The January Issue Includes:  -         What is an ADA Compliant Website? -         Upcoming Free January Seminars -         Mobile Home Park Board Certification Class (Let the Good Times Roll) -         How to be a Director (Happy Days: Groovin’ All Week with You!) – Melbourne -         Bankruptcy & Foreclosures for Associations (Rags to Riches) -         Upcoming Free February Seminars -          HOA Board Certification Class (I Walk the Line) -         Condo/Coop Board Certification Class (Great Balls of Fire) -         Joint Board Board Certification Class (Climb Every Mountain) with 5 course dinner! -         How to be a Director (Happy Days: Groovin’ All Week with You!) – Winter Park/Orlando   -         Board Member Updates! -         Are you on Nextdoor? -         Can You Help Us? -         Pet Corner -         Who is Most Awesome in Your Community? -         Celebrate the Day!

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Website ADA Compliance is Critical  By Guest Author, Tom Jelneck of On Target Digital Marketing

United States Senator Tammy Duckworth said, “The ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] allows persons with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the world around them.” A double amputee, Duckworth is the first woman with a disability to be elected to the US Senate . Not only does the ADA require wheelchair ramps and parking spaces for the disabled, but the technologically-evolving world needs to abide by these legislations. We can’t express how important it is to make your website ADA compliant. Left and right, people are being sued for their website not being disability-friendly — even Beyonc é was! Don’t be like Queen “Bey”. It’s critical that you connect with a reputable digital marketing agency that understands and can audit your site for compliance. Here’s what you need to know. The Importance of ADA Compliance The ADA enforces Design Standards that make it easier for people with disabilities to access and scroll your website. Disabled people need to have “full and equal” use of your content, which means being able to easily navigate links and engage in various elements. What It Means to Be Compliant Now you have to take the time to evaluate your website. Ask yourself these questions:  Is my website accessible? Is my website perceivable? Is my website understandable? Is my website operable? If you’ve answered no to even one of these questions, it’s time to make changes. Becoming ADA Compliant Being ADA compliant applies to fonts, navigation, videos, images, and flashy graphics.  Graphics: Carefully chosen graphics are a big component in compliance. If you are adding a flashy graphic, they should not flash more than three times per second. Any more than this can induce a seizure to certain persons’ browsing. For the visually impaired, alt tags — a caption or description that can be read aloud — must be included with the graphic. Helpful Labels: Make things easier by applying helpful labels to your media. For example, an “x” should appear at the corner of any pop-ups to show how to click out of it. Anywhere a user needs to fill out information, there must be readable instructions.  HTML Tags: An ADA-compliant website should be coded with standard HTML tags. The code should be able to be easily read by an assistive reader. Documents should be displayed in text-based formats. Complex images cannot be read by software that reads aloud to the visually-impaired. A CSS developer can audit your website to ensure code is clean and not outdated. Writing: Making your writing simple and conversational allows website users to scan content easily. Break content into smaller pieces, like headings and subheadings. Keyboard Commands: To make your website operable, functions should be able to be made on the keyboard alone. Some of your audience cannot use a mouse, so be sure a user can perform tasks like pausing content easily.  It’s important to note that you may not be able to make your site 100 percent compliant. However, proof of implementation may protect you. ADA needs are constantly expanding, and new technologies are being made available. Making your site compliant takes time.  About the Guest Author: Tom Jelneck is the President of On Target Digital Marketing, an agency in Orlando, Florida that helps small to medium sized businesses create and maintain an online presence. Learn more about ADA compliance and digital marketing at On Target Digital Marketing’s website  or call Tom 407-830-4550 ext. 100.

