Harmony Life Magazine - August 2023

MEET ABIGAIL HUANG

Photo: Abbey Evans Photography

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the August 2023 edition of Harmony Life Magazine

No new Harmony development news or “rumors” to report.

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

To view many of the past issues in a digital format, visit www.Issuu.com and search for Harmony Life. The magazine is costly to bring and mail to every residential home, so please join me in thanking our advertisers and content contributors.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS AND BUY LOCAL.

I don’t often give a plug to our own Real Estate business, Corcoran Connect, but in addition to bringing the magazine to the residents, here are a few bits of information that you may not know:

Jeanine Corcoran, Broker and owner, has been a resident of Harmony since 2005. Over the years she has personally sold over 250 homes in Harmony. We met in 2012 and were married in 2015. Several of our agents and staff live in Harmony and most of our video and photograph production is done by Harmony’s own, StudioNine13.

We are experts at selling and promoting the wonderful Harmony amenities. Additionally, we understand the complexity of the CDD and various HOA’s that govern the community. Navigating though those entities can be very tough for outsiders and new residents. When you choose to do business with Corcoran Connect, you are truly helping to support the community. We would be honored to be considered for any of your Real Estate needs and look forward to hopefully earning that opportunity.

Did you know that my wife, Jeanine Corcoran, 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, DRAMA FREE.

See you in September!

Bill Bokunic Publisher

Bill@QMCWorld.com

CONTACT INFO FOR RESIDENTS

CDD HarmonyCDD.org, 407-566-1935

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

SHERIFF, NON-EMERGENCY 407-348-2222

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

CONDOS HOA Sentr y Management, 407-846-6323

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

HARMONY DEVELOPER OFFICE 407-891-8358, HarmonyFL.com

AUGUST 2023

A publication of Quantum Marketing Communications, LLC

www.QMCWorld.com

PUBLISHER & CEO

Bill Bokunic

321.331.6398

Bill@QMCWorld.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Renée Blair Blair Creative Group, Inc.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Abbey Evans Photography

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeanine Corcoran Corcoran Connect

Kerul Kassel PHD Hamony CDD Board Member

Teresa Kramer Chair, Hamony CDD

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.

Harmony Life Magazine, Quantum Marketing Communications, LLC and the Publisher can, in no way whatsoever, be held responsible for the content of such views, nor can it be held liable for any direct or indirect damage that may arise from such views.

All rights reserved. No part of any Quantum Marketing Communications, LLC published work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

SPECTRUM CABLE / INTERNET 877-892-3279

CENTURY LINK CABLE / INTERNET 866-314-4148

OUC ELECTRIC 407-957-7373

MEET ABIGAIL HUANG

What is…

Your name? Wey Wey (Chris) Wong

Your spouse's name? Danny Huang

Your children’s names? Abigail Huang* and older brother Jaden (JJ) Huang.

Your dog's name? Teddy Atticus, our Corgi puppy.

*Answers below are provided from Abigail’s perspective:

When did you move to Harmony? Twelve months ago.

What street do you live on? Bluestem.

What do you love most about Harmony? The natural surroundings and the lakes.

What are your kids’ favorite things about Harmony? Abby and JJ love to take long walks in Harmony. JJ goes swimming at the Swimming Club weekly, and practices golf swings often. They both really enjoy the outdoors here in Harmony.

Where did you move from? Dr. Phillips.

What do you miss most? Some of the conveniences and retails, e.g. Target and some really amazing eateries in Dr. Philips.

What is your background? I am Abby and me and my older brother, JJ, were born here in Orlando—Winter Garden, specifically. I am 12 and JJ just turned 15. I am a rising 7th grader this year. My mom is from Texas, and my Dad is from New York. My mom is in education, and she operates a Huntington Learning Center, a school district partner in helping students improve their academics. My brother and I both attend the private school that my mom runs. We have the best personalized education there. My dad has a restaurant in Orlando and he brings us yummy food from the restaurant all the time.

What is a good story about Harmony? We went house hunting 18 months ago and visited a beautiful house in the Harmony Estates, but eventually my parents bought the house on Bluesteam Road as it fits my baby grand piano better! The house is also beautiful, charming and it's on the water. The piano is my life… I will explain…

It was clear from the moment I was born that music was to be my destiny. I can say humbly and without ego that I’m not your average little girl playing the piano. My parents discovered my musical talents at the age of 3.5, and under the stern tutelage of my music teachers, I am working hard to fulfill my calling in music. It’s my life’s work to express those emotions and feelings that can only be conveyed through music.

