The November Issue Includes: -      Vote for Clayton & McCulloh - The Florida Community Association Journal -      Holiday Decorations: To Decorate or Not to Decorate? -      Executive Producer Highlight – Lake Doctors -      Featured Pet Rescue - Because of You Rescue, Inc. -      Do You or Someone Else Deserve a Most Awesome Mug? -      Want to Lower Your Legal Fees? Here is the Answer! -      Apopka Area Community of Neighborhood Associations -      2020 Seminar Dates -      Ask C&M -      Kudos -      Seminars Your Way - Manager Survey -      Your Favorite Association Vendor -      Quote of the Month -      Celebrate!

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Clayton & McCulloh Has Done It Again!

We’ve been nominated once again for the Florida Community Association Journal’s Readers’ Choice Awards! This award is presented to service providers that demonstrate through their commitment to the community associations they serve an exemplary level of proficiency, reliability, fairness, and integrity. If you think we are deserving of your vote, we would greatly appreciate it if you would consider casting a vote for us. Simply click on the button, and follow the instructions on the page. Voting is over December 31st. If you REALLY like us (and we hope that you do), you can vote more than once for the little firm that Embraces Community.

Holiday Decorations:  To Decorate or Not to Decorate? By Clayton & McCulloh

The holiday season is once again upon us, and for many of us, no holiday season is complete without decorating our homes to show our festive spirit and our diverse beliefs and faiths. However, we each have our opinion as to what is tasteful and appropriate holiday decoration, especially when it comes to outdoor displays. While some believe that a simple wreath on the door is sufficient, others put great effort into decking their halls, as well as their yards, trees, shrubs, fences and mailboxes. Elaborate outdoor holiday decorations may be a welcome sight for some, but others may consider over-done displays an eye-sore. On occasion, traffic problems may occur when holiday sight-seers come from miles around to view particularly elaborate holiday decorations. There are also those homeowners that enjoy their holiday decorations so much they keep them around through Easter, much to their neighbors' dismay. To combat the problems caused by the overzealous decorator or the owner who can't find the time to take down his or her holiday decorations, many community associations have implemented rules regulating or even prohibiting outdoor decorations. While community associations have the authority to implement reasonable rules regulating outdoor holiday displays, the enforcement of these rules may often be controversial and could chip away at the community's bonds. Before taking extreme measures to enforce regulations on holiday decorations, Association Boards should consider the effect on the community as a whole. Are a few plastic reindeer really worth an expensive courtroom battle? Should the spirit of community, a commodity hard to find these days, be put at risk over a couple of strings of colored flashing lights? Most would agree, probably not. Yet, if an Association Board feels that restrictions on holiday decorations are required, then reasonable

rules can be adopted. On the far extreme, an all-out ban of holiday decoration stands a high risk of being deemed unreasonable by a Court if challenged. On the other hand, a rule establishing a certain time period in which holiday decorations may be displayed might be less resistant to challenge. Other sensible rules include requiring "outdoor-use ratings" for lights and requiring that lights be turned off by a certain hour, such as 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. If an Association chooses to implement rules restricting or banning holiday decoration, and should such rules be challenged by an Owner, the Association must establish that the rules meet the criteria of reasonableness set forth in Hidden Harbour Estates, Inc. v. Norman, 309 So. 2d 180 (Fla. 4th DCA 1975). Specifically, the Association must show that the rules are not arbitrary or capricious but bear some relationship to the health, happiness and enjoyment of life to the residents of the community. If the Association cannot show that the rules further this purpose, then there is a risk that a Court might find the rules unreasonable, and thus, unenforceable.

Executive Producer Highlight The Lake Doctors, Inc.

This month, we are highlighting one of our Executive Producers, The Lake Doctors, Inc. The Lake Doctors is a full service Aquatic Management Company that has been in business for over 40 years.

