BEACON VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 4 | JULY/AUGUST 2020
WWW.BELLALAGOHOA.COM
JULY/AUGUST 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
Summer Community Reminders BY YESENIA VÉLEZ, LCAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER
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he summer holidays can be a fun time to enjoy family and friends! Sometimes, in the excitement of the holiday accidents can happen, which could put a damper on your memories. Take the time to be cautious in order to protect yourself and the ones you love. Follow the tips listed below to help make sure that your summer holiday is a safe and happy one.
Obey Water Safety Rules
Supervise the Grill
Many gatherings with family and friends can include a pickup game of baseball, volleyball, basketball, or even Frisbee. To keep these games fun and avoid a sports-related injury, wear safety gear and play by the rules.
Summer is a time for BBQs, whether they are to celebrate a holiday, an informal gathering, or having dinners outside. It’s important to be cautious when cooking outside so you and your loved ones can avoid burns. When you are using your grill: • Wear protective gloves and an apron • Use the correct utensils • Place the grill away from high traffic areas and children • Monitor the flames so that you can avoid sudden bursts due to grease or too much lighter fluid 2
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In the summer months, many holidays are celebrated by the pool or other forms of water. Be sure to obey pool safety, boat, or beach rules, such as monitoring children, avoiding glass, and being aware of your surroundings.
Play it Safe
Be Responsible When Consuming Alcohol If you enjoy cooling down with a cold alcoholic beverage at a summer gathering, make sure you have a designated driver who can make sure you get home safely. To keep yourself and everyone else on the road out of harm’s way, call a cab, use a ride share app (Uber or Lyft), or ask someone who hasn’t been drinking for a ride home.
D E PA R T M E N T : CO M M U N I T Y M A N AG E R
While you are enjoying your family and friends this summer holiday, consider the tips listed above to ensure that an accident doesn’t ruin your day—or your summer.
disease experts say that littering with such PPEs (personal protective equipment) can cause the Coronavirus to spread more easily.
COVID-19 Cleanup: The Proper Way of Discarding Masks
So what is the right way to dispose of masks, gloves and disinfectant wipes? Put them in a trash can or your home garbage, but make sure you take off the PPE properly.
The Good News: People are increasingly wearing gloves and masks, or homemade face coverings in public, to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. The Bad News: Too many people are littering supermarket parking lots and streets by improperly disposing of these masks and gloves. As the U.S. marked the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 22nd, reminders about not littering take on a much higher level of importance during the pandemic. Doctors and infectious
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds the public that the outside of gloves and masks can be contaminated. It recommends using one gloved hand to grab the palm of the other glove and peel it off, then wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. The CDC says to grab the bottom ties of your mask, then the ones at the top, and remove the mask without touching the front. Be sure not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth after removing both the mask and gloves. Also, wash your hands thoroughly after removing your face mask or face covering.
Independence Day Here’s wishing you a Happy Independence Day! Happy birthday to our dear country! Happy 4th of July—enjoy freedom to its fullest on this day! Let’s remember all of the past heroes who fought for our freedom and unity.
YESENIA VÉLEZ 877-221-6919 YVelez@Evergreen-LM.com
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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 VĂŠlez
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
Hello Bellalago Residents!
Facilities Director Jose Chaparro
877-221-6919 JChaparro@ Evergreen-LM.com
We are already half way through 2020, how time flies! I wanted to welcome all the new owners and tenants to the community! We hope you enjoy everything Bellalago has to offer even in these troubling times all of us are facing.
Membership Coordinator Jalissa Torres
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
Leasing BY EFRAIN CASTRO, MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT
With that being said, tenants: please remember to submit your renewal applications with enough time to be processed to avoid any interruption to community or facility access. Applications are available at both Amenity Centers. Be sure to turn in your applications to the Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center for processing. Please note, the cover sheet that is given with the applications is a reference of everything that is needed for the process. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out by emailing me at BellalagoLeases@Evergreen-LM.com. I hope you all have an amazing summer!
