Windermere January 2021

January

The

Windermere Leaflet

2021 Inside this Issue Become a 2021 3 Sponsor Christmas Tree 9 Recycling Windermere Waves 17 and more!

We’ll Be There For You Wishing you all the best in 2021!

Proud resident, neighbor and sponsor since 2003.

Over 200 Windermere homes sold to happy families.

Your neighborhood experts.

OUR RECENT ACTIVITY

6262 Creekstone Path Under Contracat Before Listed

5615 Lancashire Lane Under Contract Before Listed

5415 Landsdowne Under Contract in 22 Days

3815 Sweeting Street Under Contract in > 1 week

7465 Bronson Way Under Contract in > 2 weeks

7023 Bennington Lane Under Contract Before Listed

2071 Windermere Crossing Under Contract in 1 Day

2515 Goodrick Lane Under Contract in 9 Days

5735 Kendrick Lane Under Contract | Multiple Offers

1623 Hutton Place Sold in 9 Days

1804 Fenton Manor Under Contract in 1 Day

Stephanie Cole Patterson & Meriellen Cole Arenz M 770.316.3110 | O 404.668.6621 ColeTeamRealEstate.com

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

5222 Davis Love Dive Under Contract in 2 Days

COMMUNITY NEWS

Contacts BOARD OF DIRECTORS Craig Holmes | President | cholmes@ups.com Jon Lyman | VP | jonathan.lyman@yahoo.com George Aubrey | Treasurer | gfaubrey@gmail.com Amy Morrison | Secretary | adm1axt@yahoo.com Richard Clark | Member | juniordrums@hotmail.com Rebecca Paterson | Member | Rebeccapaterson2@hotmail.com Richard Tidwell | Member | r_tidwell@comcast.net COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Michèl Krahn | Tennis | windermeretenniscmt@gmail.com Rebecca Paterson | ARC | Rebeccapaterson2@hotmail.com Maria Carney | Social | mariadcarney@gmail.com Betty Aubrey | Pool | betty.aubrey@gmail.com George Aubrey | Finance | gfaubrey@gmail.com

Become a 2021 Sponsor Today!

Are you interested in advertising your business within your community?

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR NEW PROGRAM!

The earlier you sign up, the better the deal!

For more details, please contact Jennifer Goodin at jennosman@aol.com or 678-480-4121.

A special thank you to our 2020 Event Sponsors!

Our sponsors help make our great events possible!

Please support these businesses when you can!

OFFICE INFORMATION Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5 pm Address: 4444 Front Nine Drive, Cumming GA 30041 Stacy Maguire | Activities Office 678-455-7708 ext. 2 | windermereactivities@comcast.net Josh Laskowski | Association Manager 678-455-7708 ext. 3 | windermeremanager@comcast.net After-Hours Emergency | 678-624-9453 ext. 2 TENNIS OFFICE Bobby Schindler | Tennis Director 770-598-8378 | schindlerb@comcast.net BOARDING

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS FORSYTH CO. POLICE NON-EMERGENCY 770-781-3087 (24 hr)

STREET LIGHT OUTAGE Sawnee EMC | www.sawnee.com/report-streetlight

STREET MAINTENANCE To report a problem with street, curb or sidewalk, contact Jessica Harkins: jmharkins@forsythco.com

MAILBOX REPLACE/REPAIR Mailbox Project | 770-535-0036 www.mymailboxproject.com

•

D AY C A R E

•

GROOMIN

$35 OFF Your First Service

FO R N E W C U S TO M E R

FORSYTH CO. WATER DEPT. 770-781-2160

BOARD REMINDERS AMENITY CARD REPLACEMENT Windermere Amenity Cards are available to residents in good standing. Please stop by the clubhouse during office hours.

Replacement cards are $25 each. Check or money order ONLY. No cash or credit cards accepted.

