JUNE 2015
Eagle Creek Life
A publication of Quantum Marketing Communications, LLC
IN THIS ISSUE Meet Your Neighbors Quick Reference Directory LIFE! Mine, Yours, Ours
Water: Our Most Precious Resource 5 Tips Summertime Property Maintenance 5 Reasons You’re Not Rich Yet
June 2015
from the
EDITOR Welcome Welcome to the inaugural issue of Eagle Creek Life. This publication is of the residents, by the residents, and for the residents! They say you get one chance to make a first impression and while that is true, please know that this is a work on progress and will continue to get better each month. These types of publications are springing up all over. A couple of national companies are moving in and producing community publications with limited local information, a cute picture on the cover of residents (to draw you in) and a lot of advertising. The money then leaves the area for companies and employees in other states. Free enterprise is the backbone of our country but as Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door” Why Eagle Creek Life is different: We are 100% locally owned and produced and strive to make sure that every penny spent and generated is done locally. Local content that for the most part can’t be found elsewhere. Local advertising by good reputable companies that love our communities and wish to reach out to us. More personal than the internet with features that add depth to our communities! We need: Eagle Creek content from resident and community leaders A community photographer Student and school content I look forward to hearing from the community and growing together! Bill Bokunic Publisher and President, Quantum Marketing Communications Email: Eaglecreeklife@gmail.com Bill Bokunic Publisher and President Quantum Marketing Communications 321-331-6398 bbokunic@yahoo.com
Bill Bokunic Publisher & President of Quantum Marketing Communications 321.331.6398 bbokunic@yahoo.com
Cover photography by Christina Beasley Dalton
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ON THE COVER
Meet Your Neighbors
Here are a few questions answered from the Shuklas: What are your kids’ favorite things about EC? The community pool Where did you move from? Northlake Park What do you miss most? The large common areas where kids and families congregate What is your background? I am a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner by profession. Priti is a Registered Dental Hygienist.
The Shukla Family Sonu and Priti Shuka with their children Parth and Sonia.
When did you move to EC? 2011 What street do you live on? Hatton Circle
What is a good early story about EC? Ran into my neighbor a few houses down the street and come to find out that their daughter and our daughter were born in the same hospital within a day of each other What is unusual or unique about EC, in comparison to your previous home? The Golf course
What is your favorite weekend activity? Playing Frisbee and other games with my kids in the backyard. Entertaining friends and family and enjoying the outdoors if the weather permits. Do you do any charity or non-profit work? Serve as the Secretary of the Rotary Club of Lake Nona that meets every Monday at the Eagle Creek Club House Do you have a cause or business that you would like to promote? I am a Certified Public Accountant and manage my own accounting firm http://orlandotaxcoach.com I specialize in tax planning for small business owners, healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs. What do you do for fun? We love bowling and putt putt golf as a family What makes you laugh? The silly things that my kids do and say. Every day watching them grow up is a joy.
Why spend your time cleaning? For all your travel dreams… It would be our pleasure to help you plan your Magical Disney Vacation, Destination Wedding, Honeymoon, Cruise, or Family Reunion. Call today!
