Save these Dates
December 11 18 25
Monthly Board Meeting @ 7pm in HOA office KLHOA Christmas Open House (4pm to 6pm at HOA office) Christmas (HOA office closed 12/24 – 12/26)
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.”
2014 Board of Directors (Elected by general membership)
Directors Trina Searcy, President Tom Martineau, Treasurer Joe Barnett, Director Gary Phillips, Director
Mark Reichert, Vice President Joanie Trotman, Secretary Dan King, Director
Administrative Staff Nancy C. Johnson Anne Marshall Gregory Durant Sharon Malloy
Operations Director, Bookkeeper & Editor Office Manager Field Manager Assistant Editor, Assistant Office 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 Corporate Records are available upon written request.
www.KillearnLakesHOA.org If you haven’t already, register your information with our NEW website if you wish to continue to receive resident email alerts from the association office. Directions to do so are directly beside the registration box located on the ‘Contact Us’ page. Thank you!
Cover Photo Contest Photographer:
The photo for this month’s cover of Lakes View Magazine was submitted by Tommy McGraw. Happy Holidays from one of your animal neighbors! (Note: The photo for the October cover, while submitted by Tania Pendarakis, was actually taken by Ken Carr.) 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 and assistant editor. 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! 2
Lakes View / Issue 68 / December 2014
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New Year’s Day (HOA office closed 1/1 – 1/2) Monthly Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm in HOA office Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Important Phone Numbers
Fire Department & Leon County Sheriff (non-emergency situations only):
606-3300
Talquin Electric (ex: Light out on your street) (Bradfordville office):
893-6853
Outages (24-hour service): Leon County Public Roads: CALL BEFORE YOU DIG:
(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 and follow us on Pintrest and Twitter @KLHOA.
“
Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our
Editor’s Note
hearts.
– JANICE MAEDITERE
”
ur Fall Festival is the last event of the year and this was the largest crowd thus far! Check out the photos of the event on pages 14 & 15. Please take note of our sponsors and support their businesses when you can. They contribute greatly to the success of our events. 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 2015 Dues Annual Assessment Invoice. Keep in mind that you only have the first two months to pay the discount dues amount. The discount period ends February 28th. On March 1st the full dues amount is in effect. This year we will be including a postage-paid postcard with your dues invoice. Please take a moment to complete the brief survey and mail the postcard back to the KLHOA office. We would appreciate it. Very soon the invitations to all the holiday parties will be received. Lists for Christmas gifts will be made. The aromas from all the baking will again permeate our homes and some of us will finally have to give in to the spirit of the season. Speaking of holiday parties, your KLHOA will host a Christmas Open House on December 18th from 4pm until 6pm. We hope you will stop by and “share a cup of cheer”. We at the “Lakes View” would like to extend a warm “THANK YOU” to all of our advertisers, who make this magazine possible. Please support our advertisers whenever you can. I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous 2015! Merry Christmas! Please see page 12 for a holiday message from your KLHOA Board president, Trina Searcy
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 By the time you read this, Thanksgiving will be over, Christmas is just around the corner and a New Year is upon us. The elections are over and AtLarge Commissioner Mary Ann Lindley has been elected as the new chair of the County Commission. She has many challenges ahead of her and I have no doubt she will meet them head on! You may want to invite her to some of your neighborhood meetings so she too is aware of your concerns and issues. Commissioner Bill Proctor was elected as our Vice Chair and as I'm sure most of you already know, the Sales Tax initiative was approved by our voters. I look forward to the time that Bannerman Road is widened all the way to Tekesta, District IV has our first Recreation Facility at Proctor and Thomasville Rd. and the Market Square initiative is underway. More than 60 years ago, America’s Greatest Generation fought oppression around the world. A few short years ago, the World War II Memorial was dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in their honor. The veterans who lived to see that long-awaited day in 2004 were in their eighties or older. Even now, most of these veterans have never visited the monument that honors their sacrifice. Honor Flight was developed to provide our veterans the opportunity to visit our war memorial sites in D.C. and to recognize them for their service to our country. The next flight is now scheduled for May 2, 2015. We have 42 World War II and Korean War Veterans who have signed up for the flight, but we have room for 80. This is a free trip for our veterans and I would hate to see it canceled for lack of participation. The flight leaves early Saturday morning, returning Saturday night. We have doctors and EMT’s on board and they will care for every need of those veterans who make this trip. If you know of any veterans who have not been on an Honor Flight, I encourage you to help them complete the application and hopefully you will consider signing up to join them as their guardian. I’ve applied to participate as a guardian on the May flight and I’m still working on my Dad hoping he’ll join me. For more information on the process, go to http://honorflighttallahassee.org/ and click on Applications. They are also seeking donations to help fund the flight. They’re about half way to their goal. Please consider giving to this very worthwhile program. Information on how you can contribute can be found at the same web site.
