Save these Dates
December 20
First Annual Holiday Open House at KLHOA 2-6 pm First day of winter OFFICE CLOSED Christmas Day Boxing Day Kwanzaa Begin
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January “The Killearn Lakes ‘Lakes View’ Magazine is not partnered or affiliated with any other publications. KLHOA Board and Staff request you please support the advertisers who support your neighborhood.”
2013 Board of Directors (Elected by general membership)
Directors Trina Searcy, President Tom Martineau, Treasurer Joe Barnett, Director Mark Worley, Director
Mark Reichert, Vice President Joanie Trotman, Secretary Dan King, Director
Administrative Staff Nancy C. Johnson Anne Marshall Erin Murphy Gregory Durant
Operations Director, Bookkeeper & Editor Office Manager Assistant Office Manager & Assistant Editor Field Manager
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. T: 850-668-3231 | F: 850-894-1477 E: Admin@killearnlakeshoa.org 7110 Beech Ridge Trail, Tallahassee FL, 32312
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New Years Day – OFFICE CLOSED Martin Luther King Day
February 2 11
Groundhog Day Quarterly Open Members Meeting – Bradfordville School House Community Center at 7pm Valentine's Day
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Important Phone Numbers
Fire Department & Leon County Sheriff (non emergency situations only)
606-5800
Talquin Electric (ex: Lights out on your street) (Bradfordville office)
893-6853
Corporate Records are available upon written request.
Outages (24-hour service)
www.KillearnLakesHOA.org
Leon County Public Roads CALL BEFORE YOU DIG
Register your e-mail address on our website to receive important announcements from the association!
Cover Photo Contest
Our December cover photo was provided by Constance O Brien. Connie lives on one of the lakes in our neighborhood and captured the photo of the geese with a Nikon D5000 in her backyard. Did you know that your photography could be showcased on our cover? If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, simply send it to admin2@killearnlakeshoa.org. All submitted photos should be at the highest available quality {at least 300dpi}. Entries will be reviewed by the Editor, Assistant Editor, and a Board Member. The selected photo will appear on an upcoming issue of the “Lakes View” Magazine. It would be helpful if you could share a personal story along with the photo. Call our office at (850) 668-3231 if you have any additional questions. We look forward to “showcasing” your photo submissions!
1-888-802-1832 606-1400 1-800-432-4770
Animal Control
606-5400
Leon County Mosquito Control
606-1400
Waste Pro
606-1899
Leon County Storm Water Questions
606-1400
Stay Connected with Killearn Lakes. ‘Like’ our Facebook page “Killearn Lakes Homeowners Association” and follow us on Twitter @KLHOA.
Editor’s Note
“
Dear Santa, To save time, just go ahead and list me under
Naughty
”
ur Fall Festival is the last event of the year and this year’s crowd was even larger than last year!! Be sure to check out all the photos of the event located on pages 14 and 15. This year’s Fall Festival was also in honor of Dick and Carol Thoma who I’m sure ordered up such a beautiful day for the event. They are truly missed. This is the last issue of the year and I want to remind you to be on the lookout the first week of January for your 2014 Annual Dues Assessment Invoices. Keep in mind that you only have the first two months to pay the discount dues amount. Come March 1st the discount period ends and the full dues amount will then be due. Please see the article on page 9 which gives you more information on what to expect come January 2014. Soon all the holiday party invitations will be received as will gift and Christmas card lists made. The wonderful aromas from all the baking of Christmas cookies and pies (the pecan pies, sweet potato and pumpkin pies) I’ve already started to gain pounds just thinking about how wonderful they taste! That brings to mind a short funny poem I would like to share with you, entitled- “Funny Ode to Thanksgiving” (Christmas) May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey be plump, May your potatoes and gravy Have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious And your pies take the prize, And may your Thanksgiving/Christmas dinners Stay off your thighs!
We would like to extend a warm THANK YOU to all of our advertisers and you, the readers, who make this magazine possible. Please support our advertisers whenever you can. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous 2014! Merry Christmas! Because this is the last issue of the year please read “Message from your KLHOA Board President”, Trina Searcy on page 11.
Nancy C. Johnson Operations Director, Bookkeeper & Editor
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Bryan's Brief The holidays are here and we’re getting ready for great meals, great football and cold weather.
Solid Waste Collection – To say that waste collection has been a challenge is an understatement. It seems that when the route information was turned over to Waste Pro there were many address/neighborhood omissions. They started off October 1 with what they thought were their routes only to find they had to bring in additional trucks and staff to collect all the areas they were unaware were subscribed for services. They also had to collect all the containers Waste Management refused to pick up. Their phone lines were overwhelmed and even with additional personnel, it was all but impossible to get through to anyone. Our staff in our Solid Waste Department has tried to pick up the slack and we seem to be on the tail end of the decreasing performance. If you are still having problems, please call Waste Pro at 606-1899. If your concern is not addressed, call our Solid Waste staff at 606-1800. As always, I’m here, too,if you need me. Bannerman/Bull Headley Rd Update – it’s finished – finally!!!! Please let me know if you have any suggestions for improvement. Killearn Lakes Stormwater Project Improvements – Great news – they are in the replanting stage of Unit 2 in the Tuscavilla/Bridgewater area. Work will begin in Unit 3 in the Southbrook area in January. The HOA has a graphic of the area where we will be working and we’ll be leaving door hangers with contact phone numbers if you have issues during the construction phase. Staff will have biweekly progress meetings with the contractor and will provide information to the HOA as the project moves forward.
