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Issue 49: May 2016

The Terra Verde Homeowners Association Magazine

General Managers Report

Board Update

Easter Egg Hunt

Gulfport

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

Destination Silver Springs

Tiki Times

‘International‘ Terra Verde

Homeowner’s Noticeboard

What’s on Where?

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We love hearing from you, so please send us your thoughts on the magazine, comments, suggestions on future topics, articles of places and restaurants you visit and photographs. Please contact:

clivehand@terraverdehoa.com

Please note that any opinions

expressed in this magazine are not

necessarily those of the Home

Owners Association nor the Editor.

Terra Verde Connections is published on the 7th day of each of the above publication months. Articles sent for inclusion in the magazine should be forwarded to the Editor by email using Arial Font 12 points. Photos should JPEG files.

17 January for February issue 16th April for May Issue 17th July for August issue 17th October for November issue

The Easter Bunny visited Terra Verde again

this year and enjoyed being the centre of

attention.

3 General Manager’s Report by Conrad Ferguson

Board Update by Ken Simpson

Easter Egg Hunt by Jose Jimenez

Gulfport by Trevor Hunt

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? by Sylvia Nash

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8 Destination Silver Springs by Pat Blum

9 Tiki Times by Bobbie Joe

10 ‘International’ Terra Verde by Helen Elmer

11 Homeowner’s Noticeboard

What’s On Where 12

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We recently replaced the flooring on the bridge over the stream within the pool area, before it deteriorated and in became potentially unsafe for guests. The flooring had originally been done with composite decking. We were not able to locate a composite decking that was skid resistant. A skid resistant surface is very important within the pool area. We choose to complete with treated lumber and finished the surface with a skid resistant finish along with a rubberized grit to add further resistance. We finished in a blue color to match the colors within the pool area. The job was completed in-house, allowing us to save funds. We now have a solid surface that complements the area.

The renovation of the kids play area was recently completed. The project can essentially be broken down into three phases, which were done over the course of a couple months. The first phase involved the removal of the grass plants that were planted in the plant beds adjacent to the play area and also surrounding the kids play area. With the age of the plants they at times pose a danger to

kids playing, as the grass straws had sharp edges. We replaced the grass plants in the two plant beds with plants that we have planted in other areas of the resort in keeping with the resort theme. We were also able to install a bench giving parents a place to sit while the kids played.

The second phase involved the replacement of the equipment. The equipment had become worn and had lost the bright colors found on most playground equipment. This was really a function of age. The installation or repair of playground equipment can be very costly, it just seems that the margins on these types of jobs are more than other types

of jobs. In updating the area we did not see the need to change the actual layout of the area, but rather we really needed new equipment to improve the appearance of the area. No one complained about the layout, it was really the appearance of the playground

that needed to be attended to. We worked with the company that installed the original equipment. We placed an order for all new parts, with the exception of the flooring, uprights and shade sails. The structure of the flooring was still intact and solid. We refinished the flooring with a special surface paint. The equipment was changed out by our maintenance personnel, Yamil along with some temporary help. As is often the case with these things they tend to be more involved than originally anticipated , so very thankful we have a solid and capable maintenance person.

Continued on next page….

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Continued from previous page……. The third phase of the project entailed installing a new surface. There were many options, but we decided to go with Poured in Place rubber. This was the original surface that had stood up very well for some 12 years. Many areas of the original surface was structurally okay, so instead of removing the entire surface, which would have been unnecessary we installed a cap over the surface. The edges were fully replaced. This is quite normal when renovating poured in place rubber. The original colors were a dark blue with a light blue, the colors were changed. We chose to go with a yellow and blue, a brighter choice that is quite appealing. The overall project has turned out very well and the kids seem to be enjoying very well

A homeowner recently suggested that it would be good idea to write a article on the fishing within the resort.

Fishing at Terra Verde is quite popular, many of our guest do inquire about the rules on fishing within the resort. Our general policy is that fishing is allowed within the resort, but we do operate on a "Catch-and-Release" basis, wherein a fish that is caught should be released within a reasonable time, allowing it to continue living.

Guest are welcome to fish in either our main lake by the clubhouse or the lake at the back of the resort. Because of

the location and with the bridge and benches around the lake most guest do choose to fish at the main lake.

The lake has several types of fishes including, Tilapia, Crappie and Catfish. Tilapia is probably the most popular type found in the lake. Many of the fish have become quite large (see photo above).

We don't supply the equipment, but equipment can be purchased at Walmart for a small price. Guest have said that they have found the best fish baits to use are chicken liver, flies and bits of hot dog.

As we smoothly slide into the second quarter of our financial year, nothing much to report,

other than an update on the HOA non-payer list, which has now been managed down to an all-time low total of two homes.