DISTRICT IV UPDATE The Bannerman Bypass Road – The Bannerman Rd widening plans, from the new round about to Quail Commons, are scheduled for public hearing December 9th on a proposed Public-Private Cooperation Agreement for the Construction of Phase 1 B of the Bannerman Road Widening Project adding four lanes on Bannerman – 900 feet west of Quail Commons. If all goes well, construction on the widening could begin the summer of 2015 - want to avoid the school rush. 4
Lakes View / Issue 68 / December 2014
December 2014 Beech Ridge Roundabout – at this time the County is in the appraisal process of the land needed for the Beech Ridge/Kinhega roundabout to discuss and negotiate with the Killearn Lakes Homeowners Association for the acquisition of the property to construct the roundabout. Killearn Lakes Stormwater Project – we’re nearing completion on Unit III, completing cleanup on Unit II and we’re in the bid process for Unit 1 and hoping to authorize a portion of it by the end of the year with construction starting in the early spring. Killearn Acres – We have submitted our information to FEMA regarding flood mapping in the area and should hear back from FEMA by the end of year. This FEMA study is the result of projects we have done in Killearn Acres where we realized errors had been made in flood mapping. Some properties are currently listed as being located in the flood zone that should not be, some are not that should be and some - we’re just correcting the flood elevation. This will allow the insurance companies to better evaluate your rates, especially those who are incorrectly included in the flood zone. Orchard Pond Toll Road – the developer has completed the plans and they are being reviewed. Although subject to final review, we expect the final permit to be issued by the end of November, with construction beginning possibly in December. The developer has received approval from the Canopy Road Committee on the connection of the toll road at Meridian, approval to relocate traffic signal and the placement of toll road signage. You are receiving this because I have your name or neighborhood association on my mailing list. Many of your family, friends or neighbors may not receive it so I hope you’ll take the time to share this information or let them know they can send an email to me and I’ll add them to the mailing list. 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! Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Hanukkah! Happy New Year! May the year bring peace, prosperity, good health and blessings for all!
Bryan Desloge Leon County Commission District IV
Leon County Board of County Commissioners
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 Thursday, December 18, from 4pm-6pm. We are located at 7110 Beech Ridge Trail, Tallahassee Fl 32312. We hope you can join us for a cup of cheer!
It’s Almost îƒźat Time Again Your homeowners association is preparing 2015 dues assessment statements. Your 2015 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 at the $120.00 amount for the discount months of January and February. 6
Lakes View / Issue 68 / December 2014
Happy Holidays from Waste Pro On behalf of the entire Waste Pro team, we wish you and your family a happy holidays and a joyous New Year. We are proud to be celebrating our second holiday season serving Leon County and the Killearn Lakes area. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to provide you with safe, courteous and prompt solid waste removal services and we look forward to continuing to provide these services. We understand that this is a busy time of year for everyone, with shopping, entertaining, cooking, decorating and various holiday activities. In order to make the most of the services we provide we would like to offer you some tips. Our drivers start their day early. Please ensure that your garbage cans are at the curb before 6 A.M on your service day. We also ask that you keep your garbage cans free of obstructions like parked cars, trees or fire hydrants. For boxes, appliances, furniture or other large items that won’t fit in your garbage cans, please call us at 850-606-1899 when these items are at the curb for a bulk pick up and we will complete your pick up as soon as possible. Our agreement with the county gives us up to seven days to pick up bulky items, but generally these items are picked up within two to three days. Bulky items will only be picked up after notification. Yard Debris piles and Christmas trees measuring less than 6 feet in length 4 feet in width and 4 feet in height will be picked up on your regular service day. For multiple piles, Christmas trees or piles larger than these dimensions please call us to schedule a special pick up. Services will be a day behind after Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st We offer a variety of containers and services. From small dumpsters to 30 yard Roll Off containers, we strive to meet all your waste removal needs. For more information and pricing please call Joel Thorton at 850-210-2255 Even if you’ve been a good recycler all year long, what to do with holiday decorations and gift wrap may present a challenge. Waste Pro has created our “naughty and nice” list of recyclable holiday materials.
