Lakes View 73 - October 2015 by Tim Scott

Save these Dates

October 8 12 24 31

Monthly Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm in HOA office Columbus Day Annual Fall Festival at Tekesta Park, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Halloween

November “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.”

2015 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 Olan Brunson, 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:

Mystery Solved! Diane Furman submitted the photograph that graced the cover of the August issue of “Lakes View”. The photographer who submitted the photo for this issue is also unknown. If this is your photo please let us know! 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

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Daylight Savings Time Ends Veterans Day (the KLHOA office will be closed) Ballots due for Board of Directors Election Annual Meeting and Election of the Board of Directors @ 10:00 am* Thanksgiving Day (the KLHOA office will be closed November 26th and 27th )

The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) generally meets every Friday at 11 am at the HOA office. If you wish to meet with the ACC, please call the office at 668-3231 and make an appointment. *The Annual Meeting will be held at the Bradfordville Community Center (“Old School House”) now located on the Beech Ridge Trail Extension

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 for all the latest news visit our website at www.killearnlakeshoa.org.

You’ve Got 3 Choices in Life: Give Up, Give In, or

Give it all you’ve got! Editor’s Note

October

is National Breast Cancer Month. Ladies, if you haven’t scheduled your annual mammogram yet, please take a moment to do it now. With today’s technology many microscopic size breast cancers can be detected much sooner, which makes the chance of a full recovery possible for many more women. This year’s Fall Festival will be held Saturday, October 24th from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm at Tekesta Park. If you are new to the neighborhood, just look for the tents and follow the music and the crowd! Invitations will soon be mailed to all homeowners who are up to date with their dues payments. Your annual dues pay for this event. As always, bring your invitation to the registration table as you enter the park. Your ticket will be entered in our Grand Prize Drawing: payment of Annual Dues for 2016. Be sure to register your ticket so you will be eligible for the grand prize! Our cooks from Auto Super-Service Center will again be firing up the grills and cooking up juicy hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone to enjoy. Our sponsors and volunteers are crucial components to all our community events. If you can spare an hour or two, need any service hours or just want to see how it all comes together, please call the office (850-668-3231) or send us an email admin@killearnlakeshoa.org to volunteer. The crowds seem to get larger each year and weather permitting we will have another huge turnout October 24th. Hope to see you there!

Nancy C. Johnson Operations Director, Bookkeeper & Editor

Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org

Bryan's Brief Fall is here – you can almost feel the cool weather ahead, but you can definitely see the trees shedding their leaves. School is back in session and hopefully we’ll have some great football coming up. Our hunters are getting ready to hit the blinds and the Legislators are getting ready for session. Community Legislative Dialogue meetings – The County has hosted “Community Legislative Dialogue” meetings for the past 6 years. These meetings have been highly beneficial, as we engaged our community and regional partners in identifying and lobbying for shared legislative priorities and interests. By working together, we have more readily ensured that our mutual efforts support our community and regional concerns. There will be many complex issues to be considered in the upcoming Legislative Session and it’s to our benefit that regional local governments, educational institutions, medical and business institutions, etc. work together to lobby for legislative priorities that will continue to have a positive effect on regional initiatives. The first Community Legislative Dialogue meeting is scheduled Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 7:30 a.m. in the County Commission chambers located on the fifth floor of the Leon County Courthouse. A second meeting will be held in the middle of the legislative session on Thursday: February 2, 2015 at 7:30 a.m. and the last meeting will be held at the end of the session on Tuesday, March 22, 2015 at 7:30 a.m. You’re welcome to join us. 2015/2016 Budget – At our September 15 Commission meeting, the Board took public input on the proposed budget of $238,553,913 and the FY 2016 proposed capital improvement program (CIP) budget totaling $18,641,824. The Board maintained the 8.3144 millage rate and the final budget hearing will be held September 29th at 6:00 p.m. at the Leon County Courthouse. When compared to other like-sized counties, Leon County maintained the lowest net operating budget per capita ($210 million) compared to the next lowest, Alachua per capita ($254 million).

October 2015 conference room in the Northeast Library. We are currently in the process of removing the carpet, adding storage and other amenities to benefit the senior initiatives. Orchard Pond Toll Road – we’ve been advised the construction is proceeding as scheduled and the toll road should be open in May/June of 2016 if there are no unforeseen weather delays. As a byproduct of the Orchard Pond toll road we hope to convert the existing Orchard Pond Rd into a bike pedestrian trail pending funding from the State & Blueprint dollars and hopefully having the land donated for this purpose by the property owner. Kinhega/Beech Ridge Roundabout – is open and from what I’m hearing from residents in the area, traffic is moving well. All work should now be completed on the roundabout. I was surprised and pleased the contractor was able to also complete the extension of Beech Ridge to Bannerman Rd. We did not expect that to be completed until October. Kinhega repaving has been delayed because we found through our inspection of the roadway there are six culverts that need to be replaced. It will be several months before the engineering and design work is completed. We’ll work with the Homeowner’s Association to keep them apprised of our schedule. Bannerman/Bull Headley Rd Update – All work has been completed at this intersection. Killearn Lakes Unit 2 Stormwater Project Improvements – For all practical purposes the work here is finished – we have some punch list items to complete so you will still see some County staff in the area. 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.

