Evergreen Connections | Summer 2017

EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS A Publication of Evergreen Lifestyles Management

ST. PATRICK’S DAY LUNCHEON AT VICTORIA GARDENS IN DEL AND

W W W.E V E R G R E E N -L M .C O M

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S U M M E R 2017 N E W S L E T T E R

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTACT US CUSTOMER SERVICE

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

KEY PERSONNEL KRAIG CARMICKLE, LCAM

Chief Executive Officer KCarmickle@Evergreen-LM.com WENDY HERKENRATT

Director of Finance WHerkenratt@Evergreen-LM.com

LETTER FROM THE CEO

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THE PL ANTATION - SOMERSET

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ELM PROMOTION

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AVENTURA ISLES IN SOUTH FL

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BELL AL AGO’S NIGHT UNDER THE STARS

Evergreen Company Update

Lifestyle Spotlight

Tyler Heel

Community Case Study

Event Spotlight

ANGELICA RICE

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Director of Client & Homeowner Services ARice@Evergreen-LM.com

ELM Staff Appreciation Event Bellalago Fishing Tournament

LISA KAGAN

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ELM EVENT PHOTOS

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VITALIA’S HAVE A HEART

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EVEN THE LITTLEST LENDS A HAND IN CENTRAL FL

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SOLIVITA’S REL AY FOR LIFE

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VICTORIA PARK’S ST. PADDY’S DAY 5K FOR A CAUSE

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GETTING NEIGHBORS TO NATURE IN TRAILMARK

Chief Information Officer ABurnside@Evergreen-LM.com

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AMELIA WALK BACK IN BLOOM

IMPORTANT EMAILS

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DEFIBRILL ATOR DRONE

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CUSTOMER CARE TEAM

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NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Director of Lifestyle Services LKagan@Evergreen-LM.com

WESLEY F. HUNT, J.D., LCAM, CMCA

Regional Manager of North Florida WHunt@Evergreen-LM.com

MANDY MORGAN, LCAM, CMCA, AMS

Regional Manager of Central Florida MMorgan@Evergreen-LM.com T YLER HEEL, LCAM

Regional Manager of South Florida THeel@Evergreen-LM.com JENNIFER HURDLE

Customer Care Manager JHurdle@Evergreen-LM.com ART BURNSIDE

NEW BUSINESS INQUIRIES

Info@Evergreen-LM.com HOMEOWNERS

CustomerService@Evergreen-LM.com TRANSITION TEAM & ESTOPPELS

CommunityTransition@Evergreen-LM.com Estoppels@Evergreen-LM.com 2

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EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

Highlighting Recent Events Around the State

Giving Back Spotlight

Community Engagement

Community Event Spotlight

Giving Back Spotlight

Lifestyle Spotlight

Community Case Study

Newsworthy

Department Spotlight

North Florida Spotlight

LETTER FROM THE CEO

HERE WE GROW AGAIN! “Culture drives expectations and beliefs; expectations and beliefs drive behavior; behavior drives habits; and habits create the future. It all starts with culture.”

This quote, from best-selling author Jon Gordon, perfectly summarizes the importance of culture at Evergreen. We strive to create an environment where we connect with one another on a daily basis, whether it be in our relationships with colleagues, clients or residents, and even with our loved ones at home. We treat each other like family – with respect, kindness, and gratitude. This is part of what makes Evergreen, it’s employees and communities so special and partly why we continue to grow month after month.

Pictured above is the Evergreen Lifestyles Management Leadership Team. As we expand throughout the State of Florida, so does our staff. We recently hired our 200th employee! I want to thank all of the Evergreen staff; each of you are an integral part of our success.

WELCOME TO THE ELM FAMILY

I also want to thank all of the communities who have recently joined the Evergreen Lifestyles Management family. Please help me in welcoming these wonderful communities by showing them what Evergreen is all about - a management program built especially for the resident in mind. We look forward to serving you!

• Artistry Community Association, Inc. • Dinner Lake Shores Home Owners Association, Inc. • Enclave at Harden Homeowners Association, Inc. • Estates at Parkside Homeowners Association, Inc.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Fountains East Homeowners Association, Inc. The Grove at Bannon Lakes Homeowners Association, Inc. Hallam Preserve Homeowners Association, Inc. Heritage Oaks Residential Community Association, Inc. Lake Mariana Reserve Homeowners Association, Inc. Lakehouse Cove at Waterside Homeowners Association, Inc. Magnolia Preserve Homeowners Association, Inc. Oakmont Reserve Homeowners Association, Inc. Parkview at Lakeshore Homeowners Association, Inc. Redhawk Homeowners Association, Inc. Reedy Reserve Homeowners Association, Inc. Saddlebrook of Deland Community Association, Inc. Solis Gardens Homeowners Association, Inc. Stafford Place Neighborhood Association, Inc. Tuscany Woods of Polk Homeowners Association, Inc. Waterfront Owners Association, Inc.

KRAIG CARMICKLE, LCAM

President & CEO 877-221-6919 KCarmickle@Evergreen-LM.com SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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LIFESTYLE SPOTLIGHT

ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON!

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hen it comes to enriching residents’ lives with social, educational and community events, Sandra Reynolds sets the bar as a lifestyle director.

Responsible for the lifestyle component of the community of Somerset at The Plantation in Fort Myers, Reynolds faces a bit of a challenge in that the populations are mixed and residents have a wide range of interests and needs. Somerset has many seasonal residents that come and go throughout the year.

• March: Easter Egg Hunt (one of the year’s big hits for kids).

• April: Spring Pool Party with crab races.

• May: Kentucky Derby Party with a Big Hat Contest; a Late •

• •

A VARIET Y OF MONTHLY EVENTS

Reynolds tries to offer her residents a “little bit of everything,” which includes classes, trips, seminars, parties, and gatherings. She usually plans one major event per month with extras sprinkled in.

Looking for ideas for your own event-planning calendar? Check out Reynolds’s schedule from 2016: • January: Flashy Car Cruise and Chili Cook-Off (2016 was the

fourth year for this popular event).

