Bellalago Beacon | January 2015

BEACON VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 2015

WWW.BELLALAGOHOA.COM | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1

D E PA R T M E N T A R T I C L E S

FA C I L I T Y P H O N E NUMBERS BEL L A L AG O Amenity Center

407-933-3010

Security Main Gate

407-846-3014

IS L ES OF BEL L A LAG O Amenity Center

407-343-9175

Security Main Gate

407-846-1451

HOA ADM I N N U M B E R S Community Manager Doug Gilbert

321-332-1875 dgilbert@aamfl.com

Assistant Community Manager Gloria Hernandez

321-332-1876 ghernandez@aamfl.com

Membership Coordinator/Lease Applications Giselle Rodriguez

407-846-4358 grodriguez@aamfl.com

HOA Account Issues & Irrigation Work Orders Customer Care

866-516-7424

HOURS OF O P E R AT I O N BELLA L AGO AM EN IT Y C E N T E R Monday - Friday

6am - 9pm

Saturday & Sunday

8am - 8pm

IS L ES OF BEL L A LAG O A M EN I TY CE NT E R Monday - Friday

6am - 9pm

Saturday & Sunday

8am - 8pm

P OOL H OU R S * Monday - Friday

Usually Dawn - Dusk

Saturday & Sunday

8am - Dusk

*Subject to change. Check boards at each pool.

S U N SET GR ILLE Monday Tuesday & Wednesday Thursday - Sunday Phone: 2

BELLALAGO BEACON | JANUARY 2015

5pm - 10pm CLOSED 5pm - 10pm 407-530-0627

News from AV Homes

BY DAVID SMITH, DIVISION PRESIDENT OF AV HOMES, INC.

T

here was no way to deny the season last month at Bellalago! With such a grand display of holiday cheer and events catering to every age, Bellalago residents had quite the choice when it came to fun and creative community events to attend. The Sunset Grille also celebrated its grand re-opening providing residents with a perfect family lakefront restaurant in a fun, casual setting. With an inspiring menu created by renowned Chef Nelson of Wild Fire Catering, he and his team have restored to the community their favorite neighborhood destination. We are thrilled to have the Sunset Grille back in action.

New home construction in Bellalago is on the rise and we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing these grand designs emerge from the ground up. As some neighborhoods begin to close-out, new neighborhoods have been revealed with home construction already underway. With sneak peeks inside completed home designs from our grand estate collection, the Bellalago New Home Sales Center is the right place to get the latest and greatest and “where-to-find-it” updates for Bellalago news.

The New Year is like a blank canvas with endless possibilities for new adventures. With so many opportunities ahead of us in 2015, I look forward to being a part of this journey as this amazing story unfolds!

Advertising Space The newsletter is a monthly publication that includes advertising spaces for residents and local businesses. The advertising program will help offset the costs involved in creating and printing the newsletter for our community. WE ARE OFFERING THE 1/8 PAGE AD TO OUR RESIDENTS FOR 50% OFF THE ONE-MONTH RATE. More details regarding size, cost, and deadlines for the advertisements can be viewed at bellalagoadvertising.com. For any questions regarding advertising opportunities, please contact: bellalago@overflowdesigngroup.com or call 813-501-7220.

D E PA R T M E N T : CO M M U N I T Y M A N AG E R

OU

BY D

T

he New Year symbolizes the birth of hope and the renewal of life.

Think of each day as a blank sheet that you can color with your dreams and aspirations. Celebrate each day as the New Year! As Mother Teresa once said, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

Here’s to a FABULOUS 2015!

With that being said, I’m excited about the upgrades taking place in the community, one of which is the resurfacing of the pools that is already under way.

While this is being done, we are also planning to spruce up the landscaping and improve the speaker systems around the pool area so everyone can enjoy the music while relaxing in the pool. Another item I hope to get done early in 2015 is finally adding a true multi-purpose field.

It can be used for soccer, flag football, or any number of activities that having this type of field will bring.

Kicking off January in events are the Teen Fishing Day, Sunset Socials at The Grille, and Karaoke Night, which I plan on attending and maybe I will get on the microphone and belt out a few tunes! LOL! We end the month with a Wine & Beer Tasting event, which will feature several different wines and beer made locally!

