Bellalago Beacon | 2nd Quarter 2024

Compliance Violation Report

Below you will find a report for Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago that details the violations that have been issued between November 16th and February 29th, which total 1,013.

Club Communications Update

Written by R. PAUL GIRARD, LCAM, CLUB GENERAL MANAGER

Our residents have seen a lot of changes since Castle Group stepped in to manage the Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago Lifestyle Club back in August 2023. We sincerely appreciate your patience as we have worked through, and in some cases, continue to work through these changes. One major area of focus for us lately has been on communication of Club related events and information. We hope by now many of you have had the opportunity to enroll and become familiar with TownSq (www.townsq.io), our new community website/app specifically related to the Club. TownSq is your new home for the following:

» Reviewing your account statement

» Reserving space for your next function or party

» Reviewing Club documents, rules, regulations, etc

» Information on scheduled special events or activities

» Fitness class schedules

» Resident club meeting schedules

» Submitting a request for Club related needs

Further, the “Announcements & Events” section of TownSq will REPLACE the weekly email blasts that we have been sending out –on average, less than 30% of the emails sent out by the Club were ever opened. Instead, all TownSq users will receive a weekly update/ summary of new announcements, events, and documents added to TownSq. Further, users are able to totally customize the alert types and frequency, based on their individual preferences.

If you are a property owner, you should have received an invitation to join TownSq automatically, provided we have a correct email address on file for you. If you are a tenant/family member, you can still receive access to TownSq, just without the accounting module. Please send a request to Jennica at Jennica.Collier@CastleGroup.com with your full name, residence address, and phone number. Once verified, you will be sent an invitation to join TownSq. Additionally, if you would like any personal assistance navigating the site, please stop by either Amenity Center and speak with one of our friendly Concierge Team members, and they will be happy to assist you!

For our Facebook users, we will continue to post events and reminders on our official Facebook page. If you’re a Facebook user, please be sure to “like” and “follow” our page at www. facebook.com/bellalagoandisles

If you follow any other Bellalago page on Facebook, please be aware that these are NOT operated by the Club. Only the page listed here is operated by Castle Group, as indicated by our logo in the cover image. Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at our many upcoming events!

R. PAUL GIRARD CASTLE GROUP

Happy Spring!

Written by MICHELLE THOMAS, LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR & NIQUEDA JOHNSON, CONCIERGE

We hope you all are doing well and enjoying all of the activities, events, and fitness classes we have available for you. Please make sure you stay up to date on all Bellalago happenings by logging into www.TownSQ.io and pick up a monthly calendar at the Amenity Centers. You may have noticed that my email has changed. Yes, I got married! If you need to contact me, email Michelle.Thomas@CastleGroup.com

As a reminder, if you are a registered club of Bellalago, please email me to continue your club into 2024. Keep in mind that all clubs need to follow ALL Club Rules & Guidelines. Some reminders are below:

» Individuals wishing to start an Interest Group or Club must complete an application that needs to be presented to and approved by the Board prior to starting the Group.

» Clubs must be open to ALL residents.

» Clubs must have at least five members.

» Clubs cannot put a “cap” on the number of residents permitted to join the Group (only the Lifestyle Director can “cap” an Interest Group or Club).

» Only residents can be part of the Group or Club.

» Clubs must support the mission of the facility.

» Clubs should be recreational in nature and it is recommended, subject to the Club Manager’s discretion, that these Groups do not pertain to cultural, religious or political interests.

» Clubs must adhere to the facility rules and regulations, hours of operations and policies.

» Clubs must have a designated leader and contact information must be available to residents interested.

» Clubs must have a minimum of four group meetings annually.

» Clubs must provide the Lifestyle Director with a detailed description of their purpose for use in the community marketing materials and publications.

» Interest Groups or Clubs are responsible for their own financial management.

Wow, what a year it has been so far! We’ve had an amazing time at the past events here at Bellalago! We started 2024 off right with the Kids Art Day on January 6th. The event had a room full of smiles and echoing giggles. Children painted a penguin bundled up for the

snow! January 19th was a very green night for families watching Ninja Mutant Turtles (Mutant Mayhem) on the lawn at the Boat Dock, where the food was delicious, the drinks were warm, and the energy was synchronized. Next was the Disco Fever Night where many came out to boogie on down! Castle was eager to open the doors to residents excited for a bright, colorful, engaging night.