DISTRICT IV PROJECTS Bradfordville Community Center (Bannerman Rd) – the “Old School House” has been moved to its permanent location on Beech Ridge Tr. and it is now open to the public for small meetings/events. All senior events will continue to be held in the shopping center until January. The Senior Programs will then be moved to the large 4

Lakes View / Issue 73/ October 2015

Bryan Desloge Leon County Commission District IV

Leon County Board of County Commissioners

e Benefits of Landscaping By: The Grounds Guys

While most people spend 90 PERCENT of their time indoors, humans are still undeniably tied to NATURE. Whether you’re looking to add some greenery to your yard or make your commercial building more inviting, consider the range of BENEFITS you can enjoy by ADDING DIVERSE LANDSCAPING to your property.

GRASS AND TREES PROVIDE COOLER TEMPERATURES A simple grass lawn is cooler than asphalt, cement and even bare soil. With grass radiating cooler temperatures all around your home or business, you can actually lower your air conditioning needs. Then, tall trees on the south and west sides of the building provide shade during the hottest times of day, lowering attic temperatures by as much as 40 degrees and reducing glare through the windows. The cooling effects of grass and shady trees also lower the overall temperature of urban areas, making it more pleasant to be outside.

LANDSCAPES ARE GOOD FOR THE AIR AND WATER Grass and trees capture dust and smoke particles, remove carbon dioxide, and produce life-giving oxygen. A single tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air every year, canceling out the emissions of driving a car 11,000 miles. It also supplies enough oxygen for four people every day. Lush landscapes act as stormwater runoff buffers, reducing the flow of sediments and pollutants to nearby bodies of water. In effect, plants help filter out pollution from the water on its way to a city’s source of drinking water. Woody plants along shorelines also reduce erosion and flooding downstream.

XERISCAPING REDUCES THE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that requires little or no irrigation. While xeriscaping offers many benefits, the most substantial is the chance to conserve water, which is especially important in dry climates. Since 30 percent of the water consumed in the U.S. is for outdoor use, the potential savings are substantial. Smaller grass lawns combined with more diverse ground coverings, trees and shrubs also reduce fuel consumption and pollution generated by landscaping equipment, such as lawn mowers and trimmers. Xeriscaping also reduces noise pollution from operating this equipment.

via outdoor living areas. Landscaping improves quality of life in cities with several physical and psychological benefits. For example, just looking at plants is shown to reduce blood pressure. Walking through a natural environment, even in the middle of a city, improves attention and memory. People living in neighborhoods with community green spaces report lower stress levels and lower healthcare costs.

LANDSCAPES OFFER ECONOMIC BENEFITS Businesses tend to be more successful when the areas around the building have high-quality landscapes. Rental rates are higher for beautifully landscaped properties; customers claim to spend more money on goods and services if the commercial building has a high-quality tree canopy; and shoppers say they’re willing to travel longer distances to shop in a district with better landscaping, and they stay longer once they arrive. As a homeowner landscaping your yard, rest assured your investment will increase your home’s market value. Homebuyers are usually willing to spend more on a house if it has professional landscaping, both front and back.

WATER FEATURES MAKE LANDSCAPING ONE-OF-A-KIND Aesthetically pleasing water features add unique texture, natural sounds and new wildlife to your property. They provide the perfect backdrop for any outdoor living area and can turn a boring landscape into one of great interest. Water features also require very little maintenance and don’t consume a lot of water thanks to circulating pumps.

RETAINING WALLS PREVENT EROSION If your property is located on a hill, a retaining wall prevents elevated soil from sliding toward the building when it rains. The barrier is practical, but it can also add to the appearance of your landscaping. Retaining walls can create tiered pathways, spots for additional seating or a creative garden area. Many different materials are available for retaining walls, offering design flexibility for your property. As cities continue to grow, the need for community green spaces and personal backyard oases will keep expanding as well. Landscaping is vital for a healthy body and mind, and it can even help the environment and your bottom line when implemented correctly. For assistance designing a residential or commercial landscape around your property, please contact The Grounds Guys® today.

OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE People living in cities appreciate a chance to connect with nature Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org

Posturing and Personal Safety By: Lt. Charlie Strickland

In my last article I spoke on the importance of situational awareness. The color codes of awareness, white, orange, red and black. As simple as that was, it is the first step on the path towards not being a victim. This article is on the next step, posturing. The concept of posturing is common among mammals. If you watch males compete in the animal kingdom for mating rights, you see colorful feathers, dances, wrestling and outright fights. These seldom lead to death or great bodily injury to those involved. It wouldn’t be good

for the herd. In the human race, we see the same thing. An attractive woman walks by and a man rises to his full height, gut in, chest out, posturing. As the predators in our society lurk around the edges of the herd, they size up the flock, just as a wolf would. Bad guys watch us. They make decisions on who they will prey upon, based on how easy a target you appear to be. If your house has an alarm and your neighbor’s doesn’t, he is the victim. If you don’t appear to be an easy target and the next person does, they are the victim. At Talon, we’ve trained over 5,000 locals in what I’m discussing and we’ve had none report they were the victim of a violent crime afterwards. Well, one did, but he won, with nobody hurt.

