Save these Dates
April 3 4 5
Good Friday/Passover Easter Egg Hunt @ 11 am Tekesta Park Easter Sunday – Epiphany Lutheran Church Easter Sunrise Service at Tekesta Park Monthly Board Meeting @ 7 pm in HOA office IRS Tax Filing Deadline
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May “The Killearn Lakes ‘Lakes View’ Magazine is not partnered or affiliated with any other publications. KLHOA Board and Staff request you please support the advertisers who support your neighborhood.”
2015 Board of Directors (Elected by general membership)
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Kid’s Fishing Content National Day of Prayer Mother’s Day Quarterly Open Member Meeting @ 7 pm at Bradfordville Community Center* Armed Forces Day Memorial Day – HOA office will be closed
Directors Trina Searcy, President Tom Martineau, Treasurer Joe Barnett, Director Gary Phillips, Director
Mark Reichert, Vice President Joanie Trotman, Secretary Dan King, Director
Administrative Staff Nancy C. Johnson Anne Marshall Gregory Durant Sharon Malloy
Operations Director, Bookkeeper & Editor Office Manager Field Manager Assistant Editor, Assistant Office Manager
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. T: 850-668-3231 | F: 850-894-1477 E: Admin@killearnlakeshoa.org 7110 Beech Ridge Trail, Tallahassee FL, 32312 Corporate Records are available upon written request.
www.KillearnLakesHOA.org If you haven’t already, register your information with our NEW website if you wish to continue to receive resident email alerts from the association office. Directions to do so are directly beside the registration box located on the ‘Contact Us’ page. Thank you!
Cover Photo Contest Photographer:
The photo for this month’s cover of Lakes View Magazine was submitted by Anna Trudeau Prentiss, a former KLHOA staff member. Tommie McGraw recognized his photo submission which was used on the February Lakes View cover (mystery solved). Did you know that your photography could be showcased on our cover? If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, simply send it to admin2@killearnlakeshoa.org. All submitted photos should be at the highest available quality {at least 300dpi}. Entries will be reviewed by the editor and assistant editor. The selected photo will appear on an upcoming issue of the “Lakes View” Magazine. It would be helpful if you could share a personal story along with the photo. Call our office at (850) 668-3231 if you have any additional questions. We look forward to “showcasing” your photo submissions! 2
Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
*The Bradfordville Community Center has a temporary meetings location: Located in “Bannerman Crossings” @6668-14 Thomasville Road
Important Phone Numbers
Fire Department & Leon County Sheriff (non-emergency situations only):
606-3300
Talquin Electric (ex: Light out on your street) (Bradfordville office):
893-6853
Outages (24-hour service): Leon County Public Roads: CALL BEFORE YOU DIG:
(1-888) 802-1832 606-1400 (1-800) 432-4770
Animal Control:
606-5400
Leon County Mosquito Control:
606-1400
Waste Pro:
606-1899
Leon County Storm Water Questions::
606-1400
Stay Connected with Killearn Lakes. Like our Facebook page Killearn Lakes Homeowners and for all the latest news visit our website at www.killearnlakeshoa.org.
taxation
The art of consists in so plucking the goose as to obtain the largest possible amount
of feathers, with the smallest possible amount of hissing. – Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Editor’s Note
F
irst, I’d like to wish my 86- years- young mother in Georgia and all other moms a Happy Mother’s Day! This April issue is jam-packed with the Annual Kids Fishing Contest event information, a synopsis of the “special member meetings” and the total proxy ballot count as of March 5, 2015, the latest winner of the “Lake Friendly Yard,” May’s Quarterly Member Meeting information about a “personal safety” program being offered, and time tables from Talquin and the County regarding the construction plans for the roundabout and road extension work beginning in May. I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish my part of this issue by the deadline. I recently received a notice to appear at the Leon County Courthouse for jury duty. My first thought was how lousy this timing was! Didn’t I just report for jury duty last year? I arrived at the courthouse at 7:30 am and, if you know me, I am not a “morning person.” Having to report that early had me wondering how long I would have to stay. I knew that there would also be another jury pool arriving for the afternoon selections, but this was going to be a very long morning. While I was waiting during the breaks between jury selections, I thought about how impressive our legal process is and of all the men and women who have given their time, and sometimes their lives, in order for me to have the freedom to participate in this legal process. With that thought in mind, I listened intently to the judge and realized how appreciative he and the court were for my time. I sat through two selections, but for some reason I was not chosen to serve on the jury for either trial. Along with a handful of others, I was thanked by the judge and dismissed. I had heard the counts against each of the defendants and I left wondering how the trial results might be for each of them. When I was leaving through the same doors where I had earlier gone through the security check I looked down and was proud to see my juror sticker was still there. My next thought…. where’s my coffee?
