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December 6 10 17
25 26 31 “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 Olan Brunson, 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 cover photo for this issue was taken in 2006 but the photographer is 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!
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Lakes View / Issue 74/ December 2015
Hanukkah Begins Monthly Board Meeting @ 7pm in HOA office KLHOA Christmas Open House, 4pm to 6pm at HOA office Christmas (HOA office closed 12/24 – 12/25) Kwanzaa Begins New Year’s Eve (HOA office closed)
January 1 14 18
New Year’s Day (HOA office closed) Monthly Board Meeting @ 7;m in HOA office Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 9 10
Quarterly Member Meeting @ 7pm at Historic School House Ash Wednesday
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.
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.
Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our
s t r Hea
– JANICE MAEDITERE
Editor’s Note
ur Fall Festival event was another huge success, with a large crowd in attendance. Despite our shallow pool of volunteers this year, Ray and Betty Marky of Killearn Lakes TaeKwonDo, also one of our sponsors for the event, along with their “Jazzercise” ladies, stepped in and saved the day. They were a tremendous help, as were the students with Chiles High Key Club. We could not host our association events without the support of our sponsors, volunteers and all of our members, who diligently pay their dues every year. Speaking of dues, I want to remind you to be on the lookout the first week of January for your 2016 Dues Assessment Invoice. Remember, you may pay a discounted dues amount during January and February. (See page 25 for more information). We recently held an election for your Board of Directors. For the past few years, an election was not held because there were no vacancies to fill, or because no names were submitted to the nomination committee by the deadline period. We thank all of you who voted, and offer our congratulations to: Trina Searcy, Mark Reichert, Tom Martineau, Joanie Trotman, Joe Barnett, Dan King and returning to serve again on the board, Jeff Caster. We also appreciate those candidates who did not place in the top seven and their willingness to serve as a ‘voice’ for the community. These will be called upon to serve in other areas with their talents and expertise. The holiday season is such a busy time of year with shopping, baking and parties. Your KLHOA will host a Christmas Open House on December 17th from 4pm until 6pm. I hope you can take time from you busy schedules to stop by and visit, and “share a cup of cheer”. We at the “Lakes View” would like to extend a warm “THANK YOU” to all of our advertisers and article contributors who make this magazine possible. Please support our advertisers as often as you can. I would like to wish you and your family a safe and joyous holiday season and a prosperous 2016! Merry Christmas! Please see page 25 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 have passed, Christmas is just around the corner and we’ll be welcoming a New Year. I understand we can expect a more severe winter due to the El Nino effect, so get prepared. At our reorganization meeting, Commissioner Bill Proctor was elected as the new chair of the County Commission. Commissioner Proctor will have many challenges over the next year and I have no doubt he will deal with them appropriately. Commissioner John Dailey was elected as our Vice Chair. Leon Works Expo – On October 23, 2015, the Leon Works Expo was held to promote skilled careers and training opportunities, specifically to high school students in the community. Skilled careers are those that require more training and education than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree, and cover all parts of the economy, including the areas of health, trade, business and IT, and creative sectors. The Expo was held as a response to the more than 10,000 skilled jobs that will be available in Leon County area in the next few years. The Expo connected the members of the community, employers, academic institutions, and students as they sought to define their own success. In addition, the Expo helped jobseekers in the community find their ideal job, and provided information on ways to prepare themselves for the evolving job market. Over 330 high school students attended the event during the morning session and approximately 200 people attended the afternoon session. Over 80 area business and academic exhibitors participated in the Expo.
DISTRICT IV PROJECTS Bradfordville Community Center (Bannerman Rd) – I’m getting great feedback on the use of the Northeast Library for our Senior Programs. You may want to check out their schedule and drop by for some of their events. Of course, the “Old School House” Community Center is still available for use. We’re looking at some upgrades for it as well. The Bannerman Road Widening – The road widening is underway from Thomasville Rd to 900 feet west of Quail Commons. Pending no adverse weather, the work should be done by next August – no road closures are anticipated since we’re adding the lane to the southside of Bannerman. Orchard Pond Toll Road – this project is still on schedule and 4
Lakes View / Issue 74/ December 2015
December 2015 expected to be completed in April or May 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 – if you haven’t driven through this roundabout, take a road trip and try it out. This is a great way to move traffic and has exceeded expectations. I’ve had nothing but positive feedback on this traffic project. Killearn Lakes Unit 2 and Unit 3 Stormwater Project Improvements – The actual construction work is complete in these two units, but we do have a punch list of items to complete, primarily landscaping, so you will still see some County staff in the area. Roadway Restoration – The culverts under Kinhega need to be replaced and are in the permitting process for design work. When permitted, we’ll install the new culverts and repave Kinhega. Tekesta is scheduled for resurfacing by the end of the year. This will take a couple of days and will require we close the roadway while it’s being repaved. The roadway is just too narrow to try to use the single lane repaving process. Detours will be posted and advance notice will be given prior to closing the roadway. 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.