Make a conscious effort to walk erect with your chin up and eyes towards those you encounter. Bad guys know how we, in law enforcement, do our jobs, if the victim can readily identify the suspect, he goes to prison. If not, he may not. Now, if you’re afraid to make eye contact with people, you can’t identify them. Therefore, your passive appearance increases your chances of being a victim. If you look a stranger in the eye and look confident, they know you’ve seen them and are not afraid, whether you are or not. Your chances of being a victim decrease drastically as your confidence increases. When you encounter a person you don’t know, scan their face and see if they’ll make eye contact. Most people won’t, but, bad guys will for a moment. Nice people will too, so be ready to nod, smile and speak. Make a conscious effort to walk erect with your chin up and eyes towards those you encounter. Have a confident stride and appear to have a purpose. Scan faces and when you meet someone’s gaze, smile, nod, and say “hello” or “how are you?”. If someone makes you uncomfortable, be even nicer and look at them a bit longer. If this is the predator, he will sense that you are not the victim he is looking for. Confident people do this. They are not often victims. The only outward difference between confident, outgoing people and passive people are actions. You can change actions. Change yours. Now, you’re approached by a person panhandling, asking for money. This intimidates you and makes you feel uncomfortable, alienated in the parking lot of the store where you shop. This is an aggravating and terrible feeling. The way to deal with this is to make eye contact, and speak to them. Hold out a hand in a “stop” motion, politely tell them “I am sorry sir, but, I don’t have anything for you. Now have a nice day.” Use a command voice, firm, but, polite. Then walk away, watching out of the corner of your eye and listening for following footsteps. If you want to help the person, don’t dig out your

Lakes View / Issue 73/ October 2015

cash right there. Go shop, and take out what you are willing to give, holding it in your hand. Then give that on the way out. Chances are they will still be there. Homelessness is a problem in Tallahassee, and most of them are not trouble, but, some people living in the woods have pasts. So, be careful. Now, I mentioned a command voice. If you have a dog and he does something wrong, the voice that you used, that is a command voice. When your child colors on the wall in crayon, that voice is a command voice. Not the scream, the voice you used when you calmed down and warned them not to do it again. Lower your voice a bit, use more force, but, even a whisper can work. If you are willing to change your behavior, be aware of your surroundings, and start to look at people, it might surprise you. You begin to feel the confidence that you are pretending to have. That act becomes reality and you find life is a bit more fun. Do you know who acts this way? Leaders do. This may open doors for you that you didn’t think about. We have clients that come to us as timid wallflowers and after a few classes, leave standing tall. Nothing feels better than to know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life, a real difference.

About Charlie Strickland Lt. Charlie Strickland is a 25 year veteran law enforcement officer and Watch Commander at the Leon County Sheriff ’s Office. He has served in and supervised a number of units in his time there from the Robbery Task Force, Violent Crimes Unit, Patrol, Training, Field Training and Special Operations to Traffic and Motor Unit. He served as the SWAT Team Leader and spent 17 years on the team. He serves as the Agency Armorer, and a High Liability Instructor. He holds an B.S. and an MBA from Florida State University and is a Co-Owner and CEO of Talon Training Group, Talon Holsters, and the Talon Range in Midway, Florida along with JD Johnson. Talon boasts around 2,000 members and has trained over 5,000 locals in firearms safety and personal safety.

Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org

Annual Fall Festival at Tekesta Park Saturday, October 24, 2015

The annual Fall Festival will be held Saturday, October 24th from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm at Tekesta Park. Entertainment will be provided by BJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party House/Klown Kapers, Killearn Kids Dance Troupe, Killearn Lakes TaeKwonDo, Pro Disc Jockeys and Meyer Magic. As always, there will be a Casting Contest for the kids, as well as games and the Kiddie Train. For lunch, our favorite chefs from Auto Super-Service Center will cook hamburgers, hot dogs, and we will have Chick-Fil-A nuggets, too. The Kona Ice truck will offer Tropical Shaved Ice, so bring a little money for a cool treat. Please bring a dessert or side item. Please do not bring chips, as the association provides plenty of those.

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Sponsors and your dues fund this event. An entry ticket will be mailed this month to all residents in good standing. Please bring the admission ticket to the registration table when you arrive. We need volunteers to make this event a success. Adults and teens are welcome--your help can make all the difference! Please call the office at 850668-3231 or email us admin@killearnlakeshoa.org if you can help. See you at the park October 24th.

