AG E R
BY YESENIA VÉLEZ, LCAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER
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he Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors would like to wish all of our residents the happiest New Year! We look forward to exciting times as we continue our efforts to make Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago (BIOB) the best community in Central Florida. As you make those New Year resolutions, the Board would like to ask that each homeowner resolve to help make your community a better place to live. There are many ways you can get involved, such as: • Attend the Annual Meeting; • Volunteer some of your time and join one of the numerous Committees available in BIOB (ARC Committee, Advisory Committee, Security Committee, etc.); • Drive carefully in the community and abide by the speed limits in place; and • Simply be kind to a neighbor!
HOA Quick Reference Guide Curious about other rules and guidelines for the HOA? You can download the “Understanding Your Homeowners Association” Quick Reference Guide on BellalagoHOA.com. This guide is not all-inclusive and is not intended to replace the Covenants, By-Laws, Guidelines, and standards or amendments disclosed in BIOB homeowner documents. It is simply a reference point to begin your research. It is always best to refer to the ARC Guidelines or contact the Management Team for more detailed information if you have questions.
We appreciate the support of so many of the residents here and make every effort to do what is in the best interest of all homeowners. Best of luck for the coming year!
YESENIA VÉLEZ
Holiday Lighting Removal Reminder
877-221-6919 YVelez@Evergreen-LM.com
This is a friendly reminder that the Homeowners Association 2
guidelines stipulate that all holiday lighting and decorations are only permitted until January 15th each year. Any holiday lighting or decorations still in view as of Monday, January 16th will be subject to HOA violation notices. Please take the time to remove your decorations and/or lighting from your homes by the deadline to avoid the violation notices. We thank you in advance for doing your part to keep the community beautiful!
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PHONE NUMBERS Evergreen Customer Service
877-221-6919
BEL L A L AG O Amenity Center
407-933-3010
Security Main Gate
407-846-3014
IS L ES OF BEL L A LAG O Amenity Center
407-343-9175
Security Main Gate
407-846-1873
HOA ADM I N N U M B E R S
Community Association Manager Yesenia Vélez
877-221-6919 YVelez@ Evergreen-LM.com
Lifestyles Director Amy Mallinder
877-221-6919 AMallinder@ Evergreen-LM.com
Fitness Director Giselle Rodriguez
407-943-4068 GRodriguez@ Evergreen-LM.com
Facilities Director Jose Chaparro
877-221-6919 JChaparro@ Evergreen-LM.com
Membership Coordinator Jalissa Torres
407-343-9175 JTorres@ Evergreen-LM.com
HOA Account Issues & Irrigation Work Orders Customer Care
877-221-6919 CustomerService@ Evergreen-LM.com
H O U R S O F O P E R AT I O N BEL L AL AGO & IS LE S O F BELLAL AGO AM EN IT Y C E NT E R S
Monday - Friday
6am - 9pm
Saturday & Sunday
8am - 8pm
P OOL H OU R S * Monday - Friday Saturday & Sunday
BY EFRAIN CASTRO, MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT
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y name is Efrain Castro and I will be handling all things Membership while Jalissa Torres, the Membership Coordinator, is out on maternity leave taking care of the new member of her family. I have been working in Bellalago for a little over a year now, and I am looking forward to helping you with anything you may need.
Tenants As a reminder to tenants, when your lease expiration date is coming up and you plan on staying in the community, you will need to renew the lease applications with the Association to avoid any complications with gate access and Amenity Center access. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Membership Department at BellalagoLeases@Evergreen-LM.com. I am excited for what’s to come this year. Have a great winter season!
EFRAIN CASTRO
Usually Dawn - Dusk 8am - Dusk
*Subject to change. Check boards at each pool. 4
Hello Bellalago!
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407-933-3010 ECastro@Evergreen-LM.com
D E PA R T M E N T : F I S H I N G C L U B
5 Rules for Safely Releasing a Fish BY STEVE MORIN, RESIDENT, BELLALAGO FISHING CLUB
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he residents of Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago (BIOB) have access to a unique fishery in Lake Bellalago and the many ponds throughout the community. Making sure we continue to enjoy this opportunity requires that we all practice “Catch and Release” fishing. Of course, fish caught in Lake Bellalago and the community ponds cannot be kept or consumed. That means that we release everything we catch. The following are a few simple rules to ensure all fish are returned to the water as healthy as possible.
