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On the other hand, the majority of children are free to eat most any type of candy.  Many favorite candies include: Reese's, Hersey's, Snicker's, M&M's, and many others.  After Halloween is done, think about where you can donate the extra candy if it doesn't go in your belly.  Here are some donation ideas: give to a neighbor, school, or church.

Attention Homeowners

2018 Assessment Fee 

At the October meeting of the Golf Hammock Owners’ Association, the Board announced its intention to raise the 2018 Assessment Fee for all Members.

For several years, the Board has been evaluating the drainage and road infrastructure serving the Community, and some repairs have been made and others have been scheduled to occur. The aftermath of Hurricane Irma has further illustrated the many shortcomings of this infrastructure.

Early expenditures in 2017 were funded by drawing from savings accounts, however, future expenditures will require additional revenue from assessment fees. Forecasts at this time project assessment fees rising to $500 for 2018.

The Board will finalize budget plans for 2018 at the November 13 Board meeting and will vote for the 2018 assessment fee at the December 11 Board meeting.

Thoughts and observations are welcome from concerned Members. Consider attending these Board meetings, as time will be set aside at each for Member comments. Or, written comments can be delivered to any Board member or placed in the GHOA drop box at the Activity Center.

If your septic system isn’t maintained, you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars. A malfunctioning system can contaminate ground water that might be a source of drinking water. And if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good working order.

How do I maintain my septic system?
 

Pump frequently

You should have a typical septic system inspected at least every 2 to 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped as recommended. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components need to be inspected more often.

Use water efficiently

Average indoor water use in the typical single-family home is almost 70 gallons per person per day. Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons each day. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system.

Flush responsibly
Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette
butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels and other kitchen and bathroom items can clog and potentially damage septic system components. Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system or might contaminate surface waters and ground water.

How can I protect my drain field?

• Plant only grass over and near your septicsystem. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drain field. 

• Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drain field or damage the pipes, tank or other septic system components.

• Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains and other rainwater or surface water drainage systems away from the drain field. Flooding the drain field with excessive water slows down or stops treatment processes and can cause plumbing fixtures to back up. 

For more information visit epa.gov/owm/septic.

Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing

Ingredients

½ teaspoon butter or margarine, softened

2 unpeeled red baking apples, sliced SAVE $

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon packed brown sugar

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon seasoned salt

4 bone-in pork loin chops, 3/4 inch thick (about 2 lb), trimmed

1 cup apple juice or apple cider (SAVE $)

2 Tablespoons butter or margarine

1 ½ cups stuffing mix for pork or chicken

(from 12-oz box or 8- or 12-oz canister) SAVE $

¼ cup sweetened dried cranberries

1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
 

Directions

• Heat oven to 375°F. Brush 1/2 teaspoon butter in bottom of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Spread apple slices in dish. In small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over apples. Sprinkle seasoned salt on both sides of pork; place pork over apples.

• In 2-quart saucepan, heat apple juice and 2 tablespoons butter to boiling over medium-high heat. Stir in stuffing mix and cranberries. Cover; remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff mixture with fork. Scoop 1/2 cup stuffing onto each pork chop.

• Spray sheet of foil with cooking spray; place sprayed side down over baking dish. Bake 40 to 50 minutes. Uncover; bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until pork is no longer pink in center and meat thermometer inserted in center reads 160°F. Sprinkle with parsley. To serve, lift pork chops with stuffing to serving plates; serve apples on the side.

Quote of the Month

Exercise of the Month
Get out there and take advantage of a nice day

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a warm fall afternoon, but riding a bike is one of the most active ways to spend your leisure time. According to NutriStrategy, a relaxing bike ride (<10 mph) burns more calories than an easy walk (2 mph)—281 calories versus 176 calories per hour. Challenge yourself by powering your way up hills and pushing your speed over 10 mph, but even keeping to a leisurely pace is a great way to supplement an active lifestyle.

A complete list of Board Members can be found at https://www.ghoaonline.com/