Harmony Life - July 2023

Photo: Abbey Evans Photography

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the July 2023 edition of Harmony Life Magazine.

Regarding all the Harmony “rumors”: I’ve literally heard of several disturbing “rumors” and I’ve checked them out. NONE have any merit, and most were started or passed on by one or two people who may or may not have ulterior motives.

“None of it was true but rumors are like germs. They spread and multiply almost in a breath and before you know it, everyone is contaminated.” —C.J. Tudor, The Chalk Man

“Believe nothing of what you hear and half of what you see.” —Sarah Bokunic, my mom… I’m sure she got it from someone else.

As we learn of the future of the main clubhouse building, apartments, grocery stores, etc., we will bring you the most accurate information right here!

Please, please support our advertisers! They help bring this monthly publication to the community.

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 August!

Bill Bokunic Publisher Bill@QMCWorld.com

CONTACT INFO FOR RESIDENTS

HarmonyCDD.org, 407-566-1935

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

NON-EMERGENCY 407-348-2222

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

JULY 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

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

MEET DEBRA GASKILL

What is…

Your name? Debra Gaskill

Your children’s names? Corey, University of Minnesota grad, Criminal Justice; April, St. Petersburg College grad, Mortuary Science; and Justin, just accepted into limted access Physical Therapy Program at Eastern Florida State College.

Your cats’ names? Brûlée & Louis

When did you move to Harmony? Eleven years ago.

What street do you live on? Sundrop.

What do you love most about Harmony? I have always loved that even though it’s a little bit of drive to get out here, when you’re home... you’re home. Peace, quiet, serenity. The deer in the front yard from time to time. Love the walks around the neighborhood in the evening and the Sunday markets.

What are your kids’ favorite things about Harmony? My kids are all adults, but they love to unwind on my side porch where I have an entertainment center. They like to pop in a movie and listen to the windchimes blowing in the breeze.

Where did you move from? Ohio.

What do you miss most? The leaves turning color in the fall and snow on Christmas morning. But it’s a nice trade-off to experience all of the holidays in beautiful Florida weather. What is your background? I have a degree in Mass Media and started writing for my college newspaper which turned into a life-long passion. After retiring from the insurance industry a few years ago, I’m now able to write full-time. I have been a contributor for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and last year I published my first non-fiction novel, Healing From Heaven. Recently, I released a part memoir, part self-help book, Single & Sublime: Healing The Past, Making Wise Choices, Living A Beautiful Life

What attracted you to live in Harmony? After going through one of life’s transitions, Harmony seemed like the perfect place to regroup, rethink and relaunch into a new season of life. Also, as an author I work from home, so I enjoy the peace and quiet that I experience most days.

Do you have a cause or business that you would like to promote? Currently, I have two full length faith-based books on Amazon: Healing From Heaven, paperback & e-book, https://amzn.to/3OLpRJR and Single & Sublime, paperback & e-book, https://amzn.to/3qtFZI4

What do you do for fun? I love visiting nearby attractions—Universal, Disney, Wild Florida, Gatorland, Sea World. Sometimes you hear about people who have lived in Central Florida for decades and have never been to the

parks. Not me! I've been a season passholder for years.

What was the last movie that you have seen in the theatre? “John Wick: Chapter 4” — Keanu Reeves fan here!

What is your favorite TV Show? “Gilmore Girls”. n

NOTES FROM THE HROA MAY BUDGET MEETING

There were 5 of the 7 board members present at the meeting and one on Facetime along with Mark Hills from Association Solutions and 5 residents.

Owners asked questions about speeding and parking on the streets and concern for safety and getting by. It was explained that the HROA cannot do anything about general parking and speeding issues. The streets are County owned and it would be a matter for the Sheriff and/ or County.

Last meeting, we discussed the widening of alleyway driveways but decided to table a decision in order to investigate further. Karen Grissom reached out to the county and was told that:

• Driveways cannot exceed 24 feet in width.

• Permits must be attained for both concrete and pavers. If using pavers and the area is less than 200 square feet no permit is needed.

• No alterations to a lot can be made that would result in more than a 70% impervious material coverage.

• You shall not widen the driveway into the 5-foot set back on the sides of the homes.

These rules come from both the County Code and the Harmony Planned Development. The board wanted to clarify a few things before making a decision so this was tabled until next meeting.

The maintenance of the grass area (verge) between the sidewalk and the street on Cat Brier, Schoolhouse, and Five Oaks is now the responsibility of the homeowners. The Board discussed the HROA enforcing the upkeep of these areas. Mark Hills and the HROA attor ney confirmed that the HROA can legally en force the upkeep. A motioned for a letter to be sent to the CDD district manager requesting that the CDD write to all of these owners to inform them that the HROA will be enforcing moving forward and for the district manager to provide proof that this letter has been sent before the HROA begins enforcement.