I am very fortunate to have won many state and international competitions. Some of the bigger stages I have performed were the Carnegie Hall in New York, the NBA games’ opening and half-time for two years, and two charity concerts before the pandemic. The pandemic didn’t slow me down but allowed me to focus more on learning music theory, sharpening my performance and technical skills, as well as expanding my creativity. I was so fortunate to meet one of the best music producers, Michael Frankin, who produced two of my first albums. The first album was my Christmas music collection, and the second

one was Michael’s project for me to record the “Children Songs” by the Jazz Pianist legend, Chick Corea, to commemorate his brilliant work in the music industry.

I am now working under the mentorship of Dr. Cullear, a Piano Master, performer, educator, clinician, and composer, from The University of Texas at Austin (DMA, MM), The Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, Spain.

What is unusual or unique about Harmony, in comparison to your previous home? The Harmony house sits in front of the water, has a very pretty water view, and overlooks the dog park, while our old house is large and beautiful, the backyard faces a busy street. This house is homey and cozy, and allows me to look out the massive windows and enjoy the water view while playing my music.

My piano now sits on a Juliet-styled balcony and the acoustic effect takes my music to every corner of the house. I used to practice in a music room, but I love this open balcony! My puppy sits under the piano and keeps me company while I practice sometimes.

What is your favorite weekend activity? I practice a lot—an average of 5 hours per day—to keep my skills sharp and my creativity flowing with more new pieces I want to compose. I love taking walks with my brother,

JJ, and joining him, my dad, and my teachermentor, Mr. Will, on the golf course and watching them practice their swings.

Is there a neighbor experience you are most proud of? I am proud to see a lot of neighbors helping each other with things they need or have to share on Facebook groups. I have not seen this level of neighborhood interactions in other areas of Central Florida where we lived. This is a very nice change of pace to see people care and still be willing to help one another. I am proud of the Harmony Community organizer for putting all the wonderful farmer’s markets and seasonal events in the Town Square and we would love to see more of them, especially the food-truck nights!

Are there any recommendations for other neighbors? Yes, we would highly recommend other people to Harmony. At the same time, I think the neighborhood in Harmony can also have smaller groups, such as a blockparty if they want to gather more often and on different schedules. I am always willing to provide the music for any street/block party.

Do you do any charity or non-profit work? My charity foundation is the Make-A-Wish Foundation. My last two concerts’ proceeds were donated to them. I hope to have another concert by the end of this year. You can find out more of my charity work on my website: www.abigailhuang.com

Do you have a cause or business that you would like to promote? My mom’s learning center has helped over 300+ students during the last two and a half years of tough pandemic years. I have improved academically as well and am now focusing on getting the best grades so I can begin exam prepping. If families in Harmony have any educational needs, please see her website and schedule an academic evaluation and get them the help they need. https://huntingtonhelps.com/ center/st-cloud-fl

Who is your role model and why? I really admire Chick Corea and his ability to play different genres of music and his jazz piano pieces are amazing. For classical piano, I like Mozart and Chopin the most.

What do you do for fun? Music is my life so just about everything I do for fun is music related. I play note games on my iPad, compose my own music, and also practice music flash cards. I also love to color and draw and make my own “talk-show” videos sometimes.

What is the last movie that you have seen in the theatre? I have not seen many movies in the theater, but the recent one was “Disney Coco”, and I love the story, all the colors, and the music in the movie!

What is your favorite TV show? I like “The Office” because they are funny!

What else should we know about you or your family? We are fun people that love music, food, and enjoying good company. I would like to jam with other musicians in the neighborhood and even have free concerts for our Harmony community, especially during festivals and holidays! Let’s do it! n

HOA s and PROPERTY VALUES

The first generation of property owners' associations was created in the 1850s in order to maintain common areas and prohibit certain uses by way of deed restrictions. Since then, multiple studies have shown HOA neighborhoods' property values are typically 5-6% higher, or more, than comparable non-HOA neighborhoods.

One of the main reasons people buy into an HOA is due to the consistency of property values and through enforcement of community standards, protecting the substantial investment they have in their homes.

