Published for the Residents of Twin Lakes of Brandon

TWIN LAKESOF BRANDON

1

Editor: Karen Young Contributor-at-Large: Lou Bloom

April/MAy 2014

President’s Letter

It’s Spring…A Good Time to Invest! The arrival of spring typically signifies a refresh of our surroundings. In many respects, this is done by Mother Nature and the abundance of rain the season brings. Beyond that, there are many aspects of our community that also should be refreshed and now is a good opportunity to invest in our individual homes and overall community.

Although the winter weather was mild in our area, it is safe to say many of us don’t spend as much time outside as we do in warmer weather. As a result, there may be several minor home maintenance issues that need attention before they become larger ones or progress into violation notices. These typically include pressure washing house exteriors, sidewalks, and driveways; touch up or full painting; cleaning pollen, mold/mildew & other discoloration from lanai cages, mailboxes, play equipment, and other outside items; mulching, pruning, and trimming. The list can seem endless! However, periodic investment of time and energy can enhance a home’s appearance and property value while ensuring compliance with community rules.

Speaking of property values, they appear to be rebounding in the Tampa area and that is welcome news for homeowners. To optimize the community’s curb appeal and overall aesthetics, the Board of Directors (BoD) has recently embarked on a multi-phase journey to refresh and enhance the appearance of many common areas. In March, the BoD approved several actions in this regard:

– Just as many of us prune and trim around our homes, it’s also a good time for tree trimming in the common areas around the pool area, along Bloomingdale Avenue, and within Zeina Park. Tree trimming will enhance appearance, promote healthy growth, lift the canopies (where appropriate), and enable nearby landscaping and grass to flourish. It will also better prepare these areas for the upcoming hurricane season.

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In This IssuePresident’s Message ...........................1-2Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Fun Run ....... 3Help Wanted........................................... 3Recipe of the Month ............................... 3 Household T ips ...................................4-5Featured Home: The Nelson Family ........ 5 The Community Page ............................. 6

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– Another major initiative is focused on our community entrance. Yes, we recently replaced the entry palm with a beautiful multi-stem Reclinata palm tree and our landscaping contractor periodically refreshes the area with seasonal flowers. However, the remainder of the long-term landscaping at our community entrance was identified as an area that could use some attention to help make a more positive first impression of our community. With that in mind, all sections of that area – entry side, main island, section near the attendant house, and exit side – have been (or soon will be) refreshed with weather-hardy, long-lasting landscaping.

– The Board of Directors has also been researching alternatives to restore the appearance and functionality of the Zeina Park parking lot. This heavily-shaded area receives plenty of car traffic and should receive even more since parents should not park in the street or on the grass while dropping off and picking up their children at the bus stop (it narrows the street, kills the grass, and damages sprinklers). The BoD continues to consider the limitations, budgetary impact, and feasibility of various options for the Zeina Park parking lot and fencing. We should make a final determination and begin work in that area before the summer season.

Another complex issue that has been discussed in great detail at numerous BoD meetings over the past 18 months is homeowner mailboxes and posts.

– Many of our homes have the original (or near original) developer-installed mail posts and boxes, some have the concrete replica version, and several more are currently in need of repair or are rapidly headed in that direction. However, these mailboxes/posts are no longer manufactured and we have been unable to find a company interested in replicating or maintaining them “one homeowner at a time” for a reasonable cost since most typically deal in larger quantities.

– For reasons such as commonality of appearance, community rules, and home values, we cannot continue down a path leading to a “mailbox mashup” for our community. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has performed extensive research and continues to meet with several vendors for selecting a new approved mailbox and post for our community that is durable, functional, low maintenance, and appropriate for our community’s standing while being available at a reasonable cost for each homeowner. Pricing seems to average around the low to mid $300s for removal of the current post/mailbox(es) and installation of the new one(s).

– To further preserve aesthetics and home values, the BoD is considering a phase-in period for all homeowners to replace their mailboxes and posts by a yet to be determined date. While the merits of this approach will be part of the overall discussion for modifying our community rules to reflect the approved mailbox and post, the BoD is determined to stipulate a significant price reduction for homeowners who purchase the new mailbox/post during an initial discount period.

– The BoD will continue to discuss this complex issue – and its impact on homeowners and our community rules – at every monthly meeting. Homeowners are welcome to attend any Board of Directors meeting; we typically meet the second Wednesday of every month in the River Hills Club and always advertise the meeting on our www.tlbhoa.org website and our community entry sign. You may also share your thoughts by contacting any BoD member or E-mailing me at president@tlbhoa.org

Throughout this spring, our individual and collective efforts will help sustain Twin Lakes as a premiere community in the Tampa area!

