Bellalago Beacon | Jan-Feb 2022

BEACON VOLUME 11 | I S S UE 1 | JAN UARY/FEBRUA RY 202 2

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COMMUNIT Y MANAGER

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HOA Assessments & Fines Written by Y E S E N I A V É LE Z, LCA M , C O M M U NI T Y ASSO C I ATI O N M A NAGE R

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Please ensure that your payment is mailed to: P.O. Box 98121, Phoenix, AZ 85038-0121. We ask that you have your account number and address appear on the check or that you include your courtesy payment coupon so that your payments post accurately. You also have the option to make your payments through the homeowner portal.

ffective January 1st, the Board of Directors adopted the 2022 budget as reported in the email announcement dated November 11, 2021. The 2022 assessments have increased from $144 a month for the HOA to $155 a month. Also, per your club plan, the monthly Club fee will increase from $152.65 to $154.80.

The adopted budget can be found on BellalagoHOA.com under the Documents menu > Budget/Financials.

PAY YOUR ASSESSMENTS ONLINE Visit BellalagoHOA.com and click on the Make a Payment menu item, which links to the Vantaca home page. If you have not already received email instructions with a password to log in to your account, choose “Sign Up” on the login page.

All assessment payments are DUE on the first day of each month. If payments are not RECEIVED by the tenth (10th) day of the month, late fees, interest and additional charges will be assessed. Therefore, when paying with a check and coupon, provide plenty of time for the U.S. mail service.

After registering, you should receive a temporary password by email.

Upon logging in, you have a variety of ways to pay your assessments.

Whether you are mailing in your assessment payments or using an online bill pay service, be sure to update the amount of the monthly fees to reflect: » Bellalago & Isles of Bellalago Community Association: $155 » Avatar Properties - Bellalago Club: $154.80 B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

1. Auto-Draft - You can set up auto draft for your monthly assessments from a checking account only. The monthly assessments will be auto-drafted on the same day each month.

Please note that the auto-draft date is determined by the 2

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COMMUNIT Y MANAGER

management company. You, as the homeowner, can choose the payment date for an automatic, recurring payment by using the “Recurring eCheck Payment” option below.

Committees in order to create a body who will impose fines to all members who do NOT cure a violation within an allotted time.

Before we start, we want to give you some time to clean up and bring your property into compliance. In order to do that, review the Association Governing Documents (CC&Rs, Rules and Regulations, Design Guidelines). The governing documents can be found online at BellalagoHOA.com > Documents > Governing Documents.

In order to sign up for auto-draft, you will be required to have a $0 balance before enrolling. If you have a balance due, you can submit a one-time eCheck payment for the full balance, then enroll.

2. One-Time eCheck 3. Reoccurring eCheck 4. Credit Card

Once you receive a Notice of Infraction, DO NOT disregard it.

Notices are sent as a reminder that your home, property, lease/tenants or vehicle are in violation of the restrictive covenants. If you need time to remedy the said infraction, please contact the Compliance Team and we will be glad to assist you. The goal of these fines are for members to achieve compliance.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, you can reach out to our Customer Care Team at 877-221-6919 or through your Vantaca Portal by clicking on the Submit a Request tab and choosing “General Question.”

FINES WILL RESUME IN 2022

YESENIA VÉLEZ

Beginning in January 2022, the Board of Directors made a motion to resume the fining process for Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago.

At this time, we are seeking volunteers for the Fining and Hearing

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

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87 7-221-6919 YVelez@Evergreen-LM.com

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Compliance Team Violation Report PHONE NUMBERS Evergreen Customer Service

87 7-221-6919

Below you will find a report for Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago that details the violations that have been issued between October 13th and December 10th, which total 1690. Anyone can contact us directly to address any concerns they may have.

BELLALAGO Amenity Center Security Main Gate

407-933-3010 407-846-3014

ISLES OF BELLALAGO Amenity Center Security Main Gate

407-343-9175 407-846-1873

HOA ADMIN CONTACTS Community Association Manager Yesenia Vélez

87 7-221-6919 Y Velez@ Evergreen-LM.com

Community Association Assistant Manager Robert Perez

407-853-2255 RPerez@ Evergreen-LM.com

Facilities Club Manager Doug Dingee

87 7-221-6919 DDingee@ Evergreen-LM.com

Lifestyles Director Amy Mallinder

87 7-221-6919 AMallinder@ Evergreen-LM.com

Fitness Director Giselle Rodriguez

407-852-8286 GRodriguez@ Evergreen-LM.com

Compliance Manager Jose Chaparro

87 7-221-6919 JChaparro@ Evergreen-LM.com

Membership

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

HOA Account Issues & Irrigation Work Orders Customer Care

87 7-221-6919 CustomerService@ Evergreen-LM.com

HOURS OF OPERATION BELLALAGO & ISLES OF BELLALAGO AMENITY CENTERS Monday - Friday Saturday & Sunday

