W W W.MY V ICTO RIAPARK .CO M
S U M M ER 2020
V IC TOR IA PA R K C OM M U N I T Y C OU N C I L
Communication Methods EMAIL - We send out email notifications periodically in addition to weekly electronic newsletters every Friday. NEWSLETTERS - The weekly electronic and printed quarterly newsletters can be viewed on the website, www.myvictoriapark. com, any time! WEBSITE - Check out www.myvictoriapark.com for tons of great information, including the weekly newsletter, calendar, club and group contacts, and so much more!
Customer Service Evergreen Customer Service 877-221-6919
Victoria Park Community Management Victoria Trails Amenity Center 525 East Victoria Trails Blvd. DeLand, FL 32724
386-738-2112
Community Manager Michelle Saunders MSaunders@Evergreen-LM.com
Lifestyle Director Justine Tucker JTucker@Evergreen-LM.com
Administrative Coordinator Maureen Philips MPhilips@Evergreen-LM.com
Lifestyle Assistant Claudia Garcia CGarcia@Evergreen-LM.com
Administrative Assistant/ Architectural Coordinator Celi Rosario ARosario@Evergreen-LM.com
Director of Operations & Maintenance Dave Benson DBenson@Evergreen-LM.com
Receptionist Sabrina Williams SNWilliams@Evergreen-LM.com
Maintenance Manager Steve Ingram SIngram@Evergreen-LM.com
Community Standards Kelly Anbach KAnbach@Evergreen-LM.com
SOCIAL MEDIA - Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ VictoriaParkComm for all the latest info! STATEMENTS - We will no longer mail out quarterly statements; you should have received a coupon book. If you haven’t received one, please call Evergreen Customer Care at 877-221-6919. Please email JTucker@Evergreen-LM.com if you need any assistance with receiving Communications.
Pool Hours Spring/Summer
6:15am - 8:30pm
MAR 1 - AUG 31
Fall
6:45am - 7pm
SEP 1 - OCT 31
The pool heaters are set at 80 degrees from March 1-December 31.
Fitness Room The Commons & Trails: 5:30am - 10:30pm Victoria Gardens: 4:45am - 9pm
Guests must be accompanied by residents at all times (2 per resident). All residents must have their photo ID card with them. 1001 Gardens Club Drive DeLand, FL 32724
386-785-2700
For a full list of the Rules, please see the signs posted in the Fitness Rooms.
Security Main Gate 386-736-6499 Clubhouse Manager CJ Hamlin CHamlin@Evergreen-LM.com
Assistant Clubhouse Manager Julie Maurer JMaurer@Evergreen-LM.com
Lifestyle Director Evelyn Rosa ERosa@Evergreen-LM.com
Administrative Assistant Remy Pugh RPugh@Evergreen-LM.com
Advertising Opportunities For information or details regarding size, cost, and deadlines, please visit www.vppicketfence.com or call 813-501-7220. Email us directly at Info@VPPicketFence.com.
Advertising Policy Victoria Park Community Council, Inc. does not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers. Advertisements in The Picket Fence do not constitute an endorsement or approval of goods and services by Victoria Park Community Council, Inc.
Victoria Hills Golf Club / Sparrow’s Grille 300 Spalding Way DeLand, FL 32724
386-738-6000
“Creating Better Communities” www.kolter.com
COMMUNITY MANAGER
M A NAG E M E N T
Community Updates BY MICHELLE SAUNDERS, LCAM
Victoria Oaks Amenity Center Opening We are very excited to announce the opening of our newest amenity center, located in the Victoria Oaks section of Victoria Park. The amenity is located at 143 Victoria Oaks Blvd. and is available to be enjoyed by all residents within Victoria Park. Your Resident ID is required for entry. The Oaks Amenity boasts a resort style pool with cabanas, covered picnic areas, a playground complete with swings and a tire swing, as well as a sand volleyball court. The interior is beautifully designed and will be available for rentals in the future. The fitness center has multiple cardio options as well as multi-option weight stations, free weights, medicine balls and exercise balls.