407-738-7088 FACEBOOK:
Harmony Get-Aways with Meissner Travel Linda Meissner: linda@meissnertravel.com Sarah Frost: travelwithsarah@outlook.com Peggy and Fernando Dominguez: travelwithpeggyandfernando@gmail.com
Residential & Commercial Carpet Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Tile & Grout Cleaning 24 Hour Emergency Water Removal Deep Soil Extraction Advance Stain Removal Scotch Guarding Licensed & Insured Deodorizers Same Day Service Check for Availability
Free Estimates
407-891-9635
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tips
summertime
by Jeanine Corcoran
Property Maintenance
As summer time approaches and children, parents and grandparents plan their vacation and summertime activities, it is also a good time to look at your home and plan on performing some maintenance to ready your property for the summer. Here are five items that need attention during our hot Florida summer: 1. Air Conditioner: Changing your AC filters monthly is a must but be sure to do a maintenance check on your AC unit. Your AC unit is working extra hard to keep you cool and there is nothing worse than having your unit break down when it is balmy. 2. Sprinkler System: Be sure to turn on your sprinkler heads to ensure they are spraying all areas of your lawn and shrubs. There is a lot of stress on lawns and shrubs with the sun beating down by foreseeing any problems before they happen. Sprinkler heads are inexpensive and easy to replace and can save you hundreds of dollars. 3. Trees: Don’t forget summertime equals thunderstorms. Take the time to look at your trees and tree limbs. Trim those weak limbs so they don’t end up falling and damaging yours or your neighbor’s property. 4. Stucco: Small cracks in your stucco happens over time. Rain gets into even the smallest hair line crack and navigate its way through
the concrete and into your home. It can also cause damage to your stucco. Seal those cracks to prevent damage and costly repairs. 5. Hurricane Preparedness: Hurricane Season is June 1st through November 30th. When preparing your hurricane kit, let’s not forget about your home. Be sure to reinforce your garage doors if possible, check all windows and inspect your roof. When a hurricane is coming, be sure to take in all outside items including patio furniture and plant pots. Be prepared. For many of us, summertime is all about taking a break from our busy lives and spending time with our families. Consider spending time preparing your property for the upcoming months. Your air conditioner will need a maintenance check to work efficiently, sprinkler heads should be checked to make sure they are working properly, weak tree limbs should be trimmed to prevent damage, and stucco cracks should be sealed. Lastly, check your garage door, windows and roof as we enter into our hurricane season and your most expensive investment, your home, will have a better chance of surviving our hot summer months and hurricane season with a little help from its owner – you! Jeanine Corcoran is the Broker and Owner of The Corcoran Connection, LLC – A Real Estate and Property Management Company. Jeanine has been helping families with their Real Estate needs since 2005. Jeanine can be reached at 407.922.3308, email her at JeanineCorcoran@gmail.com, or visit TheCorcoranConnection.com or HarmonyResales.com
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Jeanine Corcoran - Broker | Owner | The Corcoran Connection 407-922-3308 - cell | JeanineCorcoran@gmail.com HarmonyResales.com | TheCorcoranConnection.com Serving your Real Estate and Property Management Needs
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casual or professional
gambler A few years ago, a long time client phoned me to discuss a
once in a lifetime financial windfall. Here is the situation. He and his wife were retired. They had social security benefits, a small military pension and some occasional real estate commission income. When his call came into my office, my immediate thought was that he might have received a large real estate commission. Instead, he told me he had the winning ticket in the $19 Million Florida Lottery. He needed an immediate crash course in income taxation for gambling winnings. There are significant tax consequences attached to winnings whether you are claiming income from lottery winnings, horse races, casino gambling or raffles. As a casual gambler, which most people are, cash winnings and the fair market value of prizes and trips are fully taxable and should be reported on your tax return on the line for “Other Income.” Professional gamblers are taxed similarly on their income but such is not the case for expenses. You may be surprised to find that IRS provides that casual gamblers may deduct wagering losses. However, there are
Which Are You?
two important stipulations. First, you can only deduct those losses as itemized deductions on Schedule A in the category “Other Miscellaneous Deductions.” Fortunately, your deduction of those losses is not subject to the 2% of AGI limit. Secondly, the amount of losses you deduct may not be more than the amount of gambling income reported on your return. Additionally, a casual gambler is not engaged in the trade or business of gambling and would not have deductible business expenses under IRC Section 162(a). If a gambler can prove that his activities rise to a level of a trade or business, he could also deduct his business expenses. In order to reduce income taxes on gambling winnings, it is important for all gamblers to keep detailed records of their activities. Supporting records include a journal to keep track of wagering losses and receipts and any other documentation of business expenses paid. There may be other information you need to substantiate deductions, so do not hesitate to call us before you strike it rich.
Kocher
Insurance LLC is a locally owned and operated Independent Insurance Agency based in St. Cloud, FL that is qualified and committed to providing our clients with caring and personalized service throughout Florida, from Tampa Bay to Cocoa Beach and South Florida to the Panhandle. We provide Home insurance, Auto insurance, Small Business and Contractor insurance as well as many other types of insurance poli-
cies. With our help, you will find a policy that best fits your needs and budget. We represent many of the best known and highly rated insurance companies in the State and are also proud to be one of the few Insurance Agencies in Central Florida to be given Accreditation by the Better Business Bureau and proudly carry an A+ Rating. With years of experience insuring local individuals, families, and businesses, we
know how important it is to understand the unique concerns of each customer. Before we suggest a coverage plan we take the time to fully review your needs, concerns, financial circumstances, and budget. Because we are an Independent Agency we are able to offer you policies from multiple insurance carriers which allows us to offer a much wider range of coverage options and far more competitive pricing.
