Harmony Life Magazine - March 2021

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MARCH 2021

T H E P U B L I C AT I O N F O R T H E R E S I D E N T S O F H A R M O N Y A PUBLICATION OF QUANTUM MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS, LLC Photo by Jennifer Dwyer



LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

MARCH 2021

A publication of Quantum Marketing Communications, LLC www.QMCWorld.com

PUBLISHER & CEO

Bill Bokunic 321.331.6398 Bill@QMCWorld.com

Welcome to the March edition of Harmony Life Magazine. Harmony Life Magazine is produced by residents for residents. Please feel free to message me directly with content and pictures: Bill@QMCWorld.com Remember to join the Facebook Harmony Residents Forum. I have received numerous messages and inquiries regarding some content supplied by people that provide monthly articles. It has been our policy not to edit content nor interfere with the individual authors. Please contact them directly with any concerns or comments you have regarding their content. We ARE working on a new format regarding the elected officials and their contributions to the publication. Please stay tuned. Please remember to support our advertisers. It is because of them that we are able to bring you this publication monthly. Harmony Life Magazine is looking for families to be featured on the cover of our publication. Please email me directly if you are interested or would like to nominate a family.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Renée Blair Blair Creative Group, Inc.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Jennifer Dwyer

CONTRIBUTORS

Steve Berube HROA President, CDD Board Member Jeanine Corcoran The Corcoran Connection Kerul Kassel, PHD

Hamony CDD Board Member

Teresa Kramer

Chair, Hamony CDD

See you in April!

Stephanie Milfeld Z&Q–A Children's Boutique

Bill Bokunic Publisher Bill@QMCWorld.com

The opinions expressed in the Harmony Life Magazine articles are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions of Quantum Marketing Communications, Harmony Life Magazine or the Publisher.

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Harmony Life Magazine

CONTACT INFO FOR RESIDENTS CDD HarmonyCDD.org, 407-566-1935 Teresa, Dan, Steve, Mike, or Kerul@HarmonyCDD.org SHERIFF, NON-EMERGENCY 407-348-2222 HROA

Association Solutions, 811 Mabette St., Kissimmee 407-847-2280, MyHOASolution.com

CONDOS HOA

Sentry Management, 407-846-6323

TOWNHOMES HOA HARMONY DEVELOPER OFFICE

Association Solutions, 811 Mabette St., Kissimmee 407-847-2280, MyHOASolution.com 407-891-8358, HarmonyFL.com

SPECTRUM CABLE / INTERNET

877-892-3279

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866-314-4148

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ADVANCED DISPOSAL – OSCEOLA 407-605-3892 3501 Pug Mill Rd. Kissimmee, FL 34741 OsceolaFL@advanceddisposal.com OSCEOLA COUNTY COUNTY COMMISSIONER RICKY BOOTH

Osceola.org “Citizen Action Center” ricky.booth@osceola.org


NOTES FROM THE CHAIR By Teresa Kramer Chair, Harmony Community Development District

SPRING HAS SPRUNG: There’s Work to Be Done!

S

pring is a time of renewal; the trees are putting on new leaves, the bushes are flowering, the Sandhill cranes are starting to nest. Harmony, too, will be undergoing some renewal. As our infrastructure is aging, it is time to rehabilitate some of our structures.

Footbridges—Harmony’s District Engineer has evaluated our two footbridges over Long Pond and advised that we replace the decking and railings on both. While the decking is off, we will be reworking the areas beneath the approaches to the footbridges to stop the erosion that we have been constantly battling. East Dog Park—Since the East Dog Park was closed by the private owner’s representative, the CDD has been moving forward to replace it. In January we were given to go-ahead by our District Engineer to start construction.

Garden Road—This dirt road leads to the Community Garden, our

Field Services office, and the RV storage area. The road is located on top of the Florida Gas Transmission (FGT) line and their easement requires that

Harmony get their permission for any road on this easement. The Garden Road has never been approved by FGT and was in danger of being closed. After meeting with FGT representatives, the CDD was able to get FGT’s approval to not only keep the road in place, but also improve it. The District Engineer will provide design documents to FGT and we will enter a formal agreement with FGT to ensure that we will continue to have vehicle access in this location.

