Harmony Life Magazine - March 2024

Photo: Cherry Heck

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the March 2024 edition of Harmony Life Magazine

Running the Harmony Residents Facebook forum has become a game of whack a mole with people and companies trying to sneak in and promote/advertise their offerings. While we try to screen prior to entrance, they use false addresses and crafty ways to gain access to our forum. Additionally, they will stick signs around Harmony and as soon as the signs are removed by the CDD, they reappear.

Meanwhile, many local companies support the community by advertising in the Harmony Life Magazine. Generally, these are services or businesses that we have personally vetted and are held to a higher standard because we have a level of leverage over them. Should they have continued and unresolved issues with our residents, we will remove them from the magazine and minimize their activity in the Facebook forum. Fortunately, we’ve only had to do this a few times in the 10 years of producing the magazine and running the forum, but it’s a layer of support that we don’t often discuss.

Please support our advertisers, they help us bring this monthly publication to the community. A warm welcome to our latest advertisers, K & R Plumbing and Budget Blinds!

Did you know that my wife, Jeanine Corcoran, puts out a weekly video and email for all the Harmony events? Send me your email address and I will add you to the list. You can always opt out at any time: Bill@QMCWorld.com

Harmony Life Magazine is produced by residents for residents. Please feel free to message me directly with content and pictures: Bill@QMCWorld.com

Remember to join the Facebook Harmony Residents Forum AND THE NEW, ADDITIONAL, HARMONY RESIDENTS FORUM, NO DRAMA.

See you in April!

Bill Bokunic Publisher Bill@QMCWorld.com

CDD

407-566-1935 Dan, Jo, Lucas, Kerul, or Mark @HarmonyCDD.org

SHERIFF, NON-EMERGENCY 407-348-2222

HROA Association Solutions, 811 Mabette St., Kissimmee 407-847-2280, www.MyHOASolution.com

CONDOS HOA Sentr y Management, 407-846-6323

TOWNHOMES HOA Association Solutions, 811 Mabette St., Kissimmee 407-847-2280, www.MyHOASolution.com

SPECTRUM CABLE / INTERNET 877-892-3279

CENTURY LINK CABLE / INTERNET 866-314-4148

OUC ELECTRIC 407-957-7373

ADVANCED DISPOSAL – OSCEOLA 407-605-3892

3501 Pug Mill Rd.

Kissimmee, FL 34741

OsceolaFL@advanceddisposal.com

OSCEOLA COUNTY

COUNTY COMMISSIONER

RICKY BOOTH

Osceola.org

“Citizen Action Center”

ricky.booth@osceola.org

Harmony Life Magazine

Harmony Residents Forum, NO DRAMA

HROA Architectural Review Board and Approval Process

While we encourage you to make your home your own, there are several things you can do to your home and yard that need architectural approval before starting these projects. As part of our contract with Association Solutions they have an Architectural Review Board that reviews the applications and approves or denies them. Below we will explain the process and which items need approval.

The first step is to get an application from AS (Association Solutions). You can do that by calling the office or going to their website at myhoasolution.com. On the website, there is a tab that says Architectural Changes, click here and it will bring you to a form called Pre-Architectural Change form. Fill out that form and they will respond within 72 hours with the application and a list of documents you need to provide along with the application.

What is needed to go along with the application? You will need a copy of your survey with a drawing of where the change will be. You will also need a picture of the vendor specifications, such as shape, height, materials, and color, etc. It is helpful to include a picture of the house or area that will be changed, and if you are hiring a contractor, you can also include the Scope of Work paperwork from your contractor. If painting your house, the application will ask for the paint scheme number and the colors. This process should take about 10-20 minutes.

Once the application is signed, dated, and sent back to AS, you will receive a response saying they have received it and will review it. You will hear back with the decision within 30 days. All approvals are subject to any conditions noted in the approval letter.

Changes that need approval include, but are not limited to the following:

• Awnings

• Driveway Changes

• Exterior Renovations

• Exterior Paint (even if repainting the same colors)

• Flag poles

• Fences

• Flower Bed Changes

• Fountains/Sculptures

• Garage Can Fences

• Glass Block

• Gutters

• Home Additions

• Hurricane Shutters

• L anai Screen/Pool Cages

• Lanais/Sunrooms/Gazebos

• L andscape Edging

• L andscape Rock

• Mailboxes

• Major Landscaping Changes

• New Exterior Doors

• Outdoor Lighting/Landscaping Lighting/Security Cameras

• Pavers

• Pools/Spas/Hot Tubs/Porches/ Decks/Patios

• Propane Generators

• Permanent Lawn Furnishings

• Play Structures

• Ponds/Waterfalls

• R ain Barrels/Rain Chains

• Roofing

• Sheds

• Satellite Dishes/Antennas/Solar

• Trampolines

• Windows

For more details, please read the Community Standards and the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, located on your Homeowners Portal.

If you will be using a POD for moving, you do not need permission, but please notify AS with the dates the POD will be arriving and picked up.