• We recommend using gloves, masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. when using the amenities. • We recommend using a towel/covering when using pool furniture. • Social distancing must be adhered to - no gatherings of large groups. Try to keep apart from others. • Resident IDs will be required and may be requested by management and security staff. Please be ready to show ID when using the amenities. Residents needing to obtain an ID can email or call the community management office for instructions. • In-person Lifestyle Activities Events and Amenity Rentals are still restricted until further notice. • We have increased cleaning and sanitizing at all of the amenities, but please remember they are all open for use at your own risk. We ask all residents to follow CDC guidelines and practice social distancing when using these amenities. Wash your hands often. When using the fitness centers, please wipe down equipment before and after use.
Victoria Park HOA Board Member Update We would like to welcome Sharon Gullet and Maria McCorkle to the Victoria Park Board of Directors. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Steven Blake and Shawn Kelley for volunteering their time on the Board.
Projects Update: Victoria Commons Playground COVID-19 Precautions • The Community Management Office is now open for in-person transactions. However, for the safety of residents and our staff, we will be limiting the number of people in the office. Appointments are still encouraged. We also encourage you to utilize the drop box if you are dropping off ARC Applications, New Residents Packets, etc. Contact: VPHOA@Evergreen-LM.com or 386-738-2112. • Current open amenities include the pools, fitness centers and playgrounds in Victoria Commons, Victoria Trails and Victoria Oaks; Tennis and Pickleball Courts in Victoria Commons; and Volleyball Court in Victoria Oaks (must use your own ball). • These amenities are open for resident use only, no guests at this time.
Thank you to everyone who reached out to me regarding the rendering of the new playground with your feedback and concerns. I have communicated your comments to the playground company and am awaiting a new rendering which will incorporate more “toddler friendly” aspects in the new design. We hope you are all staying safe and healthy and thank you for all of your patience and support during this time!
MICHELLE SAUNDERS is the Community Manager for Victoria Park. You can reach her at 386-738-2112 or by email at MSaunders@ Evergreen-LM.com.
SUMMER 2020 | T H E P I C K E T F E N C E
3
M A NAG E M E N T
COMPLIANCE
Covenants Corner BY K E L LY A N B A C H
I
t’s finally summer time! What an unusual past few months with the pandemic; I hope you are all healthy and doing well. Thank you to the residents that received friendly reminders and understand the importance in maintaining the beauty of your homes and investments. My role as the Community Standards Administrator is to help ensure the community adheres to the covenant standards as set forth in the governing documents. If you receive a letter, the best thing you can do is to contact us so that we can assist in any way possible or offer timeline extensions, if necessary. Our goal is to establish a professional relationship through communication, commitment and caring for our residents. Please remember that as we continue to grow there may be violations we miss. In the event there is an issue you would like to report, you may do so by filing a Confidential Incident/Violation Report, which can be obtained online, or at the office (located at 525 W. Victoria Trails Boulevard). You may also call our office at 386-738-2112.
Hurricane Preparedness Hurricane season began June 1st. Residents are encouraged to: • Download Volusia County’s Emergency Preparedness app (available in Google Play store and App Store). The app includes weather alerts and current conditions, preparedness checklists, links to county sites, shelter status, locations of the nearest open shelter and sandbags, evacuation information, push notifications and more. It also aids in the damage assessment process as residents can submit damage reports along with picture documentation. • Create a family preparedness plan. The app can help you, as it has a checklist of items you will need. For help creating a personalized family disaster plan, you can also visit www.floridadisaster.org. • For more information, visit www.volusia.org/emergency or call Volusia County Emergency Management at 386-254-1500. Residents should also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
4
T H E P I C K E T F E N C E | S UM M E R 2020
Tree Trimming Where the tree overhangs a residential street, there must be a clear space under the tree that is 14 feet above the street surface and 8 feet above the sidewalk surface. Tree trimming requirements were put in place to ensure that large vehicles such as fire trucks, school buses, ambulances and garbage trucks are able to navigate and operate safely. Untrimmed trees can cause irreversible damage to trucks. There are many online resources for information on pruning trees.