Bryan Desloge Leon County Commission District IV
Leon County Board of County Commissioners
e Maids of Tallahassee Donating House Cleaning to Women With Cancer By: Stacey Schwinghammer
About The Maids
The Maids Of Tallahassee Joins A NonProfit
Known for its 22-Step Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System, The Maids is the only franchised residential cleaning service to clean for health, combining environmentally preferable cleaning supplies and state-of-theart equipment with a methodical process to maintain the healthiest living environment possible for families. The Maids enjoys a 96 percent customer referral rate, distinguishing them as the residential cleaning service of choice. Visit The Maids (www.maids.com) for more information.
Tallahassee, Florida – October 7, 2015 – The Maids of Tallahassee is a locally-owned cleaning franchise since 2013 that has teamed up with Cleaning For A Reason, an international nonprofit foundation. The company was voted best maid service by Tallahassee Magazine readers in 2014. The Maids use the exclusive 22-Step Healthy Touch® home cleaning system. “I personally have been touched by cancer,” said owner Shelby Bellomio. “My mother passed from colon cancer 10 years ago, and my aunt is currently undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. I understand how even doing the smallest of things is difficult and physically draining when going through chemo. I am very proud to partner with Cleaning For A Reason to help relieve some of that burden.” The Maids of Tallahassee has agreed to help women battling cancer by cleaning at least two homes per month for four consecutive months at no charge. The only requirement is that the homes be within the company’s existing service areas of Havana and Tallahassee. For more information about this company, go to www.maids.com/267/. Cleaning For A Reason strives to aid women who are battling cancer by teaming up with professional cleaning companies across the United States and Canada. Together, these two forces offer free house cleaning to meet the needs of women, and since 2006, have donated more than $5.2 million in free services, helping more than 18,000 women with cancer. Based in Lewisville, TX, Cleaning For A Reason works with more than 1,200 residential cleaning companies and continues to grow and gain support. To learn more about Cleaning For A Reason and to apply for free house cleaning, see www.cleaningforareason.org.
About Cleaning For A Reason Cleaning For A Reason is a nonprofit organization that serves the United States and Canada. Its mission is to give the gift of free house cleaning to women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer. The goal is to let these brave and strong women focus on their health and treatment while they focus on, and take away the worry and work of, cleaning their homes– free of charge. Cleaning for a Reason has recruited more than 1,200 maid services to donate free housecleaning to women who are undergoing treatment for cancer.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Personal Safety and the Law By: Lt. Charlie Strickland
Over my 25-year career as a law enforcement officer, I have The next part of the law says a person “is justified in using or investigated many violent crimes, and I have taught personal safety at threatening to use deadly force if he or she reasonably believes that Talon Range since we opened. I also have more than two decades of using or threatening to use such force is necessary to prevent imminent experience as an instructor on the appropriate use of force, so the death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent material I teach to my students comes from my experience on the the imminent commission of a forcible felony.” There are two sections streets and court system. to consider - the use of deadly force to protect yourself or someone else Understanding your personal safety options includes knowing from great bodily harm or death, and the use of deadly force to prevent what is legal in a given situation. There is a huge difference between a forcible felony from imminent occurrence. what you can do and what you The first section means that should do. if someone threatens to First, responding to a threat unlawfully harm you and you with force is seldom the best reasonably believe this unlawful If you reasonably believe solution; you can usually walk harm will cause your death or another person is going to touch away. However, if you decide the permanently injure you, you can threat is imminent and retreat is use deadly force to defend you unlawfully, and that it will not an option, having confidence yourself. You can also use force happen imminently, you can use in your legal standing could to defend another from that make a difference between same unlawful act. This may a reasonable amount of force. taking decisive action to win a sound straightforward, but it’s a fight or making an uncertain little more complicated. For effort and losing. Take the time example, if the person to learn the nuances now because you won’t consider them when under threatening you is armed, an armed response would be appropriate. stress. But what if they are much larger than you, seem to have strong fighting Florida Statute 776.012 is the appropriate law for public conduct skills and threaten to beat you to death, while appearing to be on drugs? in public, and knowing it can help save you in a time of personal peril. Based on the totality of circumstances, deadly force might be justified. The first section of this law has a fairly simple meaning: if you You have to think about whether you can justify your actions to a jury, reasonably believe another person is going to touch you unlawfully, because you may have to. and that it will happen imminently, you can use a reasonable amount The last section of this law is that you can use deadly force to of force -- based on the totality of the circumstances -- to defend prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. So if someone yourself from that unlawful action. is robbing someone (in person, not a burglary) or committing a sexual In other words, if someone walked up to you in a parking lot and battery, a kidnapping or other forcible felony, you can defend yourself threatened to punch you, you have no duty to retreat; you can use any or the victim with deadly force. In these situations, what does deadly force, short of force that might cause great bodily harm or kill the force mean? A gun? Something else? For example, if you are at an ATM subject, to defend yourself. When they are no longer a threat, you have and someone robs at gunpoint, do you defend yourself or give them to stop the use of force. money? It’s simple -- most people will hand over the money, even if they don’t have to. But what if they ask for your keys? What if your 3year-old child is in the car? Now it’s not so simple. This is why it’s so important to play the “what if ” game; think ahead, consider your options and know the law. And remember, this law is not the same as the “Castle Doctrine,” which deals with your home, dwelling or occupied vehicle. This is nasty business, but reality can be nasty sometimes. Preparation and awareness of your options, especially your legal options, could make the difference between significant injury or walking away from a threat unharmed.
