Eastbrook

Insider

Homeowners Association of Eastbrook, Inc. A Neighborhood Watch Community

JUL/AUG 2017 THREE HUNDRED EIGHTH ISSUE VOLUME 29, ISSUE 4

I have a confession to make. Sometimes, I look away. I’ll be watching TV and a commercial will come on imploring me to support the ASPCA. Or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Or Wounded Warrior Project. Or Shriner’s Hospital. It seems that broadcast television advertising is limited to pharmaceutical companies who think that I’m actually going to recommend a drug therapy to my doctor, lawyers who want to get me “the money I deserve,” and suffering that only I can prevent for $19 a month. The irony, of course, is that, if I had enough money to help all of these very worthy causes, I’d be able to afford cable and would probably never be quite so aware of their plights.

So, instead, after the first few heart-wrenching appeals to my better nature (and wallet), I mute the sound. I flip the channel. I look away.

It makes me feel guilty every time. The ads are designed to do that – and they’re very good at it. Here I am living in relative comfort while others live a daily struggle the likes of which I can barely imagine. The ads force me to ask the question, what kind of monster must I be to ignore their suffering? How does being born without limbs compare to my never having seen an episode of Game of Thrones?

A more legitimate question might be, how am I supposed to endure all of the guilt being heaped upon me when all I want to do is watch an episode

YOU’RE INVITED

The Eastbrook HOA Board meets the third Monday

of each month starting at 7:30pm at the Eastbrook

YMCA (3510 Tourney Drive - just off Eastbrook).

All Eastbrook residents are welcome to attend.

(President’s Message continued)

of Star Trek for the hundredth time? The answer is obvious, I look away.

The thing is, that’s true of a lot of people, maybe even most people. And, no, I don’t think it’s because we’re people of poor character, able to ignore the suffering so prevalent in the world around us. You might genuinely be a monster if you simply didn’t care. But we all have limitations. For me, it’s straight up finances. I manage to maintain my lifestyle but with not much extra. And, when I do manage to sock a few dollars away, I squander it on things like repairing holes in my roof. Looking out for me and mine doesn’t make me a bad person. It just makes me a person.

Perhaps, that’s the real benefit of being bombarded by pleas for help. It keeps me from ever truly insulating myself from what’s going on around me. Those ads serve as reminders that, no matter what’s going on in my life, other people also have hurdles they’re trying to overcome. And, even if I don’t have any money at the moment, should I ever be in a position to help, they’re hoping that I’ll remember them. I like that notion because it’s less about making me feel badly than it’s about keeping me aware. And awareness is always a good thing.

I’m reminded of the modernized quote from Plato, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” You’d be surprised just how far a little kindness goes.

I realize that my continual nagging about the importance of paying your annual dues is really no different than the commercials I’m criticizing. But, when it comes to Eastbrook, I find that I’m unable to look away. This is my home. You are my neighbors. What happens here isn’t some far away problem that I can ignore by simply turning the channel or going to the bathroom.

Thirty dollars a year still won’t get me cable. But it does get me a better, stronger, healthier, safer place to live. Even that seeming altruism is merely motivated self-interest. After all, the better Eastbrook is as a neighborhood, the better it is for me. Serendipitously, it’s also good for you!

Your thirty dollars won’t help a child walk nor will it cure cancer. But it will absolutely and unequivocally make your life better every single day that you call Eastbrook home. I, for one, hope that will be a very long time. Together, we can make kindness and caring Eastbrook’s defining characteristics. All it takes is $30 and for you not to look away.

Scot Myers

EASTBROOK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Treasurer’s Report for April 2017

Balance in checking as of:

04/01/2017 $7,165.16

April Income

General Fund CD Liquidation $5,009.43

Membership Dues (19) $560.00

EGG Yard Sale/Extra Contributions (1) $267.00

Community Yard Sale Income (36) $255.00

Total Income $6,091.43

April Expenses

Community Yard Sale Expenses $80.79

Postage/Office $57.99

Utilities (Water) $200.51

Total Expenses $339.29

Balance in checking as of:

04/30/2017 $12,917.30*

EASTBROOK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Treasurer’s Report for May 2017

Balance in checking as of:

05/01/2017 $12,917.30*

May Income

Membership Dues (8) $240.00

Extra Contributions (1) $100.00

Total Income $340.00

May Expenses

EGG Outward Bound (Leu Gardens) $50.00

Utilities (Water) / Lawn Service $558.20

FL State SunBiz / PO Box / Postage $129.70

May Happy Hour $34.37

Total Expenses $772.27

Balance in checking as of:

05/31/2017 $12,485.03*

* Less Allocated Funds

Eastbrook Garden Group (EGG) $636.41

Sign Renovation Grant Match $8,250.00

Available balance as of:

06/01/2017 $3,598.62

22nd Annual Orange County Community Conference

Join Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, County Commissioners, and Government Staff to learn more about how we can enhance our neighborhood by attending the 22nd Annual Orange County Community Conference being held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, West Concourse, Orlando, 32819.

