Welcome Wagon News

Rebecca and David Furlow, along with the members of the Leland Management team would like to welcome the following communities: Diamond Crest Village, Wintermere Pointe, Marco Polo Village, Boca Ciega Club, Brentwood Townhomes, Sheridan Lakes, Sandy Pines Preserve, Private Quarters Club, Eagle Harbor, Greenbriar of Citrus County, Greenbriar II, Hillside Villas, Chestnut Estates, Palmetto HOA, Johns Landing, Ridgemoore HOA, Shady Grove, Steven’s Creek, Misty Oaks Park and The John Gorrie Condominium. 
 
 

Leland Management Earns AAMC Designation

 We are very happy to announce that Leland Management has received our AAMC® (Accredited Association Management Company) designation by the Community Association Institute (CAI). The AAMC® is the top industry professional credential a management company can achieve. We are especially proud of this accomplishment as it is shared by only a small percentage of management companies worldwide. This achievement was a team accomplishment. To gain accreditation 50% of managers in a management company must hold a professional designation. Leland surpassed that requirement and employs many managers with several professional designations each. Leland is very thankful to have such a dedicated team and looks forward to continuing excellence in community association management.

 

Another program that provides a pathway to conservation for communities is the Florida Water Star Program. Developed by the St. Johns River Water Management District in 2006, the Florida Water Star program is a water conservation certification process put in place for new and existing residential and commercial developments.  Unlike the Florida-friendly program, which solely focuses on the landscape, the Water Star program focuses on three areas:  indoor fixtures and appliances, landscape design, and irrigation.  The community must pass inspection by an independent certifier in all areas and certification is not awarded unless all criteria in the Technical Manual are achieved.  For more information on Florida Water Star, please visit www.floridawaterstar.com.

One community that is setting the bar for conservation is Staghorn Villas, a newly built Habitat for Humanity community of 58 townhomes located in Orlando that is:  Florida friendly, Florida Water Star Certified, and Energy Star Certified.  This community is only one of five Water Star Certified Communities in the state, making it a showcase for green and energy-efficient communities throughout greater Orlando.   Set on 3.9 acres, Staghorn was designed with green in mind focusing on energy conservation from its design origins.  Some of the features of the Staghorn Villas community are drought-resistant plants and Bahia sod,  a Fertigator fertilizing system (made with fish protein and injected into the drip irrigation water system), and  an efficient micro-irrigation system used during droughts.   All plants are Florida-friendly and well adapted to the region. Inside the townhomes, the water is conserved via WaterSense faucets, toilets, and showers, Energy Star refrigerators, and front loading washers.  “We are proud that our first multifamily community is making double the impact,” said Dee Danmeyer, President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando Area. “Not only are we providing a home for 58 Central Florida families in need, we are keeping the environment a top priority.”

From a management company perspective, it is important to view water conservation as a means of not only saving our water supply, but also helping the community conserve funds.  Educating the members of the community on the benefits of conservation is the first step. Once you have community support, a plan can be established to educate the members of the community on how they can do their part with water conservation and Florida-friendly landscaping.  A committee should be selected to create a guidebook that will become the overall blueprint of the community’s conservation plan. Once the plan is in place, all the stakeholders in the community (management company, board members, vendors, residents) must work together to put the plan in in motion.  

Conservation is an ongoing and ever changing process (most notably in the case of landscaping),  therefore the management company and the board must be committed to working with service providers who understand and support water conservation and are committed to continuing with the groundwork that has been put in place. “At Staghorn Villas, we are working together with the Board to come up with ways to encourage and include the residents to support ongoing conservation and environmental efforts.” Amanda Brown, Leland Management CAM. 
 
Below are some tips that will help support conservation efforts:
1. Perform soil tests annually to keep track of the soil’s character, thus helping you make better planting choices, as well as assist in chemical applications.
 
2. When replacement planting, opt for native plants as well as plants which will be best suited to your soil and planting area.
 
3.Provide residents with educational material on conservation as well as local rebates and incentive information.
 
4. Utilize your local government as many classes are given for conservation, as well as county/city representatives who will speak at your events/meetings.
 
5. Instead of chemically treating ponds monthly, speak to your pond maintenance company about more natural methods such as installing native plants, carp, and aerators, which will help alleviate some of the chemical use and save money in the long run.
 
6. Replace community light bulbs with energy-efficient ones.
 
7. Use light sensors or timers in bathrooms, clubhouses, outdoor floodlights, and pool lights when possible.
 
8.Start a community recycling program, community compost and/or community garden.
 
9.Install Soil Moisture sensors or other innovative irrigation technology to help conserve water in common areas.
 
10.Make sure all windows, doors, and trim have been caulked and sealed annually on all community buildings.
 
11.Tint windows in community building to save on energy costs.
 
12.Start a community clean-up day once a year and give incentives for people to attend (drinks, snacks, t-shirt, recognition, etc.).
 
13.Make use of rainwater by directing downspouts and gutters to drain into the lawn or plant beds.
 
14. Consider conserving paper use by e-mailing your newsletter and asking for monthly financials electronically.
 
15.Check outside doors to be sure weather stripping has been installed; this keeps cool air in and hot air out.
 
16.Use previous materials for driveways, sidewalks, and recreation areas.
 
17. Consider installing informational kiosks throughout the community
 
Conservation is everyone’s issue. By being informed and working together we can make a difference.
 
Diane Braswell is the Manager of IT & Digital Media  for Leland Management in Orlando, FL. For more information, call (888) 465-0346 or visit www.LelandManagement.com.
 
