hoa newsletter winter 2010-2 layout 1 12/16/10 11:21 am … · hoa newsletter winter 2010-2_layout...

HOA Newsletter Winter 2010-2_Layout 1 12/16/10 11:21 AM

• Home Owners Association Newsletter

This newsletter is produced by HOA Newsletter. To inquire about advertising please use the contact information below.

HOA NEWSLETTERKathy Fredericks

[email protected]

*HOA Newsletter makes no warranty, representation or undertaking whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legalliability, whether direct or indirect, or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information.

Coventry BanksTommy Folsom – President

Allan Moayad – Vice PresidentRobert Hardy – Secretary, Treasurer

c/o2910 Kerry Forest Parkway D4-214

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Highgrove Homeowners Association, Inc.Sue Griner – President

Ken Tucker – Vice President Susan Sanders – Secretary Dennis Fiorini – Treasurer

James Christian – Board Member Nancy Vorhis – Board Member

Jeff Whitson – Board Member c/o

3491-11 Thomasville RoadPMB 101

Tallahassee, FL 32309-3537

Bull Run Homeowners AssociationByron Block – President

John Lewis – Vice PresidentElaine Hebenthal – Secretary

c/o1415 E Peidmont Drive, Suite 3

Tallahassee, FL 32308

SummerBrooke Property Owners Association, Inc.

Julia ForgasTyler Hall

Bill LesemanJim Miller

Paige Miller c/o

1607 Village Square Blvd., Suite 8Tallahassee, FL 32309

Ox Bottom Manor Community Association, Inc.Robert Hicks – PresidentSteve Spook – Vice PresidentMark Ervin – DirectorFrank McClean – DirectorSharon Elsberry – Directorc/o1607 Village Square Blvd., Suite 8Tallahassee, FL 32309

Buckhead Homeowners AssociationHarry Mursten – President Sue Niewenhous – Vice PresidentKen Stafford – Treasurer Shirley Kerns – Secretary Sharon Mears – ACC Chair Karin Werner – Director Steve Laubach – Director George Igler – Director Jim Melton – Director c/oHarry Mursten 2760 W. Hannon Hill DriveTallahassee, FL 32309

Royal Oaks Neighborhood Association, Inc.Jim Welch – Vice PresidentRobin Stanford – TreasurerCindy King – SecretaryEd Hill – DirectorVernon Metcalf – DirectorJane McLeod – Directorc/oP.O. Box 12201Tallahassee, FL 32317-9201

Rosehill Property Owners Association, Inc.Michael Harrell – PresidentSharon Richardson – TreasurerMallory Harrell – SecretaryBarbara Gaddy – Directorc/o1625 Metropolitan CircleTallahassee, FL 32308

Your Boards of Directors

HOA Newsletter Winter 2010-2_Layout 1 12/16/10 11:21 AM Page 2

Take Control Of Your Winter Heating Costs

Beware of the following problems that can lead toskyrocketing winter heating costs.

Thermostat setting is too high. 68 degrees isrecommended. Set your thermostat carefully, and lowerthe temperature to 65 degrees at night if you have a heatpump, or 55-60 degrees overnight if you have gas, oil orelectric strip heat. If you heat to 78 degrees, expect highbills.

Heat pump thermostat accidentally set to “EmergencyHeat” all winter. A simple mistake that can double ortriple your heating costs.

Clogged filters and restricted airflow. If you have a heatpump, anything that restricts airflow will reduceefficiency and increase your heating costs. Change yourair filter monthly. If it’s too dirty to see much lightthrough it, it’s time to clean or replace it.

Inadequate ceiling insulation. If your ceiling insulationis shallow, you’ll lose heat rapidly from the house to yourcold attic. Ceiling insulation target levels for Tallahassee:R30 to R38 (11-14” of blown white fiberglass; or 8-10” ofblown cellulose insulation).

Heating system duct leaks. If your air distribution ductshave major leaks in the attic or crawlspace, your heatingcosts can double.

Heat pump low on refrigerant. You’ll need a checkup bya qualified service technician to detect this problem. Iflow on refrigerant, your heat pump will run longer andoperate backup heat strips more frequently; operatingcosts can double.

Heat pump outdoor condenser failed or locked out. Ifyou have a heat pump, the big visible fan in the backyard

unit should spin when you’reheating. If it doesn’t, andyou heat all winter withonly with the backupelectric “strips”, yourheating cost can double

or triple.