You Get the Credit

Operation at cost is part of the cooperative difference By: Kim Gay

Electric cooperatives are not like other utilities—you, our Members, own the business. We are not owned by profit-seeking investors. One benefit of membership involves the allocation (or allotment) and future retirement (or return) of excess revenue, called margins, in the form of capital credits. The term capital credits is used because, through the allocation and future retirement of excess revenue, Members provide capital to the cooperative for it to operate and expand. Retained capital credits are your investment in your cooperative and are an important portion of the overall financial structure of your cooperative. “Allocating and retiring excess revenue to Members helps distinguish cooperatives as a unique business entity,” points out Sean Alderman, Director of Financial Services. “We’re proud to support our communities by putting money back into the local economy — and into the pockets of those we serve. It makes our business model special.” Electric co-ops operate at cost — collecting enough revenue to run and expand the business with no need to raise rates to generate profits for distant shareholders. When Talquin Electric has money left over at the end of the year, it is allocated back to you and other Members as capital credits. The money is then used to help keep rates down. Members are annually allocated capital credits based on the amount of electricity they consumed during a year. The amount of your allocation is shown on your bill during the billing cycle following the allocation process, usually one of your summer bills. Talquin retains allocated capital credits to cover emergencies (such as hurricanes and other unexpected events), to pay for system capacity increases, and to upgrade system infrastructure, all of which may require large-scale construction which includes poles, wires and other expensive equipment. The use of capital credits decreases the need to raise rates or borrow money to pay for infrastructure. After a number of years, as financial conditions permit, Talquin will retire a set amount of capital

credits as deemed appropriate by the Board of Trustees. “Margins earned from electric revenues are the only real source of equity for not-for-profit electric cooperatives,” says Rich Larochelle, Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) senior vice president, corporate relations. CFC is one of the premier lenders for electric cooperatives. “Investors in CFC look to the underlying financial strength of electric co-ops — and strong and consistent equity levels are one key aspect of financial strength. So it’s essential for a co-op to maintain the right balance between retiring capital credits to Members and retaining sufficient equity on its balance sheet.” He adds, “Co-ops do a good job of striking that balance. That contributes to CFC’s ability to offer attractive rates on loans to co-ops, which in turn help co-ops keep costs low.” A general refund (retirement) is approved annually by the Board of Trustees. The amount of the general refund is determined based on the financial standing of the cooperative at the end of the year. Talquin retires Capital Credits within a fifteen to twenty year period of being allocated to its Members. Estate claims, the remaining unretired allocated patronage of a deceased Member, are paid to the estate or heirs when approved by the cooperative attorney and the Board (on a monthly basis). Talquin has retired in excess of $67 million in capital credits to Members since 1940. In 2014 alone, Talquin returned more than $3 million of allocated capital credits to its Members. The specific amount of your capital credits and information about potential refunds can be obtained by calling Kelli Riley at (850) 627-7651. “Retiring capital credits is just one more way Talquin Electric is looking out for our Members. Our goal is to provide reliable service while keeping costs as low as possible,” emphasizes Tracy Bensley, General Manager.

Duties of Our Board of Directors By: Trina Searcy, KLHOA President

Our Board of Directors is charged with maintaining, preserving and enhancing the common assets of our association. In order to perform those duties our Board depends upon the advice and counsel of experts in various fields of community association management: our management company, attorneys, landscapers, insurance specialists, etc. When making decisions regarding our community, the Board is expected to consider all the facts and factors involved in the issue and make the best business decision possible. Sometimes those decisions may not appear to be in the best interests of all of the owners, however if each owner understood all of the underlying issues that go into making the decision, they would understand that the board's choice of action is usually the most practical and well thought out. In addition to dealing with insurance, maintenance, financial and contractual decisions, the board must also balance their positions on the board with their role as a homeowner. If assessments are increased that means they are increased for them also. If rules are enacted, that means they have to obey them, too. Being a boardmember does not grant one immunity from the responsibilities of living in an association. In fact, serving on the board reflects just how seriously they take that responsibility. So, please keep in mind that our board members are actually doing "double-duty" for our community: they serve as boardmember and neighbor...and they deserve a heartfelt "thank you" for all of their contributions to our community!

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Killearn Lakes Election 2015-2016

All Killearn Lakes members will be mailed a ballot package in October. This year the package will contain the following:

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Letter from your current Volunteer Board of Directors Ballot of Nominees Biography page with photographs of the 201516 nominees Consent Form for electronic voting A #9 envelope with a line for Unit, Block and Lot Number and a signature line

Members of the board serve on a volunteer basis. They act on your behalf by becoming “Your Voice” for dealing with issues that directly affect you, your safety and your property values.

Your vote does count! The annual meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2015, and will be held at the “School House” at 10:00 a.m.

THIS #9 ENVELOPE MUST BE SIGNED FOR YOUR VOTE TO QUALIFY. *Ballots will be disqualified if certification cannot be verified.* Please take a few minutes and vote this year. Mail or drop off your ballot at the KLHOA office located at 7110 Beech Ridge Trail, Tallahassee, FL 32312 any time before November 13, 2015 at 3:00pm. For your convenience, there is a mail slot in our door so that you may drop off ballots after hours.

Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org

Master Builder Best Practices Presents:

Quality: Who’s Definition? By: Mark Worley

In home construction today, quality represents the proper execution of individual tasks and can be measured by the final product’s longevity, craftsmanship and performance. But within the construction industry there is no universal definition of quality, therefore making the word “quality” almost a word with no meaning, or at best, defined by ones own perception. Quality might be defined by: Life Span: How long will the home last? Is a 40-year shingle worth the additional expense for the extra years of longevity? Many homes offered today come standard with such products and are not an upgrade. Products of longevity are a good representation of the overall product that the builder is selling. If you are interested in a trouble-free lifestyle based on the claims of manufacturers and builders, it would be wise to explore the claims of products that promise to make life that way. Appraisal or Mortgage Value: If one house receives a higher appraised value than a similar home in the same subdivision, is it worth more? To most homebuyers the answer is yes. Buyers will often pay extra for a “view” or to be in a community that has amenities such as a golf course or to have products in the home that will increase the value of their purchase. Since most families are making money on their homes at resale, appraisal and value are back in focus when evaluating quality. Too many times buyers only see the bottom line when they are buying and are blinded to what the condition of the house will be when it comes time to sell in a few years. Homes built to higher standards of quality are always the ones to sell first and for the highest price making them the best investment. Size: Today’s buyers want and expect homes with more amenities. For example, giant game rooms have given way to custom media rooms or home offices. Big box designs have changed to more labor and material intensive designs that have lovable curb appeal. People want to get excited about what they are buying. An interesting point here is that while bigger is not always perceived as better (higher quality); buyers continue to focus on and compare price per square foot in their buying decisions. The wise shopper should consider livability and functionality when comparing size.

Features: This is where the homebuyer continues to rate builders on quality. The items that they can see, feel and brag about become the measuring stick when comparing homes and builders. The home building industry is aware of this and features most of the quality products that buyers see after the sheetrock is installed. Remember, quality is more than skin deep. When researching a home, find out what’s under the shingles and sheetrock and see how energy efficient the home is. The answer to these questions will truly reflect what you are buying. The Builder: Whether you are building a custom home, renovating or remodeling, your choice of the builder is the single most important decision that will affect the complete building experience. A builder should not only be judged on the finished product but on how the builder got the client from point “A” to point “B”. The builder should be judged on his/her interpretation of your goals and how your budget and feedback are valued. The better the builder’s reputation, the higher the quality of work you will receive. Codes and Industry Standards: Building to code once stood for quality with a government endorsement. Today’s homes must meet the most stringent standards ever. When you find a home that exceeds these codes you have found a home of quality. The current Florida building code is the most comprehensive in the nation by addressing safety, structural design and energy conservation.

Home Care Tips You Should Do • •

•

Trim or remove plantings around your house to maintain a minimum clear space of 1-foot. Check irrigation spray heads for a code required minimum space off the foundation of 12” to avoid water saturation of any part of the house. Brick and stucco are susceptible to damage, as well as fiber-cement siding and wood. Examine, repair and replace caulk and grout around tubs and showers. Pay careful attention to shower windows and where shower floor tile abuts walls for the smallest cracks that can allow water to enter the wood frame and cause extensive wood-rot if not corrected in a timely manner. When cleaning gutters, check for excessive sand-like granules that may indicate shingle failure or a depleted life span. Avoid all chorine roof-cleaning products.

Mark S. Worley CAPS, GBP, GMB is the only Graduate Master Builder in Tallahassee and one of only 4 statewide as recognized by the National Association of Home Builders. He is a past president of the Tallahassee Builders Association. You can reach him at mark@worleyconst.com or at 850-668-3438. 14

Lakes View / Issue 73/ October 2015

Supporting Kids With A Dream Dear Neighbors: We are a Lawton Chiles club called Supporting Kids With A Dream (S.K.W.A.D.) and are holding our 2nd annual Christmas stocking drive for the orphans and displaced children in Ukraine! This may be the only gift these children receive for Christmas so it is really important that we let them know someone cares for them. Last year, with your help, we collected enough items to ship 200 stockings to Ukraine with a charity called His Kids Too! Please see the list below for the items needed and send us an email to SKWAD201415@gmail.com with your address and day you would like us to pick up your donations. Any of the items you can donate will be so appreciated! If you won't be home you can leave them on your porch with this article attached. Thank you so much for your help with our project! Sincerely, S.K.W.A.D. Members For uniformity; each stocking needs to contain the following: • Hair brush or comb • Hair barrettes, clips, hygiene products (Girl boxes Only). • Toothbrushes - toothpaste, dental floss • Soaps, lotion, and shampoo (Motel sized) : • 2 pr. of black socks, (please do not send white socks and only put 2 pair per bag)

• • • • •

Chap sticks (store brands are fine) Band-aids 2 pencils and sharpener 1-2 pens Wash cloth or bath scrunchie