Satellite Dishes/Antennas/Solar are items that are allowed by law. But still need ARB approval for the location on the house.

Please do not commence work on your project until after you have received approval from the ARB.

You are allowed to appeal the ARBs decision. The appeal will then go to the board members for a vote.

Approved projects must be completed within 90 days or the application must be resubmitted. House painting must be done within 45 days.

Once the project is completed, please send a photo of the completed project to AS and this will finalize the approval process. The HOA has the right to inspect that the project was done as submitted.

Please remember that if you need a county permit, wait until you receive ARB approval before submitting to the county.

EVENTS:

EASTER FUN: March 24th, 4-6pm, Town Square

HROA Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 24th, 6pm, First Nature Ranch

Contact Information for the HROA: https://myhoasolution.com

407-847-2280 • info@myhoasolution.com

https://portal.topssoft.com/login

NOTES FROM THE CHAIR

By Mark LeMenager Chairman, Harmony Community Development District

Introducing The New Chairman

As you may have heard, Harmony’s CDD has a new leader, me. I can assure you that no one was more surprised than me in December, when not only did the Board of Supervisors chose me to fill the empty seat created by a resignation, but then also asked me to be the Chairman.

For those who don’t know me a very brief introduction. My wife Pam and I moved here in 2008. We live on Schoolhouse Road in a house we designed. We had very successful corporate careers with Aon Corporation and then I finished up with 10 years as a Realtor. I was on the CCD Board from 2008 to 2016. We are now fully retired and enjoying life in Harmony.

CONTACT

First, I encourage everyone to get familiar with our website, HarmonyCDD.org. There is a ton of very useful information there. If there is something you want to know about Harmony, there’s a good chance that it’s there. If you have a specific question or concern send me an email to Mark@HarmonyCDD.org and I’ll see what I can do to help or point you in the right direction. I’ve already fielded quite a few.

WHAT IS A CDD?

Newcomers, especially from out-of-state, are always asking this question. Here’s my take on it. The CDD is basically the Department of Parks and Recreation with a few additional duties

Harmony CDD - Project Board

Community Maintenance Building Lakefront (Buck Lake)

Garden Shed purchase and installation

Dog Park Potholes, ants, signs and waste bags

upcoming weeks. More details will be added once Field Supervisor Jorge orders the stones.

1/26 - The Board has granted authorization for DE David Hamstra to start the process with the County, while more information is gathered about the possibility of purchasing the Golf Maintenance Facility.

No

No

1/26 - Supervisor Kerul will request an updated price for a 12x10, or 12x12 shed to the company she has researched, named Cookstuff. No

2/2 - Inframark; The signs where received and Field Supervisor Jorge will be installing next week. No

Lakefront Park Parking Lot 1/26 - Not discussed during the last meeting. This project would need to be evaluated upon approval of the community maintenance building. No

Painting of trash cans and benches around the community.

2/1 - Inframark; this project is expected to start at the end of this month. No

Splash Pad 1/26 - Proposal approved by Chairman Mark, to proceed with suggested repairs. No

Boulders in the Alleys to protect the curbs from the damage of the waste management trucks.

2/1 - District Counsel will be drafting a letter to be signed by the Chairman, for the Waste Management company to request them to cover repair costs associated with the damages their trucks caused to the alleys.

such as maintaining our alleys and stormwater drains. Unlike the Parks and Rec you may be used to, we don’t organize any activities. We leave that to the HOA and private organizers. The CDD owns and maintains all the public property here in Harmony with one major exception — the streets, which are owned and maintained by Osceola County.

WHAT’S THE CDD UP TO?

I asked my wife what she’d like to see in this article and she suggested writing about the projects we have going. Inframark, our management company, actually produces a regular project list of what they are working on. Here’s a recent one:

Harmony CDD - Project Board

The debris pile located by the Golf

Buck

2/1 - The Inframark field team will be verifying this area next week and provide us with the status. No

-

- The

1/24

No Traffic Study Request 1/31 - District Manager Yari received a response from the office of Commissioner Ricky Booth. Email forwarded to Board of Supervisors on 02/01/24 with details.

Pool

Pool Repairs 1/31 - The repairs approved were completed by HQA

netting 2/1

Dr., and Cat Briar Ln.

No

No

Storm

Lake Control Structure #3

By Kim Kirsch Insurance Broker / District Manager, Healthcare Solutions Team

How to Find the Most Affordable Health Insurance

In a world where healthcare costs continue to rise, finding the most affordable health insurance is a crucial task for individuals and families alike. Navigating the complex landscape of health insurance options can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can secure coverage that meets your needs without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore key factors to consider and practical steps to help you find the most affordable health insurance for your unique situation.

1. Understand Your Health Needs

The first step in finding affordable health insurance is to assess your individual or family health needs. Take a close look at your medical history, current health status, and any ongoing medical conditions. Consider factors such as prescription medications, frequency of doctor visits, and the need for specialized care. By understanding your health needs, you can select a health insurance plan that provides adequate coverage without unnecessary expenses.