Some of the highlights of the Conference include:

• Fun and informative workshops with door prizes. • Community Champions & Community Awards. • Exhibitors with all types of programs and services.

The Community Conference is a great opportunity to come together while neighborhood and community leaders share ideas, enhance our communities, and celebrate Orange County's neighborhoods.

Community Organization Awards

Eastbrook has several people nominated for awards this year! Please join us in congratulating…

• Monica Harris Spires Excellence in Leadership nominee: Scot Myers • Excellence in Innovative Newsletter Production nominee: The Eastbrook Insider • Excellence in Community Building Projects nominee: Joseph England • Excellence in Neighborly Service nominees: Cynthia Koerner • Excellence in Safety & Security Initiatives nominee: Marie Westmoreland • Up & Coming Community Organization nominee: Eastbrook Book Club • Clean and Attractive Neighborhood of the Year nominee: Eastbrook

Eastbrook is very fortunate to have such a strong

relationship with both Orange and Seminole County

governments. We’re especially appreciative that

Orange County has continuously recognized the

efforts of hard-working people from within our

Eastbrook community.

County Utilities Solid Waste Division recently launched a new recycling education initiative, "Think 5." By focusing on the top five recyclable items: plastic, metal, and glass containers, as well as cardboard and paper – the overall goal is to help raise awareness about good recycling habits.

Recycling is required by Orange County Code. All recyclable items may be placed in the roll cart with the blue lid. The following items are acceptable:

Newspapers and advertisements, Pasteboard (cereal/shoe boxes, paper towel and toilet paper rolls), Paper bags, Phone books, Flattened corrugated cardboard boxes, Magazines and catalogs, Junk mail, Office, writing, and note paper, Metal cans (tin, aluminum, and steel), Glass bottles and jars, Juice and milk cartons, Empty aerosol cans, Plastic bottles and containers labeled #1 - #5.

The recycling program can only recycle the material listed above and no other material should go into the recycling cart. Below is a list of materials that are particularly troublesome and should not be placed in the recycling cart:

No hazardous materials, No delivery pizza boxes, No food waste, No dishes, paper plates, pots, or pans, No tires, No batteries, No clothes/textiles, No carpet, No plants or yard waste such as bagged or loose grass, leaves, or small branches, No plastic bags, No electronics, No hoses, No toys or laundry baskets, No juice pouches, No shredded paper, No polystyrene/Styrofoam, No gift wrap, ribbons, or bows, No liquids, No hangers (plastic or wire).

Electronic equipment from your home, such as computers and televisions (except for rear-projection sets), can be recycled. Many retailers will accept old electronics for recycling. Check with your local retailer for electronic waste recycling options.

Orange County residents may also bring their electronic waste to one of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities or community collection events. Visit http://www.orangecountyfl.net for electronics recycling facility locations and collection event information.

Eastbrook Book Club members were given a rare opportunity to peruse a volume of poetry writ-ten by Eastbrook resident and author Thomas Birchmire. Mr. Birchmire rode his bike over from Aloma Ave. one afternoon and presented copies of his collection for the Book Club’s consumption and its members were indeed eager to dine!

While all members of the Eastbrook Book Club aren’t practiced poetry readers, how often do we get the chance to read a book written by one of our neighbors? Some were admittedly skeptical. Not of the work itself, but uncertain as to whether they had the literary acumen to fully appreciate the personal nuance that typify most modern poetry. It’s been said that one needs to write poetry to be able to review poetry. This simply wasn’t the case with Poetry by Flashlight.

So much of Mr. Birchmire’s poetry is observational. As fellow Florida residents, much of his imagery was familiar and immediately relatable. Clearly, his descriptions of nature, while poetical, were images we could all identify in our own neighborhood. His reminiscences of life, work, and the human condition would be familiar to any reader. Poetry that some feared might be inscrutable was, in fact, inspired by the everyday. The verse is far from pedestrian, though. Mr. Birchmire’s take on modern life is often insightful, sometimes cynical, and always relevant.

We preferred the open form poetry which dominates the volume. There’s even a delightful page of haikus! The work is firmly rooted in Mr. Birchmire’s personal experiences. However, its overall effectiveness is due to the commonalities we all share – driving on the open road, being frustrated with work, mourning the death of a president. The work touches us because we have been touched by the same events as Mr. Birchmire.

EASTBROOK HOA MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES – MAY 2017

7:30pm on Monday, 05/22/2017 at the Eastbrook YMCA (3510 Tourney Dr.)