LOST PET/ANIMAL DISTURBANCES Please contact Forsyth County Animal Control at 770-781-2138 to report your lost pet or if you see animals roaming free and not on a leash, especially if you deem that animal to be aggressive in any way. www.windermerecommunity.net www.facebook.com/windermerehoa

Windermere Leaflet

PETSUITES CUMMING

4405 Front Nine Drive | Cumming, Georgia 300

CALL/TEXT (470)239.2001 | FOLLOW US Cumming.PetSuitesOfAmerica.com

Offer valid towards boarding, daycare or grooming services at PetSuite Cumming. Offer valid for new customers only. Cannot be combined w any other offers. Cannot be used on retail items. Promotional value m be used at one time. No cash value. Offer expires December 31, 202

The Windermere Leaflet is a publication of The Times. Subject matter published is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher of this newsletter. Professional advice should be obtained before making any decision in which a professional is readily available. Advertisers assume responsibility for the content of the ads placed in publication. Material published may not be reproduced without the written permission of The Times.

The information and advertisements contained in this Newsletter are provided for the members of the Windermere Homeowners Association as a courtesy only. No representations are made as to information presented, the quality of the goods or services advertised, or the veracity of the statements relating to the goods and services. The printing of opinions, information or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the Neighborhood or such opinions, information, goods or services. Magazine design by Chelsea Sunshine.

www.WindermereCommunity.net

January 2021

3

COMMUNITY NEWS

A FRIENDLY REMINDER THIS INCLUDES POLITICAL FLAGS

We offer online ordering, curbside pickup and delivery powered by DoorDash and UberEATS. REVISED HOURS OF OPERATION: M - Th 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM F - Sa 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM | Su 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM We're all in this together and we appreciate your support of Alessio's!

We would like to remind everyone what the Windermere ARC Guidelines say regarding Political Signage.

Political Signs: Up to three (3) professionally prepared political signs, not to exceed thirty-six (36) inches by thirty-six (36) inches in size, may be displayed from within a Unit or posted on a Unit. (i) No hand- lettered, stenciled, or painted signs are permitted. (ii) No signs may be posted at the entrance to the community or to any neighborhood or on any common property of the Association. (iii) Signs may be posted or displayed no more than three (3) weeks prior to the election for which they are intended, and all signs must be removed within three (3) days after the date of the election, unless a run-off election is to be held and it will occur within three (3) weeks.

ALL POLITICAL SIGNS MUST BE REMOVED BY JANUARY 8TH.

Thinking About Selling Your Home?

Do you need a

Click here to like our facebook page!

closing letter?

WindermereHOA

What should the For Sale sign look like? How much are the fees?

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS. Amenity Cards: the amenity access cards should be given to the buyer at closing from seller. If not, the buyer or seller may purchase them from the association for $25 per card (maximum of 2 cards).

4

January 2021

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Windermere Leaflet

It would! We can help you make it happen.

With Sherry & Co.’s innovative marketing and Compass Concierge, an exclusive program offered by our brokerage, we’ll get your home sold in fewer days and for more money. Concierge is designed to increase your property’s market value by covering upfront the cost of home improvements like staging, painting, and so much more. You simply pay it back at closing. No hidden fess. No interest charged – ever!

compass.com

Ready to get started? Give us a call today.

To anyone looking for a new dentist, Dr. Edwards and his staff are outstanding!! Everyone is so warm and friendly. Good job guys!!

–Nancy Chirchirillo

Top 10 Team in North Atlanta 678.744.8206 | 404.668.6621 info@sherryandcorealestate.com sherryandcorealestate.com

3860 Windermere Parkway, Suite 201 Cumming, GA 30041

678.455.3734

WindermereDentalCare.com info@WindermereDentalCare.com

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

Think your house would sell faster if your kitchen looked like this?

COMMUNITY NEWS

A Message from the Association Manager MAILBOXES

FREQUENT VIOLATION REMINDERS We understand that no one wants to receive those pesky violation letters! The most frequent violations that can be easily avoided are: GARAGE & YARD SALES

Please make sure that mailboxes are not faded and that mailboxes numbers are easily visible.

TRASH CANS

Individual or neighborhood garage sales, moving sales, rummage sales, yard sales or similar activities within Windermere are prohibited.

Community-wide events have traditionally been scheduled twice per year.

They must be stored out of view from the street. They cannot be stored on the side of the house or by the garage.