• February: Mardi Gras Parade (residents dressed up and rode

bicycles).

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EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

• •

Cinco de Mayo Party.

June-August: Summer Pool Parties with different $5 menus each month (pork loin, hamburgers, grilled hot dogs and mac ‘n cheese).

September: Naples Boat Cruise October: Welcome Back Party in honor of returning seasonal residents. (This is an annual party, and is always a dress-up, themed event. One year it was a ‘60s night; another year it was a masquerade ball.) October also has a Halloween event for the kids, which is a consistent pleaser.

November: Veteran’s Day Breakfast Celebration and an Annual Fashion Show (last year’s venue was a cruise ship).

December: Winterland Holiday Party. Last year’s winter party was attended by 120 residents!

EVENTS IN 2017

Reynolds doesn’t do the same-old-same-old every year. She mixes things up and is always thinking of different things to plan for her

LIFESTYLE SPOTLIGHT

communities. This year she did a Dining by Boat event. Residents embarked on one location, sailed to a venue at a second location for drinks and hors d’oeuvres, sailed to a restaurant at a third location for dinner, and then sailed back home. People loved it.

enjoyed the recent hypnosis/comedy event with a full house of 87 people attending.

In the spring there were cooking classes, outings, and a “Boots and Bling Fling” with entertainers. Once a year the ladies of Somerset get an event planned just for them: a shopping day at Waterside Shopping Center in Naples that begins with a continental breakfast and includes lunch out. It’s a hit event, of course! Residents also

One area of activities that Reynolds is pleased about is the fitness classes she’s been able to add for residents. She has planned a wide variety of classes, from line dancing, yoga and tai chi to body-fit classes and water aerobics. Once at the fitness center, residents often also take advantage of the Spa with its two massage therapists, tennis courts, pickleball and bocce ball.

FITNESS CL ASSES: A POPUL AR LIFEST YLE ADDITION

It’s no wonder that residents enjoy life at Somerset and that homes for sale in The Plantation don’t stay empty long. Residents love their beautiful, well-kept surroundings and, thanks to Reynolds, enjoy a smorgasbord of creative activities and events designed to bring them fun, stimulation and connection.

SANDRA REYNOLDS

Lifestyles Director at The Plantation 877-221-6919 SReynolds@Evergreen-LM.com

ELM PROMOTION In April, Evergreen promoted Tyler Heel, the Community Manager of Vitalia at Tradition in Port St. Lucie, to South Florida Regional Manager.

Here’s what he had to say...

“From the East Coast to the West Coast of Florida! I am excited to be moving to Fort Myers with my family. We will be relocating from Port St. Lucie and I am ready to start providing excellent service to your communities! I continue to hear nothing but fabulous things about the area and the beaches. As a Regional Manager, I take pride in communicating well, building relationships and providing outstanding customer service.

I look forward to tackling my ‘to do’ list as well as getting to know each of you. I am blessed to have this wonderful job and look forward to the amazing things to come.”

Congratulations Tyler!

SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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COMMUNITY CASE STUDY

AVENTURA ISLES

A SAFE AND SECURE SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNIT Y

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ventura Isles—a 690-home gated community with great amenities and 37 acres of parks, located near shopping and dining complexes, two international airports, and the beaches of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

It’s a planned community that has seen property management companies come and go. When Evergreen Lifestyles Management took over in 2015, we were the fourth company in a two-year period to take over management of the community.

Although Aventura is an attractive place to live, it faced a couple of big challenges that compromised the quality of life for residents.

ACCESS CONTROL

The first challenge was access control. Many non-residents were getting into the community unmonitored and there were regular 6

EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

incidents of speeding and vandalism. To address the first problem, Evergreen’s Director of Security came to Aventura Isles, interviewed several security companies, and selected the one that demonstrated the best ability to implement stricter security measures. Under his direction, post orders were created for guards, which established important protocols.

Now anyone coming into Aventura must show a valid driver’s license and state the name and address of the person they’re going to see. This has greatly reduced non-resident traffic into the community.

To reduce speeding incidents, Evergreen proposed Traffic Hawk© (the software screenshots and the camera, are pictured to the right) to Aventura Isles’ HOA Board of Directors. With their acceptance, the hawks were installed. Now that speeding drivers are aware they will

COMMUNITY CASE STUDY

be photographed and fined, the number of incidents has dropped significantly.

UNREGUL ATED RENTAL PROPERTIES

The second challenge was an imbalance in the ratio of homeowners to renters/guests, and few measures were in place to manage or control the rental properties.

Addressing the situation of the largely unregulated rental properties took time, patience, and research. Evergreen staff went through old documents to identify who owned what property and who was leasing properties to whom. All leased units then had to be approved

by Aventura Isle’s Board of Directors with correct information about leasing regulations distributed to all property owners.

Evergreen implemented a centralized software which manages the data about property ownership in the community.

The software also has email blast capability so that all residents with email can be notified easily of weekly news or emergency situations.

Besides getting Aventura Isles’ security issues and rental properties under control, Evergreen staff also worked last year to provide events for residents that were just plain fun.

QUARTERLY EVENTS BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER

LIFEST YLE EVENTS

There were four quarterly events last year, held at the clubhouse, with food trucks, bounce houses, and games. They were designed to bring neighbors together to meet each other and get to know each other in a relaxed setting. These quarterly events are planned for 2017 as well.

Evergreen doesn’t have a named activities director for Aventura Isles, so the staff all pitch in and work together to plan special events. Last year they also planned seasonal events, which were a hit—trick-or-treating, a haunted house, and Letters to Santa. This year there was also an Easter egg hunt, too.

The staff plans to communicate with community residents to see if other kinds of activities or events would be meaningful to them.

When Evergreen took over Aventura Isles, we were excited about the property and at the same time aware of the challenges we faced in its management. As we look back, we’re happy about the significant goals reached thus far, and the fact that Aventura is now a much safer and more stable community.