NICE (recyclable) • Gift boxes • Tissue paper • Shoe boxes • Artificial Christmas tree • Holiday cards/envelopes • Gift bags (if paper) • Wrapping paper (consider reusing)
NAUGHTY (not recyclable) • Bubble wrap (consider reusing) • Foam peanuts/Styrofoam • Ribbon and bows (consider reusing) • Sticky gift labels • Gift bags if coated, laminated, dyed
Please feel free to call us at 850-606-1899 with any questions or concerns. Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Lakes View / Issue 68 / December 2014
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Lake Friendly Yard
By Joe Barnett
I
love that so many homeowners want to keep our lakes clean and are trying to have a “Killearn Lakes Friendly Yard”. But some residents are concerned about builders cutting down too many trees. When too many trees are cut down, neighbors downhill get upset when the increased stormwater runoff floods their homes and yards. Other neighbors don’t like the loss of our beautiful shade trees. It takes many years to grow those trees back. One builder upset neighbors several years ago when he bulldozed his lakeshore lot right up to and into Lake Petty Gulf. He later made the newspaper for upsetting neighbors in Piney Z for cutting down too many trees. The worst part of his clear cutting was that other builders were able to get away with clearing more trees. One homeowner who moved here because of the nice trees on her lot said she had to physically stand on her lot to keep her trees from being cut down by her own builder! On my commute home from work I often bicycle down beautiful Dogwood Valley Trail. Like other neighbors, I was upset to see two new homes with almost every tree cut down. Builders tell me that it is easier for them if the trees are gone. Some don't seem to care or don't realize that Killearn Lakes is different from other neighborhoods. We like and need our trees! I was very pleasantly surprised to see the newest home on Dogwood Valley had a large islands of trees saved. I contacted our Killearn Lakes Homeowner’s Association to see who the builder was so I could thank them for caring so much to protect our trees and lakes. The Operations Director, Nancy Johnson, said the builder was Saxon Hannon of Hannon Construction Company offering custom homes, commercial and outdoor living projects. I called Saxon for a tour. I asked him why he saved so many trees. He said he loves to fish. He has fished for bass in most of the lakes in our area and wants clean healthy lakes. He said that before he started clearing a single tree, he had a meeting on the lot with Killearn Lakes
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Lakes View / Issue 68 / December 2014
Field Manager, Gregory Durant and a Leon County Growth & Environmental Department representative, to determine how the lot should be cleared. Saxon said they were both very easy to work with and gave him some very good ideas. Since the lot sloped, Saxon saved almost half the trees as natural woods to keep his stormwater runoff from going into and damaging Lake Arrowhead. This is important Saxon said since one reason he bought the lot was so the new owners could walk a couple blocks to fish Lake Arrowhead! He also liked saving so many trees for privacy and to reduce any road noise. Amazingly, I noticed Saxon even used a double silt fence during construction. I had never seen that before, and I do look at lots of construction sites. Saxon said he liked working with Paul Helms’s Landscaping to create a functional and pretty home with lots of plants. Paul uses many drought tolerant plants to conserve water and make it easier to maintain a nice home site. During my tour his many bright red drift roses were in bloom. They are like knockout roses but on smaller bushes. Paul also likes redbuds and hollies. The front island of trees had their roots protected by natural pine straw mulch. This is highly recommended instead of trying to grow grass under shade trees. We could save a LOT of tax dollars if our pine needles, leaves, and grass clippings were left to become mulch instead of expensive bagging and removal to landfills. Mulch is a great way to reduce the need for fertilizer. Yard fertilizers are a big cause of the algae some residents have complained about in their lakes. Paul said they haven’t used any fertilizer even though the small grass yard was very green. Saxton and his partner, Craig Cook are from Tallahassee, but graduated from Auburn University. They keep current on the latest energy efficiency options. This home has a natural gas stove and water heater. There is a radiant barrier just under the roof and 38R insulation. He said he didn't have to turn on the AC until June. Since the house is hooked up to sewer they also didn’t have to cut down trees for a septic tank. Saxton and Craig won the 2013 Parade of Homes Golden Award for the $675,000 to $1,000,000 category in Golden Eagle. Many upgrades in this home include granite counters, a walk in shower, emergency lights if power goes out, full size brick pavers, Hardie board siding, USB ports, and a 10 year Bonded Builders Warranty. PS: I stopped by in November to see how the new owners liked their home. Bryan Young said he loves the combination of small lawn near the house with those great natural woods. They have lots of humming birds. He also likes the gas water heater that only uses fuel when hot water is needed! We are very pleased to award Hannon Construction our Killearn Lakes Friendly Yard award. They will be presented a $100 gift certificate and sign at our February 10, 2015 Quarterly Open Meeting. We are looking for yards that use minimal if any fertilizer, have no highly invasive plants like "Popcorn" tree or red berried Coral Ardesia. If the home is a lake front home it should have a natural lake buffer to keep pollutants out of our lakes and give fish and wildlife a home. If you know a builder, landscaping company, or resident with a possible "Killearn Lakes Friendly Yard" please contact the homeowner’s office or email me at jdbarnettgums@hotmail.com. Thanks! Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Message from your KLHOA Board President
Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. I love reading and hearing all of things people are thankful for. Recently, I hired a coach for my real estate business. One of the things he is having me do is keep a gratitude journal. I cannot tell you how enlightening it is, being purposeful about thoughts and things I am thankful for: the gold leaves that cover my road, the deer grazing on the side of Deerlake Road, our beautiful lakes, and the sidewalks we have in our neighborhood. I love to run on them! We also have Tekesta Park, where we gather several times a year as neighbors for the Easter Egg Hunt, Movies in the Park, the Fall Festival, T-Ball and several other events. My granddaughter loves going there to play on the slides and swings. This is such a beautiful neighborhood and many people contribute daily to help keep it that way: the Board of Directors, Gregory Durant, our field manager, Nancy Johnson, our Director, and Anne and Sharon, our office managers. We also have The Grounds Guys, who keep our roadways and parks mowed and cleaned up, as well as the Flower Power lady, who keeps our entryways looking beautiful with flowers and colorful plants. I appreciate the way our friends and neighbors come together during adverse times to support each other. I could go on and on, but will wrap it up!
Trina’s top 5 things to be thankful for: 1. 2. 3. 4.
