T HE
N AV I G ATO R WINTER 2013
F R O M TH E CRE W
What a Great Community
As Mandy Morgan 407-342-1489
mmorgan@aamfl.com
More information will be coming in the next few weeks on the new systems. Please watch the bulletin boards and e-blasts for more details.
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we move our focus to the holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank my staff here at Bellalago/ IOB (Lifestyles, Fitness, Maintenance, Security and Admin) for helping to make the community a great place to work as well as a great place live. Their desire and dedication to the residents and the level of service they provide helps make this community one of, if not the best in the area. If you get the chance, let them know when they are doing a good job, and if necessary let me know if they are not! The last few months have flown by quickly, as I get to learn all the areas of our great community. We have had many challenges, and I hope you all know we are working diligently to address all issues in a timely manner. Bellalago/IOB is not just a place to live, it’s also a place to play and have fun. We are continually looking at ways to enhance your lifestyle with social and sporting events as well as increasing fitness activities for the whole family. But they are only successful if you come out and take part. Let us know what you want to see and do and we will try to make it happen. I also want to take a moment to thank all our resident volunteers that have given up their time to help support the community. From our adult volunteers in Advisory and Violations Committees to our numerous Teen Volunteers – your commitment and dedication is truly appreciated. I have been busy working on the 2014 budget, and will send out more details nearer the time – we are working on the date for the Annual Meeting, which will be at Liberty High School. For all our parents in Bellalago, I want to
thank you all for your cooperation with the new traffic flow policy at the school gates on Weatherfield. It has been a huge success, we have had a few teething problems and are working on those but it’s an improvement on what I witnessed last semester. I want to remind you of a few areas of concern, that I can’t control – but you can! Please, when picking up your children that are walkers – have them go to the ends of the sidewalk and use the crosswalk to cross the road. Too many are walking out into the road between cars and into oncoming traffic as the parent is calling them to cross over the road. I can’t be there every day so we need your help. Cars that choose not to stop in the right lane and wait for their child and continually circle the Weatherfield/Northwoods loop need to slow down! I ask that you not stop in the left lane as this is for through traffic. I am sure you would agree with me, I would prefer to see a child wet from the rain than a child under a car – it sounds dramatic I know, but it is scary how many parents are putting their child in harms way. Please, please, please, let’s not have an accident before we alter our behavior! Please be mindful when you join the pick up loop on the right side to not block homeowner driveways as well as the crosswalk. I will be out there a few times a month, I have enjoyed getting to know more residents and welcome the interaction. See you at the school gates sometime! I’ll be the crazy woman with the high visibility jacket on trying to stop kids from crossing and cars from speeding! THANK YOU again for all those that have embraced the new changes – if it
keeps our Bellalago kids safe, it’s worth the extra few minutes. SECURITY GATES How many times can a gate go down/ get hit in a week? I know how frustrating it can be when the gates go down. What can you do to help? Enter one vehicle at a time – do not try and tailgate, your car may get damaged from the arm/gate. When using the unmanned gates – if you have an issue with your transponder, please report to the front manned gates. DO NOT try and go in the exit gates. You are running a risk of not only damaging your vehicle, but also damaging our gates! If your transponders do not work, please take note of the number and let us know. We can go into the new software system and update it. If you are delinquent on your HOA/Club accounts your transponders will stay deactivated, and you will need to use the manned gate to gain access. More information will be coming in the next few weeks on the new systems. With details on how to access your profile for you guests. Please watch the bulletin boards and e-blasts for more details.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING The Bellalago/IOB Neighborhood Watch meetings take place the third Wednesday of each month in the Bellalago Multipurpose Room. Deputy Beltran will be here to give community updates. Do not forget to mark your calendars! BULLETIN BOARD Our new community bulletin board has been installed at the front gates to Bellalago – check it out for all the latest events and news. Poop! I have been asked again by a number of residents to mention the need to pick up after your pets. We have placed 10 poop stations throughout both communities for your convenience. Please do the right thing, and pick up the poop! And lastly, please check out the events calendar for all the upcoming social and fitness activities. We are excited about the coming fall season
and hope that you are too. Please visit www.BellalagoHOA. com for all the news and info on your community. If you have not yet registered, you are missing out on the monthly communication e-blast from your manager. If you are a tenant, you can still register – just send me your email and the address you are living at and we will do the rest. This is a great tool for spreading the word – don’t miss out, sign up today! If anyone has any issues or concerns and would like to meet, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Together with the management and lifestyles team, we are all excited at the opportunities here at Bellalago & Isles of Bellalago and look forward to serving you. All that remains for now is to wish each and every resident a wonderful holiday season, wherever you are and whatever you are planning this year, please be safe and enjoy life to the fullest!
