3 minute read
IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
Harmony’s founders were committed to a philosophy of allowing natural elements to persist unimpeded and minimizing the circumstances that lead to conflict between humans and nature. “In harmony with nature” was the original motto of our community at its inception.
The founders codified this philosophy within our founding documents, Covenant Declaration, and Community Standards, delineating the peaceful coexistence of humans and wild animals.
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The article “Harmony’s Dark Sky” (Harmony Life, Feb 2023) highlights the negative impact excessive light can have on wildlife and humans as well as some additional benefits reducing our wasted light footprint can have on our community overall as well as the surrounding areas.
To promote Dark Sky practices and awareness, Harmony, for many years, hosted a Dark Sky Festival. This event brought in people from all over Florida to learn the importance of protecting the night sky. Scientists from local universities and NASA would educate through presentations, telescope sky observing, music, games, food, and exhibits held outdoors under the night sky.
According to the International Dark-Sky Association, as of January 2023, there are only 201 certified Dark Sky Places in the world. These places include 115 Parks, 38 Commu nities, 20 Reserves, 16 Sanctuaries, 6 Urban Night Sky Places, and 6 Dark Sky Friendly Developments of Distinction, Harmony be ing the first ever to get this distinction back in 2009.
This was an award that was given to masterplanned communities and unincorporated towns whose planning promoted a more nat ural night sky and achieved success in light pollution control.
“To the maximum extent possible, lighting should be low intensity and conform to ‘dark sky’ standards of downward projected, ‘full cut-off’ illumination that shields light from being emitted upwards toward the night sky or surrounding natural areas. To be full cutoff, the light bulb should not extend below the lamp shade.”
As an example, all of the street lights within Harmony are dark sky compliant.
“Residential Lighting in Harmony is also shielded. Full cut-off lights improve visibility and save money. In a full cutoff, the light bulb is recessed into the fixture to give optimal light direction. Outdoor fixtures are fully shielded or are recessed into porch ceilings to provide a soft welcoming glow at night. Alleys at the rear of houses are not lit but use photocell-controlled garage lights on individual homes provide lighting there.”
What does all of this mean for you? In short, The HROA Dark Sky standards are based on the philosophy and standards put in place in the community’s founding documents. Section 3.13 of the Community Standards document provides specific requirements residents are expected to follow when installing or modifying residential outdoor lighting.
3.13 Exterior Lighting:
“All exterior lighting for residential homes must be Dark Sky compliant. The use of fixtures that point downward and have a full cutoff or partial cut-off glare shields. Floodlights and up-lighting are prohibited. Landscape lighting is permitted; however, up-lighting of the landscape or building walls is prohibited.”
As a reminder, changes to residential outdoor lighting must be approved by the HROA ARB. Please contact info@myhoasolution.com if you have any questions about what type of lighting is allowed. n
UPCOMING HROA SOCIAL EVENT
June 11 – Harmony Summer Market: 10am–2pm, Town Square
Contact information for the HROA: https://myhoasolution.com
407-847-2280 info@myhoasolution.com https://portal.topssoft.com/login
TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: BRIAN RINEHART
• Has been with Kisselback Ford for 4.5 years
• Originally from St. Cloud, FL
• Veteran of the US Army; served in Ft. Stuart, Ft. Wainwright, AK, and Afghanistan
• Favorite Ford: F-150
• Fun fact: Proudly wears Crocs everyday
What Do People Have to Say About Brian and Kisselback Ford?
Best Car Experience We Ever Had!
“We started online. It was a Sunday so the dealership was not open. Our salesperson, Brian, jumped right in and got the process started. We selected the car we wanted and the rest was the best car buying experience we ever had. A few texts for information. Paperwork sent by email. Signed and finished. Our new Escape delivered to our front door. No hassles. No time. Comfortable. Convenient. Perfect. Brian and the Kisselback staff made this what car buying should be. Thank you—we will recommend you to everyone.” — John L.
Definitely Recommend!
“Purchased a new vehicle and Brian Rinehart made the sales experience flawless. Communicated throughout the long process of waiting for the Bronco to be made and updated me throughout the wait. Contacted me first thing in the morning once the vehicle arrived and had me out of the dealership very fast shortly after. Will definitely recommend.” — Jonathan S.
“Brian Rhinehart has to be one of the easiest salesman I have ever dealt with. Everything from top to bottom has been solid. Bought 2 vehicles in the last week from them.” — Michael F.
“Brian Rinehart and Kim are amazing there! Best deals and customer service around!!!!!!!! Thanks Kisselback Ford for an amazing car buying experience!” — Rachel S.