My health– without that, I wouldn’t be around to be thankful for anything else. My family– my marriage and children and little granddaughter. My dear friends that have stayed close to me for so many years. My neighbors, the ones who can count on me for a cup of flour at 10:00 at night, and the ones I can count on to watch my house and make sure “parties” don’t break out when Fain and I leave town. 5. This beautiful neighborhood we call home. On behalf of the Killearn Lakes HOA Board of Directors and Staff, we would like to extend our warm wishes to you and your family during this holiday season and hope that living here is on your gratitude list, too. All the Very Best,
Trina Searcy
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FareShare Pecan Pie Muffins
1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup chopped pecans
2/3 cup butter, softened 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease muffin cups generously, I use Bakers Joy. Grease them well or they WILL stick. In medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, and pecans. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and eggs together. Stir in dry ingredients just until combined. Spoon batter into muffin cups about 2/3 full. Bake for 12-13 minutes for mini muffins or 15-17 minutes for regular size muffins. Run a knife around the edge of each muffin and pop it out. Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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2014 Fall Festival
There was definitely a chill in the air on Saturday, November 1st for the KLHOA Annual Fall Festival at Tekesta Park. However, that didn’t keep hundreds of residents from attending and enjoying our largest event of the year, paid for by your dues and the generous donations of many sponsors. We cannot express enough gratitude to the several members from Canopy Roads Baptist Church, who volunteered to help us and didn’t mind staying for the entire day. We would not have had any food service if they had not pitched in! We also received help from a few residents who donated several hours of their time, and some Deerlake Middle School and Chiles High students, who worked very hard in the food service area, as well. We were happy to welcome several new supporters this year: Summit Group Bannerman Crossings, New Leaf Market, American Fitness 24/7, Cynthia Cowen Therapeutic Massage, Timberline Outdoor Furniture and Woodmen of the World. They joined past supporters: Walk the Tail, Stevens Orthodontics, Auto Super-Service Center, B.J.’s Party House, BodyTrac, Bradfordville Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Bouncers, Chick-fil-A, Epiphany Lutheran Pre-School, Fast Signs, The Grounds Guys, Killearn Kids Dance Troupe, Killearn Lakes TaeKwonDo, Kona Ice, Meyer Magic, ProDisc Jockeys, Canopy Roads Baptist Church and Four Oaks Community Church. The success of this event is due in large part to the participation of these sponsors, so please support them when you can. Also, please consider volunteering next year. A few hours of your time is all it takes to help make this event a success. We are pleased to announce this year’s grand prize winners are Lori & Brent Parramore, whose 2015 HOA dues will be paid by the association. Nickesha Jones was the winner of a $50.00 Bass Pro Shop gift card. Congratulations!
Master Builder Best Practices Presents:
Questions to the Master Builder By: Mark Worley
Q. A.
Mark, if you could break down or divide the building process into steps or phases how simple could you make it for a non-construction person to understand it? I would divide any construction project, be it a simple bath remodel to a custom home into three (4) steps: 1. Design 2. Permitting 3. Construction 4. Warranty Of course within the first three phases there are many sub phases, but the first three lay the foundation for the complete process with the warranty period usually having pre-set inspection dates.
Q. A.
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How much time should a person delegate to each phase? Well that depends on the size of the project and also the amount of time that a client is willing to commit to the design process. I’ve had clients that were dedicated to the design process, completing their construction drawings/specifications in five weeks for a new home. That included three revisions on the floor plan, exterior elevations and specification development. On the same note, I have worked with new home clients with demanding schedules and they have given themselves a year for the design phase. The permitting phase varies from as little as a week to six weeks for residential development. Construction time will depend on many factors that include the contractor’s workload, the site conditions, trade and product availability, weather and the complexity of the project. To determine construction
Lakes View / Issue 68 / December 2014
time, you should ask the builder for the worst-case scenario when interviewing builders.
Q. A.
You mentioned interviewing builders. If you had to select a builder for yourself what would be your top three qualifiers? That’s a good one. My first thought is longevity. How long has this person been in business and how successful have they become within that time? The natural progression within residential construction is for a trade contactor to morph into a contractor. Many times the exceptional trade contactor should have stayed within their area of expertise. If a builder has successfully built their business over a ten-year period that is a good indication they have gotten over the learning curve. My second qualifier would be client satisfaction. With at least ten years ‘experience, a quality builder should have more than enough past clients to sell his reputation. Lastly, I would visit several projects that are similar to my proposed project as related to size and cost.
Mark Worley is the only Graduate Master Builder in Tallahassee and one of only 8 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.
2015 Adopt-A-Tree Program The Leon County Department of Public Works is proud to offer the 2015 Adopt-ATree public tree planting program. If you live inside Leon County, but outside of Tallahassee city limits, you may qualify to have Mayhaw planted on your property for free. The Mayhaw is a small, native, spring-flowering tree. If you agree to water the tree three times a week for one year, Public Works will plant the tree anywhere between your house and any publicly-maintained road or any privately-maintained road with public access. To have a tree planted on your property between February and March 2015, go to http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Home/Departments/PublicWorks/Operations/Right-of-Way/Adopt-A-Tree, fill out and submit the application form, and then place a wooden stake at the desired location. Public Works will try to get as close to the designated area as possible. One tree per household per year will be planted. The application deadline is January 31, 2015.
S.K.W.A.D. Diaper Drive Supporting Kids With A Dream (S.K.W.A.D.), a service club at Lawton Chiles High School, is holding a diaper drive to benefit the Children’s Home Society. If you would like to contribute diapers, please drop them off at the high school until December 18th. All sizes are needed---newborn to toddler! Monetary donations will be accepted, as well. Checks may be made payable to Chiles High School, and note S.K.W.A.D. in the memo portion. Thank you so much for your consideration of this project!
