Welcome to Golf Hammock!

Our street captains and welcoming committees are out meeting and greeting new residents as soon as possible. The purpose of the street captain is the enhanced communication between homeowner and GHOA board. The completion of the “Welcome to Our Community” form is vital to our data base and treasurer.A question they may ask is if you are a seasonal or year round resident or where do you receive your mail? If a street captain has not introduced themselves to you please contact either street captain co-chairmen to assist you. 

Street Captain co-chairmen contact is:

Cindy Bowser 260-348-9179- clb1919@yahoo.com   

Linda Schroeder - lindasfl70@yahoo.com

These welcoming ladies have community information that may be helpful to your specific needs whether new to Golf Hammock or Cormorant Point or brand new to Florida!

Cormorant Point residents welcoming committee chairman is: 

Lillian Kachelries 863-658-1568 xgrayrock1@aol.com

Golf Hammock residents welcoming committee chairman is: 

Joyce Rowe 863-214-6517 jannrowe65@gmail.com

Words from the President

I would like to thank all those who attended our September 10 GHOA board meeting. It was great to see resident’s participation.  Summer months have kept all of us busy with the resignation of two board members, (the president’s position and a director’s position).  I have been transitioning my duties as vice president to acting-president, overseeing the completion of the 2018 task list, various drainage issues, paving which remained for 2018, lawyer visits and engineering support meetings with Cool & Cobb/EPI.

In addition to the above mentioned tasks, the board is always looking for those who would like to take an active role in our community. Volunteers make a difference in the community and save the GHOA money.  With budget talks coming in the months ahead there are many committees and tasks that need your help.  Please consider donating some of your time to help our community remain one of the premier developments in Highlands County.

Please contact me or any board member for details about becoming an active board member or email any questions to the email address on our website.

Thank you for your support.

Bob Schroeder,

Acting-President, Vice President     

bobs1501@outlook.com

Words from the Secretary

Our website, ghoaonline.com is our electronic media source.  When you visit the website you will be asked to register your email address.  Once you do so, that registered email address will be your means of getting information such as our newsletter and shout-outs. Your email address must stay active, meaning opening and reading the information.  If for some reason you are unable to access email for longer than 60 days, you must re-register.  Currently, this newsletter is published toward the end of the calendar month. This will be your primary means of communication/information.  You will find out what is happening within the neighborhood, boards activities, reminders of rules and regulations to name a few of the valuable parts of this publication.  Another electronic form of communication is a shout-out. Many ask, “What is a shout-out?” Shout-outs are timely email communication from the GHOA board to the community regarding safety or security, an up and coming event, situation, or condition that is likely to have a broad community impact. 

A schedule of monthly GHOA meetings is posted on the website and in the display case located at the Activity Center. An announcement of those monthly meetings is placed at each entrance.  It is always best to attend GHOA monthly board meetings however, keep in mind that both board secretaries from GHOA and Cormorant Point must post their draft meeting minutes on the website in a timely fashion after the meeting has taken place. Take a few moments to read those minutes as they are not only informative to the happenings of the board but contain valuable information as well.  Minutes are stated as draft until approved at the following meeting. 

Another useful website for our community has been https://nextdoor.com This site is a bulletin board style approach. Keep in mind that this is a third party website and is not sponsored, funded or operated by the GHOA.   This website is a great tool for finding goods and/or services that you may need or find useful. Most often these goods and/or services are within our community or surrounding areas. 

As a reminder, there are four associations in our community, each having their own by-laws, rules and regulations, Cormorant Point, Golf Patio Villas, Hammock Fall, and the Golf Hammock Home Owner’s Association, each individual under the “umbrella” of the GHOA.  Residents living under the umbrella of GHOA are always included in any community communication, invited to attend board meetings or other events.  

Once again, please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

DebSteuer,

GHOA Secretary

secretary.ghoa@gmail.com

Looking for Volunteers!

The GHOA Board of directors needs your help! With 2 resignations during the summer months there are board positions available now.  Please consider joining us! 

The Board consists of 9 members manned by volunteers elected by the Association.  If you are interested in becoming a board member, please create a brief summary of your life experiences that would make positive impacted on our community here within Golf Hammock and submit them to Deb Steuer, at secretary.ghoa@gmail.com  The Board holds monthly meetings on the second (2nd) Monday starting at 6:30 PM (Board Workshop) and the General Board Meeting at 7 PM.  The length of each meeting varies based on the agenda.  

