Windermere Leaflet February 2023

Contacts

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jon Lyman | President | jonathan.lyman@yahoo.com

Rebecca Paterson | Vice-President | rebeccapaterson2@hotmail.com

George Aubrey | Treasurer | gfaubrey@gmail.com

Travis Barrs | Secretary | tsbarrs@gmail.com

Scott Tanner | Member at Large | bulldawgscott@yahoo.com

John Q Vaughan | Member at Large | attorney@jqvlaw.com

Paul Valcheff | Member at Large | paul@valcheff.com

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Michèl Krahn | Tennis | windermeretenniscmt@gmail.com

Rebecca Paterson | ARC | Rebeccapaterson2@hotmail.com

Kristin McAfee | Social | k@funsizeevents.com

Joey Leonardo | Pool | joey@kyle-maynard.com

George Aubrey | Finance | gfaubrey@gmail.com

OFFICE INFORMATION

Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5 pm

Address: 4444 Front Nine Drive, Cumming GA 30041

Stacy Maguire | Activities Office

678-455-7708 ext. 2 | stacy.maguire@fsresidential.com

Seth Daugherty | Association Manager 678-455-7708 ext. 3 | seth.daugherty@fsresidential.com

Lexie Crowson | Compliance 678-455-7708 ext.1 | lexie.crowson@fsresidential.com

After-Hours Emergency | 678-624-9453 ext. 2

TENNIS OFFICE

Bobby Schindler | Tennis Director 770-598-8378 | schindlerb@comcast.net

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS

FORSYTH CO. POLICE

NON-EMERGENCY

770-781-2222 (24 hr)

STREET MAINTENANCE

To report a problem with street, curb or sidewalk, contact Jessica Harkins: jmharkins@forsythco.com

STREET LIGHT OUTAGE

Sawnee EMC | www.sawnee.com/report-streetlight

MAILBOX REPLACE/REPAIR

Mailbox Project | 770-535-0036

www.mymailboxproject.com

FORSYTH CO. WATER DEPT. 770-781-2160

BOARD REMINDERS

AMENITY CARD REPLACEMENT

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

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. Magazine design by Chelsea Sunshine.

PLATINUM

GOLD SILVER

DUELING PIANOS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Don’t miss the Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos Piano Show! Due to last year’s popularity, we are offering 2 seatings!

1ST SEATING: 6:30-8:30pm Tickets are only $20. Click here for tickets.

2ND SEATING: 9:00-11:00pm Tickets are $25. Click here for tickets.

Be sure to purchase from the correct seating you are interested in. No refunds will be issued for any reason!

Tickets include a popcorn bar at the event.

Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, February 1st. Tickets will be sold online only. Please check your email blasts for the sign up link!

The Andrews Brothers Dueling Piano Show was formed in 2002 by Damian Andrew Cartier and Mark Andrew Kovaly, both of whom performed at the Jellyroll’s Dueling Piano Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

Since then, they have entertained at several corporate events for Microsoft, Hooters, The Hard Rock Cafe, Phillips, Sony, IBM, The National EMS Convention, and shared a stage with acts such as The Blues Brothers and Cirque Du Soleil.

They have also played countless weddings, parties, and social gatherings all across the country.

Be sure to visit the facebook page at www.facebook. com/theandrewsbrothers

FEBRUARY DRILL SCHEDULE

Monday 9:30am-11:00am Lady’s Open Drills

Thursday 9:30pm-8:00pm Adult Open Drills

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.

WINDERMERE 12 & UNDER JUNIOR ACADEMY

Classes are Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00-6:30 PM. Players can attend one or two days a week. Payments and commitment are requested at the beginning of each month. This will allow us to staff each class properly and assure all students are grouped with their appropriate level.

WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY

Looking for information about drills for your high school age player? Please contact Coach Bobby at schindlerb@comcast.net for pricing and further details.

NEED TO RESERVE A COURT?

We are pleased to announce that our tennis court reservations will now be handled by ReserveMyCourt.com. This service will allow you to check on court availability and make reservations from the internet, IPhone App, or Android App. All court reservations will be handled through this system going forward. Please follow the instructions in the link below to get started.

6 & Under (minimum 4 years old) - 3:45PM $69/month

8 & Under - 4:15PM $89/month

10 & Under - 5:00PM $109/month

SQUEEGEES & BATT TOWELS ARE HERE FOR YOUR RAINY-DAY RELIEF

Please remember there are multiple tools at our courts to help dry your courts. They each serve a specific purpose, so in order to extend the life of these tools, please use them accordingly.