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Tallahassee-Leon County Community Demographics and Trends • Tallahassee was listed as one of six retirement “hotspots” by Consumer Reports Money Advisor within the next 10 years. • In Leon County, the number of people age 65 and older will increase from 19,891 in 2000 to 43,024 in 2025, representing a 116% increase. (University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research) • According to the 2000 Census, 8.3% of Leon County's population was age 65 or older. By 2030, it is projected that 16.3 % of Leon County residents will be older than 65. • 29% of people in T-LC are already seniors, baby boomers or caregivers (age 45 and older).
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• Between 2005 and 2030, the overall population of Leon County may grow by 1.4 percent annually, while the population age 65 to 79 will grow by 6.5 percent a year. The population of those older than 80 will grow at a rate of 5.9 percent a year. • 90% of T-LC seniors are well and independent with no mobility or self-care limitations, making the Senior Center and its satellite sites vital services in helping individuals stay well and connected to their community. For more information please visit the Leon County Senior Outreach page at http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Home/Departments/Senior-Outreach.
Just Move, Tallahassee! By: Jean Amison
Exercise is good for us. We hear it on television, in magazines, and from our doctors. Numerous activities are organized across all aspects of life to provide us with many choices when it comes to finding an exercise activity that suits our needs: weightlifting, swimming, running, group fitness, and dance, just to name a few. A regular exercise regimen, defined as 30 minutes a day at least three times per week, can reduce stress, reduce the occurrence of routine illness, increase blood flow and oxygen, and establish better sleep patterns, as well as promote a healthier immune system. A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event. Cancer does not discriminate and can affect even those to whom exercise is like a religion. Breast cancer can be extraordinarily devastating, and even though it affects men, for women it is as emotionally taxing as it is physically. I have battled the cancer beast twice, but breast cancer was a whole different beast. It didn’t matter how healthy I thought I was, how much I did or did not eat, how much I exercised, my body was still going to go through radical change. After my diagnosis of cervical cancer and a subsequent hysterectomy in 2002, I knew I needed to be healthy, but those years were stressful. My husband and I were both in school, our youngest daughter had been diagnosed with autism, and I started a new job. Even though I had joined a local gym and “lost” some weight, I inadvertently managed to “find” it again. It took every ounce of perseverance I could muster to stay dedicated to being well. I could come to dread the yearly “Tallahassee crud,” which grew worse each year, and I struggled to find activities I enjoyed. Luckily for me, my youngest discovered taekwondo. At her first belt testing and ceremony, I was smitten with the way each person was acknowledged for their accomplishments. No first or second places, no MVP’s. Everyone was a winner because they all relied on their training, practice and commitment to move to the next rank. I joined next and was surprised at the physical workout that came with learning to choon bi, kyung nae, and kiyap. After about six months, my head instructor asked if I wanted to train to be an instructor. Yes, I was that hooked. I was learning and growing more confident as my training progressed. In April 2010, I passed the toughest test I thought I’d ever take and became a black belt. I had never thought of myself as an athlete, but here I was. I got to punch things, break things (thankfully, no bones, just boards!), and see the look on people’s faces when they would find out this grandmother was a practicing martial artist. I joined the academy as their first part-time staff member. Because the owner was a Jazzercise instructor, I also discovered another love, supplementing my martial arts training with Jazzercise. I was feeling strong, healthy, focused. I was losing weight, gaining strength,
and—little did I know—preparing myself for my toughest test yet. Exercise physiology is the study of the body’s response and adaptation to a variety of physical conditions. Physiologists study the effect of exercise on pathology, and the mechanisms by which exercise can reduce or reverse disease progression. Science has proven that the stronger the body’s tissues, muscles and systems, the better it can ward off and fight disease, as well as speed up the healing process. This is what taekwondo and Jazzercise did for me. In October 2010, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy in December 2010. Reconstruction followed next, a year-long process for which my taekwondo training had superbly prepared me. It had strengthened my chest muscles to support reconstruction, had increased my tolerance to handle pain and adverse situations, and had provided me with a competitive spirit I never had before. The confidence I now had was no longer tied to how I looked, but by what I knew I was capable of. With the support of my family, friends, and my love of martial arts, I learned to fight, and I was fighting to win. During the healing process, each surgery required less and less time away from the training floor, for which I was grateful. There were things I couldn’t do, either temporarily (like sparring) or permanently (like pushups not that I miss those). I learned what I could tolerate and what I couldn’t. I loved that I could customize my training to suit my needs at the time, one of my favorite things about this sport. As my surgeries ended, my endurance increased and I gained strength and flexibility. I also racked up a few more bars on my black belt. It has been 4 years since my diagnosis, and August 2015 will present my chance to conquer that 4th degree black belt. I think the physiologists have the right theory. Each training session provides me the opportunity to improve my stamina, gain muscle strength and flexibility, and improve my overall health. The more I move, the better I feel. So what will you do to get out and get moving? Martial arts? Group fitness like Jazzercise or dance? Soccer, swimming or jogging? It doesn’t matter. Find an activity you and your family and friends enjoy, and just get moving, Tallahassee! Jean Amison is a Certified Jazzercise Instructor, Certified Senior Taekwondo Instructor, and a practicing 3rd Degree Black Belt. To connect with Jean, call her at Killearn Lakes Taekwondo at 850-6680469, find her on the web at www.killearnlakestkd.com, on Twitter @jmamison, or visit her blog at http://simply-chick.blogspot.com/. Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Questions from Members Concerning the Proposed EPA Rule By Kim Gay