Garbage and Recycling In accordance with the City of DeLand Code of Ordinances, no garbage cans, garbage containers, recycling containers or containerized yard trash (to include cans, boxes and bags) shall be placed at the curbside for collection prior to 5pm on the night immediately preceding collection; all such cans, bags or containers shall be removed from curbside no later than 11pm on the day of collection. Victoria Gardens homeowners shall store their containers in the garage. Other Victoria Park residents may store their containers either in the garage, screened with shrubs, or behind an approved lattice panel painted the same color of the home. This requires prior approval from the ARC committee.
ARC – What Does That Mean? Architectural Review Committee. What do I need to submit an application for? Painting of the home, fences, windows, playsets, solar panels, exterior doors, roofs, storm doors, coach lights, cameras, gutters, water softeners, patios, patio extensions, driveway extensions, spot lights, walkways, pools, spas, screen enclosures, trellis, arbors, pergolas, tree removal and installation, plants, shrubbery, curbing, and rocks. This is not a complete list, but it gives you an idea of what you need to apply to the ARC for. If you have questions, contact us at 386-738-2112. To download an ARC application for Victoria Park, go to myvictoriapark.
COMPLIANCE
com > Click “Victoria Park Association Living” icon on top of page > Click “Resident Documents & Info” in gray box to the left > Click “VP Arch Review Info & Application in gray box to the left. To download an ARC application for Victoria Gardens, go to myvictoriapark.com > Click “Victoria Gardens Association Living” icon on top of page > Click “VG Architectural Review Info” in gray box to the left.
M A NAG E M E N T
Safety Tip From a safety perspective, a blocked sidewalk is problematic for all pedestrians, bicyclists and people who rely on motorized vehicles to get around. Too often they find themselves forced from the relative safety of the sidewalk into the street because sidewalk access is blocked due to a vehicle parked overtop the sidewalk. Please be mindful of your community and don’t park on the sidewalk.
ARC applications may be emailed to the appropriate HOA. For Victoria Park, email VPHOA@Evergreen-LM.com and for Victoria Gardens, email VGHOA@Evergreen-LM.com. If you would prefer to drop the application off, we have a black mailbox outside the amenity center near the double glass doors.
Irrigation Abuse Please only run your system at your approved run times. Active repairs/ maintenance may be done on Wednesdays and on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 11am-2pm. Please check your irrigation clocks to ensure you are running on your approved times. For new sod material, manual (hose) watering may be necessary. Overuse of the reclaim water will affect the community and the ponds.
KELLY ANBACH is the Community Standards Administrator for Victoria Park. You can reach her at 386-738-2112 or via email at KAnbach@Evergreen-LM.com.
SUMMER 2020 | T H E P I C K E T F E N C E
5
LIFESTYLES
VICTORIA PARK
Fun in Victoria Park! PHOTOS BY VICTORIA PARK RESIDENTS
Father’s Day Give-away, In-Home Fort, Pizza Friyay, Sidewalk Chalk, Super Hero Day, Kids Book Fair, and Victory Twirlers
6
T H E P I C K E T F E N C E | S UM M E R 2020
VICTORIA PARK
LIFESTYLES
Virtual Lifestyles Program BY JUSTINE TUCKER
W
ith so many of us learning about one another virtually lately I thought I would introduce myself to you. Justine Tucker here, your Lifestyle Director! I have worked for Victoria Park for eight years and look forward to more time spent with you. I am a momma to a very energetic two-year-old little boy named Easton and a wife to a Volusia County Sergeant. I was born and raised right here in DeLand and I graduated from UCF (Go Knights!) with my Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management. When I am not planning events you can catch me at the beach! I think it’s time for me to tell you about my girl, Claudia! You have probably seen this sweet face around for some time now, while she built her volunteer hours during high school at our events! After she graduated from University High School, I basically kidnapped her and brought her to Victoria Park. Claudia is currently finishing her Bachelors Degree at UCF in Integrated Business. She lives for coffee and pizza and we are blessed to have her. Did you know we started a Residents Only Facebook group in addition to the community page @VictoriaParkComm? You can request to join the group by searching “Victoria Park Residents Only” on Facebook or going to facebook.com/groups/354144232161017. Thank you to all the residents who have joined and participated so far. We now have over 900 residents in the group! There are daily posts, giveaways, virtual events (Pizza Fridays, At-Home Scavenger Hunt, In-Home Fort, Spirit Week, Sidewalk Chalk, Victoria Park Rocks), and so much more!