HOA standards exist and are enforced in order to maintain a beautiful and desirable image for the community which in turn increases everyone’s home values. All owners and residents are required to abide by these standards, not only as they related to the upkeep of their lawns, homes, and personal property, but also as it pertains to the general look and friendliness of the community as a whole.

Our HOA is run by an elected board, all members of the HOA board live in the community and want to see the community thrive as much as you do. It is the primary responsibility of the HOA board to uphold the community standards consistently and in good faith. But it is also each and every homeowner’s responsibility too.

The Most Commonly Cited Issues:

Weeds: Don’t forget when mowing your lawn, you also should check for weeds in flower beds, driveways, and walkways. Edge around the bottom of the fence, driveways, sidewalks, and along the foundations.

Mildew: As the rainy season is upon us so brings mildew on our homes, including the gutters and soffits, fences, and driveways. Please power wash these areas as needed.

Holiday Decorations: Remember to remove all holiday lights and decorations within 14 days after each holiday.

For Sale Signs: If you are planning on sell ing your house, please remind your real estate

agent that For Sale signs must follow these guidelines:

For Sale and For Rent

Maximum size of 12” x 18” mounted in the portrait orientation.

1. 12" x 18” sign material must be made of metal or better-grade material.

2. Sign to be mounted on a single pole, black metal stake.

3. Minimum required message content:

a. “For Sale by Owner” or Real Estate Company Name or Real Estate Logo.

b. “For Sale” or “For Rent”.

c. Contact phone #.

d. Optional items: Agent Name, QR Code, or website address.

4. Signs may be ordered from any vendor.

Less Common Issues We See: Missing house numbers: All homes are required to have their address clearly visible on their house. This is a county rule as well as an HROA rule for safety reasons so police, paramedics, and firefighters can find your home in case of an emergency.

Car covers: No Tarpaulin covers on vehicles shall be permitted anywhere within public view as this detracts from the overall look of the community.

Parking on grass: Vehicles must only be parked in garages, driveways, and streets. No parking on the grass is allowed.

Painting: Please remember to submit an application to Association Solutions for approval prior to painting even if painting the same color. There are now 77 approved color schemes to choose from. The color book is available at the Sherwin-Williams store and on their webpage:

https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/hoa/ st-cloud/fl/harmony-residential n

Contact Information for the HROA: https://myhoasolution.com 407-847-2280

info@myhoasolution.com

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NOTES FROM the CHAIR

By Teresa Kramer Chair, Harmony Community Development District (CDD)

CDD, HROA, HOA’S: Who Controls What and Why

Harmony has welcomed a large number of new residents over the past few years, many of whom have come to Florida from another state. For these new residents, a Community Development District (CDD) can be quite a mystery. In fact, during both the June and July meetings of the CDD Board, the question has been asked, “What is the CDD?”, “Who created the CDD?”, and “How are the CDD assessments used?” So, below are the answers to these questions with some history.

Historically and even now in most other states, if a developer wants to start a new development he would have to pay upfront, either with his own money or the money from investor, to put in all the streets, alleys, sidewalks, landscaping, stormwater pipes and ponds, street lights, electrical service, water and sewer pipes, conservation areas, and any recreational amenities (all these things are also known as infrastructure). Since those development costs were paid upfront, the developer and/ or investors would recoup their costs when the individual lots were sold; in other words, the original price of the lot included that lot’s share of the development cost.

However, in 1975 things changed when the Florida Legislature adopted the New Communities Act. The intent of this Act was to better control development in Florida and to prevent duplication of services when new communities were put in place. This New Communities Act allowed the development of special taxing districts throughout Florida. However, this Act did not work as intended, so in 1980, Florida’s legislature passed the Uniform Community Development District Act which revised The New Communities Act. Despite the good intentions of both of these laws, what was actually created was a vehicle that allowed developers to fund their developments’ infrastructure by issuing bonds that would be paid off, not by the developer as the lots were

sold, but instead by the new property owners over the next 30 years. The Community Development District, which was intended to provide new home and business owners with a method of funding and maintaining the infrastructure that supported their homes and businesses to the standards the community set, turned into a way for developers to double dip, getting paid for infrastructure costs both through the bond proceeds and also through the sale price of the original lots/structures. The bond money that was expected to be passed on to the community was consumed by the developer and little to none of the initial bond proceeds were left by the time the CDD governance was handed over to the residents of the community.