Front entrance clubhouse with landscape images.
SUNSET TERRACE GRILLE Renovations are now complete and the Grille is open for business as usual! Thank you for your patience as we worked through all the dust! The Grille opens daily at 12pm. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS Please remember the speed limit is 25 miles per hour community wide! We are seeing an increasing number of traffic violations with speeding being the main one. We will be issuing tickets for anyone caught speeding on property.
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Preperation for the Holidays
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Jamar Edge 407-933-3010
jedge@aamfl.com
More information will be coming in the next few weeks on the new systems. Please watch the bulletin boards and e-blasts for more details.
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ello Residents of Bellalago. ‘Tis the season…..well, almost. We are approaching that time of year once again; the holiday season. It’s the time for buying scary costumes, sending invites for Thanksgiving, lining up for Black Friday, and of course, holiday present shopping for loved ones. Despite the everyday afternoon storms, I hope everyone had a great summer. As we approach the year’s end, we still have more fun events planned for the community.
Make sure you get creative with your costumes as we will be giving prizes for Scariest, Funniest, Best Group and Most Creative. On November 16th, we will host a PreThanksgiving Celebration. More details will follow as we approach the date, so keep your eyes peeled for updates! To finish the year off, we will host our Annual Adult Holiday Party on December 14th. Doors open at 7pm. Additional details will be posted as we approach the event date.
Upcoming Activities
Bellalago Community Info
Leading off our event schedule for October through December will be our first Bellalago 5K Walk/Run on October 5th. For more details contact Doug Gilbert (dgilbert@aamfl. com). We would love for all members of the community to come out and support the cause. Following the 5K, we will have food trucks and fun for the family. All proceeds from the 5K will go to the Give Kids the World Foundation. On October 14th, there will be a Community Shred Event at Solivita. The event will be located at the Solivita Freedom Park on Village Drive, and runs from 10am to 2pm. If you have any documents or paperwork you need to safely dispose of, this is your opportunity to do so. For those who like a little fright in their life, on November 1st we are transforming the Bellalago Amenity Center into a…no, I won’t spoil it. I will give you this much, though - we will have our Super Scary Halloween Event. As a word of caution, this event will be scary, so parents we ask you to use discretion if bringing the little ones to this event. We will also have something for the little ones, the Not-So-Scary Party at Bellalago for all who would like to participate.
As we approach the fall and winter seasons, take note of the pool hours. As we start to lose sunlight, pool hours will be adjusted accordingly. For those residents who will be renewing their leases soon, remember you must pick up, fully fill out, and submit the 4th Amendment paperwork along with your renewed lease. This information is available at the Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center. For more information contact Giselle Rodriguez (grodriguez@aamfl.com) or pay her a visit at the Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center. If you have a teen needing to meet their school volunteer hours requirement, our Teen Volunteer program is up and running. Contact Cynthia Ramirez (ctramirez@aamfl. com) for more information. For up-to-date community info, continue to check with staff, access the Bellalago Community Channel, and read the weekly and monthly email blasts.
Autumn Health and Safety Tips Follow these tips to help you and your family stay safe and healthy this autumn!