2. Compare Different Plans

Health insurance plans can vary widely in terms of coverage, cost, and network. Take the time to compare different plans offered by various insurance providers. You want to look at the details of each plan, including premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. It’s also important to evaluate the network of healthcare providers associated with each plan to ensure that your preferred doctors and hospitals are included. Online comparison tools and resources provided by health insurance brokerages can be invaluable in streamlining this process.

3. Consider HSAs and FSAs

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be powerful

tools for managing healthcare costs. HSAs are available with high-deductible health plans and allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars to cover qualified medical expenses. FSAs are employer-sponsored accounts that also allow you to set aside pre-tax funds for medical expenses. Both options can help you save money on out-of-pocket costs, making them attractive choices for those seeking affordable health insurance.

4. Evaluate Premiums vs. Deductibles

Finding the right balance between premiums and deductibles is essential in selecting affordable health insurance. While a low premium may seem appealing, it often comes with higher out-of-pocket costs in the form of deductibles and copayments. Conversely, a higher premium might result in lower out-of-pocket expenses. Consider your budget, health needs, and risk tolerance to strike a balance that aligns with your financial goals.

5.

Utilize the Services of an Independent Broker

Navigating the complexities of the health insurance market can be overwhelming. That’s why one of the best ways to find the most affordable health insurance is by working with an independent health insurance brokerage, like American Health & Life Group. As independent brokers, we don’t work for any specific health insurance company… we work for you! And our services are always free. Contact us today to speak with a member of our team and get a free assessment. 407-870-3462 or kkirsch@myhst.com n

DID YOU KNOW?

By Kerul Kassel

HARMONY'S TRAILS

DID YOU KNOW that Harmony was designed to promote the peaceful coexistence of human and animal residents within the community while striking a balance between the preservation, use and enjoyment of Harmony's natural areas? Underlying these objectives are the values of fostering a respect for the land, the protection of wildlife and the sensible use and enjoyment of Harmony's abundant natural and manmade amenities by its residents. And did you know that we have miles of trails here in Harmony that are accessible to all of our residents? Our neighborhoods were designed so that all houses were only about a two minute walk to a trail or natural area.

At the eastern end of our community is Billy’s Trail. The trailhead for this trail is right off Five Oaks Drive, just past The Lakes Recreation Center, on the left if you are heading away from the town center. The trailhead has a trail sign and an informational kiosk, and there is a

driveway curb cut there (but no motorized vehicles — or pets — are allowed on the trails). The first section of the trail is on CDD property, adjacent to the backyard side of some of The Enclaves residences on one side and the golf course and tree-line on the other. Follow that trail to the the wooded end and you’ll enter onto a developer-owned portion of the trail that will lead you through picturesque swampy areas. There’s a side trail on the left called Lookout Loop, which overlooks Buck Lake. The trail ends at the start of some pastures that will eventually be developed into housing.

Travel a bit farther down Five Oaks Drive and you’ll reach the short trail to Cat Lake, on the right, also privately owned. Access is unlocked during the weekdays. It’s a very pretty trail that leads out to Cat Lake, and there is a short sub-trail off to the right near the lake which winds through the woodland. Please note: our access is currently provisional, provided nobody leaves any trash, brings motorized vehicles or pets, or does any vandalism; if the owner finds that anyone has violated these requirements, access will be revoked.

Among the easiest and most accessible parks is the Long Park trail, which is a sidewalk trail that starts in North Lake and winds all the way down Five Oaks to Cat Briar, then turns down Cat Briar to end at Lakeshore Park, at the entrance to Buck Lake. Most of this trail is adjacent to the golf course, and there are a lot of different views on both sides, as it travels through a variety of neighborhoods. It’s level and very easily walkable, and it connects to the Lakeshore Park sidewalk trail, which winds through the Lakeshore Park recreational area (volleyball, playground, soccer field) and then all the way around Long Pond, with it’s beautiful reflections of sunrise and sunset. This is also a very accessible sidewalk trail.

Stay tuned next month for more trail information, and maybe in the meantime get yourselves out to explore and enjoy some of our beautiful natural areas along these trails. n

KNOW YOUR HOME VALUE

Get a professional home valuation from Harmony’s Resident Expert Jeanine Corcoran. Not computer generated, but a real-world evaluation!

Scan the QR code and get started. No cost or obligation!

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL H LICENSED & INSURED

PROVIDING QUALITY PAINTING IN HARMONY FOR OVER 18 YEARS!

407-908-5525

We carry WORKERS COMPENSATION as well as Liability Insurance to protect our customers from being sued should there be an accident. DON’T take a risk losing your home — Your Homeowner’s Insurance does not cover painters or any contractors working on your property!!

Minutes from Home. A Lifetime of Healing.

You’re not just our patient. You’re our neighbor. For more than 50 years, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital has been honored to provide exceptional care for the Osceola County community we proudly call home. And because it’s your home, too, you deserve trusted healthcare within reach, so we can foster a partnership focused on health and wellness — together. Giving you more reasons to choose well.

OrlandoHealth.com/StCloud