Let’s not forget the Valentine’s Masquerade Ball (because who can forget?). Everyone came out in their very best attire. The food was plentiful and tasted amazing. From the elegant décor to the music from DJ Joe Magic and Johnny the saxophonist really made it one of the best galas yet! Lastly, the Couples Paint Night and French Wine Tasting left us all well-endowed in romantic séduisante.

Coming up, Bellalago clan, we have some splendid events on tap! Throughout the following pages, you will see event flyers for these spectacular special events planned just for you! If you are a painter, a creator, or an enthusiast, then come and create with us for our Spring Paint & Sip at 6pm on April 6th. If you would like to arrange a decorative mason jar for your house or to gift to someone special, please come out to our Spring Mason Jar Arrangement on April 20th at 3pm. Also, we have a “Fiesta, Fajitas, and Fun Dips” Cooking Demo hosted by Pampered Chef at 5pm on April 27th to get ready for Cinco de Mayo!

On May 5th, don’t miss the Cinco de Mayo Pool Fiesta beginning at 11am at the Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center Pools! A Mommy & Me Painting Class for all ages will be held at 3pm on May 11th so all mothers can celebrate with their children. Bring your appetite for the Mother’s Day Brunch located at Flip Flops at 11am on May 12th! The one and only Magic Show on May 25th begins at 4pm.

Check out the Summer Sip & Wood Painting Class on June 1st at 6pm. We will have a Father and Me Dance on June 15th at 6pm, so be sure to save the date! Do not forget, the Father’s Day Brunch is June 16th at 11am at Flip Flops! On June 19th, partake in the Lunch & Learn with a complimentary luncheon. Lastly, participate in the Sip & Swap, where you can exchange lightly used clothes, household items, jewelry and more while enjoying a glass of wine at 6pm on June 29th.

Castle is awaiting your arrival to Royally welcome you. We hope to see you there!

MICHELLE THOMAS CASTLE GROUP

Michelle.Thomas@CastleGroup.com

April-June 2024 Events

All events are held at the Bellalago Recreation Center unless otherwise specific and require an RSVP or paid ticket before the day of the event, unless otherwise specified. To purchase tickets or RSVP for an event, please visit the TownSQ app, www.TownSQ.io or email Michelle Thomas, Lifestyle Director, at Michelle.Thomas@CastleGroup.com. Events, ticket prices, cancellations, and details are all subject to change at any moment.

Monthly Events

Free entry for all monthly events!

BINGO

2ND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH » 6PM-9PM

BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

Games, prizes, and fun!

LUNCH & LEARN

3RD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH » 12PM-2PM

BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

Learn new subjects from the experts themselves while enjoying a complimentary lunch.

MUSIC BINGO

3RD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH » 6PM-8PM

FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE

Games, prizes, and musical fun!

TRIVIA

2ND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH » 6PM-8PM

FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE

Enjoy some brain-busting trivia with friends!

KARAOKE

LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH » 5PM-8PM

FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE

Come sing and enjoy a music-filled evening with friends!

LIVE MUSIC AT FLIP FLOPS

1ST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH » 6PM-9PM

FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE

Enjoy an evening of live music with neighbors!

Special Events

Free entry for all monthly events!

SPRING SIP & PAINT

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 » 6PM-8PM » RECREATION CENTER » $15

Paint a beautiful spring landscape. Hosted by ExAnimo Creations. Pre-purchase tickets on www.TownSQ.io.

SPRING MASON JAR ARRANGEMENTS

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 » 3PM-5PM » RECREATION CENTER » $15

Register on www.TownSQ.io

COOKING DEMO

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 » 5PM-8PM » RECREATION CENTER » $15 Fiesta, fajitas, and fun dips to get ready for Cinco de Mayo! Prepurchase tickets on www.TownSQ.io

CINCO DE MAYO POOL FIESTA

SUNDAY, MAY 5 » 11AM-2PM » AMENITY CENTER POOLS Music, face painters, food, drinks, and more!