Stormwater Pipe Repair Site near Tavern—This area will be regraded, resodded, and the broken sidewalk repaired. The major repair of a 48” diameter stormwater pipe that was over 7 feet underground has been completed and now the CDD will be restoring the site. It will be wonderful to put this very expensive repair behind us. Each of these projects will require Harmony to obtain goods and services from vendors and contractors. To ensure that we select the best product or service at the best price, the CDD has adopted a Procurement Policy and Procedure. In developing this Policy and Procedure, we looked at the procurement processes of Celebration, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Osceola County and the Osceola County School Board. Most of these agencies use one of the virtual vendor services to reach as many qualified vendors as possible and streamline the process for their staffs. One example is VendorLink which Harmony can use for free. Our procurement policy gives Field Services the ability to purchase items that meet a need of the District and cost up to $500 without any formal procedure. If a product or service will cost $500 up to $2500, the need for the item will be reviewed, two bids or quotes (can be website price pages) will be obtained, and Field Services will confer with either the District Manager or the Board Chair to select the vendor. If the cost is $2500 to $5000, the same process applies, but at least 3 quotes are required and the CDD Board will approve the selectedvendor. If the purchase is for $5000 or more, up to Florida’s requirement for sealed, competitive bidding, then a full scope of work or detailed description of the item to be purchased will be written up and sent out to all appropriate vendors listed on our Vendor list or on the virtual vendor list used by the District, if one is in use. Once the bids come in, they are presented to the CDD Board for selection of the vendor. This process will help ensure that the Board is spending the money you have entrusted to us for the maintenance and upkeep of Harmony in the most efficient and judicious way. We hope that the transparency of the process will inspire public confidence in the way Harmony’s funds are being expended. n

2 Harmony Life Magazine | March 2021


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DID YOU KNOW?

D

By Kerul Kassel PHD Hamony CDD Board Member

ID YOU KNOW that Harmony was designed to promote the peaceful coexistence of human and animal residents within the community while striking a balance between the preservation, use and enjoyment of Harmony's natural areas? Underlying these objectives are the values of fostering a respect for the land, the protection of wildlife and the sensible use and enjoyment of Harmony's abundant natural and manmade amenities by its residents. Among Harmony’s many wonderful features are the guidelines for companion animals, and more specifically, the amenities for dog owners. With miles of walking trails, two dog parks (the Small and Large Dog Parks off Primrose Willow), and many doggy-pots conveniently located around the community, Harmony is a dog-lover’s dream. Our dog parks have double safety entrances, and access on two sides of each park, the state of the art in dog park design. There’s a “doggy happy hour” at about 4:30 to about 5:30 each day when a number of residents bring their furry family members to play, so if you have a dog that’s well socialized, it can be a fun time for your dog and a tension reliever for you. Plus, you’ll get to meet and socialize with your neighbors. At the dog parks, there is some general etiquette: If you bring a large dog into the Small Dog Park off Primrose Willow, please be sure your dog can play appropriately (not bulldozing smaller dogs), otherwise use the Large Dog Park. Please be considerate of other people and dogs who were there when you arrived, as not all dogs want to interact at the same level of interaction and spirit. For example, if you have a rather active or boisterous dog, not all dogs, or people, welcome that level of activity and curiosity. Read the dogs’ body language: a stiff tail, even wagging, can often mean a dog on the edge of aggression. A tucked tail is fear. Intervene immediately if you see these signs to prevent your dog or other dogs from being intimidated or worse. Before entering a park, pause and take a look before you enter. Always ask any owners of dogs you aren’t familiar with whether their dog is friendly to other dogs. If the answer is no, it is best to wait until the dog using the park leaves. The owner should be kind enough to not make you wait too long, and feel free to ask how long they intend to be in the park. But if you’ve just gotten there, don’t feel obligated to leave immediately—take 10 or 15 minutes and then depart so others can enter. Even dogs that are not good with other dogs should be able to use the dog parks, with adequate caution. If you are in the park with your dog, when a dog is entering make sure that your dog is not near the gate. Entering the dog park can be a tense moment for many dogs, not only those entering, but those already in the park. Letting your dog hang out by the entrance when other dogs are entering can invite a dog fight. Pay attention to your dog, not your phone! It’s appealing to use dog park time to check your email or Facebook account, but you’ll probably miss your dog doing its business, and nobody likes to step in that! Take an extra bag or two with you into the park so that if you see piles that have been neglected you can practice your good citizenship (and lessen the likelihood of you or your dog stepping in them) by picking them up. Did you know that Osceola County issues stiff fines to owners of loose dogs and owners that do not pick up after their dogs? Nobody wants to step in or smell dog waste, or find a “present” on their lawns or in their flower beds. Thank goodness we have so many doggy pots to make it convenient to clean up after our dogs. n


