December - January 2018

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Priscilla’s Corner

Happy Holidays!

Before the hustle and bustle descends on all of us, I want to wish all of our Fairways residents a happy and healthy holiday season!

This year, I will personally honor all the brave men and women who are overseas protecting our freedom. I will also remember all the seniors who are alone this season. Join me and take a moment to send a warm smile to them by card, letter, or phone call. Let’s make this holiday season about making every spirit bright. Let’s spread warmth and blessings to those in need!

Front Entrance Project

We are in the beginning stages of improving the front entrance to our community. The contractor is mobilizing and preparing to start construction. I am so excited about this project and can’t wait to see the finished work.

We will have a grand gatehouse, a residents’ lane, a separate visitors’ lane with new barrier arms, and new gates. We will have a pedestrian gate with a sidewalk which connects to the sidewalk on SR50. There will be lush greenery and landscape lighting.

During construction, the traffic flow will have to change. In addition, the entering and exiting of vehicles will be congested and, at times, confusing. Please be patient and follow the road signs as we change the flow of traffic for each phase of construction. I thank you in advance for your cooperation during this phase. The finished entrance is sure to be a grand and welcoming sight every time you come through the front gates.

Beautiful Home Sites

I want to thank the following residents for improving their homes and home sites. I have seen many residents painting and power washing their houses. Thank you John O’Steen, Juanita Miller, Gerald Cain, Lorraine Koch, Arlene Labella, Hazel Sisk, and Audrea Born.

From our Fairways family to yours, have a happy and safe holiday!

-Priscilla

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Upcoming Events

This season means it’s time for cooler weather and several fun activities. Check out our list of upcoming events. Contact Christine Snow at (407) 273-2360 to sign up or for more information.

Saturday, December 2
Paint Your Own Pottery
Greenbrier Clubhouse, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sunday, December 3
Singles Club Christmas Party
Masters, 5-10 p.m.

Saturday, December 9
FHAOI Christmas Party and Toy Drive
Masters, 6-10 p.m.

Tuesday, December 12
Resident Holiday Party
Masters, 6-9 p.m.

Friday, December 15
Party-Oke
Masters, 6 p.m.

Thursday, December 21
Movie Night (White Christmas)
Masters, 6-10 p.m.

Wednesday, January 4
Night of Lights Trolley Tour
St. Augustine, Departing at 1 p.m.

Friday, January 6
Three Kings Day Dinner
Masters, 6-10 p.m.

Friday, January 13
Paint and Wine Party
Greenbrier Clubhouse, 12 p.m.

Thursday, January 26
Movie Night (Mama Mia)
Masters, 6-10 p.m.

Thursday, February 15
Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band
Masters, TBD

Several clubs are hosting their own holiday parties. Be sure to check with individual groups so you can join the fun!

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Holiday Sales Update

We never want you to leave Fairways Country Club, but if you must, list with us! With Hometown America’s help, listing your home at The Fairways has never been easier. The benefits of using our stellar sales team include:

• We provide your buyer with a one-year golf membership as a tool to help get it sold.
• We pay referral rewards to residents who refer home-buying clients.
• We only charge $2,500 or 6% in commission, meaning more money in your pocket.
• Our sales office is open seven days a week.

Call (407) 270-6700 to list your home today.

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Capital Improvements

Entrance Improvements – We are pleased to announce the upcoming grand entrance remodel. We will soon begin construction to improve the entrance and exit to our community. This improvement includes a new gatehouse, separate entrances for residents and visitors, new gates, lighting, cameras, and a call box.

Road Work – Our 2017 road work began shortly after Thanksgiving. This year’s work will encompass Tuckaway, Bent Tree, Park View, Augusta Road, Willington Court, and Quaker Ridge. In addition, we will do some asphalt work on the golf cart path.

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Shoots and Ladders Golf Tournament

In honor of those first responders who serve the Fairways, we wanted to thank them in the form of a fun-filled day of golf.

On November 18, the Fairways sponsored our annual First Responders Golf Tournament. With a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., we had a delicious lunch and a prize presentation. Our first responders and their families were welcome to spend the day on the course or lounging by the pool. Check out the photos below to see the highlights!

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A Blast From the Past

KC and The Sunshine Band rocked the house in November. The show was full of energy and music. The Fairways residents were certainly “Shaking Their Booty” and putting on their “Boogie Shoes” all night long. The band was spectacular, the group had fun, and we danced the night away. We will definitely have them back again next year.

Disco is officially back at Fairways!

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Trash Pickup

As a reminder to residents, there is a separate trash pickup procedure for large trash items. If you have anything other than everyday household trash picked up, please call Waste Pro at (407) 774-0800 to arrange a pickup appointment.

The procedure for pickup of large trash items is listed below.

• If you need a large item picked up call Waste Pro at (407) 774-0800 to arrange for a special pickup.
• If you have a confirmed date with Waste Pro, you can put it out that morning.

Thanks!