Evergreen Lifestyles Management reviews by residents as well as Aventura Isles reviews have been consistently positive. Props to the Evergreen staff there that have worked so hard to achieve so much!

T YLER HEEL, LCAM

TRAFFIC HAWK©

Regional Manager of South Florida 877-221-6919 THeel@Evergreen-LM.com SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT

A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS AT BELL AL AGO

H

ow do you take a holiday traditionally celebrated by twosomes and turn it into an elegant evening party for a bunch?

THE EVENT CREATION

For the Valentine’s event, held Saturday, February 11th, Rodriguez researched ideas of how to throw a great party that would be elegant, romantic, and unforgettable. She scoured Pinterest and other idea sites and came up with an overarching vision: a red-carpet dinnerunder-the-stars masquerade dance.

Rodriguez is the Membership Coordinator and volunteer event planner for Evergreen Lifestyles Management at Bellalago. She interacts with the Bellalago HOA leadership to care for the growing planned community of over 1,575 homes on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho for short). Most of the residents live there year-round, although some are seasonal.

The venue was the Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center, a resort-style complex with a large curving pool, waterpark area and expansive decks. Clearing the deck chairs and tables from the poolside area was no small task, but Bellalago’s Maintenance Staff and Lifestyle Attendants all pitched in to get it done. To give guests the feeling of dining under the stars, Rodriguez rented two huge clear-top tents. She had these set up beside the pool with 13 tables arranged underneath.

Giselle Rodriguez and the Bellalago Evergreen Lifestyles Team did just that this year when they put on a Valentine’s Masquerade Dance for 84 residents at Bellalago in Kissimmee, Florida.

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EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

NOT YOUR SAME OLD POOL DECK

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

The tables were covered with black cloths and decorated with lantern centerpieces, real rose petals, gold charger plates, and formal napkins. (See the beautiful setting in the photo to the right.)

Masks were set at every place—black lace for women and classy black for men. The chairs, also rented for the occasion, were gold and black. (“It was like a wedding! Very elegant!”)

The entry area of the Isles of Bellalago Amenity Center was cleared of furniture. Guests arriving for the party walked through the clubhouse on a red carpet flanked by red, white and black columns.

Greeting them outside was a pool deck transformed: the tents, lit with long strands of twinkle lights; elegant table settings; palms wrapped in lights; burning tiki torches; and glowing red lanterns along the edges of the pool.

White beach balls, rose petals, and candles floated on the surface of the pool, lit from underneath by submersible lights.

FINE DINING AND FUN DANCING

The ticketed event ($25/person), which was sold out, included three drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a buffet-style dinner. The menu selection included bacon-wrapped chicken, chef-carved prime rib, roasted potatoes, veggies, spring-mix salad, and shot-glass desserts.

DJ Billy Drysdale was flown in from South Carolina for the occasion.

He performed live, singing romantic songs that spanned various genres, and dj’ed the dance music. He also emcee’d the games, which included one that culminated in acknowledging the couple that had been married the longest.

The evening began with a mingle hour during which guests could visit the cocktail tables and bar and have their photos taken by a photographer against a romantic cruise-style backdrop. Then followed dinner, dancing and games. It lasted from 7pm to 10:30pm on a night when there was a spectacular full moon hanging in a clear sky.

UNANIMOUS APPROVAL

Guests loved the event. The 56 feedback cards turned in held the evidence: “Best event ever;” “Food amazing, entertainment amazing, staff amazing;” and “How did you make our pool deck look like something from the cover of a magazine?”

Rodriguez was very pleased with how everything turned out. The vision she had for the event had come to life, even down to the rolling Candy Table attended by Lifestyle Staff dressed as the Queen of Hearts ladies.

OUR LIFESTYLE TEAM’S ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS ALWAYS IMPECCABLE

She credits the team of 10 Bellalago employees and staff for making it happen. “Without the Lifestyle Team, it wouldn’t have been possible,” Rodriguez said. It also wouldn’t have been possible, she said, without the managers that trusted and encouraged her with leading the event.

Staff like Rodriguez are why Evergreen sets the bar for property management companies in Florida. Rodriguez, her managers and Lifestyle Team created a beautiful event for Bellalago residents, and they’ll be talking about it for a long time to come.

GISELLE RODRIGUEZ

Lifestyles 877-221-6919 GRodriguez@Evergreen-LM.com SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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NEWSWORTHY

STAFF APPRECIATION EVENT IN OCTOBER This year’s Staff Appreciation Event will be an event to remember!

The theme of the event takes you back to the days of soaring energy and excitement in the spirit-filled hallways of high school. ELM staff will start the night out right with an authentic pep rally to set the mood - celebrating the accomplishments of this awesome lifestyles management company’s employees.

The highlight of the evening will be the Prom, where everyone will dress in their finest attire and dance to a live band, enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and a dessert bar. Throughout the night ELM employees will be casting their ballet for Prom King and Queen!

In addition, Staff Appreciation Awards will be bestowed upon employees in each department and area of the company. The winners will be drawn from the nominations by their peers and supervisors. Going above and beyond regular job responsibilities is something we like to recognize. When we catch a team member in the act of doing something remarkable, no matter how small it might be, let’s show some love. ELM staff is encouraged to continue reporting “Good Deeds” via the online submission form at www.

Evergreen-LM.com/good-deeds.

Evergreen vendor partners will be sponsoring the entire event!

If you’re a vendor and would like to contribute to this wonderful occasion, please contact Kraig Carmickle at KCarmickle@ Evergreen-LM.com for more information.

BELL AL AGO ANNUAL FISHING TOURNAMENT Every year at Bellalago, an Evergreen-managed community with over a mile of shoreline on the legendary Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee, the Bellalago Fishing Club holds an Annual Tournament and this year’s didn’t disappoint! The “Big Fish” weighed in at 6.2 pounds, while the overall total weight was 19 pounds. Congratulations to all of those who took part!