Rule Update: Trash and recycling containers should be placed at the curb for no more than 48 hours. Generally, this is 24 hours prior to pickup and 24 hours after pickup.

CLICK HERE TO REPORT A VIOLATION LAWNS

Please make sure your yards and beds are properly treated for weeds and that pine straw or mulch is kept looking tidy and fresh. This includes the sides and back of your homes as well...Your yard is one of the first things that is noticed about your home.

Reminder on Holiday Decorations Holiday decorations are both permitted and encouraged and will not require approval by the ARC. However, Holiday such decorations may be installed no sooner than Decorations forty-five (45) days prior to the holiday and must be should be removed within ten (10) days after the holidays for removed by which they are intended. With respect to Christmas January 11th lighting displays, they should not be illuminated until the day after Thanksgiving. ARC reserves the right to require the removal of decorations which do not comply with these guidelines or which, in the judgment of the ARC, pose a potential public safety risk 6

January 2021

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Windermere Leaflet

COMMUNITY NEWS

ARC REQUESTS

Does your home need some work?

Are you thinking about renovating? ...Not sure if your project needs approval?

Most projects that are performed to a home or lot require prior approval from the Association.

Contact us at Windermereactivities@comcast.net • As a reminder, the ARC Request process is outlined below.

FOR A COMPLETE COPY OF THE ARC GUIDELINES PLEASE CLICK HERE. Section 1.01 Modifications Requiring Approval Every structure or thing which is placed, erected, or installed upon any Unit and all improvements or other work (including staking, clearing, excavation, grading, and other site work, exterior alterations of existing improvements, or planting or removal of landscaping) which takes place within Windermere, must be in compliance with the Declaration and the Architectural Guidelines. New construction or any change or modification that is visible from the outside of a residence is subject to these guidelines and the authority and approval of the ARC. Section 1.02 Submittals (a) Process A three-step process as follows: (i)Complete online Application for Modification form (ii) Gather required supporting documentation (iii) Submit Application and supporting documentation to the Property Manager – PLEASE NOTE THE DATE RECEIVED BY THE PROPERTY MANAGER MAY DIFFER FROM THE DATE PRINTED ON THE ONLINE APPLICATION FOR MODIFICATION FORM

(b) Fee for the process There are no fees for the standard review process for ARC Applications. However, per the Financial Policies and Procedures Applications to the Architectural Review Committee for changes, alterations, additions, or deletions to property by delinquent homeowners will not be considered until all obligations for that individual property are resolved.

Certain projects such as but not limited to, an addition to a residence, new construction and pool/courtyard

Windermere Leaflet

additions may require review from a licensed architect.

These types of projects shall be subject to additional review fees as determined by the Board or their designee. The property owner will receive notification of additional fees once an application has been submitted and all fees must be paid prior to starting the review process. Fees are payable via check or money order.

If you wish to expedite the standard review process for your ARC Application which would not require review by a licensed architect rush fees will be charged as follows: Approval in 2-4 Days once a complete form is submitted - $100 fee payable at the time of submission.

Approval in 5-7 Days once a completed from is submitted - $50 fee payable at the time of submission.

At the discretion of the Association Manager, certain projects may not be permitted to be rushed.

Applications may be submitted at any time, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Please plan ahead for all projects, including holiday and birthday gifts. Failure to receive prior approval for any and all projects is subject to sanctions for violation including unapproved modification fines starting at $200. Please contact us at windermereactivities@ comcast.net if you do not receive a decision letter.

Ensure all required documentation including but not limited to: (paint samples, roof shingles, plat/survey site, materials lists, renderings, etc.) are included with your application. Failure to provide the required documentation may result in the application not being accepted or delays in the processing time.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS AN APPLICATION FOR MODIFICATION

www.WindermereCommunity.net

January 2021

7

The Lodge at Windermere

LODGE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm | Closed Saturday and Sunday Gym Closed every Wednesday from 9am-11am for Deep Cleaning

LODGE RENTALS

Book your party today at the Lodge! Completed agreements and full payment is required at time of booking. No dates can be penciled in.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOUR ACCESS CARD IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO LODGE. We will be onsite Monday-Friday to assist you.