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BELLALAGO BEACON | JANUARY 2015

G

ER GILB

M T, C A

We previously mentioned in earlier issues of the Bellalago Beacon newsletter and in email blasts, the gate access software Dwelling Live. Dwelling Live offers many features that allow the resident to manage their personal information. Residents can add or delete entries on their guest list and update automobile and other personal information direct from within their account as long as they have access to the web. You will be able to control the access to your home. You can change your profile, guests, vendors, vehicles, and even have “party” access lists for when you have gatherings at your home.

To cut back on long waiting lines at the guardhouses, it is important to have every resident signed up to use this software so they can add their guests in advance. When adding a guest through the software, that guest receives a pass which they would use to enter the community. The pass is scanned at the guardhouse and your guest is allowed entry. You can also receive a notification on your mobile device or in your email inbox letting you know your guest have arrived. Long waiting lines are mostly caused by guests that do not have a Dwelling Live issued guest passes.

Guards will then need to contact the homeowner via telephone and this can take quite a bit of time causing delays.

If you have not registered with Dwelling Live yet you may do so by visiting any one of the Amenity Centers to fill out a registration form or I’d be happy to email one to you.

On another note, I’m a firm believer in the power and value of collaborative projects. In 2015, you can expect me to call for volunteers to assist with events and other community activities on a short-term basis. In doing so, our purpose is quite clear. I value resident input and I believe that “together, everyone really does achieve more.” I am confident that 2015 will be every bit as exciting as 2014 was and that we will be welcoming more and more new residents into what is already an outstanding community to live in.

Once again, Happy New Year. I am looking forward to a great year together!

DOUG GILBERT 407-933-3010 dgilbert@aamfl.com

EVENTS: LIFESTYLES

Every Week January

VOLLEYBALL

Mondays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center "Bump, Set, Spike!" We bring the beach to Bellalago for a game of volleyball! Two teams of two players or more on a sand court divided by a net. First team to 21 wins!

TEEN FISHING DAY Saturday, January 3rd • 4pm-6pm Bellalago Amenity Center Teens 13 and up learn how to fish while enjoying the day and the residents around them. This event is from 4pm-6pm at the fishing pier by Bellalago’s Amenity Center. The bait and fishing poles will be provided by the Fishing Club, but feel free to bring your own if you choose. Water and snack will be provided by the Lifestyles staff. Free event for residents 13 and up only.

SOCCER

Tuesdays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center Calling all soccer lovers! The object of the game is to score goals by kicking or heading the ball into the opponent's goal.

Come play an adrenaline-filled, heart-pumping, game of soccer!

FLAG FOOTBALL

Wednesdays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center "Hut 1, hut 2, HIKE!" Ready for a non-physical approach to the game of football? Flag football is a modified form of football in which ballcarriers are downed by pulling off a marker, or flag, loosely attached to a belt, rather than by tackling. It's tons of fun and best of all, you don't need any pads. Come join the Lifestyles team in a fun gridiron battle!

BASKETBALL

Thursdays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center "Slam Dunk!" Show your basketball skills and learn some new ones with your friends! Choose teams (3-on-3 or 5-on-5), beat the buzzer, and go for the win! Join us for a fun game of basketball.

January ADULT BINGO

Fridays, January 2nd & 16th • 7pm-8pm Bellalago Amenity Center Coffee is free, but please bring a dessert. Residents and guests must be 18 years of age or older. $10 gift cards will be awarded for every BINGO. KID'S CRAFT Saturday, January 3rd & 24th • 2pm Bellalago Amenity Center The kids will be creating 2015 calendars on the 3rd and a leaf art craft on the 24th!

KARAOKE NIGHT Friday, January 9th • 6pm-9pm Sunset Grille Karaoke Night is back! On Friday, January 9th from 6pm-9pm, bring your family and sing your heart out with DJ Bobby! The Grille will be selling food and beverage specials that you all will enjoy! This is a free event for residents of all ages.

BUNCO

Fridays, January 9th & 23rd • 7pm Bellalago Amenity Center If you have never played and fancy a fun afternoon with other like-minded residents, stop by the Amenity Center at 7pm every other Friday and see what fun you could be having.

SUNSET SOCIAL’S LATIN NIGHT Thursday, January 15th • 7pm-10pm Bellalago Amenity Center Food and beverage specials will be provided by the Sunset Grille!

This FREE event is a good way to get to know your fellow residents while listening and dancing to Latin and Top 40 music provided

by DJ Bobby. Latin Night is for residents 18 and over only.