Bannerman Rd Widening Project and Thomasville/Proctor Rd Recreation Property –
December 2013
Proposed Bannerman/Thomasville Rd Development – The developer has been holding meetings with the various neighborhood groups to modify the settlement agreement regarding the development mix. The apartments have been deleted from the project and the development has proposed increasing the commercial area. I know that there are concerns with traffic congestion in the area and our staff is looking at interim improvements to address those concerns.
Lauder Pond (south of Thomasville Rd) is under construction to repair leaks to bring it back into compliance so it meets Bradfordville Stormwater Standards. Gun Control Issue – I voted with the majority of the Commission not to bring back further information on the sale of weapons by unlicensed vendors at gun shows. I have not received any data that indicates there is a problem here in Leon County and the cost for enforcement was estimated at approximately $100,000 (deputy, benefits, vehicle, equipment, etc.) Additionally, the County Attorney and the Sheriff recommended against moving forward. I'm adamantly opposed to meaningless legislation, especially when we have many other programs and services that have a documented need, yet we're having difficulty funding them with the economy as it is now. I received about 1500 emails on this issue and many were from NRA members across the country. What was more meaningful to me is the number I received from our residents and I had hundreds opposed to this issue and less than ten in support of it. That just about says it all for me. I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve as your District IV Commissioner and I commit to you that I will continue to do the best job I can in representing you and our community. As always, I welcome your input and appreciate all of you who act as my eyes in the District. Many of the improvements we’ve already made, or are currently working on, came from citizen suggestions or observations. As you plan for your neighborhood/homeowner’s association meetings, please let me know the dates and times so that I may join you. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions or concerns, deslogeb@leoncountyfl.gov or 606-5364. Happy holidays to all and may you all have a joyous New Year!
both projects are still included in Tier I on the Sales Tax Committee’s proposed project list. The list is still subject to change, but at least we’re still in the hunt for funding. For more information, go to http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Home/LeonCountySalesTaxCommittee.
Leon County Board of County Commissioners
Bryan Desloge
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Lakes View / Issue 62 / December 2013
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Lake Friendly Yard
M
y wife and I don’t take many walks on Lilburn Court as it is too sunny most of the year. While walking on Lilburn Court we noticed one yard had new trees. I saw the homeowner, Steven Stolting, working in his yard and I stopped to meet him. As I have found on most of my searches for lake friendly yard owners, he was very friendly and interesting. When I met Steven and his wife Karen, I found she was originally from the Chicago area and he was from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. His interest in plants started in high school. To help conserve water, he planted his yard with native plants that required minimal water. He also had been hand watering the baby trees in the nearby Deerlake median. Karen and Steven attended FSU and met working for the legislature. During this time Steven helped build the newly formed Florida Trail across Florida. They moved to Killearn Lakes for the great schools like Chiles (where daughter Lauren graduated), the lakes, and the “woodsy” atmosphere. Like many of us, they love how coming into Killearn Lakes feels like entering a park. I was amazed that they had about every plant our Killearn Lakes Arbor Day Committee sold. They also had trees from the Leon County “adopt a tree” program given 6
Lakes View / Issue 62 / December 2013
By Joe Barnett
out every winter (orders accepted online until January 31). Their wide variety of plants included Chickasaw plum, black mahaw, white oak, red maple, Shumard oak, dwarf magnolia, silverbell, and fringe tree - the native food for the unusual sphinx moth. They had one of the largest water oaks I have seen and several sweet gums - a favorite food tree of the Carolina wren, chickadee and goldfinch. Karen said Steven was proud of his flowers such as Indian pink, scarlet sage, yellow tickseed, white beggar-ticks valuable for butterflies, and Mexican heather that the bees love. He even had rosemary for cooking, peppers, and sometimes tomatoes. As we
continued our tour to the back Karen pointed out lots of tiny purple ageratum flowers and a purple berried beautybush. Steven showed me his drought resistant coontie a great alternative to the non native sago palm. Coontie, now rare in the wild, is the only native larva food for the beautiful iridescent blue spotted and threatened atala butterfly.
his goal is to use native plants with minimal grass so he can just enjoy his “maintenance free” yard The couple keeps a nice thick shoreline buffer that biologists say is needed to clean our lakes. They had a swamp dogwood and what appeared to be broomsedges and yellow black- eyed Susans. The nearby rain garden had lilies, cardinal flower, and strawberry bush surrounded by patches of very soft mosses. They don’t use fertilizers that can pollute our lakes and cause toxic algae and invasive weeds. Steven and Karen have purchased and use a compost bin to reduce landfill costs and also have a rain barrel to reduce storm water runoff and pollution and save water for their gardens. Steven said his goal is to use native plants with minimal grass so he can just enjoy his “maintenance free” yard. No watering or expensive noisy mowing! Steven is very appreciative of our homeowners association. As a past board member of Ox Bottom he knows very well how a good neighborhood is only as good as the neighbors. We will congratulate Steven and Karen for being good neighbors with a specially designed “Lake Friendly Yard” sign and a $100 certificate from a local nursery at the February Quarterly Open Members Meeting located at the Historic Bradfordville School House on February 11, 2014 at 7:00pm. Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Please join us for hors d'oeuvre, punch, good company, and a lot of holiday spirit at the first Killearn Lakes Homeowners Association Holiday Open House on Friday, December 20th, from 2pm-6pm. We are located at 7110 Beech Ridge Trail, Tallahassee Fl 32312. We hope you can join us for a cup of cheer!