We asked Julian Stern, Assistant Vice President of Sales at The Lake Doctors, how his company can assist your Association: Q:        How can our associations benefit from your service? A:      “Our team of experts knows what to look for when diagnosing your body of water. We offer a variety of services for lakes and ponds such as monthly water management services to help control algae and weeds, fish stocking, fountain and aerations (installation and maintenance), as well as water quality diagnosis.” Q:       What is the one thing that people probably won’t know about your service? A:       “We operate in twelve offices in the states of Florida, Ohio and South Carolina. We also offer additional services outside of our water management services such as fountain repairs, mosquito control, and planting of beneficial aquatic plants.” Q:       From your experience, what advice would you give to an association? A:        “Customers can avoid excess nutrients and ecological impacts on their lake or pond by modifying their fertilization schedules and educating residents/homeowners about Best Management Practices for lakes and ponds.” Q:       How can an association save money by using your service? A:       “We offer a variety of discounts. Also, by doing regular or monthly treatments on your lake or pond will help increase real estate values and decrease maintenance costs by keeping ahead of aquatic problems before they become more severe.” Q:       What sets your company apart from your competition? A: The quality of people that work for us. All of our Aquatic Technicians have multiple certifications, and most have a college degree. The experience we have in the industry: Our knowledge of Aquatic Management for over 40 years. The length of tenure of our employees: Over half of our employees have been with us for 20+ years. We have and maintain high quality equipment such as our boats, trucks an 4x4s, they are made by well-known brands. We are dedicated to the training and continuing education for our employees. We always keep up with new trends and application methods in our field. We use only top-quality products, which are all EPA approved. To learn more about how The Lake Doctors can help your Association (or your residence), contact Julian Stern at (407) 327-1080 or julian.stern@lakedoctors.com .

Pet Corner Because of You Rescue, Inc.

Because of You Rescue, Inc. has been doing rescue work for over 30 years in Marion County. Their mission is to take in animals in need, get them quality veterinary care, training, showing them what a good life looks like, and then matching them with the best home possible. Because Of You Rescue was founded by Monika Turner and is now registered with the state of Florida as a 501c non-profit as of 2018. Because of You Rescue also works a very active TNR (Trap, Neuter & Release) program, and to date have vetted 86 cats so they will no longer be reproducing and will live better lives. Because Of You Rescue also partakes in community outreach offering vet care, food and training to the public so they can keep their pets. They are hoping to establish a fund to be able to provide and take care of more animals in need of spay/neuter in the future. Contact Because of You Rescue at becauseofyourescue2017@gmail.com or (352) 292-5744.

Meet "Tula"

This pretty girl is Tula. She is believed to be an Irish-Terrier mix. She is 5 years of age, housebroken, loves walks, loves to play and just spend time with you. Tula is not great with other dogs, but does like smaller ones. She is very curious about the cats and with proper introductions, should do fine with them. Her foster parents took her out of Animal Services a few months ago, and she has blossomed with them. Send an email to the rescue to inquire about adopting this sweet girl.

Do You or Someone Else Deserve a Most Awesome Mug?

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 the button below. Order Now!

Want to Lower Your Legal Fees?  Here is the Answer! Our Annual Legal Packages

Are you a budget-conscious Association? Then one of the several Annual Legal Packages we offer should have a strong appeal to your Association. We have created twelve different Annual Legal Packages offering different levels of discounted legal services. These packages feature discounted attorney hourly rates for consultation services. Annual Legal Packages are paid in advance of services being requested and run for 12 months beginning with the date we receive your payment. This program is structured for the legal services to be utilized during this 12 month period. Unused hours may not be carried over to a later time. For more information on our Annual Legal Packages , please ask for the Annual Legal Package Brochure. If you would like more information on this service, please call us: If you are a client, contact: David Batan, our Coordinator of Client Services, at x151 or ( dbatan@clayton-mcculloh.com ).  If you are not currently a client, contact: Arlene Ring, Director of Public Relations, at (407) 875-4429 or aring@clayton-mcculloh.com . Additional contact information is at the bottom of this newsletter.