CRAFT AND LAUGH LADIES NIGHT Wednesday, January 21st • 7pm-9pm Bellalago Amenity Center This month we will be making a forever necklace with colored thread. This event is for the lady residents to get together, socialize, gossip, and get to know each other. Please purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $5 per lady and are located at both Amenity Centers.

WINE AND BEER TASTING EVENT Saturday, January 24th • 7pm-10pm Sunset Grille You can sample different wine and beers from around Florida and there will be hors d’oeuvres to sample that complement the drinks made by the Sunset Grille. This event is for adult residents 21 and over ONLY. More information and pricing to follow.

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D E PA R T M E N T : L I F E S T Y L E S

January Activities

BY KELSI CLONTS, ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR

I

cannot believe it’s already January!

2014 was such an amazing year with all the new events and socials! I am so happy to plan the events for 2015, which will be bigger and better! I do want to start off by saying thank you for attending the Thanksgiving Potluck, Holiday Party, and New Year’s Extravaganza.

The Thanksgiving Potluck had a huge turnout! I was not expecting so many dishes! The Lifestyles staff had to get another table just to set up desserts!

Thank you all who came out and brought a dish. Your food was so good and I have to say, I went back for seconds!

The Holiday Party was such a beautiful event with all the decorations, music, and food from The Grille. You all looked very formal in your outfits, which set the mood for the event. The New Year’s Extravaganza was also a terrific event! The Grille’s Grand Opening was such a success. I am so happy that it is officially open for business. I no longer have to leave work to grab dinner! January is going to be full of exciting events. Please read further for more detail.

On January 3rd, the Lifestyles staff and the Fishing Club will be hosting a Teen Fishing Day! Teens (13 and up) will learn how to fish while enjoying the day and the 6

BELLALAGO BEACON | JANUARY 2015

residents around them. This FREE event is from 4pm-6pm at the fishing pier. The Fishing Club will provide bait and fishing poles, but please feel free to bring your own if you choose. The Lifestyles staff will provide water and snacks.

We cannot go a month without our usual events! Sunset Social Latin Night will be held on Thursday, January 15th at the Sunset Grille. Now that The Grille is open, there will be food and beverage specials available! This FREE event is a good way to get to know your fellow residents while listening and dancing to Latin and Top 40 music provided by DJ Bobby. Latin Night is for residents 18 and over only.

The next monthly event is Ladies Night! On Wednesday, January 21st from 7pm-9pm the ladies will be making a forever necklace with colored thread.

This event is for the lady residents to get together, socialize, gossip, and get to know each other. Who knows, you might have a new best friend by the end of the evening! The event is $5 per lady. Ladies 18 and up only.

Karaoke Night is back on Friday, January 9th from 6pm-9pm! Bring your family and sing your heart out with DJ Bobby! The Grille will be selling food and

beverage specials that all will enjoy! This is a FREE event for residents of all ages.

We are also bringing the Wine Tasting back, but this time we are planning a Wine AND Beer Tasting! On Friday, January 24th from 7pm-10pm you can sample different wine and beers from around Florida and there will also be hors d’oeuvres to sample that complement the drinks made by the Sunset Grille. This event is for adult residents 21 and over ONLY. Please see flyers and email blasts for more information and pricing to follow.

It will be a very fun-filled and exciting January indeed! I am so thrilled to be a part of this great community and have residents like you all to serve! Thank you for your support and input. Please feel free to email me at kclonts@aamfl.com or call me at 863-614-0197. I am always looking for new and exciting events that everyone will enjoy. I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year’s and I will see you soon at the next event!

KELSI CLONTS 863-614-0197 kclonts@aamfl.com

Teen Volunteer Program

BY JOSE CHAPARRO, TEEN VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

T

een volunteers grow self-esteem and confidence with each new challenge and skill learned. Felix Diaz (one of our teen volunteers) tried a little photography, took some great pictures, and seems to love it.

Bellalago is heaven on earth for photographers who enjoy taking pictures of nature. It’s a place where there are many different species of birds, reptiles, and other animals. Between the lakefront, beautiful oak trees, and array of animals, Bellalago is the place to be.

The cover photo and these pictures were taken by Felix. He did an excellent job capturing the beauty of Bellalago.

For more information regarding the Teen Volunteer Program, please feel free to contact me.