The Nature and Animal Committee is still looking for help with trapping, neutering, and releasing feral cats to keep the population down. They are maintaining the trails and adding signs and mowing should happen soon.

Mark Hills reported on financials, delinquencies and violations. Mark Hills explained that there are some big cuts to certain areas in the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. This is due to an increase in insurance and our “nest egg” from the original developer running out. In order to reduce the impact of the increased expenses, Mark suggested an option to increase the capital contribution/initial fee collected at the sale of each home. The board discussed this possibility and motioned to increase the Capital Contribution / initial fee to $500, effective immediately. The board motioned to approve the amended proposed budget, restoring some allocation for the Social Committee, Nature and Animal Committee and the Off Duty Sheriff detail and an increase to the annual assessments of 5%. n

EVENT:

JULY 12, 11am–1pm

Summertime Family Scavenger Hunt

TENTATIVE UPCOMING

HROA MEETINGS:

August 9, 6pm - Location TBA

ANNUAL MEETING:

October 11, 6pm - Location TBA

Contact information for the HROA: https://myhoasolution.com

407-847-2280

info@myhoasolution.com

https://portal.topssoft.com/login

NOTES FROM the CHAIR

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

BUDGET TIME IS HERE

Every year, in July, the CDD adopts the budget for the next fiscal year. This year it is for October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024, also known as FY2024. Money in this budget goes first to pay the fixed rate bonds that were used to finance Harmony’s original land and development costs and the remainder is used to manage Harmony’s infrastructure— the landscaping, irrigation system, stormwater systems including ponds, alleys, street trees, sidewalks, docks, boardwalks, pools, splash pad, playgrounds, basketball court, parks, pavilions, fences, community garden, doggie potti stations, trash cans, grills and picnic tables, and much more.

This has been a costly fiscal year for Harmony both in time and money. There has been a lot to do as our community just passed its 23rd birthday. Additionally, this post-Covid year has seen enormous inflation, serious back order isues, labor shortages, and vendors having so much work that they are unresponsive even after a contract is awarded. Here are some of items that have stressed our budget and caused us to significantly spend into our reserves.

Landscaping– The CDD had tried to stay with Servello for landscaping, as they were the least expensive and had promised to ‘up their game.’ The CDD had based the Landscape budget number on the cost of Servello’s services. Unfortunately, Servello’s services did not improve, so the CDD changed landscape companies 4 months into this fiscal year. This increased the landscaping costs by $120,000 more than budgeted. Based on the feedback from Harmony’s residents, the difference in the service is well worth it.

Irrigation– The majority of Harmony’s irrigation system has been severely damaged by our maturing trees, old age (20+ years), and damage from golf carts. Benchmark, the CDD’s new landscape service, has been working diligently to restore our irrigation system to its former self. You have probably seen them standing in deep holes fixing these pipes. This work has been expensive, but we expect to eventually see savings in both the health of our plant material and in the monthly cost of reclaimed water (currently from $15000 to $20,000/month). To date, the

CDD has paid or encumbered $65,000 to bring our system up to 75% functionality.

Splash Pad- The splash pad has been down for over a year and the repair bills keep mounting. Hopefully, it will be up and running by the time you read this article. At least that is what we have been promised, yet again. Over the past 6 years or more, the splash pad has been struggling to operate, needing constant service and repair. This has been due to a combination of the very hard water in Harmony and an aging pump with a disintegrating impeller. When the pump’s impeller finally degraded to the point that it would no longer pump water, the CDD discovered this style of pump was no longer being made, so the impeller could not be replaced. We had to purchase a new, very specific sized pump which was not readily available. Once it finally arrived and was installed, we discovered that the extensive system of pipes needed to be fully cleaned and the solenoids upgraded. No less than four different vendors have attempted to restore the splash pad to its former glory and we are hoping this final vendor will be able to complete the job. All of this work has cost Harmony over $30,000. Expensive, yes, but reasonable compared to the $300,000 complete splash pad rebuild that Celebration is considering for their splash pad that is the same age.

Boats– Harmony’s boats are definitely showing their age. So far this year the CDD has rehabbed the 16’ pontoon boat, replaced the engine on a 20’ pontoon boat, and upgraded the motorsfor the bass boat so it can get back to the dock when the winds pick up.