Nancy C. Johnson Operations Director, Bookkeeper & Editor
Bryan's Brief Spring is almost upon us! The dogwoods and azaleas are blooming and that dreaded pollen is painting the town green and yellow – get out the allergy pills. There are so many great events looming near - Springtime Tallahassee (March 28), Easter (April 5), high school proms, graduation, Girl Scout cookies, spring cleaning and getting the last of leaves and debris out of our yards – ah the many good things we have to look forward to this time of year. If you haven’t already, be sure to get out to some of our many beautiful trails to walk, run or cycle. In case you’re not aware, we now have trails that connect throughout the County for biking, hiking, running or walking. Visit Trailahassee at http://www.trailahassee.com/ it’s the only resource residents or visitors need to make the most of the trails in and around Florida’s Capital City. Be sure to take the kids to some of our great playgrounds – don’t miss Cascades park, especially at night. This is the perfect time of year for it. Here are some updates for you. Honor Flight – The next “Honor Flight” is scheduled May 2, 2015. We still have time to sign up any World War II or Korean War Veterans who may not have made this flight. It’s a free, one day trip for our veterans and we have doctors and EMT’s on board who will care for their every need. If you know of any veterans who have not joined us for this great program, I encourage you to help them complete the application. You may also want to consider signing up to join them as their guardian. For more information on the process, go to http://honorflighttallahassee.org/ and click on Applications. Honor Flight is also seeking donations to help fund the trip as they’ve not yet reached their goal – so any financial help would be much appreciated. Information on how you can contribute can be found at the same web site. Operation Thank You 2015 – In Honor of Local Veterans of the Korean War – This year marks the 65th anniversary of the United States participation in the Korean War. According to the U.S. Census approximately 1,710 Korean War veterans reside in Leon County. The community is invited to honor and recognize local veterans of the Korean War on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Korean War Memorial located at Cascades Park. The day will also be celebrated nationally as Armed Forces Day. The program for the event will commence at 8:30 a.m. with a 30-minute ceremony that will include the presentation of colors, performance of the National Anthem, a moment of reflection for the 54,200 soldiers lost during the Korean War, and brief remarks. Immediately following the ceremony, Korean War Veterans and guests will be served breakfast on the lawn adjacent to the Korean War Memorial. If you are a Korean War Veteran or know a veteran, please join us for this event. Tallahassee National Cemetery – Just want to make sure you know the Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a public ceremony to break ground and formally dedicate the Tallahassee National 4
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April 2015
Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 5015 Apalachee Parkway in Tallahassee. The new 250-acre cemetery in Tallahassee, Fla., will serve the burial needs of more than 83,000 Veterans in the cemetery's service area for the next 100 years. In addition to gravesites, the cemetery will include other features such as a front entrance on Apalachee Parkway, an administration building, a maintenance building, a flag pole assembly area, a memorial walkway, committal shelters, and a public information center with electronic gravesite locator and restrooms. First burials are expected to begin in the Fall of 2015. Legislative Update – The County hosted the first of three Community Legislative Dialogue regional meetings. We had a great turn out with the Presidents of all three major colleges in attendance, hospital and health care executives, social service representatives, the Chamber of Commerce agencies, other regional and local government agency representatives, etc. This meeting was highly beneficial, as we engaged our community and regional partners in identifying shared legislative priorities and interests and developed a quick response process for contacting each other regarding changing legislative issues. We’re doing everything possible to insure our County’s and this region’s interests and needs are monitored and hopefully addressed through the legislative process. A second meeting will be held in the middle of the legislative session in the County Commission Chambers on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 7:30 a.m. and a last meeting at the end of the session on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 7:30 a.m. These meetings are open to the public – so come join us! Sales Tax Initiative Update – In April 2014 the Intergovernmental Agency (IA) approved a list of projects to be completed under the 2020 Penny Sales Tax program. In November of 2014 voters approved a referendum to extend the sales tax that will pay for these projects. The projects ranged from gateway, community enhancement, connectivity and regional mobility – included were three projects for District IV: the widening of Bannerman Road, the Northeast Park and the Market Square initiative. It’s anticipated that the IA will begin discussing the implementation of the 2020 penny sales tax meeting during their April 1, 2015 meeting. Stay tuned!
DISTRICT IV UPDATE Golden Eagle Homes Association – Congratulations go out to Golden Eagle Homes Association residents as they have been accorded the honor of being designated as the Nation's First Purple Heart Community. On January 27th, a proclamation was signed by their president Karen Griffin and they were presented with a plaque from The Patriot Members of Chapter 758, Military Order of the Purple Heart, USA. The Florida Veterans Foundation, Inc. held a Presentation Ceremony on March 20 to honor Golden Eagle becoming the Nation’s First Purple Heart Homeowners Association. I can't begin to tell you how proud I am that Golden Eagle, a District IV neighborhood, has been accorded this honor. I hope that other neighborhoods will also consider seeking this prestigious recognition. Killearn Lakes Stormwater Project – Repairs, cleanup and