JOSE CHAPARRO jchaparro@aamfl.com

The Sunset Grille

BY CHEF JIMMY NELSON

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irst, I want to thank each of you that have taken the time to stop by and introduce yourselves. It has been great meeting some of the wonderful Bellalago residents. My vision for The Grille is to provide the residents of Bellalago an atmosphere that reminds you of your favorite living room; relaxed and comfortable, while serving great food at affordable prices.

My menu is influenced by a vacationer’s delight of Caribbean fare. Fresh ingredients and flavors served in a variety of approaches from appetizers to full meals and of course,

desserts. The Grille will be serving flavors that are developed in house through our recipes of sauces and seasonings that have been proven hits. If you have a favorite dish that is not served at The Grille, stop by and talk with me and I will add it to my “Specials” menu. If it is a hit, you might just see your favorite dish added to the permanent menu. It is my goal to keep the Bellalago residents an integral part of the ever changing and developing concept of The Grille.

Finally, I want you to have a place to enjoy monthly festivities, so I am developing

a schedule of special nights. Some of these will include comedy night with comedians from a local comedy club, trivia night, and themed menu nights such as Italian and Polynesian. You will be able to watch your favorite sporting events on one of our six televisions. I will even be having musicians featured in the restaurant to compliment the atmosphere for the evening. So, I invite each and every one of you to come by and spend some time at The Grille and discover a fine advantage to living in Bellalago.

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D E PA R T M E N T : F I T N E S S & W E L L N E S S

BY ELIZABETH DECKARD

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Give it Just 21 Days 8

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orming new habits and breaking old ones are hard things to do, but nevertheless, that is what this time of year is about. We all want to invent the newer, better version of ourselves, and a lot of us make the resolution that our goal is to be more fit, lose weight, eat better, give up soda, or horrors of horrors…sweets! (I won’t lie; I do like something sweet from time to time. I can thank my grandmother for that one). Our goals get quite lofty at the beginning and we display amazing will power for about the first week, then we slip a little, and pretty soon we are off the bandwagon in its entirety. This is where the idea of short-term goals comes in to play.

You may have heard the saying that it takes 21 days to form a habit. I don’t know about you, but 21 days sounds much more achievable than a whole year when it comes to some things. If that saying is true, then by the time you’ve reached that point, it should be a habit anyway so you shouldn’t have as much trouble keeping the resolution! Some examples would be going to the gym or eating habits. If you make it your goal to get up and head to the gym every morning at 6am, well by the end of the 21 days it has become part of your routine, and will be much easier to stick with. Instead of cutting out every single not so good food you love, try focusing on eating more fruits and vegetables first at a meal, prior to eating the higher calorie, not as good for you item that you are craving. A simple change like the order you eat food can make a huge change in your waistline, while helping you meet your goal to eat better

D E PA R T M E N T : A R C H I T E C T U R A L & CO M P L I A N C E

and lose weight. We have to be sensible in our goal setting; otherwise we end up surviving, but not thriving. Eating more of the good and less of the not so good for you food is the perfect way to achieve your goal for the long-term (aka lasting lifestyle change) while still allowing yourself to enjoy the simple pleasures of some of the things that are meant to be enjoyed in small amounts. No pie for the rest of my life isn’t what I call living!

This time of year also means an increase in attendance in classes and Amenity Centers alike, so here are a few reminders to help us all during this time.

To all group fitness attendees, please keep in mind the following items to make everyone’s class experience a positive one for the year. 1. Do not enter the studio until the prior class has finished. We know you are excited to get in and get your special spot, but we need to be courteous to the instructor and the other participants and let them finish. 2. If another member has arrived before you and set up in your usual place, just welcome them to the class and set up in your second favorite spot. After all, no one owns any spot in that room. 3.

Arrive on time! We all have our days when we run a few minutes behind, but arriving on time so you can get a complete warmup is crucial to prevent injury and keep your body strong and healthy. 4. Respect your instructors! They have worked hard to prepare the classes, so keep the side conversations out of it so they can teach without distractions. We want to make this a positive place for all, so help us by doing your part.

Happy New Year!