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Lakes View / Issue 74/ December 2015
Master Builder Best Practices Presents:
Considerations For Your Bath Remodel Or New Home Design By: Mark Worley
Bathrooms are becoming so much more than a room that takes care of a function. Despite its importance, the bathroom is still often the smallest space in a home and the second most vital and expensive part of the house following the kitchen. During the last decade, it seems the demand and desire for barrierfree bathrooms has grown dramatically. Aside from the importance of accessibility and universal design for those with physical challenges, this phenomenon can be partially attributed to the‘baby boomers’ coming of age. Additionally, the popularity of large jetted tubs in bathrooms seems to have run its course. Whirlpool tubs are being replaced with non-jetted soaking tubs that do not house bacteria in the plumbing, are being removed from the design in favor of creating additional space to be incorporated into barrier free showers that can have a wide array of functions and accouterments from multiple showerheads to steam generators. During your design process consider the following: • Curbless showers – Remove the curb at the shower entrance to eliminate any tripping hazards and allow roll-in freedom for wheelchairs. • Eliminate the shower door - If floor space is available a doorless shower entrance eliminates cleaning and additional cost. • Shower doors/partitions - If required by design, consider using a frameless unit with thick self-supporting glass treated with Cardinal 10 surface protection that repels water, soap scum & grime from your shower enclosure for 10 or more years. • Steam generators and radiant floor heating - Although heating is not a major concern for Floridians, radiant floor heating is becoming more commonplace and affordable and is easily installed both inside and outside the shower. Steam showers require a higher level of waterproofing during the construction process with additional plumbing and electrical requirements
but many clients are requesting this option on higher end homes. • Grab bars and storage ideas - During the construction process, have wood blocking installed in between the wall framing in order to accommodate grab bars. This practice is becoming commonplace and even if grab bars are not needed, the infrastructure will be in place to make installation easy in the future. Shampoo and soap storage areas should be recessed into the wall to avoid any falling hazards and also incorporate a foot niche located at 16” off the floor to replace a bench for leg shaving and foot washing. • Ventilation/Lighting - Exhaust fans are the single most overlooked equipment in a bath. A properly sized and ventilated (to the exterior) exhaust fan will not only improve indoor air quality, but also reduces your utility cost by eliminating excessive moisture. LED lighting is being incorporated in areas from the wet shower location to the exhaust/light combo. LED fixtures offer an extended lifecycle while eliminating operating fixture heat that requires additional electrical usage. Taking the time to research all your options during the design process will ensure many years of carefree and optimum performance while advancing the building process with little to no changes. 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.
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.
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
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Lakes View / Issue 74/ December 2015
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.