Should you have any questions or concerns please let us know.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY

The primary purpose of the Amenities within Windermere are to promote fellowship among property owners. The use of the facility is generally intended to be limited to owners, their families and their personal guests. The Lodge is generally available for rental for private events by Windermere owners Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) and Weekends (Friday-Sunday). For complete details regarding rental time slots and fees please see the Rental Contract on our website www.windermerecommunity.net

Visit our website www.windermerecommunity.net

SS ACCE ARE S CARD IRED REQU TRY N FOR E DGE TO LO

Reservations are taken on a first come, first serve basis. The reservation occurs upon the receipt of all fees and a signed contract agreement. Verbal holds will not be accepted under any circumstances.

8

January 2021

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Windermere Leaflet

Neighborhood Reminders Sanitation Solutions will be offering a complimentary Christmas Tree pick up in Windermere on Friday January 15. After that date, there is a $20 charge. The tree needs to be curbside by 6 a.m. on that day.

You do not need to call to schedule, as they will send a truck on all streets.

Eye Care For You

Dr. Bharti Bathija-Lala, O.D.

Quality eye care and personal attention are our focus at Eye Care For You. We offer PREVENTATIVE and ROUTINE EYE EXAMS, and a COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF EYE CARE SERVICES for your whole family.

• Treatment of Eye-Related Problems & Disorders • Contact Lens Evaluation, Consultation and Fitting • Eye Glasses & More!

NEW PATIENT DISCOUNT

20% OFF

Prescription Glasses (Exclusions Apply)

Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:30pm • Saturday 9:00am–3:00pm Office is closed one Saturday per month.

We participate with VSP, Aetna, Bluecross (BCBS), Cigna, Coventry, Avesis, Superior Vision, VBA, EyeMed, Optum (Spectera), Medicare/Medicaid. Check with our staff if you have other types of coverage.

770-887-1404 www.eyecareforyougeorgia.com 3830 Windermere Parkway, Suite 301, Cumming, GA 30041 (Located in Windermere Professional Park)

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH US This year, togetherness matters in a way like never before.

Give your family the gift that keeps on giving all year long – membership at Windermere Golf Club and Olde Atlanta Golf Club. Here, you’ll enjoy camaraderie among our rich community of Members, with extraordinary amenities and experiences you can only have here. Join the fun, meet new friends and start enjoying your life to the fullest.

Become a new Member and enjoy your new home away from home for the holidays.

Matt Nalley, Membership Director 470.266.8876 | matt.nalley@clubcorp.com James Malone, Membership Manager 470.302.0783 | james.malone@clubcorp.com

windermeregc.com | oldeatlantagc.com © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 49244 1120 SWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

We hope our Windermere families enjoyed the annual Winter Wonderland event at the Clubhouse! Residents enjoyed playing in the snow, visiting with Santa & Rudolph, train rides, the holiday bubble lady, complimentary pizza, cookies & hot chocolate and much more!

A special thank you to our participating sponsors!

McGinnis Woods Country Day School • Xfinity Gymnastics World of Georgia • Sherry and Co Real Estate Team Atlanta Piano Fortissimo • Sharon Springs Dental

10

January 2021

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Windermere Leaflet

UPCOMING EVENTS

Windermere Leaflet

www.WindermereCommunity.net

January 2021

11

BOARDING

•

D AY C A R E

•

GROOMING

$35 OFF Your First Service

FO R N E W C U S TO M E R S

We are an established private Dental practice just 5 min away. Dr. Yelisetty focuses on general health of her patients with emphasis on cosmetic and functional dentistry. We are kids friendly.

“Very happy with Sharon Springs Dental as a first-time patient! The staff and Dr. Y were great. I was very pleased with the thorough assessment and time dedicated in developing a routine treatment plan going forward.”

First-time patient - by Christopher T.