Stormwater System– In the Estates neighborhood of Harmony, the custom home building has been spread out over the last 15 years and during this time, the various home builders have taken a toll on the stormwater system. Heavy equipment has rolled over the stormwater pipes causing them to separate, cement trucks have washed out into the storm drains causing clogs, and fence companies have driven posts through the pipes causing erosion. This year we spent over $22,000 to repair the damage that was found in the stormwater pipes

surrounding the existing homes in the Estates. After the remaining homes are completed, the CDD will have to spend more to finish the repairs to the Estates’ stormwater system.

Alley Repaving- Many of Harmony’s neighborhoods have alleys behind the homes for access to garages, for mail delivery and garbage pick-up, and for neighborhood children to play. These alleys need to be repaved every 15 years and another neighborhood is scheduled to be repaved every 3 years. The paving for the alleys in the two neighborhoods (C-1 and C-2) bounded by the lakefront, the big dog park, the school and Cat Brier was overdue and numerous areas were suffering from potholes and asphalt cave ins. They had been patched and repatched.

Although money had been set aside for this work in Harmony’s reserve fund, the actual cost turned out to be over twice what had been previously anticipated. This project was just recently completed at a cost of $647,200, resulting in a major impact to Harmony’s reserve fund.

By now you have probably received a letter from the CDD informing you that another assessment increase is possible this year. The public hearing on the proposed budget is set for July 27 at 6pm in our usual meeting place at 328 Songbird Circle here in Harmony. Please review the proposed budget which can be found at HarmonyCDD.org under the Public Records tab under Fiscal Records.

None of us want to increase the assessments, but we either increase the assessments, decrease the quality of services, or decrease the recreational services provided by the CDD. Harmony’s recreational services are the only services that the CDD is not statutorily required to provide to residents, so those services can be curtailed or eliminated in an effort to avoid increasing assessments.

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

DID YOU KNOW?

By Kerul Kassel PHD Hamony CDD Board Member

SAFELY ATTRACTING & FEEDING OUR WILD BIRDS

DID YOU KNOW that Harmony incorporates natural and humanbuilt environments that blend in ways designed to enhance the relationships between humans and animals and maximize the benefits of their peaceful coexistence. While retaining natural areas, Harmony is part of a human-dominated landscape where our actions profoundly affect the welfare of wild animals.

There are many ways each of us can help maintain that wonderful balance. Over the past 9+ years this column has covered a number of them. Let’s start with some of the most easily seen wildlife: birds! If you’re out and about it’s not uncommon to see our wild Turkeys, Sand Hill Cranes, Barred Owls, and Red-shouldered Hawks. It’s pretty easy to see our smaller birds like Northern Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Northern Mockingbirds in your own yard.

Want to attract birds? Put out a shallow (up to 1½” deep) pan of water, but make sure to change it every day or two as our weather and

temperatures make water putrid quickly. Put a small rock in it so the birds know the water isn’t deep. Bird feeding is another way to attract birds. Do a web search for “feeding birds in Central Florida” for lots of info about feeder types, foods you can offer, feeder locations, feeder hygience (very important if you don’t want to poison the birds!), and more. This time of year birds are raising their young, and it’s a hoot to see the babies begging their parents for snacks.

Did you know that the plants and products you use in your yard affect the health of these birds and other animals, we well as butterflies and bees? Planting native plants like Butterfly Week (a native type of Milkweed), Scarlet Salvia, Firebush, Coreopsis (also known as Tickseed) and Coral Honeysuckle attract both birds and lots of pollinators. One of the smallest birds they attract is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds, which are amazing to watch and are here at this time of year.

Traditional pest control practices are changing because of growing concerns about health, the environment and pesticide resistance. Regular preventive pesticide applications are often unnecessary. Healthy trees and shrubs can usually defend against pest attacks, while beneficial insects, birds and other natural controls often suppress undesirable insects — which makes casual use of pesticides unnecessary.

Better than throwing pesticides and herbicides, an alternative approach to managing pests is to correctly “diagnose” the problem and be given information on how to treat it. The IFAS website has good resources on this subject, just do a web search for “alternatives to pesticides in Central Florida” or email Osceola County Extension Service to ask what is wrong and how to treat problems when they occur. Take some photos and email epabon5@ufl.edu with a description.

Their Facebook page is Gardening in Central Florida – UF IFAS Extension in Osceola County (website: http://osceola.ifas.ufl.edu/fyn.shtml) and their phone number is 321-697-3000. You can bring samples into their office near Silver Spurs Arena. The UF IFAS Extension service offers many programs, from family nutrition to vegetable gardening, to 4H support, and more.