MOMMY & ME PAINT NIGHT

SATURDAY, MAY 11 » 6PM-8PM » RECREATION CENTER

$20 per mom and child. $5 per additional child. Purchase tickets on www.TownSQ.io

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

SUNDAY, MAY 12 » 10AM-1PM » FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE Buffet and live entertainment. More details coming soon!

FAMILY MAGIC SHOW

SATURDAY, MAY 25 » 4PM-6PM » RECREATION CENTER

$15 per adult and $10 per child. Purchase tickets on www.TownSQ.io

SUMMER SIP & WOOD PAINTING

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 » 3PM-5PM

Join us for an adult paint night. Purchase tickets on www.TownSQ.io

FATHER & ME DANCE: BOOTS & BEAUTIES

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 » 6PM-8PM » RECREATION CENTER

$20 per dad (or father figure) and child. $5 per additional child. Purchase tickets on www.TownSQ.io

FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 » 10AM-1PM » FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE

More details will be provided closer to the date of the event.

BOOK FAIR: SUMMER BOREDOM BUSTERS

JUNE 20 - 23 » THURSDAY & FRIDAY: 5PM-9PM » SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 10AM-3PM » RECREATION CENTER

Join us and discover amazing books, games and more.

SPRING SIP & SWAP

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 » 6PM-8PM » RECREATION CENTER

Enjoy wine while exchanging lightly used clothing, jewelry, household items and more with your fellow neighbors! Free admission. Register on www.TownSQ.io.

Fill Your Day With Great Times!

Written by IVONNE MARTINEZ, CLUB MAINTENANCE MANAGER

Summer is around the corner and what better place to start than our renovated Isles of Bellalago Interactive Water Park! For the past few months, the Maintenance Department made a commitment to our little residents to bring some magic to the water park. The vision was to bring life back to the pale colors on all features. The mission was to deliver a colorful and fun area where everyone, kids and adults, can come together and have an exciting time.

It took some time to remove the old paint, but every chip of paint had a story to tell. Day after day we kept working on this area with so much love and excitement, looking forward to the day when it would be done. The choice of colors had to be perfect, bright, and shiny like the stars in the sky. We did have many challenges, but as soon as the water started to come out of every water feature, we jumped with hearts full of happiness, as well as a profound sense of accomplishment and commitment to our little ones.

This transformation does not stop here! We will update other areas around the Club, but for now it’s a secret. We hope you and your little ones enjoy this wonderful interactive park for many years to come, and remember ... life is better when it is filled with happiness, laughter, color, and time spent at the Isles of Bellalago Interactive Water Park!

IVONNE MARTINEZ CASTLE GROUP

407-852-8286

Ivonne.Martinez@CastleGroup.com

Recent Events

Board Projects

Written by MARY K. O’DAY, BOARD PRESIDENT

“Ifthe highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever” ~ Thomas Aquinas. Thomas Aquinas was a friar and philosopher who lived in the 13th century. Rather than having the assurance that any emergencies faced on the open sea could likely be solved via satellite communication, medicines, and air-evac operations available in today’s world, those sailors left port knowing that it was up to them and only them to work together, not just to reach another destination but to simply live. Each person on the crew contributed toward the end goal.

As we sail this community toward a new destination, the same teamwork is necessary. We are extremely lucky to have a few

residents who have given their time and talent toward projects to improve the community, some for many years. Does it mean we are free from storms? Not at all. However, as we experience the storm, we adjust the sails and continue toward our goal. This hands-on and can-do attitude is what will be leading the community into a bright future. We have already left port. To view a listing of the adjustments we’ve made to the sails so far, check out the link on the new website under Board Projects

MARY K. O’DAY

BELLALAGO & ISLES OF BELLALAGO ASSOCIATION BellalagoPresident@BellalagoHOA.com

Club Meetings

For more details, visit www.TownSQ.io or email Michelle Thomas, Lifestyle Director, at Michelle.Thomas@CastleGroup.com. All clubs will be required to sign in using a Bellalago ID. If you are interested in starting a club or interest group, email Michelle for an application.

BOOK CLUB

MONDAYS, APRIL 8, MAY 13 & JUNE 10 » 7PM

BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

Join the Book Club on the second Monday of every month.