Time is Running Out to Sign Up for MHP Board Certification Class   “Let the Good Times Roll” in Lakeland Thursday, January 16th – 1 – 4 p.m. – Keiser University Free Seminar

Mobile Home Park Board Members (Chapter 723) have always wanted their own Board Certification Class and we are delivering. This class is only being offered once this year and is being offer via a live presentation and webinar. Click here to register for the live presentation and here for the webinar . For more information on this class, use this link. “ Let the Good Times Roll: The 2020 Mobile Home Park Board Certification Class .” This seminar will also feature:  A scrumptious dessert buffet with ice tea and soft drinks Dress in 1950’s attire to match our theme and receive an additional ticket for the door prize drawing  Bring a cash donation for a non-profit 501(c) pet rescue’s veterinarian expense and receive an additional ticket for the door prize drawing. A Certificate of Attendance suitable for framing will be available for each attendee successfully completing the class.   Join our featured speaker, Russell E. Klemm , one of our Partners and our Litigation Department Head for this dynamic-must attend 3-hour program. Russell has been representing mobile home parks’ board of director for over twenty years and has been a frequent speaker for FMO. This will be the only live presentation for this class in 2020. It is also being offered as a webinar where you can participate in the Q&A in the comfort of your own home.  The seminar times are as follows: Registration:    12:30 p.m. Welcome:       12:50 p.m. Class:            1:00–4:00 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of 50’s music, fun, legal information, and so much more! Be there or be square! Who knows? Maybe Elvis will entertain us!

How to be a Director Seminar in Melbourne “Happy Days: Grooving All Week with You!” Saturday, January 25th – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free Seminar!

Our first Embracing Community Gatherings is coming to Melbourne at the Oasis Resort at Palm Shores (Space Coast Realtor Building). This 1950’s themed seminar is packed with plenty of great legal information how to handle issues as a director and plenty of time for question and answer both during the seminar and before/after the event. Check out the seven topics discussed in this event on our website. This seminar features everything from pets to amendments to enforcing your covenants to rentals and practical tips for directors. This seminar will be a live presentation only. To register, please select this link . Rock to the sounds of the 1950’s before and after the event and have your photo taken with Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley while enjoying a delectable continental breakfast. You won’t want to miss this seminar!

Free Seminar in Maitland Presented Live and Via Webinar Rags to Riches: Bankruptcy and Foreclosures for Associations Thursday, January 30th – 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Our featured speaker, Alan Schwartzseid , Senior Collections Attorney, will address significant effects that mortgage foreclosure and bankruptcy cases can have on a community association, its finances, and its collection efforts. This will include real-world examples, and suggestions to address associations’ concerns. Join us for this one hour class either via the live presentation in our Maitland office or via webinar. Plenty of time for questions answers for both the live presentation and webinar attendees. Refreshments will be served. To register for the live presentation, click here . To register for the webinar, click here.

HOA Board Certification Class in Melbourne I Walk the Line: The 2020 HOA Board Certification Class Thursday, February 13th - 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Presented Live and Via Webinar

This 2½ hour class focuses on the tools that HOA Board Members and Managers need to carry out their daily duties. This class focuses exclusively on HOAs and is required by law for all new Board Members within ninety days of taking office. Once you have taken the course and have not gone off the board (for even a day), it is not necessary to retake this class. We have updated our materials for 2020 and are pleased to present this class.  However, Clayton & McCulloh updates this class each year with fresh material. Join us at the Oasis Resort at Palm Shores (Space Coast Realtor Building) for great information and a scrumptious dessert and beverage bar. To register for the live presentation click here . To register for the webinar in the comfort of your home, click here .

COA/Co-Op Board Certification Class in Melbourne Great Balls of Fire: The 2020 COA/Co-Op Board Certification Class Thursday, February 13th - 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Presented Live and Via Webinar

This 2½ hour class focuses on the tools that COA/Co-op Board Members and Managers need to carry out their daily duties. This class focuses exclusively on COA/Co-ops and is required by law for all new Board Members within ninety days of taking office. This class will happen the same time in another room as the HOA class. Join us at the Oasis Resort at Palm Shores (Space Coast Realtor Building) for great information and a scrumptious dessert and beverage bar. To register for the live presentation, click here . To register for the webinar in the comfort of your home, click here .

How to be a Director Seminar in Winter Park “Happy Days: Grooving All Week with You!” Saturday, February 22nd – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free Seminar!

Our second Embracing Community Gatherings will be held at the Calvary Church in Winter Park. For more information on this event such as topics, please see the article above on the Melbourne "Happy Days" seminar.  To register for this seminar, please click here .