Alternative Christmas Market Looking for a special gift for someone, where a regular old store bought gift will not do?
Consider going to the 19th Annual Alternative Christmas Market at Christ Presbyterian Church on Bannerman Road on Friday evening December 13th from 6pm to 9pm and on Saturday December 14th from 8am to 1 pm The gifts you purchase for family members, friends and loved ones at the Alternative Christmas Market will be special and remembered for years to come. Why? Because giving and receiving a needed and loving gift for another is about the best feeling you can get during the Holidays. Let’s face it! This is what Christmas is supposed to be about. The Market is set up with Booths you can visit (just like the old World Markets of Europe) but here each booth is offering “gifts of love” from over 35 non-profit charitable organizations in the Tallahassee Area. Your donation to one of the charities is transformed into a Christmas gift to honor someone on your shopping list – someone who already has plenty. You will receive an attractive card that details how the “donation gift”, will improve the circumstances of a local, national or even international neighbor. You can take the card home, place it under the Christmas tree, mail it to a friend or family member. Bring your family for the experience. It is one you will remember for years to come. 8
Lakes View / Issue 62 / December 2013
Inlet Marker Volunteer
Are you interested in becoming an environmental hero? Would you like to make a meaningful impact in your community? If so, Leon County wants your help! Leon County’s Engineering Services Division is currently looking for volunteers to help with the placing of stormwater inlet markers around neighborhoods in Killearn Lakes. The markers state the phrase “No dumping; Drains to lake”. These will be placed on stormwater drains throughout your area to raise awareness and prevent harmful materials from being put into the drainage systems. If you are interested in helping the environment in your area, please e-mail Mark Tancig at TancigM@LeonCountyFL.gov or call (850) 606-1523.
It’s Almost at Time Again Your homeowners association is preparing 2014 dues assessment statements. Your 2014 invoice will be mailed the first week of January. This would be a good time to let us know if you have moved or anticipate any ownership changes before the first of the year.
Non-Lakefront Properties The discounted dues amount is $96.00 per property only for the months of January and February. On March 1st the amount due is $120.00.
Lakefront Properties The discounted dues amount $114.00 per property only for the months of January and February. On March 1st the amount due is $138.00. Please note that if there is a past due balance on your account with the HOA the discount amount does not apply. Credit card payments will be accepted on March 1st, 2014. Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Christmas Cantata By Sharon Leeds, Publicity
Deer Lake United Methodist Church would like to invite the community to a Christmas Cantata ~ “On This Shining Night” on Sunday, December 22nd at 10:30 a.m. ~ “On this shining night, filled with awe and wonder...God’s gift of love comes down to earth, flooding the world with everlasting Light.” Since there are four Christmas Eve services to which the public is invited, the Cantata will be the only service at the church on December 22nd. Deer Lake UMC is located where Kinhega meets Deerlake Rd. and is next to Killearn Lakes Elementary School where additional parking is available on Sunday morning.
Christmas Community Outreach By Sharon Leeds, Publicity
ECHO “One Warm Coat Drive” - Gently used or new coats can be dropped off at ECHO's main office, 702 W. Madison Street, or at the Burlington Coat Factory at the Tallahassee Mall, and get a 10% off coupon for their store. The coat drive runs through January 31st. ECHO Blanket Drive - Gently used or new blankets can be dropped off at any of the 12 Stewardship Dry Cleaning Stores in Leon County. Stewardship Dry Cleaners will launder the blankets and drop them off for ECHO to distribute. The blanket drive runs through January 31st. Christmas Connection Annual Donation Drive - Christmas Connection is accepting donations at 1390 Village Square Boulevard. Items that are always needed include nonperishable food, baby food, diapers (infant & adult), personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, new clothes (all sizes, adults and children,) underwear and socks (all sizes,) new or like new winter coats, and gifts for teens. If you would like more information or would like to donate to a specific case contact Christmas Connection at 850-5230123 or go to their website, www.thechristmasconnection.org.
