W W W.MY V ICTO RIAPARK .CO M
W I N T ER 2017
V IC TOR IA PA R K C OM M U N I T Y C OU N C I L
Pool Hours Winter
7:30am - 5:15pm
NOV 1 - FEB 28
Spring / Summer
6:15am - 8:30pm
MAR 1 - AUG 31
Pool temperature is maintained at 80 degrees from March 1 - January 1.
Fitness Room Hours
5:30am - 10:30pm
Customer Service Evergreen Customer Service 877-221-6919
Communication Methods Victoria Park Community Management 1431 Orange Camp Rd., Suite 116 DeLand, FL 32724
386-738-2112
Community Manager Tracy Carter tcarter@evergreen-lm.com
Covenants Coordinator Christy Pollock cpollock@evergreen-lm.com
Asst. Community Manager Jeff Lucas jlucas@evergreen-lm.com
Administrative Coordinator Maureen Philips mphilips@evergeen-lm.com
Operations Manager Dave Benson dbenson@evergreen-lm.com
Architectural Coordinator Celi Rosario arosario@evergeen-lm.com
Victoria Trails Amenity Center 525 East Victoria Trails Blvd. DeLand, FL 32724 Lifestyle Coordinator Justine Tucker jtucker@evergreen-lm.com
386-279-7700 Lifestyle Coordinator Brad Verman bverman@evergreen-lm.com
EMAIL - We send out email notifications periodically in addition to weekly electronic newsletters every Thursday. 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! SOCIAL MEDIA - Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ VictoriaParkComm for all the latest info! TV STATION - Tune in to Channel 732 (Victoria Park) or Channel 733 (Victoria Gardens) for important notices and all the latest details on events happening around Victoria Park. STATEMENTS - Quarterly statements are mailed to all homeowners. If you’re not receiving these, please contact Evergreen Customer Care at 877-221-6919. Please contact us if you need any assistance with receiving Victoria Park Communications.
1001 Gardens Club Drive DeLand, FL 32724
386-785-2700
Security Main Gate 386-736-6499 Director of Lifestyles & Clubhouse Operations Eva Nicol enicol@evergreen-lm.com
Food & Beverage Manager Jodi Rubin jrubin@evergreen-lm.com
Lifestyle Coordinator Evelyn Rosa erosa@evergreen-lm.com
Administrative Assistant Katie Slockett kslockett@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 / Mulligan’s Tavern & Grille 300 Spalding Way DeLand, FL 32724 General Manager Matt Payne mpayne@victoriahillsgolf.com
386-738-6000 Food & Beverage Manager Chad Garcia cgarcia@hamptongolfclubs.com
“Creating Better Communities” www.kolter.com
C O M M U N I T Y U P D AT E
RESIDENTS
Residents Getting Involved A Lesson in How Each of Us Can Make a Positive Impact on Our Community! BY DENNIS MAT TER AND THE “L AMPLIGHTER” TEAM
I
n 2007 a small team of Victoria Park residents, that included Dennis Matter, John Gilmore, Fred McIntyre, and John Turk, looked at the Victoria Park Community Council (VPCC) budget and wondered why, at build-out, our community fee to FPU for gas streetlights was going to be $985,000 per year. This team wondered how we could bring this number down while preserving the look and feel that the gas streetlights were contributing to the overall appeal of the community. Based upon detailed financial analysis and comparison, the team recommended that the existing 870 gas street lamps (in 2010) be converted to electric LED street lamps. The team in conjunction with Property Management secured a resident supported loan of $1.1 million, which financed the project. The entire conversion project was completed in one year and did not go over budget. At the end of 2016, the loans associated with the gas street lamp conversion costs were eliminated saving every VP homeowner another $180 per year. One impact of the gas street lamp conversion is that installation and maintenance of new street lamps has moved from FPU (Gas Company) to Victoria Park Property Management. As new homes are added during construction, a projection is made on the number of new street lamps that need to be installed and this item is budgeted. Of course when Victoria Park is completely built out, this item will also be dropped from the budget. On the plus side LED electric streetlights have proven to have exceptionally low operation costs. They operate at very cool temperatures, which enables the existing glass globes to be replaced by acrylic as needed. They have a 15+ year operational life and the