Enjoy a 4 Course Meal While Taking the Free Joint Board (HOAs, Condos, & Co-Ops) Certification Class! Presented by The Castle Group on February 27th At the Black Rock Grille in Orlando

Here comes the first 2020 Joint Board Certification Class (for HOAs, Condos, and Cooperatives) hosted by The Castle Group that includes a four Course Meal. Wow! Talk about class all the way. Enjoy fine dining at the Black Rock Bar & Grille (at the corner of Conroy-Windermere Road and Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando) while taking this State required course on Thursday, February 27th, starting at 6:30 p.m. Partner, Brian Hess , and Senior Collections Attorney, Alan Schwartzseid , will be presenting this 2½ hour class.

Castle Group is one of the most prestigious management companies in the State of Florida and our hostess is the lovely Gianna Rahmani. Also in attendance will be the management team from Castle Group. What other management company offers a fabulous four-course dinner on a complimentary basis for an educational class? The company’s philosophy is an unwavering focus on the Resident experience; at Castle it is called Royal Service®. Castle is owned by CPAs that oversee a powerful combination of incredible people, streamlined systems, and advanced technology. Since no two properties are identical, Castle has created a menu of services that allows customers to create a solution that fits their needs. Castle does not manage an exceptional number of communities, just a number of exceptional ones. This class is expected to be a quick sell-out due to the fine dining at a prestigious restaurant. So, please make your reservation quickly. Use this link to make your reservation. The Black Rock Bar & Grill is located at 8965 Conroy Windermere Road in Orlando, Florida 32835.

Don’t Forget Your Board Member Updates By David Batan, Coordinator of Client Services

So, you’ve just elected a new board and officers have been assigned. Everyone who’s new or lapsed has been certified. You’re ready to start the new year off and get to work. There’s just one more thing you should do first – make sure your legal representatives know who are the new contacts and Board members. As your law firm, we need to know who has been authorized to speak for the Board and assign billable work. We recommend limiting contacts to two Board members (or one, if also professionally managed) so that budgets stay on course and there is no diffusion of work projects and goals. This is one reason we need to be kept up to date on not only who is authorized to speak for the Board, but also be supplied with the means to contact. But it’s not just the designated contacts. It’s also important to know everyone on the Board to ensure there are no potential conflicts of interest. And while other members may not be able to assign work directly, they are of course welcome to contact complimentary departments such as Client Services; therefore, the Administrative staff still needs to know who is on the Board. We also want to be sure they are included in all of our notices for upcoming complimentary seminars and receive our monthly courtesy newsletters as well as legal updates. Kindly help us keep you informed by updating your board member and contact information changes with Client Services. “But we already pay for a manager for this sort of stuff.”  We understand that many Board Members have full-time jobs, are raising families, and lead otherwise busy lives with only so much time to volunteer to daily running of the Association. It is still in your Association’s best interest to keep your legal representatives up-to-date even if the primary (or sole) communication contact is your manager. You will want to know who to contact if and when there is a management change, or if there is an issue with firm. You and the Board may want to consult your established attorney directly.  Clayton & McCulloh represents the Association via the elected Board, and we will need to know who you are so we can help if asked. Of course, if you prefer not to receive communication you can always simply let us know at any time to remove you from contact lists. We also try to make the updating process as simple as possible. The month following your annual meeting (as we show it to be in our records), Client Services will email the designated contacts a brief summary of all the contact data listed in your Association’s file. Then you and/or your Manager can update the email directly and return it to Client Services, or reply that nothing has changed since the last election. You are also welcome to call Client Services with this information, or complete a Board Member update form on our website, click here .  All private contact information is kept safe at the Firm and never shared with third parties. Once we have a current list of the Directors, we are ready to help you start your new term as newly elected Board members working towards your goals for the coming year.

Are You on Nextdoor?