We would like to thank our Members that have been reading our recent columns concerning the EPA’s proposed rule on greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants. We appreciate you keeping up with such important issues and taking the time to send in your questions. We value the input of our Members, and we want to make sure that all of you have all of the information you need to make informed decisions regarding anything related to your cooperative. Following is some additional information related to the EPA’s proposed rule based on questions our Members have been asking: What is the timeline for implementation of the proposed rule? The EPA has established the following key dates: 1. December 1, 2014 – deadline for public comment submission to the EPA 2. June 2015 – the final rule will be published 3. June 2016 – each state must have a plan to reach their designated goals submitted to the EPA for approval 4. By the year 2020, Florida must reduce emissions by 29% from 2012 levels 5. By the year 2030, Florida must reduce emissions by 38% from 2012 levels (56% reduction from 2005 levels) How dependent is Florida on coal at the present time (i.e. 85%, 80%, 90%, etc.)? Florida is 20% dependent on coal. There are 30 individual coal units in Florida, two of which are scheduled to be retired in 2015 and another two in 2016. Talquin's wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative, owns and operates a 1,300 megawatt coal-fired plant (SGS) in Putnam County, which provides power to Talquin and Seminole's eight other member distribution electric cooperatives. However, the EPA's Clean Power Plan has 90% of Florida's coal generation coming offline by 2020, including Seminole's coal-fired power plant. Removing this much base-load power generation from Florida's energy mix in such a short period
20 Lakes View / Issue 68 / December 2014
of time will absolutely impact reliability and increase the cost of electricity for our Members. What plans are underway to install nuclear plants in Florida? Based on the Florida Public Service Commission’s 2013 review of the state utility’s 10-year site plans, nuclear is projected to increase from 4,320 megawatts in 2012 to 4,691 megawatts by 2022. We should also note that this increase was used in the EPA’s 2030 emission projections. Any new nuclear generation in addition to what is already proposed cannot be in place by the deadline for the 2030 goal since it takes approximately 20 years to plan and build a nuclear plant. http://www.floridapsc.com/publications/pdf/electricgas/TYSP2 013.pdf#search=10%20year%20site%20plans What plans are underway to install solar energy plants in Florida? Renewable resources continue to expand in Florida, with approximately 1,470 MW of renewable generation currently operating in Florida. Presently, municipal solid waste (MSW) and biomass each represent roughly a third of renewable generation in Florida. Other major types of renewable generation operating in the state include waste heat, hydroelectric, landfill gas, and solar. Over the planning horizon, approximately 966 MW of additional renewable generation is planned in Florida. The majority of these additions are solar and biomass. While these new projects represent a significant increase from the existing total, renewable generation continues to provide a relatively small contribution towards the reduction of the state’s reliance on fossil fuels. http://www.floridapsc.com/publications/pdf/electricgas/TYSP2 013.pdf#search=10%20year%20site%20plans What plans are underway to install wind farms in Florida? Florida has relatively light winds, so large commercial wind farms are not currently viable.
http://apps2.eere.energy.gov/wind/windexchange/wind_resource _maps.asp?stateab=fl You decry the proposed EPA rule, but what are you doing today to wean us off the use of coal as a fuel source? One of Talquin’s and Seminole’s highest priorities is to ensure that all generating resources are operated in an environmentallyresponsible manner. Seminole has invested more than $530 million in state-of-the-art environmental control equipment, reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), mercury, acid gases, and particulate matter (PM), among others. Today, this
Fuel diversity reduces exposure to changing market conditions and helps keep rates competitive. equipment removes more than 90 percent of the emissions of NOx, mercury, and acid gases, 92 percent of the SO2 emissions, and 99 percent of the PM. Additionally, approximately 70 percent of the byproducts produced when coal is burned to generate electricity at SGS are recycled for use in products consumers use every day, including wallboard and concrete. This combination of emissions reductions and recycling practices resulted in SGS being featured by Power Magazine in 2009 as one of the top coal plants in the world. Talquin and Seminole believe the EPA should consider these expensive and extensive environmental controls, installed in order to comply with other regulations implemented by the EPA. Otherwise, these costly investments will become stranded assets should the EPA’s rule be finalized. Additionally, Seminole would have to build or purchase new power generation to replace the electricity produced from its coal-fired facility (SGS). In addition to coal, Seminole also owns and operates a natural gas-fired power plant, and purchases electricity from renewable energy facilities. Seminole’s renewable portfolio is one of the largest in the state. Seminole is also seeking opportunities with its Member cooperatives, including Talquin, to install additional renewable energy options in the state. Talquin also receives energy from hydropower facilities through the Southeastern Power Administration, and we
