Bellalago Beacon | November/December 2019

BEACON VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 6 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

WWW.BELLALAGOHOA.COM | VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 6

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

Holiday Season Reminders

BY YESENIA VÉLEZ, LCAM, COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER

Spend Time With Loved Ones...

Protect Against Scams This Holiday Season

Why should the winter holiday season be the only time to enjoy your friends and loved ones? While it’s still early in the year, plan to set aside time for someone close to you, or someone you’d like to know better.

As we enter the holiday season, it pays to be vigilant to avoid scams or slip-ups that could put a damper on your celebrations.

Here’s how to keep your holidays happy:

• Make a list of friends you’ve lost touch with over the years.

Scribble a note in your planner to call one of them every other month just to catch up.

• Plan private time with your significant other. Send the kids to sleep over at a friend’s house so that you can be together in the comfort of your own home.

• Make a date with each of your kids to go out where he or she chooses. Use the opportunity to have fun together, just the two of you, without mentioning schoolwork or a messy room.

• Use a special event, like a new exhibition at a museum or a craft fair, to invite a friend for a “walk and talk” afternoon.

• Beware of fake smartphone shopping apps. Scam artists have found a new way to make you part with your hard earned money. They are creating fake shopping apps for iOS and Android phones that capture your payment information and then leave you holding the bag. Both Apple and Google are weeding out fake apps as they are reported, but be on the alert.

• Buying gift cards? Consider this. Thieves hit store gift card racks, secretly write down or scan the numbers off the cards, then check online or call the toll-free number to see if someone has bought the cards and activated them. As soon as a card is active, the scammers drain the funds. By the time your gift recipient tries to use the card, the money is long gone.

• Keep the debit card in your wallet. Consumer protection

• Keep postcards and stamps handy, so that you can drop the people you love a note whenever you think of it.

2

BELLALAGO BEACON | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Article Continued on Page 4

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | BELLALAGO BEACON

3

Article Continued from Page 2

877-221-6919

experts recommend the use of credit cards rather than debit cards for most purchases, to protect from fraud and theft. With credit cards, you are liable for only up to $50 of fraudulent use. In the case of a lost or stolen debit card, your financial loss could be much more significant.

Amenity Center

407-933-3010

• Sign for those package deliveries. Package delivery companies are not responsible for stolen packages that are left at your front door without requiring a delivery signature.

Security Main Gate

407-846-3014

PHONE NUMBERS Evergreen Customer Service

BEL L A L AG O

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 N T E R S

Monday - Friday

6am - 9pm

Saturday & Sunday

8am - 8pm

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

• Is that really a holiday e-card? Fake e-cards can carry malicious software or contain unwanted advertising. Clues of a fake card include not knowing the sender, not being familiar with the e-card company, and misspellings.

• If a deal sounds too good to be true… You know the rest. Watch out for deals offered by companies with unfamiliar websites. Check for reviews on Yelp, Google or through the Better Business Bureau. Even search the retailer’s name and “scam” to see if it checks out before typing in your payment information.

• Please share this important alert with friends and family.

Evergreen is Here to Help You Our management company works on behalf of our Board of Directors to oversee the operational issues that our association must deal with on a daily basis. One of the most important roles that our management company has is to act as the communication liaison between you, the homeowner, and the Board.

If you have any association related questions or have an issue that you would like the Board to address, please take advantage of our management company’s desire to assist you and contact them. It is always more effective if your concerns are communicated in writing and not submitted anonymously. That way there is a written record of your concern and you can be updated on the progress in resolving or addressing it.

Happy Holidays!

YESENIA VÉLEZ

Usually Dawn - Dusk 8am - Dusk

*Subject to change. Check boards at each pool.

4

• Be mindful when applying for temporary holiday jobs. Bogus online job applications for holiday help aim to get you to share personally identifiable information, especially your Social Security number. Don’t share your number with anyone unless you absolutely have to, and never provide it until you confirm you are dealing with a real organization looking for employees.

BELLALAGO BEACON | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | BELLALAGO BEACON

5

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

Bellalago Events

BY AMY MALLINDER, LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

I

would like to start by saying a huge THANK YOU to all of you that donated supplies for our Hurricane Dorian supply drive. Bellalago neighbors along with multiple other Evergreen communities joined together for the greater good. We took all of the supplies donated to local organizations who made sure the products were received in areas that needed them most.

rides, pictures with Santa and much more. Don’t forget to stay to the end of the event when we’ll light the Community Tree.

There are a ton of fun things coming our way as we gear up for the holiday season. Of course, we are rounding out the Halloween season with our annual Hellalago event on November 2nd and quickly changing gears as Thanksgiving approaches. Bring the family and come hang out with us at our traditional Thanksgiving poolside potluck in November.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

In December, we will kick off the month with our annual Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy a snow slide, fun 6

BELLALAGO BEACON | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

I will be introducing a new tradition this year ... a family gingerbread decorating contest! Stay tuned to Facebook and the weekly email blasts for more information on all things events.