Looking for a great way to connect with your neighbors in your communities and communities in your immediate neighborhood? Need help after a hurricane? Lost a pet? Spotted suspicious people in the area? Looking for a referral to get something fixed in your house? The Nextdoor website or app may be just what you are looking for! Nextdoor is a social networking service for neighborhoods. Based in San Francisco, California, the company was founded in 2008 and launched in the United States in October 2011, and is currently available in 11 countries. Users of Nextdoor submit their real names and communities to the website. Nextdoor is the best way to stay informed about what’s going on in your neighborhood. You can get referrals for vendors from your neighbors, assistance with a lost or found pet, sell an item, a last minute baby sitter, planning a local event or sharing safety tips. This social media site is also crucial during hurricanes. You can find out from other neighbors where the power outages are, if your power company is in the area responding to the problem, where the roads may be block, and cable related issues also. You will also find neighbors from your community and surrounding communities offering to share their resources or assistance which is especially welcomed for senior citizens, single parents, or physically challenged individuals. Clayton & McCulloh staff members find this social media site a must have for our needs as individuals in our communities.   There are so many ways our neighbors can help us, we just need an easier way to connect with them. And the bonus? Your posts can be viewed only by neighbors in your community of surrounding communities – your choice! Can You Help C&M?

If you are already using the Nextdoor app, would you be willing to post invitations to our free seminars which are in your area? We would provide you the text for the post. As it is designed now, only those people living in their neighborhood and surrounding communities can post to Nextdoor. For example: one of our employees lives in Ocoee (a suburb of Orlando). She can post to her neighborhood and 62 surrounding communities in the Ocoee/Winter Garden/Windermere/West Orlando area. She cannot post to communities in East Orlando, Winter Park, and other surrounding areas. Therefore, we would very much appreciate your help in publicizing our free seminars this year.  If you would be willing to post our seminars to Nexdoor in your area, please contact our Director of Public Relations who will provide you with the copy for the post. Just let us know the name of your community. All you would have to do is copy and paste! It would help us educate Board Members and Managers in your community and surrounding communities. An educated Board understands the necessity of enforcing their documents to keep the property values up. And isn’t that what all residents want? Well-kept neighborhoods keep all of our property values up thus benefiting each of us.

Pet Corner Get to Know Florida Little Dog Rescue

Florida Little Dog Rescue (FLDR)  is a ten year old rescue that rehabilitates unwanted, abused, and abandoned small dogs placing them in loving and responsible homes to live out their lives as cherished family members.  This 501(c)3 non-profit organization operates solely on public donations to continue their quest to rescue these pups and all donations tax deductible. FLDR does not have kennel or facility that you can visit and see all the dogs. Each dog is fostered in an individual home to evaluate the individual dog’s personality. After you have completed your application and had a home visit or interview, the Rescue will set up a time for you to meet the pet of your choice.  FLDR adopted out 4,268 dogs and recently assisted in the rescue of another 139 pups, Rescue never gets a vacation, but that’s ok, the pups are worth it, every second, every day, every month, all year! Most of the pups are seniors and/or severely medically or behaviorally challenged pups, where FLDR was their only chance for a happy ending. Click here to donate or link directly to Florida Little Dog Rescue’s wish list.

Featured Pet for January - Lisa

“Hi, I’m Lisa, a female Yorkie mix. I weigh about 7 pounds and am around 3 or 4 years old. I arrived at Florida Little Dog Rescue as a stray after a really scary stay at animal services. FLDR found me a super-foster home with a cat, which is very cute, and likes me. I like her too, depending on my mood. I have two pupper-buddies in my foster home too and they think I’m pretty easy to get along with. Of course, I love belly rubs and massages; but for some reason don’t like to have my ears touched. I am getting better at it though if you’re really gentle.” With her first concern about her ears, Lisa would not be available to a home with small children. Lisa loves her toys and likes to play tug of war with other fur friends or humans. She will need walks on a harness with leash attachment. She pulls enough on a collar as she is exploring the ground which makes her cough. She is not a fan of rain and will scamper back to the porch. To adopt Lisa or any other of our available pups, please read the Adoption Process and complete the Adoption Form.