A “Meet and Greet” is planned for all new 2018 residents of Golf Hammock! Keep in mind that this is all associations under our umbrella - Cormorant Point, Golf Patio Villas, Hammock Fall, and the Golf Hammock Home Owner’s Association. Come chat with neighbors, various board members and golf course management. Mark your calendar Saturday, October 6 for 9AM.  If you have questions about this event, please contact Deb Steuer at secretary.ghoa@gmail.com or call 574-529-2718

Activity Center News!

The Library located inside the activity center is OPEN!  Please look through the books that are available. Read at your lecture and return in a timely fashion.

Check out the community library!

Regularly Scheduled Happenings at the Activity Center:

Mah Jongg Tuesday and Fridays 9:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Tuesday Game Night 7:00 pm – 2nd, 3rd, 4th Tuesday

Book Club 7:00 pm – 3rd Wednesday of the month

Mark Your Calendars!

Thursday, October 4

Thursday, October 18

Thursday, November 1

Thursday, November 15

Thursday, December 6

Thursday, December 20

Each Thursday will be 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to join for the crafting and the chatter.  If you haven’t attended please contact Kathy at (863) 202-6905 (call or text) or email at kathyk2@centurylink.net. Please let her know what your craft will be. Tables are set up and you’ll be able to choose your table when you arrive. If you need electricity for your craft please let her know specifics. Bring a snack to share.  Lunch can be ordered at the restaurant! Again any questions please reach out to Kathy!

Directory Distribution in the Activity Center 

The following dates have been set for GHOA Directory Distribution. These dates are also marked on the calendar on our website.

Thursday, October 18 from 10 am – 2 pm and 5 pm –- 7pm

Friday, November 16 from 8 am –- 11 am and 5 pm –- 7 pm      

Thursday, December 6 from 10 am - 2 pm

Reminder, you must sign for your directory!  If none of these days work for you, watch for future dates and times as the need arises. 

New Section!! Cormorant Point Corner!!

Cormorant Point Residents!

If you would like to have something posted in this newsletter, please contact Deb Steuer, secretary.ghoa@gmail.com

The Cormorant Point Landscaping and Architectural Board Representative is Carl R. Scaggs, crscaggs@gmail.com. The HOA board is here to help provide guidance and documentation for all changes. If you have any question or concern, please let me know.  

“A Permit”…for What!

When used in Cormorant Point the word “permit” has several interpretations which may cause confusion.  The context, in how it’s used determines what interpretation to follow.  When structurally modifying a dwelling, the word permit means Highlands County Permit.  When used as a Cormorant Point home owner generally, the word “permit” is often spoken by home owners in a Home Owner Association HOA and most times in a tempestuous tone of voice for it requires Cormorant Point Board of Directors prior approval.  

A HOA permit is simply a Request for Change.

Most home owners don’t really understand the importance of keeping changes or additions documented.  In Cormorant Point we have three request for change forms for documenting additions and changes, those are:

Request for Landscaping Change (includes additions)

Example would be adding/changing scrubs, trees or flower planting to your yard.

Request for Architectural Changes (including Additions)

Example is adding a pool, concrete patio, screened to existing patios, etc...

Request for Satellite Dish (additions/changes)

The need to document change is a way of protecting home values by helping the HOA board maintain a subdivision that is clean, neat and consistent.

 “What No Permit Required” Man that’s Great!!!

In some cases a permit for change is not required, when doing a Replacement in Kind (RIK)

neither Landscape or Architectural change requests are required when a dwelling exterior items such as plants, trees, sod, roof shingles, shutters, siding, etc...are being replaced with form, fit and function equivalents in the exact location where they were previously located.  

Replacements shall meet all requirements of the association protected covenants and bylaws.

Carl R. Scaggs

The restaurant is planning Special Event for all community residents and surrounding neighbors! Free sampling of new menu items! Come socialize with your neighbors! 

Mark your calendar Friday, November 9 Watch for details or stop in and get more information!