Despite this result, Florida has allowed CDDs to proliferate. Although having to pay off a bond over 30 years is a downside, there is also an upside to living in a CDD. Other neighborhoods or developments that are not CDDs have their infrastructure turned over to the county or city that they are located in. When this hap-

pens, the non-CDD community has to compete with other prior development for maintenance services and they have to accept the maintenance standards set by that county or city. Under the structure of the CDD, Harmony can set its own standards for maintenance, repair, and replacement of its landscaping, recreational facilities, stormwater system, and other infrastructure. The residents and only the residents of Harmony elect the five members of the Board of Supervisors during the regular elections and candidates for these seats are subject to the same campaign laws as are county, sity, and state elected officials. The CDD Supervisors are responsible for setting the CDD budget and policies for Harmony, while the District Manager, the District Engineer, and the District Legal Counsel are responsible for the day to day operations of the CDD. The CDD structure is similar to that of a small city or a village, governance closest to the people and on a small scale.

Just like a small city or village, the CDD levies assessments on the properties within its

boundaries to pay for the operation and maintenance of the community infrastructure. This assessment is in addition to the assessment that pays for the original development bond. Both assessments are collected by Osceola County on your property tax bill and passed through to the CDD. The use of this collection method assures the collection of the assessments and failure to pay will result in a tax lien against the property.

Harmony’s Board of Supervisors meets monthly and is subject to all the rules and requirements that govern city and county elected boards. All of the CDD records are public records and are available upon request from our District Management firm, Inframark by calling Sandra DeMarco at 954-603-0033 ext 40532. The CDD has a website (HarmonyCDD. org) that contains valuable information including meeting agendas and minutes, financial records, announcements, contact information, and a link to the boat reservation system. The CDD also has an email address (cddmaintenance@inframark.com) that residents can use to report CDD facilities that need maintenance or repair.

What does the Harmony CDD Control?

The Harmony CDD owns and controls all the common area property within the CDD boundary. This includes the alleys, most sidewalks and verges, most of the Highway 192 frontage, the median at the east entrance, the parks and recreation areas, the docks and boats, the boardwalks, the Swim Club and Ashley Park pools and bathhouses, the lakefront, the basketball and volleyball courts, the playgrounds (except the one within Ashley Park), the common landscaped areas, the stormwater ponds that are not in the golf course, the linear walking trail around the golf course, the community garden parcel, and over 200 acres of conservation areas. Although we own these properties, we do not have land use or law enforcement authority over these properties, as the legislature has reserved those powers for the County.

The Harmony CDD has no authority or control over any private property within the Harmony boundaries. The master HROA and the other HOAs enforce the community/neighborhood standards on homeowner properties while the County Code Enforcement Board enforces the County standards on the commercial/industrial properties. The CDD has no control over the roads, the golf course, the clubhouse, the gym, or the other commercial and undeveloped properties within the CDD boundary.

Hopefully, this information will help in understanding the role and responsibilities of the CDD. If you have further questions, you can reach out to any of the CDD Supervisors or the District Manager. Contact information for the CDD, the HROA and other important agencies can be found on page 1 of this magazine.

As always, please email any or all of your CDD Supervisors with your thoughts, concerns, or ideas on how to improve Harmony. Our community is better when we all work together. The emails for the Supervisors are Kerul@harmonycdd.org, Dan@harmonycdd.org, Lucas@harmonycdd.org, Jo@harmonycdd.org, and Teresa@harmonycdd.org n

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

Misconceptions About Disability Insurance

Did you know that 61 million Americans live with some kind of disability? That’s why disability insurance is so important. If you’re not already familiar, disability insurance is a type of insurance that will provide you with a percentage of your income if an injury or illness ever requires you to stop working. Unfortunately, disability insurance is one of the most misunderstood forms of health insurance. That’s why we’re here to demystify it. Keep reading for the most common misconceptions about disability insurance.

Misconception: I don’t need disability insurance because I’m healthy.

Truth: Many people think that disability insurance is a moot point for them because they’re currently healthy and able to work. But, at the same time, about half of Americans say that their household finances would be impacted significantly in six months or less if the primary earner in the home were to lose their income. The fact is, if you rely on a paycheck to maintain your lifestyle, then disability insurance is worth considering.

Misconception: Disability insurance is too expensive.