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Lakes View / Issue 62 / December 2013
Message from your KLHOA Board President Over the last couple weeks here in November our family practices gratitude at dinner time. You know, things throughout the day that you are grateful for. Living in Killearn Lakes is ALWAYS one of mine! As I was riding home from lunch today and my husband Fain was driving, I had a chance to look around through our beautiful neighborhood (instead of staring at the road ahead.) "We are so lucky to live here" I said. Fain nodded and looked out across the field of the old Kinhega lodge. There were deer grazing throughout. Something you may not know about me is that I am a runner and biker. I run and/or bike through this beautiful neighborhood of ours every day. Not a day goes by that I don't think "Wow, I love living here!" Killearn Lakes HOA and I would like to extend our warm wishes to you and your family during this holiday season. We hope you experiencing some "Wow" too. All the Very best,
Trina Searcy
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Chocolate & Candied Cranberry Terrine By Treva Pasquarelli Treva's Pasteries & Fine Food 1 ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, additional for serving 4 egg yolks ¾ c sugar 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips 1t vanilla extract 1T minced candied orange peel 1c toasted almonds, chopped 1c or ½ pound butter 1c cocoa
For the Terrine
For the Candied Cranberries:
In a stand mixer, or with beaters, cream the butter and cocoa until light and fluffy. While beating, slowly add cooled chocolate mixture. Gently fold in whipped cream. Add the almonds and cranberries. Pour into a plastic lined loaf pan and chill overnight.
1 c sugar 1 c water In a small sauce pan, over low heat, slowly bring to a boil and cook until reaches 234 degrees. Stir in 1 ½ cup fresh cranberries. Cook until they begin to pop- approximately 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and cool on a wire rack.
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Lakes View / Issue 62 / December 2013
Line a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs yolks and sugar. Set aside. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of heavy cream to a boil. While whisking, slowly pour hot cream over sugar and yolks. Pour back into pan and reduce heat. Stir constantly, cook until thick – about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate, vanilla, and orange peel. Let cool. Whip the balance of the heavy cream. Set aside and chill.
Turn out the terrine onto a decorative plate and allow to soften or come to room temperature before serving. Cut into ½ inch slices and serve with additional whipped cream.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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2013 Fall Festival
Our annual Fall Festival was held Saturday, November 9th, at Tekesta Park. We had a beautiful, clear day for the festivities at our neighborhood park. The Fall Festival is the biggest event hosted by the homeowners association and this year’s crowd was one of the largest we’ve ever had. The festival would not be possible without the generosity of our many sponsors. Volunteers from Super-Lube, Auto Super-Service Center and Super-Splash Carwash donated their time and cooked the hamburgers and Brian Kendall from The Grounds Guys cooked the hot dogs. Please support the businesses listed below as often as you can. Many sponsors were new to the Fall Festival this year and we appreciate your participation. We would like to thank the volunteers, especially from Key Club at Chiles High School, as well as volunteers from Canopy Roads Baptist Church, who helped throughout the day. We take this opportunity to remind you that it takes a lot of help to ensure the success of such a large event. Please consider donating of your time next year as a volunteer—the Board and staff would be very grateful!
e Snow Queen By Deborah Towers-Best
Fairytales such as “Cinderella”, “Snow White” or “Sleeping under the evil Beauty” traditionally involve young, innocent and beautiful Queen’s influence Photo taken by Jam women, completely alone in the world, who suffer at the hands of and is lured away to her ice es Fut ch a malevolently evil and sinister older woman and are eventually crystal palace. Colleen must travel on a saved by a handsome, dashing young prince and everyone lives dangerous quest through the four seasons to find her “happily ever after”. “The Snow Queen” is really no different but true love and bring him home. this time the roles are reversed. The victim of the story is in fact a After traveling through the seasons of spring, summer, fall and young man and our heroine is far from helpless or alone. She is winter, Colleen eventually arrives at the palace of the Snow Queen. brave, fearless and Her quest is not rather than accepting without danger, that her boyfriend has excitement and plenty quest is not without danger, been lost forever, she of interesting characters decides to venture on the way, excitement and plenty of interesting along what can only be including the Spring described as a perilous Queen and her characters along the way journey to save him enchanted flowers; two from almost certain comical crows; the doom at the hands of a Summer Queen and her powerful sorceress, the evil Snow Queen. newly found King; the Fall Queen and her feisty daughter the Now in its eighth year of production, Killearn Performing Arts Robber Girl (along with their band of robbers); a not so intrepid (K.P.A.) and the Tallahassee Irish Step Dancers will once again be reindeer; some heroic Vikings; a fearsome Snow Beast who guards performing an Irish and modern dance ballet of Hans Christian the palace of the Snow Queen; and eventually the sinister Snow Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”. Set to both contemporary and Queen herself with her army of frozen boys and the clever but traditional Irish music, choreography is by K.P.A. director/ vicious Icicles. choreographer David Jones and stage management by Shannon So does Colleen find her Patrick? Can she break the evil spell O’Bryan-Chiles drama teacher/director. that the Snow Queen has cast upon our hero? In the best of In keeping with the Irish theme, our young hero and heroine, fairytale traditions, good always triumphs over evil. To find out Colleen and Patrick live happily what really happens, you will just have to come and see for together in an Irish village. They are yourselves! torn apart by the evil Snow Queen, With its fabulous dancing, state of the art lighting and stunningly beautiful costumes this year’s performance of the Snow after Patrick is struck in the eye by Queen promises to be just as spectacular as previous years. You will a shard of magic mirror created by not be disappointed! an evil demon. Patrick comes “The Snow Queen” is showing at Chiles High School Auditorium on Saturday, December 21 at 7pm and on Sunday, December 22 at 3pm. Tickets are priced at $12 for adults, $6 for children and are available in advance from Beethoven and company or on the door. For further information contact: (850) 443-7512 http://kpadance.com/performances/thesnow-queen/index.html na Bryan
a ken by D Photo ta
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Lakes View / Issue 62 / December 2013
Photo taken by Dana Bryan
And if you miss the Chiles production there will be an encore performance at Quincy Music Theatre in early January.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Does Your Child Struggle to Read? By Victor Aderhold
Should You Be Worried if Your 1st or 2nd Grader is Struggling in Reading? YES Should You Wait To Do Something About It? NO! Reports cards have gone out. Were your child’s grades in Language Arts or Reading classes not to the level you expected? Even before the report card, had you been questioning your child’s progress in reading as you work with your child and notice mistakes in reading common words and difficulty in blending sounds to read unfamiliar words? Reading time may not be a happy time in the evening for you or your child.