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.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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All-Round Bug Advice! By: Bill Pipkin
Q. A. Q. A.
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How do insects keep getting in my house? One of the main entry points is around doors. Can you see sunlight coming through? Move the door back and forth. Does it shut tight? After a few years the door seal weather stripping can wear out or crack off with use, leaving a good sized gap. Get on the floor and check under the door to see if there is open space between the door and the frame. Remember, roaches only need 1/16” to squeeze in, mice need ¼,” and rats need ½”. You can get replacement weather stripping or door sweeps at a local home improvement store. What do I do if I have a mouse in my house? The biggest mistake homeowners make is not using enough traps. Get 8-10 – they are cheap. Place the traps facing the wall against the baseboards. Mice have poor eyesight and follow along walls. For bait, you can use peanut butter; sprinkle oatmeal over the trap; cotton balls held on with dental floss; or even chocolate syrup. If you catch more than one mouse that means you have an “opening problem” somewhere in your house. Remember, a mouse only needs ¼” to gain entry. Walk around your house and caulk up entry/exit points where
Lakes View / Issue 74/ December 2015
Q. A.
pipes, AC units, etc., penetrate walls. Also, check the screen on your dryer vent and the gaps around the garage door. Should I have my house inspected for termites? A local pastor friend called me on a Sunday. In the middle of his sermon a cloud of termites swarmed throughout the church, landing on everyone’s clothes and getting entangled in the women’s hair. It was a mad rush for the doors. “Why did God create termites?,” he asked. “To provide me an opportunity to make a living,” I replied. Seriously, termites are random feeders. I’ve inspected 200 year old houses with no sign of termites and 3 month old houses with termites tunneling up the walls. Which house is yours? There are over 40 pest control companies in the greater Tallahassee area and almost all of them offer free termite inspections. Now might be a good time to have your home checked. Find out if you have a problem or how to prevent one.
Bill Pipkin is the owner of A All Round Termite and Pest Control Services, Inc. and has over 25 years experience in the Tallahassee/Killearn area.
Angry Neighbors Make for an Angry Community We all have expectations about everything in our life. We expect our ourselves and of those around us. family, friends and neighbors to behave in certain ways and when they One of the keys to avoiding anger is to transform our habit of don’t, we often fall into a state of anger. Our expectations are not just expectations. This does not mean that we allow people to run all over us, limited to those people who we know, but also to just about everyone or our community. It means I transform what I expect of others into an we come in contact with or depend upon. We expect our leaders to make understanding that no one can read each other’s mind and their reasons decisions that we believe to be right. We expect the cashier at the store for doing what they do usually have nothing to do with me. My daughter to be quick and competent. We expect the driver of the other vehicle to didn’t clean up her room because she wanted to make me angry, she was obey the rules of the road. late getting ready for school this When they fail to meet those morning. The cashier at the expectations we get angry. store was slow and distracted Often, what we expect of others not because she wanted to Effective communication can only is a reflection of what we make me angry, but because occur when there is a process of ultimately expect of ourselves. her child is sick today and she When I am in a hurry I expect is upset that she can’t be home two-way listening. Anger prevents others to respect that and get to care for her. The neighbor going. When I am frustrated I doesn’t let his dog poop on my us from honestly listening to expect others to understand lawn to make me angry, he anything but our anger. that and make everything right. does so because he hasn’t read When I am overworked I or understood our expect others to sympathize community’s rules. with me and help out. When others don’t behave according to our Transforming our expectations into a greater understanding of other expectations, we get angry. Learning to be gentler with our selves goes a people’s challenges and sufferings will do quite a bit to disarm our anger long way towards being gentler towards others. and increase our own happiness. For most of us, anger is not an emotion that feels good at all. It If your family member or neighbor behaves in a manner that fails disrupts our daily flow and brings out the worst parts of ourselves. I never to meet your expectations and makes you angry, the only way you are want to say a bad word to my family. I love them dearly. However, when going to really resolve the situation is not by creating an even wider angry I have been known to say mean-spirited words directed at those distance between yourself and them (anger), but by making a choice to same family members. Anger makes us more aggressive and limits the get closer and put forth an honest effort to remedy the situation way we think about and treat others. Anger is usually one-pointed: “together.” Effective communication can only occur when there is a outward towards someone else. In the act of being angry, instead of process of two-way listening. Anger prevents us from honestly listening feeling closer to the object of our anger, we create even greater to anything but our anger. When we transform our expectations and distance. We isolate them, but more importantly, we isolate reduce our opportunities to get angry, we put ourselves in a ourselves. Anger is like a prison that binds us and keeps us from position to make better choices about how we relate to the people around us and, in turn, how they relate to us. When everyone making choices that reflect compassion and caring and works together, anything is possible! understanding: Attributes that contribute to the happiness of
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Adopt-A-Tree Program Leon County is proud to offer the 2016 Adopt-A-Tree public tree planting program. If you live inside Leon County, but outside of Tallahassee city limits, you may qualify to have an Eastern Redbud planted on your property for free. The Eastern Redbud is a small, native, spring-flowering tree. If you agree to water the tree three times a week for one year, Leon County 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 2016, simply fill out an application online below the picture and 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 is available online at http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Home/Departments/PublicWorks/Operations/Right-of-Way/Adopt-A-Tree and the deadline is Saturday, January 31, 2016.