Upon arriving at your wet court, please use a roller or pull squeegee to spread out the large amounts of collected water. The BATT towels are to be used once the water has been dispersed to help dry the court in a more efficient manner. Please watch this quick video on the proper way to use the BATT towel here: battowel.com/video

Please remember to hang the squeegees and BATT towels back up on the inside of the fence when you have finished using them.

TENNIS FOR CHILDREN

TennisForChildren offers professionally developed lesson plans created by our USPTA certified founder, Shaun Boyce and are updated with the latest ideas focused on helping young players start on their tennis pathway.

Our coaches are not only certified instructors capable of working with all ages and levels, but we are also mentors with years of experience working with young children and beginner tennis players. Group classes are on Wednesdays throughout the year. Join any time!

GA State Tax Credit

The Law Enforcement Strategic Support Act allows individual taxpayers to get a tax credit for contributions ($5k individual; $10k married) to a qualified law enforcement foundation beginning in the tax year 2023. You can make contributions to the 501C3 Heroes of Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and those funds will be put to use in Forsyth County. This is a dollar for dollar credit on your tax payments.

In order to qualify for this credit, you need to apply for approval. Time is of the essence as the tax credit application process begins on January 1, and there is a cap of $3m for each law enforcement foundation, and $75m statewide.

Here is the link to all of the information.

https://www.forsythsheriff.org/heroes-foundation

Pet Therapy

Is it for you?

We’ve probably all heard of pet therapy, but thought I would dig a bit deeper to learn more and educate you as well.

Pet Therapy is a guided interaction or relationship between a person and a trained animal involving the animal’s handler.The purpose is to help someone recover from or cope with a health problem or mental disorder. The most common animals are dogs and cats. However, fish, guinea pigs, horses and other animals that meet screening criteria can also be used. The type of animal chosen depends on the therapeutic goals of a person’s treatment plan.

Pet therapy is also referred to as AAT - AnimalAssisted Therapy which is sometimes confused with Animal-Assisted Activities. AAT is a formal, structured set of sessions that help each person reach specific goals in their treatment. AAA Involves more casual meetings in which an animal and his handler interact with one or more people for comfort or recreation.

Pet Therapy builds on the pre-existing humananimal bond. The goal is for these friendly pets to help people with both physical and mental issues striving to help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. Another benefit is to help release endorphins that produce a calming effect, thus alleviating pain, reducing stress and improving the overall psychological state of mind.

Once a team of an animal and a handler are approved, animals are assigned for therapy based on a specific person’s needs. The animal’s type, breed, size, age and natural behavior will determine where it will be most helpful.

THOSE WHO SHOULD CONSIDER IT ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Those undergoing chemotherapy;

• Residents in long term care facilities;

• People hospitalized with chronic heart failure;

• Veterans with PTSD;

• Children feeling strong anxiety over physical or dental procedures;

• Stroke victims;

• People with mental health disorders.

THERE ARE MANY ORGANIZATIONS THAT TRAIN AND CONNECT VOLUNTEERS, OWNERS AND PETS WITH HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS.

Before an animaland his handler can participate in pet therapy, the team has to fulfill certain requirements which typically include:

• A physical exam of the animal to confirm that he has been immunized and free of diseases;

• An obedience training course to ensure proper animal control;

• An instrumental course to teach the trainer about interaction with other people;

• An evaluation of the animal’s temperament and behavior with the handler;

• A certification from the sponsoring organization.

A Brand New Season of Family Fun Awaits

From the sprawling fairways of the golf course to socially distanced dining both indoors and out, our warm community of Members offers you total peace of mind so you can improve your golf game and stay safe while having fun this summer.

Become a Member and swing into summer fun! Matt Nalley, 470.266.8876, matt.nalley@clubcorp.com James Malone, 470.302.0783, james.malone@clubcorp.com

OPEN 24/7

Except for cleaning Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 9am-10am

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.

February 2023

LODGE CLOSED

New Spring Cornhole League!

GET SOCIAL THIS SPRING!

Join your neighbors at a social cornhole league on Thursday nights outside the Windermere Clubhouse! All levels are welcome at the Peach State Cornhole 8 week spring league at Windermere. Bring the whole family to get outside, meet new people, and enjoy friendly competition! Register as a team or free agent at peachstatecornhole.com by March 12.