Winter 2010-11 •

continued on page 17

Do not drink and drive

CommunityCueC O M M U N I T Y C U E



New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve hasalways been a timefor looking back tothe past, and moreimportantly, forwardto the coming year.It’s a time to reflecton the changes wewant (or need) tomake and resolve to follow through on those changes.Did your New Year resolutions make our top ten list?

New Years Resolution #1) Spend More Time with Family & FriendsRecent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers,Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% ofAmericans vow to appreciate loved ones and spendmore time with family and friends this year.

New Years Resolution #2 Fit in FitnessThe evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has beenassociated with more health benefits than anything elseknown to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk ofsome cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve andmaintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers bloodpressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercisekeeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.Sponsored Links

New Years Resolution #3) Tame the BulgeFifty-five percent of adults in America are overweight,so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one ofthe most popular New Year’s resolutions. Settingreasonable goals and staying focused are the two mostimportant factors in sticking with a weight loss program,and the key to success for those millions of Americanswho made a New Year’s commitment to shed extrapounds.

continued on next pagecontinued on page 11

Get Fit in 2011

About 50% of all adults are likely to make at least oneNew Year’s resolution. Losing weight and getting moreexercise lead the way. Recent studies have shown thatonly slightly more than half succeed in being more fit.Even more disheartening, about one third of thepopulation never even make it out of the gate. A positiveattitude and intelligent approach to making New Year’sresolutions can help tremendously in the success of yourquest. When making your decisions on how you aregoing to be healthier and more fit in 2011, consider these5 steps:

1) Develop a plan and set realistic goals. A few visits tothe gym is not going to get the outcome that youdesire. Understand that this is going to be a process,and set short and long term goals. Making a changein your life involves smart and strategic planning. Ifyou don’t know exactly what you need to do in orderto reach your potential, consult a fitness expert.

2) Use positive thinking. With a master’s degree inSport Psychology, I am a true believer in a positiveapproach to almost everything in life. Exercise andeating healthy are no different. Have faith inyourself. You can do it!

3) Reward yourself for sticking to your plan. If yourgoal is to lose weight, do something for yourselfwhen you achieve a little progress. Treat yourself toa manicure, new book, or gadget that you’ve wantedto buy. Avoid unhealthy food as a reward! Focus onwhy you are trying to be healthier and think aboutthe benefits of changing your behavior.

4) Do not keep your resolutions to yourself. Having astrong support system intact can go a long way tohelping you succeed. Tell someone that you trust andthat you admire about your goals. A little nudge in theright direction by a friend can help you stay on course.


Winter 2010-11 •

New Years Resolution #4) Quit SmokingIf you have resolved to make this the year that youstamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counteravailability of nicotine replacement therapy nowprovides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids.Even if you’ve tried to quit before and failed, don’t let itget you down. On average, smokers try about four timesbefore they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of yoursmoke-free life!

New Years Resolution #5) Enjoy Life MoreGiven the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions ofAmericans, it is no wonder that “enjoying life more” hasbecome a popular resolution in recent years.

New Years Resolution #6) Quit DrinkingWhile many people use the New Year as an incentive tofinally stop drinking, most are not equipped to makesuch a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavydrinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much betterwhen they taper gradually, or even learn to moderatetheir drinking. If you have decided that you want to stopdrinking, there is a world of help and support available.

New Years Resolution #7) Get Out of DebtWas money a big source of stress in your life last year?Join the millions of Americans who have resolved tospend this year getting a handle on their finances. It’s apromise that will repay itself many times over in theyear ahead.

New Years Resolution #8) Learn Something NewHave you vowed to make this year the year to learnsomething new? Perhaps you are considering a careerchange, want to learn a new language, or just how to fixyour computer? Whether you take a course or read abook, you’ll find education to be one of the easiest, mostmotivating New Year’s resolutions to keep. Challengeyour mind in the coming year, and your horizons willexpand.

New Years Resolution #9) Help OthersA popular, non-selfish New Year’s resolution,volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you chooseto spend time helping out at your local library,mentoring a child, or building a house, these nonprofitvolunteer organizations could really use your help.

New Years Resolution #10) Get OrganizedOn just about every New Year resolution top ten list,organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether youwant your home organized enough that you can invitesomeone over on a whim, or your office organizedenough that you can find the stapler when you need it,these tips and links should get you started on the way toa more organized life.