landscaping are still needed on the Southbrook project but we can’t do any of the work until the land dries out some. The water table is so high, heavy equipment on the land will just increase the damage. The plans for Unit 1 Phase 1 will be going out for bid soon and should be under construction this summer pending no adverse weather. We will be replacing the smaller drainage pipes under Chadwick connecting Southbrook pond to Lake Iamonia with box culvert to reduce the sensitivity to clogging which should reduce flooding impacts. Bradfordville/Thomasville Rd Summit Group Commercial Project – Construction of the commercial phase of the project will commence on the south side of Bannerman Road west of the intersection of Thomasville Rd the week of 3-23. This includes the new HCA Urgent Care Center at the south east corner of the roundabout and the 60,000 sq ft of new commercial retail space on the southwest corner of the roundabout. You can view the architectural renderings at http://www.summitgroupcommercial.com/bannerman-crossingsexpansion-now-leasing/. This project also includes the exchange of properties associated with future development on Bannerman Road. The Southside Exchange Property has for several years been the site of the Bradfordville Community Center, (the historic school house), and an adjoining natural passive park area. In order to accommodate the construction of the new Bannerman Road roundabout, the School House was closed and the Community Center was temporarily relocated to a space in the Developer’s adjacent shopping center. The School House will be relocated by the Developer, at the Developer’s expense, to a portion of the Northside Exchange Property adjacent to a stormwater management facility and natural passive park area. The Northside Exchange Property will be split by the Beech Ridge Trail Extension roadway currently under construction by the Developer. The final exchange of the properties is to occur upon completion of the construction by the Developer and acceptance of dedication by the County of the Beech Ridge Trail Extension, with the relocation of the School House to be completed no later than 60 days thereafter. Illegal Signs Enforcement – I’m regularly contacted about illegal signage in the right-of-way and wanted to let you know of our new enforcement efforts. On a monthly basis, our existing building and environmental inspectors will implement a monthly sweep and remove illegal signs from within the right-of-way (ROW) and the Sheriff ’s Office has agreed to issue citations to repeat or egregious violators. The Bannerman Bypass Road – The new round about to Quail Commons is complete other than some additional landscaping that’s needed. The Construction of Phase 1 B of the Bannerman Road Widening Project, adding four lanes 900 feet west of Quail Commons, is still on track to begin work this summer. Beechridge Roundabout – Killearn Lakes Homeowners Association Board members, and the Killearn Lakes residents in a special vote, have accepted the County’s offer for the acquisition of property to construct the roundabout. We thank the members of the Homeowners Association Board and the residents of Killearn Lakes for your partnership in this project. We will work to help make this a highly regarded amenity with all safety issues addressed. If all goes
well, construction should be completed during the 2015 summer break. The resurfacing of Kinhega will follow after completion of the roundabout. I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve as your District IV Commissioner and I commit to you that I will continue to do the best job I can in representing you and our community. As always, I welcome your input and appreciate all of you who act as my eyes in the District. Many of the improvements we’ve already made, or are currently working on, came from citizen suggestions or observations. As you plan for your neighborhood/homeowner’s association meetings, please let me know the dates and times so that I may join you. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions or concerns, deslogeb@leoncountyfl.gov or 606-5364.
Bryan Desloge Leon County Commission District IV
Leon County Board of County Commissioners
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Personal Safety Seminar We are happy to announce Lt. Charlie Strickland, the CEO of Talon Training and Talon Range will be speaking at the May 12th Quarterly Members Meeting regarding a free course on personal safety that will be offered to our residents later in the year. Charlie currently serves as the Watch Commander on the night shift and patrols our streets each night. He also brings 25 years of law enforcement experience in a wide variety
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of areas like Homicide and Robbery investigation, SWAT and Financial Crimes. He has taught personal safety and firearms training to thousands through Talon. The seminar will focus on how not to be a victim of a violent crime. He will talk about the importance of body language, eye contact and a host of other issues that will help ensure you are not a victim. He will also address the laws regarding use of force and will provide some information on property crimes prevention as well. He has recently given this presentation to groups like Talquin Electric Coop, Southwood HOA, and Big Bend Hospice. We will provide more information on this free seminar as soon as it is available.
Providing a Future for Dyslexic and Aention Deficit Disordered Kids Woodland Hall Academy – A Unique Program By: Vic Aderhold
How much effort goes into helping bright kids with dyslexia or Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) become successful in all areas of their lives? Two administrators, eight teachers, two support staff, parents, and grandparents focus on the needs of 25-35 students each year at Woodland Hall Academy (WHA). This individualized focus changes lives! Before Woodland Hall: “We would end the (homework) session in tears!... No matter how hard he tried, his efforts rarely met with success. He stopped trying…. After being at Woodland Hall, a parent reports, “He is a much happier child…. Now he takes responsibility for his actions… He can handle most of the frustrations of dyslexia…He manages his time, his homework, his life! All without the intervention of drugs!” Is it just the adult/student ratio that turns this parent’s comments from frustration to joy? It helps, but Woodland Hall offers more than just a small adult/student ratio.
A Unique Program Founded in 1975 by Dr. Patricia K. Hardman, Woodland Hall’s program serves bright children who have dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorders, or related language/learning differences. Based on research in the fields of biochemistry, psychology, and education, Dr. Hardman has developed a nationally recognized program called The Hardman Technique. This is a Multisensorial Structured Language Education Program. 8
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“We must learn to teach children the WAY THEY LEARN, not expect them to learn the way we teach.” This is Dr. Hardman’s credo. Children with dyslexia and ADD learn differently. Teachers at WHA undergo rigorous training throughout the school year and earn a Teacher Certification recognized by The International Multisensorial Structured Language Education Council and International Dyslexia Association.
A Different Atmosphere When you enter WHA, a positive “learning hum” is in the air. You notice the level of activity within each class. Some students are working with math equipment, while others may be standing and reciting information. Teachers shift activities within a class every three minutes. Teachers are in constant motion with the students, leaning over a shoulder, patting a back, demonstrating an idea. These are children who must move to learn, so WHA has developed techniques to allow them to do so productively. Study skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills are modeled and practiced in all classes in a consistent manner. Courteous behavior is taught and expected of all the students towards the adults and each other. “Yes, ma’am” and “Yes, sir” float through the air. One visitor asked, “Where are the ADD kids?” The administrator pointed to all of the children in a group. “But they are focused and on-task. Are they all on medication?”