For more information about the restaurant and/or the events that are being planned or for golf course information please contact the Golf Hammock Country Club:  863-382-2151

The Kids Clinic and Lunch

Starting in November, the First and Third Saturday of the month

Calling all kids 12 and under! Join us for a free golf clinic at the driving range. Afterwards, come with your parents to the Golf Hammock Restaurant and enjoy a free hot dog and a coke.

For more information contact the Golf Hammock Country Club:  863-382-2151

Golf Carts!

Please keep in mind that you must be 16 years of age to operate a Golf Cart in Golf Hammock during the day, at night it is 18 years old. All lighting must be operational, front lights, turning signal, and brake lights. Golf Cart operators must practice good driving sense, yielding to the right of way. 

Duke Energy Light Poles: Did you know that each pole has a tag with a number? Did you know that if you see one not working correctly or just burned out, you can call Duke Energy yourself and report it? Step one, take the tag number off the pole, call Duke Energy Customer Care at 800.700.8744  - they locate the pole in their data base, state if it has already been called in or not – guess what you have just initiated the process...if no one calls, pole outages don't get reported thus no lighting in the area. Therefore, if you have noticed lights not working properly please be proactive and make the call...it is appreciated neighborhood wise. 

You can also visit their website and request light repair online!

https://www.duke-energy.com/customer-service/request-light-repair

Dog Walkers

We have had many vocal residents thoughout GHOA complain about dogs and/or dog walkers in general. It is important that as the owner of the pet you are held responsible for that dog or dogs business.  Remember to pick up after your pet. Common ground areas, along with the golf course including any other property along your path, your dog should be picked up after he/she does their business.  Many walking have visible bags or tools to help in this activity which is very responsible however others do not.  Please be more considerate of your neighbors, our community and golf course. If you are one that has not been proactive in doing what is right, you shouldn’t be offended if you are asked to pick it after your dog. Avoid embarrassment, just pick it up! 

The architectural chairman is Roger Steuer ghoatreasurer@gmail.com  If you are making any changes to the appearance of your home send an email making him and the association aware of your project. Sheds or other structures as well as fences and many other projects require building permits according to the Highland County building and zoning departments. Again depending on the structure, rear, side and front have certain setbacks. This procedure verifies that your project is within the guideline of the stated rules and regulations. This only protects you as a homeowner.  You can contact the building and zoning department for more information. 

The Data Base/Directory chairman is Marge Schindewolf margeschindewolf@comcast.net  If you have made any changes with your contact information, it is your responsibility as a property owner to get that type of information to the GHOA.  If you have a seasonal address that in no longer valid, please update your information. Your phone number has changed or you no longer have a land line, update your information.  If you have a new mailing/billing address, again please update your information. If your email address has changed and you registered previously with another, you must re-register the new email address on the website, ghoaonline.com  to continue getting shout-outs and newsletters.

Any updates, except email address changes, can be emailed directly to Marge. 

Complaints/Violations

There have been so many issues with the Violation and Complaint Form.  The form was available on our website. Many complaints were still being received on scrap pieces of paper, napkins, back of business cards then placed in board member’s mailbox, door jams to name a few.  

After hours of work, the GHOA Complaint Form is now available on the website and easily accessible on the home page under Contact Us! Click on the Complaint form button and complete the fillable form.  To submit, simply save the pdf document and send electronically as an attachment and send to: ghoaonline@gmail.com. Once the form is received it will then be directed to the committee who continues the process. 

With this new process in place, all necessary information will be collected to move forward with the Violations/Complaints form.  The board will not process incomplete forms. Electronic submission is highly suggested, however completed forms will be accepted if printed and mailed with postage to our mailing address.  The board will no longer be accepting the following: anonymous, incomplete or forms placed in the activity center mail boxes.

Email or snail mail only please. 

Mailing address: 2200 Golf Hammock Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

Any further questions, send an email to the address located on our website ghoaonline.com

Remember if you have violations and/or complaint issues that can be resolved with a simple conversation, start there first! 

If there is something that you feel you would like to see in the newsletter as a regular item, an announcement, or general information, please let me know! I look forward to hearing from you!

DebSteuer

secretary.ghoa@gmail.com

For the list of Board Members and any additional information can be found on the

GHOA website> ghoaonline.com