March 2021 | Harmony Life Magazine 5


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FEBRUARY CDD ACTION HIGHLIGHTS By Steve Berube HROA President, CDD Board Member

T

he Harmony CDD assembled twice in February 2021. The first time was a virtual workshop on February 18th called at the request of the Chairwoman ostensibly to discuss any number of items which had been previously discussed in meetings as well as a few new items. This was needed because agendas have been inordinately long and we’ve been unable to complete meetings in their allotted time. The next assemblage was the regular monthly meeting on February 25th. This meeting’s two-page agenda contained most of what was discussed in the above workshop. We held a “shade” (private) meeting to discuss the year’s-old DAVEY litigation. DAVEY was our former landscaper whose tenure here ended badly. It seems that we’re heading to a conclusion but we’ll do this again next month. There were no audience comments so we moved on to Brownie’s drainpipe repair bill. This repair went bad (on their part) and they demanded $150,000 instead of the $57,000 contracted amount. In fact, they walked off the uncompleted job. Per Florida Statute, we held a hearing during which they presented their case. We then discussed the facts and came to the conclusion to pay the contracted amount plus approved additional items, but less the cost of finishing the uncompleted work. That was presented to Brownie’s and they came back demanding an additional $15,000 under threat of litigation. The Board agreed to offer them $7,500 instead. I’m guessing they’ll come back and want the other $7,500. I question why hold a hearing and go through the process, come to a determination and then reopen things? It is doubtful that anyone would sue over $15,000 especially when their case is weak. We’ll see where this goes. SERVELLO gave us their routine update; notable is that we requested a thorough trimming of pond shorelines which will occur in March. District Engineer Steve Boyd presented his report which included the good news that we can resurface the Garden Road with concrete fines to provide a durable, long-lasting surface; also, our invasive weed mitigation efforts have been inspected and that project, while ongoing, is being carried out well. We will also be redecking the Schoolhouse Road bridges over the pond and raising the concrete on/off ramps which have sagged. The new dog park on East Five Oaks will be under construction soon—great news!! Lastly, Mr. Boyd informed us that he would be resigning from his contracted position after 20 years of service. Interesting timing.

The Board approved the new multi-page Procurement Procedures Policy and we accepted District Attorney Tim Qualls’ offer to cap Legal Services (excluding litigation) at $4,000/month. This is a savings of several thousand dollars per month on average. I originally proposed this to him last year and it has taken this long to get it finalized. Finances remain strong as they have been for years. Once again, we discussed the West Entrance Pedestrian Crosswalk relocation. This was originally proposed by the County over a concern about visibility of pedestrians crossing near US192 with the idea being to relocate further in along Five Oaks Drive. This will entail thousands of dollars in curb cuts, ADA strips and other changes. While this seems like an admirable cause, I question just how many people cross Five Oaks in that area and wondered whether we are choosing the correct place to move it to. I suggested placing some inexpensive motion-sensitive game cameras at all three locations to find out where, and how many people are crossing. That suggestion was rejected. So, onward we move with this. Next up was Supervisor Leet’s request to videotape/ stream meetings. This is a seemingly innocuous “service” to residents but in fact, is a legal quagmire in trying to deal with legal requirements for records retention and ADA accommodation requirements. Counsel has previously opined that this is not a good idea and the Board previously voted no on this. And despite Supervisor Leet’s assertions about the costs, doing this will be an ongoing and ever-growing expense. Not to mention the all-tooeasy-to-make mistake(s) that could lead to ADA lawsuits. Item tabled awaiting more info. As some of you may know, I’ve been maintaining the wide variety of CDD-owned vehicles, equipment and boats for years at no cost to the CDD, except for parts which the CDD purchased. As of the last election, my services ended. Supervisor Kassel expressed surprise that it took until now for this to come to light; but, I placed this on the agenda back in November and it has been there since. However, we’ve never gotten to it— which is one of the risks of not completing meeting agendas. The question I’ve been asked is, why? Well, that’s pretty simple: I’ve been acquainted with the Chairwoman since right after her arrival in Harmony a year or so ago. My observation of her was that she tends to micromanage; once she attained the Chair, I decided that her nature would have her looking over my shoulder and questioning everything I did. So, things changed. Based on the