Contact Kocher Insurance LLC today to see the difference! 1312 Illinois Ave. Suite H | Saint Cloud, FL 34769
HOME EQUITY LINES... endless possibilities!
The Good News Handyman is a privately owned, local company, we strive to keep our pricing competitive
Rick Wade - 407-468-1352
A CUT ABOVE
The Good News Handyman, a professional handyman service, serves the Greater Kissimmee/St. Cloud area. We can handle all of your home repair, replacement and light remodeling projects. drywall repair toilet repair small room painting pressure washing tile work odd jobs replace garbage gutters disposal deck building /repairs sprinkler repair custom carpentry work door interior/exterior kitchens bathrooms install door locks trim work screens for windows concrete, fencing ceiling fans Email: thegoodnewshandyman@yahoo.com Website: www.thegoodnewshandyman.com
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*Rate based on minimum beacon score of 721. Annual Percentage rate may increase after consummation. **Line must be funded by 50% or $10,000 whichever is greater at closing. If line is Closed within the first two years, consumer will be required to pay back the closing costs.
Water Our Most Precious Resource What’s happened to Central Florida’s water? There is nothing we use more, and know less about then the water we use each day. Many people are unaware that there is no new water. In fact, we have been using the same water for millions of years. The ecosystem worked perfectly all that time, but over the past 75-100 years it has been ominously disrupted. According to a Dr. Patricia Meinhardt (a leading expert) there are now some 84,000 chemicals which have drastically affected our drinking water. Dr. Meinhardt further stated that the EPA regulates less than 3% of them. According to Dr. Oz there is a New York Times investigative reporter (Charles Duhigg) “who has blown the lid off of what is happening to America’s water through a series of articles called Toxic Water. These articles are far more extensive than any information the EPA has, and exposes major flaws in the way our Government protects our water.” (Google Dr. Oz tap water) How is the Central Florida Aquifer affected? Floridians are fortunate to live on top of one of the most productive aquifers in the world. However, the Florida aquifer happens to be shallowest in North and West Central Florida (Leve, 1968), and lies just a few yards below the ground in some areas. This unfortunately makes it susceptible to organic matter such as 400,000 tons of cow manure each year, as well as 1000’s of chemicals used on our yards, golf courses, farming and the citrus industry. Therefore, Florida’s water can in some ways be
(Part 1) more susceptible to chemicals and bacteria, which requires a lot of chemical treatment at the water plants. What’s the solution? It is HIGHLY unlikely that water pollution can be reversed because water is one of the greatest solvents/absorbents known to mankind. In fact, the most pure form of water (type 1 ultra-pure water) can actually dissolve glass! Due to this unique nature of water it also holds onto to chemical compounds and pollutants, which are extremely difficult to get out of the water. These chemicals can build up in your system over time as they penetrate the skin while bathing/showering (similar to smoking). If someone wants to eliminate as many of these chemicals as possible before entering their home, it makes sense to use the most technologically advanced, cost effective patented ‘purification system’ available. Hague Quality Water International has a AAA-1 Dun & Bradstreet and A+BBB rating. Hague is also the oldest family owned American Made water treatment company in the world, and is in 40 countries. Nearly every other brand name ‘water softener’ (not purifiers) uses old outdated 1960’s technology, and simply cannot handle the new challenges of today’s water like Hague’s systems can. However, I always suggest to research before you buy, since everyone knows that cheapest isn’t always the best alternative when it comes to something as important as our water…..
For All Your Real Estate Needs Get Got CORCORAN
Selling or Buying a home is one of the BIGGEST transactions you’ll ever make. Don’t you deserve to have the best representation? Remember, not all REALTORS® are the same.
Why choose me?
