March 2015



Bella Terra Office, Did You Know? by Kevin Ingledue, CAM ST. PATRICK’S DAY Every year on March 17, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart across the globe observe St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green.

Team Bella Terra would like to welcome Ashley Phillips, Karen Lehman and Susan Long to the TEAM. Amy Smith has taken the position of Sales and Leasing Coordinator. Ashley has taken Amy’s place as client relations and coordinating activities. Susan Long, CAM will be overseeing the Villas III and Single Family Homes. Kevin Ingledue is the General Property Manager and CAM.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from the Bella Terra Team!

Team Bella Terra * Kevin Ingledue: CAM, General Property Manager Villas I, II, Townhomes, Condos 1-6, 7 & Master Associations CAM * Susan Long, CAM: Villas III and Single Family Associations CAM * Tammy Kern, Sr. Administrative Assistant * Ashley Phillips, Admin and Activities Coordinator * Amy Smith, Sales and Leases Coordinator – Admin * Theresa Flowers, Clubhouse Attendant – Weekends * Karen Lehman, Clubhouse Attendant- Weekday Evenings Monday – Friday

Contact Information: Office: 239-495-7172 Fax: 239-221-8451 Email: Bellaterra.office @alliantproperty.com Guest Registration: 239-948-6920 or www.dwellinglive.com Emergencies: 911 After Hours Emergencies: 239-454-1101 Alliant

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FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Submitted by: Robert King, President Master Board of Diirectors SPEEDING IN THE COMMUNITY We are still receiving many complaints from residents about speeding in the community. In early February a little girl was struck by a car on Torre Del Lago, fortunately she was not seriously injured. Shortly after this incident her father and another resident were nearly struck by a young lady in a white car traveling at an excessive rate of speed. Recently Alert Protective Services identified a device called Traffic Hawk that combines the currently used radar detector with live video that would provide much better identification of speed violators. The device was investigated by the Safety and Security Committee and recommended for purchase to the Master Board. Bob Cook, chairman of the Safety and Security Committee, has a description of Traffic Hawk in his newsletter input. I want to discuss how Traffic Hawk will be used. Some have suggested it is just a way to raise money. Nothing could be further from the truth. The procedure that will be used provides for a warning to be issued the first time a violator is sited. The second time a fine will be levied. If no additional violations are received by the violator in the subsequent six months the record is cleared as though no violations had been issued. On the other hand a violator receiving another ticket within six months of the previous ticket will receive another fine. This process will continue until the person goes six months without a violation. As you can see, this process makes allowances for those of us that on occasion may have a little lead in our foot. The process is aimed at

those folks that are chronic speed violators. The best way to avoid any experience with Traffic Hawk is to follow the posted speed limits. BULK VIDEO AGREEMENT After a year of work by an ad-hock committee headed by Dave Maclaughlin and with the Communications Consulting Group handling the negotiations we have arrived at an agreement the Master Board adopted at the January meeting. For those that did not attend the January board meeting I will provide a little background. The Communications Consulting Group was retained by the Master board to investigate who could provide the best bulk video service to the community. Five companies were contacted and three provided a proposal. Comcast was by far the lowest bidder. The other two would have to run all new wiring in the community, driving the cost out of sight. Negotiations were started with Comcast to get the best deal we could. The results we accepted will result in a reduction in the term of the agreement from 10 years to 8 years. The annual cost increases will be limited to a maximum of 3.5%. The first year of the new agreement will see a fee reduction of over 14%. The result is a savings to the community of $1,471,650 over the life of the agreement. In addition Comcast will refund $474,750 within 90 days of contract signing. Of this amount we have agreed to pay the Communications Consulting Group 50% of the refund for services rendered. Finally, Comcast will provide each owner with one HD box and remote, a value worth $9.95 per month. If you currently have the HD box the

$9.95 will be removed from your bill. The bottom line is a savings to the owners of $3,522,950 over the next 8 years. I think we all owe Dave Maclaughlin a big thank you for his efforts. DAMAGE TO THE NEW FENCE As previously reported, a fence was constructed between Bella Terra and the Preserve to stop unauthorized use of amenities in both communities and dog running on our athletic fields. As it turns out, the desire to trespass was stronger than the fence. The Preserve has agreed to share the expense to reinforce the fence in the area being damaged. In addition we have installed a motion activated camera to collect images of those causing the damage. Positive identification will result in prosecution. We are considering publishing the pictures collected so you can help us identify the folks causing the damage. Robert King