Does my child have a reading disability or do they just need more time to learn to read? It’s an important question to ask.
What Early Signs Indicate Reading Problems beyond “just needing more time to grow”? Pre-reading skills “red flags” that are predictive for poor reading skills. These are listening and speaking skills.
Reading skills “red flags” by middle of first grade If your child: ✗ Doesn’t read at least 100 common words
✗ Doesn’t know the sounds associated with all the letters ✗ Skips words in a sentence and doesn’t stop to self-correct ✗ Is inconsistent in remembering the same word, reading it differently each time or having to sound it out each time
✗ Frequently guesses at unknown words rather than sounding them out
✗ Sounds out letter by letter instead of using component parts ✗
(s-h-a-p-e instead of sh-ape) Doesn’t enjoy reading
(List was taken, and adapted, from “Early Signs of a Reading Difficulty” by Susan Hall, Ed.D. http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/LD-ADHD/739early-signs-of-reading-difficulty.gs)
Do these characteristics sound familiar? We don’t have to tell you that you should be concerned. You are already concerned. When parents question the teacher about their child’s reading progress, many times they are told, “It’s too early to tell if this is a reading problem.” “Let’s wait and see how your child progresses.” “You just need to have them read with you more.” While well-meaning, these statements can delay the identification of a child’s reading disability and the results can be catastrophic. “One of the most compelling findings from recent reading research is that children who get off to a poor start in reading rarely catch up. As several studies have now documented, the poor first-grade reader almost invariably continues to be a poor reader (Francis, Shaywitz, Stuebing, Shaywitz, & Fletcher, 1996; Torgesen & Burgess, 1998).” www.readingrockets.org/article/225/ 18
Lakes View / Issue 62 / December 2013
Response to Intervention vs. Testing for a Reading Disability Often when a parent voices their concerns to the teacher, the parent is told that the school must try out “scientifically proven interventions” before the child can be referred for evaluation of a reading disability. This is not true. A parent has a right to request an evaluation of their child to determine if there is a reading or learning disability impeding their growth. However, parents need to understand the process for requesting the evaluation so that the evaluation is not delayed indefinitely. Even in the best of circumstances the process takes a minimum of 4 months.
Reading Disabilities Must Be Identified for Proper Interventions If a child’s reading problems stem from Visual Processing deficits, than a “scientifically proven program” heavily stressing sounds would not be effective. If a child’s reading problem stems from dyslexia, than a “scientifically proven program” stressing just auditory interventions would not be effective.
How Do I Have My Child Tested for a Reading Disability? The Dyslexia Research Institute/Woodland Hall Academy offers consultation for parents of children who are struggling with reading. Your child does not have the time to wait to see if they will “grow out of it”. The staff of DRI/WHA has information to help a parent return to their public school and start the process for evaluation. DRI/WHA also provides information concerning testing by private practitioners. If you are concerned about your child’s reading skills, contact Robyn Rennick, (850)893-2216.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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S
enior’sspot By Lisa Cozzocrea
As the holidays are fast approaching please keep in mind a few areas of your house that could become a danger to our seniors.
Seniors and Kitchen Safety: Tips for the: “Heart of the Home”
revisiting safety tips for the kitchen is never a waste of time
The kitchen has long been considered a central gathering place in the home. There are key areas to consider when making the kitchen safe for a loved one: fire prevention safety, comfort and convenience and ensuring pre-prepared meals and leftovers do not carry food borne illnesses. Some seniors will argue that being safe in the kitchen is just common sense- and some of it is- but revisiting safety tips for the kitchen is never a waste of time: • Never leave food unattended while cooking: it is the primary cause of kitchen fires • Don't leave the house if food is simmering, baking or roasting • Never set a coffee maker on automatically brew • Do not cook while wearing loose clothing and make sure all kitchen towels and pot holders are located away from cooking surfaces • Use pots that have handles • Clean up the stove immediately after each meal so oil, fat and grease do not build up on the surface.
