2019 Issue 2

NORTHDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

NCA Deed Restriction Committee Report

As promised in the last newsletter, 2019 will be the year that residents will see a renewed emphasis on enforcing Northdale’s Deed Restrictions. As of January 1, 2019, the Northdale Civic Association (NCA) and its Board of Directors began using a neutral third-party firm, Merit Association Management-Perfected (MAM-P), to inspect neighborhoods and respond to deed restriction-related issues. MAM-P has begun to focus on these main concerns: parking on the grass; unkempt properties; overgrown grass; and mold/mildew on homes plus any egregious violations. As a result, a number of homes received a letter identifying the neglected deed restriction(s) and an explanation of the deed restriction(s) in question.

So what is it that draws people to Northdale? Is it the sought-after location? Is it the affordable homes? Could it be the impressive property values or the A-rated schools? If you answered “Yes” to any of

the above, then it becomes your job as well as every resident’s responsibility to help maintain the appealing appearance and high standards this community has earned over the years. Deed restrictions are simply a tool to remind people of the details that go into maintaining a neat, attractive property and an overall desirable neighborhood. The letters that some people received were intended to be informative, not punitive. Please remember, the way residents keep their property has an impact on all other members of this community. If, after two letters, the resident has been unable or has refused to correct the violations, the NCA Board will seek legal action.

The NCA Board of Directors has been tasked to do a better job in enforcing deed restriction violations. Whether a paid NCA member or not, residents still have a moral, as well as a legal, responsibility to maintain their property. This is true for both owners and renters. Results of the first day of inspection showed that 70% of the homes with violations do not have a paid membership in the NCA. (This statistic is

both interesting and concerning!) If you notice a violation or are aware of one, please email NCA@meritfl.com.

The Board needs the community to be supportive of all its efforts. If residents have a complaint or a concern, or even an interest about what is going on in Northdale, they are encouraged to attend NCA meetings. The meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month, beginning at 7:00 PM, in the Conference Room of the Bill Castens Gymnasium. Don’t rely on hearsay. Just because you read something on Facebook or Nextdoor does not necessarily mean it is factual. Please come and be better informed. Please get involved. Better yet, join the NCA. Your membership and financial support, through the payment of the annual $50 dues, are very important to carry out the muchneeded work of Deed Restrictions management.

Thank you

Thomas Murray, Vice President NCA Board of Directors

Annual dues are $50.00. Please make your check payable to the Northdale Civic Associa on.                            Interested in joining the Northdale OWLS? Find a registra on form at WWW.NORTHDALE.ORG.

The $15 annual OWLS’ dues are included with your NCA membership.

Mail Payment to: Northdale Civic Associa on, 3853 Northdale Blvd. Box 374, Tampa, FL 33624  Or, you may pay using your credit or debit card online at: WWW. NORTHDALE.ORG

Thank you for your support!

BY

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

For many reasons Northdale is a highly sought after community: it’s safe, walkable and active. Its high-rated schools, Northdale Park Recreation Center, the Bob Sierra YMCA, Northdale Golf and Tennis Club, the Greenways Trail, easy access to shopping and restaurants, as well as many other wonderful assets and amenities make it very desirable for both young families and retirees. Our home values have risen and wellmaintained homes for sale do not sit for long on the market. The NCA is committed to ensure that through common-sense deed restriction enforcement homes are maintained at a standard that enhances the community. It is to the betterment of all homeowners that we do. Yet, based on our NCA membership numbers, over many years we’ve lacked the support and contribution of the majority of Northdale homeowners. Unlike an HOA, we cannot mandate membership. We respond to inquiries, complaints and requests whether the resident is a member, or not, and then request that the homeowner become a member. I have to admit it is frustrating that so few follow through. Review of the latest membership report (used for mailing out this issue of the newsletter) shows we have a long way to go to reach a membership of 50 percent of homeowners contributing. Following is the number of current members broken down by neighborhood:

 Bay Levitt: 366 homes, 85 members

 Brentwood Park: 148 homes, 33 members

 Claywell: 219 homes, 53 members

 Fairway Villas: 57 homes, 22 members

 Fox Hollow: 246 homes, 105 members

 Gables I: 298 homes, 115 members

 Gables II: 152 homes, 67 members

 Gables III: 127 homes, 51 members

 Golf Estates I: 219 homes, 68 members

 Golf Estates II: 255 homes, 123 members

 Golf Estates III: 96 homes, 27 members

 Hammocks: 69 homes, 24 members

 Heather Glen: 125 homes, 9 members

 Silverhill: 139 homes, 39 members

 Woodlands: 105 homes, 19 members

 Villas of Northdale: 162 homes, 33 members

I am so grateful to all who have already joined and recognize the commitment of those that added an additional amount in support of our efforts. I truly thank you. If you have ideas on how we can increase membership, I’d like to hear from you by phone or email. Or, come to an NCA Board of Directors meeting. We meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 P.M. in the Bill Castens Gymnasium Conference Room at Northdale Park. We welcome your input and ideas.

Northdale’s Spring Community-wide Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, March 16 from 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. Check the community website for participating addresses.

Our largest community event, the Northdale Family Fun Festival & Parade will be held on Saturday, April 13th from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at Northdale Park. Food, entertainment, games, inflatables, parking, it is all free. The Tampa Bay Rays are offering a great prize package for a drawing that will be held for active NCA paid members. We are always in need of volunteers, especially from 7 to 9 A.M. Contact me if you’re able to help, even if it’s just for an hour. Community service hours are available for students that are willing to volunteer.

The free annual Easter Egg Hunt for children 10 and under will be held at Northdale Park on Saturday, April 20th. Be there by 9 A.M. There will be a drawing for Easter baskets donated by local merchants.

Sincerely,

Ann Frisbie

Frisbie_annv@verizon.net

(813) 968-8460

NORTHDALE RECREATION CENTER

APRIL 20, 2019

9am-10am Raffle Registration

10am Easter Basket Raffle at Shelter 2

Easter Egg Hunt – begins immediately following the raffle

Easter Egg Exchange – all Easter eggs should be exchanged for an Easter goody bag provided by the Northdale Civic Association

Easter Bunny – available for pictures but bring your own camera!

Easter Egg Hunt Rules –

 Children must collect eggs in age appropriate areas. Ages 4 and younger in the marked off area in the field. Ages 5 to 10 in the marked off area around the trees.

 Please no more than 8 eggs collected per child

 All Easter Eggs must be returned to receive a free goody bag

Thank you to all of the OWLS, Easter Basket donors, park staff, and other volunteers who help make this event a success!

WHAT IS THE NCA?

The Northdale Civic Association is a volunteer organization whose mission is to make Northdale a better place to live and increase property values by enforcing the deed restrictions to which each homeowner is legally subject.

The NCA is also the organized voice of Northdale, and represents residents when issues affecting Northdale are raised by Hillsborough County, the State of Florida and other governing bodies. The NCA issues this Newsletter and organizes the following events and programs: Welcome Wagon, Easter Egg Hunt, Community Garage Sales, Family Fun Festival, Northdale Pumpkin Run, Holiday Decorating Contest, Meet the Candidates, and the Northdale OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lively, Seniors). Board meetings are open to the public and held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month except December.

HOW TO JOIN THE NCA

Forms are available in each edition of the Northdale Newsletter. There are forms online at www.northdale.org.

HOW TO JOIN THE BOARD

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY $50.00. All members are eligible to run for NCA Board positions in elections held each May. Elections for those positions are made by the sitting board at the monthly board meetings. The dates of those meetings are posted in the Community Calendar.

NCA BOARD OFFICERS

President: Ann Frisbie - Golf Club I - 968-8460

Vice President: Tom Murray -Bay/Levitt - Gables I - 781-760-7959

Secretary: Chelsea Walkenhorst - Golf Club Estates II - 615-513-8026

Treasurer: Bill Castens - The Woodlands - 340-9436

NCA BOARD DIRECTORS

Robert Demeo – Golf Club III -546-0873

Tom Murray- Gables I - Bay/Levitt - 781-760-7959

Martha Hughes – Fox Hollow -477-0924

Robert Mantler – Claywell - 843-2137

Bruce Poli – The Hammocks -727-424-1785

Raymond Powell – Silverhill – 264-6157

Claude Siler-Nixon – Gables III -362-4667

Nancy Stearns – Country Mill, Brentwood Park, Fairway Villas -961-4438

Jessica Watterson -Gables II -630-569-2479

DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS

Residents can request an investigation of deed restriction violations. Complaints need to be in writing or submitted online. The NCA conducts periodic neighborhood inspections and will act on their findings when necessary.

