Photo: Courtesy Cherry
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Welcome to the November 2024 edition of Harmony Life Magazine
Congratulations to our new CDD Supervisors Brittnay Coronel and Julie Nicholes Williams who were elected November 5th. It’s great to see new people on the CDD board and we are looking forward to seeing the CDD get cost under control while maintaining the high standards for our community.
Many thanks to Kerul Kassel for her many years of service on the CDD Board. You've been a consistent and steady advocate for the positive in Harmony and your service is much appreciated.
Also, thanks to Mark LeMenager for his previous service on the board and stepping up to jump back in when the Chairperson stepped down.
Rumor:
We are still hearing that a Mexican restaurant is coming after the new year to the clubhouse. Check back here or on the Harmony Residents FaceBook page for updates. Stay tuned.
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, NO DRAMA.
See you in December!
Bill Bokunic, Publisher Bill@QMCWorld.com
CONTACT INFO FOR RESIDENTS
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
NOVEMBER 2024
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
Cherry Heck
CONTRIBUTORS
Jeanine Corcoran
Corcoran Connect
Kerul Kassel PHD
Hamony CDD Board Member
Kim Kirsch
National Marketing Director, Healthcare Solutions Team
Mark LeMenager
Chairman, Harmony Community Development District
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.
3501 Pug Mill Rd. Kissimmee, FL 34741 OsceolaFL@advanceddisposal.com
OSCEOLA COUNTY Osceola.org “Citizen Action Center”
COUNTY COMMISSIONER ricky.booth@osceola.org
RICKY BOOTH
Life Magazine
NOTES FROM THE CHAIR
By Mark LeMenager Chairman, Harmony Community Development District
Reducing Outdoor Water Use
Did you know a leak in your irrigation system or a broken sprinkler head can waste thousands of gallons of water a month? The University of Florida studied over a million homes in nine Florida counties and found that in one lawn watering cycle, the average home uses the same water equivalent as an eight-hour shower, 37 loads of laundry or 50 dishwasher cycles. In Osceola County, over 50% of all home water use occurs outside the home. Toilet flushes, washing machines, and showers can contribute to your water use, but combined, those factors only contribute 30%. You can make the greatest difference to your home water bill by reducing your outdoor water use.
Saving water not only helps your water bill, it benefits the community. Central Florida’s current water source, the Floridan Aquifer, is not sustainable for the region’s projected growth. Reducing water usage will potentially postpone costs for future water treatment plants and delivery system expansions.
Conserving water can be easy, just water intentionally:
• Landscaping your lawn with native Florida plants. By planting native Florida plants, you can reduce water usage by up to 50%. Plants native to Florida create a healthy landscape that is built to withstand the unique weather conditions of Florida. Once established, these plants often require very little water besides natural rainfall. To learn more, visit the University of Florida’s Florida-Friendly Landscaping page at ffl.ifas.ufl.edu
• Regularly check outdoor faucets for leaks. Leaks around the home can waste 90 or more gallons of water a day. While indoor leaks can be more obvious, an outdoor faucet leak can go unnoticed for weeks and contribute to this waste. While outside, check the perimeter of your house for any unintentional waterflow. Toho offers free irrigation evaluations and will make sure your systems are running as they should. Visit tohowater.com/residents-business/watering-days-andtimes for more information.
• Change the way you water. Watering your lawn at night can help efficiently use water because it reduces water that gets lost to evaporation. Find and follow your appointed water schedule by going to tohowater.com.
• Water less in the winter. In the winter months, your grass goes dormant and stops growing. During this period, you can skip a week of watering.
• Check your rain sensor. Make sure you have a working rain shutoff device — it’s the law! These devices automatically shut off irrigation systems so your lawn doesn’t get watered unnecessarily. Overwatering your lawn can also result in root rot and fungal growth.
Watching water use is the right thing to do — our actions today affect the needs and shortfalls of the future. Reducing water use can be very simple, water efficiently and set up future generations for success. To learn how Toho can help you conserve water, visit tohowater.com/conservation-tips for more ways to save.
FLOORING :
KITCHEN
By Kim Kirsch Healthcare Solutions Team
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR! BE SURE TO CALL YOUR BROKER
Using a broker to help navigate ObamaCare, also known as the Marketplace or ACA (Affordable Care Act), can be a valuable resource for individuals seeking health insurance coverage. Brokers are licensed professionals who help people find the right health plans for their needs and budgets. Here are several reasons why working with a broker can be beneficial:
Expert Guidance: The ACA marketplace offers numerous plan options, which can be overwhelming. Brokers are knowledgeable about the different types of health plans available, including the various levels of coverage (bronze, silver, gold, platinum). They can help you understand the details of each plan, including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs, ensuring that you choose the best option based on your health needs and financial situation.
Personalized Assistance: Brokers take the time to assess your individual circumstances, such as your health conditions, medications, and preferred doctors. This personalized approach allows them to recommend plans that meet your specific requirements. Additionally, brokers can help identify any subsidies or tax credits you may qualify for, which can significantly reduce your monthly premiums.