Convenience, Comfort and Fall Prevention As you transform your home for the holiday’s with extra furniture, beautiful lights, wreathes, trees etc. beware of the possible areas of concern: • Clean up cluttered areas • Install bright lighting • Don't use out-of reach cabinets • Secure loose cords and area rugs down with double sided tape to prevent falls and movement • Store heavy object at waist level • Check for leaking water from the fridge • Turn pot handles inward while on the stove • Test and dust smoke detectors monthly. Replace batteries every few months or when needed. From our Comfort Keepers home to yours, we wish all our Seniors in our community a safe, healthy and prosperous holiday season and for the coming New Year. 2709-3 Killarney Way Tallahassee, Fl 32309 (850) 402-0051 contactus@comfortkeepers.com
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Holiday Hustle BodyTrac of Killearn Lakes invites you to come out and enjoy some holiday fun! On Saturday, December 14, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., BodyTrac will be hosting the Holiday Hustle, a benefit run to support Girls on the Run (GOTR) of the Big Bend. For a donation of $5, you can join in a family friendly 1 mile or 5K fun run. After the race, there will be food, drinks, and holiday festivities. If you bring a gift for a needy family, you will be entered in a raffle for a FREE 3-month membership to our local BodyTrac. Please see below for the event schedule. For more information, please contact Rachel Ricks at killearnlakes@bodytrac.com.
More About Girls On The Run of the Big Bend
Founded in 1996 and launched locally in 2013, Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a life-changing, experiential learning program for girls ages 8-13 years of age. The program combines training for a 5K with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting lessons. To learn more about the program, visit www.gotrbigbend.org or email info@gotrbigbend.org for spring team details.
BodyTrac Holiday Hustle benefiting GOTR-Big Bend BodyTrac of Killearn Lakes 8116 Killearn Lakes Plaza Circle - Suite 203 Tallahassee, FL 32312 11 a.m.: Check-In and Registration 11:30 a.m.: 1 mile Fun Run 11:45 a.m.: 5K Run 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Enjoy the holiday festivities Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Invite Safety and Efficiency Homefor the Holidays Safety – Your Best Holiday Gift By Kim Gay It’s easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of holiday entertaining—cookies to bake, decorations to hang, and presents to wrap, but don’t overlook safety during the rush. The winter holiday period marks peak time for home fires and preventable injuries. The good news is that it’s not difficult to make your home ready to safely host all of your favorite holiday activities. • First, test your smoke and carbon monoxide It's easy to get alarms. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be caught up in the installed on every level of the home and outside each hectic pace of sleeping area. Smoke alarms holiday should also be located inside each bedroom. Be sure to entertaining. share your fire escape plan The winter with any overnight guests. • Arrange your holiday holiday period decorations to avoid marks peak time overloading electrical outlets with too many lights, cords, for home fires or appliances. Inspect all and preventable decorations, cords, and outlets for damage before injuries. The use. Keep electrical cords out doorways and high good news is that trafficof areas where they pose it's not difficult a tripping hazard. Do not damage cords by pinching to make your them or attaching them with staples or nails. home ready to • Keep young visitors safely host all safe by preparing your home of your favorite before they arrive. If your home is not already “child holidays. proof,” install tamper resistant receptacles or use safety covers on all unused electrical outlets. Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairways to keep children safe. • Keep decorations, gifts, and other combustibles at least 3 feet from heat sources or open flame. Never leave the kitchen when something is cooking. Turn off and unplug all decorations before leaving home or turning in for the night.
Holiday Efficiency Managing holiday energy use takes effort, but the payoff can help your budget stay out of the red. So go ahead and deck the halls with energy savings by following these tips for energy-efficient shopping, baking and decorating. • Consider a smart power strip as part of your gift giving. Most electronic devices consume energy, even when turned off. In fact, such standby power consumption ranges from 5 percent to 10 percent of a household’s total energy consumption. Smart power strips save energy by shutting off power to plugged-in gadgets when they go into standby mode. Many smart power strips also have unmonitored, always-on outlets. Use these outlets to plug in devices that always need power, like a cordless phone base or alarm system. • Know a neighbor who gives the fictional Griswold family from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” a run for their money? Tell them about the benefits of using strings of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A high-quality LED has a life expectancy of 50,000 hours or more. Consider recycling the retired strands at HolidayLeds.com and get a 25 percent off coupon toward the purchase of LED holiday lights. • The U.S. Department of Energy estimates cooking accounts for 4 percent of a home’s total energy use. Cut baking temperatures by 25 degrees by using ceramic or glass pans as these materials retain heat better than metal. Use the oven wisely by cooking in large batches, and fit pans into all available oven space. • Get to know how long it takes to preheat your oven and make sure you’re ready to start cooking right away. Insert a stainless steel skewer through meat or baked potatoes to speed the cooking process, or cut food into smaller pieces to shorten cooking time. • The convection option on your stove helps reduce cooking time and temperature. Turn your electric oven off ten minutes before the end of the cooking time; it maintains the temperature that long. If you’re planning some kitchen time, lower the thermostat in your home. The heat generated in your kitchen can help heat the entire house, especially if you leave the oven door open after you are done. So, from all of us at Talquin, to all of you, our Members and your families, may your holidays be safe, efficient, merry and bright! Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, U.S. Department of Energy
22 Lakes View / Issue 62 / December 2013
Information (850) 606-1899
Cart Placement - Please place your carts three feet away from each other and anything else such as mailboxes. Solid Waste - Waste Pro uses automated side load trucks to collect garbage, which means the trash can is picked up with a mechanical arm that is located on the side of the truck. Please place ALL trash inside of the can for pick-up. Recycling - The recycling service that is offered by Waste Pro is a single stream where you will be able to put all of your recyclable into one container. Items included in the list of things that you can recycle are paper products, plastics, glass, aluminum, and tin. For a more comprehensive list of materials, refer to the Leon County website link - www.LeonCountyFL.gov/Curbside Yard Debris – Yard debris pick up will not change. Yard debris can be no longer than 6 feet in length, 4 feet in height, and 4 inches in width. Larger piles of trash debris will require a special truck. If this occurs Waste Pro will place a service ticket on the pile of trash and a truck will be routed to you as soon as possible. Please place yard debris in paper bags, not plastic, to be more environmentally friendly.
