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
www.facebook.com/windermerehoa
Interested in being a sponsor in 2025?
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!
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.
PLATINUM
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Eye Care For You
Dr. Bharti Bathija-Lala, O.D.
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 at no cost
*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
LODGE
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.
LADIES BRIDGE:
Meets the first and third Thursday of the month at the Lodge and would love to welcome new members!
Contact Beryl Deal at 678-807-7276
COUPLES BRIDGE:
Meets every 3rd Saturday at the Lodge. Contact Sandy Stahl at 770-597-8237
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR PLAYOFF BOUND WINDERMERE TEAMS ON A FUN AND SUCCESSFUL FALL SEASON
Looking forward to seeing you on the courts for ALTA Winter Mixed Doubles in January
Mens A-1 (Captain Andrew Miller) – Division winner Mens B-1 (Captain Curt Dalton) – 2nd place
DECEMBER DRILL SCHEDULE
Sunday Women C1 (Captain Amanda Ouzts) – 2nd place
Thursday Women B3 (Captain Claire Smith) & C3 (Captain Christy Williams) – 2nd place
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.
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
• Windermere Tennis General and League Play Rules and Guidelines can be found at (scan QR code)
Amanda Ouzts C1 Sunday Women’s team clinches their playoff spot. Christy Williams’ C3 Sunday Women’s team moves on to the 2nd round of playoffs
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
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
WINDERMERE RESIDENTS
With Fall upon us, we wanted to send out a reminder that blowing leaves into the storm drains in Forsyth County is not permitted. Leaves and other yard waste can clog stormwater infrastructure, which can cause flooding during storms.
For those residents who utilize a landscape maintenance company, please remember that you are ultimately responsible for any leaves are yard trimmings that your landscape company blows into the streets or storm drains. Please ensure you communicate this to your landscape company that it is not permitted.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Windermere Management Team
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.
ARC REQUESTS
Does your home need some work? Are you thinking about renovating?
...Not sure if your project needs approval?
Most projects that are performed to a home or lot require prior approval from the Association. Contact us atWindermereactivities@comcast.net • As a reminder,theARC Request process is outlined below.
Section 1.01 Modifications Requiring Approval
Every structure or thing which is placed, erected, or installed upon any Unit and all improvements or other work (including staking, clearing, excavation, grading, and other site work, exterior alterations of existing improvements, or planting or removal of landscaping) which takes place within Windermere, must be in compliance with the Declaration and the Architectural Guidelines. New construction or any change or modification that is visible from the outside of a residence is subject to these guidelines and the authority and approval of the ARC.
Section 1.02 Submittals
(a) Process
A three-step process as follows:
(i)Complete online Application for Modification form
(ii) Gather required supporting documentation
(iii) Submit Application and supporting documentation to the Property Manager – PLEASE NOTE THE DATE RECEIVED BY THE PROPERTY MANAGER MAY DIFFER FROM THE DATE PRINTED ON THE ONLINE APPLICATION FOR MODIFICATION FORM
(b)
Fee for the process
There are no fees for the standard review process for ARC Applications. However, per the Financial Policies and Procedures Applications to the Architectural Review Committee for changes, alterations, additions, or deletions to property by delinquent homeowners will not be considered until all obligations for that individual property are resolved. Certain projects such as but not limited to, an addition to a residence, new construction and pool/courtyard additions may require review from a licensed architect. These types of projects shall be subject to additional review fees as determined by
the Board or their designee. The property owner will receive notification of additional fees once an application has been submitted and all fees must be paid prior to starting the review process. Fees are payable via check or money order.
If you wish to expedite the standard review process for your ARC Application which would not require review by a licensed architect rush fees will be charged as follows:
Approval in 2-4 Days once a complete form is submitted$100 fee payable at the time of submission.
Approval in 5-7 Days once a completed from is submitted$50 fee payable at the time of submission.
At the discretion of the Association Manager, certain projects may not be permitted to be rushed.
Applications may be submitted at any time, with an average processing time of 14 business days.
REMINDER: Any changes/ alterations to the exterior of the home or lot require prior approval. Failure to obtain, may result in fines of $350.00 for exterior projects and $500.00 per tree removed.
Please plan ahead for all projects, including holiday and birthday gifts. Failure to receive prior approval for any and all projects is subject to sanctions for violation including unapproved modification fines starting at $350. Contact us at windermereactivities@comcast.net if you do not receive a decision letter.
Ensure all required documentation including but not limited to: (paint samples, roof shingles, plat/survey site, materials lists, renderings, etc.) are included with your application. Failure to provide the required documentation may result in the application not being accepted or delays in the processing time.
Don’t forget to submit an Application for Modification for Holiday Gifts!
IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO GIVE BASKETBALL GOALS, TRAMPOLINES,
OR PLAY SETS AS A GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS, PLEASE REMEMBER TO SUBMIT FOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
The Application for Modification and the Architectural Guidelines Standards and Procedures are available on the Windermere website homepage.
All homeowners who wish to make any modifications to their property are required to submit an Application for Modification. Applications can be submitted at any time, and you will receive a decision letter in approximately 15 business days. Please plan ahead for all projects, including Holiday gifts.