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Lakes View / Issue 74/ December 2015
10th Annual Performance of K.P.A’s
“e Snow Queen” By: Deborah Towers-Best
with their band of It was back in December 2006, that Killearn Performing Arts robbers); a not so (K.P.A.) first shone the spotlight on the Chiles’ High School stage with intrepid reindeer; some heroic their innovative Irish dance ballet of “The Snow Queen”. The show at Vikings; a fearsome Snow Beast who guards the that time was just an hour long and about half the length of the current palace of the Snow Queen; and eventually the sinister Snow production. However, since that time, from those relatively humble Queen herself with her army of frozen boys and the clever but vicious beginnings, evolved an incredibly beautiful rendition of this classic Icicles. fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, which now comprises a suite of So does Colleen find her Patrick? Can she break the evil spell that 18 dances in a unique blend of both Irish and Modern dance. Killearn the Snow Queen has cast upon our hero, as well as so many others? Well Performing Arts, along with the Tallahassee Irish Step dancers is truly of course she does, but what we really should be asking is, how does she proud to announce their 10th Annual production of “The Snow Queen” actually manage to free this holiday season. Patrick from perpetual Despite the very unique imprisonment? What process aspects of this show, good battles it out with evil and does she have go through in essentially this is a very order to find her one true traditional fairytale where the power of love conquers all love? And to find out the good battles it out with evil answers to these questions, and the power of love you will just have to come and see for yourselves! conquers all. In keeping with the Irish theme, our young hero and Over the years “The Snow Queen” with its unique blend of heroine, Patrick and Colleen, are living happily together in a village in contemporary and traditional Irish music, has become quite the annual Ireland, when they are torn apart by the evil Snow Queen, after Patrick holiday event here in Tallahassee. This year’s 10th annual production is struck in the eye by a shard of magic mirror created by an evil demon. featuring additional new dance pieces choreographed by K.P.A. Patrick comes under the evil Queen’s influence and is lured away to her director/choreographer, David Jones, with stage management by his ice crystal palace. Colleen must travel on a dangerous quest through wife, Shannon O’Bryan (Chiles’ drama teacher/director), promises to the four seasons to find her true love and bring him home. be even more spectacular than previous years. So why not make “The After traveling through the seasons of spring, summer, fall and Snow Queen” your holiday event this year! winter, Colleen eventually arrives at the palace of the Snow Queen. But her quest is not without danger, excitement and plenty of interesting “The Snow Queen” is showing at Chiles High School Performing Arts characters along the way, including the Center on Saturday, December 19 at 7pm and on Sunday, December 20 Spring Queen and her enchanted at 3pm. Tickets are priced at $12 for adults, $6 for children and are flowers; two comical crows; the available on the door or by ordering in advance. Summer Queen and her newly found King; the Fall Queen and her feisty http://kpadance.com/performances/the-snow-queen/index.html daughter the Robber Girl (along For further information contact: 850-443-7512
Photography by DANA BRYAN
2015 Fall Festival By: Anne Marshall
We were fortunate again to have beautiful fall day for our annual festival at Tekesta Park. Hundreds of residents enjoyed our largest event of the year, paid for by your dues and the generous contributions of our sponsors. We sincerely thank Betty and Ray Marky and the other volunteers from Killearn Lakes TaeKwonDo, who not only arranged performances during the day, but also coordinated our most important area: the food service tables! Members of Chiles High School Key Club and other Chiles volunteers worked with them to keep hamburgers, hot dogs and Chick-fil-A nuggets available to hungry residents. Of course, we again thank the chefs from Auto Super-Service Center for keeping the grill going all day for those burgers and dogs! There were plenty of delicious side dishes and desserts, which were also served by volunteers from Chiles and Killearn Lakes TaeKwondo. A few new supporters joined the Killearn Lakes festival this year: Tallahassee Tottenham Hotspur FC, PeoplesSouth Bank, Brigit Drawdy Houk State Farm and Giggles Indoor Play Center. They were joined by fall festival “regulars” Walk the Tail, Summit Group, Stevens Orthodontics, B.J.’s Party House/Klown Kapers, Bradfordville Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Chick-fil-A, Epiphany Lutheran Pre-School, Killearn Kids Dance Troupe, KL TaeKwonDo, Meyer Magic, ProDisc Jockeys, Auto Super-Service Center, The Grounds Guys and Fast Signs. Board member, Mark Reichert, held the popular Casting Contest on the soccer field and contest winners were awarded with a Zebco 33 Combo rod and reel. There is a lot going on, and plenty to choose from to entertain everybody during the day! Please support these sponsors often as they contribute greatly to the success of this event. This year’s grand prize drawing winners are Jamie and Brian Giblon, whose 2016 dues will be paid by the association. Congratulations!
