Windermere Amenity Cards are available to residents in good standing. Please stop by the clubhouse during office hours. Replacement cards are $10 each. Check or money order ONLY. No cash or credit cards accepted.
LOST PET/ANIMAL DISTURBANCES
Please contact Forsyth County Animal Control at 770-781-2138 to report your lost pet or if you see animals roaming free and not on a leash, especially if you deem that animal to be aggressive in any way.
www.windermerecommunity.net
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Become a 2025 Sponsor Today thank you to our 2024 sponsors
For more details, please contact Stacy Maguire windermereactivities@comcast.net 678-455-7708 ext.2
Our sponsors help make our great events possible! Please support these businesses when you can!
PLATINUM
The Windermere Leaflet is a publication of The Times. Subject matter published is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher of this newsletter. Professional advice should be obtained before making any decision in which a professional is readily available. Advertisers assume responsibility for the content of the ads placed in publication. Material published may not be reproduced without the written permission of The Times. The information and advertisements contained in this Newsletter are provided for the members of the Windermere Homeowners Association as a courtesy only. No representations are made as to information presented, the quality of the goods or services advertised, or the veracity of the statements relating to the goods and services. The printing of opinions, information or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the Neighborhood or such opinions, information, goods or services.
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Top 10 ways to be a considerate neighbor
Being a good neighbor is a balancing act. You want to get involved but not too involved. You want to know your neighbors but don’t want them to know everything about you. No one likes a busy-body. For you baby-boomers and older generation, think of Gladys Cravtiz from Bewitched. And for the Generation X’rs and younger generation, think of the Klopeks from “ The Burbs”
So with all of this in mind, here are a few suggestions for being a good neighbor. Which I know, you all aspire to be!
1. GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS.
Introduce yourself to the people on your block and anyone else with whom you share a property line. Give them your phone number so they know they can call you if they have a problem with noise, etc. Get to know a little about their schedule and lifestyle so you can be considerate of their working hours, baby naps, etc. Also, a pie or some cookies never hurt.
2.
MAINTAIN YOUR YARD.
No reasonable person (at least nobody outside a covenant-controlled HOA) expects every yard to be worthy of a magazine cover, however, your neighbors rightly expect you to mow regularly and do your part to minimize weeds. Also offer to water neighbors’ plants while they are away. Hopefully they will reciprocate the offer.
3. RESPECT A POWER TOOL CURFEW AND OTHER NOISE ORDINANCES.
Try to limit the use of chainsaws, leaf blowers and other noisy tools to one hour at a time. Try to wait until after 9:00 a.m. but before 8:00 p.m. and also try to make some effort to accommodate napping children and night shift workers.
4.
CONTROL YOUR PETS AND PICK UP AFTER THEM.
Let Fido get some fresh air in a securely fenced yard. Also invest in some obedience training so he doesn’t just bark all day while you are at work. There is a leash law in Forsyth County and it is written in the covenants that if your pet is outside and not in a fenced yard, it should be on a leash.
Also, pick up after your pet even in your own yard. No one wants to smell the aroma coming from your yard on a
hot summer day.
5. LET KIDS BE (GOOD)
KIDS.
Let the kids play outside during daylight hours and introduce them to the neighbors, both for courtesy and safety. Don’t let them play in neighbors’ yards without permission, and teach them that yelling is generally inappropriate and unnecessary especially if they are playing outside early in the morning or later in the evening.
6. DON’T SMOKE OUT THE NEIGHBORS.
Talk to the neighbors and pay attention to the prevailing winds before lighting a bonfire or starting a backyard cigar-of-the-month club.
7. TURN DOWN THE MUSIC.
Try to keep your tunes from drifting beyond your property lines. Go out to the street and check if you can hear the stereo or garage band. If you are hosting a party, invite your neighbors (or at least warn them and give them your phone number to complain about noise). Please also be sure to follow the County noise ordinances as well as the community covenants which prohibit noise that disrupts the safety and comfort of others. It’s best to follow the golden rule and keep noise from disturbing neighbors.
8. BE A CONSIDERATE DRIVER.
Don’t creep through the neighborhood at five miles per hour. You’ll look like a stalker.