Incident on Terra Del Lago: During the first week of February there was an incident in which a young boy on a scooter came out of his driveway when a car was coming by. The boy was not hit by the car but fell and scraped his arm. His Grandma says he is now doing fine. The car did hit the scooter but there is no evidence that the driver was speeding. We suspect he was not speeding since he was able to

stop so quickly. We are very happy about the results but the incident reminds us that when traveling on the neighborhood streets extra attention and caution by the driver is required. When possible take the main roads on which we have sidewalks and higher speeds are allowed.

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Thanks and We Need YOU. YOU are Bella Terra!

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Don’t you just love living in Bella Terra where there are a lot of fun things to participate in at little or no cost? Have you noticed there have been numerous fun activities for all ages scheduled at the Bella Terra Clubhouse? Did you and your children come to the fantastic Night of Terra in October or the Holiday Party in December along with the Trolley Rides? Or did you enjoy the recent concert with Neil Zirconia? How about the 4th of July extravaganza or Easter Egg Hunt? The calendar is filled with exciting events! What energy is behind these celebrated activities, you ask? A huge thank you goes out to the Activities Committee for these successful, well attended festivities and future events. Currently, the Committee consists of 10 volunteer members. This inspired, energetic group of only 10 is not only organizing (numerous planning sessions) but purchasing (and sometimes making) all supplies, setting up tables and chairs along with decorating (and often making decorations, food and signage), staffing events as well as cleaning up after each and every event. Whew… just thinking about that makes me tired.

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If you or your children have attended an event, have you considered becoming a volunteer? We DESPERATELY need more helpers. If you attend ONE event per year please consider volunteering to help out with ONE event. You are not required to be on the Committee but can be a one-time volunteer. Consider volunteering for an event that you or your children are not participating in. If you are a teen…we need you!… retired?....Yes!…volunteer!…A dad or mom…one stay home to watch the kids and the other volunteers!… each event the commitment is USUALLY only 2-3 hours. The future of the plethora of activities available in this vibrant community is at risk without additional help (can anyone say “burn out”?). Call the Bella Terra Office (239) 454-1101 or (239) 221-8451 and ASK to be on the Activities Committee Volunteer List. The Committee will contact you regarding your interests and availability. You want to be on the Committee…Yes! You are welcome to be on the Committee, too!

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Another “Team Bella Terra” Event

Single Family Homeowners ---Please Reelect Your Representatives--For the Master Board of Directors

Bob King Bob Vaa Walt Zalisko We are honored to have served you and the Community for the past two and one half years. We would be pleased and honored to continue as your representatives on the Master Board of Directors for the next term. We pledge to continue to build on the progress made to make Bella Terra a beautiful place to live.

We Thank You For Your Consideration

Bella Terra Lakes: Littorals, Weeds, and Aeration

Lakes: The lake shore (or littoral zone) is the shallow area along the shoreline of a lake or pond which supports diverse communities of rooted plants and serves as food, habitat and protective shelter for fish, insects, amphibians and other aquatic animals. These diverse plant communities also provide cover and nesting

materials for a variety of wild birds and mammals. Management of littoral zones is often necessary in systems altered by humans. Typical littoral zone problems associated with human activities include: ■Shoreline erosion ■Algal blooms due to input of excess nutrients ■Overgrowth of invasive exotic plants ■Removal of protective vegetation needed for fish habitat and cover Weeds are critical to our eco-system... Aquatic plants are a natural part of most lake communities and provide many benefits to fish, wildlife, and people. In lakes, life depends--directly or indirectly--on plants. They are the primary producers in the aquatic food chain, converting the basic chemical nutrients in the water and soil into plant matter, which becomes food for all other life.