An Update on Villas at Killearn Lakes By: Christopher P. Mulrooney, M.P.S., Ph.D.
In previous issues of Lakes View Magazine, the development and management team of Tallahassee-based Innovative Senior Living of Florida, LLC, has introduced an innovative new approach to assisted living and memory care to be located within the Killearn Lakes Plantation neighborhood. Part of the “small house movement” in long-term care that is growing across the country and elsewhere, Villas at Killearn Lakes will be a gated community of nine homes located off of Deerlake Road South. The design, as well as the philosophy of care and organizational structure of “small house” communities, are distinct. All three facets work together to create a true person-directed culture, where the elders’ voice is heard above all others. To embrace this philosophy of care, the Villas at Killearn Lakes’ team has recently completed a unique architectural and site plan design. Lakes View Magazine is pleased to help unveil more details about our new neighbor in this article. For the past six months, the team has been working with senior living architects at VOA International, based in Orlando, and with local engineering firm, Urban Catalyst, to finalize its plans. The site plan was submitted two months ago and has been approved, pending final review of contingency requests that have since been completed. The project’s construction permit, known locally as the Environmental Management Permit, is also under final review and is scheduled for approval on December 2, 2015. A 3-D aerial view of the site is shown to the right. Initial construction on the neighborhood will focus on the six houses at the north end of the site (top of graphic). These six homes will face a central park-like space, accessible to all residents. Plans are underway to develop substantial perimeter security for residents who may need cognitive cuing, while not limiting accessibility to the outdoors. A 16
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walking path will also be woven throughout the neighborhood. The architectural plans for each Villa have been completed and are being reviewed by several contractors. The team intends to select a contractor by the end of 2015, after which time construction documents will be submitted to the local building department for their review and approval. Shown at top left is a front elevation of a Villa. One of the key elements of “small house” design is to ensure that as much natural light as possible enters the home. At Villas at Killearn Lakes, the front entry for each home will include as much glass as possible without sacrificing a residential feel, while allowing for ample sunlight to enter in. In addition, high foyer windows have been incorporated into the design, and skylights, as well as multiple solar tube lights, are being researched for possible inclusion into the final specifications. To the left is another view of a Villa that shows its expansive front porch. An open-air patio will also be located in the rear of each Villa. Front and rear entries to each home will be without stairways to enable independent ambulation, even for those with mobility challenges. The interior of each Villa also has been carefully designed to enable independent ambulation indoors. For instance, all-private bedrooms with private bathrooms, are located off the Great Room, to ensure that residents have no long hallways to traverse. Every Villa will include a spa room for therapeutic massage, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy. Kitchens are designed for easy access by residents twenty-four hours/day. Further information on Villas at Killearn Lakes, including a complete floor plan, can be found at www.VillasAtKillearnLakes.com. Construction is expected to begin in 2016.