General Information on all Private 501(c)3 Pet Rescues These organizations exist solely on volunteers assisting the non-profit. There are no paid employees. The rescues do not have kennels. Each pet is taken in a residential foster home to be taken care of until they are adopted. The foster generally pays all the food and provides the pet an indoor home with all the love, attention, warm bed, and other items needed. Foster parents evaluate the pets before adoption. They can advise you if pet is a good match for your household.  Some things that they will be looking for are:  Do they suffer from separation anxiety or react negatively to loud noises (such as fireworks)?  Are they compatible with other pets or should they be an only pet? Do they get along with children, men, or women? Some – due to abuse – do not react well to men.  Are they housebroken? Do they have behavioral issues?   Does this pet need a fenced yard or is it leashed trained?  And much more. Rescues have their pets treated by vet upon entry to determine any health needs which are then addressed.. In addition to the general exam, the pets are spayed or neutered and shots are brought up to date. Additionally, some rescues will give the pet a dental and microchip them. If the pet is found to have handicaps or non-contagious treatable conditions such as Cushing’s, the prospective adopter will be advised.    Many rescues provide a bed, blanket, food, and toys for each adopter.   Rescues obtain their pets via owner surrender or through the local animal control departments.

Do You Know Someone Who is Awesome?

Do you know an outstanding Board Member who is just doing an awesome job? A great way to show the Most Awesome Board Member they're doing a great job is to give them a "Most Awesome Mug." The Most Awesome Mug is a beautiful gold metallic ceramic mug that will warm your Awesome Board Member's heart and keep their hot beverage hot. The Most Awesome mug is available for purchase at our seminars or pick up at our office, or attorney meeting for $7.00 (tax included). If you would like the mug shipped to you, the cost is $15.75 (tax included). If you would like to buy a mug for your Most Awesome Board Member (or just for yourself because you are feeling awesome) please click here .

Have a Legal Question? Get a Free Answer!

Each month in this newsletter, we offer our readers an opportunity to obtain some free legal advice by simply submitting that question in a brief form. If you would like to submit a question, click here.  We review the questions and one question is selected each month and published in our newsletter, “ C&M Update .” Everyone wants free legal advice – so what is stopping you from submitting a question?   ASK C&M

Is Your Favorite Association Vendor One of Our Super Partners?

Do you see your favorite vendor’s logo at the bottom of this newsletter? You don’t? Well, then you should help them out. If you don’t, send us their company, contact name and number and we will reach out to them to become one of our Business Partners. Our Business Partners receive year-long exposure to other Associations and management companies and receive special perks at our seminars. Using one of our year-long vendor sponsorships opens new doors for new business for your favorite vendor. So, receive some brownie points with your Association’s vendor(s) and provide their contact information to us. After all, new business referrals are treasured by vendors and they may show their appreciation back!

Birthdays

January Manager Birthdays A Very Happy Birthday to the following Managers! May your special day be filled with laughter, friends, family, good times, and cake! January 5th - Denise Mabat – Sentry Management January 11th - Emily Isip – Towers Property Management January 28th - Dinora Miles – Treasure Coast Harbour Villa Condominium Association Your birthday is a joyous day to us and we want to celebrate it. Please send us your birthday (just day and month – no year) and we will publish it on Facebook (with your photo if you supply one) and in our newsletter. Send your birthday information and/or photo to aring@clayton-mcculloh.com

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Orlando Office: Maitland The Clayton & McCulloh Building 1065 Maitland Center Commons Blvd. Maitland, FL 32751 Phone: (407) 875-2655 Fax: (407) 875-3363

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You are receiving this e-mail as you fall into one of the following categories: *You are currently a client or client's manager;  * You have requested to be on our mailing list; *as a former member of BCAM and NECAM you are provided a subscription to the C&M mailing list If you elect to be removed from this e-mail service, we will no longer be able to send you seminar invitations, information on changes in the law concerning Community Associations, newsletters, or any other information regarding the Community Association industry. You will not receive solicitation for business unless you have requested that information. We sincerely hope we can continue to assist you with the challenges that face Community Associations today through this service.  When replying with a question or statement please include your full name  a nd the legal name of your Association or Management Company (no acronyms, please, unless your legal name on the Article of Incorporation lists an acronym.)