In truth, this is probably lower than any of us ever imagined we might achieve, given that we kicked-off in the eye of the reces-sionary storm back in 2008 not knowing the full extent of the de-linquent problem, due to poor/non-existent records handed over to us from the outgoing HOA man-agement company. Following some weeks and months of re-building our owner database, it soon became clear that the num-ber of homes in serious arrears was nearly 50 - over 13% of total homes on Terra Verde!

Of the remaining two outstanding cases, one only entered into the "hardcore" category during 2015 and we understand that the Mort-gage lender is in the process of instigating foreclosure proceed-ings, which should, of course, quickly bring matters to a head. The other is, unfortunately, one of the original cases which we inher-ited and has proved a harder nut to crack, not just for us but also for the finance company involved. Nevertheless, we have been ad-vised by our attorney that the Bank has recently filed a motion to re-open their foreclosure pro-cess, so we are hopeful that this year may see this long-running saga brought to a close.

In addition to the above, we cur-rently have four homes in arrears, where we are working with the owners and have been receiving regular payments to reduce their indebtedness. The overall effect of all this on the HOA Associa-tions' cashflow has been very positive and has enabled us to carry out a range of modifications and improvements around the resort, some of which are de-scribed in our GM's update in these pages. Long may this con-tinue!

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This year Easter Egg Hunt began at 11:00. Prior to the actual Egg Hunt, we arranged for the kids to decorate their buckets. Monica set up a few tables with arts and craft materials where kids could select different things to decorate their baskets.

Monica joined in the fun and helped the kids with decorating their baskets. Children and their parents decorated over 60 baskets provided by the resort. Children also made Easter bunny faces with plates with cotton balls, and ears. It was really a nice additional to the Egg Hunt. And parents and children a really fun time with this decorating activity. This all took place under the clubhouse patio, with the children and parents taking pictures with the Easter Bunny. This event brought many smiles and joy to everyone who came.

For the egg hunt we hid over 800 eggs with candy, chocolates and 7 golden eggs with special prizes collected at the front desk. The actual Easter Egg Hunt started at 11:50 am with the miniature golf area designated

for children 4 year old and younger. At 12:00 pm the Easter Bunny and about 80 children 5 years and older began their hunt. It only took 15 minutes for all the eggs to be found.

After the hunt the Easter Bunny hung out at the pool to have fun with children and guests and took silly pictures with the guests. The Easter Bunny even took some ‘time out’ to relax on the pool loungers.

Special thanks to Monica, Carmen, and Sarah for all their hard work with the arts and craft and everything needed to make this event a success. Also a special thanks to Jeanette Blagg and her kids for helping us with the event from start to finish.

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On our last trip to Terra Verde in February we decided to make a day out to Gulfport over on the gulf coast just south of St Petersburg. It’s around a 2 hour drive but it offers something different.

It was like going back in time. You will not find a Costa Coffee or shopping mall, just small traditional shops and restaurants. It offers the traveler the real Florida as time seems to have stood still.

There is a trolley bus, which passengers can ride around the city and the surrounding area for free. The city is still a sleepy beach town but is gaining interest for its culinary and arts scene, and for its colorful ambiance.

The downtown area has a few art galleries, as well as the Catherine A. Hickman Theater, a small performing arts center. Gulfport is distinguished by its high concentration of artisans inspired by the intense light and tropical scenery.

On the first Friday and third Saturday of each month is the Gulfport Art Walk, where Beach Blvd comes alive with street performers, artists, and craftspeople creating a relaxed cultured atmosphere.

We made our visit on the Tuesday which is Market day in

the Gulfport Waterfront district from 9 am to 3 pm, on Beach Blvd. Lots of fresh produce and also very art driven as it’s an Artist based community.

Annual festivals include "Get Rescued in Gulfport" on the fourth Saturday of February. A charitable street festival featuring pet rescue organisations from throughout the region, vendors of pet products and demonstrations.

The Catherine A. Hickman Theater of Gulfport is located on Beach Boulevard at 26th Avenue South and is a venue for live theatrical performances.

The Gulfport Casino Ballroom, located on the waterfront, is one of the main event venues in the city. The Casino hosts many events throughout the year, the building dates back to the 1930’s.

We lunched at O’Maddy’s Bar & Grill. It was very busy, a sign of good food and we would definitely recommend it if you are over in Gulfport. It offers a good, well priced, varied menu and excellent beer. It also offers a fine selection of wine and drinks. I could not believe it when my pint was just a few dollars! O’Maddy’s is right opposite the pier with excellent views over the gulf and marina area. This is also recommended as a place to watch the sunset over the gulf.

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Have you ever said something and regretted it five seconds later?