Talquin Electric By: Kim Gay
During this holiday season and throughout the year, we, at Talquin, are privileged to work to power the communities we serve and empower our Members to improve the quality of their lives. One of the many ways we do this is by returning Capital Credits to you, our Members, who have invested over the years in your Cooperative. Each year Talquin’s Board of Trustees looks at the financial condition of the Cooperative to determine whether it is appropriate to refund Capital Credits (General Refund Checks) and, if so, the amount to be refunded. This year, your Board has authorized a Capital Credit refund of over $3.1 million. Capital Credits will be distributed in the form of checks that will be mailed out this month. Capital Credits are a reflection of the Cooperative which is owned by you, the Membership. We deliver service to Members at
cost on a not-for-profit basis. Any margins (revenues in excess of costs) are allocated to Members during the year the margins are produced, and are later returned to those Members who received service during the year being refunded. The total amount of refunds to Talquin Members over the past seventy-five years is more than $69.8 million! It is through the combined efforts of you, our Members, the Talquin Board of Trustees, and Talquin employees that we were able to provide safe and reliable services throughout this past year. Thank you all for your support and we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Lake Friendly Yard
By Joe Barnett
A
s usual, when I discover a Lake Friendly yard, I also find very interesting people. Linda and Don Gerteisen, 3341 Barrow Hill Trail, gave my wife Wendy and I a great tour of their yard. They love our Killearn Lakes wildlife! Their back yard, along Pine Hill Lake has two Wood Duck boxes and one Black Belly Whistler duck box. The female and male Wood Duck (Florida’s most colorful duck) partner up each spring. They generally have two sets of ducklings. The female sits on her eggs in the box while “he” roosts in a tree along the shore or on the lake. About 6:30 every morning the female Wood Duck leaves the nest and flies off with the male to feed. She returns 7:30 or 8:00 AM to sit on the eggs. They feed again around 6:00 PM. She returns to the box around 7:30PM to nest through the night. When the eggs hatch, she calls her 12 or so ducklings out of the box for their first swim and life's journey. The Black Belly Whistler ducks arrive about July and stay until about September. Don and Linda also have two Purple Martin houses. After spending the winter in South America, the Purple Martin “scouts” arrive in February. About two weeks later, the rest of the colony arrives. They stay until July. Sadly, the last two years, they have disappeared from Pine Hill Lake. No one knows why. I recently read that they need insects to eat every 4 days or they die (another good reason to avoid pesticides and to create a Killearn Lakes Friendly yard!). Most lake friendly yards have a forested back yard fronting the lake. But Don and Linda have a grassy area for bluebirds. Bluebirds have lived in their two boxes year round since Don and Linda moved here in 1987. They don’t use fertilizer on this section to prevent algae problems in our lakes. Don also leaves a 10 foot un-mowed buffer along the shoreline so flowers and native plants can grow, providing seeds and insects the birds need for food and shelter. Cooter turtles from the lake use the yard to dig a hole for their eggs in the spring. But crows eat the eggs almost as soon as they are
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laid. Last year two otters were seen playing along the lake's shoreline. Beavers were sighted in the lake last year, but not this year. Don also has a 30 foot cypress tree he planted about 10 years ago. Don showed me some stumps of the very invasive Chinese Tallow or “popcorn” tree. Don drilled holes in the stumps and injected Roundup into the holes to kill the tree roots. He covered the stumps with plastic bags to prevent deer, raccoons and other wildlife from licking the Roundup from the stumps. He pointed out the many popcorn trees filled with seeds spreading farther along the shoreline. Soaking popcorn tree trunks with Triclopyr containing herbicides like “Garlon” or “Release” is especially recommended in the spring to kill this highly destructive tree. Bald Eagles and Osprey fly overhead fishing in the lake. Chimney Swifts come every year in the spring and depart in the fall. Native trees in their yard include dogwood, red bud, hawthorn, wax myrtle, water oak and hickory. Don “topped” a dead pine tree along the side of his driveway for woodpeckers to live in and eat the insects. Don and Linda’s front yard has many decorative flowers and plants. He grows Shiitake mushrooms in logs and has several citrus trees. He said his “greatest mistake” is planting the very invasive Arrow fern. When it is pulled out there are usually round bulbs attached. It like many invasive plants often needs poisons to kill them. But Don gave me a non-toxic recipe made from 1 gallon vinegar, 2 cups Epsom salts, and ¼ cup dawn soap. He also likes organic Avenger weed killer. Don and Linda met in Rome, New York, where Don was first stationed in the U.S. Air Force and Linda was a nursing student. After Vietnam in 1969, they married, and Don obtained his Bachelor's Degree in 1972 from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where my wife and I met! He also has a Master’s Degree from the University of Oregon in Park Management. They moved to Tallahassee in 1974 and Killearn Lakes in 1987. Don is retired from the Florida Park Service, and is active in the American Legion. He recently founded the non-profit organization "Heroes Not Forgotten". Its mission, through film, media and performing arts, is to honor and remember America's military veterans and to educate the American public about Americanism. He is currently working on a short public service film honoring our veterans to show 4-6th grade children and is accepting donations! Like at least three of our past Lake Friendly Yard winners, Don was once the president of a homeowners association! He has hiked much of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Linda is retired after working over 40 years as a registered nurse. Her favorite past times are flower gardening, birding, swimming, and enjoying her grandchildren. We are very happy to award Don and Linda as our latest Killearn Lakes Friendly Yard winners. They will also receive a yard sign and $100 gift certificate at our February 2016 Quarterly Open Meeting. Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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FareShare
Holiday Wrapped Brie
This pastry-wrapped soft cheese, topped with cranberries, apricots and almonds, is great for the holidays.