Aquatic plants serve many important functions: * Provide fish food: More food for fish is produced in areas of aquatic vegetation than in areas where there are no plants. Insect larvae, snails, and freshwater shrimp thrive in plant beds. Sunfish--Minnesota’s most sought-after game fish--

eat aquatic plants in addition to aquatic insects and crustaceans. * Offer fish shelter: Plants provide shelter for young fish. Because bass, sunfish, and yellow perch usually nest in areas where vegetation is growing. *Improve water clarity and quality: Certain water plants, like bulrushes, can absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Nutrients used by aquatic plants for growth are not available to algae. This reduces algae abundance improving water clarity. Aquatic plants also maintain water clarity by preventing the re-suspension of bottom sediments. Algae, which thrive on dissolved nutrients, can become a nuisance when too many submerged water plants are destroyed. *Protect shorelines and lake bottoms: Aquatic plants dampen the force of waves and help prevent shoreline erosion. Submerged aquatic plants also weaken wave action and help stabilize bottom sediment. *Provide food and shelter for waterfowl: Many submerged plants produce seeds and tubers (roots), which are eaten by waterfowl. Bulrushes, sago pondweed, wild celery, and wild rice are especially important duck foods. Submerged plants also provide habitat to many insect species and other invertebrates that are, in turn, important foods for brooding hens and migrating waterfowl. *Improve aesthetics: The visual appeal of a lakeshore often includes aquatic plants, which are a natural, critical part of a lake community. Plants such as water lilies, arrowhead, and pickerelweed have flowers or leaves that many people enjoy. *Provide wildlife habitat: Littorals provide nesting and resting habitat for ducks and loons, avocets and snipe, and a myriad of other bird species. Frogs deposit their eggs on the plant roots, salamanders cruise the waterline, turtles haul out to bask, and glinting blue dragonflies dart and hover. Lake Aeration: Earlier we identified three significant factors that impact a lakes condition. The impacts of two of these factors, oxygen and temperature, can be significantly reduced through the use of aeration. The following are some of the biological benefits of an aeration system: *Increased oxygen for fish populations *Increased oxygen for improved bottom water quality *Increased oxygen for rapid decomposition of organic matter *Increased oxygen to help control undesirable bacteria *Reduced water stagnation *Increased circulation and mixing to reduce temperature differences in the water column Aeration can be accomplished by a mechanical aerator or an cont’d on pg 12

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Elect Bella Terra Resident

Walter Zalisko

Estero Council District 7 Experience

Integrity

Vision

• Retired Chief of Police - Decorated Detective (NJ-FL) • Recognized Community Leader • Thirty-five Years Local Government Experience • Estero Business Owner • Elected HOA Board Member • Proven Leader • Will Provide a New and Fresh Perspective Together, let's make the Village of Estero the newest treasure of Southwest Florida. Let Bella Terra have a voice on the Village Council. Website: www.estero7.com

Vote Tuesday, March 3, 2015 Paid for by Walter Zalisko for Estero Council Dist 7

cont’d from pg 10 underwater diffuser aerator. Mechanical aerators agitate water to produce water/ air contact, while underwater diffusers introduce air bubbles from a depth to achieve oxygen transfer and mixing. Diffuser type aeration systems are replacing mechanical aerators because of their low maintenance, reliability, safety, flexibility and overall efficiency. Diffuser aerators are also far more efficient at removing gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide. A diffuser type aerator works along the same principles of an aerator in an aquarium only on a much larger scale. An air compressor is located, in a noise proof box, on the bank of the lake. A series of weighted hoses transfer the air from the compressor to a series of diffuser stones that are placed on the bottom of the lake at predetermined locations. The diffuser stones produce air bubbles that are an average of 3mm in size and which is easily absorbed into the water raising the dissolved oxygen or D.O. level in the lake. Additionally, the air bubbles expand and spread out as they rise. The displacement of the rising air bubbles causes a significant upward water current thus efficiently mixing the cooler bottom layer of water with the warmer surface layer of water at rates of up to 2,000 gallons per minute per diffuser. This mixing reduces the overall water body temperature, which leads directly to a reduction in

Pg 12 algae and other aquatic weed growth. One diffuser type aerator, with 3 diffuser stones, can efficiently aerate up to 10 acres of lake.