6am - 9pm 8am - 9pm

POOL HOURS*

Monday - Friday Saturday & Sunday

Usually Dawn - Dusk 8am - Dusk

*Subject to change. Check boards at each pool.

BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER* Hours Vary Daily *Please refer to the Weekly Lifestyle Newsletter for Recreation Center hours, as they are subject to change.

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

Attorney Final Notice of Violation 22 Damage to Sidewalk 1 Exterior Cleaning/ Maintenance 3 Items Left Out 2 Landscaping 9 Leasing/ Occupancy 1 Parking/Vehicles 3 Wash Tile Roof 3 Attorney Notice of Violation Damage to Sidewalk Exterior Cleaning/ Maintenance Installed Required Approval Items Left Out Landscaping Leasing/ Occupancy Nuisance Parking/Vehicles Wash Tile Roof

27 1 4 1 1 13 1 1 4 1

Board Meeting Notice Exterior Cleaning/ Maintenance

1 1

First Notice of Violation Damage to Sidewalk Exterior Cleaning/ Maintenance Exterior Decoration(s) Garbage Receptacle/Waste Items Left Out Landscaping Leasing/ Occupancy Paint House Requirement Parking/Vehicles Sign(s) Wash Tile Roof

79 4 14 1 7 2 32 2 1 5 1 10

Friendly Reminder Clean Shingle Roof Damage to Sidewalk Exterior Cleaning/ Maintenance Exterior Decoration(s) Garbage Receptacle/Waste Install Prohibited Items Left Out Landscaping Landscaping Self Help Leasing/ Occupancy Lighting Mailbox Nuisance Paint Paint House Requirement Parking/Vehicles Pets/Animals Sign(s) Unauthorized Home Business Wash Tile Roof

319 2 1 51 1 18 4 15 106 3 1 1 3 1 3 10 29 3 7 1 59

On Hold Extension Requested Clean Shingle Roof Damage to Sidewalk Exterior Cleaning/ Maintenance Installed Required Approval Irrigation Maintenance / Repair Items Left Out

127 2 3 30 1 1 1

Landscaping Landscaping Self Help Mailbox Paint Paint House Requirement Parking/Vehicles Wash Tile Roof Resolved Clean Shingle Roof Damage to Sidewalk Exterior Cleaning/ Maintenance Exterior Decoration(s) Garage Garbage Receptacle/Waste Install Prohibited Installed Required Approval Irrigation Maintenance / Repair Items Left Out Landscaping Landscaping Self Help Leasing/ Occupancy Mailbox Nuisance Paint Paint House Requirement Parking/Vehicles Pets/Animals Play Equipment Sign(s) Wash Tile Roof

36 1 2 1 11 2 36 554 3 2 96 1 1 34 3 3 1 30 190 12 3 2 5 1 1 72 5 2 10 77

Sent To Attorney 8 Exterior Cleaning/ Maintenance 2 Install Prohibited 2 Leasing/ Occupancy 1 Lighting 1 Paint 1 Parking/Vehicles 1 Void 553 Clean Shingle Roof 7 Damage to HOA Property 2 Damage to Sidewalk 2 Exterior Cleaning/ Maintenance 59 Exterior Decoration(s) 5 Garbage Receptacle/Waste 51 Install Prohibited 5 Installed Required Approval 2 Irrigation Maintenance / Repair 1 Items Left Out 8 Landscaping 174 Landscaping Self Help 27 Leasing/ Occupancy 6 Mailbox 1 Nuisance 16 Paint House Requirement 2 Parking/Vehicles 135 Pets/Animals 10 Play Equipment 2 Road and Traffic Regulations 1 Sign(s) 10 Wash Tile Roof 27 Total

1690

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FA C I L I T I E S

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Happy New Year Bellalago!