President Scot Myers called the meeting to order at 7:37pm on May 22, 2017. Directors in attendance were: Christina Crawford, Joseph England, Mindy Heath, Michala Hill, Helen Jones, Scot Myers, Chris Pisarri, Andrea Sinclair, and Marie Westmoreland. Also in attendance were: Tim Crawford, Happy Weaver, and Marti Wilson.

Secretary Director Marie Westmoreland moved that the April 2017 meeting minutes be approved as published in the Eastbrook Insider. Chris second. Ayes carried.

President Scot Myers reiterated the need for encouraging paid membership in the HOA. A study of Eastbrook HOA membership shows clearly that membership expands along neighbor lines. Where one house joined in 2015, their neighbor then joined with them in 2016. In 2017, both houses on either side joined. The best word of mouth in promoting HOA membership is by talking to your neighbors and outlining the importance of them paying their annual dues.

Treasurer Mindy Heath reported that, as of this meeting, Eastbrook had a balance of $12,485.03 in our checking account and $625.53 in our PayPal account. $686.41 belongs to the Eastbrook Gardening Group and $8,250 is a payable for our grant match with Orange County. That leaves the Eastbrook HOA with an available balance of $3,598.62 for operational costs ($1401.38 below our free-checking minimum balance).

Vice President Joseph England announced that there wouldn’t be a June meeting of the Eastbrook Gardening Group but that the Open Gard Tour at Bob Schade’s house on May 20th went very well. On April 29th, members of the EGG went on a morning tour of Leu Gardens, culminating in a luncheon. A trip to Bok Tower Gardens I in the works. It was mentioned that entrance to Winter Park’s Morse Museum may be free this year. Residents are encouraged to check out this wonderful, local collection.

Community & Grants Director Chris Pisarri announced that, due to changes in costs in the time that’s elapsed since our original grant proposal, Eastbrook’s share of the Aloma sign renovation has risen by $750. It is important to note that, even with this increase, the accepted bid is still lower than the other competitors. Orange County is matching that increase as well which brings Eastbrook’s cost for the project up to $8,250. With the renovation comes the opportunity to change our color scheme for the signs. We will conduct an online survey on Eastbrook’s Facebook page to help determine what best serves the community aesthetic.

YOTM Director Andrea Sinclair reported on four nominations for Eastbrook’s Yard-of-the-Month program. Residents have started to take advantage of the online recommendation option on Eastbrook’s website.

Old Business: EB Movie Time held a showing of Loving on Thursday, April 20th. Thank you to Mindy Heath for

streaming the movie for us. June’s EB Movie Time will be Hidden Figures on Thursday, June 15th.

The OCFRD Fire Safety Presentation scheduled for Thursday, April 27th was cancelled due to OCFRD bailing

at the last minute and actually refusing to reschedule.

Eastbrook’s May Happy Hour was held at the Jamaican Cuisine Jerk Spot (2050 SR-436, W-P, FL 32789) and was phenomenal! Less experienced palates mingled with Eastbrook experts in genuine Jamaican cuisine to guarantee we ate the best in authentic Jamaican food the area has to offer. Simply delicious! July’s Happy Hour will be at Indigo in the Shops at Howell Branch on Thursday, July 20th and September’s will be at the Thai Village on Aloma Ave.

New Business: Residents are encouraged and reminded to pay careful attention to their online tone.

Eastbrook is blessed with a dynamic social media presence. However, the dangers of “keyboard courage” are

ever present. If you wouldn’t say it to a person’s face, don’t say it online. It never hurts to be polite.

Exact placement of Eastbrook’s Free Little Library was discussed. It was decided that the public area with the

best lighting and bench placement would be used (pending resident approval in the area).

There being no further business, Christina moved we adjourn at 8:28pm. Michala second. Ayes carried.

Next meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday 06/19/2017 at the Eastbrook YMCA.

EASTBROOK HOA MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES – JUNE 2017

7:30pm on Monday, 06/19/2017 at the Eastbrook YMCA (3510 Tourney Dr.)

President Scot Myers called the meeting to order at 7:35pm on June 19, 2017. Directors in attendance were: Joseph England, Mindy Heath, Helen Jones, Cynthia Koerner, Cortney Mitchell-England, Scot Myers, and Andrea Sinclair. Also in attendance were: Betty Mauk, Patricia Smith, Claire Sorg, Shelly Swann, Fletcher Swezey, and Happy Weaver.

Secretary Cortney Mitchell-England presented the May 2017 minutes. Director Helen Jones moved that the May minutes be approved as written. Joseph second. Ayes carried.

President Scot Myers reported on some flooding/drainage issues called in by north Eastbrook Blvd. residents whose properties back up onto Kuzmany Road (outside Eastbrook). Construction there may be contributing to the poor run-off. He has contacted Seminole County and reported the problem.