The opinions expressed in the Harmony Life Magazine articles are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions of Quantum Marketing Communications, Harmony Life Magazine or the Publisher.

Policy & Procurement Policy mentioned above, and many other things which have happened, I believe my observation to be correct. However, recognizing the need for prompt and efficient service on the equipment, I offered to continue, but with full autonomy in providing my free service. In essence, I was told to take a hike. So be it. My expectation is that costs and downtime will both increase, not to mention the added costs of hauling equipment for repair. Next up was Field Services and their work load. Despite having received a proposal to shift Field Services personnel to Inframark Management services, very little discussion ensued and none was on the Inframark proposal. I believe that the Chair is aiming to disassemble Field Services entirely in favor of shifting everything to contractors. There have been many subtle signals that this is the direction; of course, this will cost these guys their jobs as well as eliminate the 7-day-a-week service that onsite personnel provide. Further, we instituted Field Services because dealing with a bunch of contractors can be a nightmare—and we’ve been there before. Think about it: have you ever hired a contractor who did everything right the first time? If so, you’re very lucky. Again, time will tell but the signals keep popping up. Lastly, two residents from Feathergrass waited all this time to hear the discussion regarding their request and petition for the CDD to provide additional play equipment in their neighborhood— just as many other neighborhoods have received. The Chair and Supervisor Kassel provided every excuse under the sun as to why their request could not be fulfilled. It is frustrating to sit there and watch ratepayers have their reasonable request declined—for no good reason. I can assure you that the money is available. Harmony IS all about kids—and they are the future. Make their neighborhood nice. At this point, we were over on time so, once again, some agenda items got pushed to next month. I am well aware that some of you don’t like my pointed commentary; to that I say: life ain’t all rainbows and unicorns. I’ve always believed in telling you what you need to hear which might be different from what you want to hear. Thanks for reading—see you next month. Stay safe. n

March 2021 | Harmony Life Magazine 7


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8 Harmony Life Magazine | March 2021


OPTIMISM By Stephanie Milfeld

I

s it just me or does 2021 seem to be going faster than 2020?

I think what I look forward to this March is, well, having a full March. Can you believe a year ago everything seemed to come to a screeching halt with a sudden stop... giving us all whiplash?

But thankfully we have moved past MOST of that and can enjoy a seminormal (whatever normal is these days) March. In addition to springing forward in daylight savings time this month, did you know March is Women’s history month, National Foreign Language month and Optimism month? There are A LOT more but I want to focus on the optimism part. Experts believe optimism is a trait that can be learned pretty easily, so if you’re someone who tends to see the negative in a given situation, there’s hope. Try On a Positive Lens The more we consciously reframe scenarios in a positive light, the more we train our brains, eventually altering our response to negative experiences. Take Note of the Company You Keep We all have those friends who are chronic complainers or gossipers. After spending time with them or watching what they post on social media, we find ourselves exhausted or turning into “Negative Nancy” ourselves. Basically, negativity is contagious. Luckily, positive emotions can be contagious, too. So do a sweep of your social media and make sure that not only what you are consuming in person, but also online, has ALL the good vibes! Turn Off the News Isn’t that the truth! We all like to be informed on what is going on in the world, BUT the reality is, the moment you turn on the news or read the paper, you are likely to be barraged with negativity and a bleak outlook on the world. Write in a Journal for a Few Minutes Each Day I will say it over and over and over again: KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL. Start by writing down one or two things you are grateful for that happened each day. This could be anything: a cup of coffee that filled you with joy, a random act of kindness by a stranger, or even breathing in some fresh air on your morning walk. This will allow you to focus on the positives of your day and a perfect note on which to end your day. Acknowledge What You Can and Can Not Control Practicing mindfulness is a great way to help fight the tendency to focus on daily stressors, which is a breeding ground for negativity.