Activities like these are just another great reason residents love to call Bellalago home!

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EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

ELM EVENT PHOTOS

EVENTS...THEY’RE WHAT WE DO BEST! A good Lifestyle Program will bring residents together in a way that results in a stronger community, a positive narrative and a more profitable development. Our full service offering includes budgeting, planning and execution of events, organizing and working with resident clubs, conceiving and programming educational classes, as well as implementation and maintenance of world class fitness programs. Our Lifestyle Programs are diverse and designed to specifically meet the needs of the residents on a per community basis. The major events are planned for an entire year with additional events offered throughout the year. Community input ensures the delivery of a vibrant and diverse set of programs for our residents.

SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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GIVING BACK

HAVE A HEART AT VITALIA

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t’s undeniable: Evergreen Lifestyle Directors rock. When it comes to event planning, they’re always quick to give credit to their volunteer teams and co-workers, but the fact is that they’re the glue that holds the moving parts together and the hands that tie up all the last strings.

Leslie Boehlert is Lifestyles Director for Vitalia at Tradition by AV Homes in Port St. Lucie, FL, which is about half-way between Orlando and Miami on the Atlantic coast.

This year she came up with an idea that acquired the name “Have a Heart Initiative.”

The vision came as Leslie observed the vibrant lifestyles of many residents in her Port St. Lucie over-55 community. She saw how outgoing and active they are; how so many are in a comfortable, happy place in life.

Leslie has always had a spot in her heart for seniors, particularly ones who aren’t in a great situation—the ones who are lonely or struggle with health issues or lack of finances. As she saw the energetic residents of Vitalia, she thought how great it could be to do a community project to encourage residents to give back to nearby disadvantaged St. Lucie seniors.

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EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

She discussed the idea with the Event Planning Committee volunteer members, and they decided to pursue it. The “Have a Heart Initiative” was born.

At first Leslie thought that the project could benefit underserved nursing home residents. But after a couple of calls to local nursing homes, she learned that needs there were minimal, which eventually led her to contact Mary Craig, senior outreach services director for St. Lucie’s Council on Aging. Mary was very enthusiastic about the “Have a Heart Initiative.”

“It’s so nice to get this call from you!” she said to Leslie. “We’re a non-profit, and we usually have to make the calls for help!”

Leslie came up with a list of donation ideas, which included lotions, word-search books, shaving cream, razors, slippers with non-slip soles, and zip-up housecoats. Mary added lap blankets and neck pillows to the list.

“I was glad she contributed those ideas,” says Leslie. “I wouldn’t have thought anyone in Florida would need a lap blanket!”

The next job in the project timeline was to get the word out to residents of Vitalia at Tradition. Leslie knew that a great channel

GIVING BACK

would be the 45 interest groups in the community. She believed this could accomplish a secondary goal as well: connecting people across groups to expand their circles and deepen their relationships.

With the help of the Event Planning Committee and front-desk attendant, Debbie Chisholm, word started getting out to Vitalia interest groups and residents. Their response was immediate and overwhelming.

“It was unbelievable,” Leslie says. “We got bags and bags of donated Valentines!”

Debbie, who also teaches art classes at Vitalia, came up with more gift ideas: angels made from doilies, socks that looked like cupcakes, and adult men’s bibs with hand-painted ties. Evergreen donated the supplies and the residents made the gifts in a series of four classes.

The Knit and Crochet Club made beautiful lap blankets as well.

On delivery day, Leslie, lifestyle attendants, and Vitalia residents loaded up their vehicles with the gifts: toiletries and other donations, lap blankets, angels, bibs, and socks. They took them over to the Adult Day Care group at the Council on Aging of St. Lucie, where the men and women received everything joyfully.

“Their smiles were great. The men loved the bibs!”

Half of the donated items went to a second Adult Day Care group the next day at the Council on Aging in Ft. Pierce. The Council on Aging staff were thrilled with the donations.

“The outpouring of love for the day care men and women was profound,” said Michelle Vanouver, Senior Activities Coordinator.

“It was wonderful. They brought a lot of happiness!”

Leslie is very happy about how the project turned out, especially about the generous response from Vitalia residents who donated items or made gifts. There’s no doubt in her mind: it’s a project she plans to bring back next year.

LESLIE BOEHLERT

Lifestyles Director at Vitalia 877-221-6919 LBoehlert@Evergreen-LM.com SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

EVEN THE LITTLEST LENDS A HAND

A

my Mallinder, Lifestyle Director for Evergreen Lifestyles Management at Dr. Phillips Parkside (Orlando) and Lake Preserve (near Orlando International Airport), finds that the kids in her communities often help out in spontaneous and selfless ways. Whenever she knows about it, she tries to acknowledge and reward them.

NEVER TOO YOUNG TO VOLUNTEER

Leo is a three-year-old boy who lives in Parkside with his family.

On most days, he goes on a bike ride with his dad around the streets near his home.

Amy likes that her residents are involved in the care of their community, and wants to reward kids for being good residents and caring for their community.

Recently Leo and his dad, out on their daily ride, came upon some trash, and Leo’s dad sent Amy a message to let her know that trash had accumulated near the fountain area. Amy texted back that she appreciated the heads-up and would have someone take care of it as soon as possible.

HIGH SCHOOLERS HELP FOR BRIGHT FUTURES HOURS

A little while later she received a short video from Leo’s dad. The video showed Leo, industriously picking up the trash and materials from around the fountain, getting the place all cleaned up. He was excited to be helping, and even stopped to smell the flowers. (He then quickly picked a flower for mom!)

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Amy had a few little gifts left over from an event and also picked up a giant cookie, decorated with the words, “Good job, Leo!” She took the goodies to Leo’s house and dropped them off outside the front door, then called Leo’s parents. Leo’s mom opened the door and asked an excited Leo what he had done to deserve this special delivery. He was very proud of himself and remembered picking up the garbage!

EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

In addition to kids like Leo, there are also high schoolers in the community who want to help with events and activities. Amy is able to give them community service hours in exchange for their help. These hours go toward Bright Futures requirements. (Bright Futures is a Florida College Scholarship Program, started in 1997 and funded by the Florida Lottery.)

One high school girl regularly helps at the community monthly movie nights, setting up the amenity venue and handing out

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

popcorn and drinks. Other high schoolers volunteer at events like the Spring Carnival. Amy said that other Evergreen Lifestyles Management directors are doing the same thing—offering high schoolers the opportunity to earn Bright Futures community service hours through volunteering at events and activities.

Evergreen has developed forms specifically for this purpose. Parents must sign a waiver and then kids get a service form on which they fill in the number of hours worked. Lifestyle Directors, like Amy, or HOA Management representatives sign the forms which eventually get submitted to Bright Futures.

for the sake of helping is heartwarming. It’s important to Amy to acknowledge their help and reward them when possible.

She also likes it that her residents care about how things look and function, and they want their communities to always look beautiful.

Amy appreciates that residents stop by the office to let her or the Community Manager, Jamie, know if there’s an issue. She feels that although it’s her job to deliver great events and programs to the community, with the Community Manager, they both help keep their communities running smoothly and looking great.

SHARED CARE FOR LOOKS AND FUNCTION

Amy has a heart for all kids, whatever their ages. Even little ones get a chance to help. There’s a young girl that comes to the movie nights who isn’t old enough to do a lot or officially volunteer, but Amy lets her pick out the movie for the night. The fact that kids in her communities like to volunteer for service hours and to help just

AMY MALLINDER

Lifestyles Director in Central Florida 877-221-6919 Parkside@Evergreen-LM.com

SOLIVITA’S REL AY FOR LIFE Solivita, currently a 4,300+ home, 55 and better community in Poinciana managed by Evergreen, raised over $10,000 at their Relay For Life Celebration on April 2, 2017. That brought this community’s 2016/2017 Relay year total to over $70,000! This annual event, which includes an opening ceremony to salute cancer survivors and care givers, dancing in the street and the Ballroom, prizes, lots of food, luminarias, a candle walk, and much more, brings Solivita residents together for a wonderful cause.

SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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GIVING BACK

ST. PADDY’S DAY 5K FOR A CAUSE Photos By Lauren Weldon Photography

IT

started 14 years ago with 100 runners: a 5K race designed to introduce the townspeople of Deland to the new community of Victoria Park.

The course wound through the community and past the new homes, serving as a publicity tool in addition to being a fun event where the public and Victoria Park residents could rub shoulders and get to know each other.

This year’s 5K run, which fell on St. Patrick’s Day, was called “The 14th Annual Victoria Park St. Patrick’s Day Chase the Leprechaun 5K.” Almost 450 runners entered, which is the most participants ever in a Victoria Park 5K.

WHAT IT TAKES

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colors. She also discussed the winner medals (silver, bronze and platinum), the free kids’ race, the award ceremony and other details.

While the race company moved into the planning and logistics, Justine started securing sponsorships and aggressively advertising through the West Volusia Beacon, the Pennysaver magazine, and on Facebook. She also communicated frequently with city officials regarding the route, barricades, police officers for the event, etc.

Participant registrations started coming in as early as January through the Run 4 A Cause website. Early birds registered for $20; later registrations paid $25; and end-of-March and Day-of-Race signups paid $30. Race 4 A Cause collected online registrations and sent the payments biweekly to Justine at Victoria Park.

For the past two years, Victoria Park Lifestyle Director Justine Tucker has been the force behind the race, working in tandem with a race management company hired to handle the logistics. This year’s race company was Volusia County-based Run 4 A Cause.

Gathering sponsorships is a big component of the 5K project, and Justine is the person who secures these. This year she had repeat sponsors and also one new one.

Several months ahead of this year’s March race, Justine sat down with Run 4 A Cause for a detailed planning meeting and to hammer out the contract details. In the meeting she presented her vision and goals, plus the race theme, logo, T-shirt design ideas, and T-shirt

On race day, registration opened at 5pm. The starting gun went off at 6:30pm. The course, which was approved by the city of Deland and certified by the race management company, followed the route that has been in place for the last few years. It took place in the

EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

RACE DAY!

GIVING BACK

Victoria Park commons, going past the pool and the lake, past the shops in the village section, and through the original part of the community that is now built out.

Some runners finished the race in just under half an hour; the last runners finished up at 7:30pm. The awards ceremony was held at 7:45pm. Justine is enthusiastic about how the event turned out, especially because of the record participation, generous sponsors, and buy-in from the community. Local business owners donated goods, including Mulligan’s Tavern & Grille that provided free green beer for runners at the end of the race, and a printer that donated green cups.

There were a few sleepless nights for Justine before race day as she worked out the last details, and event day was a 14-hour work marathon, but she loved the project and the results. She’s thrilled at the proceeds from the race and the sponsorships that will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Deland, Give Kids the World, the YMCA, and Freedom Elementary School.

IS A 15TH 5K AHEAD?

Justine loves the energy and enthusiasm that surrounds the race, both on the part of runners and of the community. The race continues to serve its original purpose of drawing the town and residents of Victoria Park together. There is excitement around the event because it’s just plain fun, and there is appreciation of it because the proceeds go to some great causes.

What about next year? Will there be a 15th Annual Victoria Park 5K? Probably, if Justine has anything to do with it. The course will likely have to change next year, though. Parking just for the runners has become tight (almost 450 cars, if you figure one car per runner), and this year’s parking area is going to be occupied soon with a new building. The overall event will be similar to this year’s and Justine is already excited about another great turnout.

JUSTINE TUCKER

Lifestyle Director at Victoria Park 877-221-6919 JTucker@Evergreen-LM.com SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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LIFESTYLE SPOTLIGHT

GETTING NEIGHBORS TO NATURE

N

ot all Lifestyle Directors get to be in on the ground floor of a community’s development, but Lynzi Chambers does. She is the Lifestyle Director at TrailMark, a newer Evergreen Lifestyles Management community near historic St. Augustine, in St. John’s County on the Atlantic coast. With over 45 homes sold, closed and occupied, TrailMark is just at the beginning of its HOA and Lifestyles program.

