Harmony Life - April 2024

Photo: Cherry Heck

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the April 2024 edition of Harmony Life Magazine. To view many of the past issues in a digital format, visit www.Issuu. com and search for Harmony Life.

Please support our advertisers, they help us bring this monthly publication to the community The magazine is costly to bring and mail to every residential home, please join me in thanking our advertisers and content contributors.

My wife, Jeanine Corcoran, and I started Harmony Life Magazine in August 2014. This is the 10-year anniversary of the Harmony Life Magazine!

Did you know that Jeanine also puts out a weekly video and email for all the Harmony events? Send me your email address and I will add you to the list. You can always opt out at any time: Bill@QMCWorld.com

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 AND THE NEW, ADDITIONAL, HARMONY RESIDENTS FORUM, NO DRAMA.

See you in May!

Bill Bokunic, Publisher Bill@QMCWorld.com

HARMONY, FLORIDA: LIVING WITH NATURE IN A NEW TOWN

By Harmony's Own

Anthony James Catanese

We know that Harmony is a very special place. This book tells how it was done. It started with a vision supported by science on how important regular interaction with nature and animals is to human health. This led to creating a new community whereby these interactions were incorporated at the very beginning of the development. It is intended for people who want to learn and take action. We can achieve greatness and conservation through proper development of our land. This is how to do it.

SHOP ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3PPsUTk

CDD HarmonyCDD.org, 407-566-1935

Dan, Jo, Lucas, Kerul, or Mark @HarmonyCDD.org

SHERIFF, NON-EMERGENCY 407-348-2222

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

CONDOS HOA Sentr y Management, 407-846-6323

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

Harmony Life Magazine

Harmony Residents Forum, NO DRAMA

SPECTRUM CABLE / INTERNET

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OUC ELECTRIC

ADVANCED DISPOSAL – OSCEOLA

3501 Pug Mill Rd.

Kissimmee, FL 34741

OsceolaFL@advanceddisposal.com

877-892-3279

866-314-4148

407-957-7373

407-605-3892

OSCEOLA COUNTY Osceola.org

COUNTY COMMISSIONER

RICKY BOOTH

“Citizen Action Center”

ricky.booth@osceola.org

New Roof? No Problem!

Loans

It’s more than just a myth — renovation loans really do save deals! I recently had a deal where a renovation loan really was make or break for my buyers.

At CMG Home Loans, we have a huge suite of reno loans, including:

» 203(k) Standard

» 203(k) Limited

» CMG Energy Plus

» Fannie Mae HomeStyle® Standard

» Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation®

» HELOCS & more!

Don’t let a deal fall through without exploring all your buyer’s options! Reach out to see how our reno options can serve you.

Why Renovation?

Offers more options than the high prices & limited availability of move-in ready homes

Energy-efficient updates can offer significant savings and even tax breaks*

Creates a financing option if a home doesn’t pass inspection

?

Increases the value of a home

Can turn the house your buyers like into the home they love

Association Solutions has indicated Dark Sky Lighting has been an ongoing concern and a common topic of questions from Harmony residents. It has also been the subject of multiple recent social media discussions. We want to try and clear up some of the confusion and misinformation.

As they say, “A Picture is worth a thousand words”. So rather than reiterating what has been written in previous issues of Harmony Magazine; or quoting related sections from the CCR and Community Standards, below you will find examples of compliant and non-compliant light fixtures.

What can we do to keep Harmony Dark Sky Friendly? Lighting should be:

• Useful: Lighting should have a clear, practical purpose; not because you think it looks nice.

• Targeted: Use shielding and careful aiming to target the direction of the light beam so that it points downward and does not spill beyond where it is needed. A light in your yard should not directly shine onto neighboring properties, or, onto in into neighboring homes.

• L ow level: Use the lowest level of lighting that is required. Be mindful how much light is reflected from surfaces up into the sky or surrounding areas

• Controlled: Incorporate controls such as timers, motion sensors and dimmers to assure areas are appropriately lit when needed, and turned off otherwise.

• Warm: Limit the amount of shorter wave length (blue-violet) lite where possible, opt ing instead for warmer colors.