SWIM TEAM NEWS

The Windermere Waves are looking forward to the 2023 Season!

Come join us in the swim team fun this summer - registration for the 2023 season will open by March 1, 2023! The Waves swim team is a recreational team open to all children 5 years or older who can swim 25 yards unassisted. We focus on building stroke technique, team camaraderie and enjoyment for the sport. Swimmers will learn how to do all 4 strokes - freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly (freestyle and backstroke only for 6 & under age group). Swimmers will also enjoy fun activities such as treat days, “Fun Friday’s, themed meets and swimmer of the week awards.

Waves practices typically begin in early May and continue through the end of June. Swim meets are usually held every Thursday in June (5:30pm start time) at local Forsyth neighborhoods with 2-3 meets taking place at home in Windermere. We also have a Ripples program for our younger swimmers (usually 4-6 years old) who may not yet be ready for swim team with whom our coaches work closely learning water safety, floating, kicking and basic stroke work. Ripples is a 4-5 week program that begins in June after school is out.

For the Ripples feeder program ONLY, there are a limited number of spots available and registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis so please register at your earliest opportunity if interested.

There will be a parent informational meeting in late March or early April - date and time TBD. We encourage all parents to attend - all major topics for the season will be reviewed but we will also include the parent information on our website after the meeting if you are not able to join. More info will be provided in subsequent newsletters and neighborhood e-blasts.

Please see our website to stay current on all swim team information, registration news and events: windermerewaves.swimtopia.com We look forward to a fun and exciting 2023 season! GO WAVES!

Contact Deirdre Macbeth, Team Representative, for any questions: deirdremacbeth@gmail.com

The Lodge at Windermere

2023 LODGE RENTALS

Book your party today at the Lodge! Completed agreements and full payment is required at time of booking. No dates can be penciled in.

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

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.

CARDSACCESSARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO LODGE

ARC REQUESTS

Does your home need some work?

Are you thinking about renovating? ...Not sure if your project needs approval?

FOR A COMPLETE COPY OF THE ARC GUIDELINES PLEASE CLICK HERE.

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. 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 $200. 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.

10 Winter Lawn Care Tips

1. Clear debris

Over the course of this season, leaves fall from trees, and perennial plants die out. Make sure to remove any of these leaves and other debris that has made contact with grass. Allowing debris to accumulate will cause dead patches on the lawn; so if a customer’s lawn is to be kept healthy, it is important to be mindful of debris and commit to its removal. Using a rigid leaf rake or a leaf blower, collect and mulch the debris.

2. Rake out moss and pull weeds

Remove moss that has accumulated in the less sunny parts of the lawn. Due to the change in season, light-blocking trees may have lost their foliage, so now is a good time to reseed these areas. In other areas, the soil could be low in grass-friendly nutrients, which may lead to the development of moss. Remove the moss as well as any weeds, roots, and anything developed in those areas.

3. Aerate the lawn

Fall is the perfect season to aerate the lawn. Heavy foot traffic and the weight of machinery may have caused soil beneath the grass to become compacted. Severely compacted soil can become cracked and dry, and lead to common landscaping problems, and poor nutrient uptake by the grassroots.

To remove compacted soil, use an aerating tool to perforate the lawn. Aerating provides extra air for the grass and allows water and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil, which promotes stronger roots. Use a plug remover for the best results, even if it takes more time. For basic aeration, your lawn care technicians can use a spiked wheel, but for larger lawns, motorized aerators are likely to provide the best results.

4. Overseed bare spots

Overseeding is a crucial step to making a thick, healthy, and weed-free lawn. You may have observed in your customers’ lawns that they are thin or weedy in spots; overseeding will help make the lawn better-looking without having to start from scratch. The overseeding process is as easy as loosening the soil and sprinkling it with additional seeds. A smaller lawn or isolated area can be seeded by hand; if you are working with a larger area, then a drop or rotary spreader may be helpful.

Because of their greater accuracy, drop spreaders are a good choice for larger areas. This increased accuracy is especially useful when working with flower gardens, sidewalks, and ponds. Drop spreaders will distribute seeds at approximately the same distance consistently. If you need to cover a larger area, a broadcast spreader will allow you to cover an area three to four times larger than with a drop spreader.

Keep in mind, however, that while a broadcast spreader will allow you to cover a larger area more quickly, you are losing the precision and accuracy that you get with a drop spreader. Regardless of which tool you are using, it is important to keep the soil moist after seeding if you are to get the results that you expect.