PETSUITES CUMMING

4405 Front Nine Drive | Cumming, Georgia 30041

CALL/TEXT (470)239.2001 | FOLLOW US Cumming.PetSuitesOfAmerica.com Offer valid towards boarding, daycare or grooming services at PetSuites Cumming. Offer valid for new customers only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be used on retail items. Promotional value must be used at one time. No cash value. Offer expires December 31, 2020.

office@sharonspringsdental.com 470-253-1747

Hey Windermere,

Give your home the best in TV, Internet, Voice, Home Security, and Mobile – all from one provider.

Xfinity X1 Find what you want faster with the X1 Voice Remote, get personalized recommendations, check live sports, and more.

Xfinity Internet Xfinity delivers the fastest Internet and the most WiFi coverage throughout your home.

Xfinity Voice Talk as much as you want to nearly half the world with unlimited nationwide talk and text.

Xfinity Home Look after your home, family, and pets from anywhere. Plus, enjoy 24/7 security with professional monitoring.

Xfinity Mobile Add up to five lines of unlimited nationwide talk and text — included with your Internet. All you pay for is data.

Call 1-800-xfinity or visit xfinity.com for more details.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Features and programming vary depending on area and level of service. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Not all programming available in all areas. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. WiFi claim based on Xfinity's fastest available download speed, router coverage and speed on 5 GHz band. Voice: Service (including 911/emergency services) may not function after an extended power outage. Unlimited Talk and Text requires download of the Xfinity Connect app. Home: Minimum term agreement required for Xfinity Home Secure service. Early termination fee applies. Requires compatible high-speed Internet service. Visit xfinity.com/XfinityHomeSupport for more details. Mobile: Xfinity Mobile Device Payment Plan Agreement (“Device Agreement”) required. Applicable taxes for the full device amount charged when device is shipped and is in addition to pay by the month monthly charge. The remaining balance under the device agreement becomes immediately due and payable if at least one of the following post-pay subscriptions are not maintained on the account during the term of the Device Agreement: Xfinity TV, Internet, Voice or Mobile service. Xfinity apps: Standard data charges may apply. Check with your carrier. Certain features may be restricted based upon service tier and subject to change. © 2019 Comcast. All rights reserved.

12

January 2021

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Windermere Leaflet

CLAIRE SMITH 770-378-6522

TIFFANY BUTERA 404-966-1262

LEIGH EIDSON 770-826-0643

SHELLEY INGLESBY 770-855-3772

PROUD TO BE A 400 NORTH BOARD OF REALTORS CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT SOLID SOURCE REALTY 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020 CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT WINDERMERE RESIDENT FOR OVER 10 YEARS! PROUD WINDERMERE SPONSOR, FRIEND, AND NEIGHBOR!

www.CallClaireToday.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

January S

2021

M

T

W

T

F 1

S 2

New Year’s Day 3

4

5

6

7

8

9

13

14

15

16

Election ARC Committee Meeting 7:00PM

10

11

12

Book Club 7:00 pm

Bunco 5:30

17

18

19 Bunco 5:30

24

25

Finance Committee Meeting 2:00PM

20

21

22

23

29

30

BOD 7:00 pm

Tennis Committee Meeting 6:00PM

26

Couple Bridge

27

28

Bunco 5:30

31 14

January 2021

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Windermere Leaflet

COMMUNITY CLUBS

Ladies Bridge:

Meets every Thursday at the Lodge and would love to welcome new members! Contact Beryl Deal at 678-807-7276!

Couples Bridge:

Meets every 3rd Saturday at the Lodge. Contact Marcia Tidwell at 770-330-5386!

Windermere Ladies’ Book Club:

The Windermere Ladies’ Book Club will meet at the Lodge at 7 PM on Thursday, January 14th. We will be discussing Ruth Ware’s One

by One. Due to Covid guidelines, we will be wearing masks and sitting at least six feet apart. Please bring your own beverage/and or snacks. You can email Sherry Seabrooke at stseabrooke@gmail. com if you are interested in attending this month or have any questions. A count will help us arrange the seating so we are at least six feet apart.

Looking to start a new club?

Contact windermereactivities@comcast.net

Windermere Leaflet

www.WindermereCommunity.net

January 2021

15

1 2 20 S T N VE

E

We are excited to move forward into 2021! Fortunately we did not have to miss out on too many events and were able to make some changes to our 2020 events that allowed us to still enjoy what we had planned! By this time we would normally have our full 2021 calendar in place. However, we will be planning accordingly throughout the year.