How to Transform a Room with Paint

Want to make your pad look cozier, cooler, or larger?Find out how.When it comes to painting your digs, it can be a realhead-scratcher: What vibe do you go for? Somethingcozy that you can curl up in, an airy, open feel, or a modpalette that’s perfect for entertaining? Read on and seewhich color m.o. is right for you.

Make Your Room Look BiggerUse pale colors that reflect light, or cool colors (like blue,green, or purple) to add depth and openness. Try stripes:Horizontal bands of color will make a room feel longer,while vertical stripes will make it seem taller. Paint thecrown molding darker than the ceiling or wall to drawthe eye up, making the ceiling seem higher. Have a chairrail? Paint everything below it a deeper hue, andeverything above it a light color to give the room moredimension.

Make Your Room Look CozierPainting a room in stark white can make it feel cold. Usetexture to warm up a room and hide imperfections inyour walls. Try a two-colored sponge effect. In a whiteroom, think about using two colors of the same familybut in different shades (like a poppy red and a dustyrose) on adjacent walls. The other walls should be white.You can also achieve a cozier effect by painting in warmyellow, rich brown, or deep red.

Make Your Room Look CoolerLooking to mix things up? Creating a neutral palettewithin the same color family that incorporates yourwalls, trim, floor covering, and furnishings is aminimalist yet modern way to pull a room together. Trypainting bands of color in different widths around aroom for eye-catching, interesting walls. A dusty bluewall with stripes of chocolate brown and cream is a greatcombo.


Neighborhood REACH

Neighborhood REACH, an innovative new EnergySmart Plus (e+) community program designed to assistabout 3,000 income-based City Utility customers lowertheir utility usage by making their homes more energyand water-efficient. Residential customers living insingle-family homes or townhomes in selectedneighborhoods will have the opportunity to receive afree home energy assessment, free energy-savingproducts and energy-efficiency tips to help their familiessave energy, water and money. The NeighborhoodREACH program is scheduled to begin in December.For more information, please call 1.877.862.7042.


Winter 2010-11 •


Help! We Hate Our Neighbors!From the nosy to the nasty, here’s your guide to thosepeople who live right next to you.

The NoseysSpot ’em: It’s nice when they welcome you to theneighborhood with a pie. It’s a lot less nice when they stopby every evening wondering what’s for dinner.

Handle ’em: Decide how much access you’re willing togrant them. If you need privacy, politely set boundariesfrom the beginning to avoid any misunderstandings.

The Anal RetentivesSpot ’em: They walk the fence and obsess over how yourbushes spill over on to their immaculately maintainedyard…but the thing is you’re pretty sure it’s all on yourturf.

Handle ’em: All of you should walk the property linetogether so you can agree on exactly where it lies. If there’sstill a disparity, call in a surveyor to settle it permanently.

The BickersonsSpot ’em: While they look like such a happy couple, itdoesn’t sound that way when they’re shrieking at eachother at four in the morning.

Handle ’em: The day after a particularly bad incident, stopby and say, “I’m sorry to bring this up, but is everythingokay? We heard shouting last night.” Hopefully this willembarrass them into being on better behavior (or evenseeking counseling).

The SlobsSpot ’em: You knew when you bought the place that theyweren’t neat freaks. But now their yard is strewn withtrash, random vehicles, and blow-up Santas (and it’s noteven Christmas).

Handle ’em: If things are already tense between you,contact your block association to see if they’re in violationof any codes — then let the organization take it from there.


Last month we started by researching information aboutyour construction project this month we start with:

The TeamYour next step is to find the right team of professionals tomake your dream a built reality. Having a designer andbuilder working as a team from the conception of theproject will assure a single source of responsibility withfaster design and construction time. Their expertise cankeep you from making costly mistakes. They havedeveloped a system which has been tempered byexperience. When you hire a designer or builder you arehiring experience and knowledge. This is an importantpoint to consider when you need a tiebreaker to decidewhich team you are going to work with. A qualifiedprofessional can clarify the vision you want and fit thebudget you have available. By hiring the right team foryour project, you will save time, money and avoidfrustration.