HARMONYRESALES.COM
• I’ve been a full-time REALTOR since 2005, continuously, not just when the market is “hot” • Became a Broker and opened my Real Estate Company in 2011 • Personally sold 71 homes in the last 2 years resulting in over $12 million in sales • 27 year resident of Central Florida
To put things in Perspective There are 9,000+ REALTORS in Central Florida. Only 600 will do more than $5 million in sales. The average yearly transaction amount is less than 10 sales.
What that means for you I know how to get the job done and have the experience and expertise to help you! My level of professional and real world education gives you the winning edge going into one of the biggest transactions you will ever make!
It’s all in the Family! Real Estate is in my blood! Here I am with my big sister Barbara Corcoran, New York Real Estate Mogul and one of the “Sharks” on the hit ABC show “Shark Tank” Jeanine Corcoran - Broker | Owner - The Corcoran Connection LLC 407-922-3308 cell - JeanineCorcoran@gmail.com e-mail
REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
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15
Reasons You’re Not RICH Yet
If “rich” means having the financial freedom to reach your goals and live the life you want, what’s holding you back?
Here are a few key culprits:
1 You don’t have a game plan. Have you set clear short-, mid- and long-term goals? Without defining these targets, your hopes of financial freedom will likely never move from the idea stage to reality. Until you have a financial game plan – that you create with yourself or with a financial professional – you are likely to continue making choices that keep you from becoming financially free. The first step is defining where you want to go – and keeping those goals in a place where you can see them regularly. Your Primerica representative can help you get started with a free, confidential Financial Needs Analysis.
time something unexpected comes up, you are never going to get free. 4 You have no sense of urgency. Maybe you’re waiting for something or someone to come along and save you – a lottery win, a rich spouse or an inheritance. If you don’t have a sense of urgency – about getting out of debt, creating an emergency fund or saving for retirement – your goals are going to continue to escape you.
2 You spend like you’re already rich. Even if you aren’t buying expensive items, if you consistently spend more than you earn and rely on credit cards, you’re going in the opposite direction of building wealth. Remember: chronic overspending and credit card debt will keep you from achieving financial freedom. Swap the “buy now, pay later” attitude for a “save now, get rich later” one.
5 You don’t pay yourself first. Paying yourself first means putting yourself and your family first, before any other demands on your money. Try depositing a fixed amount – $100 or 10% of your income – into a savings account no matter what other financial obligations you have. You can even have the amount deducted automatically so you can “set it and forget it.” You’ll be surprised how quickly your money can grow when you make saving a priority!
3 You don’t have an emergency fund. You’ve heard it 100 times – you need at least six months’ income saved in case of emergency. If you don’t have that covered, you’re not alone – only 38% of Americans could cover an unexpected $500-$1,000 bill with savings.* Most would have to borrow from family or friends, pull from other areas of their budget, or turn to credit cards. Does this sound familiar? If you rely on a credit card every
Securities offered by PFS Investments Inc., 1 Primerica Parkway, Duluth, GA 30099. Primerica and PFS Investments Inc. are affiliate companies. An investor should consider a mutual fund’s risks, investment objectives, and fee expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the mutual fund. You may obtain a prospectus from your PFS Investments representative or by contacting PFS Investments at 770-381-1000. You should read and consider the prospectus carefully before investing.3
Steve brings Wall Street to Main Street Most advisers don’t offer to help Main Street Americans because most don’t have a high enough net worth. Steve will offer his services to Americans living paycheck to paycheck to those who are the savviest of investors and every one in between.
Steve teaches people how to: • Get out of debt • Save money • Send their children to college • Obtain proper protection • Prepare for retirement • And become financially independent While… • Reducing their stress level • Improving their quality of life • Helping them enjoy life
Steve A Mullins, Harmony Resident Investment Adviser Primerica 1301 Bedford Dr. Ste. 102 Melbourne, Florida 32940 407-242-7822 stevemullins@primerica.com www.primerica.com/stevemullins
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, how motivated are you to accomplish some or all of the things above? If Steve can put together a plan that helps you accomplish some or all of those things, are you ready to get started? Steve takes an educational approach, and he offers sophisticated financial tools to the Middle Market for free. He starts with a FREE Financial Needs Analysis, a very basic questionnaire he can complete in 20 minutes. It asks all the right questions to help determine the next steps you need to take on the road to a better financial future.