illumination is very consistent between streetlights. The one negative is that they can be sensitive to lightning damage. The VP street lamps have been installed with multiple levels of lightning protection to diminish any effects of lightning surges and protect the street lamps. The LED Street lamps cost approximately $2.36 each per year for electricity or $0.20 each/month. So the operational cost comparison would be $507,000 for gas street lamps in 2016 vs $2,680 per year for the existing LED street lamps in 2016. Gas Street lamps would have been approximately 190 times more costly than the existing LED Street lamps. More than the cost savings, the gas street lamp conversion project illustrates what a small team of dedicated residents can do to effect positive change by working with the developer and providing a winwin solution that improves the overall Victoria Park community while reducing costs. I would like to acknowledge the dedication of the original team known as the “Lamplighters Team”. This team also had the support of Jim Harvey, President, Kolter Land Partners and City of DeLand in negotiating a realistic buyout of the existing gas lamp poles from FPU. There are other areas of Victoria Park that deserve in depth studies with a goal of both improvement and streamlining cost savings. Reclaimed water consumption expense and conservation is a promising area of improvement. Beautification of pond area while reducing chemical dependence on pond treatments is another. There are others and it’s important that residents bring their expertise and knowledge on these other opportunities for improvement.
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M A NAG E M E N T
COMPLIANCE
Covenants Corner BY CHRISTY POLLOCK
S
ome of the daily issues I encounter here in Victoria Park have to do with parking. Vehicles should be parked in the garage or driveway when possible during the day and overnight parking on the streets is prohibited. As more and more cars park in the street, navigation becomes more difficult, especially for oversized vehicles such as emergency or maintenance vehicles. Parking that blocks the sidewalk forces pedestrian traffic into the street, which creates a potential safety hazard and is therefore prohibited. Boats, trailers and commercial vehicles are not allowed anywhere in the community other than your enclosed garage. The speed limit throughout Victoria Park is 25 MPH and should be obeyed at all times. Street parking in tight areas, such as cul-de-sacs, is even more dangerous. Cars parked in the street can impede the view of oncoming traffic or pedestrians while trying to pull in or out of the driveway. As homeowners I am sure you want to live in a safe and friendly environment. By following these rules you show that you care about your community and your neighbors’ safety. I, along with the overnight roving patrol, will be looking for more compliance regarding parking matters in the forthcoming weeks. It is never my intention to cite or fine anyone, only to help maintain the community standards set forth in the Victoria Park Community Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions.
A few other reminders regarding our community streets: • Bicycles are considered vehicles; they belong on the road and need to obey the same rules as automobiles: stop at signs, ride single file, and stay on the right side of the road. • Please remember to call, email or stop by our office to let us know if you will have an RV at your home for loading/unloading purposes. • Alleyways in Victoria Commons are one-way; please obey directional signs and do not use the alleyways to cut through the community. The alleys are very narrow and often times, there are young children present so please be cautious when driving.
CHRISTY POLLOCK is the Covenants Coordinator for Victoria Park. You can reach her at 386-738-2112, ext. 3 or by email at cpollock@evergreen-lm.com.
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Beautification Award Winner Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence and Rhonda Gilliard 606 S. Lake Victoria Dr. Victoria Commons I’d like to introduce you all to this quarter’s Beautification Award winners: Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence and Rhonda Gilliard of 606 S. Lake Victoria Dr. in Victoria Commons. Their home was chosen based upon a visual inspection that included landscaping and decorations. Dr. & Mrs. Gilliard have lived in Victoria Park since 2011 and chose this area to be in a friendlier, more welcoming neighborhood. They love that “you don’t have to know anyone to be considered a friend.” They have hired their neighbor to maintain their landscaping and offer him much praise. They love their patio area, which includes features made to resemble a North Carolina cabin. Some of their favorite memories since they have lived here have been hosting their annual Neighborhood Halloween Costume Party. They typically have between 50-60 guest that include adults and children.