Written by DO U G D I NGE E , FAC I L I TI E S C LU B M A NAGE R

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t’s that time again … a new year is here! We have accomplished so many projects that were on our agenda last year and started planning new ones for 2022. Allow me to list some of these projects below:

There are so many other upcoming projects on our TO-DO LIST designed to enhance the beauty that this community already possesses. It is our commitment to the residents of Bellalago and the Isles of Bellalago that the team ensures every project we complete continues to help increase the value of your home.

» We are working with the cleaning of Golden Knot wall and making excellent progress.

On behalf of myself and the entire Maintenance Department, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year 2022, full of blessings and wonderful things!

» Repairs for the entrance at Isles of Bellalago have already started to take place. » Sidewalks at Isles of Bellalago are being cleaned and work is expected to be completed before the end of the month. » The pool at Isles of Bellalago is going through a major maintenance process so we are ready for the summer. The same maintenance project is scheduled for the pool at Bellalago for this coming year.

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

DOUG DINGEE 87 7-221-6919 DDingee@Evergreen-LM.com

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A S S I S TA N T C O M M U N I T Y M A N A G E R

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Good Winter Car Care Submitted by RO B E RT P E R E Z, ASSI STA NT C O M M U NI T Y ASSO C I ATI O N M A NAGE R

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t’s winter in Florida, and a time to make sure your snow blower has been properly serviced in preparation for the snow and cold weather about to be coming our way. NOT! That is one main reason we live in this beautiful state. Yes, the summers are hot, but there is always air conditioning: Air-conditioned homes, cars, stores, restaurants, in door business work spaces, churches, etc.

you will need to take by having a clean window (s), so make sure your wiper blades are in top notch condition. The interior windows could be cleaned with a glass cleaner of your choice, using a soft microfiber cloth. Also, be sure you use actual washer fluid which would be better than regular water.

The excitement should be building now that you have thoroughly cleaned your windows and can see the road ahead. Next check that your battery is in good condition: Be sure to check for corrosion and your battery’s ability to hold its charge. This is most recommended to have a certified repair shop conduct. A faulty battery could destroy your plans in getting on your way. While you have the hood up, examine the belts and hoses: Cooler temperatures can affect these heavily. Make sure wear and tear hasn’t left belts and hoses in poor condition.

The question would be to ask yourself how much time do you actually spend outside in those hot days of summer anyhow? Remember it could always be worse, we could be living in an environment where we would actually be prepping for cold and snow and the idea of rotating snow tires, but there are other essential considerations in preparing your vehicle for a Florida winter and specific practices of employing good car care.

Now let’s see where we are going with the practice of employing good car care. One of the first steps would be, being able to see the path B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

Once you close the hood, walk around the vehicle, look at the tires 6

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A S S I S TA N T C O M M U N I T Y M A N A G E R

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(No kicking required) and take a brief moment to check tire pressure: This is important to pay attention to during winter. Temperature shifts can alter the pressure and balance in tires quickly this time of season.

The newer vehicles automatically have tire pressure indicators on the dash, pay attention to what the readings are telling you, and if low onair, plan on stopping at a service station and regulate the pressure in all of your tires if needed.

Well that was simple and with that said, I hope you and your family had a wonderful Holiday Season and of course did not overdo the eating and drinking a little more than we would have normally done.

That extra added couple of pounds gained from the holiday meals could cause a slightly heavier foot on the gas pedal, so continue to care for your car and watch your speed by keeping to the 25 miles per hour (mph), 20 mph where posted, while driving in the community.

My final point in this brief mention of good car care is to: CHANGE YOUR OIL REGULARLY if you are driving a gasoline or diesel fuel vehicle (electric cars do not need oil to run their engines). I cannot emphasize enough how important changing the oil in your vehicle on a regular basis is. Changing the oil regularly will prevent wear on moving parts in your engine, thereby giving it greater life.

A good tip would be to set your cruise control at 25 mph when you enter past the gate, this way you can’t miss staying at the 25 mph required speed limit restriction at Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago. In addition, when approaching a circle or “round about,” you will need to slow down to 20 mph as posted, it will make the turning easier and safer to maneuver around the circle, but don’t forget to reset the cruise control back to 25 mph and to activate your cruise control again at 25 mph when you first get into your vehicle when leaving from home.

I believe this to be true. In my own personnel case, I change my oil every 2,500 miles, even though I use only synthetic oil, which will provide longer engine operation than conventional motor oils, as far as I am concerned. (The vehicle I currently drive to and from work each day is a 2007 Honda Accord which has 210,000 miles, and still runs like a top, which I believe is because I change my oil every 2,500.) Be sure the most compatible oil for your vehicle engine is being utilized. In colder temperatures, oil tends to thicken up and it’s important to have this evaluated so your engine runs smoothly.