5. Prune trees and shrubs

Winter can be dangerous. Wind, rain, and snow from winter storms can cause damage to shrubs and trees. If they are to heal properly, regular pruning is necessary. Pruning a tree stimulates growth and encourages the healing process. Keeping a tree properly trimmed will help make sure a tree recovers from wounds and damage during the winter months.

Proper pruning doesn’t merely stimulate growth but also makes a tree ready to take on the destructive insects and pathogens that come with the warmer weather. However, not all trees and shrubs need to be pruned early in the winter season. While dead and diseased branches are pruned, overgrown branches can be appropriately trimmed to maintain a tree’s structure.

When it comes to shrubs, pruning them during dormant times makes their recovery easy for next year’s bloom. When your lawn care technicians take measures to prune a shrub before any new growth starts, they can enable the shrub to devote its energy towards growth as spring rolls in. Pruning and trimming trees and shrubs in winter is easy as their foliage is missing in their dormant months.

6. Mow high

Lawn mowing is the last item on a winter property maintenance checklist. However, failing to mow the lawn before winter sets in can lead to an array of trouble ranging from water buildup to fungal growth and pest infestations as the temperature changes. You can stay clear of these winter lawn care troubles by making lawn moving an important part of your winter care checklist.

As the height of the grass is directly proportional to the health and depth of the roots, grasses must be half an inch higher than the standard summer height. Leaving the grass longer than usual will promote root growth and result in a thicker and healthier-looking lawn as spring arrives.

7. Fertilize the lawn

Winterizers, i.e., winter fertilizers, play a crucial role in encouraging food storage and promoting proper root growth during the dormant months. While proper application of fertilizers after the final mowing will help the lawn survive the damaging effects of cold winter, overfertilization can cause unhealthy growth.

On the other hand, applying winterizers too early can prevent your lawn from reaching its full potential. If your customers wait for too long to apply winterizers, their lawns may fall prey to ice and frost. Hence, it is crucial to get the timing right. Although the prime application time is usually November, some lawns may need winterizers a bit early before the cold settles in.

8. Protect sensitive plants

Plants are susceptible to injuries caused by cold weather. Winter mulching is a great way to protect your sensitive plants and shrubs from erosion and loss of water. Your lawn care technicians can use different organic materials like straw, bark, pine needles, and chopped corn cobs to create a 2-inch mulch near the soil.

Anti-transpirant sprays offer a protective waxy coating that reduces water loss in leaves. Also, burlap wrapping can shield plants from salt spray and harsh winter winds. Tying branches together can help plants deal better with snow buildup.

9. Ensure winter watering

Even normal-looking plants and shrubs may suffer from dryness and frost resulting in dead roots. Winter watering is a neat little trick to strengthen grassroots and help them withstand cold temperatures. As soil holds moisture longer in winter, watering the lawn occasionally, even every other week is sufficient.

10. Apply pre-emergent herbicides

Pre-emergent herbicides can help control winter weeds effectively. They act as a barrier between the soil and the germinated seedlings, thus preventing them from sprouting out of the soil. For best results, they need to be applied in the late fall when the temperature drops below 70 F.

Bonus: Spray dormant oils on fruit trees

Spraying dormant oils in winter can control damage caused by insects in spring. Soft-bodied insects and pests like aphids, mites, caterpillars, and more are more vulnerable during the winter. Dormant oils like horticultural oils don’t merely prevent fungal spores but also kill the eggs of insects. Best of all, these low-impact pesticides never harm pollinators.

Annual Pool Stickers

For those of you who have already paid the full annual HOA assessment amount ($1,400.00) and your account shows a zero balance, 2023 Pool stickers are currently available. Please read the pool rules document and sign the acknowledgement form located at the end of the document.

Stickers may be obtained in person at the Lodge by the adult homeowner or resident. No children, nannies, or other family members may obtain stickers.

You must bring the signed acknowledgement form and your access cards with you to the Lodge in order to receive the stickers. Replacement cards may be purchased for $10.00 each in the form of a personal check or money order.

THURSDAY IS PICK UP DAY

We have been informed by Red Oak Sanitation they are no longer able to support the small tub size recycling bins. Please contact Red Oak at 770-536-7868 to schedule for them to swap out your bin to the 95 gallon container. This is due to the transition of Red Oak using an automated truck for recycling services.