Time Savings: Navigating the ACA marketplace on your own can be time-consuming and confusing. A broker can streamline the process, guiding you through each step, from comparing plans to enrolling. They can also help with any issues that arise during the enrollment process, such as documentation requirements or application errors.
No Cost to You: One of the biggest advantages of using a broker is that their services are typically free for consumers. Brokers are compensated by insurance companies, so you get expert advice without any additional cost.
In summary, using a broker for ObamaCare/ACA enrollment offers expert guidance, personalized recommendations, and time savings, and is generally free of charge. Brokers help ensure you find the best plan to meet your healthcare needs. n
DID YOU KNOW?
By Kerul Kassel
FALL SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
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? Harmony incorporates natural and human-built 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.
Now that it’s fall, the acorns are dropping. Did you know that many of Florida’s native species (and some non-native ones) consume this fruit of the oak tree? Most people think of the gray squirrel as the quintessential acorn eater. They are growing in number here in Harmony now that our trees are larger. Aside from squirrels, though, more than 100 species of animals eat acorns, according to the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Native Shermans Fox Squirrels, White-tailed Deer, Raccoons, Opossums, various species of mice, Wild Turkeys, Bobwhites, Sand Hill Cranes, Bluejays, Common Grackles, Rock Pigeons, Mallards and Wood Ducks, American crows, and some woodpeckers are a few of the species that dine on this rich source of starch and fat. Black Bear have been known to eat acorns, as well. Some insects eat them, too. Our oak trees are very important sources of food for all these critters.
Acorns were an ancient source of nutrition for people around the world. They were a popular food in Florida among Native Americans, early European and American settlers, and even the cracker cowmen who built and roamed their herds in and through our area just over a century ago. Acorns must first be prepared for human consumption, a process that includes shelling them and soaking them for a long time to leach out the bitter tannins and make them edible. There are recipes for roasted acorns, acorn brittle, acorn bread and cookies, even acorn coffee!
While it’s not likely that any of us will be using acorns as a staple of our diet, up to 75% of a deer’s autumn diet consists of acorns. That means the season is a good time to see more wildlife in our neighborhoods. Different animals graze for dropped acorns at different times of day: turkey and crane in the early morning, small birds throughout the day, raccoons, opossum, and deer at night. Please use care when driving around the streets, especially the “boulevards” that outline the community, as these are adjacent to the areas where wildlife hang out most of the time. When you see a deer, be aware that there may be more than one…or two. They frequently travel in groups of 3-6, so if you’ve only seen one or two, move your vehicle slowly, because others may be right behind (I
learned this the hard way — though it was much, much harder for the deer).
Take advantage of the season to look out your windows at dusk and dawn, or to take a walk on one of Harmony’s numerous pathways and trails, and you very well might find some interesting acorn-eaters to view (from a distance). Now that it’s a bit cooler, it’s time to get out and enjoy some of the many wonderful amenities and opportunities with which we are so blessed. n
CHERRY
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.
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 CLUB
Royal St. Cloud Golf Links 5310 Michigan Ave. St. Cloud, FL 34769 407-891-7010
GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES
Blair Creative Group, Inc.
Renée Blair
Lake Nona 321-972-3669 www.BlairCG.com
HOSPITAL
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
Gredy Insurance
Brady Evans
*Harmony Resident* 812-798-2199 brady@gredyinsurance.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 SERVICE
Champions Property Maintenance
*Harmony Resident* Joe Murray 407-766-5051 ChampionPropertyMaintenanceLLC@gmail.com
MORTGAGE LENDING
Northpoint Mortgage Mike Demarse 407-712-7303
mdemarse@northpoint.com www.MikeDemarse.com
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
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
PET GROOMING
Rivera's Pet Luv Spa 407-556-3555 7264 S. Harmony Square Dr.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Abbey Evans Photography Weddings, Families, Newborns, Seniors www.abbeyevansphoto.com
PLUMBER
K&R Plumbing
24-Hour Emergency Services 407-979-1033
KRPlumbing2019@gmail.com www.KandRPlumbingLLC.com
REAL ESTATE
Corcoran Connect
*Harmony Resident* Jeanine Corcoran Owner/Broker Buy/Sell/Rent/Property Mgmt. 407-953-9118 www.CorcoranConnect.com
REMODELING
All Flooring USA & Cabinets 1021 N. Narcoosee Rd., St. Cloud Located Next to Domino's 407-593-9481 www.AllFlooringUSA.com
ROOFING
Hogan Roofing Corben Hogan 407-449-ROOF Office@HoganRoofs.com www.HoganRoofs.com/Refer
TRAVEL
Meisner Cruise and Travel
*Harmony Resident* 407-738-7088 • tvlwithlinda@gmail.com
Facebook: Harmony Get Aways With Meissner Travel
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