EXTRAS: (After the above is collected, please add ANY of the following that will fit in the stocking or gallon ziplock) • Small flashlight and one set of extra batteries • Art/school supplies (crayons, pencils, calculators, etc.) • Leggos, jigsaw puzzles of 200 pieces or less • Small toys that come in the fast food children's meals • Match box cars, "Slinky", stickers, plastic recorder (musical instrument), 'costume' Jewelry/beads, yo-yo, McDonald toys, • Beanie baby • Inflatable ball (light and small!) • Inflatable swim ‘ring’ • Swim suit • Dolls with clothes or Barbies • Action figures /transformers • Girls all white underwear, all sizes (both little boys and girls wear these)-please open package and give no more than 3 pair per child • Gum or mints

Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org

Breast Cancer Screening Reminder The American Cancer Society encourages women to make healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and reducing alcohol, if a woman drinks. These choices can help reduce their breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society also encourages regular breast exams and mammograms to find breast cancer early, when it is most likely to be curable. A screening reminder, to remind you to get your breast exam and mammogram, is a free, easy way to help busy women remember to take care of themselves.

Why Get Screened? Numerous studies have clearly shown that getting a mammogram and a breast exam reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer. Breast cancers found during a mammogram are more likely to be smaller and still confined to the breast. Finding breast cancer early (called early detection) can improve the chances that breast cancer can be treated successfully and with more treatment options, less extensive surgery, and ultimately, better treatment outcomes.

Who Should Get Screened? The American Cancer Society’s current Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines recommend: • Yearly mammograms at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health • Breast exam about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over • All women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and should report ANY breast change promptly to their doctor or nurse. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Have questions about breast cancer? Our trained cancer information specialists are available at 1-800-227-2345 every minute of every day to give people the answers they need about cancer. For more information and to set up a screening reminder, go to: http://www.cancer.org/index.

Lakes View / Issue 73/ October 2015

Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org

Cyndy’s Ruminations By Cyndy Reichert

“THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN” By Paula Hawkins

I almost feel like I am the last person in Tallahassee to read this book as it’s been on the best-seller list for over a year. It is deeply entrenched with the thoughts, lives, and secrets of three women; Rachel, Megan, and Anna. Here is just a glimpse into their intricate, intertwined, and mysterious lives. Rachel is the main character in the book. Even though she has lost her job after insulting a client of her firm then returning to the office drunk and belligerent, she still takes the same commuter train into London every morning. She does this so that her friend and landlord does not know that she has been sacked and that she may have trouble making her rent. She is a divorced, bitter woman. She’s

Since her real life is so barren, Rachel starts to form a fantasy world. also an alcoholic who suffers from blackouts spending a lot of her time stalking and calling her ex-husband and his current wife. Every day she rattles back and forth down the train tracks to London, drinking wine or gin and tonics in little cans on the way back home. On the way into London she passes a strip of identical cozy suburban homes with small gardens in their back yards. The train stops at a signal, so she has plenty of time to observe. One of them she knows well, as she used to live there with her former husband, Tom. Now, Tom has moved his new wife, Anna and their infant daughter into it. Since her real life is so barren, Rachel starts to form a fantasy world. At the signal stop, she sees an attractive, loving, young couple who live a few doors down from her former home. They are sitting on their patio drinking coffee. She decides to name them Jason and Jess. She imagines that they have the perfect life she once thought she had. She starts to feel like she really knows them. Then one morning the train stops at the signal and Rachel sees something shocking…Jess romantically embracing someone who is not Jason. Jess is a woman actually named Megan, who suffers from depression and insomnia. She harbors a huge secret that even her

Lakes View / Issue 73/ October 2015

husband, Scott, knows nothing about. Megan used to work at an art gallery, but the business closed and her life began drifting away. Like Rachel, her whole existence is a lie. She was having an affair with a married man until the day that she went missing, never to be seen again. Anna had an affair with Tom while he was still married to Rachel. After marrying Tom, Anna was upset to find that she would be moving into Rachel and Tom’s old house as the economy had taken a turn for the worse. However, she didn’t mind flaunting her relationship with Tom and her motherhood in front of Rachel. On the evening that Megan went missing, Rachel was back on her street stalking Tom. She was so drunk that she blacked out; waking up with a huge gash on her head. She tried, unsuccessfully, to remember all that had happened and is embarrassed and sick about what she might have done. While reading the paper on her commute into London the following Monday she finds out that Jess is really

Megan and that she is missing. Rachel then goes down to the police station to inform the inspectors of what she witnessed that one morning when she saw Megan embracing someone who was not her husband. Both inspectors immediately realize that she is not a plausible witness and has severe issues with alcohol and the truth. She then lies to Scott (Megan’s husband) saying that she and Megan were friends from the art gallery, inserting herself into the investigation and Scott’s life while trying to piece back memories of the night Megan went missing. Did Megan run away with her lover, or did something more sinister happen? I won’t give anything away, but the ending pulled the rug right out from under me. I never saw it coming and it was shocking, even knowing about all the lies and secrets that the characters had. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It’s riveting reading!