BUNCO CLUB

FRIDAYS, APRIL 19, MAY 17 & JUNE 21 » 6PM

BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

Join the Bunco Club on the third Friday of every month.

CIGAR CLUB

SUNDAYS, APRIL 21, MAY 19 & JUNE 16 » 4:30PM- 7:30PM

FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE PATIO

The Cigar Club meets the third Sunday of every month.

DOMINOES CLUB

1ST, 2ND & 4TH TUESDAYS » 6PM-9PM

BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

Join the Dominoes Club every Tuesday, except the 3rd Tuesday.

FISHING CLUB

TUESDAYS, APRIL 9, MAY 14 & JUNE 11 » 7PM

FISHING CLUB HOUSE

Join the Fishing Club on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

LADIES CARD CLUB

EVERY THURSDAY » 1PM

BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

Join the Card Club Thursdays in the Bellalago Recreation Center.

MAHJONG & CARDS

EVERY FRIDAY » 2PM-4PM

BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

Join Mahjong & Cards on Fridays in the Bellalago Recreation Center.

MEN’S GAME NIGHT

WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 3, MAY 1 & JUNE 5 » 6:30PM

FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE

Test your skills and try your luck amongst your fellow residents! Soft drinks will be provided.

ORIENTAL MUSIC CLUB

WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 24, MAY 29 & JUNE 26 » 6PM

BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

Join the Oriental Music Club on the last Wednesday of the month.

PICKLEBALL CLUB

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS AT 5PM-8PM » SUNDAYS AT 2PM-5PM

BELLALAGO SPORT COURT

Each person attending will be required to sign in with Bellalago ID.

PING PONG CLUB

EVERY MONDAY » 2PM-4PM

BELLALAGO AMENITY CENTER

Join the Ping Pong Club every Monday.

TENNIS CLUB

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS » 8AM-11AM

BELLALAGO SPORT COURT

Each person attending will be required to sign in with Bellalago ID. Please bring your own equipment.

Did You Know?

Club spaces, sport courts, and recreational areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of scheduled events or resident clubs. Please be sure to consult the monthly calendar, the TownSq app, or www.TownSQ.io to ensure availability of your desired facility!

Bellalago Lakes & Ponds

Written by MEMBERS OF THE LAKES & PONDS COMMITTEE

The Lakes and Ponds Committee has the responsibility for the ongoing health of Lake Bellalago and the 25 ponds in Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago. There have been two recent actions which were taken to aid in improving the health of our bodies of water.

A survey of our ponds was conducted and six of the ponds were identified as needing immediate help to have enough dissolved oxygen to allow for healthy fish and plants and to keep algae at a minimum. Those ponds have had aerators installed which pump air into the waters with minimal electricity usage, helping to keep our HOA dues as low as possible. Immediate results were evident by the number and size of the fish in the newly aerated ponds. Other ponds will receive aeration as funds become available.

In addition, hydrilla management is underway to limit the growth of this invasive aquatic plant. To help control the hydrilla, grass carp were placed into Lake Bellalago and one of the ponds, which has an abundance of the plant. The grass carp selectively eat the hydrilla, thereby limiting its negative effect using a natural process.

Dealing with Ants in Your Yard

Written by MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE

Ouch! Have you walked outside in bare feet and suddenly found dozens of ants biting you? Fortunately, unless you are one of the few who are allergic, those bites are more annoying than harmful. Stopping the pain and itch can be as easy as running the bite under hot water and adding a baking soda paste to draw out venom. You might also treat bites with aloe vera (one of many good reasons to grow it!) or calamine lotion. In the case of multiple stings, a steroid cream helps. Susceptible people should always wear gloves when gardening.

Some ants bite; others don’t. You know the easiest way to find out… Just brush an ant off shortly after it makes contact. Ants may be perfectly harmless, or, if fire ants, they may bite. As beneficial insects, ants aerate soil and provide better plant growth. Their health is a measure of the health of other wildlife – birds, squirrels, and turtles.

If you don’t want pesky biting ants in your yard, don’t spend money on them! Often boiling water will take out their hill. However, pesticides tend to be persistent, harming soil quality – and the water table below – in perpetuity. Even the smallest amounts – parts-permillion (ppm) and parts-per-billion (ppb) – do ongoing damage. Once used, your soil may no longer be healthy to grow food and medicinal plants.