Keep your kids safe and healthy. Get involved with your kids’ activities at home and at school to help ensure they are safe and healthy. Take steps to prevent the flu. The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year in the fall. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often. Stay home if you get sick. Get smart about antibiotics. Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections, but not viral infections. The common cold and the flu are viral infections, so avoid using antibiotics if you have one of these. Using antibiotics when they are not needed causes some bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic, and therefore stronger and harder to kill. See your doctor or nurse to find out if your illness is bacterial or viral. Have a safe and healthy Halloween. Make Halloween festivities fun, safe, and healthy for trick-or-treaters and party guests. Test smoke alarms and replace batteries. It’s important to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms at least twice a year. You can remember do this each spring and fall when you change the time on your clocks. As an extra precaution, test alarms every month to ensure they work properly. Keep food safe. Food is center stage during the holidays. Be sure to keep it safe by following basic food safety steps. Clean hands and
surfaces often. Separate foods to avoid cross-contamination. Cook to proper temperatures. Chill promptly. Learn your family history. National Family History Day is observed on Thanksgiving Day. Over the holiday or at another family gathering, talk about and write down the health conditions that run in your family. Learning about your family’s health history can help you take steps to ensure a longer, healthier future together. Be prepared for cold weather. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious health problems. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected. Know how to prevent health problems and what to do if a cold-weather emergency arises. Remember that using space heaters and fireplaces can increase the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t drink and drive. Alcohol use impairs skills needed to
Stay healthy this holdiay season by staying active. Try a light jog outdoors or on the treadmill once a week.
drive a car safely. It slows reaction time and impairs judgment and coordination. Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill someone every 31 minutes and non-fatally injure someone every two minutes. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let others drink and drive. Wash your hands. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It’s best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. If that’s not possible, use alcohol-based hand rubs. In finishing, I will leave you with food for thought. “Such as are your habitual thoughts, such also will be the character of your mind; for the soul is dyed by the thoughts.” -Marcus Aurelius
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Preperation for the Holidays
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Doug Gilbert 407-933-3010
dgilbert@aamfl.com
his year we’ve had a very unusual summer when it comes to the weather at Bellalago. Although the heat and humidity were unbearable at times, and it seemed like it rained everyday, many people were still able to get in some type of recreational activity in between the storms. It can be tough to stick to gym plans and classes when it is very hot outside. Many sought out the pool to escape the heat instead. It’s often said swimming is the best exercise you can do. After all, it works out your whole body, yet it’s gentle on joints, reducing the risk of injury. It is also one of the best activities to do to stay cool and refreshed during the summer months. An exciting activity the Lifestyle Team held this summer was the Teens vs. Adults Soccer Game, which was a success! Although the title of the event was “Teens vs. Adults” the teams were mixed
between young and old and it kept the game very competitive. One of the highlight events in recreation this fall will be the Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago 5K Walk/Run Race on October 5th. The race will take place around the Bellalago Community and will feature the 5K race beginning at 8:30am. After the 5K race there will be a race for kids, ages 5 and under. We also plan on having some other goodies for the kids! This event will be the first of its kind for the community and all proceeds will go to Give Kids the World, a non-profit resort style community in Kissimmee, Florida that creates magical memories for children with lifethreatening illnesses and their families, from all over the world. The minimum donation is $5, and $15 or more if you would like one of the Bellalago 5K Tee Shirts. If you haven’t registered, be sure to stop by the Bellalago or Isles of Bellalago Amenity Centers to pick up your registration forms and map of the race route. Other activities coming soon to the Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago Community are: • 3rd Annual Health and Wellness Fair • Teens vs. Adults Football Game • Basketball 3 on 3 Tournament It’s never too late to start a fitness program; be sure to check out all the exciting fitness classes and fall sports we have to offer at Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago. Start now and get in shape for the holiday season.
F I TNESS CLASSE S Current Class Schedules are Posted in the Amenity Centers and on the BellalagoHOA.com Calendar.
Strength Training
Cardiovascular
Balls and Bands: This innovative class will use resistance
Street Beats: Unique and different from every other workout you’ve tried before! This class combines the energizing beat of the drum and the music of the streets that will get your feet stomping and your body moving!
bands and Swiss Balls to challenge your stability and core strength, and give you an incredible total body workout! Strength and Conditioning: Designed for men and
women of all fitness levels, this strength workout will challenge all major muscle groups by utilizing the best in strength training exercises such as squats, presses, lifts, and curls. Camp: This total body conditioning program will strengthen and tone, while building a stronger core and improving stamina and endurance. Perfect for those who want to get in shape or take their fitness to a whole new level, this is an excellent alternative to a regular gym workout.