TRAILS, PARKS, AND WATER

TrailMark’s guiding vision–bringing neighbors to nature–arises from its environs and the intentionality of the developer and TrailMark builders to make the outdoors resident-accessible. From green spaces and parks to walking trails and a kayak launch (coming later in 2017), residents have abundant opportunity to get out, get fresh air, get exercise, and enjoy life.

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bar (with toppings ranging from cool whip, marshmallows, and chocolate chips to cinnamon sticks, caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, and Kahlua for the adults), plus dips and dessert. Oh–and Santa, of course, for the kiddos.

Lynzi quickly got into stride at TrailMark and is setting the bar in the area of lifestyles management activity. Besides providing orientation tours to prospective buyers and realtors, as Lifestyles Director, she plans and produces all of the community’s resident events and activities.

FROM EGG HUNTS TO A DISTILLERY VISIT

Lynzi loves the newness of TrailMark, its beautiful location, and everything about it that invites residents to live actively outside.

Already this spring, among other events, she has put on an international potluck (with 70 people attending and 25 dishes from around the world), a Dr. Seuss birthday party (for which the TrailMark “Camphouse” turned into Who-ville), and an adult-only wine tasting with two table-sized cheese-boards, hosted by local family-run San Sebastian Winery.

A North Florida native, Lynzi came to TrailMark in November 2016. She hit the ground running, when, within weeks of her arrival, she put on her first resident event: Cookies and Cocoa with Santa.

This event drew 70-80 people who came to enjoy a hot chocolate

Lynzi’s most recent event was the April Easter Egg Hunt. She planned two separate hunts with a thousand total eggs–one for the 20 kids under age four who showed up, and one for the 20-25 kids that came who were age five and older.

EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

LIFESTYLE SPOTLIGHT

The hunt for the tiny ones took place on a grassy field, where colored plastic eggs filled with candy and toys were placed within easy sight and gathering distance.

The hunt for the older kids took place in a park area where the search could be a little more challenging. For a bit of spice, four gold eggs each containing one gold Sacagawea dollar coin were among the lot of regular eggs (the younger kids had two gold eggs to find).

That event took place between 2pm and 4pm, with the hunts starting at 2:30pm and lasting around 15 minutes.

Egg hunting wasn’t the only feature of the afternoon. A six-foot Easter bunny also made an appearance, eliciting a mixture of curiosity and excitement. For the watchers, Lynzi had a food table set up with fruit, veggies, a cheese ball, a bunny cupcake pull-apart cake and an Easter basket pull-apart cake.

What’s ahead? Lynzi has plans. . . .

• An adult-only event coming up is the visit to TrailMark of St. Augustine Distillery. Guests will be able to sample a gin and tonic, a Florida mule, and an Old Fashioned.

• In keeping with TrailMark’s “Bringing Neighbors to Nature” vision, Lynzi plans to bring in an exhibit/presentation hosted by a team from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (one of Florida’s oldest continuously running attractions).

• A parrot party with Jimmy Buffet-style band • A fundraiser for the Florida School of the Deaf and the Blind DR. SEUSS BIRTHDAY PARTY

SAN SEBASTIAN WINE TASTING

GREAT PL ACES FOR GREAT PL ANS

Another broader plan in the works is a partnership with the local YMCA for regular and on-going classes and lessons. TrailMark’s residents include young children who don’t know how to swim.

Lynzi is planning for YMCA staff to give swim lessons for young children and also a refresher swimming course, as well as perhaps group fitness classes and a kids’ summer camp.

As TrailMark grows and expands (it will be built out at 1,800 homes), more opportunities and venues will become available. Already, the opening of the brand-new TrailMark Camphouse, Welcome Center and Fitness Center last October creates more options for event-hosting and wider scope for amenity management. The buildings, with their wood floors, high ceilings, and big windows invite the outdoors in and provide great friendly spaces for all kinds of activities.

With its parks and trails, its inviting amenities complex, and its Lifestyles Director who offers a full roster of delightful events, TrailMark will certainly lock in its reputation as the desired place to call home in the St. Augustine area.

LYNZI CHAMBERS

Lifestyle Director at TrailMark 877-221-6919 LChambers@Evergreen-LM.com SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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COMMUNITY CASE STUDY

AMELIA WALK: BACK IN BLOOM

“L

ike a thirsty plant that gets watered and comes back into bloom.” That’s Jennifer Erickson’s description of Amelia Walk in Fernandina Beach in northeast Florida near Amelia Island. After the original developer filed for bankruptcy during the downturn, Amelia Walk went through several tough years of stalled-out sales. Builders were disinterested; no one wanted to buy lots because of the fiscal condition of the community and its compromised visual state.

on the presentation of Amelia Walk both for current residents and potential buyers.

Residents of the 79 existing homes suffered from a revolvingdoor of the onsite facility and common area management position and the lack of funds to keep the place looking good. Evergreen Lifestyles Management (ELM) nevertheless saw the potential in this community and took on the facility management role in 2014.

ELM’s North Florida Regional Manager, Wesley Hunt, J.D., LCAM, & CMCA, began the hard work of reclamation.

In Year Two (2016), Evergreen took over Amelia Walk’s HOA management side as well and continued to execute the next phase of improvements: pressure-washing of the Amenity Center and sidewalks and replacement and repairs of the pond fountains.

THE ROAD BACK

Wesley started by cleaning house and hired many new vendors, including a new landscaping company. Revitalizing the landscaping was an immediate priority, and a critical one, because of its impact 20

EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

In that first year, Wesley had trees cut back, various irrigation repairs and replacement items completed, and control of the landscape beds regained. During that time, Wesley also had the access control system on the Amenity Center repaired, which resolved a longstanding access-card issue for residents trying to use the facilities.