Well when visiting Gatorland in 2015, I happened to glance up at some intrepid visitors who were soaring above the park on a zip wire and even looked like they were enjoying it. Foolishly I remarked to Paul that next time I came to Florida I was going to give it a try. This where the regret comes in as my nearest and dearest decided that he would be holding me to that decision.

So when we visited Terra Verde in March this year, (Paul having broadcast my intentions to all our friends) I ventured forth to book a ‘flight’ above the unsuspecting alligators. I will say at this point that the experience was in fact enjoyable and so for the information of any readers who may be tempted to do likewise I will explain the process to you.

On booking we were told that we must wear shoes that are not open-toed and to turn up

thirty minutes before scheduled take off. Obediently arriving at the stated time we were given a waiver form to read and sign !!! and then ushered into a kit room where we were joined by a small number of

fellow flyers, some of whom were of very early years, therefore making the need to be brave (at least on the outside) obligatory. A short safety video followed before we were kitted out in helmets and intricate harnesses. A locker is provided for cameras, mobile phones etc., then off we go to climb up the first tower (100 + steps) for take-off.

Any fears are quelled as we realise that we will be clipped onto the wire not once but twice and there are two members of staff with us all the time; one seeing us off and the other holding on to us as we land. The first zip is the scariest as we were embracing the unknown but after this we were able to relax and enjoy the ride. I have to say that the alligators showed no interest in us whatsoever. They had obviously long since given up any hope of a juicy holidaymaker landing from the sky and couldn`t even be bothered to look up at us. Other human park goers were kinder and we got the occasional wave which we were free to

return thanks to the harness which removed the necessity to hold on with our hands.

As we neared the end of the total of 5 zip rides, we were confronted by a rope bridge (except the rope was steel cable on which we were once again clipped). This was fine until Paul came bounding up behind me causing the structure to wobble uncomfortably. Since there was no overtaking lane I decided to carry on by ignoring him and proceeding steadily to the other side.

Overall I enjoyed the whole experience which is saying a lot for a scaredy-cat like me and the best bit of all is showing the photos that they take of you on the wire, to all your admiring friends when you get home. You also gain incredible respect from the under 7 yrs grandchildren, who are quite ready to believe that you are best mates with Spiderman.

So give it a go! It`s fun!

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Like most homeowners we like to reach out beyond the parks and nearby attractions to enjoy new adventures while visiting Terra Verde. We have always wanted to visit Silver Springs State Park, a designated National landmark, which is located 87 miles north on the Florida turn pike towards Ocala.

The artesian springs in the park is the areas main attraction. These springs are one of the oldest tourist attractions in Florida. The water flow in this concentrated area consists of about 30 separate springs which forcibly ejects over a million gallons of fresh water each hour. The water flows in underground rivers from as far away as southern Georgia. A journey that started up to 40 years ago. Silver Springs is part of a network of underground rivers in Florida which are responsible for area sinkholes and southern Florida Everglades.

The parks glass bottom boats have been taking tourists and school groups around the spring area for over 100 years. While on the boat ride you can

look down into the various springs while guides explain the hydrology and history of what you are seeing. Dating back to the 1500s, Indian settlers resided around Silver Springs, a tangible reminder of their presence, a carbon dated dugout canoe, can be seen resting on the bed of the Silver River which you can see from the glass bottom boat. Years later, Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto, searching for the Fountain of Youth, moved to the area. His visit is thought to be the first European to experience the park.

Lots of movies and television shows have been filmed at the park over the years. These include Tarzan movies, I Spy television show and a cult favorite The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The entire Sea Hunt television Show series featuring actor Lloyd Bridges was shot at the park. They have interesting memorabilia of the parks movie history in the visitor center. They had a movie that showed two divers swimming in an underground river being tracked by with radar imagery on the ground 30

feet above. In one sequence the divers swam underneath a local bowling alley, right across the bowling lanes!

I left the park wanting to learn more about the Florida’s underground spring and river system which is so important to Florida’s ecology and geology. Put a visit to Silver Springs on your bucket list. You will not be disappointed.

If you have your picture taken inside of the trunk of this palm you have a year of good luck!

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Now accepting take-out orders! It's simple, call us on 407-374-TIKI, place your order and pick it up shortly after!

Here’s hoping that wherever in the world you are, that the sun has been shining, the snow is melted and spring is in the air.

March was a much welcomed busy time after what was one of Florida’s coldest Januarys. Spring breakers flocked to Terra Verde, joining the already settled in “Snow Birds.”

St. Patrick’s Day (with excitement that seems to last the entire week!) has proven year after year to be quite a hit at the resort. Green beer and pina coladas could be seen everywhere around the pool

while guests enjoyed the DJ party and partook in karaoke.