Victo
ria Park Presents
CHASE THE LEPRECHAUN 5K RUN
MAR H 117, 7, 20 MARC CH 2017 17 1431 Orange Camp Rd Deland, FL 32724
5:00 pm – Registration 6:30 pm – Race Start 7:10 pm – Free Kids Race 7:15 pm – Awards Ceremony
$20
TH R U JA N 3 1
$25
FEB 1 - M AR 6
$30 M AR 7 - 17
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER PLEASE GO ONLINE TO
WWW.RUN4ACAUSE.ORG/VICTORIA-PARK-5K
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EVENTS
VICTORIA PARK
JANUARY FRI - JA N 2 0
Stetson University School of Music Concert W E D - JA N 2 5
Kinder Kicks T H U R - JA N 2 6
Ladies Night – Painting with a Twist FRI - JA N 2 7
Victoria Park Gives Back The holiday season is a time for giving back. As a community, we were happy to work with local charitable organizations to do our part to help out those in need. During our Stuff the Turkey Food Drive we were able to donate over 500 food items to the West Volusia Salvation Army in DeLand. In addition, our annual luminary lighting event provided the opportunity for Girl Scouts Troop #241 to raise money. They help by packaging and delivering the luminary kits to all residents who participated. All Victoria Park resident donation proceeds went to benefit the Childhood Cancer Foundation as well as helping to fund the Girl Scouts’ trip to Savannah, Georgia. Thank you again to all residents who donated their time and efforts to make it a better holiday season for those in our community.
Poker Night M ON - JA N 3 0
Website Seminar
FEB RUARY FRI - FE B RUA RY 1 7
Blue Heron Tour T H U R - F EB 2 3
Ladies Night S AT - FE B 2 5
Orlando Magic vs Atlanta Hawks
MARC H THUR - MAR 2
Winter Park SunRail Day Trip S AT - M A R 1 1
Hook Kids on Fishing featuring Finding Dory FRI - M A RC H 1 7
14th Annual Victoria Park St. Patrick’s Day Chase the Leprechaun 5K W E D - M A RC H 2 2
Comedy Night at Mulligan’s W E D - M A RC H 2 9
Relay for Life Fashion Show THUR - MAR 30
Ladies Night
Dates and events subject to change. Please call 386-279-7700 to RSVP or for more information. You can also visit www.myvictoriapark.com for further details.
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PICTURED TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: Brad Verman, Victoria Park Lifestyles Coordinator; Eva Nicol, Victoria Gardens Director of Lifestyles & Clubhouse Operations; Remy Pugh, Resident Services Attendant; Tracy Carter, Victoria Park Community Manager; and Matt Payne, General Manager of Victoria Hills Golf Club.
VICTORIA PARK
EVENTS
2016 Rewind It was such a delight this past year to provide the residents of Victoria Park with very memorable Lifestyle events. Rewind back to 2016 with us and enjoy photos from our fall events featuring the Fall Fest, Resident Hoedown, Polar Express and Prancer’s Pancakes!
Polar Express
Fall Fest
PHOTOS BY LAUREN WELDON
PHOTOS BY LISA YETTER
Prancer’s Pancakes
Resident Hoedown
PHOTOS BY LISA YETTER
PHOTOS BY LAUREN WELDON
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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
Save the Date! JA NUA RY 21 Blend A Cappella Show 26 Ladies Wine & Craft Night 30 Chili Cook Off F E BRUARY 5 The Big Game Party 10 Valentines Day Dinner & Dance 24 Liverpool Live Tribute To the Beatles Show MA RCH 9 Victory Casino Cruise 17 St. Patrick’s Day Party 25 Nathan Coe Marsh Entertainment Show A PR IL 8 Big Band Show 19 Billy Bridger Entertainment Show 27 Happy Hour with Entertainment
Calendar is subject to change. Please contact Resident Services for further details at 386-785-2700.