“None of the ADD students at WHA are on medications to control their behaviors.” according to Ms. Rennick, the program director replied. “Changing the way the teachers instruct the students, and working with parents on behavioral, nutritional and biochemical issues, children with ADD can learn to control and focus on their own.”
Parent Interaction a Positive Prior to enrollment at WHA, if a parent was called by their child’s school, they immediately flinched and wondered what their child had done this day. Rarely did a parent get called with good news. Before coming to Woodland Hall, one frustrated parent received a note from the teacher saying, “J needs help with his homework, please spend some time reviewing it with him.” The parent had spent 4 hours the previous night working with J on his homework! Needless to say, the frustration level of parents with their child’s school is high. One parent says, “He wasn’t disruptive, (he just withdrew) so it was easy to push him away from the “normal” learners.” At Woodland Hall parents are involved in workshops, individual consultations, and observations of their children in the classroom. Parents learn the unique way their children process information and learn. They are taught techniques to help their children develop better and more positive habits and behaviors.
My Child has a Future “My child couldn’t read a word in 4th grade, but let him listen to the History Channel and he could tell you all about inventions and historical subjects. We moved from Port St. Joe because we knew he wasn’t learning where we were. He is a junior in high school; he’s reading and he has plans for college. This would not have happened without Woodland Hall. Woodland Hall Academy’s goal is to teach children how to become independent learners. Some children graduate from Woodland Hall, but many return as successful students to public or private schools after an average three year stay. If your bright child has dyslexia or Attentions Deficit Disorders or he/she is SMART BUT……struggling in school call Woodland Hall Academy at (850) 893-2216. This unique program could open the future for your child. Accepting Applications for Summer and Full Time Program: Woodland Hall Academy is approved for the McKay Scholarship and the Personal Learning Savings Account Scholarship. Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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2015 KLHOA Kids Fishing Contest Rules SATURDAY, MAY 2ND, 2015 All Killearn Lakes Homeowners’ Association members in good standing are invited to participate, so bring your kids out to Lake Monkey Business for a day of great fun, food and prizes! The rules for the contest are listed below.
1.
The fishing contest is open to all Killearn Lakes residents ages 16 and under and their guests. Parents can assist their children only. Please let the kids do the fishing!
2.
The contest begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at noon.
3.
Fishing within the netted area is available in shifts, from either 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. or from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. The netted area is open to all contestants from 11:00 a.m. - noon. GREEN is designated for the 8:00 to 9:30 time slot. RED is designated for the 9:30 to 11:00 time slot.
4.
5.
6.
7.
There are approximately 50 tagged fish within the netted area. If a tagged fish is caught, you are guaranteed a prize. (You can only win one prize regardless of the number of tagged fish you may catch.) If you catch a tagged fish, locate one of the Fish and Wildlife Committee volunteers or bring it to the tent in order for your catch to be logged. Please DO NOT remove tags from the fish. Prizes will be awarded for tagged fish only, with the exception of the biggest (by weight) fish of the day. The child who catches the biggest fish wins the grand prize. If you would like your fish considered for The Biggest Fish of the Day Contest bring it to the tent to have the fish weighed and logged. Any remaining prizes will be awarded by raffle. You must be present to win a raffle prize.
Casting Contest Rules If you cast a plug into the ring, your name goes into a drawing for a limited number of prizes. The Killearn Lakes Homeowners’ Association Fish and Wildlife Committee recommends a catch and release of all bass. We provide worms and some fishing tackle (bobbers and hooks) during the event. We do not have the resources to provide fishing poles to participants. So please remember to bring your own rod and reel to the fishing contest. It doesn’t take much of an investment. A decent rod and reel combo can be purchased for around $25.00. And as a young girl with a Barbie fishing pole can attest, you don’t need any fancy equipment to catch a large fish. We try to make catching a fish as easy as we can, which is why we use the net and place so many fish inside the netted area. Our main purpose is to encourage our young folks to learn to fish and experience the thrill of actually landing a bass. Most importantly,
HAVE FUN!!!
All prizes will be awarded at the culmination of the contest
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Don’t Forget Mother’s Day Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 10th
Mother's Day in the United States is an annual holiday celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Mother's Day recognizes mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in general, as well as the positive contributions that they make to society. Although many Mother's Day celebrations world-wide have quite different origins and traditions, most have now been influenced by the more recent American tradition established by Anna
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Jarvis, who campaigned for the holiday. Organized by Jarvis, the first official Mother's Day was celebrated at St Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, which now holds the International Mother's Day Shrine. Previous attempts at establishing Mother's Day in the United States sought to promote peace by means of honoring mothers who had lost or were at risk of losing their sons to war.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Trina’s TidBits
The Survey Says –“It’s time for spring cleaning!” By: Trina Searcy, President
The surveys are in and the votes are tallied! Thank you to all those residents who responded to the survey questions. The survey was attached to your dues invoice and a large majority responded that they want us to do a better job enforcing the covenants. You may have noticed that the response to violations has really stepped up. We remain a complaint driven neighborhood and have been diligent in our efforts in responding to reports of possible or perceived violations by other homeowners. This task is daunting at best. We have come to realize in doing this that this is one more reason why we need to update our Declarations of Covenants and Restrictions (C&R). For example, mailbox violations are no longer as important as they once were. If your area C&R states that you are to have a brick mailbox and you have a wood mailbox stand with a aluminum box, we are over looking that and pooling our resources to remove boats and RVs from driveways. Little by little we are making progress. I am proud of our homeowners working along with our ACC to rectify these situations in
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a positive manor and have happy homeowners in the end! There is lots of work to be done and having updated C&Rs would be very helpful. I have made it my commitment to do this along with the help of the Board of Directors and our attorney. I see another survey in your future. We did have more than 40% of the homeowners answer the survey with “thank you” and “you are doing a great job”. On behalf of the staff of KLHOA and the Board of Directors, thank you for taking the time to respond and thank us. It’s nice to hear. We appreciate your support! If you would like to volunteer we have lots of areas we could use your help. Please contact the office at 668-3231 and let them know how you would like to help. If you are not sure, Anne, Sharon or Nancy will find the right and perfect committee to put you on. Happy Spring! Trina Searcy, your Board President.
