Harmony Life Magazine - November 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

MEET THE

STRAUCH FAMILY T H E P U B L I C AT I O N F O R T H E R E S I D E N T S O F H A R M O N Y A PUBLICATION OF QUANTUM MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS, LLC Photo: Abbey Evans Photography

SCREENED LANAI

FOR SALE

WATER VIEW

FOR SALE

CDD DEBT PAID OFF

FOR SALE

TWO OWNER’S SUITES

FOR SALE

NEW ROOF

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by Jeanine Corcoran

3575 Sagebrush St 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath 2082 sq ft

by Jeanine Corcoran

6929 Cupseed Lane 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath 2161 sq ft

by Kristin Van der Snel

7007 Cupseed Lane 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath 2340 sq ft

by Jeanine Corcoran

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by Jeanine Corcoran

7004 Beargrass Rd 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath 2340 sq ft

by Jeanine Corcoran

POND VIEW

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2875 Harmonia Hammock Rd 4 Bed | 2 Bath 1830 sq ft

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by Jeanine Corcoran

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Serving all of your Real Estate Needs

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

NOVEMBER 2023

A publication of Quantum Marketing Communications, LLC www.QMCWorld.com

ANNOUNCEMENT AND OPPORTUNITY

PUBLISHER & CEO

Help for local families this Christmas!

Bill Bokunic 321.331.6398 Bill@QMCWorld.com

Do you know a local family that was touched by tragedy in 2023 or simply needs support?

Here is your chance to help us help them!

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Corcoran Connect, Harmony Life Magazine and Harmony Community Church are raising money to provide “help” and “love” for a local family that is struggling or has had a tough 2023.

Please advocate for a family in need by providing a short email or message to Bill@QMCWorld.com Please email no later than December 15th.

Renée Blair Blair Creative Group, Inc.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Kirsch

CONTRIBUTORS Jeanine Corcoran Corcoran Connect Kerul Kassel PHD

Hamony CDD Board Member

EVENT

Monday, December 18th, at 6pm at the St. Cloud VFW

We are having an evening of music and fun with local musical legend Kenyon Lockry.

There will be silent auction items and other opportunities to help us raise additional support will all proceeds going to the needy family or families.

Message Bill@QMCWorld.com for more information.

Bill Bokunic Publisher Bill@QMCWorld.com

Teresa Kramer

Chair, Hamony CDD The opinions expressed in the Harmony Life Magazine articles are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions of Quantum Marketing Communications, Harmony Life Magazine or the Publisher.

Harmony Life Magazine, Quantum Marketing Communications, LLC and the Publisher can, in no way whatsoever, be held responsible for the content of such views, nor can it be held liable for any direct or indirect damage that may arise from such views.

All rights reserved. No part of any Quantum Marketing Communications, LLC published work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

Harmony Life Magazine Harmony Residents Forum, NO DRAMA

CONTACT INFO FOR RESIDENTS CDD

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

SPECTRUM CABLE / INTERNET

877-892-3279

CENTURY LINK CABLE / INTERNET

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OUC ELECTRIC

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HROA

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CONDOS HOA

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TOWNHOMES HOA

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OSCEOLA COUNTY

COUNTY COMMISSIONER RICKY BOOTH

Osceola.org “Citizen Action Center” ricky.booth@osceola.org

SHERIFF, NON-EMERGENCY

COVER STORY

MEET THE What is…

Your name? Kim. Your spouse’s name? Drew.

Your children’s names? Sebastian and Sadie.

When did you move to Harmony? 2006.

What street do you live on? Braken Fern.

What do you love most about Harmony? W We are far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the larger/more developed areas, yet close enough to hop in the car and enjoy the many places Central Florida offers What are your kids’ favorite things about Harmony? The parks, riding bikes, and all of the areas to play with friends.

Where did you move from? Illinois.

What do you miss most? Seeing family regularly, especially as extended family is growing.

What is your background? We are both educators.

2 Harmony Life Magazine l November 2023

What is your favorite weekend activity?

Attending kids sporting events, watching sports, going to Disney, and relaxing when we can.

Is there a neighbor experience you are most proud of? Nothing specific, but in general, it’s great to witness the neighborhood coming together to support one another—from someone needing “that A/C guy's number” to donating to a family when they are in need.

Are there any recommendations for other neighbors? Support the businesses of your local Harmony neighbors—they can become some of your best friends!

What do you do for fun? Going to sporting events and hanging with friends while the kids play.

What is the last movie that you have seen in the theatre? “Super Mario Brothers.” n

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HROA 2023 Annual Meeting The Harmony Residential Owners Association’s Annual Meeting was held on October 11th at First Nature Ranch. The sole purpose of the annual meeting is to vote for new board members. In August a letter was mailed out to all owners stating when the annual meeting will take place and that there were four open board positions. Each mailing came with an application for those interested in running for the board. Only two applications were submitted for the four spots. As per our By Laws that means that those two applicants, Andrea Uvanni and Karen Grissom, automatically become board members and no voting was necessary.