Fit
TRX
Straps
and
Sticks
Fusion
Bootcamp:
TRX training uses tools and movements that challenge the entire body in every plane of motion. This class combines the TRX Suspension Trainer and the TRX Rip Trainer in one full body workout combining bodyweight exercises, rotational movements, and heart pounding cardio. Class will alternate between circuit and rep based formats. Weather permitting, class will be held outdoors. Body Alive: This is a fitness series designed for all fitness levels. The goals of this class are to train the body to move more efficiently, increase core strength, improve flexibility, and to develop speed, power, and agility.
Flexibility
Cardio Ballroom: Partner-free, dance-based fitness class that brings you easy, fun dance moves from Cha-ChaCha, 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. Zumba: “Exercise in Disguise,” This dance based fitness class
incorporates Latin and International music and dance. It offers a balanced blend of cardio and muscle toning benefits
Aqua Aqua Fitness: An excellent, 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.
Specialty Classes Mommy and Me Boogie: Learn to dance with your little one! Introduce your child to the world of dance! Mommy and child will boogie to a variety of musical rhythms and dances like Merengue, Mambo, Swing, the Electric Slide, YMCA, and more! All children must wear sneakers and be accompanied by an adult, 18 years old or older, in order to participate. For ages 18 months to 4 years old.
Yoga Flow: Designed to actively improve flexibility, strength,
and balance. Poses will flow from one to another in conjunction with breathing. This class is suitable for all fitness levels.
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Yogalates: This class incorporates breathing, good posture, and slow movements to improve balance and coordination.
T-FitMix: An energetic class that exposes your teen or tween to a variety of fitness class styles. It allows them to interact with their peers while getting fit and having fun in a safe environment! No adults allowed! For ages 11 to 18 years old. Must have adult consent if under 18.
Yoga Beat: A fusion of yoga and dance performed to rhythms of multi-cultural beats, this class is set to challenge strength and balance while creating more flexibility.
Youth Jujitsu: For children ages 6 and up. This class is an excellent balance of mental and physical techniques using the discipline of martial arts.
WINTER 2013
L I F E STYL E EVENTS
Every Month October - December
Soccer
Tuesdays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center It’s that time of year again! Come join the Lifestyles Team to play an adrenaline-pumping game of soccer. New teams are created weekly. Flag Football
Wednesdays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center Come join the Lifestyles Team in a few games of flag football. New teams are created weekly. Basketball
Thursdays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center Come play tournament style basketball every Thursday, or cheer from the sidelines. New teams are created weekly.
October B u nco
Thursday, October 3rd & 17th • 12pm Bellalago Amenity Center Bunco is a social dice game involving 100% luck and no skill. Come have fun. We’ll teach you how to play. Bring a dessert or snack to share. RSVP to Mary Lou Zelinsky at 407-3448966 or Annabella Fonseca at 407-847-6128. Little Ty kes
Monday, October 7th • 10am Bellalago Amenity Center Are you looking to make friends with other moms? Would you like to introduce your little one to other children their age? Join us for a fun morning of playtime, crafts and a yummy snack. Craft may be messy so please dress your child accordingly. Adult Bingo
Friday, October 11th & 25th • 7pm Bellalago Amenity Center B-I-N-G-O! Come to Bellalago and play BINGO. Free coffee, but please bring a dessert. Residents and guests must be 18 years of age or older. $10 gift cards will be awarded for every BINGO.
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Comm u nit y Shred Day
Monday, October 14th • 10am-2pm Freedom Park, Solivita Do you have old bills or credit card statements that you just don’t feel comfortable throwing in the trash? We understand that’s why we are having a Community Shred Day at Solivita. Meet us in the parking lot of Freedom Park from 10am to 2pm for a safe good riddance to all that paperwork taking up table space in your house. All items will be shred on property while you are present. See you there! Ki ds C raft - H a l loween
Saturday, October 19th • 2pm Bellalago Amenity Center
November B e l l a l ago Asy lu m
Friday, November 1st • 6pm-9pm Bellalago Amenity Center What are all those weird sounds coming from the Amenity Center? That’s the sound of the patients of the Bellalago Asylum. Just be sure you’re prepared for a night of terror and screams as you walk through our Asylum filled with all sorts of crazies. Parents, the haunted house this year will be scary and may not be appropriate for young children. We are also having a “Not So Scary” costume party, so come join us. We will have games, music, food and lots of candy for kids of all ages. At 9pm there will be a costume contest for all willing to participate. Categories will include: Scariest, Funniest, Best Group, and Most Creative costume. The Lifestyles Team will be serving raw buzzard meat (hamburgers), bloody dogs (hotdogs), dead sea chips (potato chips) and a vampire kiss (soda or water). You can purchase a ticket in advance at the Bellalago Amenity Center for $5 per person. Ticket sales start on October 1st and the deadline to purchase is October 29th by 5pm. Litt l e Ty k e s
Monday, November 4th • 10am Bellalago Amenity Center Moms, need something fun to do with your little tykes? Join us for a fun morning of playtime, crafts and a yummy snack. Craft may be messy so please dress your child accordingly.