It is a myth that a brightly lit nighttime environ ment improves safety and security. Studies con ducted have not found evidence that increased outdoor lighting increases safety nor does it deter crime. While we all desire to keep ourselves and our property safe from theft and vandalism, when outdoor lighting design is bad, it can reduce our safety. Bright and poorly aimed lights can be dan gerous because they create deep shadows where criminals can hide. Vandalism and graffiti type of

crimes thrive on night lighting. This allows criminals to quickly see contents of parked cars when bright dusk-to-dawn outdoor lights are on.

On a side note: The HROA has a permanent request in for off duty Sheriff and recently they took up three patrols. They were very successful. Tickets issued: 11 speeding 3 failure to stop at a stop sign, 9 underage driving a golf cart, 1 hit and run accident. And 6 verbal warnings for speeding.

UPCOMING HROA EVENT:

HROA Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 24th, 6pm First Nature Ranch

Contact Information for the HROA:

https://myhoasolution.com

407-847-2280 • info@myhoasolution.com

https://portal.topssoft.com/login

NOTES FROM THE CHAIR

By Mark LeMenager Chairman, Harmony Community Development District

It’s Water Conservation Month

April is water conservation month! This month is observed nationally to educate the public about how to manage water resources wisely, and to promote the need to conserve water.

Water conservation is important because all of the water we use in Florida comes from the Floridian Aquifer, a natural underground freshwater reservoir. If we use the water faster than the aquifer can replace it through naturally occurring rainfall, we run the risk of depleting our needed water resource.

What YOU Can Do to Conserve Water Outside the Home

More than half of all residential water is used for landscape irrigation. Overwatering a lawn can be detrimental, promoting weeds and insect pests. Using water wisely year-round promotes healthier lawns, saves thousands of gallons of water per month and saves homeowners money. Start by knowing and adhering to your assigned watering days and times; irrigation schedules can be found on www.tohowater.com Make sure your irrigation timer settings are correct and your rain sensor is functioning too. For more water saving tips, visit our website and click on “Ways to Conserve” found under the Community tab.

Outdoor Plants: Choose Florida-friendly plants that are adapted to Florida and need less water. These plants come in many forms, including vines, groundcovers, shrubs, trees and palms. For more information on Florida-friendly landscaping, visit https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/ apps/plant-guide. Also, consider adding mulch to your garden to reduce evaporation. This decreases the amount of water needed for a garden, prevents water run-off, reduces weeds and moderates soil temperature.

Lawn: To make your lawns more tolerant to dry weather, never mow more than 1/3 of the grass height. Inspect your irrigation system by turning on each zone and look for broken or misdirected sprinkler heads. Different grass types have different mowing and irrigation requirements. For guidelines and tips, visit https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu.

What YOU Can Do to Conserve Water Inside the Home

You can save water inside the home too from fixing leaks to getting water efficient appliances and fixtures. Below are three ways to make sure you are getting the most out of every drop of water.

Leaks: A faucet can leak when the washers and gaskets get older, this can waste 20 gallons of water per day at one drip per second. Inspect for leaks and get them fixed.

Shower: Consider replacing your showerhead with a more water-efficient model if your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in under 20 seconds. You can also use pipe tape to secure a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem if you notice leaks. Another quick tip is to take shorter showers!

Devices: Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.

Try out some of these water saving activities throughout Water Conservation Month and be a water hero!

By Kim Kirsch Insurance Broker / District Manager, Healthcare Solutions Team

10 HEALTHY IDEAS FOR EASY BREAKFASTS

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But it can also be the most difficult to make. After all, most of us spend the mornings moving, rushing, trying to get to wherever we need to be. In all of the hustle and bustle, it can be far too easy to grab something quick (and unhealthy) from the freezer or pantry, stop at a drive-through window, or even forego breakfast altogether. If you're looking for healthy and easy breakfast ideas, look no further! We’ve put together ten ideas to get you started.

1. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a great way to get a healthy and filling breakfast without having to cook anything. Simply combine oats, milk, and your favorite toppings in a jar or container the night before, and then grab and go in the morning.

2. Yogurt Parfaits

Yogurt parfaits are another easy and healthy breakfast option. Simply layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in a glass or bowl. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra protein and fiber.

3. Smoothies

A good smoothie is a quick and easy way to get a serving of fruits, vegetables, and protein all in one. Simply blend your favorite fruits, vegetables, and protein powder together in a blender. You can even add more ingredients, spices, and supplements for extra nutrients: chia seeds, cinnamon, turmeric, collagen powder, etc. The sky is the limit when it comes to smoothies.

4. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Try scrambling them with some vegetables, poaching one and throwing it on top of some avocado toast, or making an omelet with your favorite toppings.

5. Whole-Wheat Toast

Sometimes you really do only have a few minutes before you have to run out the door. Whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and banana is a classic breakfast that’s healthy, delicious, and ready in just a couple of minutes.

6. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is a refreshing and healthy breakfast option. Simply combine your favorite fruits in a bowl and dig in!

7. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a hearty and filling breakfast that is packed with fiber. Simply cook oatmeal according to the package directions, and then top with your favorite toppings.

8. Whole-Wheat Pancakes

If you want to opt for a healthier pancake option, try whole-wheat pancakes. They’re just as delicious as regular pancakes, but healthier. All you have to do is make your favorite pancake recipe using whole-wheat flour instead of white.

9. Whole-Wheat Waffles

As long as we’re on the subject of taking a breakfast classic and making it healthier… you can do the same thing with waffles! Same as the pancakes, all you have to do is take your favorite, go-to waffle recipe and substitute whole-wheat flour for regular flour.

10. Breakfast Sandwiches

Breakfast sandwiches can be a healthy and filling breakfast option if you choose the right ingredients. Try using whole-wheat bread, a lean protein (like turkey bacon), and plenty of vegetables.

These are just a few of the breakfast items that you can eat on the run — keeping you healthy as you go about your day. For more tips on healthy lifestyles and health insurance, visit us at americanhlg.com or on Facebook at Healthcare Solutions Team – Kim Kirsch. Better yet, set an appointment with me by calling 407870-3462 n

DID YOU KNOW?

By Kerul Kassel

HARMONY'S WILDLIFE

DID 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.

Did you know that you are likely to meet or see dozens of species of wild animals in Harmony, daytime or night? Many people are not used to being around wildlife and are not sure how to handle the situation, so this month we will talk about the best ways to respond to nearby wildlife that you might see during the daytime.

During daylight hours you’ll definitely see lizards (not so scary), and

sometimes snakes (scary!!). There are at least 29 lizard species in Florida. They eat bugs like ants, mealworms, and cockroaches, so leave them alone to do their job! Most of our snake species are harmless, like the black racer and the rat snake, that also eat pests. We do have some poisonous snakes, so it’s always best to keep your distance. If you are walking in tall grass, or if you see a snake and want it to go away, stomp your feet so the snake will feel the vibrations and go the other way. Some species, like the water moccasin (also known as the cottonmouth), found in fields and near water, have a reputation for being aggressive, but in reality, they rarely bite humans. They will, however, stand their ground, unlike many nonvenomous water snakes that flee from threats, so back away and leave the area immediately.

Sandhill cranes and turkeys are frequently seen around Harmony. We can’t stress enough not to feed them! It’s not only illegal, it’s dangerous for the birds and for you. Cranes have really large beaks than can inflict serious injury, and when they get used to being fed they are not shy about asking for a handout. Turkeys have spurs on their legs, and when feeling threatened and cornered will use them!

Did you know that if you look directly at wildlife they usually consider it a threat and will flee, but if you pass by without looking at them they will usually stay in place? There is an art to observing inconspicuously. Be still or keep walking in the same direction as when you saw them, at the same pace. Look away from them, only glancing very briefly at them. If you’re wearing a hat, angle the brim down low so your eyes are somewhat hidden by the brim.

Not so long ago an alligator was pulled from a residential area pond and killed. Reports were that people had been feeding it and it had gotten too people-friendly. Someone reported it and FWC came out to “remove” it. That alligator paid the ultimate price for human misbehavior. If you see people feeding wildlife, please take a photo or video and report the incident to Fish and Wildlife at http:// myfwc.com/contact/wildlife-alert/.

We are blessed with an abundance of green space and wild creatures. Keep a respectful distance, stay hidden, even, and enjoy their presence for longer. n

Photo Courtesy Cherry Heck

KNOW YOUR HOME VALUE

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Scan the QR code and get started. No cost or obligation!

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We carry WORKERS COMPENSATION as well as Liability Insurance to protect our customers from being sued should there be an accident. DON’T take a risk losing your home — Your Homeowner’s Insurance does not cover painters or any contractors working on your property!!