Ingredients: 1 egg 1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package of puff pastry sheets (1 sheet), thawed 1/3 cup dried cranberries 1 (13- to 16-ounce) Brie cheese round
1 tablespoon water 1/2 cup apricot preserves or seedless raspberry jam 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
Directions: Heat the oven to 400째F. Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork. Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 14-inch square. Spread the preserves on the pastry to within 2 inches of the edge. Sprinkle with the cranberries and almonds. Place the cheese in the center of the pastry. Fold the pastry up over the cheese to cover. Trim the excess pastry and press to seal. Brush the seam with the egg mixture. Place seam-side down onto a baking sheet. Decorate with the pastry scraps, if desired. Brush with the egg mixture. Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Let stand for 45 minutes. Serve with crackers.
e Pieces/Parts Approach to Identifying Dyslexia Doesn’t Work By: Vic Aderhold
Woodland Hall Academy staff received a disturbing call from a parent of an 11 year old recently. “For six years we have been trying to find out why my bright daughter is not learning,” a frustrated mother related. “We’ve spent thousands on testing with every type of specialist, not to mention the thousands on tutoring. She’s in sixth grade and she’s so frustrated because she can’t keep up with her friends in class. Everybody says she’s so bright, but when it comes to reading or writing it down, she struggles.” “My husband and I think she’s dyslexic; he has it in his family, but nobody in town seems to be able to tell us if this is the reason she is not learning.” This parent has experienced what many do, the “Pieces/Parts Approach” to determining why a bright child is not learning. Each specialist tests for legitimate reasons a child might be struggling in school. However, if their diagnosis and therapy does not fix the problem, many times they either suggest the parents do “more of the same” or move on to another therapist.
If it’s Dyslexia, A Holistic Approach to Identification is needed Dyslexia is a constellation of characteristics involving visual and auditory processing, perceptual, and attention/concentration problems. Dyslexia is a language disability, not a reading disability, so not only does it affect the ability to learn to read, write, and spell by conventional methods; it affects the ability to communicate in more subtle ways. Individuals with dyslexia may learn to orally read, but may begin having comprehension problems, especially around fourth or fifth grade. They may have difficulty turning information from short-term memory to long-term memory, so they learn it one day and forget it the next. Many children who are identified as ADHD actually have dyslexia with ADHD as one part of their dyslexia. Unfortunately, their language disability (dyslexia) is never identified and all their “learning issues” are blamed on ADHD. In order to have a proper diagnosis and proper plan of intervention and remediation, a thorough differential diagnosis should be administered, which considers the entire syndrome of dyslexia and attention deficit disorders. No SINGLE test exists that can identify dyslexia. No IQ test exists that can identify dyslexia. Diagnosticians should give a variety of tests which examine the individual's learning, language, perceptual, and intellectual strengths and weaknesses. Diagnosticians may be educational specialists, speech and 24 Lakes View / Issue 74/ December 2015
language pathologists, or psychologists who are trained in the field of dyslexia. The key words are “trained in the field of dyslexia.” Parents need to ask for a professional’s qualifications in the field of dyslexia. Dyslexia Research Institute has developed “Questions PARENTS Should Ask When Choosing a Diagnostician”. Go to http://www.dyslexia-add.org/diagnose.html for that list or call (850) 893-2216 for information on testing. To find out more information concerning what types of programs are effective for teaching students with dyslexia, contact Woodland Hall Academy. Since 1975, Woodland Hall Academy has taught students with dyslexia, ADHD and related learning differences the way they learn. Using proven multisensorial, structured language techniques children who were struggling to learn have become successful.
Message from your KLHOA Board President Many of you already know this is my favorite time of year. I love reading in the newspaper and on social media all of the things for which people are thankful. This is pretty much what I said last year and I still feel the same way a year later. The biggest reason I love the holidays is that it brings us to a purposeful state of mind about what things to be thankful for. Every day we hustle to work or take the kids to school, but we tend to overlook the little things: the gold leaves that cover the 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, soccer, 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, Nancy Johnson, our Operations Director, Gregory Durant, our field manager, 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 colorful plants and flowers. Most of all, I am so thankful to be living in such a wonderful community with great friends and neighbors. I love it here and cannot imagine living anywhere else. My day job is selling real estate so I have a taste of all the other neighborhoods our fine city has to offer. This one is the best! 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
It’s Almost îƒźat Time Again Your homeowners association is preparing 2016 dues assessment statements. Your 2016 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 Please join us for hors d'oeuvre, punch, good company, and a lot of holiday spirit at the Killearn Lakes Homeowners Association Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 17, 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!
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 and the $138.00 amounts for the discount months of January and February. Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 25
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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.
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE
PAID 7110 Beech Ridge Trail Tallahassee, FL 32312
Tallahassee, FL PERMIT NO. 498