Monday - Friday
6am - 9pm
Saturday & Sunday
8am - 8pm
P OOL H OU R S * Monday - Friday
EFRAIN CASTRO
Usually Dawn - Dusk
Saturday & Sunday
8am - Dusk
*Subject to change. Check boards at each pool. 4
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407-933-3010 ECastro@Evergreen-LM.com
D E PA R T M E N T : L I F E S T Y L E S
Keep Your Canine Cool and Comfy During the Dog Days of Summer! Did You Know…? • Dogs are more prone to heat stroke because they don’t sweat like us. They mainly cool themselves through panting. • Heatstroke is serious and scary. It can lead to organ failure and death if not treated right away.
Early Warning Signs Your Dog is Overheating • Acts sluggish or confused • Tongue appears bright red • Panting hard
How To Keep Your Dog Cool • Get your dog a cooling bed, pad or mat. • Get your dog a good doghouse or dog tent to keep the sun off them.
Other Tips and Tricks • • • •
Get a kiddy pool for your dog to splash around in. Tie a wet bandana around your dog’s neck. Set up a fan, so air circulates where your dog hangs out. Always make sure your dog has fresh water and shade.
EVENTS COULD POTENTIALLY BE POSTPONED OR CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19. STAY TUNED TO COMMUNITY EMAIL BLASTS.
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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
How Can We Prevent Water Pollution? • Properly dispose of used motor oil and household
• •
hazardous waste, such as paint, batteries and household cleaners. Contact Osceola County Solid Waste at 407-7427750 for more information on how to handle and dispose of hazardous materials. When you are sprucing up your yard, avoid excess fertilizer or pesticide, especially when rain is predicted. Bag yard waste to include grass clippings, shrub clippings, plants and fallen leaves.
Pet Waste Alert Please remember to pick up after your pet. Treat your walking area the same as you treat your front lawn. Pet waste isn’t just stinky when stuck to the bottom of your shoe; it can spread disease if not properly disposed of and can harm our youngsters. Please use any of the dog waste stations located throughout the community.
No Dumping in Bellalago Bellalago homeowners have recently experienced the frustration 6
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of seeing debris dumped on HOA property. This includes wooded areas behind and around the homes in Bellalago and empty lots. Please do not use these areas as a dumping ground. When residents choose to dump their trash on the common or conservation areas, it costs all of us. If you have debris that cannot be placed out with the regular trash pickup, please call Advance Disposal at 407-605-3892 to schedule a bulk pick-up. Please do not put bulk trash or landscaping debris out in front of your home until the afternoon before, or morning of, when it is set for pick-up by Advance Disposal. Together we can keep Bellalago looking great and a community that we can be proud of for years to come. Have a happy and safe summer!
OSCAR GONZALEZ 407-750-3074 OGonzalez@Evergreen-LM.com
D E PA R T M E N T : L I F E S T Y L E S
Staying Connected BY AMY MALLINDER, LIFESTYLES DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL FLORIDA Tune into our Facebook page at Facebook.com/BellalagoandIsles to participate in contests. We love receiving your pictures and seeing your creativity! Thank you so much to everyone who has been participating in our Virtual Lifestyle Programming. Below are resident submissions from the Photography Contest and the Roaming Resident travel photos.
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D E PA R T M E N T : F O O D & B E V E R AG E
Should I Make a Reservation?
BY JONATHAN GARCIA, FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR, FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE
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hank you to all Bellalago residents as we start down the road to a sense of normalcy. We truly appreciate the overwhelming support that you all are showing for your community restaurant, Flip Flops Bar & Grille. As we are working through the state-approved phases until full capacity reopening, I wanted to touch base on a question we hear quite frequently: Do I need to make a reservation? The short answer is ‌ yes, it always helps. If you are trying to accommodate a large dining party (e.g., a family of five or more), you should call ahead to ensure seating will be available. You should also consider a reservation during peak meal times or Sunday brunch. Considering the limited capacity, the restaurant is on a first come first serve basis, so reservations will be accommodated before walk-ins. Due to weather, there have been a few occasions where only indoor seating was available, and we had to initiate a wait list. On other occasions, there are also certain times in the day when you can walk right in without a wait. 8
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At Flip Flops, we want to do our utmost to give all our guests the best experience possible. Giving us a heads up will aid in doing just that. You are more than welcome to make reservations by sending an email or calling over to the restaurant. We strive to get back to you as quickly as possible. Keep in mind, we normally only take reservations for a couple of weeks out to allow for any unknown. For reservations, email FlipFlopsReservations@Evergreen-LM. com or call 407-201-6423. Until next time, I look forward to seeing you again at Flip Flops!