If boiling water is insufficient, look to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) experts such as www.stephentvedten.com for the least toxic method. Always appreciate the services ants provide!

Fitness Class Schedule

Subject to change due to weather. Current Class Schedules are Posted in the Amenity Centers, on the TownSQ app and www.TownSq.io. Please see Community Email Blasts or Online Calendar for the most up-to-date Fitness Class Schedule.

AQUA FIT

TUESDAY - FRIDAY » 11:15AM » BELLALAGO

A low impact cardio and strength workout for all fitness levels in the comfort of the pool.

AQUA ZUMBA

MONDAY AT 10AM » WEDNESDAY AT 8AM

ISLES OF BELLALAGO

This class brings new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. It combines Zumba rhythm and dance steps with a pool party. It offers a fun but challenging, water-based, body-toning workout.

CHAIR (SEATED) YOGA

WEDNESDAY » 12PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

Offers benefits of yoga while seated focusing on guided meditation.

FIT KIDS

SATURDAY » 10AM & 11AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

Join Instructor Nikki for a fun-filled Fit Kids class at 10am for ages 6-8, and 11am for ages 9-12. Parental supervision required.

GENTLE FLOW YOGA

SUNDAY » 11AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

This class incorporates simple flowing sequences to warm up the body, as well as slower paced movements focusing on alignment.

HATHA YOGA

THURSDAY » 9AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

This class is designed to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and bring peace to both the body and mind.

KICKBOX CARDIO

FRIDAY » 10AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

This is a group fitness class that includes fast-paced cardio. This highenergy workout challenges the beginner and elite athlete alike to build stamina, improve coordination and flexibility.

KIDS FITNESS GAMES

SATURDAY » 12PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

Join Instructor Nikki for a fun-filled class for ages 8-12. Parental supervision required.

LEGS, GLUTES & ABS TONING

FRIDAY » 9:05AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

Use body weight to tone, sculpt and strengthen the core and lower body. Increase muscular endurance in a fun strength building format!

LINE DANCING

TUESDAY AT 6PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

This fun dance class will get you moving and increase your steps with a variety of Line Dances to fun and upbeat music!

PILATES

TUESDAY AT 1PM » WEDNESDAY AT 6:30PM » IOB

Pilates concentrates on strengthening the body through posture, balance and flexibility with an emphasis on core strength.

STRONG NATION

THURSDAY » 6PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

STRONG NationTM is a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class that moves to the music designed with short, intense bursts of work followed by a short recovery period to help burn maximum calories in a minimal amount of time. STRONG Nation classes incorporate body weight strength building moves, plyometrics and cardio for a complete workout that is synced to the music.

TAI CHI

MONDAY & FRIDAY » 12PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese art of healing, relaxation, and selfdefense. The practice has developed into a graceful exercise with soft smooth movements that is used today for stress reduction, energy enhancement, illness prevention, and strengthening the mind and body.

TEEN FIT

TUESDAY » 7PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

Join Instructor Nikki for a fun-filled Teen Fitness class for ages 13-17.

Parental supervision or consent required with ID.

TOTAL TONING

TUESDAY & THURSDAY » 10AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

A full body workout that combines sculpting exercises and strength training, designed to tone and strengthen all areas of the body.

TRX & WEIGHTS

THURSDAY » 5PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO

TRX is a form of suspension training that uses body weight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously.

ZUMBA®

WAKE UP : MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY AT 9AM

THURSDAY & FRIDAY AT 8AM » SUNDAYS AT 10AM

ZUMBA® : TUESDAY AT 9AM » WEDNESDAY AT 7:30PM » IOB

This class incorporates Latin and international music and dance, while offering a balanced blend of cardio and muscle toning benefits.

YOGA

MONDAY AT 10AM » BELLALAGO

MONDAY AT 11AM » WEDNESDAY AT 10AM » IOB

A class that has a gentle way to improve your posture, balance, and coordination, which includes mediation and relaxation. A yoga mat is required for this class.

1200 Lago Vista Court

Kissimmee, Florida 34746