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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
EVENTS
Holidays At Victoria Gardens Cresswind at Victoria Gardens kicked off the holiday season with our annual “Deck the Halls” decorating party. Thank you to all of our residents who helped decorate the Clubhouse. The VeeGees hosted a two-night performance of “Forever Christmas,” a fun-filled performance directed, produced and performed by Victoria Gardens residents. Some other fun holiday highlights included the Tea & Symphony featuring
Volusia County Community Symphony, Holiday Sing Along with Vicky Goldberg, Randy Riggle’s Nostalgic Christmas Show, Hanukkah Dinner, and a Holiday Dinner Buffet. The New Year’s Eve Phantom of the Opera inspired Masquerade Ball wrapped up the 2016 holiday season. This signature event included a four-course dinner, live entertainment, and a champagne toast to the New Year!
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M A NAG E M E N T
LIFESTYLES
New Victoria Park Website BY JUSTINE TUCKER & BRAD VERMAN
We are excited to announce that the www.myvictoriapark.com website is getting a new look featuring an online activities calendar. Residents can now RSVP for all free and paid Lifestyle activities. Your Victoria Park Lifestyle Team will host two Website Seminars to help residents get acclimated to all the new features on the website. Please join us on Monday, January 16th at 7pm or Monday, January 30th at 7pm at the Victoria Trails Amenity Center. RSVP is NOT required to attend.
JUSTINE TUCKER and BRAD VERMAN are the Lifestyle Coordinators for Victoria Park. They can be reached by phone at 386-279-7700 or by email at jtucker@evergreen-lm.com and bverman@ evergreen-lm.com.
VHWGA Gives Back for the Holidays
Updates From The Grille
Victoria Hills Women’s Golf Association (VHWGA) gathered for their annual Christmas party at the home of Bob and Ann Wolfe in The Timbers. Members of VHWGA donated toys for the Toys for Tots program and donated children’s books that went to the Lake Helen Public Library. VHWGA promotes competitive golf in an atmosphere of friendship, good will and sportsmanship for women 18 years of age and older, with a handicap of 40 or less. If you would like to join us for 18 holes of golf on Tuesdays, please contact Martha Shaw-Sylvester at 386-235-3134.
BY CHAD GARCIA
As we begin a new year at Mulligan’s Tavern and Grille we look forward to continuing to be your neighborhood gathering place for great happy hour specials and delicious food. Over the course of the next year we are excited to continue hosting special events such as wine dinners, theme nights, as well as our regular and very popular Pastabilities and Sunday Brunch. We warmly invite all to come in and enjoy our signature chicken wings, a house made Reuben sandwich, or any one of our many outstanding menu items along with a cold beer or mixed drink while relaxing with neighbors and friends. From all of the staff at Mulligan’s…we look forward to seeing you soon!
CHAD GARCIA is the Food & Beverage Manager of Mulligan’s Tavern & Grille. He can be reached at (386) 626-1570 or by email at cgarcia@hamptongolfclubs.com.
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PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Dianne Heidel (VH), Barbara Crockett (VH), Carol Witherspoon (VH), Annette Bianco, Beth Britton, Marina Laserna (VH), Ann Marie Diver, Jackie DiChiara (VH), Judy Treml (VH), Linda King (VH), Elaine Pryor (VH), Sharon Randau (VH), Ann Wolfe, Margie Miles (VG), Carol Taylor, Marguerite Stanton (VG), Priscilla Rogers (VG), and Penny Huster (VH).
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Home insurance from someone you can trust. Call me today.
Gary Sturgeon 386-668-2203
Š 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.
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T H E P I C K E T F E N C E | W INT ER 2017
201027
2955 Enterprise Rd., Ste. 110 garysturgeon@allstate.com
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1431 Orange Camp Road Suite 116 DeLand, FL 32724 386-738-2112 www.myvictoriapark.com
Cheers to 2017 Wishing you the best in the new year.