promote energy efficiency for our Members through our free energy audit program. We would be happy to provide you with an energy audit of your home to help you find ways to reduce your electric energy usage. Do you have specific proposals for us, the Members, and EPA to consider for amending the proposed EPA rule, or are you content with the status quo? Through Seminole, we are working closely with both state and federal agencies to have the EPA's Clean Power Plan amended before the final rule is issued in June 2015. One of our biggest concerns is the short timeframe by which the state would be required to comply with the rule. As mentioned above, 90% of the state's coal plants would have to be offline by 2020 based on EPA's proposal. Without new generation (which could take years to plan/build), our state would experience power disruptions and realize increased costs for electricity. For this to be implemented effectively, we need more time to comply. We also believe the EPA needs to consider the substantial strides our state has already taken to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions and our dependence on coal. Since 2005, Florida's carbon emissions have dropped nearly 20% thanks to investments in natural gas. However, the EPA is not including this reduction in our goal of a 38% reduction by 2030. The EPA’s rule also creates a significant dependence on natural gas in our state – estimates are close to 85% reliance on natural gas if the EPA’s rule were implemented as proposed. Without fuel diversity, we are placing all of our eggs in one basket, and we will become captive to the price/volatility of the natural gas market. Seminole and Talquin believe it makes good business sense to have a diversified generation portfolio. Fuel diversity reduces exposure to changing market conditions and helps keep rates competitive. Limiting fuel resources for power generation, like coal, and displacing existing coalfired power plants as proposed by the EPA will lead to increased costs for cooperative consumers and will hinder reliability. Again, the comment period for the rulemaking closes on December 1, so we are encouraging everyone to send comments to the EPA using www.action.coop or www.tellepa.com. Again, thank you for your inquiries and for being involved. If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to call, send them through our Member feedback at MemberFeedback@talquinelectric.com, or send them to me directly at tracy.bensley@talquinelectric.com.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
21
e Benefits of Massage as erapy By: Cynthia Cowen, LMT
Before I became a licensed massage therapist 8 years ago, I got massages on an occasional basis, and only when I was really hurting. It helped for a few days afterward, but I went back to the same old grind of balancing a job, running a household, raising a child and burning the candle at both ends. I did not go back for massage until I was unable to function anymore! The dictionary defines therapy as “healing power or quality”. Since being in the massage profession, I have discovered for myself, and through my clients that massage is definitely healing and can get people into better balance and maintain that balance, thus avoiding crisis mode or systems breakdown. In our busy world, we need a form of therapy that can help us slow down and relax! When the body relaxes, there are mental as well as physical benefits. The mood becomes more calm and peaceful, thinking is clearer and stress takes a back seat. Stress alone causes an increase in the hormone cortisol, which can negatively affect the adrenal glands and leads to increased storage of belly fat. Tight muscles, a result of physical and emotional stress, impede proper blood and nerve flow, causing pain and discomfort...very distracting! A person becomes more productive when the physical body is at ease. Massage increases blood, nerve and lymphatic flow. This results in improved overall circulation, relaxation, greater range of motion of the joints, better sleep, and more flexibility and strength of the muscles. All these are benefits that really matter when you've been doing housework, yard work, gardening, lifting children, being a caregiver to elderly parents, playing a sport, working at a computer or working out at the gym. And the list goes on. 22 Lakes View / Issue 68 / December 2014
There are many types of massage; my specialties are relaxation, deep tissue, pregnancy and medical massage. I've also been working on the FSU Women's Soccer Team players recently. My clients range in age from 18 to 91, and massage benefits them all! It's quite simple really...how the body is used, day in and day out, can determine certain inequalities of the musculature that can become huge problems if left unattended. I focus on evening out the imbalances. Like my Killearn Lakes client, Mike Thompson, says, “regular massage is not an option for me...it's a necessity”. Cynthia Cowen, LMT, can be reached at (850) 264-9145.
Learning your Landscape
Seasonal tips and suggestions to maximize the integrity of your landscape By Brian Kendall of The Grounds Guys
Change is in the air – There’s no doubt about it…fall is here! Leaves are changing color, temperatures are dropping and dormancy will soon set in. Here a few suggestions to help you keep your lawn and landscape healthy.
Things to keep in mind Now, during the downtime of the seasonal change is a good time to plan for what you’d like to see your landscape become. Keeping in mind changes and problems that occurred last season can help you get ready for the next year. Preparing for the upcoming season and being prudent will often lead to better results and can also save valuable time and money.