Lou

Are you a Twin Lakes

resident who owns a business?

Why not advertise in our community newsletter?

We offer special discounted rates for residents, display ads, and inserts. We can even have your ad designed

and printed for you!

Contact editor@tlbhoa.org for more information.

Twin Lakes Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Fun RunThis year these two great events will be held on April 19th.

Our Bunny Fun Run will include a 5K race, a one-mile fun run, and a one-mile walk. All are welcome, no matter what your experience! To join in the fun, please bring canned foods. We will donate it all to ECHO. Meet us at the park at 7:30 AM!

Then later, join us at 10:00 AM for the annual Twin Lakes Easter Egg Hunt in Zeina Park! The kids will be divided into groups by age, then set loose to find all the eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos by Moms and Dads.

We’re looking for volunteers for both events.Contact any board member to help!

Help WantedDo you enjoy writing? Do you like being involved in the latest goings-on in our community? We need help with the newsletter! In fact, we need someone who wants to take over the Editor position. After 3+ years, Karen would like to pass the baton to the next neighbor who would enjoy being in charge of our great newsletter.

The newsletter is published every other month. You would need to spend only 3-4 hours every couple of months. We are working with a production company who puts the whole newsletter together for us. All you have to do is submit articles to them and make sure the final product reads well and looks great.

Maybe you have some friends and neighbors who would like to join in with you? We’ve had a team in the past and it’s fun and works great! We used to get together at JF Kick’s for newsletter meetings. Good times.

If this sounds like something you would like to do to contribute to the Twin Lakes community, send email to editor@tlbhoa.org. Karen will be happy to answer any questions and work with you on an issue or two to help get you going. C’mon! You know you want to!

Recipe of the Month

Cheesy Salsa Mini Meatloaves1 lb. ground beef Sprinkle of both onion and garlic powder 1 egg 12 saltine crackers, finely crushed (1/2 cup) 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1 cup chunky salsa, divided

HEAT oven to 400ºF.

MIX first 4 ingredients with 1 cup cheese and 1/2 cup salsa.

PRESS evenly into 12 muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray or lined with aluminum foil. Use back of spoon to make indentation in center of each. Place muffin pan on foil-covered baking sheet.

BAKE 20 to 25 min. or until meatloaves are done (160°F). Top with remaining salsa and cheese; bake 3 min. or until cheese is melted.

There are a handful of items that we always keep on hand in my house. Hydrogen Peroxide is one of them. There are so many household uses for Hydrogen Peroxide it would be silly not to keep this cheap but useful item in my cabinet. Check out this list to see just how many things you can use it for in your home.

Remove Pesticides & Dirt from ProduceWash your vegetables and fruits with hydrogen peroxide to remove dirt and pesticides. Add 1/4 cup of peroxide to a sink of cold water. After washing, rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Simple & Effective MouthwashUse hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash to freshen breath. It kills the bacteria that causes halitosis (bad breath). Use a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Added bonus is, it will whiten your teeth too!

DIY ToothpasteUse baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste for brushing teeth. It helps with early stages of gingivitis as it kills bacteria, it also whitens teeth.

Clean ToothbrushesThis is great for cold & flu season. Soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide between uses to keep it clean and prevent the transfer of germs.

Non-Toxic CleanerUse peroxide to wipe out your refrigerator and dishwasher. Because it’s non-toxic, it’s great for cleaning places that store food and dishes. It is even safe for kids to use.

Remove Stains from Pots & PansRemove baked on stains from pots and pans. Just combine hydrogen peroxide with enough baking soda to make a paste, then rub onto the dirty pan and let it sit for a while. Come back later with a scrubby sponge and some warm water, and the baked-on stains will lift right off.

Whiten GroutWhiten tile grout throughout your house! Liberally spray the grout with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit — it may bubble slightly — for a little while, then come back and scrub the grout with an old toothbrush. You may have to repeat the process a few times, but it works!

Toilet Bowl CleanerClean the toilet bowl naturally! Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl, let stand for 20 minutes, then scrub clean.

Clothing Stain RemoverRemove stains from clothing, curtains, and tablecloths without harsh chemicals! Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a pre-treater for stains. Just soak the stain for a little while in 3% hydrogen peroxide before tossing into the laundry. You can also add a cup of peroxide to a regular load of whites to boost brightness. (Think Oxi-Clean)

Mopping SolutionBrighten and disinfect your floors. Combine half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with one gallon of hot water and start mopping. It is safe for any floor type, and non-toxic.

Clean ToysKids toys can be covered in germs. Disinfect kids’ toys and play areas with some hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. It won’t hurt any one. Just spray and rinse/wipe clean.