Don’t speed through neighborhood streets or ignore stop signs. More kids, pets and pedestrians are out, and it’s all too easy to slip into autopilot mode in your own neighborhood and forget to watch for these hazards.
Know and respect the speed limit, and always check the driveway, sidewalk and street carefully before pulling a vehicle out of the driveway.
9. BE A CONSIDERATE PARKER.
THIS IS A BIG ISSUE IN WINDERMERE!
Park your vehicles in your garage or in your driveway. You should never park vehicles in the street where they block a neighbor’s driveway. They should not have to perform automotive acrobatics to get out of their driveway.
Parking in the street also can obstruct other vehicles especially if someone is parked on both sides of the street. Recently, a delivery truck was not able to get through
because vehicles were parked across from each other on both sides. Parking in the street can also make it difficult to see children that may be running across the street to a friend’s house.
Do not park on the street overnight or for long periods of time.
Do not park in cut through or turn lane areas. This is especially a problem along Windermere Crossing in the East Village section of Windermere.
10. TAKE OUT THE TRASH.
Don’t take out the trash two days early “just in case you forget.” And don’t leave out the trash if it doesn’t get picked up for some reason. Contact Red Oak if they fail to pick up your trash on the specified day.
Take out the trash the morning of your trash pickup to avoid attracting bugs and vermin.
Store your trash can out of sight after your trash has been picked up. Storing your can on the side of your home is not acceptable if it can been seen by your neighbors or from the street.
These are just a few ways that you can be a good neighbor and help to create a more harmonious community.
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REVISED HOURS OF OPERATION: M - Th 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM F - Sa 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM | Su 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
We're all in this together and we appreciate your support of Alessio's!
2025 Association Dues Reminder
Statements for the 2025 Association Dues were mailed out in November. If you have not received your statement, please contact us right away so that we can assist you in making your payment. Failure to receive your statement or to notify us if you have not received it will not be considered a valid reason for making a late payment and late fees will still apply. Again, this year, you have two options for payment of association dues: You may pay the entire amount of $1,400.00 at one time. Or you can make two (2) payments of $700.00; the first payment is due January 1st, and the second payment is due April 1st. Please remember that assessments are due and payable on the 1st of the month. Payments received after the 1st of the month are considered late and are subject to a 10% late fee. * Please allow at least fourteen (14) business days for receipt and processingof your payment. Payments are not posted instantly whether they are mailed to the lockbox, paid on-line via your personal bank, or through the First Service on-line payment service (ClickPay). When submitting your payment, please write your 14-digit account number on your check. Your account number begins with Q113. If you use on-line bill pay, please be sure that your bank has your complete account number and the correct P.O. Box information. Payments should be made out to:
WINDERMERE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
C/O FIRST SERVICE RESIDENTIAL
P.O. BOX 30348 Tampa, FL 33630-3348
As always, the management team is here to address any questions or concerns that you may have. Please feel free to contact us at windermeremanager@ comcast.net, windermereactivities@comcast.net or 678-455-7708. We wish you wonderful and safe Holiday Season and Happy New Year!
**Please note, if pre-paying account balances may reflect $0, as the assessments are not due until January 1st. The charge will be applied on or around this date.
Assessment Fees Made Easy! Make Your Payments Online!
We invite you to set up one time or automatic payments online through ClickPay, our online payment provider:
Please remember when setting up automatic payments to select. Pay a fixed amount and enter $700.00 or $1,400.
Signing up is easy: Log onto fsresidential.com and click on Make a Payment Or Call 1-888-354-0135 and press Option 1 You can
*Pay by e-check for a nominal fee
*Pay by credit or with debit card for a nominal fee
*Set up automatic payments
*Pay from your phone or tablet
Mail a check to: Windermere c/o FirstService Residential PO Box 30348 Tampa, FL 33630-3348
Any questions? Visit clickpay.com/get help or call 1-888-354-0135 and press Option 1
ENHANCING OUR COMMUNITY’S COMMON AREAS
As we welcome the new year, it’s a perfect time to think about enhancing our beautiful community of 1,278 homes. Improving the landscaping in our common areas not only boosts curb appeal but also fosters a sense of pride and well-being among residents. Here are some updates.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
1. Landscape Enhancements: We’re pleased to announce that the Edenham and Osterley enhancements have been completed and look fantastic. As part of the second phase of the Edenham project, we will be removing the overgrown and declining Leyland cypress trees next to the wall that are currently shielding the view of the large AT&T boxes and replant some large Evergreens in their place.