Sources for locating your TeamYour choice of a designer and builder will not only affectthe finished product, but the overall building experienceas well. Their ability to coordinate the hundreds of details

that have to be addressed during the process of renovatingis essential. They must have good administrative,scheduling and quality control abilities. Think of them asa car that is taking you on a trip across the country. Mostcars can get you there but few can get you there incomfort, style and on time.

Your best source for locating a qualified team is first andforemost by word of mouth. Ask anyone you know whohas similar work done - neighbors, friends and family.Even if they have not had work performed on their home,they may know someone that has recently completed asimilar project.

Local members of the National Association of HomeBuilders (Tallahassee Builders Association) and theNational Kitchen and Bath Association are excellentsources for qualified contractors and designers. Wheninterviewing these professionals, ask if they have recentlycompleted any project similar to yours and if you wouldbe able to review their work and talk to previous clients.Quality contracting teams rely on their references to buildan outstanding portfolio.

Part Two of How Do I Get Started?Steps For Planning Your Renovation


continued on next page


Winter 2010-11 •

PlansYour plans are your visual presentation of what yourrenovation is going to look like and serves as a road mapfor the many tradesmen to follow. The more detail thebetter. It is helpful to have at least a 2-dimensionalrendering of the project; a 3-dimensional renderingwould be the best. These renderings will save manyquestions and changes later as you will be able to see allaspects of the floor plan. It is likely that the extra moneyspent for this high level of detail in your drawings willsave you many times over your initial investment,resulting with acceleration of your design and productselection.

SpecificationsRemember your scrapbook? Your specifications are yourwritten assurance that you are getting what you havepaid for. Detailed specifications are like the scrapbookbeing organized and sorted out with all your finalselections being condensed into one document. Wheninterviewing your contractors ask for their standardspecification sheet. This will be a good indicator of theirlevel of detail. Remember most contractors have morethat one job in progress at a time and good specificationsnot only let you know what is expected but aids in theirquality control.

Specifications compliment the plans and give details thateliminate the questions that waste time and personalinterpretation. A good set of specifications will cover allaspects of the construction project, from demolition tofinal clean up. Your specifications should include serialnumbers and quantities with allowance amounts set forall the personal decorating choices of the project.

ContractA sound contract between yourself and each professionalhired is an excellent assurance for the smooth completionof the construction project. An effective contract will:

• Describe the scope of the project and location ofwork to be performed.

• List the cost and deposit amount with an outlineof the payment schedule.

• Assign responsibility to the homeowner andbuilder for permits, inspections, insurance,construction financing and construction loaninterest.

• Specify the starting and completion dates of theproject with procedures for changes andalterations to the plans.

• Detail the hours during which workers haveaccess to the site.

• Specify work or materials to be excluded orprovided by the homeowner.

• Include the contractor’s certification of insurancefor damage and liability.



Cover your outdoor water pipes.


Thinking about adding a pet to your family? The rightanimal can make a great companion for your child. Butfalling for a cute little kitten without doing any research inadvance is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.Before choosing a family pet, consider this expert advice:

Evaluate your family’s lifestyleHow much time do you have to devote to a pet? Are youout of the house a lot? Do you travel often? Does anyonehave allergies that make certain pets off limits?

Decide if your child is ready for a pet“Although there’s no magic age, many experts say a childshould be at least 6 years old before you bring a pet intothe family,” says Stephanie Shain, director of outreachfor companion animals at the Humane Society of theUnited States. “But that’s just a guideline — parentsare the best judge of their child’s maturity.” To gaugeyour child’s readiness, be sure heshows self-control and obeys theword “no.” Also, observe hisbehavior around other people’s pets tosee if he is gentle and respectful withthem.

Do your homework“Read as much as you can about the types of animalsyou’re interested in before buying anything,” saysDewhirst. Even within dog breeds there’s a huge range inhow much exercise and attention dogs need. You’ll want tochoose an animal and breed that suits your family’slifestyle.

Involve your child in choosing a pet“Expose her to animals before buying or adopting one,”advises Shain. “If you’re considering a dog, let her spend

time with a neighbor’s friendlypup.” Also, don’t try to sub ananimal she doesn’t want for

one she does. “If your childasks for a dog, don’t bring homea rabbit,” says Dewhirst.

Consider the costFood, medical care, grooming— the expenses of owning a

pet add up. How much canyou expect to spend? Caring

for a cat costs about $400 a year,according to the American Society


continued on next page

The Great Pet Debate


Winter 2010-11 •

for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Asmall or medium dog costs about $500 a year, and bigdogs even more.