JONATHAN GARCIA 321-682-7119 JGarcia@Evergreen-LM.com
D E PA R T M E N T : F O O D & B E V E R AG E
Reflections of a Father BY KENNETH MACDONALD, “CHEF MICK” FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE
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ello, my fellow Flip Floppers! As we recently celebrated Father’s Day, I asked myself several questions. As a father, how am I doing? Have I done my job as a father? Have I provided enough love, direction and discipline to enable my children to be successful in life? Have I instilled the proper moral compass, value set and a belief system to ensure my children are caring, generous and successful young adults? Have I set an example in my faith to allow them to develop a strong faith of their own to guide them in times of trouble and turmoil? Have I given them the ability to know right from wrong and a spirit which is kind and free of self-doubt? Through the years I have been absent from family gatherings, holidays, special events, such as baseball games, football games, recitals and other family activities, for the reason of work and providing the necessary comforts that my family so deserved. While pursuing these basic comforts of life, have I neglected or overlooked my primary role as a father, protector, provider, leader and sometimes referee? As parents, I believe we struggle with this question on a daily basis. In all families, there are constant struggles, highs, lows, happiness, sadness, success and failure. My job as a father is to give direction, support, comfort and on some occasions the stern word of disapproval. As I write this, I have come to realize that the lives we lead are forever changing and adapting with each event, situation and decision. Our lives move, grow and develop with each of these events, as do our relationships and roles within the family unit. Each decision we make today, dictates the lives we lead tomorrow. As I look upon my family, I reflect on how we love, we laugh and we disagree. In the end though, we are there for better and worse. We pick each other up, dust each other off and we allow our children the ability to succeed and most importantly stumble and fall. Allowing them to become better friends, sons, daughters,
mothers, fathers and most importantly better people. These are valuable life lessons. I can say, “Yes, I am doing my job as a father.” My children are living their lives, becoming men and women we support and are proud of. I tell them, “At the end of the day, have no regrets. Be fearless, but be compassionate.”
Simple Seafood Stew for Dad Ingredients • 3 cups extra virgin olive oil • 4 crushed garlic cloves • 6 roma tomatoes (peeled, seeded, cut into thin strips) • 1 cup fish stock, seafood stock or clam juice • 1/2 cup dry white wine • 1 pound skinned saltwater fish fillets cut into 2-inch
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chunks (snapper, sole, halibut, or cod) 16 large peeled and deveined raw shrimp 16 sea scallops 1/2 cup finely shredded fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
Directions 1. Heat the oil in a 4 to 6 quart dutch oven or sauce pot. Add the crushed garlic and sauté on very low heat for about two minutes or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. 2. Add the tomatoes, stock, and wine, and simmer for about 10 minutes. (At this point you can cool and refrigerate this if you want to prep a day ahead—just reheat before adding seafood.) 3. Add the fish and seafood and simmer for about 5 minutes until just done (be sure not to overcook). Stir in the parsley and basil and serve immediately (with crusty bread).
CHEF MICK 407-201-6423 KMacDonald@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
Make Time for You! BY GISELLE RODRIGUEZ FITNESS & WELLNESS DIRECTOR
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elcome summer 2020! We have surely had an interesting start to our year. Now it’s time to focus on some self-care!