2. Flower Replanting: The deer are eating our fall flowers at selected locations, even with the deer netting installed. Our landscape company had installed deer deterrent devices at no cost to the Association but were unfortunately not effective. To eliminate the costs of continual flower replacement, we plan to replace the flower beds at Trammel/Daves Creek and a few other locations
THURSDAY IS PICK UP DAY
The dumpster in the amenities lot is NOT for homeowner usage. Please contact Red Oak at 770-536-7868 if you need a bulk trash pick or if would like to order an additional can.
ADDITIONAL CANS WILL BE BILLED DIRECTLY TO THE HOMEOWNER FOR $2.00 PER MONTH.
PLEASE CONTACT RED OAK SANITATION AT 678-455-7819 TO SCHEDULE AND PREPAY FOR CHRISTMAS TREE PICK UP.
with permanent plants in the spring of 2025.
3. Budget Update: Our 2024 landscape budget for tree & stump removal, sod, and drainage ($50K annually) was fully utilized. As always, the funds go quickly due to the extensive work required. For 2025, we will be completing a drainage project in the common area off Trammel Road, and continuing our stump removal and sod installation, and limbing up the street trees along Trammel Road. There are a significant amount of street trees that are in decline due to their age so tree removal is always ongoing.
4. Shrub Pruning: Winter pruning will begin shortly. Emerging winter weeds are being sprayed as needed in bed areas. Fertilizer and weed control have been applied, and flowers have been deadheaded to promote continued blooming. Our landscape company will also be limbing up tree limbs at all entrances where needed.
5. Pine Straw: Due to the drought conditions this year, leaves starting falling early so the pine straw installation is on hold until all the leaves fall and are removed by our landscape company.
Dueling Pianos
Friday, March 14th
Details coming up soon! Stay Tune!
January 2025
Windermere Clubs!
LADIES BRIDGE:
Meets the first and third Thursday of the month at the Lodge and would love to welcome new members!
COUPLES BRIDGE:
Meets every 3rd Saturday at the Lodge.
Contact Sandy Stahl at 770-597-8237
LADIES BOOK CLUB
January book club is Wednesday the 8th at 7:00PM
HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK CLUB Will meet the 2nd Thursday of the month from 1:00PM-2:00PM.
Hello, fellow book lovers. I have always had a particular fondness for the historical fiction genre, no matter the place or time in history when I have learned a little more about our past. If you share that interest and would like to be part of such a book club, we will have our first meeting at the clubhouse on Thursday, January 9 from 1:00-2:00pm. It is a book club to discuss books during lunch hour, so if you work at home, feel free to bring your lunch to participate. I have chosen this first book yet future books will be suggested and voted upon. We will be discussing The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Look forward to interesting discussions!
Thank you kindly! Any further questions please let me know. You can also contact me at 678-488-8294.
Joan Oliver
RESOURCE CENTER
• Questions about joining a USTA or ALTA team? Contact the tennis committee at windermeretenniscmt@gmail. com.
• Questions about adult or junior drills? Contact Coach Bobby at schindlerb@comcast.net
• Need to Reserve a Court? Download the Reserve My Court app at ReserveMyCourt.com. Both tennis and pickle ball court reservations can be made on the app. Please follow the instructions at the following link to get started https://windermerecommunity.net/ page/13899~227421/how-to-reservea-court
• Windermere Tennis General and League Play Rules and Guidelines can be found at (scan QR code)
JANUARY DRILL SCHEDULE
Friday 9:30am-11:00am • Adult Open Drills Friday 11:15am-12:30pm • Reps, Reps and more Reps
Please contact Coach Bobby at schindlerb@comcast.net for pricing and further details.