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Featured Home Listings

Our Fairways Sales Team is currently featuring a new listing that includes a reduced price and an array of upgrades. BONUS: A one-year golf membership is available with the purchase of this home. If you’re interested, call our sales team at (407) 270-6700.

1707 Stanwick Court: Early snowbird special—This beautiful 2-bed, 2-bath home has an amazing front porch and is located on a quiet cul-de-sac. You will love the open floor plan in this home, and the office is just the right size for an extra sitting room. Price has been reduced to $109,900. Financing is available!

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Good Night, Sleep Tight

It goes without saying that a good night’s sleep is a valued part of life. With every day hustle and bustle, many factors often interfere with getting enough rest. Read the tips below on the lifestyle choices you can make to get better sleep.

1. Make a sleep schedule - Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning, even on weekends. The consistency in your sleep cycle will ensure that your body is properly rested and that you receive the best sleep each night.

2. Limit naps - Long naps during the day can severely interfere with a good night’s rest. In order to maximize your sleep, limit naps to 30 minutes and take them earlier in the day instead of later.

3. Include physical activity - Exercise during the day can have a huge impact on the sleep you get at night. Make exercise a regular part of your daily routine and you’ll see great improvements in your sleep.

4. Create a comfortable sleep environment - For better sleep, make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable and supportive. Also, remove any noise or distractions that could hinder a good night’s rest.

For other useful tips on sleeping better, check out these links:

"Sleep tips: 6 steps to better sleep"

"Healthy Sleep Tips"

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Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday

The holidays are a great time to spend with friends and family, and should be enjoyed instead of dreaded. With presents, food, decorations, and more piling up it can be overwhelming. Don’t let the potential stress of the season get in the way of everything you should enjoy. If you’re looking to do less instead of more this Christmas, start with these tips:

1. Have a gift-wrapping strategy - Don’t wait until the last minute to wrap gifts. Take care of gift wrapping as soon as you purchase, and use a sticky note as a reminder of the contents.

2. Make a budget and a gift list - Before you step into a store make sure you have a set holiday budget and gift list for each person you’re shopping for. This will eliminate financial stress and ensure everyone you love receives a gift.

3. Use simple décor - Small and simple decorations are just as festive as large and flashy ones. A few decorations around the house is plenty to suffice for holiday cheer, and are extremely easy to put up and take down.

4. Enjoy store-bought treats - Instead of slaving away in the kitchen, opt for store-bought baked goods. They are still delicious and will be much easier to prepare.

5. Pick paper plates - Fine china may be pretty, but it can be a huge headache to wash and put away. Using disposable plates and plastic utensils are a great substitution, and can be tossed when the meal is over.

Want more tips and tricks for a stress-free season? Click below:

"Christmas Calm: Ten Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season"

"Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season"

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Special Feature: Online Safety

Technology plays a huge part in our everyday life. We use it to make a phone call, share a picture with our friends on Facebook, or send a quick email. Regardless, the use of technology is constantly changing and improving for the better. However, as technology changes and improves, so do the tactics and strategies of scammers and thieves. While this can be frightening, there are ways to prevent and stop it. Here are a few tips on how to keep yourself safe online.

Credit Theft:

Check your credit at least once a year. While this may not prevent theft, it can catch it earlier on. By regularly checking your credit, which is free, you can catch someone trying to use your name for unauthorized mortgages, car loans, and credit cards.

Scams:

Lottery scams and the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) scams are two of the most prominent and cyclical scams. Scam victims will receive a call or email, stating they have won the lottery and must pay a small fee to collect it. Legitimate lotteries do not request payments.

The IRS scam victims will receive a call or email stating there is a warrant for their arrest due to owing back taxes and are requesting a payment through gift cards. The IRS never requests payment gift cards.

Social Media:

Don’t post photos when going out of town. Crooks prowl social media looking for vacant homes. If you do post, have a friend check on your home daily and collect your mail and newspaper. Having light timers, inside and outside, can help as well.

Computers:

Secure your computer from viruses. There are many reputable anti-malware and anti-virus software companies available that offer great products and protection at very reasonable prices.

Check Writing:

Always think twice when writing a check to a person or business you’re not familiar with. Checks provide your name and address, which is very useful information for those with nefarious intentions. Use your debit or credit card instead of writing a check if you can. If using a debit or credit card, try to use them at establishments with updated security chip readers.

These are just a few ways for you to stay one step ahead and protect yourself. Learn the balance between enjoying technology and being precautious.

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About Donna Brown

Donna Brown is a former Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) homicide sergeant with more than 26 years of experience and author of Behind and Beyond the Badge. Brown began her career at TPD during a time when there were only five women in a department of 150 plus officers. Throughout her career, she worked as a patrol officer, a field training officer, a member of several different investigative units and as a homicide detective-sergeant, allowing her to work with a large variety of the first-responder community. After retiring, Brown wanted to write a book capturing and exploring career-defining moments of a first- responder. She felt her book was vital considering the many officer-involved shootings bringing negative spotlight on what she felt was not representative of public servants.

Want to hear from Donna Brown? Check out Behind and Beyond the Badge on Facebook for a list of upcoming tour stops!