Nutrition Workshops: Building a Stronger Immune System Naturally Thursday March 12, 11:30am-12:30pm - Friday March 13, 6:30pm-7:30pm

Nutrition Power Hour

Saturday March 14, 9:00am-9:45am

Bella Terra Healthy Weight Loss Challenge Red Carpet Fashion Show and Fundraising Finale Saturday March 28, 6pm-8pm

Suzanne Jeffreys, MS in Ed, Certified Nutrition Therapist, Tai Chi & Fitness Instructor 845-649-8869 - The [email protected]

Simple Steps for Healthier Families, By Suzanne Jeffreys, MS in Ed

DID YOU KNOW?

Information on the planting of trees from the ARC Committee….. a.) Residents may plant or remove trees and shrubs on their property with prior written approval of the ARC. Citrus (fruit bearing trees) and non-native exotic trees/ plants are not allowed. Trees added to lots may not block the view of the lakes for neighboring structures. Tree removal requires ARC approval. All tree planting and removal must comply with Lee County codes and

Tone Classes at Bella Terra

Bella Terra Development Plan permits. REFERENCE: Bella Terra DOS, Lee County Land Development Code, section 10-416, Lee County Land Development section 14-374 (definitions). b.) The trimming of trees must be in compliance with Lee County Codes. REFERENCE Lee County Land Development Code, section 10-421 (c).

[email protected]

Hello Bella Terra! As a Certified Nutrition Therapist, I’m passionate about helping families create their best health so they can enjoy life to the fullest. When we’re sick and tired, it’s pretty difficult to do our best at work, home, school, and in our community. In contrast, when we feel healthy, energized and full of life, it’s amazing what small miracles we can accomplish! Our health is dynamic, never at a stand-still; it’s always spiraling up or down. Fortunately, about 80% of how we feel today, and throughout our life span, depends on making simple healthy choices each day. The great

news is, healthy choices can be easy… if we know what to do! Where to begin? Try cutting back on soda. While tasty and very habit-forming, soda is full of sugar, artificial flavors and sweeteners, and toxins. Instead try a glass of filtered water, iced herbal or black tea, infused lemon or cucumber water, or make your own bubbly beverage at home, like I do; mix seltzer water with just a splash of your favorite fruit juice. Yum! If you’d like more ideas for your healthy journey, see the ad above for more info. Here’s to a healthier Bella Terra!

Opt-in, Be Connected and Stay Informed, Louis Tancredi, Communications Committee In order to improve the delivery of official communications from Alliant, our management company, and from our Master Board, we embarked on a project to increase the number of owners that would receive these important communications electronically from TOPS, Alliant’s official system. These communications include: • First Notice of Annual Owners Meeting (60 days prior) • Second Notice of Annual Owners Meeting (30 days prior) • Annual Budget Notice (14 days prior) • Special Member Meetings Notice • Safety Notices - Hurricane Awareness, Controlled Burns, etc. • Maintenance Notices - Common Areas Amenities, Grounds, CDD road maintenance closure, etc.. • At discretion of Master Board - Master Board Meeting Notices (48 Hrs prior) - Minutes of Master Board Meetings Note: Required documentation for Annual • Owners Meeting will be sent by US Mail to all owners. At the beginning of 2014, the percentage of total Bella Terra owners that had opted-in was 60%, today it has increased to 66%, a welcome improvement, but still a long way to go. The following chart gives the percentage opted-in owners at start of 2014, and current level for each community.

Receiving these official communications electronically will reduce cost, speed delivery and always reach owners on the go, and snowbirds. I urge all of you that have provided your email address but have not opted-in, to do so; likewise, I urge all of you that have not provided your email address to do so, and give your consent to opt-in. This can be done by; → Visiting Clubhouse office & request and sign consent form. → Calling office at: 239 495 7172, requesting form and returning it via: Fax: 239 221 8451 Mail: Bella Terra, 200070 Bella Terra Blvd. Estero, FL 33928 Your participation in electronic communication will save us money and keep you up to date on important community information.

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Review As the cover implies, the book is a description of the essence and uniqueness of America. It describes the freedom for the opportunity to pursue one's dreams under difficult circumstances. It reminds us that work ethic, faith, decency and good values are the basis of all that is good in America. It is a riveting story of escape from evil, shows the difficulties that remain from a scary childhood gives acdescription of a good marriage and the life of a scientist. It even includes interesting, illustrated trips abroad. I thoroughly enjoyed the easy flowing style of the book and could not put it down till the end. Every young adult, especially young women, should read the book. Anonymous

239-948-5049

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Bella T. Altura, a Bella Terra resident for obvious reasons, will be at Team Bella Terra’s 50’s Sock Hop. Swe will be available to sign purchased copies of her book. The book usually sells for $14.95 but you can purchase a copy for $12.00. If you cannot meet her, call to order.