FareShare
Oriental Salad By: Sharon Malloy
Dressing Ingredients: 4 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. Accent 1 tsp. pepper 4 Tbsp. rice vinegar
Salad Ingredients: 1 head of cabbage – grated (or 1 large package of prepared cole slaw) 2 pkgs. Raman noodles (coarsely crushed, discard seasoning package) 8 green onions, sliced 2 oz. pkg. slivered almonds (brown in 1 Tbsp. oil)
Directions: Mix all dressing ingredients in container with lid. Shake well. Store dressing at room temperature for at least two hours for the sugar to dissolve and flavors to mix. (I make my dressing and store it overnight) In large bowl toss cabbage, onion and nuts together and set aside. Just before serving add crushed noodles, toss well and then add dressing. Serves 8 – 10.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Talquin, You’ve Come a Long By Kim Gay
When we think about how electricity impacts and improves our lives, we realize how truly remarkable it is. In today’s world, going without electricity may sound impossible; but, just a few generations ago, there was no electricity, no air conditioning and, of course, no internet! While larger, more populated cities were using electricity by the 1930s, a majority of rural America was still living in the dark. On the farm, men and women, and boys and girls worked by hand. Daily jobs included hauling water, milking cows, pitching hay, picking vegetables, and washing clothes by hand. Farmwomen cooked meals on a stove that burned wood and families heated water on the stove to take baths. Before electric irons, women pressed clothes with a wedge of iron heated on the stove and the family's bathroom was outdoors – a far cry from today’s comforts. Talquin’s cooperative roots go back more than 75 years to 1920 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt built a home near Warm Springs, Georgia. The springs were instrumental in his recuperation after an attack of polio. The president wanted electric lights in his home, but at the time, if you lived out of town, you had to pay for the whole cost of constructing the power lines to your home from the city. President Roosevelt learned that it would cost thousands of dollars to have electricity and realized it was nearly impossible for a farm family to afford power and the many advantages that it brought to homes and businesses. He then began planning the REA program. When the program was presented to Congress, he gave his all-out support. The Program was born by an executive order of President Roosevelt on May 11, 1935 to “administer and supervise a program of approved projects with respect to the generation, transmission and distribution of electric energy in rural areas”. During this time, Gadsden County visionaries began to work together to begin the process of providing electricity for families in our rural communities. Approximately 200 people in Gadsden County gathered on June 26, 1940 upon invitation of H.E. Hudson, County Agent, and Elise Laffitte, Home Demonstration Agent, to discuss the ways and means of getting rural electrification extended in Gadsden County. Committeemen were appointed to solicit
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Members throughout the county and traveled around encouraging families to join the new cooperative. The cost of membership has not changed in 75 years – it’s still just $5.00! After all these years, some things have changed drastically, but not our commitment to service and to our Members. The idea of lighting a room with the flip of a switch may have seemed unbelievable to our ancestors, but today, electricity is a resource we all have come to depend on. The discovery of electric current, the REA, and previous community leaders working to bring power to rural areas all played a critical role in how we live our lives today. From charging our electronic devices to powering the appliances around our home, electricity keeps us connected morning, day, and night and improves the quality of life for those we serve. You have come a long way, Talquin!
Project Update As part of the new Beech Ridge Trail-Kinhega Drive roundabout project, Talquin Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TECI) will be relocating and installing new underground electric facilities in cooperation with the project scheduled to begin in June 2015. The project will also involve the removal of five (5) decorative lights that TECI currently serves along Kinhega Drive, which are located in proximity to the Beech Ridge Trail-Kinhega Drive intersection. Prior to the construction phase of the roundabout, TECI will complete the removal and relocation of our electric facilities and existing lights by the end of May 2015. TECI will strive to ensure a reasonable transition in the relocation and removal of electric facilities being impacted by this construction project. Please contact us at 850-627-7651 for any questions or concerns regarding this matter.