Truth: Disability insurance is often much more affordable than you might think — usually the cost is around 1-3% of your annual salary. The total cost of disability insurance depends on a number of factors, including your age, occupation, and health.

Misconception: I can't get disability insurance if I have a pre-existing condition.

Truth: While it’s true that there are some disability insurance policies that will exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, the great new is that there are so many different companies to choose from and plans on the market. And you’ll find that many of those policies will cover you even if you have a pre-existing condition.

Misconception: Disability insurance is only for people who are unable to work at all.

Truth: You don’t have to be fully incapacitated and unable to work at all in order to take advantage of disability insurance. Disability insurance can actually provide income replacement even if you are able to work part-time. In fact, many policies will provide benefits if you are able to work only 20% of your regular hours.

Misconception: I can't get disability insurance if I'm employed part-time.

Truth: You do not have to work full-time in order to qualify for disability insurance. In fact, you don’t even have to be employed as a traditional W-2 employee. If you meet the requirements for disability and can prove you are losing wages you would have earned had you not experienced this injury or illness, you can collect from your disability insurance.

There are also many disability insurance policies that are available to self-employed individuals. In fact, many self-employed individuals find that disability insurance is even more important than it is for employees, because they don’t have the same level of job security.

Are you interested in disability insurance?

When you work with an independent brokerage, we can help you find the disability insurance policy that gives you the perfect amount of coverage at a price point that works with your budget. We’ll do all of the shopping for you and present you with all of your options, so you never have to lift a finger.

To learn more about how disability insurance can protect you and your family, contact us at 407-870-3462 today. n

DID YOU KNOW?

By Beatrice Spencer, Harmony Resident

MASTERING PROPER DOG WALKING ETIQUETTE: A Guide to Socializing Dogs on Walks

Dog walking is not only a great way to keep your furry friend active and healthy, but it also provides an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other canines. However, ensuring a positive and safe experience for all requires proper dog walking etiquette and training. In this article, we will explore essential tips for socializing dogs during walks, promoting harmony, and fostering positive interactions.

1. Start with Basic Training

Before embarking on walks with other dogs, it's crucial to establish a solid foundation of obedience training with your own dog. Teach your furry friend basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come." This will help you maintain control and manage any potential conflicts that may arise during encounters with other dogs.

2. Use Proper Leash Techniques

Maintaining control of your dog is paramount during walks. Always use a sturdy leash and ensure it is the appropriate length for your dog's size and strength. Keep your dog close to you and avoid allowing excessive pulling or lunging. This will help prevent your dog from approaching other dogs too quickly and potentially causing tension.

3. Introduce Dogs Gradually

When introducing your dog to another dog during a walk, take a gradual approach. Begin by allowing them to observe each other from a safe distance. If both dogs seem calm and relaxed, gradually decrease the distance between them. Always monitor their body language for signs of stress or discomfort.

4. Practice Positive Reinforcement

Rewarding your dog for good behavior is crucial in promoting positive socialization. Praise and treat your dog when they display appropriate behavior, such as remaining calm and friendly in the presence of other dogs. Positive reinforcement helps your dog associate socializing with positive experiences, making future encounters more enjoyable.

5. Respect Other Dogs' Space

Not all dogs are equally comfortable with socializing during walks. Some may be anxious, reactive, or in training. Respect other dog owners' choices if they prefer to keep their dogs at a distance. Avoid forcing interactions and always ask for permission before allowing your dog to approach another dog.

6. Watch for Warning Signs

Understanding canine body language is essential for identifying signs of stress or aggression. Look for signs like raised hackles, growling, stiff body posture, or excessive barking. If you observe these warning signs in either dog, calmly and swiftly redirect your dog's attention and move away from the situation.

7. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you encounter persistent issues with socializing your dog during walks, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess your dog's behavior, provide targeted training strategies, and help address any underlying issues.

Proper dog walking etiquette and training are crucial for fostering positive social interactions between dogs during walks. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both your dog and other canines. Remember, patience, positive reinforcement, and respectful behavior go a long way in creating a harmonious environment for all dogs involved. Happy walking! n

Minutes From Home. A Lifetime of Healing.

You’re not just our patient. You’re our neighbor. For more than 50 years, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital has been honored to provide exceptional care for the Osceola County community we proudly call home. And because it’s your home, too, you deserve trusted healthcare within reach, so we can foster a partnership focused on health and wellness — together. Giving you more reasons to choose well.

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