B u nco
B u nco
Thursday, November 7th & 21st • 12pm Bellalago Amenity Center Bunco is a social dice game involving 100% luck and no skill. Come have fun. We’ll teach you how to play. Bring a dessert or snack to share. RSVP to Mary Lou Zelinsky at 407-3448966 or Annabella Fonseca at 407-847-6128.
Thursday, December 12th & 26th • 12pm Bellalago Amenity Center Bunco is a social dice game involving 100% luck and no skill. Come have fun. We’ll teach you how to play. Bring a dessert or snack to share. RSVP to Mary Lou Zelinsky at 407-3448966 or Annabella Fonseca at 407-847-6128.
Adult Bingo
Santa and Mr s . C l au s
Friday, November 15th & 29th • 7pm Bellalago Amenity Center B-I-N-G-O! Come to Bellalago and play BINGO. Coffee is on the Lifestyles Team, but please bring a dessert. Residents and guests must be 18 years of age or older. $10 gift cards will be awarded for every BINGO.
Saturday, December 14th • 2:30pm-5:30pm Bellalago Amenity Center Here is your chance to tell Santa what you want for Christmas! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Bellalago Amenity Center from 2:30pm to 5:30pm for your chance to give him a list of what you want for Christmas. Remember Santa will be checking his list twice to find out who is naughty and who is nice. Parents don’t forget to bring those cameras for a priceless photo op.
Pre -Thanksgiving Pot lu c k
Saturday, November 16th • 12pm-4pm Bellalago Amenity Center In observance of a very special holiday, the Bellalago Team would like to cordially invite you to join us for a festive “PreThanksgiving Potluck” on November 16th from 12pm to 4pm. There is no charge for this event but it is required that anyone choosing to attend brings a potluck dish (one per 5 people attending) large enough to feed at least 10 people and utensils to serve the dish. The Bellalago team will provide the turkey, stuffing, and all plastic ware such as plates, cups and utensils. Please sign up in advance so we will know what your family will be preparing for the event. You can sign up at either Bellalago or Isles of Bellalago before 5pm on Tuesday, November 11th.
December
B e l l a l ago A nnua l A du lt H o l i day Party
Saturday, December 14th • 7pm-11pm Bellalago Amenity Center ‘Tis the season to be jolly with your close friends and neighbors at our Annual Bellalago Adult Holiday Party! This event is for adults 18 and over only. Join us from 7pm to 11pm on December 14th to kick off our festivities with a traditional holiday dinner, a few drinks (first one will be compliments of the Bellalago Team), dancing and fun with some good friends. Tickets are $20 per person. Semi-formal attire is required. Since this event is one of our most popular events and we have limited seats, tickets will go on sale starting Monday, November 4th for residents only. If the event does not sell out, tickets will go on sale December 1st for your guests.
Kids Craft
Saturday, December 7th • 2pm Bellalago Amenity Center Adult Bingo
Friday, December 6th & 20th • 7pm Bellalago Amenity Center B-I-N-G-O! Come to Bellalago and play BINGO. Coffee is on the Lifestyles Team, but please bring a dessert. Residents and guests must be 18 years of age or older. $10 gift cards will be awarded for every BINGO.
Litt l e Ty k e s
Monday, December 16th • 10am Bellalago Amenity Center Moms, need something fun to do with your little tykes? Join us for a fun morning of playtime, crafts and a yummy snack. Craft may be messy so please dress your child accordingly.
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