Bellalago Beacon | January-February 2021

BEACON VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

WWW.BELLALAGOHOA.COM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | 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

Happy New Year!

BY YESENIA VÉLEZ, LCAM, COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER

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e have survived a year full of challenges and uncertainties, but let’s look forward to overcoming new obstacles.

First and foremost, we want to thank you all for sending us your comments and concerns. Your feedback is extremely important to us as we have a diverse community and want to reach all of our residents. Please feel free to contact us with your ideas by emailing me at YVelez@Evergreen-LM.com or stopping by the old Sales Center to see me in person. We always welcome your suggestions.

Back in December, the board adopted the amended 2021 budget for the monthly homeowner’s association fees to $144. The monthly club fee per the membership plan was approved for $152.65. We ask that you contact your financial institution and update the payments in order to avoid future issues with your accounts.

Did you know that you can set up your HOA and Club account on Auto Pay? We are working on uploading any assessment changes that were approved during the budget process. Please ignore 2

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budget notices from Vantaca pertaining to the 2021 budget as they will all be correct as of January 1, 2021.

Meet the Smile Behind the Mask … Your Lifestyle Attendant Every day we open a door that for others is just a door to enter a facility. For us, it is the door that opens our expectations to a new day, where we are given the opportunity to welcome our residents with great enthusiasm and the desire to provide excellent customer service.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an attendant is defined as “someone whose job is to be in a place and help visitors or customers.” For us, it is our commitment to greet our residents with a smile, even if we are wearing a mask as part of our attire. It is the privilege of your confidence in sharing your stories with us and treating us as your friend, and not as an employee behind the counter. This is why we are committed to our Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago community and why it is important for us to follow the requirements established by the HOA for the use of the facilities.

D E PA R T M E N T : CO M M U N I T Y M A N AG E R

Please don’t feel offended when we ask for your ID. It is mandatory that we do ID checks for every resident that visits our facilities.

We know how proud you are of being part of this community and showing your ID is a responsibility that we both share. Your ID is more than just a “plastic card.” Your ID is what identifies you as a resident, especially during this time that we all have to adjust to so many new things.

Please feel comfortable reaching out to us at any time. We are here to make sure that your experience at our facilities exceeds your expectations and that is why it is important that we follow the regulations as established.

We understand that some of the changes that we’ve had to adjust are challenging and, in some ways, we might think that they are a little unreasonable. However, as our Chief Operating Officer Mandy Morgan wrote in a recent article, and I quote: “We don’t grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges, and this year has certainly been a challenge for us all.”

The Goals Checklist 1. Is this goal something I can see myself pursuing with excitement, despite its difficulty? Does it give me rewards along the way?

2. Can I write a set of daily or weekly actions that I’ll stick to consistently, adjusting them when necessary until I reach my goal?

3. Do I have a way of measuring my progress? (Compass— more on this later) 4. Will I be okay with not getting the outcome I want because I recognize how much value this journey will provide me with regardless?

The last question (being okay with not reaching the result) helps you relieve an enormous amount of pressure. If you’re okay with not getting the result you want in advance, you don’t live in a makeit-or-break-it paradigm. Instead, you live in a playground that leaves you free to achieve something if you’re willing to do what it takes.

We are a strong COMMUNITY and together we will conquer!

Setting New Year’s Goals That You Will Actually Enjoy Pursing Every year, we set out to reach new goals and change our lives. This may mean finally meeting that special friend, achieving the dream body, writing a book, learning to cook or maybe just getting through cooking a good meal, becoming a salsa dancer, or increasing your salary.

For the younger ones it could be getting straight A’s or getting that scholarship (parents, you can thank me later). Or maybe it’s all, and a bit more. Whatever combination of goals we have, they help us see how we want to live out our year.

It’s okay to have burning desires, but they only help us if they’re tempered in the right way. Paradoxically, it’s only by letting go of the outcomes we seek (while working toward them) that we’re freer and likelier to achieve them.

If you answered yes to all of those four questions, then you have successfully created an achievable goal.

Looking back, it’s easy to see why I didn’t achieve a lot of the goals I went after. I would have relieved myself of continual heartache had I asked myself these four questions before setting my goals.

How Many Goals Should You Have?

Some can get obsessed with reaching them, so much so that we start to lament that we aren’t already where we want to be. Goals may inspire us, but they can just as easily drain us.

You’ll want to pick between no more than three to ten goals per year, across the different areas of your life. The tricky part is making sure they’re all aligned with each other. So, as an exaggerated example, you can’t travel across the world for six months and aim to double your income the same year.