Here are your current HROA board members for the 2023/2024 year and a little about them:

Karen Grissom

Term: 2 years Position: President Years served on Board: 2 years Harmony Resident: 6-1/2 years Hopes to accomplish as a board member this term: “Keep Harmony looking beautiful and protect our property values by upholding our community standards in a reasonable and consistent manner. Maintain a sense of a small-town community.”

Favorite part of Harmony: “Nature – All the ponds, lakes, trees and wildlife.”

Hopes to accomplish as a board member this term: “I hope to keep our costs in check and deliver a common-sense approach to our governing body.”

Favorite part of Harmony: “The sense of community.”

Andrea Uvanni

Term: 1 year Position: Vice President Years served on board: 5 years Harmony Resident: 13 years Hopes to accomplish as a board member this term: “To protect our community property values and to drive a sense of community, with activities and day trips.”

Favorite part of Harmony: “The beauty and friendships we have here.”

Term: 2 years Position: Treasurer Years served on board: 3 weeks Harmony Resident: “We moved to Harmony last June, and truly enjoyed our first year exploring the neighborhood and surrounding areas.”

Hopes to accomplish as a board member this term: “I am hoping to bring another voice to the board, new perspective when necessary, and help continue making Harmony a place I am happy to pass to my son.”

Favorite part of Harmony: “We love that Harmony has given our son the freedom to be a kid and play with friends, go to parks, ride his bike, and have less of the worries of so many other areas. The neighborhood also does a ton of great events. We love going and supporting the efforts every chance we get.”

Kevin Shirley

Jerry Mick

Cheryl Gelinas

Term: 1 year Position: Secretary Years served on board: Two years and counting.

Harmony Resident: 5 years for me, 11 years for my wife 4 Harmony Life Magazine l November 2023

Term: 1 year Position: Director Years served on board: 2 years How long have you lived in Harmony: 5 years Hopes to accomplish as a board member: “I am mostly interested in the HROA as the

vehicle by which we can strive to maintain community standards and responsibilities.”

Favorite part of Harmony: “We are blessed with many fine neighbors and a comfortable community in which to live. I like best the general good nature and friendliness of Harmony residents.”

We would like to thank our outgoing board members for their time and dedication to Harmony: Mark Catanese – 6 years Kerul Kassel – 2 years Cherry Heck – 2 years There are currently two open board positions.

If you are interested in running, please come to the next HROA meeting (date to be announced later) in order to be considered for the open positions.

We would also like to thank Kerul Kassel and First Nature Ranch for allowing us to hold our meetings in their meeting room. n

Contact Information for the HROA: https://myhoasolution.com 407-847-2280 info@myhoasolution.com https://portal.topssoft.com/login

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6 Harmony Life Magazine l November 2023

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A+ RATING November 2023 | Harmony Life Magazine 7

HEALTHCARE

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

Navigating the Maze of Marketplace Plans: A Comprehensive Guide

S

electing a health insurance plan can be a daunting task, especially given the wide range of options available on the marketplace and in the private market. From preferred provider organizations (PPOs) to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and exclusive provider organizations (EPOs), each plan comes with its own set of benefits and limitations.

Marketplace plans, also known as Obamacare plans, are health insurance options provided through the Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These plans are designed to provide individuals and families with affordable and comprehensive health coverage.

Types of Marketplace Plans: 1. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): HMOs require in dividuals to select a primary care physician and obtain referrals for specialized care. This plan offers cost-effective coverage but limits the choice of providers.

2. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs): PPOs offer more flexible coverage, allowing individuals to visit any healthcare pro vider without a referral. However, utilizing out-of-network pro viders may result in higher out-of-pocket costs.

3. Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs): EPOs are a combina tion of HMOs and PPOs. They provide coverage for in-network care only, unless in cases of emergencies or urgent care.

Key Factors to Consider: 1. Premiums: The monthly cost one pays for the insurance plan.

2. Deductibles: The amount individuals must pay out-of-pocket be fore the insurance coverage kicks in.

3. Copayments and Coinsurance: The fixed fees or percentage of costs individuals pay for each doctor's visit, medication, or hospi tal stay.

4. Network Coverage: The list of healthcare providers and facilities covered by the insurance plan.

5. Prescription Drug Coverage: The extent to which medications are covered by the plan.

8 Harmony Life Magazine l November 2023

Enrollment and Subsidies:

Individuals can enroll in marketplace plans during the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1-December 15) or within a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. Subsidies in the form of Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions are available to eligible individuals, helping them afford coverage or reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Selecting the right health insurance plan from the marketplace requires careful consideration. Individuals must assess their healthcare needs, budget constraints, and preferences regarding choice of providers. Remember, the marketplace is here to provide accessible and affordable health insurance options for all. However, Obamacare is not your only option. There are private plans and group plans through employers available as well if you don’t wish to be in the marketplace. n

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November 2023 | Harmony Life Magazine 9

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10 Harmony Life Magazine l November 2023

DID YOU KNOW?