Age-appropriate PetsYour child’s age is a key consideration when choosing apet. If you have a preschooler, you’ll need to assume allresponsibility for pet care, and be vigilant aboutsupervising pet-and-kid play and hygiene. While thereare no hard and fast rules for older kids, experts do offersome suggestions.

5 to 10 years old: For this age group, the ASPCArecommends “shelf pets” such as fish or mice.“Hamsters, gerbils, rats, and other small rodents arebetter suited to the older end of this age range — say,eight to ten years,” says Shain. “They like a lot ofinteraction, but they require particularly gentlehandling.

10 to 13 years old: Rabbits are good pets for kids in thisage group, who can learn how to handle a bunnyproperly to avoid injuring him. Dogs and cats can alsobe great. When selecting one, research breeds carefullyand look at adult animals, suggests Shain. The reason:Puppies and kittens are babies themselves and are stilllearning about the world around them.

14 years old and up: For teens who are involved in a lotof activities and have less time to devote to a pet, birdsand fish can be great low-maintenance options.

5) Find a exercise facility that is conveniently located.Having a place to go nearby is important. If it is easyto get to, it will be easier to motivate yourself to go.Also, make sure that the fitness experts that you talkto are educated and experienced in all areas. If youever need help reaching your goals, don‘t hesitate tocontact me. I will gladly give you a free consultationto guide you in the right direction.

Remember to take these 5 steps in 2011. You don’t justhave the ability to make a New Year’s resolution. Youhave the ability to keep it.

Phil AmsellemM.S. Sport Psychology, Florida State UniversityB.S. Health Fitness, American UniversityC.S.C.S. National Strength and Conditioning AssociationIFPA Sport Nutrition SpecialistNFPA Certified Fitness Instructor

850-509-9348www.ability1on1.com

Get Fit continued from page 4

HOA Newsletter Winter 2010_Layout 1 12/16/10 12:20 PM Page 11


Your Garden

Now is the time to get your home’s yard prepared forthe coming winter season. With the economy as it is now,some of us find ourselves having to budget our finances.We all want a yard that we can be proud of but want tostay inside our budget. Some ask the question what canI do to enhance my yard’s appearance without breakingthe bank? Mulching is an inexpensive answer that showsinstant results. Mulching your planting beds help theroots stay warm, retain moisture and add to the beautyof your home. The two most common types of mulchused are pine straw and cypress mulch. Pine straw givesyou a clean golden brown look that needs to bereapplied 3 times a year. Cypress mulch, on the otherhand comes in a variety of different colors, such as red,blonde, brown, etc. It is recommended that cypressmulch be reapplied every 8-9 months. Adding mulchand trimming the hedges is a quick and inexpensiveway to beautify your yard for the upcoming holidaysand New Year!

Alex Kantor The Plant Man Landscape & Design850-544-9645


Winter 2010-11 •

What Do I Look For WhenBuying A Mattress?

Look for a mattress that provides uniform support fromhead to toe with innersprings and a thin pillow top forcomfort. If there are gaps between your body and themattress (such as at the waist), you’re not getting the fullsupport you need. And believers in firm-as-the-floorsupport should know, yes, mattresses can be too firm.The American Chiropractic Association recommendslying down on the mattress for at least 10 minutes in thestore (despite the stares from fellow shoppers) so yourbody can adjust to it; also make sure there’s plenty ofroom for both of you. Mattresses should be replacedevery five to eight years according to the ACA; if you’retossing and turning, that’s a sign you may be ready fora new one.



• Home Owners Association N

Step 3: Option A - Work With a RealtorIf you decide to hire a Realtor to help you sell your home:

• Choose an agent you trust and like working with • Keep your contract short so the agent has incentive

to sell fast • Pick a day for an open house (usually two to three

hours on a weekend afternoon) • Make sure your agent lists the house around town • Hire a lawyer to help with complex offers,

mortgages, leases, and contracts

Option B - Work Without a RealtorIf you decide to sell your home yourself:

• Take pictures when house is clean, clutter-free, andhas optimum sunlight coming in

• Decide what you’re going to list the house for (getnumber from agent you invited over and fromresearching similar homes online)

• Set a date for an open house (usually two to threehours on a weekend afternoon)

• Post your open house with basic info and picturesin local newspapers and online services

• Put up a sign on your front lawn and print flyerswtih house pictures to post around town

• Hire a lawyer to help with complex offers,mortgages, leases, and contracts

Step 4: Get a Home InspectionFind a credentialed inspector (check out TheNest.com localmessage boards to see who other people in your arearecommend). Use your home inspector to help find out thefollowing:

• Square footage • Size of each room • Purchase date of appliances • Taxes • Local schools • Distance to public transportation

From cleanup to closing, this guide will walk you throughthe steps (even if you don’t use a real estate agent to sellyour pad).