ENTER THE BUILDER AND NEW STAFF

Also in that year, builder/developer AV Homes came in and bought all the remaining lots in Phase 1 of the community (approximately 69 lots). They have since purchased all of Phase 2 lots as well.

Evergreen’s leadership, and its track record of outstanding community management, gave AV Homes the confidence to invest in the future of Amelia Walk.

COMMUNITY CASE STUDY

The end of 2015 saw Lifestyles Director Jennifer Erickson come on board. Bringing a vault of experience in community management, Jennifer integrated seamlessly into the management of Amelia Walk, taking on responsibilities that freed Wesley to extend his focus to other Evergreen properties in north Florida.

Jennifer was excited to become part of the effort in bringing Amelia Walk back to life. She had seen it when it first opened, through the years of its decline and struggle, and in its recent infusion of quality leadership, resources, and builder investment. She jumped in and put on all hats: Lifestyles Director, On-site Facility Manager, and HOA Compliance Officer.

Wesley’s first improvement thrust, the landscaping, was continued

by Jennifer. Under her direction, the front entrance was redone, the tennis courts updated, and the lakefront area made residentfriendly. This year Jen hopes to give the Amenity Center a refresh by having it repainted and completing some necessary repairs.

fell out of the sky, she could put it to use immediately. Absent that, she takes the long view and does what she can, leveraging the budget to make the most improvements possible as fast as possible.

THE DRAW OF AMELIA WALK

Jennifer believes that Amelia Walk is a great place to live. She points out—to anyone considering home-buying on Amelia Island—that great quality homes are available in Amelia Walk for $150,000 less than homes on other parts of the island. Plus, they are just a twelve minutes’ drive from the ocean with excellent restaurants and shopping close by.

AV HOMES’ JULINGTON MODEL

“Curb appeal has improved 200% in the last two years,” she says.

INCREASED SALES, EXPANDED ACTIVITIES

New life is visibly flowing into the community. There are now 118 homes fully completed. Thirty homes are under construction and AV Homes is closing on four to five new homes per month.

What of the demographics?

“We’re changing the vibe of Amelia Walk to include everyone,” says Jennifer.

Phase One of the community comprises good-sized lots and higher-priced homes. Many of these have been purchased by retirees. Sixty percent of the residents in Amelia Walk are seniors, including younger seniors in the 50-60-year-old range, and owners of secondary homes. Phase Two is composed of smaller lots and homes priced under $350,000. These draw younger families with children under age 18.

The age-range of Amelia Walk residents necessitates a dynamic and varied Lifestyles Program. If anything, this makes the job of Lifestyles Director more interesting for Jennifer. Whereas before her arrival, there were two yearly events and attendance topped out at about 15 people; now 80-100 people show up, and this year’s event calendar already includes a Jimmy Buffet cover band and buffet dinner, a Hula Luau, Sangria nights for adults, kids’ parties, and Bingo for seniors.

Jennifer looks around Amelia Walk and is excited by the progress that has been made. It’s true, there’s a lot more to do, and if $250,000

There is also the benefit of buying in a community that offers activities and events.

“We have a great niche we’re offering,” she says. “We have a great Lifestyles Program. Other communities nearby have no activities, but at Amelia Walk, homeowners can have everything in one location.”

Amelia Walk may have struggled for a few years, but under the competent management of Evergreen and the investment of AV Homes, it has come back to life. The transformation is progressive as funds become available to tackle new improvements. In a few years, it will be built out at 759 homes and will stand as another example of Evergreen’s ability to turn a community around and bring it into full bloom.

JENNIFER ERICKSON

Lifestyle Director & Facility Manager 877-221-6919 JErickson@Evergreen-LM.com SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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NEWSWORTHY

DEFIBRILL ATOR-CARRYING DRONE

E

vergreen Lifestyles Management is looking forward to bringing this new initiative of carrying defibrillators to residents via drone to many of our communities across the State of Florida. Thank you to Archer First Response Systems for including us in the demo performed on May 4, 2017. Check out the full story by First Coast ABC News, which includes a video interview with ELM President & CEO, Kraig Carmickle. View it here. You can also view the video demo, courtesy of Archer First Response Systems, here. Below, they describe how the system works within a community.

The Archer First Response System utilizes the athleticism and programmability of multirotor unmanned air systems to efficiently transport consumer first response equipment anywhere in your community. The system is capable of transporting a lifesaving AED, CPR Mask and other first response equipment over 8 square miles in three minutes or less while at the same time notifying local EMS of the system’s activation.

We install and maintain the system in its entirety. We are able to proactively maintain the unit as it provides live and constant feedback to our technicians 24/7. We ensure that every component of the installed unit (power source, motors, props, flight controller, etc.) is properly functioning and prepared for flight during our routine

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EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

weekly maintenance checks as well. We also ensure the proper maintenance of the Defibrillator inside the unit. We take the entire burden of cardiac arrest prevention off of your community’s staff.

SYSTEM DETAILS

1. Unit housed in a ground control hub. The hub is countersunk into ground at a central location in the community.

2. When a system is installed 1000s of unobstructed drop points are physically approved on site throughout the community in its entirety. Individual flight paths are then created and programmed into the system to each individual drop point.

Upon activation, the closest drop point to the site of activation is called and the corresponding flight path is chosen and run.

3. System is activated via smart device and through the Archer First Response App and a 911 call is placed from activation device.

4. An active system autonomously launches and flies to the drop point nearest the site of activation. The unit then reduces its altitude, releases the first response payload and then climbs back to altitude. The unit remains in a hover over the victim making it easier for first responders to find the victim. The unit will maintain this hover until its power source is exhausted to a certain degree and then will fly back to its ground hub. An Archer First Response Technician will then come on site to reset the system.

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

MEET OUR CUSTOMER CARE TEAM With Evergreen’s continued growth, we realize the importance of having a strong Customer Care Team in place. Our goal is to provide a positive service experience for all of our callers regardless of the situation. In order to achieve this goal, it is important for us to make sure that we have the right individuals in place. Meet our team!