AMY MALLINDER 877-221-6919 AMallinder@Evergreen-LM.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | BELLALAGO BEACON

7

D E PA R T M E N T S : FAC I L I T I E S D I R E C TO R & M E M B E R S H I P

Wildlife

BY JOSE CHAPARRO, LCAM, CMCA FACILITIES DIRECTOR

B

ellalago is home to many species of animals and an animal lover’s dream location. Many residents love to take pictures of the animals and their natural habitat. The pier/walkway is a perfect place to enjoy nature at its best and take photos.

Bellalago and IOB contains natural oak hammocks, wetlands and several protective animal species. By acceptance of your deed, each homeowner acknowledges that the common areas may contain wildlife such as alligators, squirrels, raccoons, deer, swine, turkeys, snakes, Bald Eagles, birds and foxes. Each homeowner has agreed to be responsible for his or her safety, the safety of guests and safety of their pets. The FWC and ACE have identified several bird species that are known to inhabitant areas of the State of Florida, the county and parts of Bellalago and IOB. These bird species, including the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, Florida scrub Jay and wood stork are protected species. These bird species are subject to additional conservation measures. Sherman’s Fox Squirrels are also protected and very large squirts native to Florida. Bald Eagles are also seen in Bellalago and there are a number of restrictions established by the Habitat Management Guidelines for Bald Eagles in southeast region.

Animals are a big part of Bellalago and as a reminder please do not feed the wildlife; feeding wildlife can cause nuisance problems around the community and is also not allowed by State/Local laws. Alligators are common in Florida and a big part of the wildlife in Bellalago; their natural instincts are to run from people, however if they are fed, they lose fear of humans and alligators that are not afraid of humans are a danger to the community so please don’t feed the alligators.

8

Membership Update

BY JALISSA TORRES MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

H

ello Bellalago residents! With the holidays approaching the time has arrived for us to prepare for a very busy season. It’s my favorite time of the year actually, and this year is even more special since our second baby boy is due in December!

We’d like to notify residents that Efrain Castro will continue running the department and taking care of anything pertaining to Membership until my return next year. Please continue to use our email address for communication at BellalagoLeases@EvergreenLM.com or call 407-343-9175.

Things have been running smoothly, but we always like to remind tenants that renewal documents are due prior to your lease expiration date to avoid any access issues. The documents can be emailed or picked up at either Amenity Center.

I want to wish each of you a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

JOSE CHAPARRO

JALISSA TORRES

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

407-343-9175 JTorres@Evergreen-LM.com

BELLALAGO BEACON | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | BELLALAGO BEACON

9

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

The Dance-A-Thon Was a Success!

BY GISELLE RODRIGUEZ, FITNESS & WELLNESS DIRECTOR

S

haring and spreading love is one of the things we do best here in our Bellalago community! Thank you to everyone who participated in our Just Dance “Dance-A-Thon” on Saturday, October 12th. What a wonderful way to come together, all while having fun and dancing to give back to Beyond Pregnancy Care, a local non-profit organization in our Osceola community.

All diapers, formula, and wipes were collected and donated to them directly.

A huge shout out to all the wonderful vendors who joined us to make this event a success. DJ Joe Magic had us moving and grooving all morning long. Our fabulous Bellalago Fitness Instructors brought all the energy needed to keep everyone on their toes even in the Florida sun. Thank you Keren, Carmen, Hilda and Giovanni for coming out and helping us pull off this Dance-A-Thon! The sun was surely beaming, yet the residents kept moving to the beat.

Our local vendors, Upsurge Dance Company, let us borrow two of their wonderful dancers and moms to entertain us during breaks and help pick our give-away winners. We had fun giving away movie tickets and gift cards throughout the event!

10

BELLALAGO BEACON | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Aetna was gracious enough to donate ice cold bottled waters for our event to help keep all of our residents hydrated. Thank you Waleska and Aetna, for your generous donation and participation in our event. The purple Aetna fans sure came in handy for us too.

Lastly, thank you to Ivette Rodriguez, the Beyond Pregnancy Care Director and all her volunteers for joining us and sharing the vision of the organization. We are grateful for everything Ivette does for those who have lost a baby, those struggling to keep their babies, and for all expecting mothers, fathers, and families. All the support and help offered through Beyond Pregnancy Care is amazing and does not go unnoticed. If you’re interested in more information, how to donate or volunteer, please visit www.BeyondPregnancyCare.com.

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

Just Dance >> Beyond Pregnancy Care PHOTOS BY ABEL PADILLA, ABEL TO CAPTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | BELLALAGO BEACON

11

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

Compliance & ARC Reminders

BY OSCAR GONZALEZ, COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Home Maintenance Now that fall is upon us, this is the perfect time to take advantage of the weather and perform general maintenance on the exterior of your home. Thankfully the rainy season is ending and this makes it a bit easier to stay on top of the landscaping around your home. This is also a great time to start cleaning up your yard to prepare for the upcoming holiday season!