Step 1: Make Quick FixesExterior:

• Sweep sidewalk • Clean up your yard (mow lawn or rake leaves) • Trim bushes • Plant flowers • Clean gutters • Touch up chipped paint Interior: • Repaint bold walls with neutral colors (neutral

tones make a home easier to sell) • Do any DIY fixes (leaky faucets, squeaky doors) • Unclutter your closets and bookshelves • Store items that are clunky, unattractive, or too

personal

Step 2: Price Your PropertyRegardless of whether you’re going to sell with an agent orby yourselves, call an agent from one of your city’s majorreal estate agencies (who’s approved by the NationalAssociation of Realtors) and schedule a meeting at yourhome. Tell them you want to know this info:

• A realistic selling price • A realistic listing price • Three comparable homes that they’ve represented

that sold within the last few months • Three comparable homes currently on the market:

what they’re listed for and how long they’ve beenfor sale

• Three comparable homes that were taken off themarket (and why)

• What they’d do to get your home ready to sell

Selling Your Home Checklist


Winter 2010-11 •

How Can I PreventCyberbullying?

Teens have figured out ways to prevent cyberbullying.Follow in the footsteps of other quick-thinking teens and

• Refuse to pass along cyberbullying messages • Tell friends to stop cyberbullying • Block communication with cyberbullies • Report cyberbullying to a trusted adult

You can also help prevent cyberbullying by• Speaking with other students, as well as

teachers and school administrators, to developrules against cyberbullying

• Raising awareness of the cyberbullyingproblem in your community by holding anassembly and creating fliers to give to youngerkids or parents

• Sharing NCPC’s anti-cyberbullying messagewith friends

Don’t forget that even though you can’t see a cyberbullyor the bully’s victim, cyberbullying causes real problems.If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online.Delete cyberbullying. Don’t write it. Don’t forward it.

Protect your pets from the cold. Supply them with warm bedding.




Respect your neighbors if you are having a party. Better yet, invite them.


Part Two continued from page 9

• Describe when and how either party canterminate the contract and the procedure forlitigation.

Taking the time to complete these planning phases andproperly qualify and select your team of professionalswill ensure that your construction project will flowsmoothly.

Remember, the “up front” time in preparation will resultin many years of comfort and satisfaction.

Mark S. Worley, GMB (Graduate Master Builder) ispresident of Worley Construction, Inc. and the pastpresident of the Tallahassee Home Builders. His designsand projects have won numerous awards and have beenpublished on a national level.

Bulbs to Plant Now for Spring

Amaryllis Delphiniums Narcissus

Hyacinth Caladium Tulips

Alliums Dafodil


Winter 2010-11 •

Thermostat settings and filter replacement are thingsyou can take care of yourself. You’ll need the help of aqualified service technician to find or fix mechanicalproblems like numbers 6 and 7 above. If you are not surewhether you have a heat pump or some other kind ofheating system, or if you would like more informationabout saving energy, please call Energy Services at 891-4YOU (4968) and route to extension 4, then 2.

Tips For Setting Your Thermostat In WinterSet your central heating thermostat carefully andaccurately. Recommended daytime indoor temperaturein winter is 68 degrees. Nighttime settings depend onthe type of equipment you’re using: If you have an electric Heat Pump: At night, reduce thesetting to 65 degrees (or lower if you have aprogrammable thermostat). With a standard thermostat,if you drop the overnight temperature much lower than65, raise the temperature slowly the next morning, only2-3 degrees at a time, to minimize operation of costlysupplemental electric heat strips. Your operating costcan triple when the strips are on. Look for a small lighton the thermostat that signals strip operation.

If you have a Natural Gas, Propane Gas or Oil Furnace:At night, adjust your thermostat down to 60 or 55degrees overnight. A gas or fuel-oil furnace will reheatthe house quickly in the morning - it delivers hot airfrom the registers.