During these times we have been living in, it is easy to get caught up and forget to take some time for YOU! With so much going on nationwide, it’s so easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Many can find themselves falling into depression, anxiety, and full of stress. Therefore a few months ago, I shared a Self-Care Bingo card to remind each of you how important it is to take time for some self-care, and I’d love to share it again (see the following page)! I’m not sure about you, but I have truly found myself many times feeling like a hamster in a hamster wheel. Let me explain this in a simple way. I find myself on the move non-stop with my day to day obligations and responsibilities, but when I stop and look, I really haven’t made it anywhere or very far! This has led me to many moments of feeling burnt out and simply exhausted. Therefore, I have found that creating a habit of self-care or alone time can really help me reset and refresh! Many will say, “But I don’t have much time.” Well, I’m glad to tell you that many of these ideas and suggestions can easily be transitioned into your daily routine. For example, listening to a podcast. This can be added to your already daily commute to work. Find a podcast that is uplifting, educational or just funny! Maybe plan a bubble bath to replace your shower once or twice a 10
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week (even if it’s just for 15 minutes) that would give your brain and your body 15 minutes of simple relaxation and tranquility. You can even add some music or candles to make it feel like you’re at a spa. Lastly, I’d love to mention taking time to play some music and simply dance! This can be done while cooking your healthy dinner. You can add some extra love to your meal with your awesome dance moves! Today, I remind you to simply take time out of your day or week for some self-care. We care about your self-care and know how important it is for each of us to have some “me time,” so let this serve as a small gesture/reminder from the Bellalago Team! Now it’s my time to say, “See you all very soon,” as I get ready to take care of me and my soon-to-arrive baby girl! I’m promising myself that while I’m away on maternity leave to ensure I put into practice the importance of self-care as I tackle the journey of being a new mom! Although I will miss my day to day interactions with many of you, I’m sure I will enjoy cuddling with my bundle of joy! Take care Bellalago Family!
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
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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
Summer is Here!
BY JOSE CHAPARRO, LCAM, CMCA FACILITIES DIRECTOR
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ummer is upon us, and with warmer weather and rain comes an abundance of life and growth. With that growth comes more work, including maintenance in our yards and on the property becomes more frequent. Frequency of overgrown yards also becomes apparent, causing a spike in landscape violations. Please keep in mind that there is a violation process in place that the association follows. When a violation is observed, the first step is to communicate with the homeowner via a mailed notice (an email is also sent) giving the homeowner the violation details and a time frame to fix the violation. Upon the allotted time frame, and if the violation has not been corrected, the violation gets escalated and the property is put on a “selfhelp” program. During “self-help,” the association maintains the property at the owners’ expense. This typically applies to landscape issues after proper notifications have been applied.
Wildlife Additionally, the warmer months also bring an abundance of beautiful wildlife including birds, gators, and others. As a general reminder, please don’t feed the wildlife, as this can cause nuisance issues and is against HOA and county rules/ ordinances. Feeding wildlife creates problems where animals see humans as a food source. For example, birds break screen enclosures seeking food, and a more dangerous scenario is an alligator associating humans as food (possible attacks). In conclusion, please do not feed the wildlife.
Common Violations Some of the most common violations in the summer months are landscape, vehicles, garbage bins left out in public view, and not picking up after your pet. Lawns should be properly maintained, cut and edged. Vehicles should not be parked on the street overnight. Garbage bins should be stored away and out of sight. When walking your pets, please pick up after them. It is not only a county ordinance, it is also a community rule, so please pick up after your pets. 12
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Enjoy your summer!
JOSE CHAPARRO 877-221-6919 JChaparro@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 Classes
The most up-to-date Class Schedules (with dates and times) are posted in the Amenity Centers and on BellalagoHOA.com.
AQUA FITNESS
FLEXI BAR
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.
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.
BARRE IGNITE
FLOW YOGA
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!
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.
STEP UP
HATHA YOGA
STRONG BY ZUMBA
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).
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!
BEGINNERS TRX
Demo Class focused on developing balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. This class is suspension training that uses body weight exercises. BELLY DANCE FITNESS CLASS
ON THE BALL WITH BANDS
Are you ready for a great workout? Anyone can Belly Dance!
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.
CAN YOU FEEL THE BEAT DANCE CLASS
This class combines different styles of dance including Zumba, Line Dancing, Rock and Roll, and more! CARDIO BALLROOM
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. CRAZY 8
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. FIT KIDS (AGES 6-12)
Join instructor Nikki for a fun workout.
PILATES
Improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance.
motion and reduce stress. SENIOR FITNESS
Join Nikki for a fitness session that consists of strengthening muscles and increasing range of motion. Often a chair is used for seated exercises or standing support.
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.
TINY TOTS PLAYTIME (AGES 1-5)
Designated for our tiny tots and parents with fun sing-alongs and play while we learn. YIN YANG YOGA
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! ZUMBAÂŽ
Fitness class incorporating Latin and International music and dance, while offering a balanced blend of cardio and muscle toning benefits.
SATURDAY CHALLENGE CLASS
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
Allows participants with limited mobility to use chair for seated postures or standing postures to help increase mobility, range of
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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