Weekly Virtual Events Coffee Talk with Justine Meet me every Monday morning for Coffee Talk. I post a question and then you have all week to submit your answer. The winner, drawn at random, is picked the following Monday. You have a chance to win a gift card to our local coffee shop, Trilogy! Dinner Time Every Wednesday evening we share what we are cooking up for dinner!
See you Wednesday for some great dinner ideas shared by your neighbors! Pizza Fridays Every Friday evening a family, drawn at random, is picked for a pizza dinner from our local pizza restaurant, Bronx Pizza. All you have to do is submit your favorite pizza to be entered into the drawing. We have over 400 submissions so far!
Community: It Makes A Difference
We will get through this together. Just hang in there a little longer with us! Enjoy the quotes below ... from one neighbor to another. » “Just know we will all get through this together.” – Rebecca Ballesteros » “We live in a beautiful neighborhood to quarantine.” – Monica Bitting » “At a time when we need it most, it is comforting to be part of such an amazing community.” – Scott Zeidwig » “As new residents during this difficult time, it was great to be so welcomed, even from across the street or sidewalk! I know we picked a great place to live.” – Janet Pirkle » “Yesterday does not matter. Tomorrow does not exist. Today is all we have. Happiness is a choice, choose to be happy.” – Jon Campbell » “This too shall pass.” – Marlene Caplis » “I don’t cook; if it weren’t for my neighbors I would have starved to death! Love this community.” – Lynn Hatchett » “We will meet again.” – Maggie Dobson » “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” – Maria Cintron » “If there is anything you need, just let us know.” – Valerie Steil
JUSTINE TUCKER is the Lifestyle Director and CLAUDIA GARCIA is the Lifestyle Assistant for Victoria Park at the Victoria Trails Amenity Center. You can reach them at 386-738-2112 or by email at JTucker@Evergreen-LM.com or CGarcia@Evergreen-LM.com.
SUMMER 2020 | T H E P I C K E T F E N C E
7
EVENTS
C R E S S W I N D AT V I C T O R I A G A R D E N S
Virtual Contest Winners
June’s National Fruits and Veggie Month Winner - Ellie Freund with Evelyn Rosa
Chick-fil-A Winner - Donna Fithian
Mother’s Day Poem Winner - Jacquie Donnelly
Netflix Contest Winner - Jill Churchill
Pet Contest Winner - Robin & Her Cat Chloe
Pet Contest Winners - The Davis’ & Teddy Bear
Pop Up Trivia Winner - Susan Potkul
Pop Up Trivia Winner - Ed Pritchett
8
T H E P I C K E T F E N C E | S UM M E R 2020
SPOTLIGHT
C R E S S W I N D AT V I C T O R I A G A R D E N S
Resident Virtual Art Gallery BY E V E LY N R O S A , V I C TO R I A G A R D E N S L I F E S T Y L E D I R EC TO R
I want to thank each and every one of you for sending us your amazing artwork. We have a lot of talented residents here at Victoria Gardens. Please enjoy the artwork displayed below. Great job everyone!