ELIZABETH DECKARD 863-496-3522 edeckard@aamfl.com

ARC Requests & Violations

BY GLORIA HERNANDEZ, ASSISTANT COMMUNITY MANAGER

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appy New Year! I hope everyone has recovered from the holidays! I would like to share a few stats on Architectural Requests and Violations for 2014 year-end: Of the 351 ARC requests, 7 were rejected. Top requests are paint, screen enclosures, landscape curbing, and boat docks. All homeowners must submit ARC applications for all exterior work to their homes, including yard art, potted plants, landscape lighting, etc.

In addition to the ARC application, there may be supplemental documents that must be submitted for review by the committee. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions regarding Architectural Requests.

There were a total of 2,829 violations. Top violations are trash/ recycle can visible, landscape maintenance, parking in the street overnight, and pressure washing roofs. We are continuing to send the reminder letters for the 7-year paint requirement. If you have already painted your house, please call or email me so that we can do the final inspection and update your

account. If you need an extension, please contact me to avoid receiving letters and fines. We did find that there were quite a few homeowners who submitted ARC applications for paint that were approved but have not painted their homes. Violation letters will continue to go out to those who have not painted or are past their extension request date.

We will be sending out violation letters for pressure washing roofs early this year. Please make sure that your roofs are pressure washed to avoid receiving a violation letter.

Please also keep in mind that it is the homeowner’s responsibility to contact Waste Management to schedule bulk pickups for large items. Waste Management can be contacted at 407-843-7370. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or concerns.

GLORIA HERNANDEZ 321-332-1876 ghernandez@aamfl.com

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FITNESS: CLASSES

Current Class Schedules are Posted in the Amenity Centers and on the BellalagoHOA.com Calendar STRENGTH TRAINING POWER HOUR: This total body conditioning

workout strengthens all your major muscle groups by utilizing barbells and weight plates for squats, lunges, presses, lifts and curls as well as targets all areas of the abdominal muscles to tighten, tone and strengthen the core.

TRX: This

class combines the TRX Suspension Trainer and the TRX Rip Trainer in one full body workout combining bodyweight exercises, rotational movements and heart pounding cardio.

BODY ALIVE: This is a fitness series designed

for all fitness levels. The goals of this class are to train the body to move more efficiently, increase core strength, improve flexibility and to develop speed, power and agility.

BOOTCAMP: Incorporates interval training

for a high intensity workout that will challenge and help you build strength, endurance and speed.

MIND/BODY BARRE BASICS: This class is a unique blend

of Yoga, Pilates and ballet all in one. Barre Basics will help improve balance, flexibility while toning to create long lean muscles.

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BELLALAGO BEACON | JANUARY 2015

TAI CHI: This class incorporates breathing,

good posture, and slow movements to improve balance and coordination.

This class incorporates breathing, good posture and movement that blends yoga and Pilates to build strength and flexibility.

YOGALATES:

CARDIO BALLROOM: Partner-free,

dancebased fitness class that brings you easy, fun dance moves from Cha-Cha-Cha, Disco, Jive, Merengue, Paso Doble, Quick Step, Salsa and Samba. This class will help you stay fit, learn to dance and have a great time.

ZUMBA: This dance based fitness class

YOGA BEAT: A fusion of yoga and dance

performed to rhythms of multi-cultural beats, this class is set to challenge strength and balance while creating more flexibility.

incorporates Latin and International music and dance. It offers a balanced blend of cardio and muscle toning benefits.

ZUMBASTEP: This combines the awesome

YOUTH JUJITSU: Children ages 6 and up. This

class is an excellent balance of mental and physical techniques using the discipline of the martial arts.

CARDIOVASCULAR A cardiovascular workout consisting punches and kicks with athletic drills designed to improve strength, aerobic fitness, speed, flexibility, coordination and balance!

CARDIO

KICKBOXING:

STREET BEATS: Unique and different from

every other workout you've tried before!

This class combines the energizing beat of the drum and the music of the streets that will get your feet stomping and your body moving!

toning and strengthening power of Step Aerobics, with the fun fitness-party that only Zumba® brings to the dance-floor.

Zumba® Step increases cardio and calorie burning, while adding moves that define and sculpt your core and legs.

AQUA AQUA FITNESS: An excellent, low impact

cardio and strength workout for people of all fitness levels. This class utilizes water weights, aqua gloves and pool noodles to achieve a unique total body workout.

Swimming is not required.

AQUA ZUMBA®: Brings the fun from the

studio to the pool. It’s the perfect blend of cardio conditioning and strength using water resistance.

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