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Quick Reference Directory ACCOUNTANTS
Larry Herring CPA, PA 611 N. Wymore Rd Winter Park, Florida 32789 407-647-7777 www.herringcpa.com
AIR-CONDITION SERVICES Eric Farnsworth 407-921-0760 ELFarnsworth@live.com
BANK
Center State Bank Karen M. Giel 4898 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy St. Cloud, Florida 34771 407-891-8396 x3782
HAIR
PEST CONTROL
HANDYMAN
Rapid Response Pest Management Stephen Richards 407-891-pest
Victor Russell Salon 105 East 13th Street Saint Cloud, Florida 407-892-1005 www.victorrussell.com The Good News Handyman Rick Wade 407-468-1352
HOSPITAL
Health First-Holmes Regional Health Care 1350 South Hickory Street Melbourne, Florida 32901 321-434-7000
Luv A Lawn & Pest Control 407- 908-9139
PHOTOGRAPHER
Kristin Madden 407-744-8387 Facebook.com/KristinMaddenPhoto
PLUMBING SERVICES
Linscott Plumbing Services Wayne E. Linscott Sr 407-891-1700
INSURANCE
POOL TABLES
Best Care Carpet Cleaning 407-891-9635 www.carpetcleaningfl.com
Farm Bureau Blair Harris, Michael Long, Jimmy Lake 407-847-5189 www.floridafarmbureau.com
CHURCH’S
LAWN CARE
REAL ESTATE
CARPET CLEANING
Harmony Community Church 10am Sundays at Harmony High School (844) 444-FBCH www.harmonycommunity.church Life Church Meeting at Narcoossee Middle School 10:10am Sundays 217-827-7986 lifechurchcfl.com
Triple Palm Lawns 407-957-3489 Triplepalmlawn@aim.com Weed Man 4417 13th St. Suite 182 - St. Cloud, FL 34769 (407) 979-4623
MORTGAGE
Learn Argentine Tango 407-844-6564
Butler Mortgage Charlene Sims 407-931-3800 X109 csims@butlermortgage.com
DJ SERVICES
MOVIE THEATERS
DANCE INSTRUCTION
HPE House Party Entertainment 407-738-3409 www.hpemusic.com
ELECTRICIAN
Hightower Electric, LLC 321-766-6038
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND INVESTING Steve A Mullins Primerica 1301 Bedford Dr Ste 102 Melbourne, Florida 407-738-7479 stevamullins@primerica.com
GYM
Anytime Fitness 3380 Canoe Creek Rd. Saint Cloud, Florida 34772 407-891-9111 www.Anytimefitness.com
Cinema World East of 95. On 192 next to Sam’s club. Melbourne, FL CWTheaterts.com
PAINTING
William “Joe” Murray 407-766-5051
PARTY
Florida Game Rooms 9350 S. Orange Blossom Trail tr #12 407-859-4400 www.myfloridagamerooms.com The Corcoran Connection, LLC Jeanine Corcoran Owner/Broker Selling/Buying/Renting/Property Management Now serving international clients with Portuguese/Brazilian and Spanish speaking team members 407-922-3308 Jeaninecorcoran @gmail.com www.thecorcoranconnection.com
RESTAURANTS
Stone Bridge Tavern The Royal Crest Room 5530 Michigan Ave Saint Cloud, Florida 34772 407-891-0903 www.stonebridgetavernandgrill.com
TIRES
NTA National Tire and Auto 304 13th Street Saint Cloud, FL 34769 407- 593-2136
TRAVEL
Meisner Cruise and Travel 407-738-7088 Meissnertravel.com
WATER SYSTEMS
Matthew Benetti Aguamaman Water Co. www.Orlando.haguewater.com 321-250-4999
Pest Control Lawn Spraying Shrub Spraying Termite Protection Irrigation Repair
Serving Central Florida for more than 25 years! To request an estimate Visit or call
Proudly Serving the Harmony, Eagle Creek & Bay Lake Communities $
30 OFF Your First Lawn Treatment
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$
50 OFF $100 OFF
Your First Indoor Pest Control Treatment (w/an annual service agreement) Exp. 06/30/15
Locally owned and operated
Subterranean Termite Coverage (discount on Initial Treatment) Exp. 06/30/15
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL
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