To request an investigation of a possible deed restriction, follow the instructions at www.northdale.org or, if you prefer, mail us a complaint. Print out an online form and mail to NCA Deed Restrictions at 3853 Northdale Blvd. #374, Tampa, Fl. 33624.

When a violation occurs, a letter will be sent to the violating homeowner with a request to correct the problem. After a reasonable amount of time passes, and the problem persists, the coordinator may contact you with the available options. Some of these options could include legal action against the homeowners.

The NCA will not become involved in conflicts between neighbors, animal problems or landscape issues due to drought.

March 5

OWLS Monthly Luncheon

11:00 AM

Northdale Park

Bill Castens Gymnasium

March 12

NSTD Meeting

7:00 PM

Northdale Park

BCG Conference Room

March 16

Community-wide Garage Sale

8 AM – 1 PM

March 19

NCA Board Meeting

7:00 PM

Northdale Park

BCG Conference Room

April 2

OWLS Monthly Luncheon

11:00 AM

Northdale Park

Bill Castens Gymnasium

April 9

NSTD Meeting

7:00 PM

Northdale Park

BCG Conference Room

April 13

Family Fun Festival & Parade

10 AM – 2 PM

Northdale Park

April 16

NCA Board Meeting

7:00 PM

Northdale Park

BCG Conference Room

April 20

Easter Egg Hunt

9 AM – 11 AM

Northdale Park

Winner 2012-2018

Monthly Meetings on 1st Tues 11 AM @ Northdale Park

Our Mission is to create a growing network of co-ed seniors, to provide social activities, local events, travel, entertainment and educational seminars in common interest groups as ways to safely enjoy our lives.

“OWLS March Madness – Even if you don’t follow basketball!”

Mar 5, Tues – Corned Beef Cabbage, Bag Pipes, Irish Dancing & Such at Owls luncheon.

Mar 6, Wed – Mixon Fruit Farm Tour & Wild Preserve with 3 Potato Salad Lunch.

Mar 14, Thurs – “Swimming with Manatees” in Homosassa Springs.

Mar 18, Mon – Bunco Party Luncheon at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

Mar 18, Mon – Tampa Bay Lightning hockey – Bolts vs Arizona Coyotes – GO BOLTS!

Mar 19, Tues – Pre-Season Tampa Bay Rays baseball vs. NY Yankees – GO RAYS!

Mar 20, Wed -- Lunch Bunch at Dunderbak’s Biergarten & Brewery (Separate Checks).

Mar 24, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: A Comedy of Errors, a farce comedy!

Mar 26, Tues – Nature Hike at Blackwater Creek Preserve!

Apr 2, Tues – Bill Castner & his hula hoop performing tunes at Owls monthly luncheon.

Apr 3 & 4, Wed & Thurs – Kennedy Space Station for a fun two-day visit!

Apr 5, Fri –Lunch at Vinoy Hotel followed by Cross Ferry Bay Ferry Ride to Tampa.

Apr 10, Wed – Tampa Bay Downs Horse Racing & Buffet Luncheon.

Apr 13, Sat – Family Fun Festival - Free Parking, Food, Games & Entertainment.

Apr 15, Mon -- Bunco & Lunch at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

Apr 17, Wed—Dinner Bunch at Noble Crust of Carrollwood (Separate Checks).

Apr 20, Sat – Easter Egg Hunt at Northdale Park – Free event for the grandkids!

Apr 24, Wed – Tampa Bay Rays baseball vs. Kansas City Royals – GO RAYS!

Apr 25, Thurs – Hawaiian Desserts Contest for 5th Annual Picnic.

Apr 26, Fri – 5th Annual Owls Picnic at Park food catered by John Erb.

Apr 28, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: Excursion Fare, a comedy!

Apr 29, Mon – OWLS Take In Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

For other scheduled events, see Owls website at: www.NorthdaleOWLS.org

Weekly Activities include Aerobics Lite, Bridge, Bing-Owl, Line Dancing, BBOB’s (Bill’s Blooming Orchid Buddies), Hand & Foot Cards, Mah Jongg, “Dress A Girl”, Pickleball, Yoga, Singing Hooters, Tai Chi, Table Tennis, Meals on Wheels Deliveries, & Walking!