Rule 1 Land your fish as quickly as possible. “Playing” a fish for too long, especially in the summer months when the water temperatures increase, can be exhausting and decreases the survival rate.
Rule 2 Get the fish back in the water as quickly as possible. If you just caught the trophy of a lifetime, get that picture quickly. If it’s a bass, support the fish by gripping the lower jaw with your thumb and hold it at a slight angle by gently gripping its tail.
Rule 3 Never lift or land a fish by grabbing the gill plate. This can cause a serious injury. Lift a bass by the lower jaw and hold panfish in your hand. Never touch a fish’s gills because they are extremely sensitive.
Rule 4 Get the hook out as gently and quickly as you can. Carry some
needle nose pliers for removing hooks. Sometimes the fish may get hooked very deeply. If this happens, try to remove the hook. If you feel that removing the hook is going to harm the fish, cut the line as closely to the hook as possible and release the fish. You may want to review this YouTube video for a new hook removal technique: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FIJ74-79pk.
Rule 5 Don’t just throw the fish back in the water. Instead put it gently back in the water and if necessary, revive it by holding on to the tail and “swish” it by rocking your arm back and forth for a few seconds. This pumps water and oxygen over the gills and soon the fish will swim away on its own. Have fun fishing and good luck! For more tips about fishing in Bellalago, visit the Bellalago Fishing Club Facebook Group page and request to “Join Group.” The Bellalago Fishing Club is a social organization open to all men and women (18 years and older) who live in BIOB. The club meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the Boating and Fishing Club building near the boat ramp in Bellalago, from September through April. At the meetings, the club members discuss issues affecting the fishing habitat and strategies for improvement. Club members share fishing stories, and during Show and Tell discuss lures and technics, etc. that have helped them catch more and bigger fish. For more information about the club, email morinsteven@rocketmail.com.
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D E PA R T M E N T : FAC I L I T I E S D I R E C TO R
Facilities Update
BY JOSE CHAPARRO, LCAM, CMCA, FACILITIES DIRECTOR
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hope everyone had an amazing time with family and friends during the holiday season. With the start of a new year comes New Year’s resolutions, goals, aspirations, and (at times) change. Along with the Grille, new basketball equipment, new heaters for both Amenity Centers, and other ongoing projects, our goals are continued improvements to the facilities and common areas.
Flip Flops Bar & Grille At the Grille, there have been numerous projects to get the place up and running again with the commitment to making it bigger and better than before. At the start of this project we faced many unexpected challenges and hurdles pushing back the timeline to open the Grille. Those challenges included permits, the installation of a new grease trap, the installation of a new A/C unit, upgrading plumbing, upgrading electrical (including new fans), the installation and upgrade of entertainment equipment (TV’s, music, etc.), and brand-new kitchen equipment. For outside enjoyment and extra seating, a screen enclosure with new decking and new tables were added. The interior was upgraded with custom woodwork and freshly painted walls, along with the addition of new furniture.
Other Improvements In an attempt to curb the pool heater issues, and in light of the end of their life expectancy, we decided to replace all the pool heaters in Isles of Bellalago and mostly all of the heaters in 6
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Bellalago. This ensures better service and mitigates the higher cost in the upkeep of the old pool heaters. There are many other ongoing projects, including the upkeep and/or replacement of the boat dock (pier items and wood), the common area concrete work, and pool maintenance (including patching and paver work). Additionally, we have upgraded and/ or replaced the basketball equipment for the enjoyment of Bellalago residents and youth. We will continue to upkeep and/or replace items in an effort to preserve the amenities and mitigate any liabilities for the betterment of the community.
Stay Up to Date As a reminder, be sure to update your contact information (if it has changed) and update your direct payments with any changes. Please make sure you are receiving the e-blasts and keep yourself updated by going to BellalagoHOA.com and our Facebook page at facebook.com/BellalagoandIsles.