BellProud Res a Terr iden a t

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Krystelle CACIO

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Village of Estero Election! March 3rd, 2015

239-405-4129 [email protected]

YOUR VOTE COUNTS! Don’t forget to vote. This is a crucial time in Estero’s history. It doesn’t take much time to vote, and if you do you’ll never have to hear anyone say, “If you didn’t vote, don’t complain.” This is an exciting time for the Village of Estero. Not only is it important to vote for the candidate that will represent our district, but you have a voice in the overall election.

THIS IS NOT A NUCLEAR PHYSICIST.

at Corkscrew. The candidates are: Walt Zalisko, Bella Terra Joseph Giffee, Bella Terra Jim Wilson, Grandezza. source: http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/ estero/2015/01/05/village-estero-district-race-getsthird-candidate/21299281/

Did you know? The election process for “The Village of Estero” is an “at large” process, which means, every registered voter, will be casting their vote for all of the candidates, for all of the districts, which means, you have a say as to whom will be representing you “at large”. Many (other) races are district driven, where you are only allowed to vote for those individuals in your perspective district, however, Estero voters, are fortunate to have a say (in) all who are on the ballot. Endorse your own vote! from the visitestero.com website. For more information on the canditates go to: http://visitestero.com/category/ meet-the-candidates/ District 7 & its Candidates District 7 is made up of the following communities. Grandezza, Wildcat Run, Bella Terra and The Preserve

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Habitat Community Development District News Mark Novitski, Seat 1, Habitat CDD, Board of Supervisors Pedestrian Safety in Crosswalks: Please be considerate of your friends and neighbors as they use the marked (striped and signed) crosswalks. Florida law requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Safely traveling the roads in Bella Terra: Although the Lee County Department of Transportation (LDOT) believes the roads are just a means of getting from point A to point B, the Board of Supervisors believes the Bella Terra roads are there to support the community as they safely drive, bike, jog, walk and cross the roads. To this end, the Board of Supervisors approved a roadway/traffic study for Bella Terra Blvd from Corkscrew Rd to the 3rd traffic circle. This entails everything – traffic/road signs, road and crosswalk striping, speed limits, crosswalk locations, speed calming humps – to make the road safe for all. We are also working with the safety committee on locating 3 way stops to slow traffic on Bella Terra Blvd and Torre del Lago. Preserve areas: Please understand the preserve areas are required by county ordinance to remain natural with native plants. Please do not plant anything or place any yard waste in the preserve areas. We have found dead Christmas trees and other yard waste in recent weeks. We send letters to the owners and ask them to remediate the problem. Hiking/biking trails are not permitted in these areas. We have a schedule to maintain the preserve/owner boundaries over the next few budget years. We are replacing Preserve Boundary signs in the next few months. Plants in the Littorals: The plants are there for a multiple purposes, with the top 3 being Lake Bank erosion, water filtration, and a habitat for fish. We

understand these plants may not be good for fishing, but they save the CDD hundreds of thousands of dollars in Lake Remediation. Keeping the storm drains clean: We need your help to ensure the storm drains remain free of trash and yard waste. Please help the CDD budget for cleaning the storm drains by managing your trash, recycle, and yard waste. In the next few months Lee County solid waste is replacing the recycle bin with recycle cans (with lids). This should keep the recycle in the cans and out of the streets, gutters, and storm drains. It’s our tax $$: The Board of Supervisors worked for months to refinance the current bonds to a lower interest rate. They were refinanced on Jan 28, 2015 realizing over 16% savings. The savings could help fund some of the projects we have in the queue without having to raise our CDD taxes. Listening to the Owners: Please send any comments or concerns about the CDD management or operation to any of the supervisors listed on our web page. http://habitatcdd.com/ We are only 5 in a community of almost 2000 homes and we need to hear your thoughts and concerns. The below chart explains the process for request for actions with the CDD. You can also voice your concerns to the Board of Supervisors’ at our monthly meetings, 2nd Wednesday, 4pm, Bella Terra clubhouse. Transparency in operation and information. As elected officials we are ever conscious of the Florida Sunshine laws and our information flows will be through our web site http://habitatcdd.com/, the Bella Terra monthly newsletter, and Bella Terra e-mail blasts.