COURTESY STEPHANIE MILFELD

I hope that you take the time to try even just ONE of these things this month as we all focus on trying to be a little more optimistic. Like what you’re reading? Check out my new podcast, Come Sit With Us—A Podcast by Stephanie Milfeld, wherever you listen to podcasts. Also be sure to check out Z and Q — A Children's Boutique downtown at 1037 New York Avenue for all of your kids’ gifts and fashion items, or Harper Rhae, starting at girls’ youth XS–Adult XXL clothing and accessories, including the Simply Southern Collection. Stephanie Milfeld Z and Q – A Children's Boutique 1037 New York Ave. • Saint Cloud, FL 34769 www.zandq.com • @zandqboutique March 2021 | Harmony Life Magazine 9


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10 Harmony Life Magazine | March 2021

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March 2021 | Harmony Life Magazine 11


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HOW DELAYING CARE CAN INCREASE YOUR RISKS CONTRIBUTED BY ORLANDO HEALTH JOSEF GEORGE THUNDIYIL, MD, EMERGENCY MEDICINE

M

any of us are focused on our health now, perhaps more than we have been in a long time. Health and medical safety extend beyond our risks for COVID-19, however. There is so much more to address beyond the coronavirus, and delaying care can be detrimental to our health. Whether it’s going to the emergency room when you have chest pain or taking care of annual screenings, consistent healthcare can improve your recovery.

What Waiting Does

In the emergency room, we’ve seen people delay care so much during this time that they get very sick, causing dangerous situations.

COURTESY ORLANDO HEALTH ST. CLOUD HOSPITAL

Instead of an appendix just being appendicitis, it’s now a ruptured appendix. People coming in with underlying heart problems like congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema have progressed to severe levels. Or those who have infections no longer have infections that are easy to treat with antibiotics. Instead, they have full-on sepsis, a severe form of infection that gets in the bloodstream. At our primary care offices, patients are telling us they’re skipping cancer screenings, but it’s important to continue care. Waiting two or three months on that mammogram could mean a major change to how undiagnosed breast cancer develops. And some cancers can be more aggressive than others. Just three months can make a significant difference. It's important to address all your chronic conditions, especially during times like this.

Patient Concerns

We understand our patients’ concern and questioning “does the benefit of me coming into the hospital outweigh the risk of me getting a severe infection?” We want to keep you from getting sick or spreading COVID-19 in our

community, so there are processes in place to minimize the risk of transmission. Another concern is “what if I go to the ER and I'm waiting around other patients?” We’re doing our absolute best to reduce wait times. We’re getting people into rooms that have been freshly decontaminated. While waiting, you will be masked, and we’re practicing social distancing.

How You Are Protected

Our ERs are taking precautions to protect patients as well as healthcare providers. We’re adequately supplied with personal protective equipment and provide masks to patients. Not only are we at a lower risk for giving anything to you, you're at a lower risk for transmitting anything to us. In all of our facilities, every room is thoroughly cleaned between patients with appropriate cleansers. In the ER, we use special ultraviolet lights to further minimize risks.

rooms, where the air is vented to an outside environment. That way, you don't have to worry about being in a room next to somebody who might have the illness.

Maintaining Your Health with Virtual Visits

It’s important to focus on your health at all times and consider your health beyond COVID-19. Don’t put off preventive cancer screens, mammograms, colonoscopies or pap smears. Remember, much of the care we offer is available through virtual visits. From your home, you can utilize virtual visits to talk with your doctor or specialist about new health concerns or what you can do to continue managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol so you’re never without care. For more information about our continued focus on safety and options available, including virtual appointments, visit OrlandoHealth.com.