We do want you to save 2 special dates on your calendar!

Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 20th

Please check your email blasts and future newsletters for more event information for 2021!

January 2021

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Viola, Cello, Brass, Woodwinds Kindermusik, Art, Chess, Choir, Birthdays, Camps

4415 Front 9 Dr, #300, Cumming, GA 30041 www.atlantapianofortissimo.com info@atlantapianofortissimo.com • 678 404 9484

20 Years Strong It’s hard to believe that Windermere came into existence 20 years ago! Congratulations to our original Windermere families! These are the families that reached out to let us know they are our original homeowners who purchased their lots in the year 2000!

Fireworks Celebration Friday, June 25th

16

Free registration + $25 off first month

The Crossley Family

The Kresl Family

The Donat Family

The Lagomasino Family

The Green Family

The Lavoie Family

The Gwaltney Family

The Monnin Family

The Heggeland Family

The Smith Family

The Huges Family

The Taylor Family

The Jones Family

The Tidwell Family

The Koski Family

The Uidel Family

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Windermere Leaflet

COMMUNITY NEWS

WINDERMERE WAVES SUMMER 2021 SWIM TEAM NEWS TThe Windermere Waves are planning for the 2021 Season!

We hope 2021 is starting off well for ALL. Although it’s January, The Windermere Waves swim team has begun their planning for their 18th season this summer. We hope to get back to our normal summer league swim season this year which would include practices beginning in early May and go through the end of June (with 5 dual meets in June). We will know more in late January/early February and will keep the communication going - including Eblasts to all Windermere residents.

If we are able to have our normal schedule, we’ll continue to plan some fun activities for the kids including our “Fun Fridays”, Swimmer of the Week, and festive themes for each home meet. Meets are typically held at 5:30pm on Thursdays in June. We also usually end the season with our biggest meet, the Forsyth County Meet held at the GA Tech Natatorium (we hope to know more about meet schedules by late February). We plan to open Team Registration on March 1st – please see our website (www.windermerewaves.com) for all registration information.

REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN ONLINE MARCH 1ST Registration fees include: kickoff celebra-

Windermere Leaflet

tion, end of season banquet and a swimmer’s t-shirt.

PARENT MEETING/SUIT FITTING There will be a parent informational meeting in March - time TBD. We are hoping for a fun and exciting season!!!

GO WAVES!!!

Contact Tanya Edwards, Team Representative, for any questions: edwardstanya@bellsouth.net

www.WindermereCommunity.net

January 2021

17

NEWS FROM FORSYTH COUNTY CHAMBER

Chairman’s 2020 Re-Cap Dear Fellow Chamber Members, To say that 2020 turned out differently than I expected is an understatement. I think very few of us expected 2020 to look as it has with all of us navigating a global health crisis. Though the workplans of the Forsyth County Chamber saw some revisions over the course of this year, I am proud that through all the uncertainty we stayed true to our mission of advancing positive business growth and community partnerships to promote a superior quality of life for all in Forsyth County.

Your Chamber was the first Chamber in Georgia to launch an economic recovery initiative and among the first in the nation to do so. The focus of the Together4FOCO initiative from day one was to provide business leaders with expertise to help them make sound business decisions, provide access to working capital and engage our residents in supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. I believe we were successful in each of these areas.

While the Chamber led the local business community in economic recovery, the organization itself thrived. We completed the construction of and relocation into a new organizational home. We were named a national 2020 Chamber of the Year Finalist by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. We lived out the brand adoption words we set in 2019 as we intentionally monitored our business community’s needs, innovatively transitioned our events and collaborated with Forsyth County Government to administer the Forsyth County CARES Small Business Relief Grant Program.

Forward Forsyth, the community’s economic development partnership, saw the creation of 528 new jobs and $110 million in new capital investment. Forward Forsyth took action to move the community’s unemployment rate (which was 10.4 percent at the end of April, 2020) to 2.8 percent by the end of November. And Forward Forsyth celebrated when Forsyth County was accepted into Georgia’s Innovation Crescent.