By Beatrice Spencer, Harmony Resident

Waste Management:

Protecting Our Environment Through Recyling

D

ID 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?

Harmony incorporates natural and humanbuilt environments that blend in ways designed to enhance the relationships between humans and animals and maximize the benefits of their peaceful coexistence. While retaining natural areas, Harmony is part of a human-dominated landscape where our actions profoundly affect the welfare of wild animals.

One of the ways we protect our environment is through reducing waste that goes into landfills by recycling. In years past the US recycling rates have been about 34% of total waste and has now dropped to 32% (way behind many other developed-world countries). Recycling reduces toxic pollution from waste facilities. It conserves resources, like trees, water, metals, and fossil fuels. It reduces waste, while saving energy, and mitigating carbon emissions. It has been reported to create 20-100 jobs for every one job created with landfilled waste.

Did you know there are 5 “R”s of waste management? Aside from recycle, there’s reduce and reuse, refuse (don’t buy what you don’t really need), and rot (compost). We’re lucky that we have single stream recycling in Osceola County, where all of our recyclables go into a single container. It’s easy and quick for residents. This stuff is sorted both by hand and by machine once it reaches a MRF (Materials Recovery Facility). That’s why it’s important to exclude from your bin jagged pieces of scrap metal or broken glass (glass is no longer accepted, so please put that in your trash) that can harm workers, or plastic shopping bags that can jam up machinery.

With current commodity and oil prices low, the market for some recycled materials is challenging, yet hopefully this is a temporary

12 Harmony Life Magazine l November 2023

scenario. Another issue is that an increasing amount of recycled truckloads go to the landfill or incinerator because they are considered contaminated. It’s up to us to ensure our recycling actually gets recycled. Coated paper receipts, shredded paper, glass of any kind, diapers, plastic lids and caps, plastic shopping bags, and Styrofoam (polystyrene) containers risk contaminating an entire truckload.

How to take recycling the next level? First, reduce buying new stuff where possible and appropriate, and reuse your existing stuff (contact me for strategies: Kerul@me.com) – it saves $$ as well as reducing waste. There’s the motto from the World War II era: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” as an aspiration, at least for some things. Second, rather than “wish-cycle” anything that looks remotely recyclable, ensure your recyclables comply with county program guidelines (http:// www.osceola.org/agencies-departments/ public-works/solid-waste/curbside-collectionservices/acceptable-recycling-items.stml).

Third, use recycling best practices: clean all

containers and let them dry before putting them in the bin so they don’t contaminate other items like paper. DON’T flatten plastic containers as they can confuse sorting machines, but DO flatten cardboard boxes. Don’t include cardboard that has food residue, plastic liners or components. Become familiar with what NOT to recycle. Fourth, don’t landfill food waste: compost it! It’s easier than you might imagine with just a little attention, and you can use the finished compost in your garden, flower beds, or among your shrubs for healthier plants. You can compost your shredded paper, too (or use it for packaging cushioning)! Fifth, take your electronics waste to appropriate recyclers (see e-stewards.com).

Reycling is one of those green community nobrainers. Let’s set an example here in Harmony, by reducing our total waste and taking action to ensure the recyclables that leave end up actually recycled. Perhaps a contest for the cleanest recyclable bin? What are your contest ideas? n

KNOW YOUR HOME VALUE Get a professional home valuation from Harmony’s Resident Expert Jeanine Corcoran.

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Jeanine Corcoran, Broker | Owner Office: 1-844.Corcoran | Cell: 407.922.3308 Jeanine@CorcoranConnect.com

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Offer may not be redeemed for cash or credit and is nontransferable. Offer cannot be retroactively applied to any loans. Offer may not be used with any other discounts, promotions or interest-only/buy-down and second lien products. This offer is subject to changes or cancellation at any time at the sole discretion of CMG Home Loans. Additional restrictions/conditions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend and is contingent on qualification per full underwriting guidelines. Program will be available on loans disclosed on or after 11/1/22. Program is applicable for refinances 6 months after closing up to 5 years from original note date and with a net tangible benefit which includes a rate reduction of 0.5%, going from an ARM to fixed rate, reducing loan term, movement to a more stable product, or a lower principal and interest payment. By refinancing the existing loan, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.

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This lock cannot be transferred to another property address. While List & Lock™ can help buyers significantly, it is not a guarantee to lend. If a buyer is interested in purchasing the listed home at the advertised rate, they must still qualify for the loan. The benefit is that they won’t have to qualify for the loan based on the higher market rates; instead, they will be qualifying on the List & Lock™ rate. They will have several loan options to choose from through List & Lock™ -- Conventional, FHA, VA, and select adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). The same type of credit and discount can be applied to other loan programs, JN#1231785876 but rate adjustments could occur. If you’re concerned your closing could extend beyond the 60-day period, contact your loan officer to discuss extension possibilities.

November 2023 | Harmony Life Magazine 13

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November 2023 | Harmony Life Magazine 15

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