Once an application is received it will be reviewed and decided on within 2 weeks. THE LAST DAY TO TURN IN YOUR APPLICATION TO BE REVIEWED FOR DECEMBER 25TH
APPROVAL IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 2nd.
If you need to add a rush to your application, the deadline for rush applications is Monday, December 16th. *Rush fees apply.
Please note that the Office will be closed from Monday, December 23rd - January 1st and will re-open at 9:00 AM on January 2ND.
FREQUENT VIOLATION REMINDERS
We understand that no one wants to receive those pesky violation letters! The most frequent violations that can be easily avoided are:
LAWNS
Please make sure your yards and beds are properly treated for weeds and that pine straw or mulch is kept looking tidy and fresh. This includes the sides and back of your homes as well...Your yard is one of the first things that is noticed about your home.
GARAGE & YARD SALES
TRASH CANS
They must be stored out of view from the street. They cannot be stored on the side of the house or by the garage.
Rule Update:
Trash and recycling containers should be placed at the curb for no more than 48 hours. Generally, this is 24 hours prior to pickup and 24 hours after pickup.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO REPORT A VIOLATION
Individual or neighborhood garage sales, moving sales, rummage sales, yard sales or similar activities within Windermere are prohibited. Community-wide events have traditionally been scheduled twice per year.
MAILBOXES
Please make sure that mailboxes are not faded and that mailboxes numbers are easily visible.
Protect Yourself from Porch Pirates this Holiday Season
The Holiday season brings good cheer, chilly weather and the dreaded porch pirates. Santa’s elves are not the only ones working hard this season as thieves are working overtime to steal packages from doorsteps! Do not become one of the 11 million people who had packages stolen from outside their homes last year. In addition to home security systems with doorbell cameras, the major package shipping companies offer options on how you can thwart porch pirates and ensure your packages are kept safe:
Amazon.com
Use an Amazon Locker: The company has installed lock boxes in well-known locations like stores and other secure sites.
In-home delivery: By using the Amazon Key Smart Lock Kit, couriers can drop packages off inside Prime members’ homes. The system works in tandem with an Internet-connected door lock and camera. This is available in select cities.
In-car delivery: Prime members can have couriers put packages inside eligible vehicles with Amazon Key In-Car Delivery, which is also available only in select cities.
U.S. Postal Service
United Parcel Service (UPS)
UPS My Choice: The company offers UPS My Choice lets members leave the driver instructions on where they want the package left, get delivery alerts, get confirmed delivery windows and more. The service is free but also comes with a premium option for $40 a year.
UPS Delivery Intercept: UPS also lets customers hold their packages at a UPS facility or reschedule a delivery via Delivery Intercept. A fee may apply.
Informed Delivery: The Postal Service offers Informed Delivery, an email notification service which lets homeowners know what is coming to their mailboxes while you are away. Those who sign up get scans of all first-class mail that will be delivered to their address later that day. Require a signature: To ensure safe delivery, USPS also allows signatures on the following: Priority Mail Express (if requested), Certified Mail, Collect on Delivery, Insured Mail (over $500), Registered Mail, Return Receipt, Signature Confirmation and Adult Signature.
FedEx
Send your package to a local FedEx store: Instead of having your package delivered to your door, you can opt to have it delivered to the nearest FedEx store. At no additional charge, the location can hold it for you for up to five business days. Find the nearest FedEx to you at fedex.com/locate. Request a signature: As a shipper, you can request that packages you send require a signature before they are released. That will help ensure that the box is never left unattended.
FedEx Delivery Manager:
This free service at fedex. com/delivery allows you to customize home deliveries to fit your schedule. You can opt for a vacation hold, reschedule delivery and more.
Holidays and Our Pets
The holidays are fast approaching bringing lots of joy and festivities. However, it also means we must be sharp and aware of a few dangers possibly affecting our pets during this season.
Here are some reminders:
• Securely anchor your decorated Christmas tree to keep it from falling over.
• Tree water often contains fertilizer products causing stomach upset and is a breeding ground for bacteria which may result in nausea or diarrhea.
• Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems.
• If holly is ingested, pets may develop stomach issues, as well.
• Pieces of broken ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
• We should by now that chocolate DEFINITE NO NO all sweets are not healthy for your pets.
• Always best to keep them away from all unattended food. Fatty and spicy foods are never appropriate and most importantly, DO NOT give them bones of any kinda SURE BET for a choking hazard
• Be overly cautious with any
alcoholic beverages. I despise hearing people joke about giving their dogs a sip of their drinks. Alcohol causes weakness and they may even go into a coma resulting in death from respiratory failure.
• Do NOT leave candles unattended, of course, under any circumstance. Pets may accidentally knock them over.
• Keep all wiring and batteries out of reach. A wire can deliver a lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth.
• Be very, very picky about your choice of a pet sitter. Interview them thoroughly, make sure they have garage and door codes if different, provide detailed instructions, have them check in with you frequently or vice versa, leave your vet’s contact information if an
• And finally, one of my big personal worries is making sure your door is not left open while entertaining guests. They may be coming in and out and accidentally leave the door ajar which makes it easy for your pet to push it wide open and run.
Please make it a very happy, healthy and safe Holiday!