To learn more about the Chamber’s work in 2020,

18

January 2021

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Windermere Leaflet

NEWS FROM FORSYTH COUNTY CHAMBER

view our annual report at www.FoCoChamber.org.

I am so proud of our Chamber’s response to the challenges of 2020. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity during such a pivotal year.

Sincerely, Carter Patterson, 2020 Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors

Georgia’s Most Innovative Economy Joins the Innovation Crescent Forsyth County has experienced explosive growth of technology firms over the last five years. The first indicator that Forsyth County’s economy was shifting substantially toward technology came in 2015 when the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) ranked Forsyth County #1 on the list of most innovative economies on their Innovation Index.

Economic development initiatives including the adoption of the Forsyth County Economic Development Strategic Plan and the creation of the Forward Forsyth economic development partnership focused strategic efforts to fuel the growth and development of technology firms in the community.

Forward Forsyth, the community’s economic development organization housed within the Forsyth County Chamber announced that it had taken an important step in fostering the growth of new technology firms in Forsyth County: Forward Forsyth has officially joined Georgia’s Innovation Crescent. Recently, the Board of Directors for Georgia’s Innovation Crescent voted to accept the request from the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Forward Forsyth for inclusion into the organization. The addition of Forsyth County brings the organization to 16 member counties.

In 2007, under Governor Sonny Perdue’s Work Ready Initiative, the Georgia’s Innovation Crescent

Windermere Leaflet

was created. Initially the focus was to bring recognition and promote Georgia’s cluster of life science assets from Atlanta to Athens. As a result of the technology industry explosion in the region, in 2013 the technology sector was added as a target sector for the membership organization.

Georgia’s Innovation Crescent has quietly emerged as one of the leading innovation clusters in the nation. It boasts top research organizations such as Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia and Georgia State University; teaching institutions including Emory University and Morehouse School of Medicine, government entities and non-profits like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, plus more than 16,000 life science and technology companies, large and small. The inclusion of Forsyth County offers one more avenue in which Forsyth’s booming technology sector will be highlighted with these institutions in numerous national and international trade shows. Inclusion into this life science and technology cluster illustrates Forsyth County’s important role in producing the region’s top workforce talent to site selectors and private industry considering Georgia as a possible location.

“This was a priority in the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. With the announcement of Tech Park Forsyth creating nearly one million square feet of space for technology firms, the continued success of technology startup incubator, Digital Ignition; the timing of Forsyth County joining the Innovation Crescent couldn’t be better” said Carter Patterson, Chairman of the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and President of Forte Data. “Forsyth County has a unique economic ecosystem to support technology firms that separates us from many other communities. We have one of the most highly educated talent pools in the nation, a nationally recognized school system, an incredible network of supporting startups and entrepreneurs and a protech business culture.”

www.WindermereCommunity.net

January 2021

19

TENNIS NEWS

January Drill Schedules Monday 9:30am-11am Lady’s Open Drills Friday 9:30am-11am Adult OPEN Drills Friday 11:15am-12:30pm Adult Beginners Only Drills Saturday 9:30am-11am Adult OPEN Drills Please sign-up for all drills ahead of time on Kourts.com as space is limited for all drills to allow for proper social distancing.

For up to date information on Junior and High School drills, please contact Bobby directly.

Need to Reserve a Court?

All reservations should be made on your phone at Kourts.com. This app allows you to make court reservations, as well as reserving your spot and paying online for Bobby’s drill sessions. Please ensure that your contact information on the association website (www.windermerecommunity.net) is updated to include email addresses and cell phone numbers, as this is required information to register for the Kourts app.

We encourage you to download the app and sign up.

Here is a short video to help you get started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6LvdWNGOUw If you have any questions about the app or how to use it, please contact Bobby at schindlerb@comcast.net or 770-598-8378 20

January 2021

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Want to Stay Connected to Windermere Tennis?

Contact Bobby at schindlerb@comcast.net to be added to his weekly e-mail newsletter for timely updates on weekly drills, junior lessons and other events at the courts.

Also, don’t forget to join the Windermere Tennis Facebook page!