Over time, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t because goals are wrong. It’s because, for many of us, our approach to them is completely misaligned.

Common Goal Categories

While the outcome does matter, compass goals, by their very nature, value the journey just as much. So, whenever you set yourself a goal, imagine you’re about to jump on a bike to set off to a new destination and ask yourself these four questions, before kicking your foot on the pedal.

• • • • • •

Wealth Health Love Knowledge Travel Community Continued on Page 4

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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

Facilities Club Manager Doug Dingee

877-221-6919 DDingee@ 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

Compliance Manager Jose Chaparro

877-221-6919 JChaparro@ Evergreen-LM.com

Membership

407-343-9175 BellalagoLeases@ 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

Goals don’t work nearly as effectively unless you write them down with a planned completion date and assign a category to them. You also want to make sure you can see them every day so that you’re continually excited about them.

Develop a Map for Each Goal Writing the goals you want to go for and qualifying them with the four-question checklist, is one of the secrets to achieving your New Year’s goals. For every destination, you need a map.

There might end up being more to it than that. For the weight loss goal, for instance, you might try to sleep more. For the reading challenge, you might make a list of books you want to read. For the income goal, you might end up negotiating your salary.

Yet all you need to do is define your compass for each goal (your measuring tool) and write two of the most important actions you’ll be consistently taking, along with your why (your intrinsic motivation)—the rest will happen naturally.

The four-step plan (map) you outline at the beginning of the year for each of your compass goals is the plan that will get you started. But the closer you get to achieving a goal, the likelier you’ll have to adjust your actions to make continual progress.

Obstacles may inevitably intervene. You may feel like you’re running out of steam.

You might have to take a detour, but by continually using your compasses, you’ll remain ready to make the appropriate adjustments to steer you back in the right direction.

Once you complete your goals, share the journey with those who may feel a bit discouraged and remind them that perseverance pays off.

P OOL H OU R S * YESENIA VÉLEZ Monday - Friday Saturday & Sunday

Usually Dawn - Dusk 8am - Dusk

*Subject to change. Check boards at each pool.

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877-221-6919 YVelez@Evergreen-LM.com

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, DIRECTOR OF LIFESTYLE SERVICES To say 2020 was challenging is an understatement. I want to thank each and every one of you who stuck it out with me when our Lifestyle Program went fully virtual! I truly enjoyed starting a new tradition this year with our 12 Days of Giveaways. I hope you enjoyed participating as much as I enjoyed gathering all of the awesome gifts for you! Rounding out a hectic year, with a scaled back Winter Wonderland, was definitely a highlight for me. Watching thousands of lights light up our community tree and the sparkle reflecting off of the new ornaments brought me so much joy. I look forward to bringing events back to you in 2021! Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year. “There are better things ahead than any we leave behind,” C.S. Lewis.

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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

New Year, New You!

BY GISELLE RODRIGUEZ, FITNESS & WELLNESS DIRECTOR

H

appy New Year Bellalago residents! Receive my greetings and well wishes for you and your family in this New Year! Let’s be honest, 2020 was a year full of unexpected challenges and hurdles. Although it was a difficult year for so many of us, I know we can still find things to be grateful for. Take a moment today to reflect on those things. I will start off by saying that I’m grateful for the birth of my precious daughter Arabella. It will surely be a year that I will never forget. As the new year begins, we get an opportunity to start off with a clean slate.

Here are some ways to do just that.

Set Reasonable Goals 1. Is your goal to lose weight? a. Start off with trying to cut out processed foods. Instead of buying those bags of chips (I’m guilty of this), make your own Kale chips with sea salt or even homemade Sea Salt Chickpeas. Try out the home meal delivery services. They provide all the ingredients and easy to follow recipes. b. Track your sugar intake. Instead of reaching for the can of soda in the fridge or at the market, check out ways to naturally infuse your water to substitute for soda. c. Plan or Meal Prep your meals. Writing out a weekly menu for you and your family will help narrow down your grocery trip and keep you on track. Meal prepping will help you avoid making those fast food drive-through trips during your work week.

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2. Is your goal to exercise regularly? a. Find an accountability partner or partners. Make a schedule to head to the gym together 2-3 days a week and hold each other accountable. Cheer each other on and start off slow and steady. b. Join in on a Fitness Class. We have great fitness instructors here at our Bellalago community. We offer classes Monday – Saturday for our residents to enjoy.

Check out our monthly fitness class schedule to choose which class best suits you. c. Start with introducing daily short walks. Many may not be able to get to the gym or the fitness classes offered in our community during the week. Therefore, take advantage of the amazing scenery we have here in Bellalago and go for a long walk. This will also help clear the mind!

