Joyce does appreciate and thanks those of you who have reached out to contact her initially understanding moving/relocating is a busy time.   If she has not made contact with you please give her a call at 863-214-6517 or send an email at jannrowe65@gmail.com.

If you are new resident to Cormorant Point call Lillian Kachelries at  863-658-1568 or send an email to xgrayrock1@aol.com

Words from the Secretary

I appreciate the positive feedback that this newsletter is receiving. Ruthie, our web master and I work hours trying to compile information that is of value to everyone within our Golf Hammock community.  Our numbers over all continue to grow monthly, not only with “new to the community” logging in but current residents are registering with us as well. This is great news! Did you know that if you have missed a board meeting those meeting minutes are available online as soon as they become available, just a click away for either GHOA or Cormorant Point. 

Please continue to browse our website at https://ghoaonline.com anytime for further information. Also check out the website at nextdoor.com for the bulletin board style site for various things within our community and surrounding areas.

Many of you are aware that monthly board meetings are suspended for the summer months. Though I am looking forward to well-deserved break as many of us are, I plan to continue publishing a condensed version of the newsletter to keep all of those who have been routinely engaged connected. Look for basic reminders, a review of standing rules and bylaws to name of few selected topics. 

Enjoy your summertime activities, lets stay connected and of course, thank you for your appreciated support!

DebSteuer

Community Challenge

Many of you are aware that our main entrance is seeking updating, redesign or improvements. At our May 14, 2018 board meeting, the board approved a motion to extend an invitation to all its members to participate in an effort to do just that.  Exciting!

We are calling on all of you!  What would you like to see at the main entrance? We need ideas, thoughts, drawings and perhaps pictures of plant types, structures or signs, and /or of entrances of other places that you have seen that appeal to you.

Along with pictures and drawings, please submit a short, written description of how these concepts could be applied to our entrances.  Together we are hopeful that we will receive ideas that could eventually be worked into our plans and budget! So details of this challenge are listed below:

All submitted entries must contain your name, address and phone number. Entries can be submitted as drawings, positive written descriptions and pictures of current entrances that would work for us. 

All entries can be submitted to secretary.ghoa@gmail.com

Deadline for consideration is Friday August 31, 2018

Activity Center News!

The Activity Center is open until 2:00 PM throughout the summer months!  Regular scheduled activities will continue unless otherwise posted. If you have questions regarding using the activity center for an event, a list of guidelines are posted on the bulletin board inside the activity center as well as on the website. For additional information regarding availability of dates and times, please call Linda Fisher 863-658-1389.  

If your activity would like to be posted in the newsletter for community support, this information needs to be given to Deb Steuer, by the 15th of the month for placement in the newsletter format.

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!

These crafting days have been enjoyed by many and everyone is welcome to attend. It has been so popular that another day of crafting has been added to the summer schedule. Mark your calendars for the first and third Thursday of the month. Continue to contact by text or phone Kathy at (863) 202-6905 or email at kathyk2@centurylink.net. Please let her know what your craft will be. Tables will be 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. 

June 7, 2018       8am – 6pm

June 21, 2018     8am – 2pm

Driveway and Roadside

Swale Maintenance

A swale is a long narrow depression that has gently sloping sides which varies in depth from six inches to a few feet and is typically wider than it is deep.   In Golf Hammock you will find swales in grassy areas connecting Lakes and Ponds alongside streets and driveways. Golf Hammock swales were created as part of the development drainage plan to help ensure proper drainage, minimize runoff, capture storm water and direct storm water out of Golf Hammock.

Tropical storms, hurricanes and active rainy seasons can create drainage challenges and the need to minimize flooding, conserve water and reduce pollution increases.

One of the major contributors to good storm water management is a properly designed and functioning swale.  Swales, when combined with our lakes and ponds, are designed to provide water quality treatment naturally to reduce pollution and also to control flooding during storm events. Swales:

• Collect rainwater and filter pollutants through the sieve-like action of roots, rocks and soil,

• Control flooding by absorbing water like a sponge and directing it back into aquifers underground,

• Prevent erosion by holding our sandy soils in place,

• Provide a drainage area for storm water so that it does not pool in the street or push debris into the drain system.

In order for swales to function as designed, maintenance is essential. Swales that have been filled with debris will hamper the movement and conveyance of storm water and may actually cause flooding. However, swales that have been maintained will provide storage, filtration and conveyance of storm water for a cleaner, safer and more efficient storm water management system.

Can I Fill in a Swale to Make It Level with My Lawn or Other Landscaping?

The short answer for this one is no.  Altering a swale may disrupt its natural drainage features, causing flooding and storm water pollution.

Some homeowners consider swales unsightly and would rather have a nice, level lawn or a smooth surface along their driveway.

The issue is, a manmade swale on your property was put there for a reason, and natural swales are serving a necessary water-carrying service.

It may also be possible to create another swale in a less offensive location to make your current swale obsolete.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that swales serve a very important purpose and so keep in mind that a swale on your property might not necessarily be protecting your home; it might be there to prevent runoff from your yard from entering your neighbor’s property and causing damage to structures.

So just because it looks like your driveway swale is sloped in a manner that does not put your home in danger, this does not mean that the swale is not necessary.  That swale could be saving your neighbor’s property from flooding.

A properly maintained swale helps prevent storm water pollution and flooding. The following information will assist you with ensuring your swale area manages storm water runoff efficiently:

Mow and maintain swale areas to promote healthy grass growth.

• Avoid over watering the swale area. If water is standing in the swale when it has not rained, reduce irrigation. 

• Keep swales free of litter, branches, leaves and limbs so water can soak into the ground. 

• Avoid parking cars on swales. This compacts the soil and prevents storm water from soaking into the ground.  

• Swales located in the Golf Hammock Right of Way may not be altered by regrading or filling with curbscaping, concrete, rock, dirt, sand, landscaping, trees or anything other than grass.

TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS – GOLF HAMMOCK ACTIVITY CENTER

Thursday, June 21st

Second Annual Longest Day of the Year Three Hole Match Play Golf Tournament

Golf Hammock Golf Club

3:00 p.m. until tournament finishes

Cost:  Golf Course Members:  $5.00 per person

Non-Golf Course Members $5.00 + $5.00 greens fees

Match play tournament.  A match = 3 holes

Single elimination tournament

Tournament will be flighted by handicap; men’s and women’s divisions.

Prize money based on size of flight – 100% payout.

Tournament celebration before/during/after tournament at Golf Hammock Activity Center

Please bring appetizer/snack to share and your own beverage.

Guests welcome!

To sign up or for more information contact:

Kathy (call/text) 863 202-6905

KathyK2@centurylink.net

From the Clubhouse 

Trash Collection Trucks

Each time one of the trash collection trucks has to allow a vehicle to pass, its tires must run or stand on the edge of the pavement.  Please consider altering your route in and out of Golf Hammock when you hear or see the trucks nearby. This is one simple step we all can take in order to minimize wear and tear on the pavement edges of our narrow roads. 

Architectural Chairman

If you are making changes to the current appearance of your home, email me with detail plans of your project. This avoids unnecessary wondering or concern as to why perhaps equipment, trailers, workers are seen on your property as well as verifying that you project is within the guidelines of the stated rules and regulations. Many projects require building permits. Sheds or other structures need building permits according to the Highland County building and zoning departments that require certain setbacks depending on the type of structure you plan on building. This only protects you as a homeowner.  You can contact the building department for more information.

In addition, it would be a good idea to reach out to your insurance company to inquire what is it that they require. Again, this only protects you are as responsible homeowner.

Roger Steuer, architectural chairman ghoatreasurer@gmail.com

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