Al Bacotti
Amanda Francin
Deb Rairie
Jacquelyn Donnelly
Cindy Renner
Rod Neff
Amanda Francin
Divina Bungard
Ed Marah
Fabienne Erich
Bruce Barritt
Sharen Isham
Pam Whittet
Cindy Renner
Sue Jessup
Divina Bungard
SUMMER 2020 | T H E P I C K E T F E N C E
9
GOLF CLUB
VICTORIA HILLS GOLF CLUB
Updates from the Club B Y S C O T T W Y C K O F F, P G A / G E N E R A L M A N A G E R
E
ffective February 20, 2020, Victoria Hills was purchased by KVZ Golf, LLC. Miroslav (Mirek) Vojtisek is the operating manager and has made numerous and immediate improvements to the clubhouse and golf course in a very short time. The staff, as well as the members, are very excited with the new ownership and direction of the club as we move forward with the continual improvements of the facility. We look forward to the community engaging the club through the various activities and functions that will occur as we move forward. In addition, there have been changes in some of the personnel that you will see on property when you play golf or enjoy the excellent cuisine at Sparrow’s Grille. Frank Lockhart, Victoria Hills Superintendent, has made incredible improvements in the turf quality of the tee and fairways. The maintenance staff has worked very hard on the stressed areas of the golf course and I am pleased with the numerous positive comments from the members and general public about the overall course conditions. With the staff’s continued dedication, the golf course will continue to see steady improvements. Geona Roberts, Victoria Hills Events Coordinator, has created many unique packages for a variety of occasions and events in the few months that she has been with Victoria Hills. Geona has also improved the exposure and marketing efforts through the various social media
10
T H E P I C K E T F E N C E | S UM M E R 2020
platforms. We invite you to have your next event at Victoria Hills by contacting Geona. I guarantee that she will create a unique and memorable experience for you and your guests. Chad Williams, Front of the House/Bar Manager, is a wonderful addition to the Victoria Hills team. With exceptional experience in the hospitality industry, most recently working at Bay Hill, we are pleased to have Chad as one of our team members. Chad has a very positive attitude and has made improvements, such as working with local vendors to introduce new lines of local IPA and craft beers as well as improving the wine and liquor selections. We invite you to introduce yourself to Chad, who is one of the many conscientious staff members working hard to create a wonderful and enjoyable dining experience for you and your guests. Starting in July, Sparrow’s Grille will extend the dinner hours from 7pm to 8pm, Wednesday through Sunday. We also continue to have the “themed” dinner nights, such as Wednesday Pasta, Thursday Wings, Friday Fish Fry, and Saturday Burgers. Come experience a “New and Improved” Victoria Hills. We look forward to seeing you!
SCOTT WYCKOFF is the General Manager of the Victoria Hills Golf Club in Victoria Park. You can reach him at 386-738-6000 or by email at SWyckoff@VictoriaHillsGolf.com.
West Volusia
“We Make Real Estate Real Easy” Experience, Energy, E-Marketing Buyers & Sellers Call “The Pastore Team”
The Picket Fence Advertising Information For information and details regarding size, cost, and deadlines, please visit www.vppicketfence.com or call 813-501-7220. Email us directly at info@VPPicketFence. com. Victoria Park Community Council, Inc. does not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers. Advertisements in this publication do not constitute an endorsement or approval of goods and services by Victoria Park Community Council, Inc.
“DeLand’s New Home & Resale
Specialists”
Donna • Chuck
407-920-4667 or 407-920-3557 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate “Victoria Park Residents & Specialists” Servicing Volusia & Seminole Counties
Visit our Website: www.Pastore.CBintouch.com E-mail: DonnaChuckPastore@Gmail.com
SUMMER 2020 | T H E P I C K E T F E N C E
11
12
T H E P I C K E T F E N C E | S UM M E R 2020
SUMMER 2020 | T H E P I C K E T F E N C E
13
14
T H E P I C K E T F E N C E | S UM M E R 2020
SUMMER 2020 | T H E P I C K E T F E N C E
15
525 E. Victoria Trails Blvd. DeLand, FL 32724 386-738-2112 www.myvictoriapark.com