In light of a recent Eastbrook Facebook discussion, Scot reminded everyone that, while neighbors are encouraged to communicate directly with their neighbors when issues arise between them, members of the Board and he, in particular, are always happy to intercede if you’re uncomfortable. Creating a better Eastbrook is the Board’s raison d'etre. Helping neighbors understand one another and get along is critical to its success.

Treasurer Mindy Heath reported that, as of this meeting, Eastbrook had a balance of $12,220.53 in our checking account and $715.53 in our PayPal account. Included in our checking account balance is $636.41 belonging to the Eastbrook Gardening Group. Eastbrook has an outstanding payable of the $8,250 to match our Orange County Neighborhood Pride Grant for the Aloma sign refurbishment. That leaves the Eastbrook HOA with a dangerously low balance of $3,534.12 for available use. We need to raise some money!

Vice President Joseph England presented a request by a resident to hold a fireworks demonstration to celebrate Independence Day at the Eastbrook YMCA. Unfortunately, after contacting our Y liaison Chris Wolf, the Y had to decline the request. Their insurance simply cannot accommodate an activity of that nature.

Family & Children Director Michala Hill was unable to attend but sent a report on her upcoming summary of the Eastbrook HOA’s 2017 Resident Survey (which is still available to take online at http://eastbrookhoa.org/tab2.html. Better street lighting seems to be the chief area of concern, especially for Seminole County residents.

Old Business: A discussion was held regarding two annual Eastbrook events: the summer’s Ice Cream Social

and National Night Out (sometimes held in August, sometimes October). Mindy moved that Eastbrook combine

the two events on Tuesday, August 1st (the date for NNO) and budget $150 to hold the Ice Cream Social at the

same time. Helen second. Ayes carried.

The best location for the installation of Eastbrook’s Free Little Library was determined to be the common island

located at Carnation Court due to its superior lighting. A request will be sent to the Court’s residents.

New Business: Director Cynthia Koerner again volunteered to organize Eastbrook’s annual fall Weenie Roast

with the date set for Saturday, October 14th at the Eastbrook Y.

A discussion was held on a growing crime in Eastbrook – that of cars being illegally parked on and blocking

pedestrian sidewalks. Yes, it’s rude. Yes, it’s inconsiderate. Yes, it’s a crime. Residents are encouraged to call

their appropriate County Sheriff’s office and file a complaint along with the vehicle’s address and tag number.

There was a brief discussion on some postcards that several residents received from Nextdoor.com promoting

Eastbrook’s presence on that forum. The cards created some confusion and it was decided that we should

explain Nextdoor.com (and Eastbrook’s other social media) in the next issue of the Eastbrook Insider.

After reviewing nominations, the Board agreed to present a Good Neighbor Award to two Eastbrook residents.

There being no further business, Mindy moved we adjourn at 8:22pm. Helen second. Ayes carried.

Next meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday 07/17/2017 at the Eastbrook YMCA.

With all of the rain we’ve been having, Eastbrook yards have exploded into new life! Where so many of our lawns had been brown and dry from months of drought, now they are lush and green. Maybe a little too lush. It’s been a chore for many residents to keep their lawns trimmed these days with rains prompting new growth as soon as the yards are cut. While we know that keeping your yards manicured has been especially difficult lately, it has also heightened our awareness and appreciation of the many residents who have managed to keep their yards so neat and beautiful in spite of all the extra effort.

Residents have been taking notice and actively recommending yards to the HOA Board for Yard-of-the-Month recognition via e-mail and texts. If you see a yard that inspires you, snap a picture and send it to the HOA Board at EastbrookRA@aol.com or text it to 704-726-3110. We know that there are more beautiful yards than we can possibly single out every month. But, what a wonderful dilemma to have and what a blessing for our entire neighborhood to receive. Winners receive Eastbrook’s “Yard of the Month” sign placed in the winning front yard for one month and a certificate of recognition to the homeowner.

May 2017

Yard of the Month is the home of the

Farr Family

located at

3314 Arnel Court

Congratulations!

June 2017

Yard of the Month is the home of the

Ortega Family

located at

2148 Bonanza Avenue

Congratulations!

While photographing the Ortega’s home for the Eastbrook Insider, the Ortega’s happened to be outside and we had a wonderful chat about Eastbrook when they first bought their home. They’ve literally been here since the very beginning when there was nothing between their house and Howell Branch Road and forest loomed to the west. They pointed out how much they prefer Eastbrook as it is now – full of beautiful homes and neighbors!