JOSE CHAPARRO 877-221-6919 JChaparro@Evergreen-LM.com
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D E PA R T M E N T : F I T N E S S & W E L L N E S S
Don’t Hide From Your Finances! BY GISELLE RODRIGUEZ FITNESS & WELLNESS DIRECTOR
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appy New Year Bellalago residents! 2019 was full of great memories, achievements, trials, and challenges. I hope everyone was able to walk into 2020 feeling ready to CONQUER whatever the new year will bring! One of the areas in 2020 that I would like to tackle is not only having a healthy lifestyle physically and mentally, but also financially! Therefore, below are some tips and tricks you can use in 2020 to overall work on having “Healthy Finances!”
Financial Tips & Tricks • Project your budget for 2020. • • • • • • • • 8
Start by reviewing what you spent in 2019! Review your expenses projected for 2020. Don’t forget to include and plan for large future expenses (for example, vacation, home improvements, backyard fence, etc.). Meet with a financial advisor at your local bank. Look for free community events and activities in the local area to save funds. Set goals that are flexible for you and your family. Download store apps. This can help you save BIG with digital coupons. SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! Work on building your savings, as this will help if any emergencies arise and give you peace of mind! A great resource on becoming debt free is following “Dave
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Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps,” which you can learn more about at daveramsey.com/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps. » Baby Step 1: Save $1,000 for your emergency fund. » Baby Step 2: Pay off all debt (except the house) using the debt snowfall. » Baby Step 3: Save 3-6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund. » Baby Step 4: Invest 15% of your household income in retirement. » Baby Step 5: Save for your children’s college fund. » Baby Step 6: Pay off your home early. » Baby Step 7: Build wealth and give. Bellalago residents, I hope to see you around the community this year. We have a lot of fun things planned for 2020. Make note of our Annual 5K Run & Walk this year, “Leaping Into 2020,” which will take place on Saturday, February 29th in our Bellalago Community! See page 9 for more details.
GISELLE RODRIGUEZ 407-943-4068 GRodriguez@Evergreen-LM.com
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D E PA R T M E N T : L I F E S T Y L E S
Bellalago Holiday Events BY AMY MALLINDER, LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL FLORIDA What an awesome year 2019 has been here at Bellalago! We rounded out the year with several fun and well-attended holiday activities (check out the pictures below)! So many of you were also very generous in donating unwrapped toys for the Baby DJ Foundation. Thank you so much for your support! We are jumping into 2020 with some great events coming up, such as our first Murder Mystery Dinner. Stayed tuned for all the fun to be announced in the coming months. Happy New Year!
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D E PA R T M E N T : F I T N E S S C L A S S E S
Fitness Class Schedule
Current Class Schedules are Posted in the Amenity Centers and on the BellalagoHOA.com Calendar
AQUA FITNESS
CRAZY 8
Mondays & Tuesdays • 11:15am Thursdays • 10:30am A low impact cardio and strength workout for people of all fitness levels. This class utilizes water weights, aqua gloves and pool noodles to achieve a unique total body workout. Swimming is not required.
Mondays & Wednesdays • 7pm A fun and effective circuit style training that will include 8 stations. This class combines one’s own body weight as well as a variety of functional and strength training.
BARRE IGNITE
Fridays • 9am Combines attributes of pilates, dance and functional fitness training, which incorporate small isolated movement to fatigue the muscles. Large range of motion to elevate the heart rate and sequencing that incorporates upper and lower body to make every minute count!
FIT KIDS (AGES 6-12)
Thursdays • 6pm Join instructor Nikki for a fun workout. FLEXI BAR
Tuesdays • 10am A unique class format that targets strengthening muscle tissues in a simple manner. The vibration created by the swinging motion of the Flexi Bar creates a physical response deep inside the body.
BEGINNERS TRX
FLOW YOGA
Thursdays • 7pm Demo Class continuing in January and focused on developing balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. This class is suspension training that uses body weight exercises.
Fridays • 11am Focuses on form and alignment of the body. Designed to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and bring peace to both the body and mind. This class is great for beginner to intermediate levels.
BELLY DANCE FITNESS CLASS
HATHA YOGA
Thursdays • 12pm Are you ready for a great workout? Anyone can Belly Dance!