JENNIFER HURDLE Customer Care Manager

With more than 16 years in the customer service field as an agent, lead and supervisor Jennifer has frontline experience on what it takes to provide world class customer service and she is passionate about delivering it. Jennifer says, “You never know what impact your words will have on a person, so always strive to make it a positive impact.” Her favorite quote is “Your greatest wisdom comes from embracing your mistakes.”

LILIAN CANAS Customer Care Team Lead

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Lily brings to the team a great, positive attitude and offers great leadership. Lilian says, “I am very proud and thankful to be working with this company.

I am blessed for the people that I get to work with every day.” Her favorite quote is “Count your blessings, not your problems.”

WILUETTE HEARD-WARE Customer Care Specialist

Wiluette has 15+ years of experience as an Executive Administrative Assistant. She is very attentive to details and an excellent researcher. Wiluette says, “I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling around the United States competing in bowling competitions.” Her favorite quote is “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

DAISY RODRIGUEZ Customer Care Specialist

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Connecticut, Daisy has a wonderful personality and is very focused on quality. Daisy says, “I am proud to be a part of the company with the best Customer Care Team.” Her favorite quote is “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

SHIRLEY MARTINEZ Customer Care Specialist

Originally from New York, Shirley moved to Jacksonville for a change. She brings over 6 years of customer service and property management experience. Shirley says, “I like the interaction with others and trying to solve problems.” Her favorite quote is “When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life.”

SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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NORTH FLORIDA SPOTLIGHT

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

H

ow do you become a heavy hitter in an industry? A company with a reputation for comprehensive capabilities delivered well? One that clients seek out and peers respect?

This is the challenge that faces Evergreen Lifestyles Management (ELM) in northeast Florida.

Somewhat the new kid on the block in this corner of the state, ELM is committed to demonstrating management excellence and to becoming a solid contender in the line-up of property management companies serving the area.

STARTING SMALL

Wesley Hunt leads the charge as ELM’s Regional Manager for North Florida.

It was only in 2015 that ELM acquired its first northeast Florida property–Amelia Walk in Fernandina Beach, a stone’s throw from the Georgia border. This was a distressed community that had suffered bankruptcy, dormancy, and a revolving door of management-company leadership.

“We have taken on a number of smaller communities in order to get our name out in the area,” he says. “Developers and builder clients are a connected group, and many of the decision makers in these groups know each other and work closely with one another in one fashion or another. Our goal is to break through to this group, even on a smaller level, and make our name known amongst those individuals so that we may one day have an opportunity to introduce ourselves and show them what we bring to the table in the community management field.”

In the year and a half that followed the acquisition of Amelia Walk, ELM also added to its portfolio five more northeast Florida

The largest of ELM’s northeast Florida properties is TrailMark Homeowners Association coupled with Six Mile Creek CDD, a

2015 BEGINNINGS

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communities: Red Hawk HOA, Old Still HOA, Stone Creek Landing HOA, TrailMark HOA with Six Mile Creek CDD, and The Grove at Bannon Lakes HOA.

EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2017

NORTH FLORIDA SPOTLIGHT

whole-community acquisition where there will be a total of 1,800 homes at build-out.

Red Hawk HOA is a sub-association of the Tamaya Master-planned community in Jacksonville and will have 144 homes at build-out.

This is the first Lennar Homes community in North Florida that ELM is managing and Wesley believes it represents a very positive step for ELM in the area. He hopes to be able to foster a long-lasting relationship with Lennar Homes by showing them what ELM is capable of providing their communities.

“We are excited about this opportunity with Lennar,” he says, “and we hope that it will yield larger and more complex community management opportunities with them in the future.”

REL ATIONSHIP BUILDING

Trace Fellows, ELM’s Business Development Officer for northeast Florida, is reaching out to developers, builders, and homeownerrun boards alike. He is actively setting up meetings to get in front of these decision-makers to show them Evergreen’s platform and the ground-breaking community management software it brings to the table.

In these meetings, Evergreen demonstrates its ability to take on and handle properties that run the gamut: small communities that need help, small communities that just need maintenance, or large ones that require on-site staff, a full maintenance program, and CDD facility and HOA management.

Some developers in the region are not familiar with Evergreen’s portfolio in other parts of the state, which includes the management of Solivita in Kissimmee (central Florida)—a 4,300-home over55 community that contains a large village center, golf course, a huge resort-style amenities complex called The Palms, and smaller clubhouse/pool centers scattered throughout individual neighborhoods.

So, despite its demonstrated capacity elsewhere, ELM is building relationships and paying its dues, so to speak, as it works to create a name for itself in this new region.

GROUND-BREAKING MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

ELM’s new management software will give it leverage in the industry. The ground-breaking technology that sets ELM apart from other property management companies is an upgraded software with a public front end website and a highly-interactive back end portal. The portal is accessible to community residents, prospective buyers, developers, builders, sales staff, and board members.

The user interface allows for a full range of capabilities, including work order submissions and updates, assessments, violation-letter tracking, event RSVPs, and community-specific news updates.

It allows each community in effect to have its own professional, functional, interactive website tailored specifically for each community and even each resident.

ELM’s expansion into northwest Florida requires patience, a long view, the willingness to start small, and a commitment to investing in relationships. Wesley Hunt acknowledges that being the new kid comes with some uncertainties and frustrations. However, it also brings the excitement of possibilities, growth potential, and being in on the ground floor of establishing ELM as the leader in property management in the region.

WESLEY F. HUNT, J.D., LCAM, CMCA

Regional Manager of North Florida 877-221-6919 WHunt@Evergreen-LM.com

SUMMER 2017 | EVERGREEN CONNECTIONS

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Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y. YOUR HOME. YOUR EVERGREEN.

10401 Deerwood Park Blvd.

Suite #2130

Jacksonville, FL 32256 Phone: (877) 221-6919

Email: info@Evergreen-LM.com