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KLP Aquatic Plant Management By: Charlie Mesing

Killearn Lakes Plantation (KLP) chain of lakes, Arrowhead, Pine Hill, Pettygulf, Blue Heron, and Monkeybusiness, have experienced increased storm-water runoff for more than 25 years. Residential and commercial stormwater have contributed to expanded aquatic vegetation in all our lakes. Our KLP Fish and Wildlife Committee and Board have used triploid grass carp and selective herbicides to maintain low levels of aquatic vegetation for esthetics and economic reasons. FDA approved herbicides are only used in extreme infestations of exotic plants, hydrilla, water hyacinths, elephant ears, and alligator weed. Aquatic plant management is one of the most important and costly issues the KLP HOA addresses annually. Below is a summary for each lake. Lake Arrowhead has dense green algae blooms and poor water quality. In December 2014, holding ponds for the Bannerman development “over flowed” discharging significant stormwater into Lake Arrowhead. Leon County officials treated the holding ponds with “alum” to confine the sediments. Future fish kills are possible unless all stormwater is treated and “aeration” is installed. Threadfin shad, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and largemouth bass comprise the fish community. This small front lake has a dock and a good fishery for bass and bream. Lake Pine Hill has the best water quality of all KLP lakes and a diverse fish community. There are no aquatic plant problems at this time. Largemouth bass (8-12 inches) and bluegill are abundant. Triploid grass carp were stocked in 2014 to control aquatic plants. There is parking, a dock, and boat ramp for anglers. Pine Hill receives the least amount of local stormwater runoff. Lake Pettygulf has experienced significant invasions of the exotic plant “hydrilla” since 1999. Hydrilla reappeared in 2014 and spread throughout Lake Pettygulf by May 2015. As a result, a lake-wide herbicide (Sonar) treatment was conducted. Recently stocked triploid grass carp should control hydrilla re-growth for 4-5 years. Water hyacinths have been treated annually since they first appeared. The fish population is comprised of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, brown bullhead catfish, and threadfin shad.

Lake Blue Heron has experienced severe “filamentous algae” outbreaks due to “high nutrients inflows” and shallow water. The lake bottom has been covered with filamentous algae periodically from 2007-2015. Attempts to control filamentous algae, has resulted in limited success. In spring 2015, several techniques were implemented to reduce filamentous algae including blue dye, multiple herbicides, and releasing 300 triploid grass carp. Early results were short lived (2-4 weeks) and large floating mats of algae covered much of the lake’s surface by July. The largest herbicide treatments occurred in August/September in selected 15-acre sections. Initial results were positive. The fish population is comprised of bream, black crappie and largemouth bass. Spring samples indicated that many bass were skinny and threadfin shad numbers were low probably related to the filamentous algae. KLP HOA will develop a plan for Blue Heron for 2016. Lake Monkeybusiness is the site of our KLP Annual Kids Fishing Contest. Each year, 500 hatchery largemouth bass (8- 10 inches) are stocked into a netted area. Several bass are tagged for raffle prizes during the contest. There are plenty of bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and largemouth bass for anglers. There were trophy-sized bass observed in our spring fish samples. Each year a few of these large fish are tagged and released into the net for unsuspecting young anglers to catch and possibly win the Grand Prize. There are no major aquatic plant issues in Lake Monkeybusiness at this time. There is plenty of parking for residents and two docks for shoreline fishing. Managing aquatic plants in all KLP lakes continues to be challenging and costly due to increased commercial and residential development in the KLP as well as commercial development of Bradfordville.

FareShare

White Chicken Chili By: Patrick and Gina Neely

Ingredients: 2 (14.5-ounce) cans white beans 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 medium jalapeno pepper, minced 2 medium poblano peppers, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 limes, juiced, plus lime wedges, for serving 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed and meat shredded 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves Sour cream, for topping Tortilla chips, coarsely crushed, for topping

Directions: Drain and rinse the canned white beans. In a medium bowl, mash half of the beans with a potato masher until chunky. Reserve the beans until needed. Add the canola oil to a large Dutch oven and heat it over mediumhigh heat. Add the peppers, onions, and garlic and saute until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Season the vegetables with salt, and pepper, to taste. Add the cumin, coriander, and chili powder and continue to saute for 1 more minute to toast the spices. Stir in the chicken stock, and lime juice and bring to a simmer. Add the beans and continue to simmer for 20 more minutes. After 20 minutes of simmering, taste for seasoning, and adjust if necessary. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and cilantro and simmer until heated through, about 5 more minutes. Serve the chili in individual bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges. Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-andgina-neely/white-chicken-chili-recipe.html

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Is Your Child Struggling In Schl? Two Parent Seminars You Shouldn’t Miss By: Vic Aderhold For many parents and students the school experience is not a pleasant one. The problems of last spring did not go away over the summer, and parents are beginning to hear again, “He’s so smart but… He doesn’t pay attention; She is disorganized; He doesn’t follow directions; She reads but doesn’t seem to comprehend; His handwriting is horrible; He is so immature.” On October 15, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Dyslexia Research Institute/Woodland Hall Academy will present the seminar: “Find Out Why Your Bright Child Is Struggling In School – Could Dyslexia, ADHD, or Related Learning Disorders Be The Problem?” Parents will leave the seminar with a greater understanding of the characteristics of these learning differences. They will learn what steps they can take to identify if their child has a disability or disorder interfering with their success, and what resources exist in the schools and community to help their children. Dyslexia Research Institute/Woodland Hall Academy will hold a seminar on October 22th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. entitled “How Nutrition Affects Behavior and Learning”. Children with ADHD, Dyslexia and related learning differences have biochemical differences which may show up as behavioral and physical problems. Behaviorally,