Mondays • 10:30am Focuses on form and alignment of the body. This class is designed to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and bring peace to both the body and mind. This class is great for beginner to intermediate levels (levels 1 and 2).
CAN YOU FEEL THE BEAT DANCE CLASS
Tuesdays • 6pm This class combines different styles of dance including Zumba, Line Dancing, Rock and Roll, and more! CARDIO BALLROOM
Wednesdays • 11am Fridays • 10am This is a partner-free, dance-based fitness class that brings you easy, fun dance moves from Cha-Cha-Cha, Disco, Jive, Merengue, Paso Doble, Quick Step, Salsa and Samba. This class will help you stay fit, learn to dance, and have a great time.
develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. SATURDAY CHALLENGE CLASS
Saturdays • 10am A full body workout that combines strength training, dynamic conditioning, interval training, and cardiovascular conditioning to increase strength, power, agility, and endurance. Be ready and bring a buddy! SEATED YOGA
Wednesdays • 12pm The benefits of yoga while seated in a chair. Allows participants with limited mobility to use chair for seated postures or standing postures to help increase mobility, range of motion and reduce stress. STEP UP
Thursdays • 9am Step aerobics routine with strength training intervals to give you a complete cardio and weights workout. Excellent cross-training class for all skill and fitness levels. STRONG BY ZUMBA
Wednesdays • 6pm This is a HIIT class that incorporates kickboxing, strength training and high intensity moves for a total body workout all in sync with the music! TINY TOTS PLAYTIME (AGES 1-5)
ON THE BALL WITH BANDS
Tuesdays • 9am A well rounded class incorporating resistant bands and stability balls that will help increase range of motion and develop long lean muscles. A total body workout that targets strength and balance.
Thursdays • 1:15pm Designated for our tiny tots and parents with fun sing-alongs and play while we learn. TIGHT TONE & KICK
Mondays • 6pm Combines body sculpting, exercises, cardio and kickboxing!
PILATES
Wednesdays • 10am Improves flexibility, builds strength and
Continued on Page 12
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EVENTS: LIFESTYLES
Fitness Classes Continued from Page 11
YIN YANG YOGA
Tuesdays • 7pm Join instructor Tanya at Isles of Bellalago for an invigorating 30 minute Power Flow followed by 25 minutes of Gentle Yoga to unwind and release tension. All yoga levels are welcome! ZUMBA®
Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays • 9am Fitness class incorporating Latin and International music and dance, while offering a balanced blend of cardio and muscle toning benefits.
Sports
Bellalago Amenity Center VOLLEYBALL
Mondays • 5pm Two teams of two players or more on a sand court divided by a net. First team to 21 wins! SOCCER
Tuesdays • 5pm Calling all soccer lovers! The object of the game is to score goals by kicking or heading the ball into the opponent’s goal. FLAG FOOTBALL
Wednesdays • 5pm Flag football is a modified form of football in which ballcarriers are downed by pulling off a marker, or flag, loosely attached to a belt, rather than by tackling. BASKETBALL
Thursdays • 5pm Choose teams (3-on-3 or 5-on-5), beat the buzzer, and go for the win! Join us for a fun game of basketball.
January For more details, visit BellalagoHOA.com or see the front desk staff for assistance. Tickets can only be purchased at bellalagoclub.yapsody.com. **Event details subject to change.**
LADIES CARD CLUB Every Thursday • January 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th 1pm • Bellalago Amenity Center Join the Card Club Thursdays in the Bellalago Multi-Purpose Room.