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Peter LeBlanc 239-218-5085

www.underpressurehomewashing.com

After

Before

*Non-Pressure Roof Cleaning* *Driveway Cleaning & Sealing* *Pressure Washing*



Proper Roof Cleaining for Bella Terra residents By Pete LeBlanc Many of us have recently received a letter from our association regarding the appearance of our homes. As we have all seen, after about five or six years our new homes have started showing some signs of age. One of the most noticeable signs is the black stains on your roof. As an exterior cleaning specialist, I would like to briefly explain some different techniques to clean your tile roof. First, find a quality professional cleaning company. Make sure they are licensed and insured. It is a smart idea to get some local references and see some of the work they have performed. Make sure that when an estimate is given, you are not being sold something that you do not need or want. Ensure that what they say needs to be cleaned, truly needs to be cleaned. Second, check is that the company is actually doing what is best for you and your residence. There are several techniques used to clean tile roofs in Southwest Florida, but the most commonly used is pressure washing. To most it seems obvious to pressure wash a tile roof. When black stains start to form on tile roofs, it is usually not dirt, tree oils, jet fuel or insect excrements. Most of those can be cleaned adequately with a pressure washer. The truth is that in almost all cases, the stains on your roof are algae, which is alive, still growing and spreading. When you pressure wash a roof, only the top layer of algae is removed while the spores remain alive in the porous tile. Another thing that you should be aware of when pressure washing a roof, is the amount of damage that can

occur. Pressure washers can apply up to 4500 psi of water to your tiles. That can easily cause tiles to shift and a great amount of water to spray underneath the tile and ultimately shorten the lifespan of your roof. Technicians also have to walk on almost every tile to ensure they are all clean. This causes broken, cracked and shifted tiles on your roof. When complete, a pressure washed roof usually looks good, but sooner rather than later those nasty algae stains will reappear. The spores remain and the algae keeps growing. The stains usually reappear within a year and you will need to get your roof cleaned again. Another technique used to clean roofs is the “non-pressure” method. This style simply uses a cleaning solution to clean your roof. Technicians spray the solution on your roof at about the pressure of a garden hose and let the chemicals do the work. The solution sprays nearly forty feet so there is minimal walking and movement on your roof. Most importantly, the cleaning solution actually kills the algae growing on your roof all the way down to the spores. Because of this “nonpressure” technique, your roof will stay clean for years and you won’t need to worry about any damage to your roof. Good luck with getting your roofs cleaned and making our neighborhood look as beautiful as it did when it was new. Peter LeBlanc- Bella Terra Resident Under Pressure Cleaning & Sealing Services, LLC www.underpressurehomewashing.com (239) 218-5085



Add Beauty & Value to Your Home! By Bonnie Durden As a proud Bella Terra Resident there are several cost effective ways that you can update and increase the value of your home. I would like to share some great ways to upgrade without spending a lot of money! For many of us, as we walk through the neighborhood, we may notice that our homes, and especially our front doors, look very similar. An opportunity to give your home a unique look is with your front entrance door. Adding glass to your door can make your home look beautiful from the outside as well as the INSIDE and will bring much more light into your home! One thing many homeowners do not realize is that a glass insert can be ADDED to their existing door, which can save thousands of dollars over having to replace the entire door unit. This process is done right onsite, and in about an hour your entire doorway can be transformed. A common misconception is that you will have to give up privacy by doing this, which is not accurate. There are hundreds of designs to choose from and many of the options will let light in, however the glass is obscured enough to not see through it. Studies have shown that adding decorative glass to your entryway can increase your home value by at least 3%-5%, so it can be a long term investment that you can also enjoy! Another great way to upgrade your Bella Terra

home without a full remodel is to replace your framed shower enclosure with a heavy glass frameless unit. A frameless shower can be installed without re-doing any tile as the new frameless unit will sit right where the old one did, covering any holes. Not only will the frameless unit look cleaner and open up your bathroom without all that metal, but you can also opt for a chemical processing to be applied to the glass before it is installed which will keep that “permanent soap scum” look from appearing on the glass. This also means the glass will not have to be cleaned as often! Now add a custom mirror frame to cover those unfinished mirror edges and … voila … your bathroom will look completely transformed! A custom mirror frame will add a designer touch to your bathroom without the hassle or cost of removing your existing mirrors. There are so many options and colors that can be custom fabricated to fit and applied to your existing mirror. It is like an instant remodel … done in a day! I hope this article will give you some inspiration and offer you some low cost ideas to improve your beautiful Bella Terra home! Bonnie Durdin Glass Design Pg 21 (239) 437-4100.