Secondly, the number of patients who have COVID-19 coming to our ERs is very low. Those who are even suspected of having COVID-19 are placed in negative-airflow March 2021 | Harmony Life Magazine 13


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GARAGE DOORS & OPENERS D.S.I. Sales / Service / Repairs 407-970-5847 dsigaragedoor@yahoo.com www.dsigaragedoorandopener.com GIFTS Scentsy Shawntae Nalley Independent Scentsy Director 407-797-6305 www.halo.scentsy.us GOLF CLUB Royal St. Cloud Golf Links 5310 Michigan Ave., St. Cloud, FL 34769 407-891-7010 GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES Blair Creative Group, Inc. Renée Blair Lake Nona 321-972-3669 info@blaircg.com www.BlairCG.com HOME BUILDERS Jones Homes USA Twin Lakes 4910 Twin Lakes Blvd. St. Cloud 34772 407-988-3222 www.TwinLakesFL.com HOME INSPECTORS Budget Services 407-892-8811 HOSPITALS Health First-Holmes Regional Health Care 1350 South Hickory St. Melbourne, FL 32901 321-434-7000 Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital 2906 17th St. St. Cloud 407-892-2135 www.OrlandoHealth/StCloud HOUSE CLEANING Molly Maid of Kissimmee, St. Cloud & Lakeland 407-498-2256 www.MollyMaid.com

14 Harmony Life Magazine | March 2021

INSURANCE Brightway Insurance, The Sterner Agency 407-891-9361 www.BrightwaySterner.com Healthcare Solutions Team Kim Kirsch 407-870-3462 kkirsch@myhst.com LAWN CARE Champions Property Maintenance *Harmony Resident* Joe Murray, 407-766-5051 Triple Palm Lawns *Harmony Resident* 407-957-3489 TriplePalmLawn@aim.com MORTGAGE LENDING Mortgage Equity Partners Julie Bretz-Swinarksi 407-758-3443 jbretz@meploans.com MUSIC LESSONS Harmony Performance Arts Studio Amber Lanning & Ellen Short Voice/Piano/Acting 682-936-9551 PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING Champions Property Maintenance *Harmony Resident* Joe Murray, 407-766-5051 PARK Wild Florida 3301 Lake Cypress Rd. Kenansville 407-957-3135 www.WildFL.com PEST CONTROL Luv-A-Lawn & Pest Control 407-908-9139 PET GROOMING Pawfect Cuts of Harmony 407-257-1414 PawfectCutsOfHarmony.com Serving Harmony & St. Cloud PHYSICIANS St. Cloud Medical Group 1700 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. St. Cloud 407-891-2965 www.StCloudPhysicians.com

PLUMBING Mr. Rooter Plumbing 407-593-3737 www.MrRooter.com PRINTERS Creative Printing Services 1115 Pennsylvania Ave., St. Cloud 34769 407-891-9797 Lucky Dog Printing *Harmony Resident* 1014 New York Ave., St. Cloud 34769 407-593-6984 REAL ESTATE The Corcoran Connection, LLC *Harmony Resident* Jeanine Corcoran Owner/Broker Buy/Sell/Rent/Property Mgmt. 407-953-9118 www.TheCorcoranConnection.com RESTAURANT Koffee Kup 1407 13th Street St. Cloud 34769, Under the Water Tower 407-891-81488 www.TheKoffeeKup.com TRAVEL Meisner Cruise and Travel *Harmony Resident* 407-738-7088 • tvlwithlinda@gmail.com Facebook: Harmony Get Aways With Meissner Travel WATER SYSTEMS Dependable Water Treatment 407-242-7150 WINE & SPIRITS Levee Liquor & Gas Now Delivering in Harmony! 718 13th St. St. Cloud, FL 34769 407-593-9605 www.LeveeLiquor.com


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March 2021 | Harmony Life Magazine 15


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Under the Water Tower in St. Cloud

16 Harmony Life Magazine | March 2021


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