John Henry is generous and dependable. I first met him as we were taking our new refrigerator off the truck. Passing by, riding on his bike, he offered to bring a hand truck to help. We thought it would be easy; push it in and plug it in. Right? Three hours later, after having to remove the doors of the refrigerator, and squeeze it through the narrow kitchen entry, he and our neighbor Ben were still there pushing, pulling, and maneuvering the monstrosity to its new home. They even stayed to help move the old refrigerator to the garage. John Henry, with 71 years of experience, only stopped twice. Once to get a drink and once to give me a 10 minute dance lesson in the driveway.

John Henry has been around music and dance all of his life. His father was an extraordinary ballroom dancer. John Henry began his career as a drummer with a Ludwig Power Tone snare drum with “brushes and sticks.” He and three other freshmen had one of the original “garage bands” and called themselves The Playboys.

Gathering experience and expertise, his investment in a “sparkling gold set of Rogers drums” paid off when he was asked to join another band. He was 19 years old by this time, “A half decent drummer, and older than they were so we could go into the young adult night clubs,” he says smiling. In his senior year of high school he was playing 4 nights a week in country lounges. “Monday was 2 hours of Rock and Roll and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we played Country Western music,” he says with a laugh. He played with The Allman Brothers. “I helped them in one of their first professional engagements,” he says proudly.

You play until you die. I might die with a mic in my hand… or a drumstick.

In 1965, the time of the Vietnam War, John Henry went into the Air Force. His heart was still yearning to play in the band and at Elgin Air Force Base he was back playing drums with a band that had a sophisticated cocktail sound. When he was transferred to Thailand in 1967, he reinvented the Country Squires and played for 10,000 Air Force and 4000 Army personnel in 9 clubs on the base when he wasn’t working on construction of an electronic fence for the Air Force.

One of his most memorable moments was meeting Bob Hope. After introducing himself to a drummer in the show he offered to set up the drums. “As I was setting up the drums I noticed two feet in front of me and looked

up to see Bob Hope!” he said. After setting up he didn’t want to leave the stage. “I saw Raquel Welch and Barbara McNair (and other famous people) all walk past me. I pulled out my cards and got all their autographs and close up photographs.” Years later, at his high school’s 50th class reunion, he had those cards and photographs framed and made a gift of them to the school mate who originally made his business cards as a drummer. “I’m a giving person and I knew he would appreciate that.”

He enjoys telling stories of his many adventures. Once he was invited to supper by Phil Crosby, Bing Crosby’s brother. “Whatever they were eating I was eating,” he said with a smile. In 1972, his band was the opening act for Roy Clark. From 1973 - 1980, he played 300 engagements in Cleveland and became strong in ethnic music. “When I was a musician, I didn’t have a bedtime. I would start on Friday night and I didn’t see a bed until Sunday.” In his spare time he earned a Master’s degree.

In 1980, John Henry came back to Florida for his health. For 11 years, he and his wife Jan rented a home on Eastbrook Blvd. before they moved to a home on Conifer where they’ve lived for 24 years. Together they have 3 boys. He homeschooled them for a time. Nicholas, the youngest, started cutting grass in Eastbrook and he continues working in lawn care to this day. Domlan put himself through Ohio State and does mapping for 911. Randy is the middle son and works with Nicholas when he needs help and he also works in anthropology. He and Jan have 4 grandchildren.

I believe that when we die God will ask, “What did you do with the talent I gave you?”

John Henry is also proud of his mother who worked diligently for racial equality as well as encouraging early childhood education, helping to establish the Head Start program. She established the first fully integrated early childhood development center in the country. You may watch the video tribute he created in honor of his mother at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u-9BdxLaSg. He is also proud of his sister who is an established artist. (http://www.morgansamuelprice.com).

John Henry believes he has had a very exciting life, “I watched Sam Shepherd go up in the first shots into space from my bedroom – just stepping out onto the roof.” But he isn't done yet. He has the blueprints and the plans to build a beautiful ball room in Orlando and is working to see this big dream come to pass. With his energy and faith, all things are possible.

This article is written by Mary Beth Griffis, a licensed mental health counselor with a private practice in Interlachen Village Plaza in Winter Park and a resident of Eastbrook. In each issue she highlights the people in our neighborhood. Would you like to share a story about your neighbor? You may contact her at marybethgriffis@gmail.com or 407.782.0134.

Nextdoor.com is a private social network used to connect our neighbors and our community with each other and also surrounding neighborhoods. Where the Eastbrook Facebook page is a closed group exclusively for Eastbrook residents, Nextdoor.com augments our social media presence by allowing us access to nearby communities as well. It's an easy way for neighbors to communicate online with thousands of neighbors already using Nextdoor.com to build happier, safer communities.

People use Nextdoor.com for local area classifieds with superior posting options than Facebook for advertising yard sales, business services, and topics that affect a wide range of Goldenrod and Casselberry neighborhoods. While Facebook is more effective for lost pets, intruders within our subdivision, and one-on-one communiques, Nextdoor has more defined categories in which to post and a broader distribution option.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs launched the first Mayor's Neighborhood Challenge in 2015, as a program to help neighborhood groups join in friendly competition with the goal of helping neighborhoods thrive by becoming healthier, more green-conscious, and more involved in their communities.