Way, Baby‌
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Who Should You Call If… •
You are having problems with trash-pick up? Waste-Pro 850-606-1899
•
Your neighbor is burning leaves in an unsafe manner? Leon County Fire Department- 850-891-4310
•
Your neighbor is playing their music too loud? Leon County Sheriff ’s Office- 850-606-3300
•
There is a street light out, or there are problems with your electricity or water? Talquin- 850-893-6853
•
There is a pot hole in the street, a downed tree, problems with the sidewalk, or a dead animal on the side of the road? Leon County Public Works- 850-606-1400
•
You are having problems with your neighbors dog barking? Leon County Animal Control- 850-606-5400 or Leon County Sheriff Department- 850-606-3300
•
Your house is on fire or your life is in danger? 911
•
You have problems with flooding in your yard or on your street? Leon County Public Works- 850-606-1400
•
You have a mosquito problem? Leon County Public Works- 850-606-1400
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Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
Special Membership Meeting Results Thank you to all KLHOA members who participated in the special meeting process to allow the KLHOA board to settle the eminent domain proceeding with Leon County for the taking of the common area property in Killearn Lakes Unit1 for the County’s “Beech Ridge Trail Road Extension Project”. Two membership meetings were held to determine whether the KLHOA should settle the eminent domain proceeding outside of court and accept the County’s offer to settle or KLHOA should not settle and allow the court to decide the matter. The first meeting was held on February 11, 2015, and the matter was suspended because a quorum of the membership was not reached; the second meeting was held March 5, 2015 with a quorum of the membership reached by proxy and/or in person. The results of the final membership meeting as of 8:05pm, March 5, 2015, were as follows: *738 MEMBERS VOTE YES, KLHOA should settle outside of court. *96 MEMBERS VOTE NO, KLHOA should not settle outside of court. The KLHOA board has certified the results and the final settlement agreement shall now be finalized with the County. Thank you, again, to all members who participated and offered their valuable time and comments. KLHOA Board of Directors
*(These calculations were in accordance with the C&R’s and under Florida Statute Section #720.303(1).)
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
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Lake Friendly Yard A
By Joe Barnett
s I was bicycling past Lake Monkey Business, I saw a couple of families playing football in the park. It was so beautiful that I just had to get off my bike and walk. Along the shore several small birds quickly dove right under my feet into the brushy shoreline. After giving up on finding them, I looked around and noticed most of the brushy bird habitat had pretty much been mowed down to the shoreline, except one home. So I walked over to see what kind of family cared so much about our lake and wildlife. In the backyard was a young man who was working hard cutting down a LOT of small trees. He said his dad was a forester and that these trees were non-native invasive trees. I told him that we have a Killearn Lakes Friendly Yard program and that I would like to meet his dad, Richard Shelfer. So I called for a meeting and yard tour.
In his back yard was a big tree laying across the yard. He left it natural and it has been used by all kinds of animals...
The first thing I noticed was that the front yard was left natural. Mr. Shelfer said he had worked many years removing the very invasive Tung Oil tree, planted for furniture oil. This poisonous tree has spread throughout the Killearn Lakes area. Its seed pods float on water and are carried through ditches and streams spreading all over Killearn Lakes. He said another thing bad about the Tung Oil tree is that its dense leaf canopy shades out the native ground cover exposing soil erosion and creates a moist environment for mosquitoes. After a rain the smaller shoots are easiest to remove by pulling them up allowing native groundcover to grow and prevent sediment from entering the lake. He is also trying to remove the Class I invasive Coral Ardesia. It is has dark green leaves and beautiful red winter berries. His wife, Emma Guilarte, spends hours pulling up the small Ardesia and Tung Oil plants and seeds. Coral Ardisia shades out native seedlings and plants like our beautiful Trillium. The herbicide Triclorpyr is
recommended for killing Coral Ardesia, Tung Oil and the extremely invasive Chinese Tallow trees (popcorn tree). Richard and Emma have left native trees like sweet gum that gold finches like, sugarberry, spruce pine, dogwood, laurel oak, water oak, american holly and a big cherry tree, I asked how old his big live oak trees were. He said his great grandfather planted a lane of live oaks in 1880 at the family cemetery. They would now be about 130 years old. The trees on his lot are slightly larger so he estimates they are about 200 years old. In his back yard was a big tree laying across the yard. He left it natural and it has been used by all kinds of animals as it slowly turns back into good compost soil. Another dead tree was used by many birds like the large pileated woodpecker we all love to hear making “jungle” noises. He planted Florida Anise, but the deer have been browsing the smaller plants. He also leaves the native yaupon holly throughout his lot. He has observed many song birds, hawks, owls and recently
saw four bald eagles circling overhead. Restoring and maintaining native trees and plants will provide these natural gifts for all to enjoy. As with most Lake Friendly families, Mr. Shelfer also had an interesting history. The Shelfers came to Florida from North Carolina and settled in Gadsden County in the 1820’s. As a kid he worked in his dad’s old feed and hardware store. He retired as a forester from the U.S. Forest Service He had an old 1952 Ford pickup truck in his garage that he is restoring. He said he knew the original owner as a kid. It had good memories for him growing up. And the exact same color, year and model was owned by his wife’s family growing up in Cuba. . He looked great so I asked him his secret. He said he was healthiest when he walked to work in Atlanta for 3 years. He said as long as he keeps walking our neighborhood and pulling up nonnative vegetation his health stays good. At our May 12th Quarterly Meeting I will be presenting Richard and Emma our yard sign and a $100.00 gift certificate from a local nursery.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org
21
Master Builder Best Practices Presents:
Common Mistakes and Easy Cures (DO YOUR HOMEWORK) By: Mark Worley
A successful building or remodeling project requires research, careful planning, attention to detail and patience. By avoiding the following mistakes your project will have a better chance of completion in a timely manner with fewer complications while supporting your budget. • Hiring the wrong contractor. Ask for references of completed projects that are similar in scope and size to yours, also require bank and vendor/supplier references. Your contractor should have a comprehensive history of successfully completed projects and be financially secure. While bidding is usually seen as a way to get the lowest price, it often leads to an adversarial situation between owner and builder, or architect. Many people have had excellent results by selecting a builder early in the process based on the builder’s reputation, since their experience can be integrated into the design, and costs can be controlled by creating a team for your project. • Selecting inferior products to save money. Low-quality products can end up costing more in the long run. Both the designer and the builder have extensive knowledge of products and options beyond the Big Box selection. Their knowledge can be used to specify products that are well made, cost-effective and work well for your needs. • Inadequate planning. The finished project will only be as good as the contract, plans and specifications. Without proper construction documents you are sure to have problems and conflicts that will result in additional costs and delays. Construction documents should include a comprehensive description of the project, payment schedule, timetable and detailed product description, including make and model. The responsibilities of contractor, sub-contractors and owner should