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As Director of Transportation for ECCL I am proud of these improvements for our community. * New turn-about on Three Oaks Pkwy just after Post Office * Right turn lane Williams Rd West * Right turn lane Estero Pkwy at Three Oaks * Continuous efforts to eliminate 951 extension * Recently approved: *Directional traffic light Williams Rd *Street Light from San Carlos to Coconut Road on 41

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→ RECENT/CURRENT ACTIVITIES ■ Pre-Christmas we had a light blitz to get unit, sidewalk and storage shed dead lights changed out. In the process it was noted a number of the condo unit light fixtures required replacement. Although this work concluded, dead lights are an ongoing issue that owners need to keep the Office aware of so a work order may be placed to have the defective light replaced. ■ The 2015 budget was approved at the Board of Directors meeting Nov 13, 2014. ■ Mid-November a 3rd member was approved to join the Condo VII board. Welcome Dwight Rodgers. ■ Tenants/renters we encourage you to obtain a motor vehicle transponder as this may soon become a requirement to gain access to Condo VII units. Be ahead of the curve so you don’t experience an issue downstream. Transponders can be obtained during Clubhouse business hours at a one-time cost of $25. If changing vehicle later the transponder may be ported to the replacement vehicle. When this is done the Office needs to be notified for your profile to be updated. ■ Note the Barletta gate will remain open until midnight each day. This is a recent change made by popular request. ■ Residents with bikes are now required to secure their bike in an approved standard bike rack which can be purchased through the Office at a cost of $45. The installation cost is covered by the condo association. Optionally your bike may be placed into your storage shed or within your condo unit. Bikes may not be secured to the posts within the parking garage or staircase railings by condo entry doors.

■ To improve air flow in storage sheds residents may have a second vent installed. The vent installation does not require you to be present to open your shed as all the work is done from the outside. Cost is borne by the association. As this was not an item within the current 2015 budget we would like to graduate installation over a 2 to 3 year period if ‘all’ owners are interested in having the second vent installed. A second vent has been installed in the storage shed associated to unit 1326, if you wish to view. ■ Live oak tree trimming done early February. → POLICY REMINDERS ■ If you have an issue/problem/concern with, i.e.: lighting, parking, garbage or other please submit request to the Office for resolution. This may be conveniently done by login to the BT website select Maintenance Request, complete form and submit. ■ If you have a large item to dispose of the same process as above may be applied as the Office arranges for a special pickup. Pickup is not through the normal weekly garbage services. → INFORMATION ■ Pine straw mulch contract is in the works. ■ Replacement of eave trough down spouts and splash pads are being looked into. May the luck of the Irish shine upon you, Tuesday March 17th.

Health Beat Parents...during the school year we see our little ones get sick, especially this time of year. Although most of what our children bring home is harmless we wanted to share 3 top health concerns you should be aware of… Allergies & Asthma- which can cause fatigue & lack of concentration. The medications used to treat these conditions can cause sedation & memory issues. Look for classic signs such as wiping their nose, allergic shiners under eyes, constant mouth opening & orthodontic problems. Hearing & Speech- poor hearing & speech can cause poor school performance. Follow up with a specialist on failed school hearing screens or when a teacher moves your child’s seat to the front of their classroom because they are having trouble hearing instruction. Students not performing as expected in school should have hearing tested as well as ears examined. Fluid can be present and asymptomatic to the child. Children in speech therapy should have their hearing tested as well to confirm their need for speech therapy isn’t being caused by an issue in the ear. Chronic Infections- of the tonsils, ear, nose, sinus