Eastbrook has participated in each year of the Challenge being awarded Healthiest Neighborhood last year. Our submitted score cards for 2017 have seen Eastbrook gain ground in all three areas of the Challenge, with the Challenge itself driving those improvements. Without the leadership of Mayor Jacobs and the tireless efforts of Orange County’s Neighborhood Preservation & Revitalization Division, Eastbrook would never have accomplished so much in the past three years.

There are three areas in which to compete: Community Involvement, Green Practices, and Healthy Neighborhoods. The first year of the Challenge, Eastbrook scored so few points in each category that we failed to even rank. Still, we used the toolkits the County provided and found ways to improve our neighborhood over the next year.

When we attempted the Challenge in 2016, we achieved a Bronze ranking in Community Involvement, a Bronze Ranking in Green Practices, and a Silver ranking in Healthy Neighborhoods, which was sufficient to win that category. This year, our submitted scorecards rank us at Gold levels for both Community Involvement and Green Practices with a Silver ranking in Healthy Neighborhoods.

As the Challenge gains momentum and more and more of Orange County’s 1600 community organizations get involved, there’s currently no way to know just where we’ll fall in this year’s final rankings. But in only three years, Eastbrook has gone from a 37 in Community Involvement to a 90; a 25 in Green Practices to an 84; and a 5 in Healthy Neighborhoods to a 60. That’s a win no matter how you look at it and whether we get a plaque or not. Eastbrook has a lot of which to be proud.

Our thanks to Orange County for pushing us towards excellence and also to our residents for really stepping up to the challenge.

Prevent Crimes of Opportunity

Lock your car. Padlock the shed. Put a deadbolt on the front door. Leave a porch light on at night. Sounds like common sense, right? Quite honestly, it is. But do we always do these things? Unfortunately, we don’t, even though we know we should.

We're reminded of this periodically as a resident

reports a car break-in or suspicious people roaming

the neighborhood. Eastbrook is fortunate to be a

pretty safe neighborhood. But, it’s important to

remind our residents on ways to reduce thefts from

vehicles. In virtually every instance of neighborhood

thefts from cars in Eastbrook, a simple locking of

doors might have prevented the crimes.

Thefts are by far the most common type of crime in

Orange and Seminole Counties. Crimes such as

stealing a cellphone or some other valuable from a

car are all about opportunity. A thief walks by a car,

sees something inside that they want and they try

the door handle. If the door opens, your valuables

are gone in seconds.

The same can be said for an unlocked shed or other

front door. If you limit the opportunity by locking your

car and by keeping valuables out of sight, you lower

the chances that a criminal will pick on you.

In addition to protecting your car or truck, the same

philosophy should apply to your home. Again, limit

the opportunity by keeping doors locked and sheds

secure. Take notice of what belongings you have

outside. Try to either lock them up or bring them in.

As warm weather arrives, this may become an even

greater concern. It's natural to think that living in a

larger community makes us a little less vulnerable to

a theft or a break-in. Statistically, that's true. And

that might be one reason why crime prevention isn't

always foremost in your mind. But crime is almost

always about opportunity. The more we take that

opportunity away from criminals, the safer we will

be. A few simple steps can keep us from falling

victim from opportunists in our neighborhood.

July & August in the Florida Garden

July and August are two of Florida's hottest months. The wise Florida Gardener will spend most of his or her time inside in the air conditioning. If you do decide to venture outside, there are some things that will need to be attended to in the garden. Pest control is one of the top priorities. Look out for and be ready to control ants looking to make their way into your dwelling, sod webworms, mole crickets, and chinch bugs intent on gobbling up your lawn, scale insects sucking the life blood out of your fruit trees and ornamentals, and aphids massing on the new growth of your citrus.

There is so much to learn about gardening in Central Florida. Even those who have been doing it for years learn new things almost daily. Since there are thousands of plants that will grow in this state and more that are added yearly, you can literally spend your life studying gardening in Florida and still not know all there is to know about the subject. But that is why this month is so great, as it is an excellent time to stop doing and spend some time learning. Unfortunately no single book (nor website) can answer all of your gardening questions, but there are a number of very good ones out there with tons of excellent information to help you along your way, especially the. University of Florida’s Central Florida Gardening Calendar available online at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep450#SECTION_7

This month, make sure you continue to fertilize since Florida's sandy soils do not hold nutrients well and your plants (especially palm trees) may begin to show signs of nutritional deficiencies. Heavy rains and consistent watering help to leach away the foods plants need to do their best.

What to Do in July

Trees: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed.