If you have Electric Resistance “strip” heating: Lowerthe temperature to 60 or 55 degrees overnight. Electricstrip is the most expensive central heating system tooperate. Set your thermostat low at night to avoid highcosts.

Set your thermostat’s FAN selection to AUTO; never setit to ON. Avoid the ON setting, which operates yourindoor-air distribution fan nonstop. The ON setting willincrease your costs and reduce your comfort.

If you have a Heat Pump, look closely at yourthermostat to make sure it’s not accidentally set to EMHEAT or EMERGENCY HEAT. Operating costs cantriple in the Emergency Heat mode. On someprogrammable thermostat screens, the EM HEATmessage appears in very small lettering that is easilyoverlooked.

Take Control continued from page 3

Be conscious of your fireplace ash as it will stay hot long after the fire is out.


Remember those who are alone or less fortunate over the holiday season.




Help continued from page 7

The SticklersSpot ’em: Your housewarming party went later thanexpected…but you were still surprised when the copsshowed up in response to all those complaints (everyone of which, strangely, came from the same home).

Handle ’em: Make a point of talking to them before yournext bash (inviting them may make them more reluctantto contact the authorities).

Step 5: Create Sell SheetFill out this detailed list on house specifics:

• Listing price • Square footage • Number of bathrooms • Number of bedrooms • Size of each room • Appliances and date purchased • List of amenities • Distance to public transportation • Schools (names and addresses)

Home Checklist continued from page 14

Wear reflective clothing when walking at night.



Winter 2010-11 •

Junior Executive Career Center

If you are a young person that has a skill inchildcare, lawn mowing, leaf raking pet sittingetc. and are looking for some work, we applaudand encourage you! Please email us yourqualifications, certifications and the neighborhood in which youare available to perform your services and we will post them hereto get you started. Send to [email protected].

Babysitter AvailableCaitlin Saunders, (850) 766-5372, 1356 Conservancy Dr. East 17years old, babysitting/pet sitting for 4 years now for children/petsof all ages.

Babysitter AvailableI am a junior honors student at Maclay School, SummerBrookeresident and experienced babysitter. I am certified in CPR and acertified lifeguard. I also have my own car and can drive to yourhouse. Available various evenings or weekends. Reasonable ratesand references available. Call Kirstin Spann at 443-3398 (cell) or322-9817.

Babysitter AvailableTessa Leininger, 14 years old Certified from TMH inBabysitter/CPR course. Experienced with watching children of allages and taking care of cats and dogs. Loves children and pets!Lives in Summerbrooke. Contact Tessa at 850-321-4893 or her mom(Kris) at 850-556-2335

Guitar LessonsI am a senior honors student at Maclay School, Eagle scout, and anexperienced guitar instructor. I have been teaching kids in guitarfor the last 3 years and I am available to give private lessons in yourhome or mine. I make learning to play guitar fun and simple! CallDylan Spann at 210-4668 (cell) or 322-9817 for rates and times.

Jonathon's Yard MaintenanceMowing, Edging, Raking Leaves, Trimming Trees, Laying sod,Spraying weeds, spreading fertilizer, and much more, please call597-1923 for a free estimate.

Pet Sitting Services Responsible SummerBrooke teens Nick and Eric Olsen, 668-3868,references upon request.

Scrapbooker/ ArtistI am a sophomore at Lawton Chiles Highschool and I am anexperienced scrapbooker. Also I am very good at drawing, likepotraits or pictures needed on the walls around the house. Live inRoyal Oaks. Call (850) 893-2185.

HappeningsDecember December 24th Christmas eveDecember 25th Christmas

January January 1st New yearsJanuary 17th Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

February February 2nd Groundhog DayFebruary 3rd Chinese New YearFebruary 14th Valentines DayFebruary 21st Presidents Day

March March 13th Daylight Savings Time BeginsMarch 17th St. Patrick’s DayMarch 20th First Day of Spring

Do not dispose of your Christmas tree on vacant lots.Check www.talgov.com for pick up schedules.


HOA Newsletter Winter 2010_Layout 1 12/16/10 12:21 PM Page 19

PRESORTEDSTANDARDUS POSTAGE

PAIDTallahassee, FL

PERMIT NO. 706

HOA Newsletter Winter 2010-2_Layout 1 12/16/10 11:21 AM

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