22 Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
be included. A contract also needs to list provisions for warranties, changes in procedures and, should problems arise, alternative dispute resolution clauses. This advice is good for any design contract as well, which should spell out and define the scope of services being provided, including a conceptual time frame, fees and contractual terms • Starting a project at the wrong time. Your project can be divided into three stages; design, permitting, and construction. Allowing sufficient time for each phase will help reduce stress and ensure a timely completion date. It also means not planning for completion at a holiday, where schedule delays can wreak havoc on a family’s plans. • Not managing the budget. Prior to signing your construction contract make sure that specified budgets are realistic in order to meet your expectations. Nothing ruins the building experience more than finding out your appliance budget is only adequate for a starter home while your goal was a commercial grade kitchen. Even with the best research and specification development changes occasionally happen. All changes, no matter how small, should be documented for any additional cost or credits and include any altered completion date. This will ensure that there are no surprises at the end. Mark Worley is the only Graduate Master Builder in Tallahassee and holds a Certified Aging-in-Place and Green Building Professional designation by the National Association of Home Builders. You can reach him through his website at www.worleyconst.com or at 850-668-3438 for help with your construction problems.
7 Steps To A Happier Pet
The Humane Society of the United States, in it’s constant battle to end animal neglect, cruelty and abuse, encourages all its members to take the following actions in support of animals.
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Have a heart, be smart and make sure your pet is spayed and neutered.
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Plan for your pet’s future in case something happens to you and visit humanesociety.org/petsinwills for more information.
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Make sure your pet wears an identification tag, and consider having your pet microchipped to enable him to be returned to you if he loses his collar.
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Learn how to avoid dog bites, and how to prevent your dog from biting, by going to humanesociety.org/avoidbites.
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To prevent animal behavioral problems, make sure you enroll your new puppy or dog in behavioral training classes.
You are having problems with your neighbors dog barking? Leon County Animal Control- 850-606-5400 or Leon County Sheriff Department- 850-606-3300
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Animal behavioral problems can be health-related. Make sure your pet has a complete medical exam by a veterinarian at least once a year.
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Your house is on fire or your life is in danger? 911
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Prepare for disasters. Make sure you have a plan for your pet in the event of a hurricane, tornado, fire or flood.
For more information, visit humanesociety.org.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 23
Cyndy’s Ruminations By Cyndy Reichert
“THE ESCAPE” By David Baldacci
David Baldacci is one of the world’s most popular fiction writers… and one of my favorite authors. In his blockbuster thrillers ZERO DAY and THE FORGOTTEN we first met John Puller, a combat veteran and special agent with the U.S. Army’s Central Intelligence Division who is the man they call to investigate the toughest crimes facing our country. The story starts at our country’s foremost prison in Fort Leavenworth, the United States Disciplinary Barracks (commonly known as the DB). It sits on nearly 40 acres surrounded by a mound of brick and razor wire, buffeted by the Missouri River and forested Kansas acres. It is the only formidable maximum security military prison for males in the country. Military discipline rules and the security is unsurpassed. It is also impossible to escape from…or so the military thought.
Then the unthinkable happens as both generators fail, shots are fired, an explosion occurs... and then all the prison cell doors open.
On one very stormy night, the ordinary goes awry. The prison went into momentary darkness as two transformers at a nearby substation blew up. No one was overly concerned as the backup generators would take over their responsibility. Then the unthinkable happens as both backup generators fail, shots are fired, an explosion 24 Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
occurs… and then all the prisoner cell doors open. By the time order has been restored by MPs swarming the prison, it becomes transparent that something serious has happened. In one cell there is a dead body with no apparent identity, but it’s not the prisoner assigned to that cell; a former major in the USAF, Robert Puller, who was convicted of treason and national security crimes. He was serving a life sentence. This inexplicable escape from the DB makes Robert Puller the most wanted man in the country and the first man to ever escape from the DB. John Puller hears of his older brother’s escape shortly after he returns to the country from a special mission. His CO commands him to stay away from the case, but then Puller is formally asked to visit the Pentagon for a meeting with General Rinehart (Army), General Daughtrey (Air Force) and James Schindler (National Security Council). The government and these three men think that John is their best resource for finding his brother. Foregoing military protocol they assign him to investigate. They expect Puller to recapture and arrest his brother, who will return to his life sentence at the DB and then to identify the corpse left in the vacated cell. He is also instructed to find out how the breach in military security occurred that allowed an inmate to escape from the maximum security prison. Against John Puller’s will, Captain Veronica Knox is assigned to help him in the investigation. Knox’s assignment, which is with the United States Army’s Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), is not a coincidence. She is also there to keep tabs on Puller. Mistrust abounds between Puller and Knox. While they proceed with the investigation, Robert Puller begins looking into his own case and to find out who had set him up just before he was to receive a major promotion in security. After changing his appearance to “disappear” he uses his superior computer skills to seek out the two witnesses he believes set him up for the charge of treason.
