While many of us were relaxing the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the Social Committee was hard at work. Under the leadership of Alisha Vozella, the committee organized, assembled and delivered over 170 swag bags to help cheer our residents’ family celebrations as they rang in 2022.

The gift bags were put together with family gatherings in mind and included party hats, noise makers, Mardi Gras beads and Martinelli’s sparkling cider. Not only did committee volunteers put this all together in record time, they also handed them out in just one day to those who registered in advance.

Residents drove, walked and biked to the clubhouse, where they picked up their own personal party in a bag with a big smile on their faces. Kudos to our Social Committee for their creativity and for adapting events so our community can continue to celebrate holidays and come together even in the midst of a pandemic.

The Social Committee is looking forward to a great 2022 full of fun and enjoyable events.

By John DeCrotie

Although it seems like a long time ago, it has been just over two months since a major storm (a suspected tornado) touched down close to the clubhouse.  The storm’s path came across the pond from Moss Park Road and touched down on the sports field before heading alongside the clubhouse and through the pool and tennis courts.  It then moved toward the playground before dissipating.

The storm was quick and damaged multiple areas around the clubhouse.  Since then, management has brought in various vendors to handle immediate repairs that were clear safety issues as well as do other repairs that will put all the amenities back into good working order. We are fortunate that the insurance policy was modified by the Board prior to this storm so that all this is covered with only a small deductible. Our intent is that all repairs will be completed within the next four to six weeks. 

 The following is a status report of the major damages and repairs to date:

Playground Structure and Sunshade: The main structure required immediate repairs which took place within days of the storm. The sunshade is a custom-made sail that has been ordered and should be installed within the next three to four weeks.

Clubhouse Roof and Building: Special thanks to homeowner Paul Johnson, who came out the day after the storm and covered the damaged roof hip on the rear of the building to ensure no water permeated the building where shingles were torn off. Management has hired a general contractor to both assess the damage and bring in the required vendors to repair the roof, soffits, building side damage and exterior lighting. This work is scheduled to begin within the next few weeks.

Sport-Field Backstop Fence: This large fence was damaged by a tree that came across the boulevard.  Management has contacted vendors about repair and replacement.  While a decision is still to be made about a replacement fence, the damaged backstop has been removed for safety reasons.

Pool Gate Entrance (left side of clubhouse):  The storm bent and damaged the gate entrance as well as several fence sections surrounding the pool.  All damaged fence parts have been repaired and the gate is now fully functional.

Tennis Court Fence/Windscreens: Following the storm, virtually all the windscreens were detached from the tennis court fence and a portion of the fence was bent at the rear.  Our maintenance staff immediately reattached the windscreens and management has had the vendor that installed the court fences out to assess and quote repair. Management agreed to their proposal and the vendor is in the process of scheduling the repair date.

Damaged/Lost Pool Furniture: The storm caused damage to the pool umbrellas, several tables and some chairs. We’re awaiting a site visit from the furnishings vendor to quote a replacement price for these items.

Clubhouse Cameras:  During the storm, several surveillance cameras were damaged and/or lost.  Prior to the incident, management was in the process of upgrading the cameras and recording systems at the clubhouse.  This storm has accelerated this need and recently the wiring for the new camera system was installed.

Tom MacCubbin is an important influence in Florida’s modern horticulture as one of the pioneers of the native plant movement. He has dedicated a lifetime to caring for the state’s flora and educating Floridians about best practices for their gardens. You name it, he’s done it: Written books? Check. Hosted a syndicated radio show for 33 years? Check. Newspaper columnist? Check.  Early in his career, his wealth of knowledge earned him the nickname “plant doctor.” 

North Shore at Lake Hart is lucky and proud to have MacCubbin as our consultant during our landscape update to make it more durable and Florida friendly. We sat down for a chat with MacCubbin about the importance of green areas in residential neighborhoods and best practices for home gardens.

Question: What role do North Shore’s conservation areas play in the overall environmental health of the neighborhood?

Tom MacCubbin: – The conservation areas contain wetlands that help hold water on the land and divert any runoff from yards and hardscape areas. They provide habitats for wildlife and create recreation areas for residents.

Q: You’ve been working with our board and staff to update the landscaped areas and make them more Florida friendly. Why is this so important?

MacCubbin: Florida friendly plants are adapted to growing under local conditions. They are longer lasting and more sustainable. Florida friendly plants can be native or introduced but they must be the right plant for the right place.

Q: What are some of the worst mistakes made by residential developments as they map out their green areas?