Lawns: Determine the cause of any lawn problems before taking action. If an insect is the culprit, treat only the affected area. Rule out disease or sprinkler malfunction.

Vegetable garden: Use summer heat to solarize the vegetable garden for fall planting. It takes 4–6

weeks to kill weeds, disease, and nematodes, so start now.

Azaleas: Prune no later than mid-July to protect developing buds for next spring's bloom.

Irrigation: Install an inexpensive rain shutoff device to save money by overriding an irrigation system when it rains. If one is already installed, check that it is operating properly.

Pests on ornamental plants: Inspect the leaves of azaleas and ornamental plants for small white dots that may indicate lace bugs at work. Spray forcefully with water to help control this pest.

Citrus: Check citrus trees for damage to fruit or leaves and take action to minimize the effect of insects and/or disease on developing fruit and the overall health of the tree.

What to Plant in August

Annuals/Bedding plants: The hottest days of summer limit planting now to heat-tolerant annuals, such as coleus, kalanchoe, and vinca.

Bulbs: Aztec lily, butterfly lily, walking iris, and spider lily can be planted any time of the year, even late summer.

Herbs: Herbs that can be planted from plants (not seeds) include bay laurel, ginger, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary.

Vegetables: Tomatoes, beans, carrots and others can be planted for the fall garden.

What to Do in August

Palms: Check older fronds for yellowing as it may indicate a magnesium or potassium deficiency. Apply an appropriate palm fertilizer.

Vegetables: Solarize the vegetable garden in preparation for fall planting if not done in July.

Poinsettias: Pinch back poinsettias and mums before the end of the month to allow time for buds to form for winter bloom.

Ornamental plants: Fertilize plants that show signs of deficiencies. Rapid growth and leaching rains may result in nutrient deficiencies in some plants.

Annuals/Bedding plants: Remove spent blooms, cut back, and fertilize flowering annuals and perennials to extend the bloom season into the fall months.

Fertilizer Bans: Some municipalities in central Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (Jun–Sep). Be sure to check in Orange and Seminole Counties if such ordinances exist.

Simple changes in our everyday lives can help slow climate change – including reducing our energy consumption, choosing to travel sustainably, and being conscious of what we purchase.

Programmable thermostat – Costs about $50 or less and will save you that much or more in the first year.

Weather-stripping and Caulking – Costs almost nothing while reducing your energy use, reducing drafts and improving comfort.

Lighting – Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have that cool curly shape and save more than 2/3rds of the energy of a regular incandescent. Each bulb can save $40 or more over its lifetime. Read the box or instructions for safe disposal. LED light bulbs are even more efficient to run than CFL bulbs and are just as affordable. In addition, LED lights contain no harmful materials and provide the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent, using up to 85 percent less power. This helps you save on your electricity bill without compromising on the amount of light.

Heating and Cooling – Keep your heating and cooling system(s) tuned. When it’s time to replace, do your research and ask for ENERGY STAR.

Insulation – Weather-stripping, caulking and insulation work together to save you energy, improve the comfort of your home, make it quieter and help you save money.

Water-Conserving Showerheads & Toilets – You can reduce water and heating costs, even in your bathroom. To save even more water, turn the faucet off when brushing or shaving. These simple changes and steps can save many thousands of gallons of water annually.

Appliances – Always pay attention to the total lifetime cost, including energy—not just the price tag. Look for the ENERGY STAR label.

Bigger isn’t always better – Just get the size you need; do you really need that extra refrigerator in the basement?

Electronics – Look for ENERGY STAR. And do like your Mom said- turn things off. If you’re going away

or not using an item for a while, unplug it to prevent “vampire” energy loss from electricity usage on standby.

Windows – These can be expensive, but when it’s time to replace them, make sure they are ENERGY STAR rated.

Solar – We love solar, but make sure you reduce your energy load first to keep your costs down.

New Home – Consider an energy-efficient ENERGY STAR Home.

Eastbrook Community Notice

Support our local Boy Scouts! Remember to drop off your newspapers for recycling in the green dumpsters (trimmed with red) located behind the Aloma United Methodist Church on the northwest corner of Aloma and 436 (3045 Aloma Ave.). Drive all the way behind the church to the back parking area to drop off your papers. Proceeds from the newspaper recycling effort benefit local Scouts.

Eastbrook Community Notice

This is just a reminder to Eastbrook residents that regular trash pick-up and recycling pick-up for Seminole County residents is on Tuesday mornings. There is an additional trash pick-up day (no recycling) on Fridays. Yard trash pick-up is Monday for Orange County and Wednesday for Seminole..

Orange County residents have regular trash and recycling pick-up on Friday mornings.

OC Residents who need to dispose of large items that will not fit in the roll cart should call the Solid Waste Hotline at 407-836-6601 to arrange pickup.