As Knox and Puller dig deeper into their investigation, it appears that there are troubling details about his brother’s conviction… and there are people out there that don’t ever want the real truth to come to light. It soon becomes apparent that there has been a great conspiracy involving leaks in intelligence, security, betrayal of our country, nuclear weapons and loss of innocent lives. I’ve been asked by one of my daughter’s bosses not to spoil the ending by giving up too much. For that, I will say the Puller brothers and Knox race to stay alive and to save thousands of lives with only seconds to spare. Baldacci has done it again… created a masterful thriller with relevance to this chaotic time in our country that will keep you up all night, turning the pages.
Be sure to register as a member at www.killearnlakeshoa.org 25
OF KILLEARN LAKES KLHOA is offering rewards up to $2,000.00 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of person or persons committing acts of vandalism and property damage within Killearn Lakes. The Board does not take this lightly as we are spending at least $12,000 to $15,000 of your dues money each year correcting vandalism and property damage incidents.
26 Lakes View / Issue 70 / April 2015
Designated printer of the “Lakes View” Magazine
een Corner Classifieds BABYSITTER, MOTHER’s HELPER & PETSITTER – Hi! I am a 13 year old Deerlake Middle School student available to babysit, pet sit, or provide an extra hand to a busy mom! I am the oldest of 4 children and have experience caring for my younger siblings before & after school. I also serve weekly as an Awana leader for the 3-4 year olds at Canopy Roads Baptist Church. I have completed the TMH Babysitter Training Course and prefer to work with children ages 2-10. I am mature, responsible, caring & fun and have experience cooking, cleaning, and taking care of variety of indoor and outdoor chores. I am also an experienced pet sitter and can provide my own transportation – 24 hours advance notice please. Call Emily Lipian at 912-346-7314. PET SITTING AND DOG WALKING – Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Day or Night Call Karlee Jones at 933-1610. BABYSITTERS – Experienced 12-year-old Sitter and Mothers Helper. Prefer watching ages 4-9yrs. I love kids and I am very responsible. Bonus: household jobs such as folding laundry, dishes or tidy up your home. $3-5/hour. Available weekdays from 4-8 p.m. Sat. 10:30-4:30 p.m. and Sun. 1-8 p.m. Summer hours are more flexible. Can provide my own transportation. Call Emily at (850) 894-0421. BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – Responsible, mature and enthusiastic 16 & 17 year old Chiles High School students, TMH certified available for babysitting and/or pet sitting. Please call Gabby & Claudia (850) 893 2342. BABYSITTER – Reliable and experienced 13 year old; certified as babysitter by American Red Cross. Available most times during the summer and nights/weekends during the school year. Can provide my own transportation. Please call (850) 508-6819. BABYSITTER – Hi! My name is Katelyn McClellan and I am 19 years old. I am great with kids and have babysitting experience. I prefer to babysit kids 4 & older. I live in Golden Eagle and I have a
car so I can drive to your house to babysit. Please Call :). My phone number is : (850)228-6339. BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – Hello my name is Nina, and I am 18 years old.. I'm responsible, good with kids and I can also dog sit! Please Contact me at: (850)228-3669. BABYSITTER – You do so much for your kids you need a break. I am an experienced 12 year old babysitter. I am CPR trained, American Red Cross certified, reliable, and most of all funJ! I am available weekdays 4-7:30 p.m and weekends at any time. I will babysit ages 19 and will also babysit babies or toddlers with permission from my parents. Please call Molly Siddall at (850)445-9143. BABYSITTER – Experienced, Mature and Responsible recent Chiles Graduate is available for babysitting. Reasonable rates. References available. Call Susanne Childers at (850) 459-4647. BABYSITTER & PETSITTER – ATTENTION to anyone who needs a reliable, hardworking, and responsible baby or petsitter! My name is Rachel Stadtfeld and I would love to come and watch your precious kiddos or pets! Call me anytime, even on short notice, for any occasion you may need to go out for! I am 17 years old and have much experience with children (past nanny) and pets (have 3)! I attend school at Chiles High and live in Golden Eagle. I am a licensed driver and a great student. For a fun and safe time for your children (of all ages) and pets (of all types) please don't hesitate to call me at 727-742-3856. :)
MOTHERS HELPER & BABYSITTER
Experienced 11 year old babysitter and mothers helper! Loves kids and very responsible. Available Saturdays and Sundays anytime! Ages 3- 8 only. Will provide own transportation. Please call Maisy Ivory at 850-385-7717
Note: These ads are complimentary and available to student teens of our community involved in weekend and after school entrepreneurial projects. Ads must be renewed for each issue. Please call the office at 668-3231, if you want to edit or continue your ad. Thank you.
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