Got Questions? Talk to any member of the OWLS, or contact Bill Castens at (813) 340-9436

NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT

Since this time of year brings little rain, we are sharing some Water Saving Tips. Did you know that the average west-central Florida resident uses about 104 gallons of water each day? Here are some tips to help you save water both indoors and out.

Did you know that you can save up to 175 gallons a month by only running your washing machines and dishwasher when they are full? Also, you can save up to 675 gallons per month by turning off the water while brushing your teeth. The biggies are 690 gallons per month by installing a water-saving showerhead and limiting showers to five minutes and save a whopping 870 gallons per month by replacing older toilets with new low-flow models.

Outdoors use a rain barrel to collect rainwater; it is free and better for your plants as it does not contain hard minerals. Do not hose down your driveway or sidewalk, use a broom to clean leaves and other debris from these areas. Cover your spa or pool to reduce evaporation. Also, consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water but if you elect to wash your own car, park it on the grass and use a bucket of soapy water and use a hose with a shutoff nozzle. Lastly avoid installing ornamental water features, such as fountains, unless the water is recycled. For any additional information you can contact SFWM, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Tampa office, at 813-985-7481.

Wall repairs continue and if you have, or know of, any walls in need of repair or replacement, please notify us at 813-381-5435.

Finally. It has been brought to our attention by an observant resident that Hillsborough County does NOT recycle any type of plastic bags, but you may take them to any Publix, Walmart or Target to be recycled. They DO get stuck in the gears at the recycle facility. Apparently, our service, Republic, has informed us otherwise and the County will make sure they are made aware of their error.

Once again, thank you for helping to keep Northdale a premier community and a terrific place to raise your family. Enjoy our lovely weather and wonderful spring temperatures with low humidity

Nancy Stearns, President

NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT

WHAT is the NSTD?

The Northdale Special Taxing District is a Hillsborough County dependent tax district. The District was originally set-up under a State ordinance, but in 1992 was adopted under County ordinance #92-35. The County collects the taxes for the District and provides the ordinance or regulations that give authority to the District. Funds are derived from the County non-ad valorem tax of $130 per residential unit. Residents in single family homes, along with apartments and condominiums are assessed $130. Also, all properties within Northdale boundaries including businesses and other non-profit groups are taxed based on an equitable per residential unit basis.

Northdale Special Taxing District Board of

Trustees

Nancy Stearns President

Tom Murray Vice President

Eli White Treasurer

The District is responsible for maintaining the common areas throughout Northdale. These areas include the main entrances coming into Northdale, landscaping in common areas alongside roadways and medians, neighborhood entrances, the outer surface of the block walls and along the roadside. The District also maintains selected lakes and wetland areas along the main roadways in Northdale.

Don Hachey Secretary

Angel Bustelo

Frank Giordano

Ray Klaus

Bill Castens

Earl Albright

The District is governed by a Board of nine trustees who are elected by the public or appointed by the Board. Board members must be registered voters and reside in Northdale. The trustees receive no compensation for their work. The board has hired an administrator to complete many of the day-to-day details of the District. The administrator is a sub-contracted (paid) position.

Contact Information

813 381-5435

Northdale Special Tax District

3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd #301 Valrico, Fl 33596

Although the District does maintain the common areas in Northdale, there are many areas that the District does not control. The District does not maintain roads, street lighting, street signs or utility lines. Also, the District does not maintain private property or enforce deed restrictions. Deed restrictions are enforced by the Northdale Civic Association (NCA). The District and the Civic Association are two different and separate bodies. The District is a public governmental body and the Civic Association is a private association of Northdale residents. Only the Civic Association has authority to issue deed restriction warnings.

rick@thefloridasolutions group.com

Tax District Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7PM at Northdale Park, Bill Castens Gymnasium Conference Room.

The next meetings will be held:

Although separate, the District and the Northdale Civic Association work to achieve the same goal of making Northdale a great place to live.

March 12, 2019

April 9, 2019

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2019

8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

MARCH 14, 2019

SLAM Winners

Thank you to all the students who submitted artwork or videos for our SLAM showcase. The following students will attend the county -wide SLAM Showcase on March 5th with Mrs. Kline:Coda Schrader (book trailer), Mateus Favata & Dominik Rodriguez (book trailer), Adriana Sorrentino (art), and LilianBrainstetter (art). A big thank you to our Hills. Co public librarians for coming to judge. This includes Janet Walters from our Jimmy B Keel library.