Garden FungicideHelp your garden grown by warding off fungus. Just add a little hydrogen peroxide to your spray bottle the next time you’re spritzing plants to prevent fungus from growing.

20 Household Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide

more on next page

Tid BitsVillage Reporter Would you like to be the Village Reporter for your Twin Lakes village? We’d love to have people from each village sending us news and stories that everyone would like to hear. Even if you just have an idea for a story, let us know. We can take it from there. E-mail editor@tlbhoa.org.

Community Service Credits Do your children need to accumulate community service credits? Why not suggest that they join one of our committees or volunteer to help with specific community events?

The Twin Lakes Newsletter is now Interactive Go to http://www.cminewsletters.com/TwinLakes to find a complete interactive version of the newsletter including live links to our sponsors and advertisers!

Ask the Board If you have a question that you would like to ask the Board, please send it to editor@tlbhoa.org. We will publish questions and answers in each edition of the Twin Lakes newsletter.

Detox BathTry adding a half a bottle of hydrogen peroxide to a warm bath to help detoxify the body. It will also leave you with a clean tub.

Salad ExtenderThis is genius! Spray a solution of 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide on leftover salad, drain, cover and refrigerate. This will prevent wilting and better preserve your salad. Great for when you buy an entire head of lettuce.

Acne TreatmentDab hydrogen peroxide on pimples or acne to help clear skin. This removes oils and toxins from the skin leaving it clean and beautiful without drying.

Remove Ear WaxUse peroxide to remove ear wax. Use a solution of 3% with olive or almond oil. Add a couple drops of oil first then the peroxide to your ear. After a few minutes, tilt head to remove solution and wax.

Treat Foot FungusPeroxide helps with foot fungus. Spray a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water on your feet every night and let dry. Or try soaking your feet in a peroxide solution to help soften calluses and corns, and disinfect minor cuts.

De-Must TowelsTake the musty smell out of towels. Use 1/2 cup Peroxide and 1/2 cup vinegar and soak towels for 15 minutes, then wash as normal. It gets rid of the odor.

Tooth WhiteningUse peroxide as a mouth wash for a natural tooth whitening effect. Hydrogen Peroxide is actually the main ingredient in those teeth whitening strips.

NOTE: Do not swallow any peroxide. When the peroxide rinse is done, be sure to rinse out your mouth with water.

Hair LighteningPeroxide is a bleaching agent and is used for lightened hair. Dilute 3% Hydrogen peroxide with water 1/2 and 1/2 and spray the solution on your wet hair after a shower. Comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, not drastically. (Use with caution)

From www.afewshortcuts.com

The uses of hydrogen peroxide as described in this article are not endorsed or guaranteed by the Twin Lakes HOA. Use of hydrogen peroxide in this way is at the reader’s discretion and sole responsibility.

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Featured Home: The Nelson Family

Congratulations to the Nelson family of 5207 Whispering Leaf Trail. Their home has been selected as the Twin Lakes of Brandon featured home for April, 2014. In each edition of our newsletter, homes that exemplify the care, pride and attention that the residents of Twin Lakes invest in their homes will be featured. The Nelson family will receive a gift certificate from a local restaurant in honor of their selection as this month’s home.

The next featured home will be chosen from the village of Fox Ridge. Please nominate your favorite home by May 10th by contacting editor@tlbhoa.org.

Board of DirectorsLou Ferrucci President president@tlbhoa.org

Howard Strahan Vice President 1 vicepres1@tlbhoa.org

Tony Pawlisz Vice President 2 vicepres2@tlbhoa.org

Troy Ligon Treasurer treasurer@tlbhoa.org

Mark Gaudio Secretary secretary@tlbhoa.org

Printed On Recycled Paper © 2014 Club Marketing, Inc. 813-980-2582

DISCLAIMER The (CSAC), Communications and Social Activities Committee has made every effort to provide accurate, relevant and timely information. However, errors and omissions can occur. By using the information herein, the reader as- sumes all risks associated with such use. The Homeowner’s Association, (CSAC) or contributing authors shall not be responsible for any special, consequential or other exemplary damages resulting from any reader’s use, interpretation or reliance upon any information contained herein.

The Community Page

Happenings:April 9th: Board of Directors Meeting River Hills Country Club, 6:00 PM

April 19: Annual Fun Run and Easter Egg HuntZeina Park, 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM, respectively

May Board of Directors Meeting (to be determined, watch the community bulletin board) River Hills Country Club, 6:00 PM

Avoid CostlyA/C Repairs

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661-0830

Mike Suhar,Owner

13 Year Twin Lakes Resident

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