Easter was also a very successful holiday at the resort. The Tiki Bar saw more guests at Easter this year than in any other previous year! After the rush to find the eggs hidden around the resort, everyone was ready to indulge in burgers, chicken and frozen drinks. We look forward to this season every year. Guests shared their excitement and gratitude for all the resort offered during the spring holiday season.

For now, we will take a bit of a breather until the summer season starts. If you want to visit Florida and experience great weather and no crowds – now is the time to come! Wait times at the parks will be low, and traffic (though always a little crazy) will be much more manageable. Soon, the rainy season will hit, the kids will be out of school and once again families will start making their way back to us.

We look forward to seeing everyone.

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Have you ever wondered where your neighbors in Terra Verde live? Terra

Verde Resort owners are represented by 31 different countries including the

US. This is where your fellow owners are from:

186 United States of America

65 England

41 Brazil

24 Canada

4 Ireland

4 Scotland

3 Venezuela

3 Netherlands

3 Columbia

2 Czech Republic

2 Nigeria

3 Norway

2 Wales

2 Ecuador

2 Sweden

2 Barbados

1 Dominican Republic, Curacao, Denmark, Nova Scotia, Belgium,

France, Honduras, China, Bermuda, South Africa, West Indies, United

Arab Emirates, Mexico, Iceland, and Bermuda.

At least 20 US States are represented with Florida, New Jersey, New York and

Pennsylvania having the most.

Information provided by Helen Elmer

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Terra Verde Homeowners Association 109 Madiera Beach Blvd, Terra Verde Resort, Kissimmee, FL 34746 Telephone: 407-396-2327 Fax: 407-396-8265 Email: terraverderesort_gm@yahoo.com Website: www.terraverdehoa.com

The HOA would like to remind owners that the Resort website www.terraverderesort.net regularly receives vacation rental enquiries. Interested owners may place their email addresses on the website enquiry distribution list, such that they will receive copies of suitable enquiries received by the Resort website.

Owners may either check to confirm that they are already included on the distribution lists or request that they be added to the relevant distribution lists, by visiting the Owner’s section of the HOA website at www.terraverdehoa.com and completing a simple form.

1. Take advantage and receive rental enquiries from the Resort website. See ‘free service’ below.

2. Owners are encouraged to phone in to the HOA meetings. Dial-in details are available in the Owner’s Section of the HOA website.

3. Owners should ensure that all property management and contact details kept by the HOA are up to date. This is really important, particularly if the resort need to contact you or your management company in the event of an emergency. Form available on the Owner’s page of the HOA website.

4. Owners who have mislaid their login details for the Owner’s Section of the HOA website should contact the HOA website administrator.

5. Access details for the Owner’s Section of the HOA website are different from those of the Terra Verde Owner section of the chat forum.

2016 HOA Meetings

Saturday 23rd July

AGM & Homeowners Fun Day Saturday 1st October

2017 AGM & Homeowners Fun Day

Saturday 7th October

Maintaining the appearance of the Resort to a high standard is extremely important. Our staff work hard on a daily basis to achieve this by spending a great deal of time clearing up unwanted trash. Homeowners and management company support with this is essential. To assist owners, a handout for both townhome and manors owners are available on the HOA website. Please make sure this is in the Guest Folder in your home and also that your management company has a copy.

Although, Terra Verde does not have its own transportation, the Resort is able to arrange transportation services for owners and guests during their stay. The Resort currently uses Casablanca Transportation who have a fleet of luxury vehicles available 24/7, at affordable prices for individual, family and group transportation. The fleet includes luxury cars, mini vans, 14 seater passenger vans and buses. For families with young children, transportation is available with child seats. If you need transportation our Front Desk Staff will be happy to get you a ‘no obligation’ quote.

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FOR MORE EVENTS & THINGS TO DO AWAY FROM THE THEME PARKS VISIT

www.experiencekissimmee.com www.visitorlando.com

ARMED FORCES DAY

CARILLON CONCERTS

Bok Garden Towers May 21st 1:00pm & 3:00pm www.boktowergardens.org

FESTIVAL & EVENTS

Jazz on the Vineyard Green

14th & 15th May

26th Annual Harvest festival

10th/11th/ & 12th June

Summer Music Series

3nd/9th/16th/23rd & 30th July

www.lakeridgevinery.com

FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN

Lake Eola Park Monday 4th July

4pm Children's activities, live music, food and beverages 9:00pm Spectacular Firework Display www.cityoforlando.net/fireworks

INVICTUS GAMES ORLANDO 2016

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex 8th — 12th May

FOR OUR WOUNDED WARRIORS Tickets on Sale Now

www.invictusgames2016.org