and bronchitis. Children being treated with antibiotics more often than every 3-4 months should be evaluated by a specialist. Recurrent antibiotic use is an indication that an underlying cause for infections exists. If you feel your child needs to be seen by a specialist, please call Florida Gulf Coast ENT at 239514-2225. Our family friendly office offering a full spectrum of adult and pediatric diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services for all problems involving the ear, nose, and throat. We have the latest technology and have a broad range of treatment possibilities to offer including nonsurgical, minimally invasive office based procedures and surgical options. Our physicians, Samuel L. Hill, III, MD, FACS and Patrick M. Reidy, MD are Board Certified, fellowship trained specialists who are supported by a team of highly skilled medical professionals. Be confident in knowing that your children are getting the best treatment from our highly trained staff of physicians and audiologists. Offices in Naples & Estero- Most Major Insurances Accepted www.floridagulfcaostent.com Pg 25

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Tennis Talk by Fred Drilling, USPTA Hello Bella Terra tennis and pickle ball players.

We’ve been having some great weather for being on the courts and they’re getting good use. The kids games and clinic hasn’t been held yet this month and the newsletter article has to be in, so there are no photos to put in the newsletter. We’ll make up for it next month because we’ve scheduled 2 kids tennis parties this month. For March, the Free Kids Tennis Party will be on Saturday, March 28th, at 10 and 11AM. I hope some of you were able to watch some of the Australian Open. Of particular note is that Martina Hingis, at 34 yrs old, won the mixed doubles with partner Leander Paes from India. Leander and Martina both play for the Washington Kastles in the World Team Tennis League and when I lived up there, watching

Leander is the most amazing doubles exhibitions I have ever seen. He can be watched on youtube and you won’t find a more talented individual in doubles. Have a great month and I’ll look forward to seeing you on the courts. Don’t forget to check on the Bella Terra website for any surprise functions that may not be on the calendar. There is also a new Bella Terra Tennis website that we hope to build into a site that can be very useful to BT tennis and pickle ball players. Contact me with any questions or comments or even a wish list:). Fred Drilling, USPTA Tennis Professional Estero, FL 33928 (301) 767-6306 [email protected]

Introducing Bella Terra’s own Traffic Hawk. (Speed Detection Device) Submitted by: Bob Cook, Safety and Security Chairman

Traffic Hawk is not your everyday Florida Hawk. It’s not a Red Tailed Hawk, Coopers Hawk or any of the eight species of hawks found in Florida that feed on birds, rats and mice. The Traffic Hawk only preys on people who break the rules. People who don’t break the rules see this Hawk as completely harmless, and in fact they see it very positively. Most residents reaize that if everyone is driving at or below the speed limit, it is less likely someone is going to get hurt or property will be damaged. This is a very friendly Hawk to the vast majority of Bella Terra residents, since it improves safety for all. Speeding in Bella Terra has been an issue for many years. We used to blame the speeding construction vehicles hired by Lennar during the entire build out process. Well, they are all gone now and we still have the problem so I guess it’s US, and OUR guests and OUR service providers. There have been extensive discussions about installing speed bumps. Great idea, unless they happen to be in front of your house where you get to listen to vehicles rumble by and then accelerate all day long. Some have even suggested more stop signs on busy through streets, which like the speed bumps prey on everyone, not just the rule breakers. So the best solution we have found is our Friendly Traffic Hawk, which is much smarter than a stop sign or speed bump. The Hawk only opens his eye, (this species only has one eye, but a very good one) when someone is breaking the rules. When the Hawk detects a speeder, it opens its eye, takes a picture of the vehicle, the vehicle tag and

records the speed, date and time. The Hawk can also see at night in minimal light. We are going to love this new Hawk. Watch for our Hawk Results report in the next newsletter. The Master Board, at the recommendation of the Safety and Security committee, approved the purchase of the Traffic Hawk at its last board meeting, (approximately $10,500). The money being used for Traffic hawk is from the budget item for Lee County Sherriff Patrol, which was very difficult to schedule and monitor. Since each unit is custom made it will be a few weeks before we have the unit in operation. This small 14 pound unit sits on a tripod and can be placed anywhere along our roadways. If you would like to see the Hawk in your yard for a few hours to help control speeding on your street, contact Kevin Ingledue at kevin. [email protected]. Pg 26

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