Bulky Items - Bulky items are items such as washers, dryers, furniture, mattresses and other items that will not fit in your Waste Pro cart. These items will only be picked up with a work order. To schedule a pick up please call Waste Pro at 850-606-1899 or submit an order on their website, www. LeonCountyFL.gov/curbside. Please allow seven days for bulky item pickup. Waste Pro Holiday’s Observed New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day Memorial Day Fourth of July Labor Day Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day If you have any questions please call Waste Pro at (850) 606-1899.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 23
C
History of Killearn Lakes
Part III
in a front seat that gave them an unobstructed view and field of fire. (One of these wagons is preserved at the Tallahassee Junior Museum.) Her home, although relatively modest in size and unpretentious in design, was nevertheless considered worthy of being included among the impressive mansions pictured in Florida, A Land of Homes published by the Florida Department of Agriculture during the building boom of the 1920’s. From this manse she continued the paternalistic traditions of former owners, providing for the medical care of her domestic and farm employees and donating the land for their church. In the early 1950’s Miss Griscom sold much of her property to Julien C. (Bull) the rapid growth of Tallahassee due Headley. A lumberman, among other things, Headley cut off much of the extensive to the expansion of state governmental lumber on the property, converting it once activities and educational institutions more to cattle range, on which he ran as many as 500 head of beef cattle. He changed created increasing pressure for the name of the property to Bull Run housing and home sites. Plantation. Headley was a flamboyant perfectionist, and is said to have had long sections of fencing pulled up and rebuilt if the posts were not in By the time he died in 1913, Griscom owned a huge tract extending perfect alignment or were tilted from the vertical. Finding the westward to the Ochlockonee River. He was a shipping magnate, a Griscom home too small for his family, and structurally unsound, he director of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and had extensive interests in had it razed to make way for the present brick manor house, which the Bank of North America, an oil pipeline, and “other large affairs.” overlooks the lake. He used some of the bricks from the old At his death the Horseshoe Plantation was sold to George F. Baker, foundation, along with paving bricks brought from North Carolina, Jr., a big chunk of the western end went to his son Lloyd C. Griscom, in the terraces and walks, and brought in a collection of pecan and (diplomat and lawyer), and Water Oak plantation consisting in part other fine woods for interior paneling and finish. Perhaps most of the present Killearn Lakes property went to his daughter Frances indicative of his character and personality, the roof is supported by C. Griscom, Jr. (The “jr.” caused some confusion and had to be 2x10 rafters on 12-inch centers, somewhat more than adequate for a legally laid to rest after the death of the elder Frances in 1919.) The snowless climate. Augmenting the comforts of home, Headley built Clement Griscom estate had been the second of the great quail a spacious bathhouse and a swimming pool nearby. The pool alone plantations in Leon County described by Clifton Paisley in From is said to have cost $25,000. Cotton to Quail. Headley also enjoyed hunting and fishing and preserved large Miss. Frances Griscom was an individualist and an ardent areas of his estate for this purpose, helping nature to provide natural sportswoman. She maintained her Water Oak plantation as a private habitat for fish and game by damming the bushy run that flowed estate, renting acreage to several tenant farmers and keeping many from South to North through the tract, to form Lakes Bockus, Petty more acres under cultivation by her own employees, but with great Gulf, and Dianna. With these complete, a friend suggested that he areas set aside as a hunting and fishing preserve. She entertained should find something else to “monkey around” with, so he planned occasional guests and small hunting parties, but did not go in for and built Monkey Business Pond to attract ducks. large hunts and extensive social activity. She used a unique hunting wagon, pushed by a single mule ridden by its driver. The hunters sat attle raising became increasingly important in the final decades of the nineteenth century, and John R. Bradford, son of Thomas A., was particularly active and successful. In 1889 he bought a 7-ton steam tractor that he used to cut silage and power saw and gristmills in the vicinity. In the 1890’s he pastured a dairy herd for Henry Flagler to provide dairy products for Flagler’s hotel in St. Augustine. In 1901 Clement A. Griscom of Philadelphia began to acquire land along the south shore of Lake Iamonia, beginning with the Horseshoe Plantation, once part of the Edward Bradford holdings.