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

Good car care doesn’t cost, it pays!

ROBERT PEREZ 407-853-2255 RPerez@Evergreen-LM.com

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FITNESS & WELLNESS

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New Year’s Goals & Resolutions Written by G I S E L L E RO D RI GU E Z, FI TNE SS & W E L L NE SS D I RECTO R

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» Be Specific - If you have a goal, specify in detail what you want to accomplish and how you are planning to do it.

t’s that time of year again, where we start thinking about our goals and New Year’s Resolutions. It’s great to set goals for ourselves and our family. Setting goals allows us to have a sense of direction for what’s to come. Unfortunately, many of us fail to accomplish these resolutions for many reasons. It’s important to make sure that you choose resolutions that are meaningful to you and can be realistically accomplished.

» Make Sure it’s Relevant - Is this a goal that really matters to you, and are you making it for the right reasons? » Surround Yourself with Support - Share with your circle of friends or family what your resolutions are. Let them know in what ways that can help you reach your goals. This will allow yourself to feel accountable.

THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE FAILURE Here are a few things that can cause you to fail at accomplishing your resolution goals:

I’d love to wish our Bellalago families a Blessed and Healthy New Year! I hope to see you around at our upcoming Fitness & Wellness related activities and events this year!

» It’s a resolution based on what someone else (or society) is telling you to change. » It’s too vague. » You don’t have a realistic plan for achieving your resolution.

G I S ELLE RO D R I G UEZ

TIPS FOR BETTER RESOLUTIONS

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I would like to share with you a few tips on setting your resolutions this year to help you be more successful in achieving them: B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

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FITNESS & WELLNESS

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Fitness Class Schedule

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

AQ UA FITNESS - ON BREAK UN TIL FEBR UA RY

S E ATED YO GA

MONDAY-FRIDAY » 11:15AM BELLALAGO POOL

WEDNESDAY » 12PM

A low impact cardio and strength workout for all fitness levels. This class utilizes water weights, aqua gloves and pool noodles to achieve a unique total body workout. Swimming is not required. See Aqua Winter Break flyer on page 7 for more details.

Allows participants with limited mobility to use chair for seated postures or standing postures to help increase mobility, range of motion and reduce stress.

B ODY SCULPTING

TUESDAYS » 7PM

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

Parental supervision or consent required with ID.

WEDNESDAY » 6PM

Non-aerobic, muscle-toning class designed to define, sculpt and build lean muscle.

TOTA L TO N IN G

F I T KIDS

TUESDAY & THURSDAY » 10AM

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

SATURDAY » 10AM & 11AM

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.

YIN YAN G YO GA

GE N TLE FLOW YO GA

THURSDAY » 6PM

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!

SUNDAY » 11AM

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

YO GA

H AT HA YOGA

WEDNESDAY » 10AM

A class that has a gentle way to improve your posture, balance, and coordination in which includes mediation and relaxation.

MONDAY » 10AM | THURSDAY » 9AM

Focuses on form and alignment of the body. Class is designed to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and bring peace to both the body and mind. Great for beginner to intermediate levels 1 and 2.

Z U MBA®

FRIDAY » 9AM

MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY » 9AM ZUMBA PM: TUESDAY AT 6PM » WEDNESDAY AT 7PM AND THURSDAY AT 7PM

Focuses on form and alignment of the body. Designed to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and bring peace to both the body and mind. Great for beginner to intermediate levels.

This dance-based fitness class incorporates Latin and International music and dance, while offering a balanced blend of cardio and muscle toning benefits.

K I C K BOXING

Z U MBA® TO NIN G

FRIDAY » 10AM

MONDAY » 6PM

High-energy workout combining martial art techniques to help build stamina, improve coordination and flexibility.

A class for those who want to party, but put extra emphasis on toning and sculpting to define those muscles!

F LOW YOGA

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

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MEMBERSHIP

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Paint & Decorations

Written by O S CAR G O N Z AL E Z, A RC C O O RD I NATO R / HOA C O M P L I A NC E O FFI C E R

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hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday with their family and friends and created many happy memories. Please remember that all holiday decorations must be removed and stored away from sight by January 15th. As a community, we are all in this together. If you see a neighbor that appears to need help removing their decorations, please try to reach out to them for help. There’s always a little bit of time for a good deed to be done.