It took over five years to raise the money for the

Aloma sign renovation. Now, that money will be

gone in an instant. With PayPal, residents can

securely, efficiently, and rapidly pay their dues.

Please, take (less than) a minute and visit. It’s so

important to the neighborhood. It’s only $30 a year!

https:paypal.me/EastbrookHOA/30

EASTBROOK COMMUNITY CALENDAR

JULY 2017

AUGUST 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 1 2 3 4 5

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

23/30 24/31 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 31

JUL 3 Baldwin Park Independence Day Bash (Harbor View) @6

JUL 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY

JUL 4 40th Annual Fireworks at the Fountain (Orlando) @ 4

JUL 6 Eastbrook Book Club (3486 Bougainvillea) @ 7p

JUL 13 Eastbrook Gardening Group (YMCA) @ 6:30p

JUL 15 Orange County Community Conference @ 8a

JUL 17 Residents Association Mtg. (YMCA) @ 7:30p

JUL 20 EB HAPPY HOUR (Indigo’s - Shops at H.B.) @ 6p

JUL 23 PARENT’S DAY

AUG 1 National Night Out/Ice Cream Social (YMCA) @7p

AUG 1-31 Exhibition - Summer of Love: Reflections on

Pulse (Albin Polasek Museum And Sculpture Gardens,

Winter Park, FL) @ 10am-4pm

AUG 3 Eastbrook Book Club (3486 Bougainvillea) @ 7p

AUG 5 Winter Park Farmer’s Market (Saturdays) @ 7a-1p

AUG 10 Eastbrook Gardening Group (3486 Boug) @ 7p

AUG 21 Residents Association Mtg. (YMCA) @ 7:30p

AUG 24 EB Movie Time (3486 Bougainvillea) @ 7p

Eastbrook Community Notice

Please join the Eastbrook HOA Board of Directors in congratulating the newest recipient of Eastbrook’s Good Neighbor Award: Corie Jones of Eastbrook Blvd. Corie and her neighbor are responsible for placing the “Slow Down - Children at Play” signs as you turn on to Eastbrook Blvd. from Howell Branch Road. These signs have been a useful deterrent to Eastbrook’s on-going speeding problems. There are a number of children outside playing most evenings. The signs provide an important reminder that you are entering a residential community filled with bikers, pedestrians, and, yes, children. Thank you, Corie, for reminding drivers to SLOW DOWN.

Eastbrook Community Notice

The Eastbrook HOA Board of Directors would also ask that you congratulate Chris Pisarri upon being recognized with Eastbrook’s Good Neighbor Award. You’ve probably seen Chris spending his Saturdays off weeding, mulching, and planting flowers at the Aloma entrance. He goes far and above his duties as a Director. Thank you, Chris!

IN AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 9-1-1 Tell Police, Fire, Ambulance your County of residence.

Poison Control Hotline — 1-800-222-1222

Crimeline — 1-800-423-TIPS (8477)

Sheriff (Seminole County) non-emergency — 407-665-6650

Sheriff (Orange County) non-emergency — 407-836-4357

Animal Services (Seminole County) — 407-665-5110

Animal Services (Orange County) — 407-836-3111

County Commissioner (Seminole, District 4) — 407-665-7201

County Commissioner (Orange, District 5) — 407-836-7350

County Clerk of Courts (Seminole) — 407-665-4330

County Clerk of Courts (Orange) — 407-836-2000

County Tax Collector’s Office (Seminole) — 407-665-1000

County Tax Collector’s Office (Orange) — (407) 836-2700

County Property Appraiser (Seminole) — 407-665-7506

County Property Appraiser (Orange) — (407) 836-5000

County School Board (Seminole) — 407-320-0000

County School Board (Orange) — 407-317-3200

Voter Registration (Seminole County) — 407- 665-7700

Voter Registration (Orange) — (407) 836-2070

Community Services (Seminole County) — 407-665-3272

Community Services (Orange County) — 211

Seminole County Health Department — 407-665-3000

Orange County Health Department — 407-836-2600

DMV (Seminole County) — 407-665-1000

DMV (Orange County) — 407-836-4145

US Post Office (Goldenrod) — 407-678-6911 7501 Citrus Ave, Goldenrod, FL 32733

US Post Office (Winter Park) — 407-678-1230 221 Driggs Dr, Winter Park, FL 32792

Florida Hospital Altamonte — 407-303-2200

Central Florida Regional Hospital — 407-321-4500

Winter Park Memorial Hospital — 407-646-7000

Florida Hospital Orlando — 407-303-5600

McAbee Veterinary Hospital — 407-671-5858

Mayfair Animal Hospital — 407-678-2200

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Boys Town National Hotline: 1-800-448-3000

National Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)

National Center for Missing/Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (422-4453)