24 Lakes View / Issue 62 / December 2013
In the mid-1960’s Headley became interested in developing the timber resources of Central America and departed for Honduras, selling most of his Lake Iamonia property to Gillis W. Long and others in a syndicate organized to develop a private hunting and recreational preserve known as Kinhega Lodge. Fish and game management was put in the competent professional hands of Donald Davis, who developed the potential of fields and ponds and supervised hunting and fishing activities. But attempts to develop other recreational facilities, especially a golf course, resulted in overextension of the financial resources of the syndicate and collapse of the project. In the meantime, the rapid growth of Tallahassee due to the expansion of state governmental activities and educational institutions created increasing pressure for housing and home sites. But much of the surrounding countryside remained unavailable for such use, held in either large private estates or the vast holdings of lumber and paper interests. The need for suburban residential development was partially met with the creation of Killearn Estates, Tallahassee’s first planned community. When the Kinhega Lodge properties became available, Killearn management recognized the opportunity to apply its experience in community planning to create a unique residential environment in which the natural beauty and ecology of a managed natural area are not only preserved, but also enhanced.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 25
Q. A.
Questions to the Master Builder
We are considering a renovation to our existing home next year and were wondering what the procedure is for making payments to the contractor for his work?
The payment schedule should be addressed within the contract with a value stated for each phase of the project. All payments should be based on the percentage of work completed. You should never pay for uninstalled work unless it is related to the original deposit to the contractor or custom fabricated items such as cabinets and countertops. If your project is a simple bath remodel the contract should specify amounts owed as each phase is completed. On a large multi-phase project such as a whole house remodel, it is advisable to have a third party verify all completed work. This is the same procedure used in new construction and relieves not only the owner, but the builder as well, of disputes related to completed work and prompt payments.
Q. A.
We just moved into a used home and our two year old dryer is taking considerably longer to dry clothes. Do you have any suggestions? Look for lint build-up in the dryer as well as the exhaust vent to the exterior of the house. If your exhaust vents upward (vertical), you will need to inspect and clean more often than a horizontal design. Here is a terrific link on how to clean your dryer vent in 14-steps, www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Clothes-Dryer-Vent. If your vent is clear of obstructions and you are still having problems consider calling an appliance repair tech.
Mark Worley is the only Graduate Master Builder in Tallahassee and one of only 13 statewide as recognized by the National Association of Home Builders. You can reach him through his website at www.worleyconst.com or at (850) 668-3438 for help with your construction problems.
MOST LOYAL ADVERTISER
The Editor would like to thank Worley Construction for advertising with us so loyally in the “Lakes View” Magazine. For more information please check out our newest feature"Business Spotlight" on our website under the “Lakes View” Menu Section. Another loyal advertiser will be highlighted in our next issue.
26 Lakes View / Issue 62 / December 2013
Designated printer of the “Lakes View” Magazine
een Corner Classifieds
PET SITTING AND DOG WALKING – Do you need a pet sitter or dog walker? Day or night! I’m responsible and experienced, and have references. Please call Karlee Jones at 850-933-1610.
BABYSITTER - "Hi! My name is Katelyn McClellan and I am 19 years old. I am great with kids and have babysitting experience. I prefer to babysit kids 4 & older. I live in Golden Eagle and I have a car so I can drive to your house to babysit. Please Call :). My phone number is : (850)228-6339. BABYSITTERS – Experienced 12-year-old Sitter and Mothers Helper. Prefer watching ages 4-9yrs. I love kids and I am very responsible. Bonus: household jobs such as folding laundry, dishes or tidy up your home. $3-5/hour. Available weekdays from 4-8 p.m. Sat. 10:30-4:30 p.m. and Sun. 1-8 p.m. Summer hours are more flexible. Can provide my own transportation. Call Emily at (850) 894-0421. BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – Need a 17 year old with CPR and TMH Babysitter's course certification to entertain your kid's for the night out, or the summer? Need a petsitter with lots of experience and patience? Call Brittany at (850)-688-4287 for a break! BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – ATTENTION to anyone looking for a reliable, fun and responsible baby/petsitter! My name is Rachel Stadtfeld. I am 18 years old and attend FSU! I am a great student and love caring for children and pets whenever I’m needed. I have my own transportation and a flexible class schedule so I am available much of the time! Call me on short notice, I will be able to accommodate you. I will provide a fun, safe time for your precious kiddos or pets, so give me a call or text at any time for all your sitting needs! My number is (727) 742-3856 :)
BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – Responsible, mature and enthusiastic 16 & 17 year old Chiles High School students, TMH certified available for babysitting and/or pet sitting. Please call Gabby & Claudia (850) 893 2342.
BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – Dedicated, responsible and mature 17-year-old Chiles High School student who loves to take care of children and pets. Available weekdays after 4:00 p.m. and weekends. Please call Daniela at (850) 668-2370. BABYSITTERS – My name is Delaney Stoner and I am a 18 year old senior at Chiles High School student. I love kids, I am great with them, and I have references available upon request. I am able to babysit in the Golden Eagle-Killearn Lakes area at anytime! Please feel free to call me whenever you need a babysitter at (850) 841-0837! BABYSITTER - Reliable and experienced 14 year old; certified as babysitter by American Red Cross. Available most times during the summer and nights/weekends during the school year. Can provide my own transportation. Please call Kim (850) 508-6819.
Teen girl, available for petsitting, house-cleaning, babysitting, or mother's helper. Very responsible, and has experience. Call Bethany at 893-9313.
Note: These ads are complimentary and available to student teens of our community involved in weekend and after school entrepreneurial projects. Ads must be renewed for each issue. Please call the office at 668-3231, if you want to edit or continue your ad. Thank you.
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