Amenity Centers. Please visit one of the Amenity Centers, ask the Front Desk staff for the paint scheme books, and you can also fill out the ARC application while you are there.

The Compliance Department has been putting an effort into reaching out to home owners that are in need of repainting their home.

May this upcoming year bring good health, love and prosperity to your home and life. Live happily and stay well. GOODBYE 2021 …

WELCOME 2022!

Some touch ups may also help keep the paint of your home looking fresh; however, our governing documents state that all homes should be repainted every seven years, or as needed.

Please be advised that Bellalago has 36 HOA approved paint schemes.

When repainting your home, an ARC application must be submitted for one of these paint schemes and approved by the Architectural Review Committee, before you repaint your home.

O S CA R G O N Z A LEZ

The ARC Committee meets twice each month to review ARC application requests. The layout of each paint scheme must be followed. The paint scheme sample books can be found at each of the B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

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LIFEST YLES

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Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting Ceremony

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

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COMPLIANCE

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ARC Committee

Written by J O S E C H A PA RRO, LCA M , C M CA , C O M P L I A NC E M A NAGE R

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hen living in an HOA community, there are usually rules and guidelines. In Bellalago, and as per our community documents, we have an ARC committee that volunteers their time to help with the ARC process. The Association’s role in the ARC review process is more that of design control, i.e. regulations and approval of the size, color, style and location of the improvement.

getting approval before building.

Whether first-time homeowners or long-time residents, we all have an investment in where we live. So, it’s important to preserve the value of our homes—as well as the surrounding common areas we all share—by keeping buildings well maintained and in a style that compliments adjacent structures and landscaping. When our homes’ exteriors are in good shape and the grass is cut, the hedges trimmed, the trash picked up and the sidewalks and roads well-maintained, the community is attractive to prospective buyers and renters, and property values are preserved. Our association’s design review program is a big part of sustaining the community’s appearance and property values. While our design guidelines have some limitations, they allow enough flexibility for individual expression.

This does not include a supervisory role over the contractor or vendor that the homeowner hires. It is important to note that the homeowner is responsible for the contractor/vendor(s) they hire. It is advisable that vendors be properly vetted, licensed and insured in order to avoid any hardships. The design review process exists to maintain, protect, and enhance the value of your property and it strives for a balance between individual rights and the good of the entire community. The Bellalago architectural review guidelines can be found on our website at BellalagoHOA.com.

So, when you’re ready to start your new project, send your plans to the architectural committee first so that we can make sure they’re in compliance with the association’s design standards. Please send all ARC applications to Oscar Gonzalez (ARC Coordinator) at OGonzalez@Evergreen-LM.com.

While it may seem arbitrary from an individual homeowner’s standpoint, the architectural committee looks out for the entire community. The committee’s job is to make sure that the size and style of the project, the type of building materials being used and the overall look of the new structure adhere to the association’s design requirements. Not only does this keep the community looking cohesive, it also helps to keep property values up by preventing individual structures from standing out. Of course, it’s also important to note that unapproved structures might legally have to be removed at the owner’s expense, so save yourself money and headaches by B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

JOSE CHAPARRO 87 7-221-6919 JChaparro@Evergreen-LM.com

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LIFEST YLE EVENTS

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January & February

For more details, visit BellalagoHOA.com or see the front desk staff for assistance. Event details subject to change.

L A D I ES CARD C LUB

N ATIO NA L CHEES E LOV ERS DAY G I V E AWAY

EVERY THURSDAY » 1PM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20 BELLALAGO AND ISLES OF BELLALAGO AMENITY CENTERS

Join the Card Club Thursdays in the Bellalago Recreation Center.

Stop by an Amenity Center!

D O M I NOES CLUB

MOV IE NIG HT

EVERY TUESDAY » 6PM-9PM BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 » 8PM » BELLALAGO BOAT DOCK

Join the Dominoes Club every Tuesday.

FIR E A R MS CLU B

F O OD TRU C K TUESDAYS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 & FEBRUARY 26 » 9AM ISLES OF BELLALAGO

EVERY TUESDAY » 5PM-8PM BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

We meet to discuss our common interest in firearms; provide a venue for sharing knowledge, instruction, and activities designed to help firearms owners be responsible and proficient in their ownership and use of firearms; and to reduce the risk of accidents in their possession and use. No firearms are permitted in Club facilities.