Want to Lower Your Legal Fees?  Here is the Answer! Our Annual Legal Packages

Are you a budget-conscious Association? Then one of the several Annual Legal Packages we offer should have a strong appeal to your Association. We have created twelve different Annual Legal Packages offering different levels of discounted legal services. These packages feature discounted attorney hourly rates for consultation services. Annual Legal Packages are paid in advance of services being requested and run for 12 months beginning with the date we receive your payment. This program is structured for the legal services to be utilized during this 12 month period. Unused hours may not be carried over to a later time. For more information on our Annual Legal Packages , please ask for the Annual Legal Package Brochure. If you would like more information on this service, please call us: If you are a client, contact: David Batan, our Coordinator of Client Services, at x151 or ( dbatan@clayton-mcculloh.com ). If you are not currently a client, contact: Arlene Ring, Director of Public Relations, at (407) 875-4429 or aring@clayton-mcculloh.com. Additional contact information is at the bottom of this newsletter.

Apopka Area Residents - Here's an Organization Just For You!

If your community is in the Apopka area (Apopka, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, and Zellwood), there is an organization your Association should consider joining - Apopka Area Council of Neighborhoods Associations (AACONA)! AACONA meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 205 North Park Avenue, Apopka (Old Florida Hospital - North Building) at 6:30 p.m. The monthly meetings feature guest speakers from the city, county, and/or private industry. Members have the opportunity to network with other communities and share possible solutions to problems that they are facing. If you are interested in joining AACONA or would like more information, please complete this brief form and an AACONA representative will get back to you.

Hold the Dates!

Our Embracing Community Gatherings have been scheduled for 2020 and they are going to be the living end! Next year, we will be featuring a 1950’s theme for all of our seminars. Our website is not ready to accept reservations yet, but here are the dates and cities our Saturday morning seminars will be held:

Saturday, January 25 – Melbourne Saturday, February 22 – Orlando/Winter Park Saturday, March 14 – Leesburg Saturday, March 28 – Celebration

You can get extra chances for the numerous door prizes awarded by dressing in 1950’s attire and/or bringing a cash donation for one of the pet rescues featured next year. While we have not finalized our 2020 weekday seminar schedule yet, we will be hosting our Community Connect Chats in the following cities:

Davenport Daytona Beach Clermont Lakeland Maitland Melbourne New Smyrna Beach Ocala

We are still searching for additional sites in the Four Corners area and Ocala. If you have a clubhouse that we can rent or know of a venue (no hotels or convention centers, please) give us a jingle. You dig Daddy-O? Be there or be square! Save the dates and join us for a morning of 1950’s hit music (you can cut a rug if you want) and a brand new topic that every Board Member and Manager will want to attend.

Get Your Legal Information for Free!

Each month in our second newsletter, “C&M Update,” we take one question from our readers that they would like to pose to an attorney and feature the answer in the newsletter. If you would like to submit a question, please respond back to this email address with your question, your name, and the name of your association or management company in the next five business days.

Seminars - Your Way! Managers, We Need to Hear From You!

Managers, we are looking to hear from you regarding our 2020 and future seminars. This feedback really helps us focus on conducting seminars that will help make your job easier, and even fun! Let us know your preferences and topic suggestions. This month’s survey can be found here - Click Here !

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!

Quote of the Month

Birthdays

A Very Happy Birthday to the following Board Members and Managers! May your special day be filled with laughter, friends, family, good times, and cake! November November 5 - Connie Davis - Windtree Gardens Condominium Association November 26 - Doreen Acevedo - Space Coast Property Management of Brevard December December 19 - David Forthuber - Sentry Management December 21- Linda Arahill Rohlf - LKA Properties December 22- Lynn Edwards - Condominium Concepts December 25 - Joanna Hart - Sentry Management December 28 - Robert Rice II - Southwest Property Management of Central Florida 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.)