These are just a few ways you can set reasonable healthy goals in this New Year for you and your family. We are hopeful for a great 2021!

GISELLE RODRIGUEZ 407-943-4068 GRodriguez@Evergreen-LM.com

D E PA R T M E N T : F I T N E S S & W E L L N E S S

Fitness Class Schedule

Current Class Schedules are Posted in the Amenity Centers and on the BellalagoHOA.com Calendar

BARRE IGNITE

KICKBOXING

Tuesday • 11:15am • Bellalago 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!

Wednesday • 11:15am • Bellalago Friday • 10am • Isles of Bellalago High-energy workout combining martial art techniques to help build stamina, improve coordination and flexibility.

BODY SCULPTING

Wednesday • 6pm • Isles of Bellalago Non-aerobic, muscle-toning class designed to define, sculpt and build lean muscle.

LIIT

Friday • 11:15am • Bellalago Low intensity interval training is the new must-try fitness trend it’s low impact so is great for all fitness levels. It is made up of a mix of low-impact exercise intervals and generous rest intervals.

SEATED YOGA

Thursday • 11:15am • Bellalago A seated exercise workout for people with limited mobility, seniors and anyone else who needs to sit and exercise to get fit.

Wednesday • 12pm • Isles of Bellalago Allows participants with limited mobility to use chair for seated postures or standing postures to help increase mobility, range of motion and reduce stress.

FLEXI BAR

TOTAL TONING

Tuesday • 10am • Isles of Bellalago 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.

Thursday • 10am • Isles of Bellalago A full body workout that combines body sculpting exercises and strength training, designed to tone and strengthen all areas of body.

CHAIR FITNESS

FLOW YOGA

Friday • 9am • Isles of Bellalago 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.

GET FIT 2021

Monday • 6pm • Isles of Bellalago It’s 2021 and time to get in shape. Start the year strong. Learn how to shape your body into your dream body. This workout class, with Instructor Hilda, is designed to help you to stay focused and achieve your goals.

HATHA YOGA

Monday • 10am • Isles of Bellalago Thursday • 9am • Isles of Bellalago 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).

YIN YANG YOGA

Thursday • 6pm • Isles of Bellalago 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!

YOGA

Wednesday • 10am • Isles of Bellalago Saturdays, January 23rd & February 20th • 8:15am A class that has a gentle way to improve your posture, balance, and coordination in which includes mediation and relaxation.

ZUMBA®

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday • 9am Isles of Bellalago Fitness class incorporating Latin and International music and dance, while offering a balanced blend of cardio and muscle toning benefits.

ZUMBA® TONING

Monday • 11:15am • Bellalago The challenge of adding resistance by using Zumba® Toning Sticks (or light weights), helps you focus on specific muscle groups, so you (and your muscles) stay engaged!

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D E PA R T M E N T : CO M P L I A N C E

Pet Rules Every Homeowner Should Follow

BY JOSE CHAPARRO, LCAM, CMCA, COMPLIANCE MANAGER

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f you are wondering how to be a good neighbor, a great place to start is by understanding proper pet etiquette in an HOA community. Thankfully, Bellalago offers existing guidelines for you to follow, which may clarify to some degree.

Additionally, there are state and local statutes that also provide guidelines regarding pets and rules. Listed below are just a few rules and guidelines within Bellalago to help residents understand and be good neighbors.

Understand What Nuisance Behavior Is Many homeowner’s associations and county ordinances have regulations about nuisance behaviors from pets. Below is just a few of these pet owners should consider: • Unruly behavior that causes personal injury or property damage.

• Continuous and/or incessant noise for an extended period.

• A lack of complete physical control of responsible human companion using a handheld leash in common areas.

• Aggressive or other dangerous or potentially dangerous behavior.

Pick Up After Your Dog This is the most basic tip when it comes to proper pet etiquette.

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around in, sniff, and accidently eat. Avoid the spread of sickness by picking up after your dog and disposing of it immediately in designated disposal stations.

Bring Your Dog to the Dog Park Only if They are Ready This includes female dogs who are in heat or puppies that are less than 12 weeks old, and dogs with incomplete vaccinations.

This could lead to unwelcome pregnancy, injuries, or illnesses like distemper, worms, parvo or giardia. Responsible owners should also avoid bringing dogs that aren’t socially ready.

Watch Your Dog If you’re at the community dog park, watch your dog to ensure they are showing manners, playing properly, and sharing their territory. It is the owner’s responsibility if their pet hurts or injures another resident and/or their pet.