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BELLALAGO KIDS WINTER FEST PAJAMA PARTY Friday, January 3rd • 12:30pm-1:30pm Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center Join us for fitness, crafts and snacks! Sign up is required at either Amenity Center. ADULT BINGO Fridays, January 3rd & 17th • 7pm-9pm Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center B-I-N-G-O! Coffee is on us, dessert is on you. Residents and guests must be 18. $10 gift cards will be awarded for every win. MEN’S GAME NIGHT Wednesday, January 8th • 6pm-9pm Bellalago Multi-Purpose Room • Free Test your skills and try your luck amongst your fellow residents! Some snacks will be provided, but the guys are encouraged to bring their favorite beverages and additional snacks if they choose. TRIVIA NIGHT WITH DJ CHRIS Thursday, January 9th • 7pm-9pm Bellalago Multi-Purpose Room This FREE event will have you getting to know your neighbors. Come out and “Break a Mental Sweat!” BUNCO Fridays, January 10th & 24th • 7pm-9pm Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center Bunco is a popular game played with nine dice and a whole lot of luck! Come have fun and play for a chance to win $10 gift cards. We’ll teach you how to play. Bring a dessert or snack to share. FAMILY YOGA Saturday, January 18th • 11:15am Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center All ages are welcome to join us for Yoga, fun and family time! The event is free and you can register at either Amenity Center. WINE PAIRING: SPAIN Saturday, January 18th • 6pm-8pm Bellalago Amenity Center Wine Pairing is back by popular demand! This time we will be exploring Spanish wines paired with traditional Spanish cuisine. LADIES CRAFT NIGHT Wednesday, January 29th • 7pm-9pm Bellalago Amenity Center Join Liz to create a craft while having a good time enjoying wine and cheese and other refreshments. This is a ticketed event for 21+. Purchase tickets at bellalagoclub.yapsody.com.
EVENTS: LIFESTYLES
SOCK HOP Friday, January 31st • 7pm-10pm • Bellalago Join us for dancing and live music with Johnathan Len!
February For more details, visit BellalagoHOA.com or see the front desk staff for assistance. Tickets can only be purchased at bellalagoclub.yapsody.com and are no longer available at the Amenity Centers. **Event details subject to change.**
MEN’S GAME NIGHT Wednesday, February 5th • 6pm-9pm Bellalago Multi-Purpose Room • Free Test your skills and try your luck amongst your fellow residents! Some snacks will be provided, but the guys are encouraged to bring their favorite beverages and additional snacks if they choose. LADIES CARD CLUB Every Thursday • February 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th 1pm • Bellalago Amenity Center Join the Card Club Thursdays in the Bellalago Multi-Purpose Room.
Services provided by AdventHealth Heart of Florida. Sign up at either Amenity Center. LADIES CRAFT NIGHT Wednesday, February 26th • 7pm-9pm • Bellalago Join Liz to create a craft while having a good time enjoying wine and cheese and other refreshments. This is a ticketed event for 21+. Purchase tickets at bellalagoclub.yapsody.com. LEAP INTO 2020 5K RUN & WALK Saturday, February 29th • 8:30am • Bellalago Come run or walk with us! There will also be bounce houses and a wellness booth. The first 100 registrations receive a customized 5K T-shirt and goodie bag! The pre-registration fee is $20 for adults and $10 for children (6-12 years old), and will increase on the day of the race. Prizes will be awarded for the top three overall male and female racers and finisher medals will be handed out to all participants. This year’s race benefits One More Child. For more information and to register, please contact Giselle Rodriguez at GRodriguez@Evergreen-LM.com.
ADULT BINGO Friday, February 7th & 21st • 7pm-9pm Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center B-I-N-G-O! Coffee is on us, dessert is on you. Residents and guests must be 18. $10 gift cards will be awarded for every win. VALENTINE’S MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Saturday, February 8th • 7pm-10pm • Bellalago Join us for a lovely evening of mystery and great cuisine! Tickets are $25 each. TRIVIA NIGHT WITH DJ CHRIS Thursday, February 13th • 7pm-9pm • Bellalago This FREE event will have you getting to know your neighbors. Come out and “Break a Mental Sweat!” BUNCO Friday, February 14th & 28th • 7pm-9pm Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center Bunco is a popular game played with nine dice and a whole lot of luck! Come have fun and play for a chance to win gift cards. We’ll teach you how to play. Bring a dessert or snack to share. METABOLIC SYNDROME LUNCH & LEARN Tuesday, February 18th • 12:30pm • Bellalago Join Dr. Shiva Seetahal for this special lunch and learn event!
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1200 Lago Vista Court Kissimmee, Florida 34746 877-221-6919 www.BellalagoHOA.com