It’s a great time of year to look out your windows, sit on your front or back porch and watch nature, or go for a walk in one of our parks or on our miles of trails. Get out, have fun, and enjoy the abundant flora and fauna that Harmony has to offer. n

QUICK REFERENCE DIRECTORY

ADVERTISING & MAGAZINES

Harmony Life

Bill Bokunic

321-331-6398

Bill@QMCWorld.com

www.QMCWorld.com

AIR-CONDITION SERVICES

Access Air

Eric Farnsworth

*Harmony Resident*

407-921-0760

ELFarnsworth@live.com

AUTO DEALER

Kisselback Ford

1118 13th Street,St. Cloud

407-892-2141

www.KisselbackFord.com

CHURCH

Harmony Community Church

Meeting 10am Sundays at Harmony Community School

(844) 444-FBCH

www.HarmonyCommunity.church

CHIROPRACTOR

Living Well Chiropractic

*Harmony Resident*

4041 13th St., St. Cloud 34768

407-957-1337

www.LivingWellCFL.com

GARAGE DOORS & OPENERS

D.S.I.

Sales / Service / Repairs

407-970-5847

dsigaragedoor@yahoo.com

www.dsigaragedoorandopener.com

GOLF CART REPAIR & SERVICE

Battery Ops and Golf Cart Repairs

1-229-328-1178

Local to Harmony and St. Cloud

GOLF CLUB

Royal St. Cloud Golf Links

5310 Michigan Ave., St. Cloud 34769

407-891-7010

HOME RENOVATIONS

Home Restoration Exchange

Kitchen & Bathroom Design

231 Ruby Ave., Suite E, Kissimmee 407-587-0738

www.HomeRestorationExchange.com

HOSPITALS

Health First-Holmes

Regional Health Care

1350 S. Hickory St., Melbourne 32901 321-434-7000

Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital

2906 17th St., St. Cloud 407-892-2135

www.OrlandoHealth.com

INSURANCE

Brightway Insurance, The Sterner Agency 407-891-9361

www.BrightwaySterner.com

Healthcare Solutions Team

Kim Kirsch 407-870-3462

kkirsch@myhst.com

Kisselback Insurance Agency

Ashely Evans

321-316-3360

1118 13th St., St. Cloud 34769

LAWN CARE

Luv-A-Lawn & Pest Control 407-908-9139

www.LuvALawn.com

Triple Palm Lawns

*Harmony Resident* 407-957-3489

TriplePalmLawn@aim.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

CMG Home Loans

Colleen Mitchell 407-620-3563

colleenmitchell@cmghomeloans.com

Mortgage Studio

Julie Bretz-Swinarksi 407-758-3443 • julie@mtgstudio.net

Alyssa Shivmangal 407-408-1413 • alyssa@mtgstudio.net

MUSIC LESSONS

Harmony Performance Arts Studio

Amber Lanning & Ellen Short Voice/Piano/Acting 682-936-9551

PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING

AAA All Star Painting LLC. Commerical & Residential Licensed & Insured 407-908-5525

Champions Property Maintenance

*Harmony Resident* Joe Murray, 407-766-5051

Performance Soft Wash LLC. Exterior House Cleaning & Paver Sealing 407-729-7567

PARK

Wild Florida

3301 Lake Cypress Rd., Kenansville 407-957-3135

www.WildFL.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Abbey Evans Photography Weddings, Families, Newborns, Seniors www.abbeyevansphoto.com

PLUMBER

Mr. Rooter Plumbing 407-593-3737

www.MrRooter.com

PHYSICIANS

Miriam Carnemolla, APRN AdventHealth Primary Care+ Partin Settlement

2488 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee 34744

St. Cloud Medical Group

1700 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. St. Cloud

407-891-2965

www.StCloudPhysicians.com

REAL ESTATE

Corcoran Connect

*Harmony Resident*

Jeanine Corcoran Owner/Broker

Buy/Sell/Rent/Property Mgmt. 407-953-9118

www.CorcoranConnect.com

RESTAURANTS

Koffee Kup

1407 13th St., St. Cloud, Under Water Tower 407-891-81488

www.TheKoffeeKup.com

Phyre at Harmony 7251 Five Oaks Dr., Harmony

TRAVEL

Meisner Cruise and Travel

*Harmony Resident*

407-738-7088 • tvlwithlinda@gmail.com

Facebook: Harmony Get Aways With Meissner Travel

Rock Solid Travel

Jeff Rock, CCC 321-805-4124

www.RockSolidTravel.com

WATER SYSTEMS

Dependable Water Treatment 407-242-7150

WINE & SPIRITS

Levee Liquor & Gas

Now Delivering in Harmony!

718 13th St., St. Cloud 407-593-9605

www.LeveeLiquor.com

Minutes

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 Central Florida region 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.