Lodge & Fitness Center
Please read all posted signs before entering the gym. Although we have increased gym cleaning by our professional cleaning company to 3 times per week, as a courtesy to other residents of your community, please remember to always clean equipment before/after usage, and employ social distancing. Lastly, please limit your work out to no more than 2 hours when others are wanting to use the facility.
• The fitness center is open to all Windermere residents 7 days a week.
• The center is closed for deep cleaning every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9 AM to 10 AM.
• Exercise at your own risk.
• No one under 15 is allowed in the fitness center without adult supervision.
• Supervised children over the age of 12 are allowed to use the equipment.
• You must be current on your dues to access the fitness center
OPEN 24/7
Except for cleaning
Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 9am-10am
DANIEL R. BELEW, M.D.
A. HABER, M.D. LEWIS S. KRITEMAN, M.D.
MELLIS, M.D. HARRY RUTLAND, M.D. JERRY YUAN, M.D.
SHALHOOP, MSH, PA-C CASSIDY BANKS, FNP-C
BRANCH, FNP-C
JALPA PATEL, APRN, FNP-C
HOLLY
Golf Cart Laws and Safety on Roadways
The Board of Directors is asking for your cooperation and assistance. We as a Board are very concerned about the rise of unlicensed youths operating golf carts.
In the event you don’t know the Georgia laws in this area, please see the information below that was prepared by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. The bottom line is that no person should be at the wheel of a golf cart unless they have a valid drivers’ license.
In the coming weeks, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up enforcement of the Georgia Code. If the situation doesn’t resolve itself, the Sheriff’s Office has informed us that parents may be ticketed for allowing their children to illegally operate these vehicles.
As always, please call 911 or the non-emergency number at 770-781-3087 to report suspicious persons as well as unsafe or illegal operation of a motor vehicle.
Windermere Board of Directors
A golf cart, legally defined as a motorized cart, may operate on roadways when all of the following elements of law are met:
1) Operate during daylight hours only (O.C.G.A. 40-6-330). May, however, operate at night if they meet the equipment requirements of 49 Code of Federal Registry 571.500: headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals;
2) Operate only on a roadway with a posted maximum speed limit of 35 MPH or less (O.C.G.A. 40-6-362);
3) Must be equipped with an amber strobe light that is visible for 500 feet to the rear and front (O.C.G.A. 40-6-362)
4) The operator possesses a valid driver’s license (O.C.G.A. 40-5-20 and Coker v. State, Georgia Court of Appeals. June 13, 2003);
5) Slow Moving Emblem (16 inch red/orange retro-reflective triangle) is visibly attached to the rear (O.C.G.A. 40-8-4 (a)).
Other Restrictions:
6) Impeding the normal flow of traffic is prohibited: a golf cart or other may not drive “at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic” (O.C.G.A. 40-6-184), e.g., operating in a 35 mph zone that prevents a following vehicle from driving the posted speed limit.
7) Occupants: Children under the age of 6 prohibited from riding as a passenger, for “a child passenger restraining system” shall be provided in all passenger vehicles (O.C.G.A. 48-8-76). Occupants must only ride in a proper seat position.
Legal exemptions: Registration (tag) is not required (40-2-20 exempts motorized carts), and Insurance is not required (34-33-2 only registered vehicles require Insurance).
BUCKLE UP FOR DEER SEASON
As most of us are aware, deer season is definitely among us and will be through the month of December. It’s a real fear of mine to hit a deer (or any other animal) and I don’t doubt many of you have had this scary experience already.
A few things to remember...
• Deer are most active during dawn and dusk, yet we do often see them during bright daylight hours as well. Ensure that you and your passengers are wearing seat belts at all times, even those in the back seat in case of a sudden stop.
• Stay alert if you spot a deer because they often travel in packs. Even if you spot a deer on the side of the road or surrounding area, remember that there could be others about to cross your path.
• Slow down to increase the distance from a sudden deer sighting giving you plenty of space to avoid a collision.
• Use your high beams in the darkness unless there is oncoming traffic. The brighter light can help a deer’s eyes stand out even more.
• Don’t swerve to avoid impact. By swerving, you put yourself at risk for a worse collision with another vehicle or running off the road. Try to stay in your lane.
