Fall 2010

Dear Coral Hammock Owners:

The closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) and new TV’s for the clubhouse and exercise room have been installed and are being enjoyed by all who use the clubhouse and exercise room. The TV’s are equipped with locks and additional security devices to deter their theft. Everyone is asked to be sure that the doors to the clubhouse fully close behind them.

Complete monthly financial statements are prepared by Management and are regularly distributed to the Board of Directors; copies are also available to owners upon request.

Although the funding of various projects has been tight, we have managed to complete all of the projects planned for 2010 and, in addition, some unexpected ones as well.

• The landscape lighting and the irrigation systems were repaired and updated.
• New locksets (which are keyed to your existing keys) and automatic door closers were installed on the clubhouse.
• In addition to replacing the pool heaters at the beginning of the year, the circuit breakers and wiring to handle the new heaters were upgraded. The main pool pump was also replaced.
• An outside cabinet to securely and safely store the pool chemicals was installed.
• Some of the landscape lighting was rewired to prevent these circuits from tripping off during wet weather.
• Energy-saving lighting is being installed throughout the property.
• Major repairs were completed to the entry gate where it had apparently been struck by vehicles entering the property.

All of these items were paid for out of savings we have squeezed out of the existing budget. We have also been successful in clearing up several delinquent assessment accounts.

Other improvements that have been made this year include the installation of an emergency phone on the rear deck of the clubhouse, the purchase of three new pool umbrellas with weighted bases and the installation of reinforced pool gate latches.

The annual trimming of trees in preparation for hurricane season was completed; this work was paid for by Coral Hammock as the association is responsible for all landscaping. The installation of river rock to fill in the remaining bare areas where there used to be mulch is being completed; todate, three eight-ton loads of river rock have been installed. Additional plants are being purchased and will be installed along US1 and other areas. This work is being completed during the summer which is typically our rainy season. The lawn is being fertilized and hit with a weed control and pest control application on a quarterly basis.

Please remember to submit a rental registration form (see attached) for any rentals that you may currently have or that occur in the future, or ask your agent to do so. The form can also be found on the Coral Hammock website:
www.coralhammockhoa.com.

Please contact me should you have any questions.

Thank you,

Sterling Christian
Operations Director

Don't Throw It Away—ReUse It!

Now you can donate your used items to people who really need them. Whether you have old sheets and towels, a discarded computer monitor, a musical instrument your child no longer plays or a bulletin board stored in a box somewhere, there’s probably a non-profit group in the Keys that can put it to good use. Your possessions will now be ReUsed.

At www.KeysReUse.com they list everything from appliances to school supplies and many things in between. Perhaps you have something that has been sitting in storage that you would like to get rid of?

Visit www.KeysReUse.com to find out which non-profit group needs that very item. Then send the non-profit group an email or call them to see how you can best deliver it.

In this way, everyone wins. You get rid of something that has been cluttering up your house, the non-profit gets something it really needs and we all keep these things from needlessly going to the dump.

A Public Service Announcement From Mosquito Control

Considering the news about Dengue Fever and West Nile virus, many people may be thinking of ways to safeguard their families against transmission of diseases carried by mosquitoes. As many of you know, mosquitoes must have water and breed in just about anything from bromeliads to soda tops. Although the likelihood of contracting a mosquitoborne disease is minimal, we’d like to offer some tips to be beneficial for you and your neighborhood.

Check and empty children's toys, untreated swimming pools, uncovered boats / watercrafts that are not draining water, plant trivets , trash cans and lids. Change water in birdbaths and flush bromeliads out once or twice a week.

Keep yard debris out of the storm drains by properly bagging and removing it where it will not become a food source or breeding ground for mosquitoes. Repair screens on windows and doors and keep gutters clear so they will drain properly.

We encourage natural mosquito control by keeping gambusia fish in your ponds. Avoid the outdoors , particularly dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

Apply insect repellent. Keep yourself updated on current mosquito vectored diseases in your area.

If you cannot remove the standing water, call Mosquito Control at 305.292.7190 and we can come out and treat it for you.

Visit the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is the only "frost-free" botanical garden in the continental United States. It is home to many endangered and threatened flora and fauna. The tropical forest and garden is filled with butterflies, birds and beautiful flowers.

Tropical forests of the world hold at least half of all the variety of life on Earth. Moreover, the species found in the Caribbean are among the richest in plant and animal life on the planet.

The Key West Tropical Forest & Garden is a special place where you can appreciate biodiversity and learn more about its importance. For instance, the forest has two of the last remaining fresh water ponds in the Keys and is a major migratory stopping point for neo-tropical birds from places as far as South America as well as being the home to many rare birds in the Florida Keys.

In the education center, you can see a short film and browse the photo walls. There are also four different self-guided informational tours which you can take.

The lush courtyard has a waterfall wall of orchids and below, turtles happily show off their home. Meander through a one acre butterfly habitat with over 23 species discovered. Stroll through a lush canopy of tropical palms and trees. Discover the hidden pond and maybe get lucky enough to see a rare resident whitecrowned pigeon or bald eagle.

Recently, a Cuban fig-eating bat took up residence at the Botanical Garden. Its body is just 2.5 inches long, it’s at least 90 miles away from home and its skunklike aroma prompted researchers to dub it “Stinky Phil.” This bat has made history as the first of its species ever sighted in the continental United States.

The bat was discovered by students from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences who were surveying for moths in the botanical garden.

For more information call 305.296.1504.

Rental/Guest Registration Form

Click here to download/print.

Recycling

We strongly encourage members to recycle. Following is a list of instructions from Waste Management on recycling specifics. Recycling is picked up on Mondays in Coral Hammock.

Plastics

• Please rinse. All colors accepted. Labels and lids are ok.
• Bottles, cups, tubs, bowls and jars with #1, #2, or #3 recycling symbols on container.

Metals

• Please rinse. Labels are ok.
• Aluminum drink cans
• Steel or tin food cans and lids. Remove lids.

Unbroken Glass

• Please rinse. Green, brown, clear. Labels are ok.
• Bottles and jars—remove metal and plastic lids

Corrugated Cardboard

• Please flatten. All boxes must be broken down to fit into bin.

Put the following in paper grocery bags and then place bags in bin:

Paper

• Carbonless paper, junk mail, magazines, paper bags
• Cardboard—cereal boxes (liner removed), soda and beer cartons, dry goods.
• Packaging, paper towel and toilet paper cores
• Envelopes—with or without windows
• Newspapers—all sections (please do not leave or put in plastic bags)
• Office paper—file folders, letterhead, printer paper

**Please do not ever place the above items into the recycling containers in plastic bags. However, only household batteries must be placed in a clear plastic bag.

Contact the Waste Management office at 305.296.8297 for removal of appliances, furniture, hazardous waste (car batteries, paint, acid, etc.) special drop offs are offered quarterly. (March, June, September and December)