Windermere Leaflet

TENNIS NEWS

Need your racquet strung?

Thad is offering discount stringing services to Windermere residents.

Residents pay $36 for Wilson NXT that would normally cost $44 through other stringing services. Hybrid of NXT and Luxilon 4G Element Alu Power is also $36 compared to $44 other places.

Contact Bobby at schindlerb@ comcast.net or 770-598-8378 for more information

To anyone looking for a new dentist, Dr. Edwards and his staff are outstanding!! Everyone is so warm and friendly. Good job guys!! –Nancy Chirchirillo Windermere Leaflet

3860 Windermere Parkway, Suite 201 Cumming, GA 30041

678.455.3734

WindermereDentalCare.com info@WindermereDentalCare.com

www.WindermereCommunity.net

January 2021

21

PET NEWS

The Best Pets For Allergies According to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, up to 3 in 10 people with allergies have those sensitivities triggered by dogs and cats. However, that does not mean a pet free life for us animal lovers. There are a variety of reactions from congestion to facial pressure to eczema and hives.

What are hypoallergenic pets?

Asthma and allergy symptoms occur when the body’s immune system reacts to allergens, such as proteins found in pet dander, saliva and urine. These proteins are carried on small easily inhalable particles that are produced by all warmblooded animals, including breeds that some claim to be hypoallergenic.

Many people assume that certain dog and cat breeds are hypoallergenic because they are hairless or do not shed, but it’s not that simple. Because pet allergies are caused by reactions to pet dander or saliva, finding the right pet for someone with allergies involves individual research and careful decision-making.

BELOW IS A LIST OF THE BEST PETS FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS: DOGS: Kerry Blue Terrier Bichon Frise Poodle Portuguese Water Dog Bergamasco CATS: Cornish Rex & Devon Rex Sphynx Balinese RABBITS: Rex FISH HAMSTERS, GERBILS, PIGS & MICE

GUINEAU

BIRDS PIGS So just remember to do some research on your allergy sensitivity, the breed of the animal and any alternative remedies that you would be willing to use before you make the big decision to adopt a new family member.

For more definitive answers of which animals have allergic reactions, head to an allergist for testing. Immunoglobin skin tests are relatively painless. And after all, your best weapon is a good vacuum, a great air purifier and plenty of research and preparation.

Susan Hartsfield Tanner Windermere Pet Sitter 678-755-2931 bulldawgsusan@yahoo.com 22

January 2021

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Windermere Leaflet

COMMUNITY NEWS

Except for cleaning

Lodge & Fitness Center The Fitness Center was re-opened in June on a limited basis. We are glad to announce that we have been able to open the gym back to its full operations. Please read all posted signs before entering the gym. Although we have increased gym cleaning by our professional cleaning company to 3 times per week, as a courtesy to other residents of your community, please remember to always clean equipment before/after usage, and employ social distancing. Lastly, please limit your work out to no more than 2 hours when others are wanting to use the facility.

Think your house would sell faster if your kitchen looked like this?

It would! We can help you make it happen.

With Sherry & Co.’s innovative marketing and Compass Concierge, an exclusive program offered by our brokerage, we’ll get your home sold in fewer days and for more money. Concierge is designed to increase your property’s market value by covering upfront the cost of home improvements like staging, painting, and so much more. You simply pay it back at closing. No hidden fess. No interest charged – ever!

compass.com

Ready to get started? Give us a call today.

Windermere Leaflet

Top 10 Team in North Atlanta 678.744.8206 | 404.668.6621 info@sherryandcorealestate.com sherryandcorealestate.com

www.WindermereCommunity.net

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

OPEN 24/7

January 2021

23

COMMUNITY NEWS

Set Up A Tour TODAY!

Virtual Open House- Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 1:00pm

Private non-parochial education for infants through 8th grade.

Nurturing environment featuring outstanding teachers, small class sizes with assistants, hands-on academics, STEM, and frequent in-house ďŹ eld trips.

SUMMER CAMP NOW OPEN! 5380 Faircroft Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30005

770-664-7764

www.mcginniswoods.org

SACS, GAC, AND NAEYC Accredited