JOSE CHAPARRO 877-221-6919 JChaparro@Evergreen-LM.com

D E PA R T M E N T : FAC I L I T I E S M A N AG E M E N T

Project Updates

BY DOUG DINGEE, FACILITIES CLUB MANAGER

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his year has for sure been one for the books! Your maintenance team has been working on a few projects this year and I would like to share the progress with you.

also added to the Bellalago Tennis Court. The Maintenance Team is currently working on pressure washing and grinding down lifted sidewalks on the Boulevard in Bellalago.

To begin, both A/C units have now been replaced at the Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago Amenity Centers. The pressure cleaning project at Isles of Bellalago has now also been completed.

We are definitely keeping busy and would like to thank each resident for your patience and understanding as we continue to complete projects and begin new ones. As always, please feel free to bring anything to my attention, as I am happy to assist in any way I can. Happy New Year!

The old sales building, which is soon be the future recreation center, has undergone a transformation with a fresh coat of paint on the interior of the building, new workstations, and some other additions.

I’m sure you have noticed that there are now benches that have been put up and down the main road for your relaxation and enjoyment while you’re out on your daily walks. Benches were

DOUG DINGEE 877-221-6919 DDingee@Evergreen-LM.com

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D E PA R T M E N T : F O O D & B E V E R AG E

A Positive Outlook

BY JONATHAN GARCIA, FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR, FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE

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020 ... what a year. A year most everyone would like to forget, as the calendar changes to 2021. Undoubtedly, this past year has been very trying. I, for one, would like to look at it from a positive angle.

with it. My recommendation … KEEP IT SIMPLE. A touchdown is rarely scored on the first throw or run; it is done in increments.

Sometimes big gains happen, other times a loss. Never forget the goal is to succeed according to what is best for YOU!

Most have had more time with family, while others have had more time to work on themselves. We all have had more than enough time to stop putting off that home “to do” list! Maybe you picked up a new hobby or had time for an old one. The fact is, good did come from 2020.

Come Visit Us!

New Year’s Resolutions

Life is Better in Flip Flops!!!

It is believed that a New Year’s resolution began with the Babylonians. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar moved the date to January 1st to honor the Roman god Janus. Later on, it was adopted more globally. Regardless of origin, it was meant to be a way to reflect on the previous year and envision how your upcoming year will be.

Though it seems to be a simple premise, the hard thing is sticking 10

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I hope that any of our Bellalago residents that haven’t had a chance to enjoy your neighborhood Flip Flops Bar & Grille, will make it a small resolution to stop by. We’ll be there to welcome you, with a smile underneath our mask!

JONATHAN GARCIA 321-682-7119 JGarcia@Evergreen-LM.com

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D E PA R T M E N T : CO M P L I A N C E

Compliance Reminders

BY OSCAR GONZALEZ, ARC COORDINATOR / HOA COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Christmas Tree Disposal The local trash company will collect Christmas trees on your regularly scheduled collection days during the first two weeks of January. Please remove all tree bags, lights, ornaments, tinsel and stands. Then, place the tree out along with your trash bin. Please do not dispose of trees anywhere on common grounds of Bellalago.

Animals, Birds and Your Trash Food is scarce in the winter. Please don’t set your trash out early.

Once animals/birds find your “trash deposit spot” has bags they can chew into, they will return (not just on trash day). Be considerate of your neighbors and the appearance of our Community and place your trash out in bins, after 6pm on Sunday for Bellalago and after 6pm on Monday for Isles of Bellalago. Once your trash has been picked up, please remember that all trash bins must be stored away from sight throughout the week.

Important Safety Reminder Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home or kitchen area? A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.

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Portable extinguishers do have limitations. Use them only when the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading; when everyone has exited the premises; the fire department has been called; and the room is not filled with smoke. However, because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for all residents is to get out safely.

Select a multipurpose extinguisher that can be used on all types of home fires and is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy that it will be difficult to handle. Choose an extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer handson fire extinguisher training.

OSCAR GONZALEZ 407-750-3074 OGonzalez@Evergreen-LM.com

Advertising Information & Policy For more information on ad rates and specifications, please visit BellalagoAdvertising.com, call 813-5017220 or send an email to Bellalago@OverflowDG. com. Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago do not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers.

Advertisements in the Bellalago Beacon do not constitute an endorsement or approval of goods and services by Bellalago or Isles of Bellalago.

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1200 Lago Vista Court Kissimmee, Florida 34746 877-221-6919 www.BellalagoHOA.com