 

9 Tips To Be An Effective Board Member

The decision to run for the Board of your Homeowner’s or Condominium Association is not one to be taken lightly, it is a serious job that requires a commitment.  There are many reasons someone may decide to run for the board ranging from feeling compelled by a lack of support or involvement to wanting to make a difference.  Whatever the reason, serving on the Board is an important task that can be extremely rewarding.  If you are thinking of volunteering for this role, or are currently working on a Board, here are a few tips to help make you a happier, more effective board member.

Written by: Mary Chartier

This article first appeared on November 18, 2013 in the Villages Daily Sun

Spruce Creek Golf and Country Club

What an evening!
Once again, the Horizon ballroom was filled to capacity with residents, visitors from surrounding communities, many volunteers, special guests, local dignitaries and entertainers, all to raise money for the non-profit organization USA Cares, the nonprofit group that provides financial and advocacy support to members of the U.S. armed forces, veterans and their families.
  As I entered the ballroom, I spotted many of the people I had spoken to at last year’s event and decided I would walk around and ask what motivates them to work so hard and volunteer so many hours for this cause.
What I learned over the course of the evening is that the reasons, while stated differently, all come from the same place - the heart.
I spoke to Bob Carter of the Veterans Association planning committee, and asked, “What drives you to be so passionate about this event?”
“What drives me is the fact that 100 percent that is raised from the event goes to the veterans and their families,” Bob answered.
I chatted with Dennis Demshar, president of HoneyBaked Ham in Lady Lake, and asked if this fundraiser would become an annual event.
“Yes, it is going to be an annual event,” Dennis said with emotion.  “This is my passion.  I am committed to USA Cares.  Every year we are going to continue and get stronger and stronger”.
 “Are you going to provide the food again this year?” I asked.
“This year we are going to have our own honey-baked ham, turkey, baked potatoes, steamed green beans, we have a great dessert, salad and all the trimmings,” Dennis said.
The evening began with welcoming remarks by Carter followed by the presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the national anthem, and a wonderful invocation.
During dinner, I spotted entertainer Norman Lee and asked, “What is it that motivates you?”
“I bleed red, white and blue.  Anything I can ever do for our young men and women who serve this country, man I’m there”.
“I sing a song, and I preach the gospel, but these people are laying down their life on the line.  They are willing to give everything to keep this country safe,” he continued.
Norman gazed around the room with admiration in his eyes and said, “Look at all these people.  Every one of these people, every single one of these people donated their time, every one of these people paid for a ticket”.
“Hey, this is America; we all stick together, and when one is down, by God, we’re there to help,” he said with emotion.
Once dinner was finished, Richard Sobieray, USA Cares representative for Central Florida, spent a few moments welcoming visiting dignitaries, thanking all the residents and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success.
“We can’t thank the residents of Del Webb enough.” Richard said.  “You guys have been absolutely wonderful to us and we appreciate it”.
Richard went on to say that it was an honor to work with USA Cares for what they do.
“The September figures, for example, for the state of Florida alone, they have granted over $522,000 to Florida clients.  There are approximately 2500 clients here in Florida and (they have) saved 553 homes”.
Time arrived for Bryan Anderson, guest speaker and spokesman for USA Cares, to come to the stage.  As he did, the audience came to its feet and gave him a heartfelt welcome.
Bryan survived an improvised explosive device attack, losing both legs and left hand while serving in the Iraq War.
“Thank you for the unbelievably warm welcome,” he said as he looked out into the audience.  “First off, I just gotta say, thank you all for coming.  I look at this right now, every year, as a tradition - something that I have to go to.  You guys are my family now, and I just appreciate it,” Bryan said.
“You can be sure that there are soldiers in Florida that got to keep their houses, got to keep their lights on and, got to feed their kids at night,” Bryan said.  “I just have to say, it is all because of you.  It is touching to me”.
The rest of the evening was filled with Norman electrifying the audience with his boundless energy, beautiful voice, leading everyone in rousing renditions of patriotic songs and conducting an auction that both mesmerized and entertained everyone in the room.
Thanks to all these wonderful volunteers donating their time, talents and goods, the event raised $20,000.

 
 

Upcoming BoD Elections

By: Dina Brown,

If you are considering running for your Board of Directors you need to ask yourself these questions:

• ¨ Do I have the time?   Board members need to devote at least several hours of their time each month to association business. In addition to regular monthly board meetings, you need to be active in special meetings, possibly work as a liaison to a committee, and deal with issues affecting the association. Ensuring you have enough time before you run is important not only for you, but for those you will serve as a board member.

• ¨ Can I make tough decision when it is required?   The primary role of the Board is to conduct the business of the association. This does not just mean approving the budget, but also developing and enforcing policies. Board members are required to step outside their immediate circle of family and neighbors and make decisions based on the greater good of the community.

• ¨ What is my personal liability?   Your association carries Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance, which relieves the threat of personal lawsuit.

• ¨ Finally, can I do all this and have fun, too?   It is not all about policies and tough decision. Your community is only as good as you make it. Establishing and maintaining a sense of community is a part of a board member’s responsibility. Planning and attending functions and being a presence in the community are as important as any policy decisions you may make.

Being a board member does necessitate a serious commitment of time and energy, but it will be a most rewarding adventure. The lifeblood of a successful board is to be found in new perspectives and new energy so step up and throw your hat into the ring to become a board member. You will assist in maintaining the integrity and beauty of your community.
Contact your community association manager or a current board member for further information on responsibilities, open positions and election dates.

A Leland Christmas

We Want to Hear From You?

Does your community have a story or photos of an event you would like to share? Send us your pictures and stories to dbraswell@lelandmanagement.com.