Tossing around the idea of planting to enhance your landscape? Now is a great time! Do you have a particular area in mind for an ornamental tree or an area you’d like to group with shrubs? Perhaps you’ve lost a plant to heat stress or need to replace those that have become overgrown and out of control. Or maybe you’re just looking to enhance your landscape for more curb appeal. No matter your situation, if you’re looking to enhance your landscape, fall is an excellent time to do it. The mild weather and abundant moisture provide new hedges and shrubs a chance to spread roots and become accustom to their new home before the stress of the summer heat arrives. Is your lawn prepared for the dormant season? Although your turf may be dormant, it’s always good practice to remove fallen leaves and other debris from your lawn. Allowing leaves and debris to remain cluttered on your turf will stop it from receiving a sufficient supply of sunlight and air and can potentially cause rot and mold. It will also inhibit green-up in the upcoming Spring. Caring for your lawn during the Fall is extremely important. This time of year there is no need to apply fertilizers high in Nitrogen to warm-season grasses such as Centipede or Zoysia. The grass is not growing and it does not require food. However, a good dose of potassium to warm-season grasses will promote a strong root system through the winter months and help ensure swift green-up in the Spring. The basic nutrients found in fertilizers are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K), which coincide with the three numbers often listed on the bag. For example, 10-10-10, 18-0-18 or 0-0-7. Each number indicates the percentage of the nutrient in corresponding order. Fall fertilizer is commonly referred to as “Winterizer” and should include an adequate percentage of Potassium for warm-season grasses. Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 23
24 Lakes View / Issue 68 / December 2014
“e Snow Queen” an Irish Dance Ballet By Deborah Towers-Best two comical crows; the Have you always promised yourself that one day you would just Summer Queen and her newly found love to see a live Irish Step Dance performance but for whatever King; the Fall Queen and her feisty daughter the reason, never fulfilled that desire? You have no doubt heard of the Robber Girl (along with their band of robbers); a not so intrepid internationally acclaimed Riverdance? But did you know that reindeer; some heroic Vikings; a fearsome Snow Beast who guards Tallahassee has its very own Irish Step Dancing Company? Well, now the palace of the Snow Queen; and eventually the sinister Snow is your chance to see this fabulous troupe of dancers present a very unique dance extravaganza. Queen herself with her army of frozen boys and the clever but vicious Now in its ninth year of production, Killearn Performing Arts Icicles. (K.P.A.) and the So does Colleen find Tallahassee Irish Step her Patrick? Can she break the evil spell that the Dancers will once again In the best of fairytale traditions, Snow Queen has cast be performing an Irish upon our hero, as well as and modern dance ballet good always triumphs over evil. so many others? In the of Hans Christian best of fairytale traditions, Andersen’s “The Snow good always triumphs over Queen” this holiday evil. But to find out what really happens, you will just have to come season. Set to both contemporary and traditional Irish music, choreography is by K.P.A. director/choreographer David Jones and and see for yourselves! With its fabulous dancing, intelligent lighting effects and stage management by Shannon O’Bryan-Chiles drama stunningly beautiful costumes, this year’s performance of the Snow teacher/director. Queen promises to be just as spectacular as previous years. Why not In keeping with the Irish theme, our young hero and heroine, treat you and your family to an unforgettable Irish Dance Patrick and Colleen, live happily together in a village in Ireland. They performance this Holiday season? You will not be disappointed! are torn apart by the evil Snow Queen, after Patrick is struck in the eye by a shard of magic mirror created by an evil demon. Patrick “The Snow Queen” is showing at Chiles High School Auditorium on comes under the evil Queen’s influence and is lured away to her ice Saturday, December 20 at 7pm and on Sunday, December 21 at 3pm. crystal palace. Colleen must travel on a dangerous quest through the Tickets are priced at $12 for adults, $6 for children and are available on four seasons to find her true love and bring him home. the door or by ordering in advance. After traveling through the seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter, Colleen eventually arrives at the palace http://kpadance.com/performances/the-snow-queen/index.html of the Snow Queen. But her quest is not For further information contact: without danger, excitement and plenty of 850-443-7512 interesting characters along the way, And if you miss the Chiles including the Spring Queen and her production there will be an encore enchanted flowers; performance at Quincy Music Theatre in early January 2015
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 25
26 Lakes View / Issue 68 / December 2014
Designated printer of the “Lakes View” Magazine
een Corner Classifieds PET SITTING AND DOG WALKING – Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Day or Night Call Karlee Jones at 933-1610. 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 – ATTENTION to anyone who needs a reliable, hardworking, and responsible baby or petsitter! My name is Rachel Stadtfeld and I would love to come and watch your precious kiddos or pets! Call me anytime, even on short notice, for any occasion you may need to go out for! I am 17 years old and have much experience with children (past nanny) and pets (have 3)! I attend school at Chiles High and live in Golden Eagle. I am a licensed driver and a great student. For a fun and safe time for your children (of all ages) and pets (of all types) please don't hesitate to call me at 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. 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 13 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 (850) 508-6819.
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. BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – Hello my name is Nina, and I am 18 years old.. I'm responsible, good with kids and I can also dog sit! Please Contact me at: (850)228-3669. BABYSITTER – You do so much for your kids you need a break. I am an experienced 12 year old babysitter. I am CPR trained, American Red Cross certified, reliable, and most of all funJ! I am available weekdays 4-7:30 p.m and weekends at any time. I will babysit ages 19 and will also babysit babies or toddlers with permission from my parents. Please call Molly Siddall at (850)445-9143. BABYSITTER – Experienced, Mature and Responsible recent Chiles Graduate is available for babysitting. Reasonable rates. References available. Call Susanne Childers at (850) 459-4647.
Teen girl, available for petsitting, house-cleaning, babysitting, or mother's helper. Very responsible, and has experience. Call Bethany at 893-9313. MOTHERS HELPER & BABYSITTER
Experienced 11 year old babysitter and mothers helper! Loves kids and very responsible. Available Saturdays and Sundays anytime! Ages 3- 8 only. Will provide own transportation. Please call Maisy Ivory at 850-385-7717
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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