• Watch for deer crossing signs and evidence of deer strikes. Prepare for the unexpected! They may bolt onto the road when startled.
If you do hit one, stop slowly and safely. Turn on your hazards and your triangle.
• It’s wise to keep your windshield clean, check your headlights and taillights regularly for clearer vision of sightings.
• And always stay off of your phone which we should do anyway when driving to have complete focus on the road.
Travel safe ALL the time please!
Windermere Pet Sitter 678-755-2931
bulldawgsusan@yahoo.com
PET REMINDERS
Dear Homeowners, This is a friendly reminder to all our dog owners residing in Windermere:
Remember the Good Neighbor policy and keep in mind that not everyone loves dogs, so it is up to the dog owners to present a dog that is well socialized and under control.
• UNLEASHED DOGS: We have been receiving more and more complaints about dogs not on leashes and roaming throughout the community. It is not only prohibited as stated in the community covenants, but it is in violation of the Forsyth County ordinance. Failure to keep your pet on a leash may result in fines assessed by the association as well as being issued a citation and fines by the county. Make sure that your pets are collared and have an identifying tag, so that if they do escape they can be returned to you.
• BARKING: Bring barking dogs into the house immediately. Remember Forsyth County Animal Ordinance states a dog is a public nuisance if it makes vocalizations for more than fifteen minutes without interruption or more than thirty minutes if the vocalization is in termittent. Please be considerate of your neighbors and the County Noise Ordinances and keep pets inside during evening and early morning hours or du ring the day if they tend to bark regularly.
Here are the top 5 important reasons to dispose of pet waste:
o Disease control o Responsible pet ownership o Fly control o Make your yard more useable o Preventing stool eating
Note: It is not the Association’s job to police the dog feces in the community; this is the responsibility of the residents of the community.
IF YOU SEE A PET IN THE COMMUNITY THAT IS NOT ON A LEASH, PLEASE CONTACT FORSYTH COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES at 770-781-2138 IMMEDIATELY TO MAKE A REPORT.
Reminder on Holiday Decorations Reminder on Holiday Decorations
h) Holiday decorations are both permitted and encouraged and will not require approval by the ARC. However, such decorations may be installed no sooner than forty-five (45) days prior to the holiday and must be removed within ten (10) days after the holidays for which they are intended. With respect to Christmas lighting displays, they should not be illuminated until the day after Thanksgiving. ARC reserves the right to require the removal of decorations which do not comply with these guidelines or which, in the judgment of the ARC, pose a potential public safety risk.
The Lodge at Windermere
2025 LODGE RENTALS
CARDSACCESSARE FORREQUIRED ENTRY TO LODGE
Full rental calendar is now open. Please check community website https://windermerecommunity.net/Calendar/13899~4564#events for availability. All assessments must be current to place a rental.
2025 LODGE RENTALS
All reservations must be made in person starting January 2. Agreements placed in the drop box will not be given priority to an in-person reservation. All assessments must be paid in full to place a reservation
The primary purpose of the Amenities within Windermere are to promote fellowship among property owners. The use of the facility is generally intended to be limited to owners, their families and their personal guests. The Lodge is generally available for rental for private events by Windermere owners Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) and Weekends (Friday-Sunday). For complete details regarding rental time slots and fees please see the Rental Contract on our website www. windermerecommunity.net
Reservations are taken on a first come, first serve basis. The reservation occurs upon the receipt of all fees and a signed contract agreement. Verbal holds will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Lodge Hours:
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm |
Closed Saturday and Sunday Gym Closed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-10am for Deep Cleaning
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOUR ACCESS CARD IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO LODGE. We will be onsite Monday-Friday to assist you. Should you have any questions or concerns please let us know.
Visit our website www.windermerecommunity.net
Holiday Celebration
Thank you
to all of the residents who attended the Holiday Celebration. We had a wonderful time playing in the snow, tubing, visiting with Santa and riding in a one-horse open sleigh. We want to thank our sponsors Alessios, Berkshire Hathaway and Nikki’s Global Art for attending! Our sponsors are what make these events so much fun for our families!