LIV E MU S IC FR IDAYS SELECT NIGHTS IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY » 7PM FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE

Performers to be announced. Check BellalagoHOA.com for more details. RSVP to FlipFlopsReservations@Evergreen-LM.com.

VALENTINE’S DAY A DU LT FO R MAL M E N ’S GAME NIG HT

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 » 7PM-10PM ISLES OF BELLALAGO

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5 & FEBRUARY 2 » 6:30PM FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE

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

N AT I O NAL SHORTBR E AD DAY G I VE AWAY THURSDAY, JANUARY 6 BELLALAGO AND ISLES OF BELLALAGO AMENITY CENTERS

B OOK CLUB MONDAYS, JANUARY 10 & FEBRUARY 14 » 7PM

Join the Book Club on the second Monday of every month in the Bellalago Recreation Center. Sign in required with Bellalago ID. No food, soft drinks only.

B E E R PAIRING

B ING O

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 » 4PM - 7PM BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 » 7PM-9PM BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER

B-I-N-G-O! Coffee is on us. Residents and guests must be 13+.

C I GAR C LU B

S P R IN G CA R N IVAL

SUNDAYS, JANUARY 16 & FEBRUARY 20 » 4:30PM- 7:30PM FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE

SUNDAY, APRIL 10 BELLALAGO AMENITY CENTERS

Third Sunday of every month!

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

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FISHING CLUB

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Catching Bellalago Bigmouths Written by ST E V E N MO RI N, RE SI D E NT, BE L L A L AGO FI SHI NG C LU B

D

trophy class fishing opportunity are available. If you are younger than sixteen or older than sixty-five, you don’t even need a fishing license.

Start simple with a few basic, proven lures. Plastic worms in dark colors, crankbaits in lighter colors, hollow body frogs, and swimming jigs in white and chartreuse all are easy to rig and catch fish. Look for structure like weeds, bridges, and docks. Try to avoid the temptation to cast blindly to the middle of the pond. Target shorelines, edges, and drop-offs. The Bellalago Fishing Club has even installed some fish attracting structure in strategic locations around the lake.

id you know that Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago are home to some serious big mouths? No, I am not talking about your noisy neighbor, I am talking about Largemouth Bass.

Thanks to the conservation efforts of the Bellalago Fishing Club and management from the homeowner’s association, the lakes, and ponds in Bellalago are full of Florida strain Largemouth Bass.

The Florida Largemouth is a genetically distinct subspecies that is a member of the “Sunfish Family” (think Bluegills) and was discovered in 1562. Unlike Largemouth Bass found elsewhere, the Florida strain can weigh in at a whopping twenty pounds (the Florida State record of 20.13 pounds was set in 1923 by a lucky angler named Fredrick Friebel). They can live up to 10 to 12 years, grow by about one pound per year and eat around 10 pounds of food to add one pound of weight.

Of course, we all need to do our part to take care of this resource, so Bellalago residents can continue to have fun. Respect your neighbor’s property, don’t litter, pick up trash and remember that all fish must be immediately released alive so they can be caught again.

Take special care to properly dispose of fishing line. Discarded monofilament never deteriorates and is a serious entanglement hazard to birds and wildlife.

A ten-pound Largemouth Bass is considered a trophy that many recreational anglers dream about and, while they are not common, the Bellalago community has produced several Bass tipping the scales at ten pounds plus. One of the best things about fishing here in Bellalago, is that you don’t need to have a boat with a GPS system, programmable trolling motor, and a dual transducer sonar device.

You can catch a trophy from the shore.

If you want to learn more about fishing in the Bellalago area, consider joining the Bellalago Fishing Club. We welcome new members who want to act as stewards of our lakes and ponds, make some new friends and get together to do some fishing. You do not need a boat to join. For more information about the Bellalago Fishing Club, contact stevenmorin@rocketmail.com or Dave Woodruff at drwservices@gmail.com.

The community lakes and ponds have a ten-foot easement around the entire shore. If an angler is careful and uses a common area like a bridge, sidewalk, or street to gain access to the shore, several miles of B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

Wishing you all Tight Lines!!!

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B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

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Advertising Information and Policy For more information on ad rates and specifications, please visit BellalagoAdvertising.com, call 863-440-0377 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.

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

16

JANUARY / FE BR UA RY 2 0 2 2

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

17

JANUARY / FE BR UA RY 2 0 2 2

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

18

JANUARY / FE BR UA RY 2 0 2 2

B EL L A L AG O B E AC ON

19

JANUARY / FE BR UA RY 2 0 2 2

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