MacCubbin: 

1. They pick plants that outgrow the site.  One of the worst examples is tall growing crape myrtles planted in too small an area and they must be pruned each year.  It would be much better if they select a crape myrtle variety that fits the location. We have crape myrtles that grow as ground covers to tree size plants. 
2. They use too many plants in one spot.  Landscapers should make sure the plants have the right spacing and give them the needed time to grow.
3. They select plants that need constant pruning. Pruning wears many plants out and shortens their lives. Pick plants that are the right size for the spot and only do hand pruning to keep them in bounds. 
4. They do not have their soil tested to make sure they have the right pH for the plants they want to grow. For example, azaleas need an acid soil, but many try to grow them under alkaline conditions and fail. 

Q: What are the best plants for a Florida friendly home garden and when is the best time to plant?

MacCubbin: We plant year-round in Florida but now is one of the best times as there is less stress on the plants and planter.  Some of the more durable and heat tolerant plants include shrubs of Burfordii holly, camellias, coontie, dwarf powderpuff, schefflera Trinette, dwarf yaupon holly, Indian hawthorn and loropetalum.  Tree or tree forms include crape myrtle, ligustrum trees, tabebuia, winged elm and southern magnolia. 

Q: Can you please give homeowners a few tips to start a home garden?

MacCubbin:

• Improve sandy soils with lots of organic matter
• Adjust the soil acidity to the proper pH
• Make sure you have the proper light level. Most like full sun. If you have shade, be selective.
• Provide adequate water and fertilize using a slow release product. Flowers and vegetables need a fair amount of fertilizer to be attractive or productive. 

By John DeCrotie

In the fall of 2020, the tennis and basketball courts in our community were resurfaced and painted with high-quality materials making them a pleasure to play on. This work was completed at a considerable cost to all homeowners. Sadly, the court surfaces have been vandalized and damaged since then. Although the surfaces are still playable, the basketball court has been marred by bicycle tire skid marks and, more recently, burned by fireworks.

This brings us back to the conversation of whether we need to fence in the basketball court or possibly all the amenities in the clubhouse area to deter and stop acts of vandalism. In early 2021 there was a community discussion about fencing. However, building a fence around the amenities was not pursued because some residents did not think it was necessary. Unfortunately, we continue to experience vandalism and non-residents continue to use our unfenced amenities which has reignited the discussion of whether to erect the fence. To this effect North Shore management is currently in the process of obtaining competitive bids for fencing that matches the decorative fence around the pool. 

Acts of vandalism on property are not frequent but they do occur and when they do, they cause expensive damages and aggravation to residents. In a separate incident from the court, vandals also set fire to the dock last year. At its December meeting, the board approved a proposal to install power and water to the entrance of the dock. The electricity will allow security cameras to be placed on the dock to monitor activity 24-7, while the water connection will be used to pressure clean the dock twice a year by our staff, instead of having to hire a  vendor.

We need your help. The community does have a patrol and its officers inspect all amenities multiple times a day. However, they cannot be everywhere at all times. If you see something suspicious on HOA property during the day, please let management know as soon as possible. Stop in the office or call 407-207-0520.  If you see something illegal taking place after hours, please contact the non-emergency line for the Orange County Sheriff’s office at 407-836-4357.  

We appreciate your help in stopping this damage to our community and your amenities.

Meet Board Member Rob Taub

Rob Taub is a volunteer on a mission to improve his community. He not only serves on the North Shore Board of Directors, but he also chairs the Architectural Review Board. 

He and his wife, Rachel, built their Marsh Pine home in 2003. Rob has served on the board since 2019 and chaired the ARB for two years. He said his biggest achievements are improved communication and transparency and bringing the community together. 

“I think listening to our members and soliciting their input is the key to success,” he said.

The way Rob sees it, the advantages of volunteering in the community are many.  

“It is important to give back and get to know your neighbors in all of our communities. It helps you gain insight into the challenges that others might be facing and allows you to be able to help out,” Rob said.

Rob is a field insurance appraiser where he conducts fraud, theft and fire investigations. He also serves as a trainer for the organization.

Rob and his wife, who works for Orange County Public Schools, have been married since 1996 and have two children. Their son, Michael, is a senior at the University of Central Florida studying Electrical and Computer Engineering and plans to enter the MBA program in the fall. Michael is also a personal trainer and an assistant wrestling coach at Lake Nona High School. Their daughter, Jaiden, is a junior at LNHS and is a multi-world champion in karate. Prior to the pandemic, the family traveled the world to watch her compete.