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children may have mood swings, impulsivity, temper tantrums, don’t sleep well and have attention concentration issues. Physical problems may be the classic allergy symptoms such as runny nose, headaches, stomachaches, excess gas or the more subtle ones of fatigue, irritability, lethargy, etc. Parents will learn what they can do to identify and utilize the nutritional and environmental factors that can help their child: 1) focus longer; 2) maintain their attention; 3) exert better control over their moods; 4) minimize allergies and sensitivities; and 5) become more effective learners. Robyn Rennick, Program Director of Dyslexia Research Institute says, “If you are a frustrated parent who has tried everything to help your child succeed in school and you are getting no results, you should attend this seminar. Too often these “smart, but…” children truly have a learning difference that is going unrecognized. Since 1975 Dyslexia Research Institute/Woodland Hall Academy has been assisting parents in identifying and overcoming their children’s learning differences to become successful in life. The seminars will be held October 15 and October 22 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at Woodland Hall Academy, 5246 Centerville Rd, Tallahassee. Call (850) 893-2216 to register. Registration is $10 per family for each workshop.

A Dedication At Pine Hill Park By: Nancy C Johnson

It has been over a year for the dedicating of the park at Lake Pine Hill to the memory of two very special residents of this community, Carol and Dick Thoma. The Saturday, September 26th, 2015, was chosen for dedication as a courtesy to their family who wished to wait until the columbarium was completed at St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anglican Church. This is where Carol and Dick wanted their ashes to be interred as their final place of rest. Those of us who were privileged to be included at this ceremony by the Thoma family were touched, honored, and awe inspired by the solemnity of this ritual. Prior to the ceremony at the church, the family and their friends attended a dedication service at 1pm at the entrance to Lake Pine Hill Park. This is where the dedication plague was installed in honor of Dick and Carol. Those gathered exchanged stories and fond memories of Dick and Carol. Please see photos that were taken by Gregory Durant during the brief dedication.

Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 23

Get Teens Active With

Parkour By: Blaine Marky

Wikipedia’s Definition is: PARKOUR (French pronunciation) is a training discipline using movement that developed from military obstacle course training. Developed in France, primarily by Raymond Belle, David Belle and Sebastien Foucan during the late 1980’s. Practitioners aim to get from A to B in the most efficient way possible. This is done using only the human body and the surroundings for propulsion, with a focus on maintaining as much momentum as possible while still remaining safe. Parkour can include obstacle courses, running, climbing, swinging, mantling, vaulting, jumping, rolling, quadrupedal movement, and other, similar movements depending on what movement is deemed most suitable for the given situation. Parkour’s development from military training gives it some aspects of a non-combative martial art. Parkour became popular in the late 1990’s and 2000’s through films, documentaries, and advertisements featuring these practitioners and others. When American Ninja Warrior competition became a household conversation is when Parkour took off with the Teen Generation! This has caused a rise in participation of what use to be niche sports activities which includes parkour. Teens have always been drawn to sports that challenge them physically and mentally, sports like skateboarding and lacrosse are good examples of these. The competitors in American Ninja Warrior have motivated teens everywhere to get up off their cell phones, computers and electronics to become active and train just like their favorite competitors. Parkour, before American Ninja Warrior, only had exposure on Youtube or a news report when someone tried something

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they were not ready for and they got hurt. Now that parkour is becoming more popular amongst the teen population, classes are starting to pop up in urban spaces all over the world. Parkour classes are a good way for a beginner student to join in and for a more advanced student to hone their skills. Teens are at a time in their life where everything is changing, they are not quite adults but they are not still kids, and they want to hang out with their “own groups”. Teens can learn a lot from the concepts and teachings of parkour which includes physical, emotional and mental stability. The physical aspects of parkour involves movement around, across, through, over and under its obstacles making it a great physical workout. Parkour also teaches you emotional aspects as well, like when you can’t jump high enough or far enough, or you can’t get a specific trick you adjust your way of thinking and persevere in order to achieve your goal! Parkour enhances the mental qualities of seeing one’s environment in a new way, and imagining the potentialities for navigating it. Parkour instills a way of belonging that takes you over, under and through life, and at a young age teens need this. It is a community and an environment that inspires growth as an athlete and as a person. For questions, or more information on Teen Parkour Classes please call, Blaine Marky (850)879-2031 Certified American Parkour Instructor and Owner of Killearn Lakes Taekwondo.

Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 25

26 Lakes View / Issue 73/ October 2015

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 – 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 & 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. 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.

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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