Dr. Seuss Day is Coming Up! (Grades K-3)

We will celebrate Read Across America (a.k.a Dr. Seuss Day) on March 1st. Normally we celebrate on his actual birthday which is March 2nd, but that is a Saturday. Donations needed: black eyeliner or black face paint, red cherry life savers, Seuss cupcakes, Seuss cake, or any Seuss dessert. Let Mrs. Kline know if you are interested in volunteering for a 2 hours shift on that day. Also, she needs someone who would be willing to contact businesses such as Winn Dixie to request donations. Call or email Deborah.kline@sdhc.k12.fl.us. You can sign up to volunteer at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0945abaa2f4-drseuss1

Save the Date

The Scholastic Book fair will be here soon! Make sure you mark your calendars for March 11-15. Volunteers are needed. Please sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0945abaa2f4-book1

February Clubs

2nd Grade-Junie B Jones Club: Select second graders will attend for 6 weeks. They will read, discuss, and enjoy the Junie B Jones book series.

3rd Grade Comic Book Club: Select students will meet with Mrs. Kline once a week to learn all about comic books. They will study the different genres, history, and then they’ll learn how to draw! They will create their own comic book and share them with a special field trip to the Carrollwood Barnes & Noble at the end of the school year.

5th Grade-Mythology kick off was Feb. 27th Students will take a test to determine if they will be in the club. Mrs. Kline can accept 24 students. The club is based on Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympian series.

Author Visit!

Frank Cole will be speaking with our third through fifth graders on the writing process. Some of the books he’s written include: The Afterlife Academy, Potion Masters and The World’s Greatest Adventure Machine.

March-Fairy Tale Unit

Second graders will be reading as many fairy tales as they can during the months of March-April. Donations of childrens’ and adult costumes are needed for our Fairy Tale Ball.

CLAYWELL ELEMENTARY PTA PRESENTS

2019 Community Carnival for Kids  Saturday March 9th

11:00 a.m. ‐ 3:00 p.m.

Admission $8.00 (paid in advance)  $10.00 at the door

Adults and kids under 3 are FREE!

Ac vi es Include: Food & Snacks:

•  Live DJ

•  Silent Auc on*

•  Chinese Auc on*

•  Face Pain ng

•  Photo Booth

•  Sand Art

•  Dart‐Soccer

•  Parachute Games

•  Dodge Ball Arenas

•  Clay Making

•  Rock Pain ng

•  Plant‐A‐Flower

•  Bounce Castles

•  Obstacle Challenge

•  Giant Slide

•  9‐Hole Golf

•  Hair Designs and More!!

•  Philly Phlava

•  Tacos de Oro

•  Jeremiah’s Ice

•  Popcorn

•  Co on Candy

Winners will be announced from 2:30‐3:00 (Do not have to be present to win)

Your home is your castle. You can decrease the likelihood of your residence being targeted for a burglary by making it a less desirable target. Here are a few simple, costeffective recommendations that are cheaper than building a moat.

 Criminals don’t want to be seen committing their crimes. Be sure all exterior lights (front porch, flood, carriage, patio, landscape, etc.) are adequate and fully operational. Check the bulbs and replace as needed. Illuminate your home at night and set interior and exterior lights to activate via timer or motion detector when you’re away.

 Remember, burglars don’t want to be seen. Maintain landscaping and your yard. Keep tree plants and shrubs

trimmed back. Plants and shrubs should be kept no higher than 3 feet. Tree canopies should hang no lower than 8 feet. This creates a window of visibility, so you can see what’s happening outside your neighbor’s home and they can see what’s happening outside of yours.

 Secure your residence. Never leave doors, windows, or sliders unlocked or open when you’re not home...even if for only for a moment! If equipped, utilize your residential security alarm whenever possible. Set doors and windows to “Chime” when opened. Be sure to check your security alarm’s sensors and batteries regularly to be sure they are working properly. You can add secondary locks to doors, windows,

and sliders for additional security. Never leave your garage door open overnight.

 Participate in Operation ID. Make a list of your valuables and keep it in a secure location. The list should contain all your valuables, electronics, jewelry, etc. by listing each item, its make/model, serial number, and approximate worth. Document items, such as jewelry, that don’t have a serial or otherwise owner applied number by taking pictures of them. The list of recorded information and photographs can be used for identification purposes in the event of theft.

Deputy C. Depolis Community Resource Deputy