Weeds start germinating in late summer, making them easier to kill. If you pull up weeds now, you’ll have a healthier lawn and garden in the spring. One great way to give your plants and yard a helping hand is by mulching in the fall. This is timely because mulch helps to protect plant roots from the winter temperatures. It also assists them in retaining moisture during the cold and dry winter months.

community, so it is important to understand these documents fully. If you have any compliance related questions, please reach out the Bellalago Compliance Team at BellalagoCompliance@ Evergreen-LM.com.

ARC Applications As a friendly reminder, any time you would like to make exterior changes to your home (no matter how simple it may seem), always remember to complete an ARC application. We are continually making efforts to simplify the application process for your ARC request. The application can be filled out with all supporting documentation right from your phone. As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at OGonzalez@Evergreen-LM.com.

Bellalago CC&Rs You can find a copy of the governing documents at BellalagoHOA.com under “Docs & Info.” These documents give us the guidelines to protect our investments and ensure all homes are held to the high standards each homeowner expects.

Inspections are performed on a daily basis throughout our 12

BELLALAGO BEACON | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

OSCAR GONZALEZ 877-221-6919 OGonzalez@Evergreen-LM.com

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 November Demo Class 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 November Demo Class. 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 14

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | BELLALAGO BEACON

13

EVENTS: LIFESTYLES

Fitness Classes Continued from Page 13

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.

November 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.**

ADULT BINGO Fridays, November 1st & 15th • 7pm-9pm Isles of Bellalago 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.

14

BELLALAGO BEACON | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

BLOOD DRIVE Saturday, November 2nd • 4pm-9pm Bellalago Give blood before or during our annual Hellalago event. You can make an appointment at OneBloodDonor.org using code #36400.

HELLALAGO Saturday, November 2nd • 6pm-9pm Bellalago Come out and enjoy the Tent of Terror, bouncing bungees, rock wall, food trucks, cotton candy, bounce house, pumpkin patch, crafts, candy, and fireworks!

MEN’S GAME NIGHT Wednesday, November 6th • 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 • November 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th • 1pm Bellalago Amenity Center Join the Card Club Thursdays in the Bellalago Multi-Purpose Room.

BUNCO Fridays, November 8th & 22nd • 7pm-9pm Isles of Bellalago 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.

HOLIDAY SALSA CLASS - FULL TO CAPACITY Saturday, November 9th • 6pm Isles of Bellalago RSVP is required online, as there is limited capacity. Semi-casual dress for the class.

TRIVIA NIGHT WITH DJ CHRIS Thursday, November 14th • 7pm-9pm Bellalago Multi-Purpose Room This FREE event will have you getting to know your neighbors.

Come out and “Break a Mental Sweat!”

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR Sunday, November 17th • 11am-1pm Bellalago Boat Dock Join us at the annual craft fair with local artists, jewelry, candles, food vendors and more! Interested in becoming a vendor at the fair? Email Amy at AMallinder@Evergreen-LM.com to register.

EVENTS: LIFESTYLES

THANKSGIVING POTLUCK Saturday, November 23rd • 12pm-2pm Bellalago Pool Deck Eat, Drink & Be Stuffed! RSVP online at BellalagoHOA.com.

MOVIE NIGHT Saturday, November 23rd • 7pm-9pm • Free Bellalago Amenity Center Come and join us for Movie Night! Free popcorn while it lasts!

LADIES CRAFT NIGHT Wednesday, November 27th • 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.

December 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.**

LIGHT UP BELLALAGO HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST Sunday, December 1st • 6pm-9pm Free to enter. Register your home on BellalagoHOA.com.

MEN’S GAME NIGHT Wednesday, December 4th • 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.

ugly holiday sweaters! $10 per person. Tickets available online at bellalagoclub.yapsody.com.

WINTER WONDERLAND Sunday, December 8th • 4pm-7pm Bellalago • Free Join us for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa, snow slide, snow, giant snow man bounce house, Polar Express, DJ, food trucks, crafts, stilt walkers and snow cones.

TRIVIA NIGHT WITH DJ CHRIS Thursday, December 12th • 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 Friday, December 13th & 27th • 7pm-9pm Isles of Bellalago 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.

LADIES CRAFT NIGHT Wednesday, December 18th • 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.

FAMILY GINGERBREAD DECORATING CONTEST Saturday, December 21st • 1pm-3pm Bellalago Register your family online to take part in our first Gingerbread Decorating Contest!

LADIES CARD CLUB Every Thursday • December 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th • 1pm Join the Card Club Thursdays in the Bellalago Multi-Purpose Room.

ADULT BINGO Friday, December 6th & 20th • 7pm-9pm Isles of Bellalago 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.

UGLY SWEATER COMEDY SHOW Saturday, December 7th • 6:30pm-9:30pm Isles of Bellalago The Comedy Show features the Corner Gallery. Come wearing your

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | BELLALAGO BEACON

15

16

BELLALAGO BEACON | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | BELLALAGO BEACON

17

18

BELLALAGO BEACON | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | BELLALAGO BEACON

19

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